MetroFamily Magazine May 2013

May 2013

Exploring nature

5 great parks in NE Oklahoma, perfect for family fun!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with our “Awesome Mom” contest winner

+

54 festivals to enjoy around the state

and

with our

Over 175 May events in our calendar

Available inside!

metrofamilymagazine.com

Save BIG 2013 Kids Pass coupons

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Happy Mother’s Day from MetroFamily!

Find the perfect way to celebrate mom with our Mother’s Day Fun Guide, complete with special Mother’s Day brunches, venues offering free admission and other activities just for mom at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mothers-day. (Find a handy list of places offering free admission for moms on Mother’s Day weekend on page 38.)

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are happy to share the inspirational story of our Awesome Moms contest winner, Jami Watters. Read her story on page 56, plus read about our other nominees at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/awesome-moms.

Are you ready for summer? MetroFamily can help!

• Summer is the perfect time to explore and have fun with your children, and our 2013 Festivals Guide has the best family-friendly festivals across the metro and beyond. Find a listing of May and June events on page 46 and an expanded festivals guide at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/oklahoma-festivals.

• Explore Oklahoma with us this summer! We’ll feature state parks in each quadrant of the state throughout the summer—plus information on other fun family getaways, including pick your own fruit farms and more! Find dozens of more ideas about exploring Oklahoma, our money-saving Kids Pass and more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma.

• Let our Summer Survival Guide keep your kids happy and entertained all summer long!

Starting May 26, join us on our website, Facebook (www.facebook.com/metrofamily) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/metrofamily) for 100 days of tips, events, crafts and more to enjoy with your kids.

• Is summer camp in the future for your child? Many camps fill quickly, so enroll now to ensure your spot. Find a searchable directory of summer camps and activities at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camp-guide.

Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at:

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• Win one of 8 four-packs of tickets to the Harkins Theatres’ 2013 Summer Movie Fun Program. Deadline May 17.

• Win one of two Summer Fun prize packs featuring fun games & craft kits valued at more than $130 each! Deadline May 31.

• Starting May 15, enter to win a fabulous Visit Enid trip package featuring four tickest to see “Cirque Musica” held at the NEW Enid Event Center on June 27, dinner for four at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, one night/one room for four at Enid’s Hampton Inn, four passes to enjoy Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and a family pass to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. Total value of package is $342. Deadline June 15.

• Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter. com/metrofamily) and Facebook (www. facebook.com/metrofamily) for the announcements of other fun contests.

You could SAVE big!

Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/coupons.

• Skate Galaxy • The Vintage Pearl • Bouncin’ Craze • OK Health Solutions • Water Zoo • Jump!Zone • Gymboree • Bright Smile Family Dentistry PLUS, save big bucks with the 2013-14 Kids Pass that includes over 30 awesome coupons to local and statewide attractions.

Included this year are NEW discounts for Skate Galaxy and the Water Zoo in Clinton.

Find it on pages 32-33 in this issue or download it today at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/kids-pass.

Contents May 2013

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Dear MetroFamily

8

Family Shorts

Editor’s Note.

Community news, resources & other family-friendly information.

16 Oklahoma Reads Courtesy of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Great reads for all.

18 Local Shopping

Treat mom to southern hospitality at Inspirations Tea Room.

23 Problem-Solving Products 24 Learning Adventures Mother’s Day gift idea: Metaphors.

35 Calendar

Fun events, activities and classes.

50 Ask the Expert

Your questions answered about making time for every child, breaking back talk & dealing with difficult adults.

Kick off summer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival, May 25-26.

28 32 46

52 Focus on Education This month begins a series of features on all the family fun available at the best Oklahoma State Parks. Grand Lake State Park and Greenleaf State Park are highlighted here.

MetroFamily’s 2013 Kids Pass is your family’s ticket to discounts at your favorite Oklahoma attractions, museums & more! Find 31 money-saving coupons to help you save all year.

Our 2013 Festivals Guide will help you find family-friendly fun around the state, with everything from large festivals to seasonal events with small town charm.

Preventing the summer learning slide.

54 Your Healthy Family Prescription drug abuse awareness.

56 Real Moms of the Metro

Meet Jami Watters: our Awesome Mom contest winner.

62 Mom Gets the Last Laugh

Of scissors and scotch tape.

ON OUR COVER: Jenavieve W. of Brink Model Management.

COVER PHOTO BY: Steffanie Halley, Steffanie Halley Photography.

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Dear MetroFamily, Way back in 2003, my oldest turned one. For Mother’s Day that year, my husband gave me the most thoughtful gift ever—a card, “To Mommy from her Son” and signed it as he would, if he could write: Balloons! Mama!

Dada! Dog! Ball! Doh! No! More! Milk!

Balloons! Mama! Balloons!

It brought me to tears and was the most special gift I could have imagined. That simple card so perfectly captured that moment in our lives, and it’s something I’ll always cherish. Those are the best parts of being a mom, those little moments.

Those are the best parts of life, really; the little moments that happen in between the big moments.

This month, we celebrate two things that mean a lot to us at MetroFamily—moms and exploring Oklahoma. On page 56, meet Jami Watters, the amazing mom we selected from the many worthy nominees to be our Real Mom; we hope you find her story as inspiring as we did. And when it’s time to celebrate your mom, you’ll find plenty of opportunities and ideas, from 10 great places for breakfast as suggested by our readers (page 9—also check out Sherri’s Diner, 704 SW 59th in OKC, the bright pink building!) and a list of places offering free admission for moms on page 38 in our calendar.

We’re changing up our normal double “Exploring Oklahoma with Children” issue and spreading it out over the summer, focusing on all of the great parks in the state. We still have our great money-saving Kids Pass (see page 32) so you can get started planning your summer adventures now. We’ve got a jam-packed issue for you this month! We hope you enjoy every last page of it.

Cheers,

Info And Questions: 405-601-2081 To submit events to our calendar calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Publisher Sarah L. Taylor sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com Editor Mari M. Farthing editor@metrofamilymagazine.com Art Director Kathryne Taylor kathryne@metrofamilymagazine.com Advertising Sales Athena Delce Dana Price ads@metrofamilymagazine.com Office and Distribution Manager Kathy Alberty kathy@metrofamilymagazine.com Assistant Editor & Online Content Manager Brooke Barnett brooke@metrofamilymagazine.com Calendar Editor Sara Riester calendar@metrofamilymagazine.com Project Manager Janetta Bridges janetta@metrofamilymagazine.com Contributing Writers Brooke Barnett, Lela Davidson, Shannon Fields, Jennifer Geary Circulation 35,000 – OKC, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon Also available as a digital edition at MetroFamilyMagazine.com.

P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.

We asked our contributors:

What is the best gift you ever received for Mother’s Day? Brooke Barnett, Assistant Editor Every year, my kids give me tulips or daffodils that we plant in our yard. I love watching them bloom and spread, growing like the kids!

Sarah Taylor, Publisher My heart warms over when my kids present me with a handwritten, heartfelt sentiment in a simple card.

That’s all I ever need!

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Shannon Fields, Your Healthy Family & Focus on Education Last year, the girls made me some original art, a beautiful and carefully thought-out piece. It was lovely!

Jennifer Geary, Exploring Oklahoma with Children When I was 8½ months pregnant with my second child, my parents watched my son and I was given a full day off with my husband.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 • Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081 • Fax: 405-445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2013, All Rights Reserved.

Volume 16, Number 5

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Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing

Food Lover’s Guide to Oklahoma Looking for a great place for dinner tonight? Oklahoma City’s own Dishin & Dishes blogger Katie Johnstonbaugh’s new book, The Food Lovers’ Guide to Oklahoma (Globe Pequot Press, $15) has some ideas for you. Katie started sharing local favorite restaurants (and recipes) on her blog and has expanded into this compact, easy-to-bring-along book.

“My husband and I like to go on ‘food adventures’ where we try a new ethnic cuisine, like Ethiopian or Guatemalan,” says Katie. “We are so fortunate that we have such a vast variety of cuisines in Oklahoma City, from our Asian District offering Thai, Vietnamese and authentic Chinese to pockets of Mexican street food to even Egyptian cuisine.” And Katie’s book covers more than just restaurants.

“We have fantastic Asian, Latin, and even Indian markets here, so we can also cook ethnic foods at home easily, because we have access to the ingredients necessary to do so.”

Katie is passionate about local eateries because of the passion she sees the local owners and staff put into their businesses. The sacrifices these small business owners and employees make each day to create a high-quality customer experience has made a big impact on her. “I love to help them out by bringing in diners!” says Katie.

Find Katie’s blog at www.dishinanddishes.com and look for her book at your favorite bookseller. Bon appetit!

Selman Bat Watch—Sign Up Now! Experience wildlife in a unique way through the Selman Bat Tours in northwestern Oklahoma. Operated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Department, the Selman Bat Tours start from Alabaster Caverns State Park and, once at the Selman Ranch, the activities begin with a tour of the area by knowledgeable naturalists. Then, at dusk, the spectacular show begins, with millions of Mexican free-tailed bats leaving their nesting caves to feed on mosquitos and other bugs, over 22,000 pounds of them in just one night. These bats migrate to Oklahoma each summer and provide a service to local ranchers and farmers through natural pest control.

Register for the Selman Bat Tours beginning May 28 (forms must be postmarked by June 5). The 2013 tours run on Friday and Saturday nights from July 5 through August 2 and the tours fill up fast. Participants must be ages 8 and above.

This is one experience that your family is sure to remember for years to come!

Find more information about what to bring and what to expect, plus details on how to register at www.wildlifedepartment.com/ wildlifemgmt/batwatch/aboutselman.htm.

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Photos by Bill Horn.

After all the excitement, stay longer to do some star gazing, taking advantage of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Selman Living Laboratory (weather permitting).

Celebrate Mother’s Day With Books

By Mari Farthing

Sometimes, the hardest part of motherhood is feeling like you’re the only one going through it—“it” being the phase or hardship of the day.

Lucky for us, these new books remind moms that we are not alone!

All of these titles are somewhat tongue-in-cheek while celebrating the humor and struggles of motherhood, but be assured that these moms are firmly happy in their choices to be parents. If you’re looking for a great gift for mom, consider some of these titles:

• TMI Mom: Oversharing My Life (Buzz Books, $14) by Bartlesville, Oklahoma mom and blogger Heather Davis, featuring the true tales of everyday craziness this mom faces with her husband and two daughters.

• Moms Who Drink and Swear (New American Library, $15) by Nicole Knepper is not written by me (no matter what my kids think), and is not for those who are put off by a potty-mouth. A raucous ride through motherhood.

• Lost in Suburbia (Penguin, $15) by Tracy Beckerman is the story of city girl turned suburban mom and all the other indignities suffered while transitioning from woman to mother.

• ... but I wanted a pony! (Chronicle, $15) features a collection of Anne Taintor “vintage-with-a-twist” images with commentary that will bring a giggle to mom’s day.

Top 10 Reader Picks: Best Breakfast Places Whether you’re seeking a treat on a cozy weekend morning, an unbeatable brunch or pancakes for dinner, there’s something to be said for having a favorite breakfast spot. No matter your preference—from savory biscuits and gravy to sweet Belgian waffles—there’s sure to be a local venue to please your palate. We recently polled our readers for their favorite places to enjoy a tasty breakfast with their families, and here, in random order, are their recommendations: • • • • • • • • •

Local (2262 W Main, Norman, www.eatatlocal.com) Jimmy’s Egg (multiple locations; www.jimmysegg.com) Classen Grill (5124 N Classen Blvd) IHOP (multiple locations; www.ihop.com) Jimmy’s Round Up Café (1301 SW 59th St) Joey’s Café (12325 N May Ave) Ozzie’s Diner (1700 Lexington St, Norman) Tiffany’s Restaurant (101 S 3rd St, Noble) Sunny Side Up (110 SE 19th St, Moore; www.facebook. com/sunnysideuprestaurant) • Syrup Breakfast Boutique (123 E Main St, Norman; www. facebook.com/SyrupBreakfastBoutique) Thanks to Stephanie G., Amanda H., Laura R., Jennifer S., Ebony A., Kathy R., Melissa S., Jennifer T., Sara R. and Jessica D. for contributing to this list. Follow us at www. facebook.com/metrofamily to weigh in on next month’s list.

Have a breakfast venue you’d like to suggest? Comment at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/top-10-breakfast-venues.

Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast to be Honored The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame (IGHOF) will honor Olympian Jordyn Wieber with the first Nadia Comaneci Sportsmanship Award at the 2013 induction ceremony to be held on May 18 at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City.

Photo courtesy of the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

The Nadia Comaneci Sportsmanship Award honors a currently competitive or recently retired gymnast from around the world who has demonstrated great sportsmanship or fair play. Wieber, who was a member of USA’s “Fierce Five” gymnastics team at the 2012 London Olympics, is a two-time World Champion, and now an Olympic Gold Medalist.

“I’m happy to present the award to Jordyn Wieber,” said 1993 IGHOF inductee and Olympic Gold Medalist Nadia Comaneci. “Jordyn was the reigning World All-Around Champion but failed to qualify for the finals in London, and yet she showed great sportsmanship by overcoming her personal disappointment to help lead the US women to the gold medal.” The evening will also honor gymnastics legends Albert Azaryan (Armenia), Lyubov Burda (Russia), Gena Gogean (Romania) and Yuri Korolev (Russia).

Over the past 16 years, 79 of gymnastics’ greatest stars and contributors, representing 20 countries, have been inducted into the IGHOF, including Mary Lou Retton and Oklahoma’s own Bart Conner.

The IGHOF also promotes the achievements of the sport’s greatest legends through the IGHOF exhibit on the second floor of Science Museum Oklahoma. Visitors can try out gymnastics equipment, view portraits of all inductees, view memorabilia and more.

For more information about the IGHOF, visit www.ighof.com. For tickets to the induction ceremony, call 405364-5344.

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Photo courtesy of tthe Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank.

Oklahoma Mother’s Milk Bank

Spotlight on Character: Hospitality People will never know how far a little kindness can go.

— Rachel Scott Hospitality is cheerfully sharing food, shelter or conversation to benefit others. In the home, hospitality includes being friendly to others by talking with neighbors, meeting new people and greeting strangers with a smile. When entertaining, hospitality includes organizing and cleaning the home, as well as preparing meals and other comforts to make your guests feel at ease. Encourage hospitality with your family by practicing good etiquette and conversational skills on a daily basis and keeping your home free of clutter to make it available and ready for unexpected guests.

Encourage hospitality in your family by saying these “I will” statements aloud with your children and applying them to everyday life: I will: welcome visitors • make others feel important • prepare for my guests • gladly share my things • not expect anything in return.

Read about thoroughness to bring the lesson home to your young children: • • • • •

In Ribbit (by Rodrigo Folgueira), a group of frogs learns to make friends with a pig by welcoming him to the swamp.

Snippet (by Bethanie Deeney Murguia) the snail has his own ideas about showing hospitality to his family members.

The Bus Driver (by Todd H. Doodler) is a hospitable sort who ensures everyone in town gets where they need to go.

Mr. Noah and his Family (by Jane Werner) shares the Biblical tale of Noah and how he shared his Ark with the animals.

In The House that Wanted a Family (by Susan Spence Daniel), hospitality is considered from the viewpoint of a house.

Courtesy of Character First, www.characterfirst.com.

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Some nursing mothers who pump their breast milk may find that they have more milk on hand than their baby can consume. For Oklahoma City mom Erin Page, the thought of her excess breast milk going to waste was difficult. “I had a freezer full of milk that I knew my baby wouldn’t need. About the time I was looking into donation, a friend had twins prematurely and received donor milk in the NICU at Children’s Hospital,” Page explains.

