Holiday Fun in West Houston

Holiday Fun in Houston:

Wonderland in Westchase
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006 5:30 PM
Location: Quillian Memorial Center 3663 Westcenter Drive Houston, Tx 77042

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce (HWCOC) is expecting more than 7,000 people to join us in 60,000 lbs. of snow during the holidays at Wonderland in Westchase, hosted by Westchase District, HWCOC and Quillian Recreational Center. The event is sponsored by Amegy Bank of Texas, MemberSource Credit Union, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers and First Methodist Church with corporate support from a number of Westchase area businesses. The event features child-centered activities, including face-painting, children’s crafts, hayrides, two moonwalks, climbing wall, hay rides, petting zoo, real snow, and – of course – Santa. Mrs. Claus reads children's stories, while choirs, handbells, harpists, and dancers provide entertainment on two stages. Bring a toy or non-parishable food item to support the West Houston Assistance Ministries!

Until the next nap time...

More Holiday Fun in Houston

For the first time, I watched the TV show "Brothers & Sisters" last night. I have to applaud it for showing ways to embrace both Christmas and Hanukah in one family -- no easy chore. Perhaps more important, I found its message to adults about valuing the true meaning of the holidays (however you celebrate it) wonderful. The show emphasized faith in God, in yourself and in your family members. Watching this show was a refreshing change.

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Friday, 12/15: Holiday Lights in Hermann Park is Houston’s version of “Central Park.” The event begins at 6 pm with the lighting at the Jones Reflection Pool. Children of all ages enjoy the holiday production presented by the Hermann Park Conservancy. Then, Houston families enjoy the lights on weekends throughout the month 6-9 pm. Pack up the kids with bikes, trikes or even roller blades and put that energy to good use. This makes a nice alternative to the usual after-dinner routine. Strollers are welcome.

Until the next nap time...

Houston Holiday Celebrations

If you're looking for a fun holiday activity this weekend with the kids, I've got a few suggestions.

This Saturday, 12/9, take a drive with the family. A Candlelight Christmas is available at Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site in Washington (about an hour drive northwest of Houston). Hear stories of Christmas customs and traditions celebrated in 19th century Texas. Enjoy music, carols, buggy rides, and arts and crafts to take home. You can even decorate the historic house for the holiday. Activities in the afternoon are more geared toward kids while the evening is slightly more appropriate for adults. Light refreshments are served. If you can’t make it this weekend, head out later in December for a classic view. Our family plans to head up to Washington next weekend since we'll be attending the Symphony's "A Very Merry Pops" this weekend. (For details, see yesterday's entry.)
Adults $6; kids $4

Another option this Saturday is the Houston Symphony’s annual Christmas Family Concert. It offers holiday music and fun for youngsters with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The symphony offers a charming way to spend a morning as a family during the holidays. Youngsters can participate in arts and crafts before and after the children’s show. Each performance usually includes singing, dancing, costumes and a visit from Santa.
Recommended age: 4+ years;
Adults $15; Children $9;
Time: 10 am and 11:30 am performances

Until the next nap time...

A Very Merry Pops in Houston

This weekend, 12/8-12/10/06, the Houston Symphony celebrates with “A Very Merry Pops,” which is a sing-along for kids of all ages. Young family members can take advantage of the matinee performances while older families can enjoy the evening productions. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with tunes from the Grinch to more traditional songs. Tickets begin at $28 each. This is one of our family's favorites.

Until the next nap time...

Free Christmas Plays in Houston Heights

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Friday, 12/8 from 7-8:25 pm

Two FREE shows by the AD Players -- "Apostrophe" and "Wintery Kingdom" are appropriate for all ages. The Christmas plays will be held at the Baptist Temple in the Heights near the corner of 20th Street and Yale. A reception will follow, allowing kids to meet the performers and enjoy Christmas cookies and wassail. There will be a 15 minutes intermission with a Carol Sing between shows. The total time is approximately 85 minutes.

Until the next nap time...

Snow Hits Houston for Holidays

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Snow Flurries in Houston

Attention all kids ages 10 and under! The National Weather Prediction Center has forecast a major snowstorm at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on> > Saturday, December 9, 10 am - 4 pm. Don't miss out on this year's winter wonderland as we celebrate Snow Flurry III. This year, Santa and his reindeer will deliver 80,000 pounds of real snow along with holiday wishes. Learn more at http://www.hmns.org/education/children_families/special_events.asp.

