momaha.com
VOLUME 8 · ISSUE 10 OCTOBER
GET ORGANIZED Clean and tidy bath toys
All things baby
Silly, spooky, tasty treats
2017
Brownell Talbot School
creates
opportunities
to develop the whole student. to give back. to thrive. to excel.
From preschool to grade 12, we prepare students to learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.
October 21st 11am - 3pm
What will you create at BT? Visit brownell.edu/GoBT
In Mangelsen’s Parking Lot
400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. • 402.556.3772
2047687-01 204 220 004 047 4477668 687 68787887 77-0011
2047007-01
21 1
THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.
Levi & Dylan, age 4 Pulmonary Atresia
Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.
2036634-01
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REGISTER ONLINE OR AT ANY YMCA!
SAFE SWIMMERS START HERE
Lessons available for all ages and abilities! 2nd Fall Session: October 29-December 23
Registration begins: October 16 for Y members October 20 for non members
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org REGISTER ONLINE OR AT ANY YMCA!
SHOOT & SCORE WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL
Teams available for youth 3 years - 12th grade. Winter Season begins Jan. 13, 2018 • Register through Saturday, Nov. 25 2047261-01
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momaha where moms connect
VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 10 . OCTOBER 2017 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094
creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351
assistant editor MaRjIE DuCEy marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034
momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
production coordinator PaT R I C I a “ M u R P H y � B E N o I T
content contributors aMy TokoS H E aT H E R W I N k E l joDI SToNE
account manager DEB McCHESNEy deb.mcchesney@owh.com 402-444-1448
account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489
account executive
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E M I ly M a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411
account executive MICHaEl MEDRaNo michael.medrano@owh.com 402-444-1209 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2017 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.
Family Meals Made Easy
VALA’S OPENS FRIDAY
Try this easy meal...
PIZZA DOGS
September 15 thru October 31 Over 50 attractions and activities at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, plan to spend most of your day exploring all the farm has to offer. From the classic hayrack ride to the pumpkin field to our giant bouncing pillows, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Buy your season passes now online at
www.valaspumpkinpatch.com
Prep Time
15 Min | Cook Time
Ready In
15 Min
30 Minutes
DIRECTIONS 1) Spray or oil your outdoor grill with cooking oil and preheat over high heat (450-500°F). Grill the hot dogs until golden brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. 2) Spread the butter and garlic salt on the cut side of the bread and toast on the grill until golden, about 1-2 minutes. 3) To build dogs: spread tomato sauce and layer with pepperoni, hot dogs and cheese. Place back on the grill with the heat off or on low, until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
In Partnership with
4 Ball Park Angus Beef Franks
2 (4.7 ounce) loaves French demi mini baguette bread, halved lengthwise and hollowed 1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
16 slices pepperoni
8 slices mozzarella cheese
See more recipes at ShopFamilyFare.com/Recipes/Catalog
2046308-01
402-332-4200 info@valaspumpkinpatch.com
12102 S 180th St • Gretna, NE 68028
2041970-01
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PHOTO: HEidi THORsOn
CONTENTS
Real MoMs + advice 8 Editor’s Column 10 On Our Radar 12 Momaha Bookshelf 28 Get Organized 32 Be Well
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seasoNal
14 Baby Fair 22 Treat Bags 24 Junkstock 26 Caramel Apples 30 Melon Ball Parfait
oN THe coveR Photo: Heidi Thorson Cookies: Jodi Stone
16 Halloween Cookies
YOUR ACTIONS MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER.
SUNDAY, OCT. 8, 2017
Baxter Arena, 67th & Center Register at komengreatplains.org 2046490-01
Sign up for 2017-2018 Season. • Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Clogging • Tumbling • Dance Team/Pom • Pre-pointe • Pointe
$50 OFF 2017-2018 Season
New Students Only • Expires Nov. 15
Director/Instructor Jennifer Wollmann E-mail: DanceDynamicsNE@yahoo.com 1238 Royal Dr. Papillion 402-932-9805 DanceDynamicsNE.com 7
MoMaHa.coM editor // aSHlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam and Elliott. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH
WE’rE Having Fun noW!