“Hearing their story and knowing how much that donor milk meant to their babies’ health opened my eyes to the very critical need of donor milk in our state.”

The Oklahoma Mother’s Milk Bank, a non-profit agency established in 2010, recently opened at 901 N Lincoln to provide premature and critically ill infants with donor breast milk when their mother’s own milk is not available. Moms with an abundance of milk can go through a thorough screening process and donate their breast milk directly to the bank.

“Our mission is to provide pasteurized donor milk to critically ill and premature infants and to increase their survival rate in Oklahoma,” explains milk bank director Keri Hale. Prior to donation, donor moms are screened and undergo a blood test. “We are partnering with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to make this easy and convenient for donor moms,” Hale says. “We are screening donor moms now.”

Hale predicts that 4,000 babies will benefit from donor milk in the Oklahoma City metro annually, and hopes to expand to help babies statewide as donor milk increases.

For more information, call 405-2975683 or visit www.okmilkbank.org.

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Schools Hit a Bullseye Kickball and push-ups aren’t the only activities going on in P.E. classes these days. Some local elementary schools are participating in the Oklahoma Wildlife Department’s Archery in the Schools program. What began eight years ago with 15 schools and 200 student participants has now grown to about 400 schools and 6,000 student participants, statewide.

A growing interest continues in Moore Public Schools, and Wayland Bonds Elementary School P.E. teacher Greg Waggoner sees this as a good thing. “It’s very beneficial to our students. It affects a diverse student population and reaches kids that may have never participated in a sport before archery.

It exposes them to something that is unique, and there are no physical or body type requirements,” Waggoner says.

Elijah Woods, 5th grader at Wayland Bonds

Along with the mental focus and hand-eye coordination skill enhancement, Waggoner feels archery is great strength training. “It increases upper body strength; it’s a great

upper-body workout,” he says. Participants are taught basic fundamentals, safety procedures, vocal commands, whistle commands and basics of the bow. Parents have responded positively, with some purchasing personal equipment for their children.

Archery has also become a competitive sport this year. Moore Public Schools hosted three intra-district meets for grades three through six, in which six schools participated.

Oklahoma is currently divided into five regions where students qualify to compete at the state level—approximately 1,200 students qualified. Wayland Bonds’ team placed first at the state competition. Along with other Moore schools, they will soon compete at the national level in Louisville, Kentucky.

Schools and P.E. teachers interested in the program may attend training offered by the Oklahoma Wildlife Department.

For more information about Archery in the Schools, visit www.wildlifedepartment.com/ education/oais.htm or www.nasparchery.com

“Stranger Danger” Safety

Safety Day classes are geared for ages four and up, covering police and fire safety, bully prevention and stranger danger. Class dates are posted at www.facebook. com/thesummitma and interested families must register in advance.

As an example of the information offered in the classes, Jackson offers the following tips to teach children about stranger danger: • Tell them that their voice is their most powerful weapon. “Parents have an uncanny ability to pick out their own child’s voice,” Jackson explains. “Teach your child to say ‘Stop!’ in a very loud voice.”

• Define what a stranger is. “Keep it simple,” Jackson recommends. “Define a stranger as anyone you don’t know, but explain that there are certain instances— such as with police officers or firefighters—when talking to a stranger can be okay.”

• Explain that no one is allowed to touch you in a manner that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

“If something happens, instruct your kids to find a parent or teacher immediately,” Jackson says.

For more information, visit www.tsma.tv or call 405728-0095.

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Photo courtesy of The Summit Martial Arts.

As a service to the community, The Summit Martial Arts in Oklahoma City (12100 N Rockwell) offers free Safety Day classes on select Saturdays throughout the year to teach about the importance of stranger danger. “These classes teach kids how to be self-aware and how to recognize potential issues before they happen,” explains owner Dominique Jackson. “The goal is to teach kids how to keep themselves safe.”

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Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All Adventures With Jonny: Road Trip to the Parks! By Michael A. DiLorenzo, illustrated by Jennifer Julich (Running Moose, $18) Learn about State and National Parks in Canada and the US in this book that includes activities, tips, lists and more to prepare your family as you head out on a nature-themed adventure this summer.

Early Readers I Scream Ice Cream By Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Serge Bloch (Chronicle, $17) What’s a “wordle?” Groups of words that sound the same but mean different things—and this book is full of them. A fun book to read aloud that is guaranteed to result in giggling.

Ma! There’s Nothing to Do Here! By Barbara Park, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli (Random House, $8) A sweet board book that explains what that baby in a pregnant mom’s stomach is possibly thinking and doing while waiting to be born. A fun book for young children and expectant mothers alike.

My Mom is the Best Circus By Luciana Navarro Powell (Alfred A. Knopf, $8) Moms wear many hats throughout the course of a day, and this fun book shows how that could qualify them then to work in the circus. (I’m sure moms of young children will readily agree with the comparison!).

Not That Tutu By Michelle Sinclair Colamn, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata (Robin Corey, $8) Any child who has a favorite item of clothing they don’t want to be without (which is probably all of them) will appreciate Taylor and her love for her ever-present tutu.

Grades 3+ Road Trip By Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen (Wendy Lamb, $13) Written by a Newberry-award winning author and his son, the father and son in this book drive cross-country to pick up a rescue dog, meeting a memorable cast of characters along the way.

Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop By Kate Saunders (Delacorte Press, $17) When your family inherits a house from your great uncles who just happen to have been sorcerers, you can be assured that an adventure is in store. Join 11-year-old twins Oz and Lily, a talking rat, elephant ghost and an invisible cat in an adventure that could save the world.

Write This Book By Pseudonymous Bosch (Little, Brown, $17) Readers will write their own story while reading this mystery about a missing writer. Sound confusing? More than that, it’s a fun challenge to read… and write.

Adults Baby Book (DK Publishing, $40) A new parent’s guide to pregnancy, birth and childcare for babies up to age three, this book is a great gift for new moms. Chapters address topics on moms, babies, dads and the rest of the family.

One Pan, Two Plates By Carla Snyder, photographs by Jody Horton (Chronicle, $25) A fast-and-easy cookbook designed not for a family but rather for two. A wide variety of meals (from sandwiches to seafood) that make cooking for two a snap.

What a Son Needs From His Mother By Cheri Fuller (Bethany House, $13) Raising a son can be a tall order for a mom, and sometimes it might seem that a child of the opposite sex might be from another species. Moms can learn tips for connecting with their boys in this special book by local Edmond author.

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Reviews by Mari Farthing.

Local Shopping Inspirations Tea Room: English Charm Meets Southern Hospitality

T

hough he may be one of only a few men on the premises at any given moment, Inspirations Tea Room proprietor Larry Rhoads knows a thing or two about tea parties. “Inspirations is truly a celebration place,” he explains. “People come together for many different reasons and tea can help bridge the gap between generations. Whether she is two or 92, I always say you can never take the tea party out of the girl!”

“Every week we see multiple generations together,” Larry remarks. “Lots of little princesses come in the door here. We make the joke about how few men there are at the tea room, but when there are, we always make sure to mention that he is certainly a man with a lot of class.”

A Lasting Tribute Inspirations Gifts, Decor and Tea Room was opened in February 2005 by Larry and his wife Tamara with the mission of encouraging faith, family and friends. “We take it really seriously around here,” Larry explains. “We try to get into the whole experience and make a real positive impression on the importance of being together. We are a great

place to come for relationship building and for a calming atmosphere.”

Inspirations was opened to honor the memory of Tamara’s younger sister, April. “Tamara has always loved tea and often hosted tea parties,” Larry recollects. “In 1995, she hosted a tea party at church to celebrate Mother’s Day and invited her newly-married younger sister [April] to attend.” A few days later, April was in a car accident and passed away.

“April’s passing gives our tea room more purpose and meaning,” Larry says.

“Inspirations stands as a lasting tribute to their relationship as sisters. Tamara is delighted that her desire to have a tea room where mothers, daughters and sisters can be inspired and encouraged has come to be. We opened the doors ten years later, in 2005, and it’s been an important part of our healing process.”

A Family Affair In addition to being opened in April’s honor, operating Inspirations is truly a family affair.

The Rhodes have four children and nine

Inspirations Tea Room 2118 W Edmond Rd, Edmond 405-715-2525, www.inspirationstearoom.com Gift Store Monday–Friday 10:00am–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm Tea Room Seating Monday–Friday 11:00am–3:00pm, Saturday 11:00am–4:00pm Reservations recommended What do customers say most?

“That Inspirations in unique.

Even people from larger metro settings will say ‘We wish we had something like this in our town.’ We love when people leave us saying ‘It was wonderful, as usual.’”

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grandchildren, and the family is very entrepreneurial by nature. “We have always involved our kids in our businesses,” Larry explains. “And our married kids now have their own businesses. Our business has been a training ground for our kids.”

The couple still has two children at home, and Larry reminisces that daughter Allison began working at Inspirations at six years old, standing on a stool to run the cash register.

“One of the fun things about having your children work in your business is it gives them a first hand view into public relations, real world know-how, wisdom and knowledge,” Larry explains.

For Allison, now 15, working in the family business has been an outstanding learning opportunity. “I’ve enjoyed gaining experience and getting to know people through different eyes,” she explains. “I love having the opportunity to encourage others and am blessed to be able to bless others.”

And Allison isn’t the only young person who benefits from Inspirations’ family-centered business model. “We employ lots of young, college-age employees,” Larry continues.

“When someone comes to work here, we want this experience to be a stepping stone for where they are going in life. We want them to know what hospitality truly is and to treat our customers like they were guests in their own home.”

Tea Room Classics—and More In addition to the peaceful atmosphere and outstanding service, Inspirations is wellknown for their award-winning menu. “We serve tea room classics,” Larry explains. “Our recipes are tried and true. I was once told by a guest in her 70s that she’d had quiche ‘everywhere,’ but that ours was the very best.”

Inspirations’ most popular dishes include chicken salad on mixed greens, a chicken salad croissant and a daily Queen’s quiche.

“Other popular options are our paninis, ‘quesa-tea-as’ (the tea room’s version of a quesadilla, served with black beans, green chilies and creamy chipotle sauce on a jalapeno tortilla) and salads,” Allison says.

Every entrée is served with the tea room’s signature item—a freshly baked scone and homemade lemon curd. “Our cakes are also excellent,” Allison continues. “Our coconut cake is like eating a sweet cloud. Not to mention our triple fudge chocolate cake, fruit of the forest pie and strawberry shortcake!”

Inspirations offers more than 50 different tea choices on their tea menu, in addition to three daily iced teas. “Our most popular iced tea is the Blue Sapphire,” Allison explains. “It’s a black tea with coconut, blue cornflower and strawberry.”

Mother’s Day Tea “Mother’s Day is a big deal here,” Larry explains. “The Saturday before Mother’s Day is one of our very biggest days, when we host our annual Mother’s Tea. It’s the ultimate tea party for everyone who comes, and we honor moms, sisters, aunts and grandmas.”

The centerpiece of the event is the threetiered tea tray filled with the best of Inspirations’ fare, available both at the Mother’s Tea and throughout the month of May. “We also provide a long stemmed rose to every mom on that day,” he says. “We go the extra mile to make it very special for moms.” Reservations are required for the Mother’s Tea.

Two Hearts Inn The Rhoads also own the Two Hearts Inn Bed & Breakfast (www.twoheartsinn.com), located on Inspirations’ property. With five luxurious suites, the inn is designed as a romantic getaway including jacuzzis, themed rooms and breakfast in bed. “What’s really fun about the Two Hearts Inn is that people come for their wedding night stay and come back for their anniversary,” Larry observes.

“We’ve celebrated everything from newlyweds to 60th wedding anniversaries. It’s the perfect way to get away without going away.”

In addition, the family has also opened two Teaoli stores (www.teaoli.com), offering an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, located in Spring Creek Village in Edmond and Brookhaven Village in Norman.

For the littlest tea room guests, Inspirations offers the Princess Tea, which includes Staying Faithful an elegant tiered tray with a heart-shaped “We just want to continue to be successful sandwich, fruit, cheese, scones, chocolatewith what we have. It doesn’t automatically dipped strawberries and more. “We also offer stay successful and stay good. You have to a Prince Charming Tea for the young fellows,” work at it,” Larry concludes. “We take what Larry adds. “And it’s not uncommon to see we do here as a responsibility and we want fathers and daughters having a ‘date’ at the to be faithful in what we do. Our family is tea room and making memories together.” grateful for the opportunity to serve people in Inspirations hosts birthday parties, baby the community. We go the extra mile to make showers, wedding showers and receptions, sure our customers feel special. Our mission rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and other is to be a place to encourage faith, families special events. Also, guests at Inspirations and friends to all those that we serve.” can browse the gift shop for a wide variety of teas, tea accessories, tea pots, jewelry and more.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor and Online Content Manager at MetroFamily Magazine.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Special Advertising Section

Exploring OK with Children

Our guide to

Where to Go+What to Do

w i t h

Enid

Find the best places to visit around the state in this handy “Where to Go & What to Do” guide and even more Oklahoma travel ideas for families at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma.

• •

Clinton: Water Zoo

•

Duncan: Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway Duncan, OK 73533 (580) 252-6692 www.onthechisholmtrail.com

The spirit that turned cowboys into legends, cattlemen into men of fortune, and oilmen into giants lives on in Duncan, the heart of The Chisholm Trail. Discover the birth place of Halliburton Inc., stroll the Historic Main Street district’s boutique shops, visit the 905 Train Museum to ring the bell and experience a cowboy’s life on The Chisholm Trail at The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. The center’s interactive displays, General Store, 4D movie and Garis Gallery of Art will thrill children of all ages.

Shawnee Convention & Visitors Bureau

131 N. Bell Shawnee, OK 74801 405.275.9780 visitshawnee.com

Rich in culture and home to world-class museums and attractions, Shawnee boasts of small town charm with big city offerings. Discover Oklahoma's only Egyptian mummy at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art or relax at Shawnee's own lavender farm where guests are treated to a farm experience. Learn more about the Citizen Potawatomi Nation at their state-of-the-art Cultural Heritage Center. There is something for everyone to experience in|Shawnee.

May 2013 20 www.metrofamilymagazine.com

•

Edmond Parks Weatherford

• •• • • • •

Stillwater: WONDERtorium

• •

Green Country Muskogee

OKC: National Cowboy Museum • Museum of Osteology • OKC Museum of Art Shawnee Norman: Sam Noble Museum

•

Pauls Valley

Sulphur: Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center

Heartland Flyer

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd Oklahoma City, OK 73111 405-478-2250 nationalcowboymuseum.org

This world-class museum features Prosperity Junction (an old West town), Western art, a rodeo exhibit and much more.

A sampling of upcoming exhibitions and events include the 23rd Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival, May 25-26 and National Day of the American Cowboy, July 27, 2013.

Oklahoma WONDERTORIUM 308 West Franklin Lane Stillwater, OK 74075 405-533-3333 okwondertorium.org Enjoy memory-making experiences and engage children in creative, developmental play at Oklahoma's newest children's museum in Stillwater. The Oklahoma WONDERtorium offers 14 exhibits filled with hands-on play to learn activities especially created for children birth to 12 years of age. General admission is $7 per person; children under 12 months admitted free.

Special Advertising Section

Exploring OK with Children

Our guide to

Where to Go+What to Do

w i t h

Heartland Flyer

100 S E.K. Gaylord Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73102 800-USA-RAIL amtrak.com

City of Edmond Parks and Recreation 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr Edmond, OK 73034 405-359-4630 edmondok.com

Your Oklahoma Rail Connection: Daily Round-Trip between Oklahoma City and Ft. Worth, Texas with stops along the way in Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore and Gainesville. There are thrills and attractions for everyone! Senior discounts and Kids Club available. For reservations, contact 1-800-USA-RAIL or www.amtrak.com. E-ticketing now available.