Until the next nap time...

Dickens on the Strand for Families

12/2 – 12/3/06: Dickens on the Strand is Galveston’s return to the era of Charles Dickens and is a neat holiday activity. Families can walk the 10-block area in Galveston to see how characters from Dickens’ stories lived. Costumed vendors and performers stroll about to entertain all. Children’s activities include visiting the Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo, taking a ride on a pony and an elephant, playing in the “Snow on Sunday,“ joining in the Scrooge’s Scavenger Hunt, hearing a storyteller, participating in a Backyard Circus and joining in the Puppet Parade as well as crafts and other projects. Adult tickets are $12 at the gate. Children 7-12 are $6 at the gate. Children under 6 are free. TIP: Dress in Victorian costume to be admitted FREE.

This is a great way to spend a few hours or the day with the family focused on the holidays.
www.DickensOnTheStrand.org 409-765-7834

'Tis the season. Yes, the Christmas season is roaring into full gear & the cold weather in Houston is a great reminder. In the spirit of the season, I promise to post more than 20 fun holiday activities throughout the month of December. Check back frequently for regular updates. Drum roll please. Here's the first Christmas activity for your family.

Holiday Fun in Houston:
Bundle up for fun for the whole family. Head to the Heights for “Holiday on 19th” tonight, Friday, 12/1 from 6-10 pm. Taste wassail. Shop for those on your list. Ride the trolley while listening to music and caroling. Grab dinner at any of the cafes and restaurants. The action takes place on 19th Street in the Historic Heights between Shepherd and Yale. Hope to see your family there, bundled up in coats and gloves but with plenty of holiday spirt.

Thanks to all of you who came to the official book launch at Barnes & Noble in West U last night. If you didn't make it but are interested in buying the new edition of my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids, buy it online and I'll ship it straight to you. Alternatively, you can buy the new book at any of the following stores:

• Barnes & Noble stores citywide
• Berings (both locations)
• Blue Willow Bookshop at Memorial & Dairy Ashford
• Borders stores throughout Houston
• Brazos Bookstore at 2421 Bissonnet Street
• Houston Invitation Service at 2503 River Oaks Boulevard (across from Lamar High School).
• Midsummer Books in Galveston
• River Oaks Bookstore across the street from Lamar High School

Happy Holidays! Until the next nap time...

Christmas TV Specials = Family Time

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. So many of us get busy with the holidays that we forget to take time to spend with our little ones. I love finding opportunities to cuddle and some Christmas TV specials provide the perfect opportunity during the week. "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" airs tonight at 7 pm (central) on NBC. With singing from plenty of stars, this is one way to bring the season to your home and you can even get some decorating done. Happy holidays!

Remember: my new book "100+ Activities for Houston Kids" makes a great gift. Join us at the Barnes & Noble in West University on Thursday, 11/30 from 6-9 pm for the offical book launch party. Hope to see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Charlie Brown Christmas Airs Tonight

Here's an easy way to kick off the holidays as a family. Tune in tonight at 7 pm to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC. This fun classic sneaks in the real meaning of Christmas, while incorporating all the festivities. Plus, it's FREE so you don't have to pull from the holiday budget. Enjoy!

For more fun activities for kids in Houston, check out my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids, now available in local book stores and through my Web site at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids. And sign up for my FREE, monthly newsletter by visiting http://www.tellyourtale.com/resources.html.

Until the next nap time...

Art Mix is Great Mix for Kids

If you're looking for something to do with your kids during the week or looking ahead to the weeks when the kids are out of school for the holidays, consider Art Mix at 3701 W. Alabama. This place has wonderful, artful activities for children starting at 18 months of age. My daughter loved painting at the easel, reading books about art and gluing art pieces onto an animal cut out to make her own collage. I really like this because it's a creative way to interact with my child. Next time, we'll tackle play dough.

Art Mix offers regular classes for kids 2-12 years but -- extra cool -- it also has a "Pop In Studio," allowing families to get imaginative for only $5 per 30 minutes of play time. I really appreciated the staff teaching me how to work with my daughter. For instance, one lady showed me how to explain the glue to my 19 month old and how the glue holds the art cut-outs onto the paper. She also showed me how to help my toddler use little tots' scissors so that Little K will develop hand muscles. Art Mix gets a thumbs up. Thanks for creative play time!

