Texas Tax-Free Shopping Days: Aug. 17-19, 2007

Lots of families are already getting ready for school by purchasing new clothes. Don't forget to put August 17-19, 2007 on your calendars. That's the tax-free shopping weekend, when you can buy clothing & footwear (under $100) with no tax applicable. That's some nice savings. Of course, my Little K will likely find a princess shirt or hair bows to eat up the savings but I'm heading in the right direction.

Who knows? Maybe we can make it a day of family fun since my darling daughter loves to hide in the clothing racks. Ah, paybacks, Megan. Paybacks. I used to hide from my own mom like this until she about had a heart attack & couldn't find me. Then, I'd happily leap out at my mom and yell: "Boo!"

And a belated "Happy Birthday" to Juli & Uncle Malcolm!

Until the next nap time...

Put Your Sunny Side Up

The weather outside is overcast & rainy. The forecast for the weekend doesn't look much better but that's no reason not to think about the sun. Even when it's overcast, folks in Houston need to protect their skin. (I wear SPF 15 under my makeup every day. Little K loves the spray-on sunblock, too. Now if we can just get Little K's Daddy to follow suit!)
My PaPa Don, who lives in Ohio, volunteered for an experiment years ago during a trip to Houston. I was in seventh grade & working on my science fair project, which studied the most effective sun blocks. Again, I reiterate that PaPa Don volunteered for this project. I developed categories on his back to test different sun blocks' effectiveness. I also mimicked this experiment with fabric swatches but there's nothing like a real person who's willing to test his skin. The question at hand: If we used various brands of SPF 15, would any work better than the others?
In the end, Bullfrog Sunblock was by far the most effective. If you ask PaPa Don, in the end, his back looked like a wild man's chess game that didn't fade for some time. But we still have the stories and photos to share. What a hoot!
So when the sun comes out again as it, of course, will do, remember this science fair experiment but don't try it on your kids. Thanks a million, PaPa Don!
Until the next nap time...

Goldilocks & the 3 Bears

So I'm really working on not "over-programming" myself & my family. When your husband kindly says: "We can't keep up with you," you know it's time to re-evaluate your schedule & corresponding priorities. When your orthopedic surgeon tells you that yes, your neck & back pain is probably exacerbated by your stress level, you think Okay, God. I get the message. I will learn to be still... at least more than I have been.

So you may or may not see me at UH's Children's Theatre Festival this Sunday at 2 pm. They're showing "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," which I think would be so fun for my 2 year-old. There are also performances this Thursday at 10:30 am & this Friday at 10:30 am & again at 1 pm. Kids tickets are only $8 with adult tickets at $9 -- a bargain. Buy your tickets by phone & ensure ticket availability by calling 713-742-2929. Group discounts are available and UH encourages groups with children ages 2-14.

Again, I may or may not see you there but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the performance regardless. Let me know by adding your review to a comment to this blog. Thanks!

Until the next nap time... (Yes, I'm posting a lot today while Little K enjoys nursery school. Tomorrow, well, that's another story since it'll be our play day!)

A.D. Players Announces Great Season for Families

If you haven't yet checked out a performance by the A. D. Players, don't miss another chance. I just received in the mail the line up for its 41st season & I'm excited. While the A. D. Players put on some productions better suited for adults (like "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Heiress"), they also do a great job of offering performances targeting families with youngsters.

The Children's Theater is located at 3471 Westheimer, inside St. Luke's UMC. Take a look at the 2007-2008 productions the A. D. Players have planned for your family. I have borrowed this information from the A. D. Players' brochure. I have not seen these yet since the season hasn't begun yet.

"The Great Cross-Country Race": Sept. 19-Oct. 20, 2007

"Christmas Went That a Way": Nov. 28-Dec. 22, 2007

"Peter and the Wolf": Jan. 30-March 1, 2008

"The Emperor's New Clothes": April 24-May 24, 2008

"Samson": June 25-July 26, 2008

The Children's Theater package allows your child to see all 5 shows for only $35. As the A. D. Players' brochure puts it, "For less than the price of a family trip to the movies, see five, great family-friendly shows that encourage the mental and emotional growth of your child."

To order tickets, call 713-526-2721 or visit http://www.adplayers.org/.

Until the next nap time...

Siblngs Classes?

Does anyone know of any classes for soon-to-be siblings? No, it's not for me but a friend. We know at Memorial Hermann, there's a class but the older child must be at least 4 years old. The closer in, the better, but any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Until the next nap time...