Spend your summer outside with Edmond Parks and Recreation. They offer an award winning golf course at KickingBird Golf club, water fun at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, camping and boating at Arcadia Lake and don’t forget to visit the Edmond Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings from 8am – 1pm. They also offer many classes, camps and special events at the MAC building in Mitch Park. Find them at www.facebook.com/edmondparksandrec.

Muskogee Chamber of Commerce

Chickasaw Cultural Center

301 W Broadway Muskogee, OK 74402 918-682-2401 muskogeechamber.org

Muskogee is a place where you’ll find more than just small town, southern charm. Discover the “Best of Muskogee” including the world famous Oklahoma Azalea Festival, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular Renaissance Festivals, some of the region’s best restaurants, stunning parks and Oklahoma’s best antique shopping. Contact them today for your free Visitor’s Guide.

Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

1900 Blvd. of Champions Clinton, OK 73601 580-323-9966; water-zoo.com Located just 85 miles west of OKC, this 28,000 sq. ft. aquatic park (the only one in Oklahoma!) offers fun for kids of all ages and, because it is climate controlled at 82°, it is perfect for year round fun. Attractions include an aquatic playground, 600 gallon tipping bucket, inside-out slides, bowl slide, lazy crazy river, wave pool and 20 ft. movie screen. The park has concessions and a party room; hotel and RV camping packages are available.

CHICKASAW

867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur, OK 73086 580-622-7130 chickasawculturalcenter.com

CULTURAL CENTER

Nestled on 109 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and streams near Sulphur, Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Cultural Center utilizes the latest technology, live demonstrations, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces to tell the Chickasaw story. Features of the sprawling campus include a traditional village, amphitheatre, state-of-the-art exhibit buildings, indoor theater, café and honor garden.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S Sunnylane Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-814-0006 museumofosteology.org

The Museum of Osteology provides a unique educational experience. Focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system, this 7,000 square foot museum displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world.

Exhibits include adaptation, locomotion, classification and diversity of the vertebrate kingdom. The only one of its kind in America, the Museum of Osteology also provides field trips and other educational programs for students and adults.

Special Advertising Section

Exploring OK with Children

Our guide to

Where to Go+What to Do

w i t h

Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK 73072 405-325-4712 snomnh.ou.edu

This museum is one of the finest university-based museums in the world. Breathtaking galleries feature awesome dinosaurs, realistic nature dioramas showcasing Oklahoma’s biodiversity and exhibits tracing the history of humans in the state. The museum offers special exhibitions, school and family programs, a hands-on Kids Discovery Room, plus a museum store and café.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-236-3100 okcmoa.com Located in downtown Oklahoma City’s Arts District, the Museum presents a range of exhibitions and is home to a spectacular collection of Chihuly glass. It also offers a broad spectrum of programs and events for people of all ages, including lectures, family events, Museum School classes and camps, film screenings, and more.

Visit Enid

580-233-ENID (3643) visitenid.org Stake your claim for family fun in Enid, just 90 minutes northwest of Oklahoma City. Children will love Leonardo’s with its hands-on exhibits and 3-story outdoor science park.

And history comes to life at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center and Government Springs Park, where the Chisholm Trail and Great Land Run of 1893 meet! Find Enid attractions, events, restaurants and more at www.VisitEnid.org

Weatherford Tourism 522 W Rainey Weatherford, OK 73096 580-330-1386 cityofweatherford.com

Located one hour west of Oklahoma City on I-40, Weatherford is full of fun activities to discover! With 12 parks, Historic Main Street, two museums, a bowling alley and movie theater, and the freedom to indulge at your leisure, Weatherford is the only place where you can take the Mother Road, fly to the moon, and explore the Heartland within a five mile radius. You’ll have more fun in Weatherford!

City of Pauls Valley

NE Oklahoma’s Green Country

405-238-3308 ext 1111 paulsvalley.com

800-922-2118 or 918-744-0588 greencountryok.com

Make easy connections to Pauls Valley via the Heartland Flyer. Near the station, view local history & a 1902 steam engine at the Santa Fe Depot Museum. Try some Field’s Pecan Pie while seeing the Toy & Action Figure Museum & Rotary Rose Garden. Mark your calendar for Okie Noodling on June 22.

Northeast Oklahoma’s Green Country is the perfect destination for families. This beautiful 18-county region will stretch your vacation dollars while amazing you with all there is to see and do. Families can enjoy wonderful attractions, state parks, beautiful lakes with abundant water sports, events, world-class museums, historic sites, music festivals, rodeos, and much more. Contact them today for your free Guide to Green Country.

Problem Solvers Helpful Family Products

When we hear about new or helpful products, we like to let our readers know! Here are a few of the more interesting items we’ve recently discovered. Visit the product website for a list of local retailers.

Problem:

Playing is fun. Homework is not.

Solution:

Educational software from Lakeshore Learning teaches math and language grade-level concepts in a fun, gamelike environment. ($20+, www.lakeshorelearning.com)

Problem:

Potty training on the go is a pain in the... neck.

Solution:

The 2 in 1 Potette Plus is a portable, foldable seat for easy and sanitary use on the go. ($16, www.kalencom.com)

Problem:

Squirting lemons can get messy.

Solution:

The Stem Citrus Spritzer is a stem that inserts directly into fruit turning it into a spritzer. ($5, www.quirky.com)

Problem:

You’re getting tired of the same three knock-knock jokes.

Solution:

The World’s Silliest Family Jokes from Tabletop Games features a petite tin packed with kid-friendly funnies. ($7, www.thelagoongroup.com)

Problem:

That car seat is not so comfy for a nap when you’re on a long drive.

Solution:

The Seatbelt Snoozer is a cuddly L-shaped pillow that cradles your child’s head and makes naps a snap. Works great for adults, too! ($30, www.kalencom.com)

Problem:

Your child has more questions about his body than you can answer.

Solution:

A Day In The Life of Your Body is a book that covers body fuctions from head to toe.

Grades 3+. ($15, www.barronseduc.com)

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Learning Adventures Family Activities for Creative Minds: Mother’s Day Metaphors

W

hat powerful metaphor can you come up with to express to your mom how much she means to you?

Every mother would be delighted to find out what her kids would say. Surprise your mom on Mother’s Day by honoring her with a thoughtful metaphor.

Metaphors influence an idea with vivid expression and powerful images by comparing how one thing is like another (fur is clothes for dogs). You may need to do a little research to be able to draw strong analogies to support your choice, but mom is worth it! Some questions to get you started: • If your mom were a flower, what flower would she be? Why? • What if she were a pet, a fruit, a tree or a video game?

• Older kids might consider developing metaphors comparing their mother to a city, state, river or planet.

Kids of all ages can extend the fun of their metaphor through painting or drawing, writing a poem, making a game or video, or even turning it into a dance or song.

Did You Know?

Metaphorical thinking is incredibly important to generating creativity and problem solving in young people. It allows children to use knowledge they already have as a support for building new knowledge. A good metaphor can convey a potent message in clear and meaningful ways. Challenge your child by asking them to come up with a metaphor for mom to match each letter of the alphabet—what creative things will they say?

This Learning Adventures project is sponsored by Primrose Schools and Green Bambino. Find more educational fun at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/learning-adventures.

Activity ideas provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools, the state’s only research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner. Learn more at www.okaplus.org.

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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

Exploring Oklahoma’s State Parks Northeastern Oklahoma: Grand Lake Editor’s note: This month we start the first of a four-part series where we are traveling around the state, providing an interactive daytrip guide to the amazing parks right in our own back yards. We start our journey in northeastern Oklahoma with a visit to Grand Lake State Park, Greenleaf State Park and the surrounding nature areas. Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma.

S

chool’s almost out and the kids keep asking where you’re going over summer break. Where to go that’s not too far away, won’t break the budget, and has plenty of fun for the whole family? Head to Green Country, where the lovely lakes and shady trees make for a great escape from the city!

Before you head out, there are a few things you should know: • Grand Lake State Park is actually comprised of several different areas all around Grand Lake and on nearby Lake Hudson and Spavinaw Lake.

• Each of these parks is beautiful and has many things to offer, so if you don’t have time to try all of them, you’ll still have a wonderful time at the ones you can visit.

• You don’t have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy a trip to these parks. There are so many different kinds of accommodations available that anyone can have a good time!

Day One: Twin Bridges, Miami and Bernice Area We begin our trip at the northernmost area of Grand Lake State Park, the Twin Bridges Area. Located off Highway 137 near Miami, the Twin Bridges Area is known as an excellent fishing spot, so bring your pole and bait. Even if you’re not into fishing, you can still enjoy the park’s playgrounds, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. There are also plenty of tables and shelters for picnics.

While you’re at the Twin Bridges Area, consider making the short drive to nearby Miami (north on Highway 137 then east on Highway 10), home of several Route 66 attractions such as Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger and the “Ribbon Road” original section of Route 66. If you have the time, consider a tour of the Coleman Theatre (1), which featured such entertainers as Will Rogers and Bob Hope during its heyday and is a beautiful example of a 1929 vaudeville-style theatre.

Now that you know the basics, here are the details to help you plan your summer fun in Green Country. While visiting the parks around Grand Lake, Grove is a good choice as a home base. There are campsites for RVs and tents as well as cabins and hotels nearby; the other state parks in the area are all an hour or less away, so driving may be easier than moving each day.

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From Miami, it’s just a half hour drive (Highway 59 south to Highway 125) to the Bernice Area, which is a wonderful place for families to visit. Enjoy nature with a walk on the mile-long paved trail and see if you can locate the plants and animals shown on the signs along the way. There are also two different observation towers along the path to give you a bird’s eye view of the woods.

You can cool off at the swimming beach— there are showers available if you’re staying elsewhere—or choose to fish on the northern shore of Grand Lake. The park has two playgrounds and several picnic areas as well.

One of the best things about the area is the Bernice Nature Center (2 and 3). Naturalist Amanda Wiley can show you some of the area’s creepy critters up close and is a wealth of knowledge about the plant and animal life in the park. There are also several activities available throughout the summer such as The Wild Eats, where you can see the naturalist feed the park’s animals and other programs with hikes and crafts.

BERNICE NATURE CENTER 3

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LENDONWOOD GARDENS Close Up on Har-Ber Village

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Day Two: Grove and Honey Creek Spend your day in Grove with a trip to the Honey Creek Area (5). Located just minutes off of Highway 59, you can even grab a meal at Arby’s or Dairy Queen if you don’t want to bother with packing food. Honey Creek is very family friendly with its large, updated playground and fishing docks. There is even a swimming pool if you’re not keen on jumping in the lake! There are clean restrooms throughout the park, which is always nice, but especially so when you’re traveling with small children.

Grove is also home to Har-Ber Village Museum (6), where you should plan to spend at least a few hours exploring all that the venue has to offer, from a pioneer style village made up of more than 100 different buildings showcasing everything from a one-room schoolhouse to an old-fashioned jail. Located on the shores of Grand Lake, this is a museum where kids can move freely and talk as loud as they like. There is quite a bit of walking—some of it up hills and steps—so wear good shoes and be prepared to set strollers aside in some areas. (See sidebar for details).

Filled with antiques, Har-Ber Village is a place the entire family can learn about life in the past, but this year the museum has taken an extra step toward making this a special place for children with their new Kids’ Cabin. Only open since March, the Kids’ Cabin allows children to experience life in a log cabin by cooking on the old-fashioned stove (complete with play food) or over the fireplace, climbing into the loft to play with some toys from the past, or even taking a rest on the big bed. The Kids’ Cabin is like a large playhouse, but when you remember that this one room and loft would have been home to an entire family, it suddenly seems quite cramped! Har-Ber Village will expand their kid friendly exhibits with more hands-on buildings planned to open over the summer.

4404 West 20th St, Grove 918-786-6446 Monday–Saturday 9:00am–6:00pm, Sunday 12:30–6:00pm Admission $5–$10 or $30 per family, children under 6 free.

If you’d like to see nature in a different setting, stop by Lendonwood Gardens (4) on your way back into town. The gardens are arranged into six different areas, each of which features specific types of plants. This is also a popular spot for photography, so bring your camera to capture some memorable shots of your family.

Where to Stay: Parks Discounts available for senior citizens over 62 and those who are 100% disabled (and show proof.)

Bernice Area RV Sites $20 per night Tent Sites $12 per night Cherokee Areas Lakeside, Grandview, and Riverside RV Sites $20 per night Grand Cherokee RV Sites $23 per night Tent Sites $12 per night

Disney/Little Blue Areas Primitive Tent Sites $12 per night Greenleaf State Park RV Sites $20-$23 per night Tent Sites $12 per night Cabin rates vary, so call ahead for prices and availability. Cabins include cable/satellite TV, coffee maker, and kitchen facilities; pets can stay in cabins for an extra fee.

Honey Creek Area RV Sites from $20-$25 per night Primitive Tent Sites $12 per night

Spavinaw Area RV Sites $20 per night Tent Sites $12 per night Snowdale Area RV Sites $20 per night Tent Sites $12 per night Twin Bridges Area RV Sites $20 per night Tent Sites $12-16 per night Lake Huts $35-40 per night

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Day Three: Jay, Cherokee Area, Pensacola Dam and Disney Area It’s your last day in the Grand Lake region and time to check out several other areas of Grand Lake State Park. From Grove, head south on Highway 59 and make a stop in Jay to see the Delaware County Historical Society Museum (7). The museum is home to all kinds of historical artifacts from household items to ancient pottery and even an antique car. The curator, Jackie Coatney, can give you an interesting and informative tour or you can browse on your own.

Out of Jay, head east on Highway 20 and then north on Highway 82 (about a thirty minute drive) to the town of Langley, home to the Cherokee Areas at Grand Lake State Park. The Cherokee Area is comprised of four smaller areas: Cherokee Riverside; Grand Cherokee, which includes a golf course driving range and is close to the nine hole Grand Cherokee Golf Course; Cherokee Grandview, which has a large swimming beach; and Cherokee Lakeside (8), which has a nice play area for kids. All areas have campsites available.

Langley is also the site of the Pensacola Dam (10), the longest multiple arch dam in the world. Built between 1938 and 1940, the Pensacola Dam provides power in some form to almost every county in the state and created the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, commonly referred to as Grand Lake. (See sidebar for details).

Just across the dam from Langley you will find the Disney Area, which provides easy boat access to the lake as well as picnic tables and a restroom. Also located nearby is the Little Blue Area, a small totally primitive tent camping park.

After leaving Langley, head south on Highway 82 for about 15 minutes to reach the Spavinaw Area (9). This park, located below Spavinaw Lake is absolutely gorgeous and a great place to spend the afternoon. Shaded by cliffs and trees, the stream is shallow enough in many places for even small children to wade and play. There are picnic tables and restrooms and if you’d like to stay the night, RV and tent sites are available.

If you want to travel just a bit farther, Snowdale Area is just about 20 minutes away on Highway 20. This is a small park area that has easy boat access to Lake Hudson and is known for its great fishing. There are RV and tent sites if you want to stay here instead of heading back to the Grove area for the night, or if you just want to make a brief stop, you can enjoy the playground and picnic areas.

Close Up on Pensacola Dam A dam is just a big wall that holds back water, right? There couldn’t be anything interesting about that, could there? Wrong! The story of the Pensacola Dam is an amazing one, full of ingenuity, politics, triumph, and tragedy. Originally proposed in the late 1800s, the Pensacola Dam finally became a reality almost 50 years later. Towns, cemeteries, and archeological sites were all moved to create the 46,500 acre Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees and today the dam generates electricity to power many local homes and businesses.