Until the next nap time...

Thanksgiving Houston Style

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? I love this time of year because most of us have a long weekend to stop and think about our blessings. It's no surprise that on a blog about kids that I'll say I'm most thankful for my family. It's true though. After losing a close friend this week, the value of family has been quite evident to me.

Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones... however you define your family. If you're looking for family fun in Houston, here are some great ideas.

Thanksgiving morning at 9 am is the Thanksgiving Parade, underwritten by HEB. The parade begins on the east side of downtown, traveling 20 blocks starting at Minute Maid Park at Jackson and Texas. I always suggest taking families with youngsters to the beginning of the parade route. This allows the kids to see the parade participants when they're fresh AND prevents long waits before the parade arrives at your spot. The parade is FREE unless you want reserved seating. For $21 each, grandstand tickets are located in the TV Zone in front of Minute Maid Park at Jackson and Texas. Scheduled performances will stop in the TV Zone to be filmed for the television broadcast. For $13 each, reserved Turkey Seats are located outside of the TV Zone along Texas Ave between Jackson and Crawford. Performers will not stop outside of the TV Zone but you will have a guaranteed seat with great viewing as the parade passes by. I suggest heading downtown and not worrying about buying tickets. If you wake up late, you can still catch the parade on channel 11, KHOU. Parking is available along the parade route.

If you're not a morning person, don't worry. Another favorite is the Uptown Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The evening of Thanksgiving, the City of Houston kicks off the holiday season in grand style with the lighting of S. Post Oak Boulevard in the Galleria area. Fun for the entire family, Houston lights its outdoor Christmas trees and decorations to turn bustling blocks into glistening gems. Typical features include performances by local choruses, brief reenactments from the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker, and a fireworks display to conclude the evening. Parents can purchase hot cocoa and cider from some of the nearby hotels. Children love the holiday souvenirs that vendors sell on the street. And, of course, Santa makes an appearance as well. Holiday music and concessions start at 4 pm. The band starts at 5 pm and the fireworks begin at 7 pm. This is another FREE activity for families and it's a wonderful holiday jumpstart.

Many blessings to you & your family this Thanksgiving. Until the next nap time...

Living Life

I'm sorry.

Those are important words to learn at any age. I'm again learning them as I received news earlier this evening that my high school friend Kelly (Plummer) Lester passed away from liver cancer. Why do I bring this up on a blog about raising Houston kids? One: it's obviously on my mind. Two: it's the lesson we all learn again and again: live your life so you are not sorry for regrets. Live your life to its fullest.

My friend Kelly was a sassy gal who didn't take grit from anyone. Even in her last days, she made sure her husband was clear: she did NOT want to be buried wearing panty hose! That's my friend Kelly. But for parents, at least one lesson is to show our kids that life is short. (Kelly died at only 31 years of age.) Live life to its fullest and don't hold back. God didn't put us on this earth to live with a barrier around us or to live with hesitation. Instead, God said "here is everything for you to enjoy. Live." Enjoying life is so much more rewarding than worrying about the next test at school, wearing the right clothes or being popular. My friend Kelly thumbed her nose at all of that and instead loved life. When she could barely utter a word, she told another friend: "It's been a good ride." I choose to remember her that way. How will your children remember you? Add your comments to this blog to share with me & others your thoughts on the importance of being a good influence on living life. I hope to hear from you.

A salute to my Grandmother Frazier, who turned 93 this week, and to my friend Kelly, who was a great example of not letting life hold you back from enjoying it all.

Small Talk about Veterans Makes Big Impression for Kids

With a family full of teachers, I spoke with one of my aunts to learn how she explains Veterans' Day to her students. In turn, Aunt Kenny explained that she focuses the discussion on the fact that veterans and soldiers aren't always carrying a gun. She then asked her class of third graders to write an essay on the importance of Veterans' Day. I've included some excerpts of these essays below to give parents insight into childrens' thoughts on the war on terrorism and Veterans' Day. I have not corrected any spelling and grammar because I think the real copy shows how even young children hear the words adults use and have some grasp of what these words mean even when the kids are so young that they're unsure of how to spell the words.

"We honor the veterans because they fought for us and served in the war. They also protect us. That is why we honor them. It is very important to thank them for protecting the U.S.A. My grandpa served in World War II."