H
ello, October. Welcome back. October is my favorite month for many reasons, including cooler temperatures, falling leaves, pumpkin everything, the need for scarves and — the big one — Halloween! I have an early October birthday. Every year growing up my mom would set up the Halloween decorations on Oct. 1 so they’d be out for my birthday. She’d make me a Halloween-themed birthday cake and wrap my presents in Halloween paper. My husband has continued this tradition, which makes me endlessly happy. When I was pregnant with my oldest son, Sam, my mom and aunts threw me a Halloween baby shower.
If it were up to me, it would be Halloween year-round. Today, 3-year-old Sam knows Halloween is a big deal in our house. He’s already talking about what he wants to be on the big day, though he bounces from idea to idea. Spider-Man is a top contender, but he’s also talked about being a spider (yuck), a Ghostbuster or No Noggin from the movie “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest.” Though, if this mama got her way, she’d dress both boys in matching costumes. Thing 1 and Thing 2, anyone? If you’re in need of some fun Halloween ideas, we’ve got ‘em! Cookies, treat bags, books – all to help usher in the best season of the year. Happy haunting!
Get Social Facebook /momahacom
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TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh insTaGraM /momaha_owh
Halloween Celebrate
Visit omahalibrary.org for a complete schedule of events. 20472962047296-01 2966-01 601
OCT. 21, 5 - 8 PM
General Admission applies. No registration required.
NEW STATE OF THE ART LOCATION
S TA R R I N G
Astronaut Clayton Anderson and the debut of his SOKOL Suit
Classes for all ages Recreational & Competition Classes Available
Autograph Session with Astronaut Anderson • Robotics Activities Free Make & Take • Plus Aircraft Crawlthroughs
CALL TODAY!
Celebrating our 13th Season 13595 Giles Rd Suite I. Omaha, NE 402.933.8979 www.dancingwithmaren.com
2035494-01
28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, Nebraska 68003
1999665-01
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On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s Picks
THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH
KEEP COZY
It can get chilly on these fall nights. Slip into this fringesleeved sweater, in fall’s hot color: burgundy. Plus, who doesn’t love fringe? Jcrew.com. $59.50.
LIGHT IT UP
ENJOY PUMPKIN SPICE FLAVORS
Are you crazy for pumpkin spice products? For a limited time, try Quaker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal for breakfast. Major supermarkets. $4.89.
The lights on this BlissLights firefly laser projector were the perfect backdrop for a “Frozen”-themed dance party! Use it outside at Halloween and Christmas, too. Or any other excuse to celebrate in lights. Blisslights.com $139.
DRESS YOUR DOG
Why should your kids have all the fun? Fido can look just as cute in this Spider-Man pet outfit, which comes with a shirt and hood. Purecostumes.com. $23.95.
PLAY FOOTSIE
There’s nothing scary about this giraffe footie onesie. Our new mom appreciated the organic cotton, the sturdy snaps and the fact that it didn’t shrink when washed. Dad wished there would have been a zipper instead of snaps. A squirmy baby and lots of fasteners isn’t easy! Finnandemma.com. $34.
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Come
growwith us!
You’re invited to schedule a free meeting to get to know • 24-hour nurse helpline • 24-hour appointment scheduling • Extended evening and Saturday hours • Same Day Pediatrics for sick appointments * Five convenient Omaha Locations
boystownpediatrics.org 2047462-01
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New picks hot off the presses, straight to you COMPILED by Momaha Magazine
PuG & PIG trICkOr-trEat
Sue Lowell Gallion Pug and Pig are ready for Halloween in their matching custumes. But Pug decides he hates to wear his and wants to stay home, which is no fun for Pig. See how Pug gets back in the Halloween spirit in this adorable picture book for pet lovers of all ages.
PrINCEssEs WEar PaNts
Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim Princess Penelope Pineapple has a room full of sparkly dresses. But sometimes you need pants to get the job done. A book that shows girls that it’s not how they look but what they do that matters. Ages 3 to 7.