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Tours begin in the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center at the edge of Grand Lake in Langley. After a short movie on the history of the dam, you will have the opportunity to travel down to the powerhouse and see for yourself what goes on behind the scenes. The tour is not stroller or wheelchair-friendly and there are some parts that are very loud, but our tour guide, Roy Heginbotham, made sure that anyone who stayed back from that part of the tour with those too young to wear earplugs (which are provided for you) would be able to get a quick personal tour, so no one has to miss out. He also made sure the kids were active participants in the tour, which made it great fun for all of them. Everyone over 18 must have an ID with them if they want to go on the tour.

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SPAVINAW

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420 Highway 28, Langley 918-782-4726 Open 9:00am–4:00pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, free admission.

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Day Four: Greenleaf State Park Today is the day to head south to Greenleaf State Park. The drive from Grove will take approximately two hours, but just follow Highway 10 south and it will be easy to find. Located south of Muskogee and adjacent to Camp Gruber, Greenleaf State Park offers so many things to do that you could spend your entire trip at this one park! Some activities to consider include: • Fishing: Fishing is easy at Greenleaf, even if you don’t own a boat—boats can be rented or you can fish from one of two docks (one is wheelchair accessible, one is enclosed). There is also a fishing pond for kids 16 and under. Don’t know much about fishing? Plan to be at Greenleaf on June 1 for a fishing clinic to learn everything you need to know to catch the big one!

• Hiking: No matter how experienced a hiker you are, there is a trail for you at Greenleaf. The Family Fun Trail is a 1.5 mile paved trail that’s great for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, skates or just strolling as you enjoy the great outdoors. There are several different points of access so you don’t have to walk the entire trail. The Deer Run Nature Trail is a one mile trail that takes hikers through areas that have a variety of plants and animals. This isn’t a paved trail, but it is still good for children. If you’re an expert hiker, you can try the Ankle Express Hiking Trail, an 18 mile loop that has steep grades and uneven ground. You are required to register before beginning this trail.

• Nature Programs: Steve Evans, Greenleaf’s park naturalist, operates the Nature Hut (11), which features hands-on exhibits and live animals. Programs on nature and history as it relates to the area are also available. Take a wagon ride through the park and you may get to see some of its animal residents up close.

• Swimming: Greenleaf has two options for swimming; those who want to swim in the lake can use the swim beach in the main park area. If you prefer a pool, Greenleaf has a nice one with slides, a log roll, and other extras.

It’s pretty much impossible to be bored at Greenleaf, unless that’s your goal. If all of the options listed aren’t enough, try out the 18-hole miniature golf course (12) or spend some time on the large playground. Special events are held in the park over Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

If you find yourself not wanting to head home after a long day of fun at Greenleaf, the park has RV sites, tent camping, or cabins you can rent. If you don’t want to stay at the park, Muskogee is only half an hour northeast and has several good hotels.

If your summer plans are going to get you out of the city this summer, you won’t regret a trip up to the state parks in northeastern Oklahoma!

Jennifer Geary is a homeschooling mom from Broken Arrow, formerly of OKC, who loves to have adventures with her family.

Editor’s note: Coming next month? We take a tour of southeastern Oklahoma, including the Beavers Bend Resort Area. Find more at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma.

GREENLEAF STATE PARK 12

Places to Visit Coleman Theatre 103 N Main Street, Miami 918-540-2425 Tuesday–Friday 10:00am–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm, donations accepted.

Lendonwood Gardens 1308 West 13th St, Grove 918-786-2938 Open during daylight hours, donations accepted.

Delaware County Historical Society Museum 538 Krause St, Jay 918-253-4345 Monday–Friday 9:00am–5:00pm, free admission.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

thru Good 4* 04/1

Exploring OK with Children 2013-2014 Kids Pass

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Toy & Action Figure Museum

111 S Chickasaw, Pauls Valley 405-238-6300 – actionfiguremuseum.com Buy 1 admission, get 1 admission FREE (regularly $6). Limit 1 per family or group. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 405-325-4712 – snomnh.ou.edu 1 free child’s admission for each paid adult admission.

Limit 2 children per coupon.

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Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

5800 NW 36th St, OKC 405-605-2758 – skategalaxyokc.com Buy 1 admission, get 1 admission free.

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OKC National Memorial & Museum

Harn Homestead Museum

620 N Harvey, OKC 405-235-3313– oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org $2 off regular admission (limit 1).

Children 5 & under FREE. Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Unpluggits Playstudio

1000 Chisholm Trail Pkwy, Duncan 580-252-6692 – www.facebook.com/onthechisholmtrail 1 free youth admission with the purchase of an adult/senior admission.

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575 Enterprise Dr, Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 – unpluggits.com $1 off paint 'n play admission.

Limit 1 per person, 4 per visit.

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Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 405-951-0011 – oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Buy 1 adult ticket get 1 child ticket free.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Skate Galaxy OKC

1400 Classen Dr, OKC 405-235-4458 – oklahomaheritage.com 1 free student admission with purchase of 1 adult admission. Up to 2 free student admissions with purchase of 2 or more adult admissions.

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415 Couch Dr, OKC 405-236-3100 – okcmoa.com 1 free child’s general museum admission (up to age 12) with paid adult general museum admission. Good for up to 4 people.

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1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-235-4058 – harnhomestead.com 1 free child’s admission with each paid adult admission.

Not valid for group admissions or educational programming.

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Oklahoma Aquarium

300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-FISH – okaquarium.org Buy 1 adult ticket get 1 child ticket free.

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Jump!Zone Party & Play Center SW 104th St & S Western (Palagio Shops), OKC 405-200-1691 – jumpzoneparty.com $5 off Jump!Pass.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

Check www.metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma for great Oklahoma travel ideas and more discounts, updated periodically.

E-32 2012 Exploring Oklahoma with Children

1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300 – mgmoa.org Buy 1 adult admission and get 2 free children’s admissions.

Promo code SCVB. Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Andy Alligator’s Fun Park

Bouncin Craze

3300 Market Pl, Norman (I-35 & Indian Hills Road) 405-321-7275 – andyalligators.com Purchase a $20 game card and get $5 free.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond (405-607-2020) 9333 W Reno, OKC (405-470-7000) bouncincraze.com Buy 1 admission and get another admission 1/2 off.

Limit 1 per customer. Cannot be used on special event days.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Chisholm Trail Museum & Governor Seay Mansion

Chester's Party Barn & Farm

605 Zellers Ave, Kingfisher 405-375-5176 – ctokmuseum.org 1/2 price child admission with paid adult admission.

Oklahoma History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC 405-522-0765 – okhistory.org $2 off one regularly-priced Family Pass.

Each Family Pass is good for up to 6 people.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Paint N’ Station

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

5201 Cimmaron Rd, Piedmont 405-373-1595 – chesterspartybarn.com $25 off Buckaroo Birthday Party, including unlimited pony rides, petting zoo, barnyard games & more.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

7906 N May Ave, OKC 405-842-7770 – paintnstation.com Spend at least $25 and receive $5 off your entire purchase. 1 discount per visit.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

Museum of Osteology

Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

1714 W Wrangler Blvd, Seminole 800-259-5437 – jasminemoran.com $1 off single admission. (Children 2 and under free.)

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Science Museum Oklahoma

2100 NE 52nd St, OKC 405-602-6664 – sciencemuseumok.org $2 off any general admission ticket. Good for up to 4 people.

Does not include Dome Theater. Code: 700-038 Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag

16425 NW 150th St, Piedmont 405-373-3745 – dodgecitypaintball.com $5 off regular admission price. 1 coupon per player.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum

200 E Maple Ave, Enid 580-233-2787 – leonardos.org $1 off admission for up to 5 people.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

10301 S Sunnylane Rd, OKC 405-814-0006 – museumofosteology.org Buy 1 adult admission at regular price, get 1 child admission (age 3-17) free.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Tom Stafford Air & Space Museum

3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford 580-772-5871 – staffordmuseum.com Free admission for children under 18.

Limit 3 children per coupon.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St – OKC 405-478-2250 – nationalcowboymuseum.org Free child admission with paid adult. Limit 2 children (ages 4-12) per coupon. Not valid for special events including Chuck Wagon Gathering.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offer.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

507 S 4th St, Enid 580-237-1907 – csrhc.org 1 free child’s admission with paid adult admission.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

1900 Blvd of Champions, Clinton 580-323-9966 – water-zoo.com Admit 1 child under 42" for $5 on Monday or Tuesday.

1 coupon per family.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum

1141 Pawnee Bill Rd, Pawnee 918-762-2513 – pawneebillranch.com 1 free child's admission with each paid adult admission.

10% discount in museum store.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Oklahoma Railway Museum

13400 NE Grand Blvd, OKC 405-424-8222 – oklahomarailwaymuseum.org 1 free child’s train ride (ages 3-15) when accompanied by a paying adult.

Valid only for regular museum trains that take place the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, April-August. Not valid during special events.

Expires 4/30/14 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

OKC RIVERSPORT 725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC, Boathouse District 405-552-4040 – boathousedistrict.org Free youth RIVERSPORT Adventure Pass with purchase of adult pass.

Valid 2013 season only.

Expires 10/27/13 MFMKidsPass2013 Not to be combined with other offers.

Exploring OK Exploring OK with Children 2013-2014 Kids Pass with Children w i t h

Kids Pass coupon must be presented to admission personnel to receive discount. w *Good thru 04/14 or the entity’s season end date. i t h

Good thru 04/14*

metrofamilymagazine.com/exploring-oklahoma EOWC 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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UCO Endeavor Games Held at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, the 2013 Endeavor Games is a nationally-recognized competition that allows all athletes with physical disabilities to participate in a multi-sport event. The event brings together hundreds of athletes with physical disabilities from across North America to compete in archery, field, table tennis, track, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and weightlifting. All activities are held at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond North High School or the Lake Arcadia Outdoor Adventure Recreation Center and are open to the public. Volunteers opportunities are also available for all ages. For more information, call 405-9743160 or visit www.ucoendeavorgames.com.

JUNE 6TH-9TH

Photo courtesy of the UCO Endeavor Games.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

MAY

10 -19 TH

MAY 11TH -12TH

TH

JUNE 2 ND

23 RD-28TH

Okla-Gnoma

Luncheon on the Grass

Free Admission for Moms

Did you know that warm weather has been known to attract gnomes to the Myriad Gardens?

For 10 days, the Children’s Garden will be decorated with these special pointy-hatted characters in their interactive gnome habitat.

Special events and activities include games, stories, photo opportunities, gnome beard and hat making and ceramic gnome painting. Join Spaghetti Eddie in concert on May 11; face painting, balloon animals and Monty Harper in concert on May 18; a magician on May 19 and more. Cost is $5 per child and free for Myriad Gardens members. See www.myriadgardens.org for a schedule of events.

For the fourth year, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, the Firehouse Art Center, the Jacobson House and the Norman Arts Council are teaming together to offer a fun afternoon of art activities in the park. Families are invited to bring a picnic meal and enjoy the provided art activities, entertainment and dessert at Lions Park in Norman (450 S. Flood) on Sunday, June 2 from 4:00-6:30pm. This year’s event is scheduled in conjunction with the Performing Arts Studios’ annual Summer Breeze Concert Series. A free, live concert by The Gourds will follow, beginning at 7 pm. For more information, call (405) 325-3272 or visit www.ou.edu/fjjma.

It’s fun to celebrate all things “mom” in the OKC metro this Mother’s Day! Moms can enjoy free admission to multiple venues across the state on Mother’s Day weekend, including complimentary admission to the Orr Family Farm on Saturday, May 11. On Sunday, May 12, moms get in free at the OKC Zoo, the OKC National Memorial & Museum, the OKC Museum of Art, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and more.

Find these and other Mother’s Day events at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mothers-day.

Photo courtesy of the Myriad Gardens.

Photo courtesy of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Photo courtesy of the Orr Family Farm.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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*

Daily Events

*

Don’t miss our list of fun Oklahoma festivals on page 46.

discussing artwork displayed in the gallery. 7pm. 3254712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

FREE First Friday Shawnee at Sweet Earth Studio (419 E Main) features the work of local artists, musicians & small businesses providing fun, education & shopping opportunities. 5-9pm. 273-1991, www. downtownartsok.com/times-square.

FREE Celebrate 20 Years of Excellence at Edmond Santa Fe HS (1901 W 15) features carnival, inflatables, face painting, games, petting zoo, ceremony & fireworks. 5-9pm. 340-2230.

Delbert McClinton at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) features this Texas roots music legend & Grammy-winning artist. $40+. 8pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.

Ending May 3

OKC Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle).

7:05pm. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 5/2, 7-14, 28-31.

Just Between Friends Consignment Event–OKC at the State Fairgrounds features new & gently used children’s clothing & accessories. Many items half-price on Friday. $3 admission on Sunday. Sunday, Noon-7pm; Monday-Wednesday, 10am-7pm; Thursday, 10am-4pm & 7-10pm; Friday, 10am-4pm. www.okc.jbfsale.com.

May 1–5

May 3–4

May 1 • Wednesday

Oliver! presented by the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) features the Tony Award-winning adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. $15. Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. 609-1023, www. poteettheatre.com.

May 1–15 Dr. Pepper Zoo Safari at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features a different “I Spy” safari & prizes each week for children 11 & under. FREE with Zoo admission.

425-0298, www.okczoo.com.

May 2 • Thursday FREE Legal Advice will be available through a hotline staffed by OKC & Tulsa attorneys as part of the “Ask a Lawyer” program. Spanish-speaking attorneys & translators available. 9am-9pm. 800-456-8525.

May 2–4 The Pirates at the Plaza Theatre (1727 NW 16) features a rock’n roll twist on Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance performed with the RoKademY students. $10. See website for schedule. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

May 3 • Friday FREE Beautiful Beasts Public Gallery Talk at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features Thomas Shahan

36

Oklahoma City Homeschool Convention at the Cox Convention Center features workshops, vendors, speakers & other activities to help homeschool families. $59/family. www.ochec.com.

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries.

Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www. thepaseo.com.

May 3–5 Norman Friends of the Library Better Book Sale at the Norman Library (225 N Webster) offers a wide selection of coffee table, rare & collectible books for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Norman Library. Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 701-2600, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

May 4 • Saturday Art & Sole 5K at Andrews Park in Norman benefits the Assistance League of Norman. 2K & 5K walk/ run. $25, $15 ages 12 & under. 8am. www.signmeup. com/90021.

March for Babies at the Myriad Gardens 2-mile walk to benefit the March of Dimes. 8-9am. 943-1025, www.marchforbabies.org.

2013 Autism Oklahoma PieceWalk & 5K at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark raises awareness & funds for autism programming in Oklahoma. Includes walk, 5K & resource fair. $40/5K, PieceWalk is FREE.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

8:30am. www.piecewalk.org.

FREE Comic Book Day at participating retailers across the country offers a free comic book to all customers to introduce new readers to the medium.

Details at www.freecomicbookday.com.

FREE Kids Workshops “EPIC Herb Planter” at Home Depot Stores features a hands-on workshop for children ages 5-12. All kids receive apron, commemorative pin & certificate. 9am-noon. www. homedepot.com.

Family Insect Safari & Macrophotography Workshop at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) is an introduction to arthropods & photographing these tiny creatures. Admission includes 1 adult & 1 child.

Preregister. $20 members, $30 nonmembers, $10 additional member, $15 additional nonmember. 9amnoon. 325-1008, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

FREE Mother’s Day Health Screenings at INTEGRIS SW Breast Health & Imaging (4221 S Western, Suite 1000) offers glucose & cholesterol screenings, bra fittings, spa hand treatments & manicures to women in celebration of Mother’s Day. Preregister. 9am-1pm.