"I think we should honor veterans day because they try to keep us safe and try's to help are contry. I think veterans are people that helps us and do good things for us. If we didn't have veterans I don't know what we would do because they fight for us and saves are contry." - Shelbi

"We honor our veterans because they fight for our freedom. They protect our country. Some have been injured and some even get killed in war. Thank you, veterans for your service." - Sloane

"We honor are veterans because they risk their live to fight for the contry we LOVE and some times they die from it so we honor them. But they do not only fight. They can help them when they are heart and be a veteran." - Hannah

"We selibrayt Vetrens day becose the pepol in the army and navy and military give ther lifes up to sayv us. Vetrens day is like saying thank you to all of them. My cosen is in the army and she is in iyroc and I hope she is ok!!!" - Leyla

"If we didn't have soldiers we would be sick and if no war fought for us, Europe and other countrys would be controling us and we would not have any freedom." - Ciara

"We onor our veterans because there the people that helped America become a better place to be. Veterans are people that served the milatary. We our putting on a play to onor our veterans. My mom is a veteran. I'm sure that lots of veterans have to make sacrifices for there family." - Rachael

"We honor Veterans day because they fought to free are country. I hope we win all of the wars. I hope we beat the terist. Go USA!!!" - Brendon

"You should honor veterans because they at least served in war, helped get things read, and lots more. Veterans Day honors people like the unknown Soldier who fought in world war I. The veterans died to put world to peace. That is why veterans day is so important." - no name listed

Show your gratitude by attending Houston’s Veterans’ Day Celebration. On Saturday, a commemorative ceremony will take place from 10-11 am at Hermann Square in front of City Hall at 901 Bagby Street. At 11 am, there will be a moment of silence to honor all veterans and the signing of the WWI Armistice. A flyover will occur at 11:30 am, kicking off the parade, which will begin at Texas and Smith, head down Smith to Lamar, turn right on Lamar and conclude at Bagby Street. A post-parade "Rally for America" will culminate on the steps of City Hall. Our veterans deserve recognition and thanks. Your children will emulate your gratitude.

Go Bananas in Houston

Don't miss Go Bananas at the J, the 34th Annual Jewish Book &Arts Fair Family Day, Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Jewish CommunityCenter, 5601 S. Braeswood.

Fun activities for the whole familytake place throughout the day. Beginning at 9:15 a.m., as soon aspeople walk in the door, children will have an opportunity tomeet Curious George™, take a photo with him, and participatein art activities. Direct from New York, the FunkeyMonkeys makea much-anticipated return engagement for two live performances at10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. FunkeyMonkeys is the brain-child ofJosh Sitron, former composer for Dora the Explorer. Their livelyconcert will entertain and connect with kids, their parents andgrandparents.

Author Diane Levin Rauchwerger will speak abouther new book, Dinosaur on Hanukkah at 11:45 a.m. andHouston’s own Ellen Leventhal and at 1:30 p.m., Ellen Leventhal and Ellen Rothberg will speak on their first release, Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets.In addition to the concerts and author talks, Dan “Dante”Gordon will tell tales, Nitsana Lazarus will sing with herpuppets, and the Mad Science of Houston folks will entertain andeducate. To buy tickets for the concert or for information visit www.Jcchouston.org or call713-551-7255

Searching for Fun Houston Families

Is your family a Fun Family?

The University of Texas School of Public Health and the Kelsey Research Foundation are conducting a research study on family routines. If you have children ages 6 to 9 and are interested in participating, please call Dr. Liliana Escobar-Chaves at (713) 500-9637 or email her at Soledad.L.Escobar-Chaves@uth.tmc.edu or contact Ana Bedoya at (713) 500-9797 or Ana.M.Bedoya@uth.tmc.edu.

You will be compensated for your time.

Spooky Weekend in Houston

If you haven't picked your pumpkin yet, be sure to head out to Dewberry Farm this weekend. It's fantastic. See my earlier blog entry for details.

Another great Halloween treat this weekend is the Zoo Boo. From noon to 5 pm this Saturday and Sunday, the Houston Zoo is decorated for Halloween with pumpkins and ghosts galore. Kids enjoy safe trick or treating while learning about creepy, crawly critters that live at the zoo. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, which makes so many parents happy that their kids won't just wear the costume one day of the year!