GOOD NIGht BaDDIEs
Deborah Underwood and Juli Kangas Those wicked witches and evil queens aren’t all bad. Watch as classic villains brush their teeth, put on their pajamas and get ready for a good night’s sleep. Ages 4 to 8.
I WILL NOt Eat YOu
Adam Lehrhaupt and Scott Magoon Suspenseful book about a creature who resists the urge to eat the animals that wander into his cave, at least for now. When it’s a little boy’s turn, has Theodore found a new favorite food or something more? Ages 4 to 8.
hatChED
Bruce Coville A modern fairytale about a griffin named Gerald. But Gerald isn’t your usual griffin. He’s not brave and fierce, guardian of a great treasure or completely hidden from humans. It’s a treat to find out what happens to Gerald after he meets his first human, a youngster just like him. Ages 8 to 12.
BAN These days, virtual experiences get passed off as the real thing. But not here. At School of Rock, kids have real fun learning. Here they play actual instruments, not game controllers. Here, garage band is a thing kids form, followers, not just the online kind. So what’s better for your kids -- screen time or stage time?
SCHOOL OF ROCK | Omaha 13270 Millard Ave | Omaha, NE 68137 402-691-8875 locations.schoolofrock.com/omaha
BAND TOGETHER 2035801-01
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1.800.CAN. LEARN
CHECK OUT Momaha.com & the Momaha Newsletter for more information on Math tutoring STUDENT: I really stuggled in fractions but now I’m a pro. I can multiply, divide, add, and subtract a fraction all in a heart beat. So that is how Huntington helped me. Elizabeth 6th Grade
2042837-01
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STORY Ashlee Coffey, Momaha.com editor PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
M
om. Mommy. Mama. Mother. While motherhood is filled with its share of ups and downs, there’s truly nothing better than hearing those sweet words from the mouth of your child – especially after a bad day. So let’s hear it for Baby Love, Omaha’s Only Baby Fair at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. The fair, Sunday, Oct. 1, has brought everything baby-related to parents and caregivers since 2011. It was started by Omahan Kristi Wilson, a mom of five and a former childbirth educator and doula. She wanted to show families the “amazing options available when it comes to your bodies, your birth and your babies – all while experiencing a joyful day that truly celebrates your role as ‘mommy,’” Wilson says. “Growing and parenting a little one can be overwhelming,” she says, explaining how the event offers women information to achieve the healthiest and most rewarding birth and parenting journey possible. The event will include more than 50 baby and toddler vendors, $20,000
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in baby gear giveaways, professional belly bump and kid photos, a mommy pampering station, infant CPR, car seat safety, signups for safe nursery classes and Healthy Baby Bootcamp, and Etsy row. Participants will be able to learn all about pregnancy, birth and childrearing from experts such as Nebraska Medicine, La Leche League Omaha, MilkWorks, Omaha Doulas Association and more. Momaha.com’s “Most Deserving Mom-to-Be” contest is back, too, in conjunction with the event. This year’s contest drew nominations from moms-to-be, parents, siblings and friends. While every nominee’s story was more than deserving of the title, we had to narrow the pool. Visit momaha.com to read about the top three extremely devoted moms and then vote for who you’d like to see crowned “Most Deserving Mom-to-Be” at Baby Love, Omaha’s Only Baby Fair. Votes will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 27. You only are allowed to vote once per day, per device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.).
The winner, to be announced at 2 p.m. Oct. 1, will receive more than $800 worth of baby gear and prizes – including a boppy pillow, electric nose sucker, bouncy seat, stroller/car seat/ travel system, bassinet and breast pump. Runner-up and third-place winners will walk away with a prize pack as well. If you’re planning on going, be sure to arrive early. The first 250 expectant mothers will get swag bags with $300 worth of goodies.