951-2277.

37th Annual OKC Toy & Doll Show featuring the Oklahoma Springtime Train & Hobby Show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. Toy & doll show May 4, train show May 4-5. $5 adults, $2 children 12 & under. $7 adults, $1 Children 12 & under.

Kids FREE on Sunday. Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm. www.okstatefair.com.

FREE Anniversary Day Celebration at the GaylordPickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum (1400 Classen) celebrates 6 years with free admission, discounts in the Museum Store & family-friendly activities. 10am5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “I Love My Teacher Card” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Butterfly Gardens at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden for ages 7-10 teaches about local plants that attract butterflies & allows participants to plant seeds to take home. Preregister. $2 members, $5 nonmembers. Noon-1pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

FREE Junior Curator Teen Volunteer Open House at the OKC Zoo Education Building (2101 NE 50) presents parents & students with information about the recruitment process & deadlines for the 2013-2014 Junior Curator Teen Volunteer Program for ages 14-18.

1-3pm. 425-0272, www.okczooed.com/volunteers.

FREE Teen Job Fair at the Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23) gives teens an opportunity to talk to businesses that are hiring. 1:30-5pm. 424-1437, www. metrolibrary.org.

Drop-In Drawing at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features come-and-go drawing sessions for all ages throughout the permanent collection & special exhibition galleries. FREE with paid admission. 2-4pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

FREE Photo Scavenger Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) provides a list of items to photograph for evaluation by the OKC Camera Club.

3-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/ index.html.

Great Escape at Mustang Community Center (1201 N Mustang) features crafts, games, dinner & a movie. Preregister. $20 . 6-11pm. 376-3411, www. cityofmustang.org.

Miss Black Oklahoma City Scholarship Pageant at Metro Tech Business Conference Center Auditorium (1900 Springlake) emphasizes inner beauty & strength as contestants showcase their talents, intelligence & poise. $10. 7-9pm. 808-2548, www.facebook.com/ MissBlackOklahomaCityScholarshipPageant.

FREE Better Block OKC at the OKC Farmers Market District (311 S Klein) includes vendors, community dining area, pop-up park with games, educational activities about food & sustainability, musicians & more. 8am-4pm. www.betterblockokc.com.

FREE OKC County Health Department Community Festival at the Northeast Regional Health & Wellness Campus (2600 NE 63) features a 1-mile fun run, opening of the fitness trail, gardening lessons, healthy cooking demonstrations, music & health screenings. 10am-2pm. www.occhd.org/ about/wellnesscampus.

May 4–19 40th Symphony Showhouse in The Abbey at Fairview Farm (NW 150 & N Western, Edmond) benefits the OKC Philharmonic & music education. $12 advance, $15 at door. Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. www.symphonyshowhouse.com.

May 4–June 16 Ernest Oberholzer’s Photographs of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) showcases photographs by Ernest Oberholzer. 878-5300, www. mgmoa.org.

May 5 • Sunday Listen to Your Mother at the Will Rogers Theatre (4322 N Western) features live readings by local writers on the beauty, the beast & the barely-rested of motherhood. $15. 2pm. www. listentoyourmothershow.com/oklahomacity.

Refuge in the Storm at the Paramount Theater (701 W Sheridan) benefits the Mid-Del Children’s Shelter & features an art show, live music & door prizes. $10 cash or check donation. 4-6pm. 326-5408, wordwizjenn@gmail.com.

5 X 5 Art Show & Sale benefits the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond (27 S Edwards, Edmond) features art by 55 Oklahoma artists available for purchase for $55 each. $5 admission. 5:55pm. 340-4481, www. edmondfinearts.com.

May 7 • Tuesday Bug Out Lady Bug Release at the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at the Myriad Gardens allows guests to release beneficial ladybugs inside the Crystal Bridge. Regular admission fees apply. $1/ container of ladybugs. 9am-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store for children 6-14 to build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited. 5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com.

Knotty Knitters: Drop-In Knitting at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing). $10/class.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org. Also held 5/17.

May 7–28

FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) includes live music, films & an art activity. 6:30-8:30pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/ fjjma.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.

Ending May 10

Zumba at the Myriad Gardens Outdoor Pavilion or Garden Terrace Room every Tuesday in May. All skill levels welcome. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Tuesday, 5:30-6:30pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

Miss Nelson is Missing presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features a play based on the popular children’s book by Harry Allard & James Marshall. $9 adults, $6 children ages 2-12, children under 2 FREE. Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

May 9 • Thursday

May 10–11

FREE Information Meeting at Providence Hall Classical Christian School (1120 E Hefner). 10am.

478-2077, www.providencehall.org.

FREE Healthy Woman Seminars at Deaconess Hospital (5501 N Portland) held monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 6pm include light dinner, door prizes & seminar on women’s health issues. Visit www. deaconessokc.com/healthywoman or call 604-4553 to register (required).

May 9–12 Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. at Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio (844 W Danforth, Edmond) features an adaptation of Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. $12 adults, $6 students, kids 4 & under FREE. Thursday-Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm & 7:30pm. 285-5803, www.upstagetheatreok. com.

May 10 • Friday FREE 45th Annual Oklahoma Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Service at the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial (3600 M L King) honors law enforcement officers. Open to the public. 10am. www. oklemem.com.

4th Annual Tot Trot 5K Run/Walk at Oklahoma Christian University (2501 E Memorial, Edmond) benefits the adoption & foster care programs of Lilyfield Christian Adoption & Foster Care. Features a 5K, 1-Mile Walk & Kids Dash, inflatables & other activities. $30 adults, $15 children & students. $5 discount for teams of 10 or more. 6pm. www.lilyfield. org/tottrot.

Rendezvous for Red Cross at the OKC Golf & Country Club (7000 NW Grand) honors Governor Mary Fallin with the Ruby Award for Humanitarian Service. $100. 6:30pm. 228-9542, http://american.redcross. org/rendezvousforredcross.

Toby Keith Foundation Golf Classic at Belmar Golf Club in Norman benefits the OK Kids Korral & includes celebrity golfers, auctions & more. www. tobykeithfoundation.org.

May 10–12 FREE Plant Sale & Garden Festival at the Myriad Gardens features blooming plants, garden pop-up shops, chalk art, music by Spaghetti Eddie & more. See website for schedule. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens. org.

May 10–19 Okla-Gnoma at the Myriad Gardens invites children to explore the children’s garden’s colony of friendly garden gnomes & create their own to take home.

FREE for members, $5/child nonmembers. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

May 11 • Saturday Ostrich Egg Breakfast at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) features all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, waffles & omelets cooked to order & benefits the new Animal Hospital. $10 adults, $6 children 3-11 for members & $12 adults, $8 children 3-11 for nonmembers. 8-11am.

425-0618, www.zoofriends.org.

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia at Earlywine Park (3033 SW 119) is a 2-mile walk to raise funds & awareness. Includes clowns, balloon animals, face painting, children’s play area & balloon release in memory of those lost to preeclampsia. $20 adults, $10 children 12 & under. 9am-1pm. 343-0395, www. promisewalk.org/oklahomacity.

FREE Route 66 Oklahoma Corvette Club Car Show at Hafer Park (9 & Bryant, Edmond) features music, food vendors, door prizes & more. 10am. 7944817, www.centralokcorvetteclub.org.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Weekly Events

FREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. See website for details. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

FREE Art Moves weekdays (Monday-Friday) in downtown OKC (various locations). Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm.

270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.

Toddler Time playtime at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). $2 or FREE with Town Center membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 3763411, www.cityofmustang.org.

FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art includes hands-on art fun for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Family Fun Night at Jump!Zone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm.

200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com.

Reading Rainforest in the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens features storytime, a short hike & a craft for ages 3-5. FREE with Crystal Bridge admission. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7079,www. myriadgardens.org.

FREE Tours of the Governor’s Mansion offered every Wednesday through May 22. Preregister. Noon3pm. 568-1292, http://www.ok.gov/governor/Tour. html.

FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm.

Zoolympics at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50) for ages 11 & under features interactive activities in the Global Plaza to teach kids about animal behaviors, conservation & health & fitness. FREE with paid admission. 10am-2pm. 425-0298, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic “Sweetheart Frame” at participating Lowe’s Stores invites children to complete a wooden project with a parent/ guardian. Participants receive a free apron, goggles, certificate & project patch. Preregister.10-11am. www. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

FREE Academy of Fine Arts & Character’s Spring Fling Arts Festival at Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) features music, crafts, games, food, art, storytelling & more. 10am-2pm. 242-5454, www. crossingsokc.org.

Mother’s Day Celebration at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western). $10.50/person, Moms are FREE. 10am-6pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Mommy’s Memories Photo Frame” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning. com.

FREE Nature Learning Resources at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) guides parents through online nature education sources, nature books, magazines & local programs. 3-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.

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231-8650. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org.

FREE Diaper Bag Cinema at the Downtown Library (300 Park) features a baby-friendly venue to enjoy a movie. Babies welcome. See website for movie titles.

Held every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. 11am1pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org.

FREE Thursday Noon Tunes Live Concerts at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm. 231-8650, www. metrolibrary.org.

Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art features a full bar, complimentary chips & salsa & live music on the Roof Terrace. See website for weather cancellations. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers.

Thursdays, 5-9pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand) depart from the Oakwood Depot at the Museum throughout the day every 1st & 3rd Saturday through August. $12 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, children under 3 FREE. 10am, 11am, noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum. org/train-rides.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 8422900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.

FREE Children’s Storytime at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www. bestofbooksedmond.com.

FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for beginner, intermediate, advanced & featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www. skategalaxyokc.com.

History Comes Alive Cruises depart from Regatta Park & Exchange Landings. Oklahoma characters will reenact history through the eyes of those who created it. Concessions available. Preregister. Saturdays through August, 12:30pm & 1:15pm. 705-7755, www. okrivercruises.com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art features hands-on art activities. FREE with paid admission.

See website for themes/activities. Saturdays, 1-4pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/ week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm.

Email dbrakefield@yahoo.com to verify schedule.

354-2516.

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park. Saturdays, 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

Big Band Cruises depart from Meridian Landing & feature big band music, appetizers & cash bar. Ages 21+. Preregister. $29. Saturdays in May, boards at 7:15pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.

Late Saturdays at the OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50). The Zoo stays open until 8pm on Saturdays through September 7. 425-0298, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Green Earth Rangers at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for teens ages 13-18 to assist the park with complex, leadership-driven conservation efforts. Sundays, call for times. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.

FREE Movie in the Park “Adventures of Tin Tin” at Mustang Town Center (1200 N Mustang). 6pm. www.cityofmustang.org.

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Myriad Gardens Restaurant. Preregister. $35 adults, $15 children ages 5-12. 10:30-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

May 11–12

Mother’s Day Brunch at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Dining on Persimmon Hill Restaurant (1700 NE 63) includes museum admission. Preregister. 11am-3pm. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise departs from Regatta Park Landing & features desserts & cash bar.

Preregister. $20/person. 1:15pm. 702-7755, www. okrivercruises.com.

May 12 • Sunday FREE Admission for Moms on Mother’s Day at the following venues (Please contact selected venue as policies & offers vary): • Oklahoma City Zoo, 9am-5pm (425-0272, www. okczoo.com) • Oklahoma Aquarium, 10am-6pm (918-2963474, www.okaquarium.org) • Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Noon-6pm (235-3313, www. oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org) • Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Noon-5pm (236-3100, www.okcmoa.com) • Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 1-5pm (325-4712, www.snomnh. ou.edu)

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

FREE Mozart for Mother’s Day at the Downtown Library (300 Park) features pianist Wayne McEvilly.

2pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org.

Mother’s Day Tea at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) features tea in the meadow with the Oklahoma State Wildlife Biologist teaching about moms in nature. Preregister. $5/person. 3-4pm. 7550676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.

Ending May 12 An Enduring Legacy: Photos of the OtoeMissouria People at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) features historical photographs from the Otoe-Missouria tribe. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Bugs Outside the Box Exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) presents a selection of greatly enlarged insect sculptures showcasing the beauty hidden within them. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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May 14 • Tuesday

ght i N e t a D Ideas May 3-4 OKC Philharmonic–Cirque de la Symphonie at the Civic Center Music Hall features acrobats of the famed “Cirque du Soliel”. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www. okcphilharmonic.org.

May 5 • Sunday FREE Season Preview Party at Regatta Park Landing (701 S Lincoln) celebrates the opening of Oklahoma River Cruises season with live music, food & more. 3-6pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.

FREE Girls’ Night: Duct Tape Extravaganza at the Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23) allows ladies of all ages to create items out of duct tape. Preregister.

5-6:30pm. 424-1437, www.metrolibrary.org.

May 14–28 Tasty Tuesdays at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden teaches fun facts about edible gardening.

Children will learn about specific vegetables & plant seedlings to take home. Children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. Tuesdays, 10-11am. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

May 16 • Thursday 26th Edmond Historical Society Heritage Dinner (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) honors Roll of Honor & Preservation Awards Winners. Preregister. 6pm. 3400078, www.edmondhistory.org.

FREE Public Star Party at the Myriad Gardens features a selection of powerful telescopes from the OKC Astronomy for an evening of discovery. All ages.

8-10pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

May 11 • Saturday OKC Philharmonic­—Season Finale at the Civic Center Music Hall features an orchestral showcase led by conductor Joel Levine. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www. okcphilharmonic.org.

FREE Photo Slam at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features 12 Oklahoma photographers sharing about their work for 5 minutes each. 7pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

May 16 • Thursday

May 18 • Saturday

Fandango: A Night on the Prairie at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) for ages 21+ benefits the museum’s educational programming and includes live music, auctions, activities & more. $50/ person. 6-10pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead. com.

Opening Day at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno).

943-9687, www.whitewaterbay.com.

May 17 • Friday

May 18 • Saturday Dining in the Dark at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) raises funds & awareness for Heartland Council of the Blind. Features a silent auction, exhibits of adaptive aids used by the blind & dining while blindfolded. $50. 5:30-9:30pm.

283-0422, www.hcbokc.org.

May 31 • Friday H&8th Night Market at Hudson & 8th in Midtown OKC features food trucks & live music every last Friday of the month through September. 7pm-2am. www. h8thokc.com.

Wise Guys Concert at the Myriad Gardens features hits from the 70s & 80s in an outdoor concert. Food trucks will be parked at Sheridan to serve food during the concert. $5 suggested donation. 8-10pm. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org.

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KickingBird Golf Family Fun Night (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) features 9-holes, special junior tees, FREE putting course, $2 range tokens & food & beverage discounts. Call 1 week in advance for tee time. $7 green fees, $7 carts. 5pm. 341-5350, www. edmondok.com.

Fort Reno Ghost Tours (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) tells tales & urban legends of haunted buildings, villainous murders & lost treasure. Held the 3rd Saturday of the month through October. Preregister. $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children ages 5-12. 7:30pm.

262-3987, www.fortreno.org.

2nd Annual Sonny Bright Kiwanis Duck Race at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno) features hundreds of rubber ducks racing down the lazy river to benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation. $5/duck. 7pm. 2719043, www.okchf.org.

Jerry Seinfeld at the Civic Center Music Hall performs his signature stand-up routine. $48+. 7pm.

297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com.

FREE Geocaching at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) teaches the basics of geocaching including GPS tracking, mapping & making your own cache. 3-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/ martin_park/index.html.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oklahoma Walk 5K at Stars & Stripes Park at Lake Hefner raises awareness & funds for mental illness support & education programs. 9:15am. 230-1900, www.namiwalks.org.