Before School Year, Plan Family Day/Night

Well, parents are already preparing for the new school year. Last night, I saw the first "back to school" ad by Target. By the way, I've double checked my calendar & it is still July. That said, many kids are returning to school in md-August this year. Unlike my parents, I never worried about returning to school because of the heat. That's what air conditioning is for. However, I think it's good for kids to have some down time and explore summer activities they don't typically get to do. That's my two cents.

As you prepare for a new school year, don't forget to dedicate time to your family & doing some group activities. Commit to a regular Family Day or Family Night. In Houston, you can use my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids to find great events for your family. I also recommend coming together as a family to brainstorm on fun things to do over the next school year. That gets everyone excited & ensures you tackle a variety of things. Here's a link to another newsletter by Wayne Parker that provides some nice tips on planning a Family Day/Night. It provides some good tips for parents, especially dads.

Until the next nap time...

Adventures of Princess Pink Petal

"Princess Pink Petal" is how the package was addressed. I smiled when I saw this weight-y box that the US mailman handed me, curiously.

"It's from my grandfather in Ohio," I said. "To my daughter."

Little K transforms into Indian Princess Pink Petal whenever we braid her hair. A few weeks ago, my mom told her that's how the Indians (Native Americans) wear their hair. Princess Pink Petal's imagination ran wild -- even at 2 years old. The true story began many moons ago when my own mother thought one of her dresses looked like that of an Indian. She loved to braid her hair and imagine that she was living in a teepee. While the heritage is distant, my mother in part Algonquin Indian. So when the days came for me to have my hair braided in preschool, I grew into Princess Blue Blossom. The "BL" sounds also helped me practice the "BL" blend/sound since I had a lisp. I often called myself Princess Boo Bossom but whatever.

Yesterday, the story continued in another generation with my 2-year-old. This package, that was so discreetly assembled with more tape than the post office, was "so heavy" the little princess said. She couldn't hold it up on her own so Blue Blossom helped her. Carefully cutting the tape, we made sure not to pierce the contents of the enchanting box. You could almost hear the rolling beat of the Indian drums in the background. Red Chief (my husband who's a red head) ate dinner & laughed. Inside was another box.

Again, we diligently opened the box to discover a gift only PaPa Don could have sent. It brought back memories of our Ohio trip so long ago... in early June 2007. It was a giant supply of dried cherries - the crowning fruit of every young princess. And as Blue Blossom opened the bag of the jewels, her young daughter's eyes grew wide with delight.

"Mine," she cried. That should translate in any language or culture. I laughed & said, "Yes, your cherries from PaPa Don."

Princess Pink Petal smiled with a mouth full of cherries. Yum. As the sun set in the Houston air, it was another good end to the day.

Until the next nap time...

First Trip to the Movie Theatre

Little K & I went on our first trip to the movie theatre today with our MOPS in the Heights group. I was a little worried that Little K wouldn't be able to sit through the entire show but figured it was a free movie so we should try it. I'm so glad we did.

We saw "Open Season" today at the cinema at the MarquE on I-10. It was really cute. While admission was free, it felt funny walking in and not getting a ticket. I walked up to two empty ticket booths and then looked at the ticket taker blankly. "No need for a ticket, ma'm," he said. I just had to make sure. So we walk in free, but my sidekick saw popcorn and REALLY needed some. Almost $9 later, she had a bag of popcorn & we shared a water. Glad I went to the bank first. While Little K stood up a few times in the middle of the show or crawled into my lap, she really did well. Some kids were noisier but everyone takes it in stride. "Open Season" is also playing tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10 am or check out the movies listed below that are playing over the next 2 weeks.

07/24-07/25 Rugrats: The Movie (G) and Over The Hedge (PG)
07/31-08/01 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) and RV (PG)

My dad used to take me on "dates" as a child. We'd go to James Coney Island for lunch and then catch a matinee movie like ET or Disney's Song of the South. This way, I'd always be able to say that my first date was with a real gentleman. (And you better believe I told my college dates about this.) My husband is now looking forward to taking Little K on dates to the movies.

Until the next nap time...

Will You Wiggle?

Get ready to wiggle because Toyota Center is proud to welcome The Wiggles to Houston for 2 shows on Sunday, August 26th! Sam, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony will be joined by their friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword as they make children sing, laugh, and dance during their all-new Racing to the Rainbow Live tour! Need more information about The Wiggles to determine if this is right for your family? Check out http://www.thewiggles.com/us/home/.

Date: Sunday, August 26th
Time: 1:30 pm & 5 pm
Ticket Prices: $35, $28, $23, and $18
Buy tickets by phne at 1-866-4HOUTIX or online at http://www.toyotacentertix.com/.

Until the next nap time...