We asked a couple of new moms for some of their biggest must-haves. Of course, sleep tops the list, along with support from family and friends. A few hours to spend baby-free time with your significant other or just take a nap is priceless. Other favorites: • Lightweight stroLLer: You’re already carrying baby, your purse and a diaper bag, so one that is easy to carry and fold up and store in your trunk is a must. • sophie giraffe teether: Who knew babies would love this rubber animal so much! It’s got numerous parts to chew, it’s made of natural rubber and each is unique. • odor-eating diaper paiL: Shutting the garbagepail lid doesn’t always do the job. This type of pail contains the odor. • ConvertibLe Car seat: Faces to the rear when baby is small and then switches to the front for older children. • diaper serviCe: If you like the idea of using cloth diapers but don’t have the time to do all the washing involved, this is for you. • CLothes in bigger sizes: Those newborn outfits are so tiny and adorable, but baby outgrows them quickly. • gift Cards: Make it easy for parents to purchase the things they need as they pop up. • baby Carrier: Easy solution for parents who want to keep their baby close while they’re on the go. • baby swing: Park it on the floor or a sturdy surface and baby is content as she watches you make dinner. Perfect for lulling that cranky infant to sleep, too. • diaper bag: A place to shove the long list of necessities involved when you and baby leave home.
if yoU go
Event: Baby Love, Omaha’s Only Baby Fair When: Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Tickets: $8 in advance, $12 day of show. Kids ages 12 and younger, free. Information: omahababyfair.com
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STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson COOKIE PREP & RECIPES Jodi Stone
O
maha youngster Bennett Curry adores getting a package from his Aunt Jodi. It usually contains something delicious – and darling. His aunt, Jodi Stone, loves decorating cookies. The more challenging the better. “It’s kind of like coloring. I love sitting and doodling. I can sit at my dining room table and still interact with my family,’’ she said. “I can basically color with frosting for hours. It’s very cathartic.’’ Stone, who lives in Miles City, Montana, especially enjoys sending cookies to her nieces and nephews, two of whom live in Omaha. She makes them for all kinds of holidays and special occasions. Here, she shares a how-to for the Halloween cookies featured. Don’t worry, the instructions include some of her easier decorating tips. But she also threw in a few elaborate techniques to make us drool.
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ROllOut SugaR COOkieS
Makes 1 dozen 1. Cream 1 cup butter, softened, and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer. Scrape down sides of bowl. 2. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Scrape down sides of bowl. 3. Add in 2½ cups flour, ½-cup at a time. You may have to finish mixing in flour by hand. Dough should be very stiff but not crumbly. 4. Use remaining ½ cup flour to roll out dough to ¼- to ½-inch thickness, depending on preference. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters. 5. Place cookies on parchmentlined cookie sheet and bake in 350-degree oven for 11-12
minutes. Remove cookies to cooling rack. Let cool completely before decorating.
ROyal iCing 1. In bowl of an electric
mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, gently mix 2 pounds confectioner’s sugar and 5 tablespoons meringue powder. Add ½ cup water and 3 tablespoons bakery emulsion and mix slowly. 2. Scrape sides of the bowl. Add water, ½ teaspoon at a time, to get the consistency of thick honey. Using mixer on medium speed, mix 2 to 4 minutes until icing is thick and forms soft peaks.
ICInG TRICKS • Two types of royal icings are recommended. • Piping icing is ideal for details that need to maintain their shape. Add food coloring and water, a few drops at a time, until icing reaches the consistency of toothpaste. • Flood icing is for creating smooth surfaces. Add coloring and water, a few drops at a time, until icing reaches a glue-like consistency. • For application, put icing in tipless icing bags. Icing may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If icing separates after sitting, re-mix.
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Spider Web Cookie 1. Ice the spider web cookie using purple flood icing.
Outline the edge, then fill in the middle to create a flat surface. 2. While the purple icing is still wet, create a spiral using black flood icing, starting in the middle and working to the outside edge. 3. Draw a toothpick through the icing, from the center to the outside points of the web. Wipe the toothpick after each line. Let dry for at least an hour. 4. Add an oval body shape for the spider, using black flood icing. While still wet, add black sugar sprinkles and tap off excess. Add legs using the black piping icing. 5. Add one eyeball using white flood icing and add one small dot of black flood icing to create pupil. Wait about ½ hour and create the second eyeball.