FREE Adult Volunteer Orientation & Recruitment at the OKC Zoo provides information for ages 18+ about becoming a volunteer in animal areas, horticulture, education or diving. 10am-noon.

425-0272, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Sugar Free Allstars Concert at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen). 10:30am. 418-8881, www. uptownkidsstyle.com.

Oklahoma Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tours (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features the holding facility for the sea turtles & the Siegfried Families Shark Adventure for ages 5+. Wheelchairs & strollers cannot be accommodated. First-come, first-served. $10 adults, $8 youth & general admission. 10:30am, 11:30am & 1:30pm. 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Critter Creations” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Mom & Me Alice in Wonderland Tea at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) for ages 5+ includes tea, punch, desserts, crafts & activities.

Costumes encouraged. Preregister. $25 members, $35 nonmembers for 1 adult & 1 child; $10 each additional person. 1:30-3:30pm. 522-0785, www.okhistory.org.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

May 19 • Sunday FREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) explores American art in Art Interrupted & lets families create their own modern masterpiece. 1-4pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

May 21 • Tuesday Tiny Tuesdays “Butterflies & Fairies Collage” at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) for ages 2-5 features a come-and-go, open-ended art making experience for families to create together, explore & experiment with a variety of art media & enhance their understanding of artworks in the museum. FREE with paid admission. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

Cowboy Cantina at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) offers an afterhours museum experience for adults 21+. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. 5-8pm. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FREE Toddler Tuesday at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church (2717 W Hefner) playgroup for children up to age 4 with adult, held the third Tuesday monthly. 10-11am. 751-0755, www.mychapelhill.org.

May 22 • Wednesday Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) provides educational programming for ages 5-15 in a one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse & dairy barn. Preregister. $8/student. 9:40am-1:30pm.

235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

May 24 • Friday FREE Summer Reading Kick-Off at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134) features games, treats & an opportunity to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. 2-6pm. 979-2200, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

May 25 • Saturday FREE Admission to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in celebration of the 25-year

anniversary of the opening of the Myriad Botanical Gardens. www.myriadgardens.org.

Rub-A-Dub Race for Rescues at Stars & Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner) raises money for local animal rescues. Includes 5K, a 1-mile fun run/walk, children’s bike parade, dog wash & more. See website for details. $25/5K, $10/1-mile (add $5 for dog, includes one dog wash). 8am-4pm. www.rubbadubrescue.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids “Dazzling Memorial Day Centerpiece” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www. lakeshorelearning.com.

Opening Day at Pelican Bay Swim Complex (1034 S Bryant, Edmond). 11am-6pm. www.edmondok.com/ parks.

Pizza Gardening at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden allows children ages 7-10 to make, bake & eat their own pizzas & take home basil & tomato seedlings to grow at home. $7 members, $10 nonmembers. 11am-noon. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

FREE Day Hiking as a Family at the Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) teaches how to take an enjoyable & stress-free family hike, including equipment, first aid & how to keep younger children engaged. 3-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/ martin_park/index.html.

Full Moon Bike Ride at the Myriad Gardens features a 1-hour bike ride through downtown OKC & the Oklahoma River trails. Helmet & light required. $5 suggested donation. 10-11pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

May 26 • Sunday Fiesta de Verano presented by La Zeta at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway). Advance tickets available at all Homeland locations. 478-2140, www.frontiercity. com.

Wet & Wild 5K & Fun Run at Lake Hefner Stars & Stripes Park features a 5K where runners get pelted by water balloons & a Fun Run where runners stay dry. $35 in advance, $40 race day. Fun Run, 2pm; 5K, 2:30pm. www.wetandwild5okc.com.

May 27–31 Home School Days at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) features a discounted rate with advance ticket purchase. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com.

May 30 • Thursday Kindermusik at AFAC presents “A Princess Party!” at Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) features music & crafts. $20/princess, $15/sibling.

1-3 year olds, 9:30-10:30am; 3-6 year olds, 10:45-11:45am.

242-5454, www.crossingsokc.org.

FREE ROCKing Out at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134) teaches about rocks & geology & features live classic rock tunes. Preregister. 5:30pm.

979-2200, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

May 31 • Friday FREE Art After Hours at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman). Get acquainted with works from the exhibition Art Interrupted: Advancing American Art & the Politics of Cultural Diplomacy in a 45-minute discussion. 6pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/ fjjma.

FREE Spaghetti Eddie Concert at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage features family-friendly children’s music. 2-3pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

Downtown Dash 5K/10K at St. Anthony Hospital features race & health expo featuring local heath & fitness experts. $25 in advance, $40 on race day. 6pm. www.downtownokc.com.

June 2 • Sunday 30th Annual CMN Hospitals Telethon at the Children’s Atrium in the Children’s Hospital (1200 N Children’s) features a live, televised event that raises funds for pediatric research, education & clinical care. Includes the Miracle Mile of Quarters to benefit children with diabetes. 11am-5pm. www.okchf.org.

May 31–June 2 Ozarka OKC Nationals produced by OKC Motorsports at the Oklahoma River Boathouse District features one of the largest drag boat races in the nation. www. okcmotorsports.com.

June 1 • Saturday 3rd Annual Battle of the Burger at David Stanley Chevrolet of Norman features a burger grilling contest, activities, entertainment & more. Proceeds benefit OK Kid’s Korral. www.battleoftheburger.com.

Spring Girl Scout Day at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) welcomes all Girl Scouts & those interested in Girl Scouts. www.gswestok.org.

FREE Kids Workshops “Lawn Mower Pencil Holder” at Home Depot Stores features hands-on workshops for children ages 5-12. All kids receive a free apron, commemorative pin & certificate. 9amnoon. www.homedepot.com.

Willow in the Water at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden teaches how to root a willow & make a potted work of art. For ages 7-10. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. 10-11am. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

Furry, Scaly, Slimy Saturday! at the Myriad Gardens allows children to discover creatures that run, jump, slither & fly. See website for schedule of activities. 10am-3pm. $5 members, $10 nonmembers.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

May 28 • Tuesday Babysitting 101 at OU Medical Center Edmond (1 S Bryant, Edmond) teaches the basics of caring for children including First Aid & CPR for ages 11+.

Preregister. $100. 8am-4pm. 359-5580, www. oumedicine.com/edmond/communityevents. Also held 5/29 from 9am-5pm.

May 29 • Wednesday Comfort Measures for Labor at OU Medical Center Edmond (1 S Bryant) gives women & their partners hands-on practice of exercises & techniques to use in labor. Preregister. $25. 6-9pm. 359-5580, www. oumedicine.com/edmond.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Finding a copy of your favorite local family resource has never been easier!

FREE Summer Share Fair & Summer Reading Teen Kick-Off at the Norman Library (225 N Webster, Norman). Celebrate summertime in Norman by meeting community organizations that provide activities, camps, services & information for children & families. 1-2pm.

701-2600, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

June 3–7

FREE Sensational Memories Special Event Fair at Universal Dance Studio (5559 NW Expressway) features vendors, fashion show, live music, DJ, moonwalk, prizes, food & more for those planning a wedding, quinceanera, birthday party, prom, pageant or other special event. 1-6pm. www. thanksforthememoriesok.com.

June 4 • Tuesday

MetroFamily is now at all OKC area: Jimmy’s Egg locations Homeland stores Crest stores YMCA branches Area libraries And over 400 additional area businesses & schools.

“333” Mali’s Ancient Manuscripts at the Armstrong Auditorium features a film about the west African Islamic nation of Mali & how its ancient manuscripts serve as a roadmap for peace & conflict resolution. $25.

2pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org.

You may also enjoy the convenience of a subscription for $21.95 per year.

June 3 • Monday

Call 405-601-2081 or go to metrofamilymagazine.com/ subscribe

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FREE Luncheon on the Grass at Lions Park in Norman features an afternoon of activities in the park featuring hands-on art, entertainment & dessert.

Bring picnic meal. Concert follows at 7pm. 4-6:30pm.

325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

4th Annual Birdies for Babies Golf Tournament at River Oaks Golf Club (10909 Clubhouse) benefits the Infant Parent Intervention Center. See website for details. $130/person or $520/team of 4. Shot gun start, 1pm. 602-3171, www.ipic-ok.com.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

Eat My Dust! The Noise Guy at the Pioneer Library System Libraries features children’s author & comedian, Charlie Williams. See website for schedule. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store for children 6-14 to build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited. 5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com.

June 6–9 UCO Endeavor Games at UCO, Edmond North High School & Lake Arcadia Outdoor Adventure Recreation Center features a multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities. 974-3160, www. ucoendeavorgames.com.

June 8 • Saturday FREE Kids All-American Fishing Derby at Spring Creek Park at Arcadia Lake features a fishing derby for kids ages 5-15. Concessions & worms will be available for purchase. 7:30am-noon. 216-7471, www. edmondok.com.

FREE Take PART in the Fair Creative Arts Introductory Classes at Oklahoma State Fair Park offer instruction in various arts and crafts to develop skills for those interested in participating in the State Fair’s annual competitions. Participants must bring own supplies. Preregister. 948-6731, creativeprograms@okstatefair.com, okstatefair.com.

Ongoing Events May 9-July 28 Herb Ritts: Beauty & Celebrity at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features over 80 large-scale black & white photographs. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

FREE Into the Void Exhibition at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) is a studentcurated printmaking exhibition featuring works from the permanent collection that encompass the entire optical spectrum. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through May 17

Through August

FREE Bryan Adams: Exposed Exhibit at the City Arts Center Features select photography by the musician. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.

FREE Made in Oklahoma Recipe Contest is accepting submissions of original, unpublished recipes that use at least two Made in Oklahoma Coalition products. Prizes up to $1000. www.miorecipes.com.

Through May 29 Crumbo Spirit Talk at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) features the art of Woody Crumbo & his children. 522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter. org.

Through June 1

Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features works by Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum.

325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through August 2 Soundscapes at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features the sculptural work of 11 artists based on the distinct relationship between the visual & aural domains of art & perception. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

Through September 8

Enriched: Animal Art from the OKC Zoo at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) showcases the process of animal enrichment through painting. Mondays-Saturdays. 522-0765, www. oklahomahistorycenter.org.

Beautiful Beasts: The Unseen Life of Oklahoma Spiders & Insects at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) presents a series of large-scale color photographs taken by Thomas Shahan of mid-western spiders & insects. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu.

Through June 2

Through December 31

FREE National Weather Center Biennale at the National Weather Center (120 David L Boren, Norman) features an international juried exhibition including art about weather & the role it plays in shaping our lives. 325-1496, http://nwcbiennale.org.

June 3-August 9 Summer Movie Fun at Harkins Bricktown 16 (150 E Reno) features 10 family-friendly movies over 10 weeks. See website for movie schedule & ticket details. $5 for all 10 movies. www.harkinstheatres.com/smf.

Through June 9 FREE Art Interrupted: Advancing American Art & the Politics of Cultural Diplomacy Exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features an exhibition assembled in 1946 of modernist paintings highlighting the freedom of expression enjoyed by artists in the United States. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Through July 28 FREE Exhibition: Stirring the Fire–A Global Movement to Empower Women & Girls at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) showcases the work of photographer Phil Borges & his desire to shed light on specific gender issues worldwide while revealing practical pathways for women & girls to achieve gender equality. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Reigns Supreme: The Little Black Dress at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) showcases over 30 examples of the little black dress drawing from the collection of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org.

For more fun local events, check our online calendar at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/Calendar/.

Join our community!

Subscribe to Weekend Picks, our popular weekly email giving you all the upcoming family events in the area Like us: Facebook.com/MetroFamily Follow us: Twitter.com/MetroFamily

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Exploring OK with Children

Festivals Listing May - June 20 13

w i t h

Festivals are a great way for your family to experience new cultures, try new foods or just make treasured memories together. Whether you are looking for a large festival in the Oklahoma City metro or a unique event with small-town charm, this guide will help you find fun for all ages across the state. The comprehensive list featuring events from May through December can be found online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/oklahoma-festivals.

May 2013

& crafts, food, games, rides & more. 10am-5pm. 2628888, www.elrenoburgerday.com.

May 2–4 18th Annual Skyline Bluegrass Festival in Wewoka features the traditional bluegrass sounds, instrument workshops & multiple bands. 677-1509, www.okbgc.org.

Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly, Yukon) features over 50 areas of activities including crafts, storytelling, kayaking, moonbounces & performing arts stage. $5 in advance, $7 day of event for children, adults FREE. 10am-4pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

May 3–4

May 4–5

FREE Brickfest in downtown Pauls Valley includes Valley Rally Bike Tour, Hot Wheels Double Dog Dare Derby, Brick Toss Competition, vendors, music & more.

238-2555, www.mainstreetpaulsvalley.com.

May 3–5 FREE Rose Rock Music Festival in Noble features a carnival, art & craft vendors, festival food, live music, parade, car show & more. www.nobleok.org/roserock-music-festival.

Oklahoma Steam & Gas Engine Show in Pawnee features demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, kiddie tractor pull & entertainment. $8/day or $10/3-day pass, FREE children 12 & under. 8am. 918-762-2108, www.oklahomathreshers.org.

FREE Downtown Edmond Arts Festival in downtown Edmond features artists & crafters, food, performing artists & children’s area. Friday, 10am8pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm.

249-9391, www.downtownedmondok.com.

May 4 • Saturday FREE Claremore’s Lilac Festival in historic downtown Claremore features fun activities, vendors, live music, children’s activities & master gardeners.

918-341-2818, www.visitclaremore.com.

FREE Prague Kolache Festival on Main Street in downtown Prague includes music, food, crafts, parade & carnival rides. 567-4866, www. praguekolachefestival.com.

FREE El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in downtown El Reno features live entertainment, arts

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Travelers Cross Fantasy Faire at Camp Gypsy Woods in Strang features entertainers, costumed characters, food & hand crafted items. 10am-5pm. www.campgypsywoods.com.

FREE Camp McFadden Outdoor Expo in Ponca City includes Dutch oven cooking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, shotgun shooting, archery & zip line. Donation requested. 580-762-9955, www.campmcfadden.com.

May Fair Arts Festival 2013 at Andrews Park in Norman features arts & crafts vendors, entertainment, food vendors, children’s area & more. Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. www.norman. assistanceleague.org.

May 4–June 2 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee (3400 W Fern Mountain, Muskogee) features a 60-acre wooded theme park with castle, English village & hundreds of costumed performers. $14.95 adults, $7.95 children. Saturdays & Sundays in May, 10:30am-7pm. 918-687-3625, www.okcastle. com.

May 5 • Sunday FREE Herb Fest at Crestview Farms in Arcadia features entertainment, garden tours & vendors selling herbs, soaps & plants. 10am-4pm. 823-2430, www.crestvieworganicfarms.net.

May 10–12 FREE Rooster Days Festival at Central Park in Broken Arrow features live music, food, parade, bands, carnival rides & a 5K run. www.roosterdays.com.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

FREE Arts For All Festival at Shepler Park near downtown Lawton features art, entertainment, food & children’s art area. Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-248-5384, www. artsforallfestival.org.

May 11 • Saturday McSpadden Arrington All Indian Rodeo at Living Legends Rodeo Arena in Henryetta. www. amairaregion8.com.

May 16–19 FREE Tulsa International Mayfest in downtown Tulsa includes fine arts & crafts, entertainment, food, KidZone & indoor galleries. Thursday-Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 918-582-6435, www. tulsamayfest.org.

May 18–19 FREE Italian Festival at the Pittsburg County Expo Center in McAlester features Italian food, live entertainment, vendors, craft show & fine arts.

Saturday, 9am-dark; Sunday, 10am-4pm. www. themcalesteritalianfestival.org.