Until the next nap time...

Pumpkins at Dewberry Farm

If your family hasn't taken a trip to Dewberry Farm yet, there's still time. We almost didn't go this past weekend because it was pouring at our Houston house. I called Dewberry Farm to check the weather and it was NOT raining there. I thought they were maybe faking me out but we headed out to Brookshire to pick our pumpkin.

The best thing about Dewberry Farm is that after picking your own pumpkin from the patch, there are tons of fun kids activities. From heading up & then down the big slide, to jumping in the haystacks to exploring at the petting zoo, this place is a wonderful family activity. In fact, we again agreed this year that it's an annual tradition. This year, we were delighted to have our cousin Becca come with us. Perhaps she enjoyed it most of all.

Until the next nap time...

Communication in Families Starts Early

My husband & I were talking last night about those funny things that our parents used to do to us that we swear we won't do to our own kids. No, I'm not talking about how they punished us or how my parents always said "because I'm the mom/dad and I said so" without explaining the reason. Trent & I were discussing lighter things.

I remember hating to have my face washed. It was the typical tug-of-war that many families experience. The funny thing about it is that I hated this because the wash cloths in the kitchen constantly smelled like mildew! Groce! Unfortunately, at the early age of 4, I didn't even know what mildew was, much less could I verbalize this horrendous smell that being slimed onto my face. Finally, after years of stinky torture, I told my mom that the washcloth smelled bad. She sniffed it & I'll never forget her face. We both doubled over in laughter. To this day, I'm compulsive about washing little K's face with a new washcloth, even though it adds to the loads of laundry. It will be one thing my daughter won't be able to blame me for.

My husband tells the tale of his mother always carrying a tissue in her purse for emergencies. Trent says he'd see his mom blow her nose and then carefully tuck the tissue back in her purse. Days later, his mom would try wiping Trent's nose with that same tissue! Blah! Trent would scream, "No way. I saw you blow your nose on that tissue the other day." His mother explained that she had already "cleaned out the tissue" so it was fine. Trent today is scared of the tissue in his mother's purse. Pretty funny, huh?

What does all of this boil down to in my mind? Communication. As parents, we should try to remember that while our kids often seem so exceptional, their little minds aren't always able to keep up with ours. Instead of manhandling my daughter so I can wipe the donut crumbs from her face, maybe I should ask her if she can clean her face. "Yes, Kylie does it," I'll say. When she fights me on getting into the car, I should probably try to figure out WHY she doesn't like the car. (She only has the Elmo video and 50 books to keep her pleased. What else could she need in the car?) By starting to communicate and understand my daughter, I hopefully will be on the road to a more open relationship with her. Every step counts. And when Little K is entering middle school and has tons of questions about her world, I'll be trained to talk with her and listen to what she has on her mind. Little K may be more willing to share her thoughts because she has grown accustomed to sharing with me. Well, I'm hopeful. At least my daughter won't have to smell a dirty wash cloth.

Until the next nap time...

Discussing Fire Safety with Houston Kids

I'm not a huge fan of videos or DVDs for kids because I'm constantly reminded that parents need to limit TV time. Okay, okay. I agree and I try to do that. But there is some good stuff out there. I actually remember telling my mom years ago some phenominal, new fact. Then, when she was SO impressed with her child's knowledge, I told her "And you said I couldn't learn anything from television!"

With Fire Fest being held in Houston this Saturday (see previous entry for details on Fire Fest), I wanted to get my daughter prepared for the fire truck noises so she could really enjoy FireFest and not be too scared. My husband & I bought Little K a video called "Elmo Visits the Firehouse" and I've been amazed. Not only does Little K love the Elmo (or "Melmo" as she calls the furry critter) video, she's learning about fire safety and to trust firefighters. Using the traditional back drop of child-friendly Sesame Street, the characters experience a small fire and learn how to respond safely. Elmo meets a firefighter who invites Elmo to the firehouse to learn more about firefighters and not be scared.

If your child is interested in firefighters or you'd like to approach the topic of fire safety with your youngsters in a nonthreatening way, I suggest renting or buying "Elmo Visits the Firehouse." It's a great precursor to Fire Fest this weekend but it can be played later as a positive reminder of important safety lessons. Check it out. Parents won't mind the singing and dancing either. :-)

Until the next nap time...