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PUMPKIN CooKIe 1. Ice the pumpkin
cookie using orange, green or purple flood icing. Outline the edge, then fill the middle to create a flat surface. Let dry at least an hour. 2. Using black flood icing, outline the edge of the stem and fill in to create a flat surface. Let dry at least an hour. 3. Add carved pumpkin face using black flood icing. Let dry for at least ½ hour.
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Witch’s Broom cookie (left) 1. Ice the witch’s broom handle using black flood icing. Let dry ½ hour. 2. Ice the broom body using the purple, green or orange flood icing. Let dry for at least an hour. 3. To
create detail, draw lines on the broom body using the same color flood icing. 4. Apply sugar sprinkles and tap off excess.
cAUlDroN cookie (BeloW) 1. Ice the cauldron cookie using black flood icing. Outline
the edge, then fill the middle to create a flat surface. Let dry at least an hour. 2. Add small dots on the cauldron using green flood icing. Let dry for at least ½ hour. 3. Add a second layer of dots over those that have dried to create the look of a potion bubbling over the cauldron.
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Brownell Talbot School
creates
opportunities
to develop the whole student. to give back. to thrive. to excel.
From preschool to grade 12, we prepare students to learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.
October 21st 11am - 3pm
What will you create at BT? Visit brownell.edu/GoBT
In Mangelsen’s Parking Lot
400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. • 402.556.3772 2047687-01 204 220 004 047 4477668 687 68787887 77-0011
2047007-01
21
1
Be warned: These sweet and salty treats are addictive STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Winkel
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GooGly EyE TrufflEs Makes 25
1. Heat oven to 200 degrees. 2. Recruit the kids to unwrap 25 Hershey’s chocolate candy kisses (We used HUGS made from milk chocolate and white crème). 3. Place 25 square pretzel snaps on a cookie sheet. Top each pretzel with a candy kiss. 4. Bake until kisses appear soft and shiny, about 3 minutes. 5. Remove from oven. Gently press a pair of candy eyeballs into each candy kiss. 6. Refrigerate until firm. Pack in googly eye treat bags as Halloween party favors. “I’m WaTchInG you” TrEaT BaGs 1. Lay small paper treat
bags flat and glue two googly eyes to each. 2. Let glue dry and fill sacks with treats.
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Vintage never gets old; event keeps growing STORY Momaha Magazine PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of Junkstock
WHAT iS JunkSTOck?
It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping event and festival that features antiques and vintage goods, including farm-fresh junk, rescued finds, painted furniture, mid-century modern treasures, architectural salvage, vintage clothing, repurposed jewelry and homemade goods. The sixth annual Junk and Vintage Festival (Junkstock’s 14th event) is Oct. 6-8 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road in Waterloo.
HOW dOeS iT WORk?
Each vendor puts his or her own twist on repurposing items, from jewelry and children’s clothing made from recycled materials to home decor made from scrap metal. Visit www.junkstock.com to get a better idea of the 175 vendors who are coming (along with 13 food trucks and several bands throughout the weekend on the Junkstock Stage). And did we mention there will be a children’s area?
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WHAT ARe THe HOuRS?
Junkstock runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 7, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 8. Early bird hours (special ticketing) are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday.
What foods Will be offered?
Big Daddy’s Mini Donuts, Boyd and Charlie’s, Cactus Jack’s, Fire Barn, Johnny Ricco’s Pizza, Keck’s Root Beer, Laura’s Famous Eggrolls, Streetside Foods and YesterYear’s Ice Cream.
What bands are performing?
Satchel Grande and many more to be announced. To see the full schedule, visit junkstock.com.
What’s the cost?
$10 at the gate; children ages 12 and younger, free. Threeday pass, $20. Early bird ticket, $30, includes admission to shop two hours before the gates officially open Friday. Early bird ticket guarantees entry all three days. for more information, visit junkstock.com
What’s neW at the farm?