May 20–June 1 FREE Summerfest at Maple Park in Wagoner includes a carnival, live music, children’s games, car show, motorcycle show, crafts, food and vendors. 918-4853414, www.thecityofwagoner.org.

May 24–25 FREE Clinton Route 66 Festival at McClain Rogers Park in Clinton features live performances, wiener dog races & activities. 580-323-2222, www. clintonroute66festival.com.

May 24–26 67th Annual Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo in Claremore includes barrel racing, team roping, muttin’-bustin & rodeo pageant. $12 adults, $6 kids. www.willrogersstampede.com.

Rocklahoma in Pryor presents a three-day rock music festival featuring more than 50 hard rock entertainment acts on 3 stages. 918-825-0157, www. rocklahoma.com.

May 25 • Saturday Bethany 66 Festival in downtown Bethany includes an entertainment tent, children’s activities, vendors & more. 10am-4pm. 312-0155, www.bethany100.com.

May 25–26 Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features cowboy food, stage entertainment, stagecoach & covered wagon rides, weaving, rope making & hands-on activities. See website for schedule. 10am-4pm, FREE with museum admission.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FREE Jazz & Blues Festival at Stephenson Park (5 & Boulevard, Edmond) features live artists & bands with jazz & blues flair. Saturday, 4-10pm; Sunday, 2-10pm.

341-3321, www.edmondjazzandblues.org.

May 25–27 FREE 2013 Paseo Arts Festival in the Paseo Arts District showcases original works of visual artists, performance art, live music & children’s area.

Saturday-Sunday, 10am-8pm; Monday, 10am-6pm.

525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

May 29–June 1 Oklahoma Magnolia Festival in Durant includes ferris wheel rides, carnival, crafts & live entertainment. 580-924-0848, www.magnoliafestival. com.

May 30–June 1

June 5–9

9th Annual Tallgrass Music Festival in Skiatook features nationally-known bluegrass acts, children’s activities, workshops & vendors. 918-261-3443, www. tallgrassmusicfestival.com.

13th Annual deadCenter Film Festival showcases films from all across the country with panels, workshops & parties planned over 5 days in downtown Oklahoma City. 246-9233, www. deadcenterfilm.org.

May 31–June 2 FREE Sunfest in Bartlesville is known as Oklahoma’s biggest outdoor picnic & features fine arts, handmade crafts, musical entertainment & YouthFest. 918-3310456, www.facebook.com/BartlesvilleSunfest.

June 2013

June 6–8 American Heritage Music Festival at the Gore Civic Center & Snider’s Camp in Grove includes national clogging & fiddle contests with evening performances.

918-786-8896, www.grandlakefestivals.com.

June 7–8

June 1 • Saturday FREE 20th Annual Ponca City Herb Festival at the Cann Memorial Gardens (14th & Grand) features more than 100 vendors selling plants, birdhouses, handmade baskets, yard & garden ornaments, children’s activities, entertainment & seminars. 8am4pm. 580-765-2305, www.poncacityherbfestival.com.

FREE Chisholm Trail Crawfish Festival at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 Garth Brooks, Yukon) features the Kid’s Kreative Korral, historical reenactments, chicken & crawfish races, live music, pony rides, gunfights & more. 9am-6pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

June 4–8 FREE 2013 Oklahoma Chautauqua in Tulsa at the OSU-Tulsa Campus presents Anything Goes: America in the 1920s. www.okchautauqua.org. Also in Enid (6/11-15) & Lawton (6/18-22).

28th Annual Charlie Christian International Music Festival at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark features exhibits, music, food, fun, & festivities celebrating the musical contributions of jazz guitar legend, Charlie Christian. 524-3400, www. charliechristian.org.

Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival at Seminole State College in Seminole features prairie stories, American Indian stories, story swaps, concerts & ghost tales from nationally known, regional & local tellers. Preregister. www.territorytellers.org.

June 7–9 27th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival at the Cox Convention Center includes dance competition, art market & parade representing more than 100 tribes. 427-5228, www.redearth.org.

FREE A Small Town Weekend in El Reno includes car show, Kid’s Hot Wheels Races, drag races, festival food, vendors, live entertainment & children’s activities.

350-3048, www.ercruisers.com.

May 4: El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day

May 4: Prague Kolache Festival

May 25-26: Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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June 8 • Saturday

June 15 • Saturday

June 22–July 4

FREE Ice Cream Festival at Tilghman Park in Chandler features entertainment, carnival & ice cream courtesy of Hiland Dairy. 258-0673, www.chandlerok. com.

Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show at the Pawnee Bill Ranch site in Pawnee is one of the longest running, historically accurate shows of its kind featuring performing cowboys & American Indians, chariot races, trick riders & musicians. 7:30pm. 918762-2513, www.pawneebillranch.com. Also on 6/22 & 6/29.

Liberty Fest in Edmond is a week-long celebration featuring 11 family-oriented events, including a concert, road rally, kite fest, rodeo, car show, food fest, pageant, parade and fireworks. Named by CNN and USA Today as one of the top 10 July 4th festivals in the US. See website for schedule. 340-2527, www. libertyfest.org.

June 20–22

June 29 • Saturday

FREE 30th Annual Jazz in June in Norman features three days of contemporary, swing, blues, salsa, improv & smooth jazz. See website for schedule & locations. 325-2222, www.jazzinjune.org.

FREE Stars & Stripes River Festival in the Boathouse District in OKC will include food, family activities, live outdoor concert, fireworks, races & more. See website for schedule. www. oklahomariverevents.org.

KawFest on the beach at Kaw Lake near Ponca City includes a pork cook-off, live music & sand castle contest. 580-762-9494, www.kawlake.com.

Annual Calf Fry Festival & Cook-Off in Vinita includes samples of the “local delicacy” as well as entertainment, crafts, cowboy games, baseball tournament & more. 918-256-7133, www.vinita.com.

June 9–15 OK Mozart International Music Festival in Bartlesville is a multi-day, multi-location event with professional orchestra musicians, concert artists & musical performances of artistic excellence. 918-3369900, www.okmozart.com.

June 14–15 Hog Wild BBQ & Chrome Fest in Chandler includes a BBQ contest, car & bike show, vendors, artists, food & entertainment. 258-0673, www.chandlerok.com.

FREE Kiamichi Owa-Chito Festival of the Forest at Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow promotes the beauty, heritage & culture of Kiamichi Country with forestry competitions, art & photography shows, children’s activities & music. 580-584-3393, www. beaversbend.com.

June 21 • Friday Summer Solstice Walks at Spiro Mounds Archeological Center in Spiro includes a guided tour about the mounds. 11am, 2pm & 7pm. 918-962-2062, www.okhistory.org.

June 21–22 FREE 15th Annual Farming Heritage Festival in Shawnee. 623-2834, www.oktractorclub.com.

June 21–July 27 “The Elijah Factor” at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater in Disney is a play about Elijah. Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30-8pm, preshow, 8pm & the play at sunset. $14.25 adults, children under 10 FREE. 918435-8207, www.pictureinscripture.com.

June 29–30 Kidfest at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville features crafts, games, entertainment, food and re-enactors. 918-336-0307, www.woolaroc. org.

June 30 • Sunday FREE Rockets Over Rhema at Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow features a car show, inflatable games, outdoor concert, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, face painting, concessions and one of the largest fireworks displays in the area at 10pm. 918-258-1589, www.rocketsoverrhema.com.

May 25-27: Paseo Arts Festival

June 7-9: Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival

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June 22-July 4: Liberty Fest

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Ask the Experts Local Parenting Experts and Readers Weigh In Making Time For Everyone

Breaking The Back-Talk

I’m a working mother with four children who range in age from 2–12. How can I spend time with each of them without spreading myself too thin?

My preschooler constantly talks back. How do I get her to understand respect?

Dedicate time weekly to each child and encourage the other children to increase their ability to play together or by themselves during this time. In my house, we called this “roomtime.” This serves two purposes: first, it allows you to spend one-on-one time with each child (or even by yourself—don’t forget to make time for you), and second, it allows your children time to appreciate being alone, learn to self-soothe and entertain themselves—which, in the long run, produces more confident and stable adults.

Donnie Van Curen is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. 405-823-4302, www.counseling1820. com.

Don’t buy into the idea that children are only happy when they’re entertained. Spend more time with your kids by looking at what you have to do and incorporating them into that chore—kids can help cook, pick up a rag and dust, pull weeds in the garden and get dirty with you outdoors. When it’s time to run errands, bring one child with you and leave the electronics at home; this is a great time

for one-on-one conversation and to catch up on what’s happening in your child’s day.

Devonne Carter is a clinical social worker in private practice in Edmond. 405-326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com.

Reader feedback: • There’s something to be said for creating memories together as a family. One night a week, turn off the television and play board games as a family. Or four nights a week (one for each kid), let the chosen kid stay up 15 minutes later for one-on-one time with you.

• I would set up an individual, tailor-made “date night” with each of my kids. The day was all about what the child liked to do.

• Try arts and crafts, making pillow and blanket forts, planting together in the garden, homemade treasure maps or set up a tent in the backyard to “camp.” Hope one or two of these ideas stand out to you!

Thanks to Debbie K., Lara G. and Ashley K. for your feedback!

Dealing With Difficult Adults My child complains about a teacher at his school, that she snaps at the kids when they ask questions and yells so much that it pushes some kids to tears. I don’t want to interfere (he’s in 5th grade), because I want him to handle the situation and understand that sometimes he will have to deal with difficult people. But is there a point where, as a parent, I should intercede?

As a school counselor for the past 13 years, I’ve worked with many different teachers.

All of them have their own personalities and ways of managing their classrooms—from the super sweet and nurturing kindergarten teacher, to the strict and structured sixth grade teacher trying to control students with raging hormones and elementary school’s version of “senioritis.”

I think it’s wise to teach your son that he will need to be able to work with all kinds of different teachers in his school career, because that is certainly the case. In my experience, some kids are so eager to please their teachers that they take every word the teacher says to heart. The teacher may, in reality, be trying to gain order with the entire class, and is not necessarily getting on to your son. With that in mind, listen carefully to what your son is telling you and ask for specifics. When your son says “the teacher yelled at us,” ask him specifically what the teacher said and what was going on in the

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classroom at the time. Sometimes kids can leave out details that make the situation much clearer upon further investigation. After you hear more of the details, you will know whether or not to intervene.

Lanet Clark is an elementary school counselor in a metro-area school district.

Reader feedback: • School is a place kids should be safe and encouraged to ask questions. I would visit unannounced to see it for yourself.

• Absolutely intercede. If not you, then who?

• Often written communication works better, so you have written confirmation that the concern was expressed and the teacher’s response.

• Put your concerns in writing and present it to the principal. Come up with a plan of action and both sign it.

Thanks to Kami M., Laura K., Jennifer S., Stephanie M. and Christy R. for your feedback.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

If your daughter doesn’t learn to have respect for you now, she may not respect authority figures at school or legal authorities when she gets older. At preschool age, children will naturally test limits to find boundaries, so this is a great time to teach her about respect by setting consistent, structured boundaries on her behavior. Remember that a lack of consistency will likely lead to more disrespect, so consistency is the key. It might take some time, but it’s worth the effort.

After all, it’s easier to train a tiger as a cub than when fully grown!

Kevin Tutty is a licensed professional counselor in private practice. 405-431-6225.

Give your child a consequence when she talks back and tell her, “Our family does not talk back” or “I expect to be respected,” but also follow through with an appropriate consequence. Often, we talk but don’t follow through to show our children we mean business. For an effective lesson, give your child a brief instruction of your expectations for her and follow through with an ageappropriate consequence, such as losing a toy or a time out.

Devonne Carter is a clinical social worker in private practice in Edmond. 405-326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com.

Our Readers Respond: • All children need guidelines to live by and they need to learn consequences. Teach them. Guide them. And always tell them you love them.

• Spending time with your kids and leading by example can be the most important key in building a relationship full of trust and respect.

• Read 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2–12 [by Dr. Thomas W. Phelan] It is a great strategy that addresses arguing by children and yelling by parents.

Thanks to Tracy J., Stephanie W. and Liz W. for your feedback!

For more input from our experts on these questions, visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/ask-the-experts, where you may also leave your feedback and submit your questions for future columns.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Focus on Education Preventing the Summer Slide

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ay is here, and the kids are in the home stretch. Summer break is on the horizon! As parents and caregivers, many of us are excited about trips we have planned and spending a little time relaxing, just as the kids are. While summer is definitely a time for fun and family, take a moment and ask yourself: how can you make it a time for learning, too?

Studies show that it is very common for children to lose months of reading and math skills over the summer break. So how can parents keep kids engaged while still allowing for some summer fun? While it may take some creativity, there are many options both in the community and on the go, to help keep your kids from suffering from too much learning lag.

Ready, Set, Read Instilling a love of reading can be a tall order, but a visit to the local library in the summer may give kids a jump start. Sign up for your local library’s summer reading program, which offers fun incentives for goals met, which encourages reading without pressure (see sidebar). As far as what kids should be reading, feel free to loosen those reins a little during the summer. Let them explore something new, or even read the occasional magazine. The mind is a muscle, and as long as they’re working it, don’t worry about details. Just encourage a little reading time every day.

If your child does best with the structure offered by a schedule, go ahead and schedule

reading time into his or her day—and yours as well! After all, children whose parents are frequent readers tend to be better readers themselves. If you need ideas for great reads, your local librarian can offer up fun and ageappropriate reading suggestions for the whole family, or visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/summer-reads.

Teacher Talk Many teachers will send home information or suggested activities for summer break at the end of the school year. Edmond elementary teacher Kim Mula puts together a packet for each of her students based on their learning level. “The package consists of math and literacy activities, and book suggestions that are on their reading level. I also send home sight words to build on reading fluency and a list of websites that can reinforce concepts that were learned in the school year. These websites usually are related to school textbook adoptions and district curriculum.”

If your child’s teacher hasn’t sent home specific information, you can always ask for suggestions. Teachers want their students to be successful, and the more time students spend on summer learning activities, the less time spent reviewing information in the fall.

Older students, particularly those in Advanced Placement classes, may have summer reading lists or other activities to complete. Look through any information your child brings home, and check the school website for additional information which may not have made it home.

Summer Reading Programs “Just like hockey players lose some of their skills if they stay off their skates and off the ice for three months, children who do not read in the summer lose two to three months of reading development,” says Dr. Richard Allington, professor of education at the University of Tennessee. The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge begins May 6, and parents can sign up kids at www.scholastic.com/summer and also find a wide variety of free resources to help keep kids reading through the summer.

Local libraries also have summer reading programs that are fun for kids to join. Both the Pioneer Library System (www.pls.lib.ok.us) and MetroLibrary System (www.metrolibrary. org) have summer reading programs that feature events to promote literacy and reading, reading-level appropriate book lists and prizes for kids who meet their reading goals.

Details on these programs, plus local bookstore programs, may be found at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-reading-programs

Learning Websites Fun and educational websites to help elementary-aged kids keep their skills sharp: • Reinforce math skills with educational games found at www.coolmath4kids.com.

• Find answers to pressing questions at www.factmonster.com, a great source for research.

• Games to reinforce reading skills are available at www.starfall.com.

• Test your logic skills with fun puzzles at www.puzzlersparadise.com.

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Surf the Web While it’s smart to limit computer and internet time during the school year to prevent homework distractions, consider easing up on those time restrictions during the summer months. There are many safe and educational websites that have fun learning games your child can play. “There are many great websites (see sidebar) that provide literacy and learning activities for kids,” says Mula, or you can always ask your child’s teacher for suggestions.