Each Junkstock brings something new and fun. This year, the free Momaha Kids World area will feature face painting, bounce houses, balloon twisting, a Junkstock treasure hunt and more. There will also be a petting zoo, with donations going to Scatter Joy Acres; a corn mural and other outdoor art; a gypsy wagon in the Octopus Garden (photo op!); and a caricature artist. There even is a little wedding area for love birds who want to elope, renew their vows, have a commitment ceremony or host a “Tiny Hippie Wedding.” The latter comes complete with a mini wedding cake, hippie flower crowns, a vintage VW bus decorated with “Just Married” and other sweet surprises. A bonfire and a rustic outdoor lounge cap a weekend of shopping, activities, food and music.
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Couldn’t focus.
Struggled in school. Learn more at
A bite-sized version of a fall favorite RECIPE PREPARATION, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Winkel
Miniature Candy apples Makes 12-14
1. Peel four large apples and use a
melon baller to scoop out 12-14 balls. 2. Pat each ball dry with a paper towel and push a lollipop stick into center of each. 3. Arrange balls on cookie sheet lined with wax paper and place in freezer while you make caramel sauce. 4. Unwrap caramels and place in pot with 2 tablespoons half-andhalf. Melt caramels over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce to low heat. 5. Dip each apple ball in caramel, swirling stick until each ball is completely covered. Remove stick from caramel sauce, quickly dunk into a cup of icy cold water (to set the caramel) and immediately return to cookie sheet in freezer. 6. Allow caramel apples to harden, about 20 minutes. In the meantime, melt white and milk chocolate chips in small bowls. 7. Peel each caramel ball off the wax paper and dip halfway in chocolate. 8. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with miniature chocolate chips or M&M’s, chopped nuts or other topping. 9. Set on wax paper until chocolate hardens, then remove. 10. Tie a ribbon onto each lollipop stick and serve.
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Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.
B
ath time can be a fun time for kids as they splash, pour and blow bubbles. It can also be an educational opportunity. For example, give the kids a measuring cup and a small bucket to
1. Corral the toys your kids like best and get rid of the rest. Having fewer playthings in the tub instantly makes cleanup easier. 2. Keep favorite toys within arm’s reach. Make your own caddy using a small plastic storage basket with drainage holes and Command hooks. Just put up two hooks by the tub and hang your basket from them. 3. If there is no room by the tub for a hanging caddy, put toys in a bucket that’s easily stored under a sink or in a linen closet. Add your child’s shampoo and soap — and you can grab, play and scrub in one fell swoop.
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practice addition and subtraction. But bath play doesn’t have to be messy. Let’s embrace the moment and not wish the fun away. Here are five steps to squeaky clean tub time.
4. Set boundaries. Tell your child that “only toys that fit into this basket can be kept.” If you feel the need to keep more, implement a rotation system. Simply divide the toys into groups. Make one group the active group and keep the extras out of sight. If you have two groups, you can easily label one odd and one even. During odd months the kids play with what’s in the odd bin, and in even months they play with toys in the even bin. Or use a one-in, one-out method in which you exchange a toy for a toy. If extra groups of toys sit on a shelf and never get rotated in, then the decision to donate them is pretty easy.
5. Make cleanup fun. Do a 10-second tidy or sing a song. My kids always loved a counting game. I’d say pick up three items, they would pick up three items. I’d say pick up one item, and they’d play along until all the toys were put away. Easy, quick and fun. SAFETY TIPS • Discard toys that hold water. There are lots of better options, and it’s really gross when that water turns bad. • Keep towels and toys near the tub. You never want to leave your child unattended to retrieve those items. The closer they are, the safer for your child.
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AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER. MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNING
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Double Your Child’s
Focus & Confidence Tae Kwon Do will help your child: Listen Better • Act Respectfully Excel in School & Sports ...Plus They Have Tons Of Fun!