Camping Time Whether it’s at home or away, camp can provide a great opportunity for learning in a fun atmosphere. Overnight camps can be specialized for learning opportunities, especially for niche fields such as computers, sports, science, music and even math. Other activities are typically interspersed to maintain an active experience for everyone.

Not ready for overnight camp? Day camps allow students to focus on certain areas of interest, such as acting, writing, or music.

Camps often last a week at a time, and your child may be able to enroll in more than one during the summer.

Editor’s note: find a list of great camp opportunities in the online directory at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-campguide.

Road Trip!

Remember, travel is a form of learning all on its own. Let your kids in on the planning and research part of taking a vacation. Have them research the area or map out a route.

Encourage kids to read or play games while you travel (alphabet game, anyone?) for on-the-go learning that’s fun and entertaining.

If you are pressed for time or money, don’t worry. There are plenty of summer learning opportunities locally, such as the museums, zoo, aquarium, concerts and parks that they don’t usually get to attend during the school year. Consider having them keep a journal of their activities as a way to sneak in a little writing practice.

Keeping young minds engaged in learning will help to stave off boredom and summer learning lag. Whatever you do this summer, remember to enjoy your family and have fun!

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and single mom to two girls. An Edmond resident, she graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an HR manager in the medical field.

Your Healthy Family Prescription Drug Abuse

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© Detectivezito | Dreamstime.com

rescription drug use in America has skyrocketed in the past decade, with some studies showing that regular use of prescription medications has more than doubled among the general population since the start of the new millennium. Studies also show that nearly half of the adult population takes more than one prescription medication.

With numbers like that, it’s inevitable that the rates of prescription drug dependency and accidental overdose have also sharply increased.

In 2010, Oklahoma had the fourth highest unintentional poisoning death rate in the United States. In fact, prescription drug abuse has become Oklahoma’s fastestgrowing drug problem, and it is one to which no one is immune.

Painkillers and Opioids Since the late 1990s, prescription painkillers have been the most common cause of overdose deaths nationwide. Opioid narcotics are commonly prescribed, relatively inexpensive, and potentially highly addictive medications used for pain management.

Physicians often prescribe opiates to patients recovering from surgery, those with injuries, or chronic conditions such as cancer. They are also used for toothaches and dental pain, and can be found in some prescription cough suppressants. They work by lowering the number of pain signals your body sends to your brain, and by changing the way your brain responds to those signals.

When a patient becomes addicted, the drug’s euphoric effects begin driving the body’s need to use it, which in most cases only happens if the drug is misused or the directions aren’t followed. While opioids are highly effective as acute pain relievers, they are only recommended for short-term use because of their potential for dependency.

Anti-Anxiety Medications Another commonly used—and misused— prescription drug is alprazolam, an antianxiolytic belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Alprazolam (trade name Xanax) is approved for use in anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder. Alprazolam possesses antianxioltic, sedative, hypnotic, skeletal muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnesiac properties, and many experts in the field feel it may be highly addictive in some cases. Use of alcohol with alprazolam is not advised.

Adverse effects include low blood pressure, shallow breathing and hallucinations, as it is a central nervous system depressant. When

Safety Tips From the Oklahoma State Department of Health For optimal safety in using prescription medications, the OSDH offers the following suggestions: • Only take medications as prescribed and never take more than the recommended dosage, especially when taking opioid painkillers.

• Never share or sell your prescription drugs.

• Dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs only at approved drug disposal sites.

• Keep all pain medications in a safe place to avoid theft and access to children.

• Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers.

• Never drink alcohol while taking medication.

• Put the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and cell phone for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access.

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mixed with other central nervous system depressants—such as narcotics—alprazolam can even be lethal.

Awareness Avy Doran-Redus is the Project Coordinator for the Unintentional Poison Prevention Programs within the Injury Prevention Service at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). “Oklahomans need to be aware of the risks associated with prescription drugs and only take medications as prescribed.” In fact, according to the Department of Health, of the nearly 3,200 unintentional poisoning deaths that occurred in Oklahoma between 2007–2011, 81 percent involved prescription medications. “Of those, 87 percent involved a prescription pain killer,” says Doran-Redus. To put it in perspective, more deaths in Oklahoma involve hydrocodone each year than methamphetamines, heroin and cocaine combined. “From 2002–2010, hospitalization charges due to unintentional poisonings increased 265 percent,” notes Doran-Redus.

Unintentional Abuse Overdose often occurs in cases where the patient has a legitimate prescription for the drug and mixes it with alcohol or another medication that may not be advised.

While some people purchase prescription drugs illegally, it’s important to realize that having a valid prescription doesn’t

necessarily safeguard anyone, especially if they use more than one pharmacy. Using one regular pharmacy allows pharmacists to

prescription or other drug dependency, call 211. To report illegal distribution or diversion of prescription drugs, you can contact the

Of the nearly 3,200 unintentional poisoning deaths occurring in Oklahoma from 2007–2011, 81% involved prescription medications review your prescription profile with each new medication and catch any potential problems. However, if patients use more than one pharmacy, this valuable service may not be available. In addition, remember to disclose all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking to your physician or pharmacist.

For more information on preventing unintentional overdose, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at 405-271-3430.

If you think you may have a problem with

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics at 1-800522-8031. For any questions you may have about specific medications, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Shannon Fields is a freelance writer and single mom to two girls. An Edmond resident, she graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and is an HR manager in the medical field.

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Real Moms of the Metro Meet Jami Watters: Raising Awareness for Childhood Cancer

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Photo by Steffanie Halley, Steffanie Halley Photography.

n honor of Mother’s Day, we recently asked our readers to nominate an awesome mom in their lives. We received more than 30 nominations of moms who are making a difference in their families, communities, workplaces and in the world.

After careful consideration, our editorial team selected Oklahoma City mom Jami Watters.

In her nomination, Jami’s best friend Susan Bell wrote: “Jami lost her son, Jamison, to leukemia in October 2009. She never stops fighting for a cure or keeping her son’s memory alive. She’s a pediatric intensive care unit nurse and saves lives daily. Her surviving son, Tyler and her precious daughter, Emersen, help to bring light back to her sometimes-breathtaking darkness. I can’t truly describe her strength, passion and love for her family and her desire for kids to have a better way to fight cancer. I am blessed beyond words to not only have her as my closest friend, but an awesome ally in our childhood cancer fight.”

“I was completely in shock to find out I had been selected,” Jami explains. “I didn’t even know that Susan had nominated me. She called me at work and told me that I had won.

I was so overwhelmed that I almost started crying.”

“When Jamison got diagnosed, I clearly remember the doctor sitting us down and saying ‘this is not a death sentence’ and I believed her. Unfortunately, even with an 85 percent cure rate, my two-year-old little boy was gone 18 days later. We were in shock.

It took two weeks before the oncologist told us Jamison had died from neutropenic entrocolitis, a rare complication from the chemotherapy,” Jami recalls. “It was so hard knowing that he was gone when we had just started fighting and when his chances of beating it were so high. I vowed in that

Quick Facts About Jami 1. What are 5 words that describe you? Funny, outgoing, sensitive, compassionate and dedicated.

2. What’s your favorite TV show?

Dexter.

3. What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? Indian Tacos.

4. What’s always in your handbag? Chapstick.

5. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Pizza.

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Jami Watters, husband Stephen, daughter Emersen (age 2) and son Tyler (age 8).

Jami holds a photo of son Jamison, who was two when he passed on October 23, 2009.

moment that I would not let his death be in vain. If I could save one child, one mommy from this horrible pain then I owed it to Jamison.”

“I know several children in Oklahoma that are battling cancer and I really wanted any money raised [for childhood cancer research] to stay in our state. So I joined with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and set up a non-profit organization called Making Cents 4 Jamison, because we can’t make sense why children get cancer, but we can make cents for change,” Jami explains. “Our goal is to raise $13,000 by September 13, 2013, which would have been Jamison’s 6th birthday. All the money raised will go directly to the Children’s Hospital Foundation for Pediatric Oncology Research.”

Here’s more about how this 36-year old native Oklahoman is hoping her family’s loss can help provide a bright light in the fight against childhood cancer.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

How truly lucky I am to have such an amazing and supportive husband. The last few years have been incredibly difficult for our family, and I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through it without him.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

What are you passionate about?

Raising awareness for childhood cancer. I had no idea how little funding [childhood cancer research] receives until Jamison got sick. Less than 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute budget goes to fund childhood cancer and that is just not acceptable. Our children deserve more.

How has motherhood changed you?

I had no idea how much I could love someone until becoming a parent. It also has shown me how strong I am. I always said I could never handle it if something ever happened to one of my children, but when Jamison died, I had no choice but to go on. Seeing Jamison sick was excruciating. Chemo is hard on adults and way worse on a two year old. Tyler was only 4 and he had just lost his baby brother, I vowed right then and there that he would not lose his mother, too.

How do you banish stress?

Having some nice quiet “Me” time.

What inspires you?

All the random acts of kindness that have come from losing Jamison. It has amazed me how so much good can come out of such a tragedy. It inspires me to pay it forward wherever and whenever I can.

Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?

I am nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. Jamison got sick and passed away just 8 weeks before I graduated nursing school, and I almost gave up on nursing completely. Now I am so grateful I stayed because I think this is just where I am supposed to be.

What do you like most about your job?

I am so blessed to have a job that I truly love. I love that I only work part time, which allows me so much more time with my children and husband. Most of all I love that I have a job where I feel like I am doing something that really makes a difference.

What is on your wish list?

I wish for childhood cancer to get the recognition and funding it deserves. My wish is that one day, a cure will be found so that no child, no family, will have to fight this fight again.

What are you most proud of?

One of the biggest compliments I get as a parent is that my kids are always smiling.

Hearing that I have happy children makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

What motivates you?

My children. I read a quote once after Jamison passed away from a mother who lost her little girl and she said, “I often think about her sitting up there looking down, nudging the other angels with a big smile saying, ‘Hey that’s my mom!’” I think of that a lot and strive every day to make all three of my children proud of their mommy.

How do you find balance in your life?

At the end of the day I just have to remind myself what is most important and try to remember that the little things are just that.

of my biggest comforts in the beginning because I knew that she had been through it and survived. Now I pay it forward by reaching out to other newly bereaved moms.

What is your parenting style?

I am pretty laid back, but at the same time I feel it’s important to set rules and boundaries so you don’t raise a self-entitled child. If I could teach my children anything it would be to be kind, compassionate and empathetic towards others.

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday to put someone else’s happiness and well being ahead of your own, to teach and do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong.”—Donna Bell Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.

Editor’s Note: To learn more about Making Cents 4 Jamison, visit www.facebook.com/ MakingCents4Jamison and to make an online donation in support of Jami’s cause, visit http://okchf.org/campaign?num=25.

Jami is just one of the many outstanding moms who was nominated in our Awesome Moms contest. Read the stories of other nominees at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ awesome-moms..

Advice for other moms?

Never take one moment for granted, take lots of pictures and videos, never pass up an opportunity to snuggle and tell them you love them.

What’s the biggest challenge in your life?

Continuing my life as a mother of three when I only have two of my children at home with me. Jamison is and will always be just as much a part of my life as Tyler and Emersen. I am very blessed to have a group of family and friends who never hesitate to share memories of Jamison when I need them.

How do you help others?

After I lost Jamison, I had a complete stranger reach out to me that had lost her son a year before. She was probably one

May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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occasion, me of year or ti t ha w r te at No m nning BEST party-pla e th nd fi ll u' yo . area right here choices in the

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May 2013 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com

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Step back in time...

Visit our historic land run property nestled deep in the heart of OKC. Take a guided tour of Mr. Harn’s victorian mansion, historic oneroom school house and 1900’s dairy barn. Hands-on educational programs for children ages 4 and up are available.

Schedule a tour @ (405) 235-4058 or visit www.harnhomestead.com.

1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City

Mom Gets the Last Laugh Of Scissors and Scotch Tape

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got up at four in the morning. Crazy, I know, but my husband does it one day every week so sometimes I show my solidarity by getting up with him. It’s a bad idea, a pointless show of support that usually does not end well, but if I’m lucky I get a lot of work done before the kids wake up.

Illustration by Emily Ball, http://emilymgball.com.

On this particular morning I paid bills, cleared my inbox, and worked out a four-leg carpool schedule for my children’s cotillion class. We can all rest assured the children will be on time to the classes where they learn to say “hello” and “where do you go to school” to a member of the opposite sex without shaking, sweating or otherwise behaving inappropriately.

One of my morning desk jobs required tape.

It was urgent, in the way that only Scotch tape emergencies can be. But I’m nothing if not prepared and I took comfort in the knowledge that my trusty tape would be there, waiting patiently in my top left desk drawer.

Wrong.

My heart raced as the swell of anger grew.

Such a mildly sticky substance should never cause this much distress. However, instances of lost tape have become a peeve of mine, along with missing scissors and borrowed mechanical pencils. I need little to practice my trade and manage the myriad amusements of our family. All I ask is that my simple tools remain in, or are returned to their proper homes. Is that so much to ask?

My children are infatuated with tape. They make things out of it—pictures, shoes, bicycle parts. They write notes on tape, and then tape them onto walls with more tape.

They stick it to their faces. They love it, completely and unconditionally.

Me? I just use tape. And when my little sticky buddy isn’t where I left it, I get a little angry.

I looked in the drawer, in the office supply cubby and behind the bookshelf. No tape.

At least three rolls of it—gone, vanished without a trace, like tissue in cold season.

Maybe it was the hour, or my not quite fully caffeinated state, but I was livid. I wanted that tape. I wanted it NOW. But it was five-thirty in the morning. Instead of rousing my children from their beds in a mad woman’s frenzy, I plotted revenge. I would teach those ingrates the consequences of stealing a woman’s tape. It’s not like they hadn’t been warned. A few weeks earlier, I’d stocked up. And not just for me. Generously, I provided each of my two children with a personal roll of tape.

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“This is yours,” I said. “You can let me know if you need more, but under no circumstances are you to take the tape from my drawer.” I had showed them the two rolls of tape in my desk drawer so as to underscore the importance of this directive.

“Got it?”

After the expected number of eye rolls, they answered in unison. “Yes, Mom, we got it.”

Clearly, they didn’t get it.

Before finishing my pre-dawn cup of coffee I devised a surprisingly rational plan. I would simply take the cost of the replacement office supplies out of their allowances. Each time I reached for something of mine that was not where it should be—cha-ching, show me your money.

When my son and daughter came down for breakfast I said good morning, hugged them, and calmly announced the new policy. One set of eyes narrowed, then teared up. The other just rolled back in its annoyed ‘tween skull.

Voices were raised.

The toaster was abused.

“You just want to make money off us!”

Ah… yes, exactly. Exploitation of my children popped into my head shortly after peeing on the stick. My wicked plan to get rich extorting my own money for Scotch tape and paperclips was finally starting to pay off! And boy, was I in for a windfall with the scissors.

I resumed typical morning activities— cooking for my children, cleaning up after my children, writing checks so that my children can read books and attend enriching extra-curricular activities. However, I soon noticed that neither of them were speaking to me. Perhaps I’d been a bit harsh, a bit reactive. It occurred to me that picking a fight about tape over breakfast might not have been the wisest choice. And yes, I wondered if it was actually my husband who had taken the tape. But I had to stand my ground. This is the new normal, tape thieves.

Deal with it. Because once you go too far down a road you need to stay the course or accept a kind of parental defeat that undermines every future disciplinary effort.

God help us if someone ever swipes the three-hole punch.

Corn flake shrapnel flew.

My daughter was most visibly upset, as she values money more than her brother does, more than shoes, more than breath, I sometimes fear. She shook while pleading her case of injustice.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com | May 2013

Lela Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?