Here’s What Parents & Students Say:
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Master Kim has the patience of a saint. He is so good with these young kids. Positive motivation all the time. My son has learned so much. He has confidence now and is learning focus. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful teacher here in Omaha NE with so much knowledge and experience. -Traci Launer-
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www.mktiger.com • (402) 905-2902 2563 S 171st St., Omaha NE 68130 (W Center) 2042935-01
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RECIPE PREPARATION, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
1. Use melon baller to scoop melon balls out of ripe watermelon and cantaloupe. 2. In a cup, layer ½ cup peach yogurt, ½ cup granola, ¼ cup watermelon balls and ¼ cup cantaloupe balls. 3. Serve immediately. Recipe adapted from: cookstr.com
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CLASSES AT THE ROSE
ACTING DANCE VOICE MUSICAL THEATER
Ages 3-18 Classes taught by professional artists Year-long & short-term classes Many performance opportunities
DOWNTOWN: 2001 Farnam Street ROSE WEST STUDIO: 12100 West Center Road BURKE HIGH SCHOOL: 12200 Burke Boulevard
REGISTER NOW! www.rosetheater.org 402-345-4849
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Making a Difference Since 1993 skuttcatholic.com | 3131 S 156 Street | Omaha, NE 68130 Soar with us...
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Skutt Catholic High School
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ADVICE FOR A BETTER LIFE COMPILED by Momaha Magazine
H
alloween is one of the worst days of the year for Denise Bryson, a dietitian at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. “Candy, candy, candy,’’ she said. “And parents don’t know what to do with it.’’ But dressing up and trick-or-treating is a blast for her famDON’T SKIP DINNER Kids may be too excited to get into their costumes and start trickor-treating, but a healthy meal can stop them from gorging on candy later. “They aren’t going to be as hungry by the time they get home,’’ Bryson says.
STEP UP ThE PACE Bryson and her daughters move fast, seeing how many houses they can hit on the big night. Scurrying through the neighborhood helps work off that extra sugar.
KEEP IT SMALL There isn’t a good kind of candy to hand out, although Bryson admits Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are her favorite. Just pass out the bitesized versions and limit the portions. Don’t leave a bowl outside; it encourages kids to grab a handful.
ily too. So it’s all about moderation, Bryson said. She works with the HEROES weight management program at Children’s and counsels participants on healthy options this time of year. Halloween is the start of a long season of social eating. Her tips for warding off added calories and sugar highs: ThE MOThER LODE Kids love checking out their candy haul at night’s end. And once it’s in the house, Bryson said, they think they need it every day. She lets her children pick out five to 10 pieces of candy and then gives the rest away or takes it to work.
WhERE TO DONATE There are plenty of options, such as the Halloween candy buyback program with your local dentist or Operation Shoebox’s trickor-treat for troops program.
MAKE IT A gAME Just like Elf on the Shelf at Christmas, there’s now Switch Witch or the Sugar Goblin for Halloween. Children turn in their candy to the witch or goblin, and receive a prize in return, such as a trip to the zoo or a day at the park.
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LEAVE TIME FOR LEAVES AT FONTENELLE FOREST
FALL INTO THE FOREST! Enjoy plenty of seasonal programming for all ages, or simply walk the trails and enjoy the fall colors. JUST 15 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN OMAHA.
WWW.FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
Van Gogh & Me
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M A I N S TA G E
WORLD PREMIERE!
NOV 3-12
M A I N S TAG E
12 OCT 21 - NOV
FIRSTSTAGE
There is nothing like a night at the theater! The Rose is proud to introduce children to the arts and ignite a lifelong love of performing arts. Whether they are grooving with the characters of Madagascar, discovering the magic of Wonderland or having a monkey of a time with Curious George, The Rose is dedicated to opening imaginations and hearts through theater. 2017-18 MAINSTAGE SEASON: Babe the Sheep Pig • Madagascar: A Musical Adventure • Van Gogh & Me • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever • The Meaning of Maggie • Seedfolks • Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure • Curious George & the Golden Meatball • Disney’s Newsies
TICKETS: (402) 345-4849 or www.rosetheater.org