Blue Bell Celebrates Big in Houston

Looking for something unique to do this weekend? (Yes, Amy, this is for you!) Blue Bell Ice Creamery is celebrating its 100th anniversary by visiting Houston. The Houston Chronicle has a great write-up on this in today's paper in "Blue Bell's 100th-birthday Celebration Coming to Houston."

Here's a shorter teaser from The Chronicle: "To celebrate its 100th anniversary, a chocolate-colored 18-wheeler and other vehicles have been touring the country as a mobile museum. The caravan will park at Bayou Bend Collection Saturday and Sunday.

After the lesson is done, reward yourself with a free serving of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, still the company's best-selling flavor, in a 100th-anniversary cup. If your ice cream palate runs to more gussied-up treats, celebrate with one of the two specialty flavors Blue Bell has developed to fete itself." Check out the link above to the full article & add this to your calendar.

Where: Bayou Bend Collection at 1 Westcott
When: 10 a.m.-5 pm Saturday and 1-5 pm Sunday
Why: You scream. I scream. We all scream for ice cream.

Until the next nap time...

Cool Off Indoors at Preschool Skate

If you're looking for something to do this Friday with preschoolers, head to the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink in west Houston for the Preschool Skate & tell Michelle "hello" for me. The Dairy Ashford Roller Rink's awesome Preschool Skate program is for children six and under (and their parents) every Friday morning from 10 am-Noon. This is a fun way to add some humor to your life. Plus, it gets you and your little ones active and out of the house.

Think your child is too young for skating? Think again. You can bring a stroller or toddler-friendly bike/skooter to help your young one roll around on the rink. Kids enjoy preschool music like the "Hokey Pokey" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" without getting run over by the big kids. The rink even puts some balls out on the rink for kids to enjoy. And parents do NOT have to wear skates to be on the rink. Enjoy! It's a blast for only $5.

Until the next nap time...

A Dog's Best Friend

Kylie hasn't stopped talking about Radar, the weather dog, whom she met at The Weather Museum. I was sure this was going to be over my 2-year-old's head but was pleasantly surprised that she was engaged in plenty... even besides the dog that appears on KPRC. The dog makes a special appearance at this museum on Tuesdays.

The Weather Museum at 5104 Caroline allows weather enthusiasts of all ages to learn about different types of weather conditions from tornados to ice storms. View satellite and radar images of hurricanes that have affected the Gulf Coast including Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Deliver your weather forecast using real studio equipment. For younger audiences, there's a coloring area with weather-related coloring books. Little K was curious about the mock tornado, which she could touch. This is a small museum but a good outing when the weather is hot but you want to get out of the house.

Until the next nap time...

Have Fun Despite Probable Rain on July 4th

Every weather report seems to predict rain for this Independence Day or "Rebels Day" as my British friends call it. Well, I'm not about to let a bit of rain dampen my spirits. Here are a few fun things you can do on July 4th no matter the weather does. A special thanks to Colyn for sharing the first two ideas

• With the kids--try out Laser Quest at 13711 Westheimer. Open Wednesday from noon to 6 pm. If you're feeling patriotic, you & the kids can dress up for the parts of Rebel and Red Coat!
• For all ages--Alamo Draft House is located at 1000 West Oaks Mall, No. 426. Have dinner and cocktails brought to you in the movie. Ahh.
• The YMCA will be open on July 4th. Gather the group for a friendly basket ball game.
• The Astros play the Phillies at 1:05 pm. After all, this is the all-American sport. $1 hot dogs will be sold. The first 10,000 fans will receive a patriotic hat & the first 15,000 fans will receive a mini-American flag.
• Rent a copy of the musical 1776. It's historical yet still funny for older audiences.
• Pull out a blanket for an indoor July 4th picnic. My daughter loves to pretend & at least this way the mosquitos won't bite us.

Most of all, show thanks to our veterans & soldiers currently serving. They've enabled us to celebrate this Independence Day. Happy holiday!

The Shops at Oak Forest

I'm so excited to see a promotion like this of our neighborhood/areas. It's also cool to see a professional use of You Tube. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eh5n071Bn4.

It's Alarming Really

So this morning Little K & I went to the YMCA so that I could get in atleast 30 minutes of exercise while she played. I felt so good afterward & headed to the shower. Almost proud of myself, I pulled all my needed items from my back pack, hopped in the shower & realized it's been so long since I've taken a shower on my own without someone needing me or telling me: "Mommy, I see you!"

The women's locker room is totally empty so I dry off & start getting dressed. The upbeat, pop music that plays overhead is yet another reminder that my daughter is not currently with me. Otherwise, Little Einstein's or the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse would be on. All of a sudden, the music stops & a jolting emergency siren screams. There's no one around to confirm what's going on. My immediate thought is to run to pick up Little K and haul it outside. In the next 3 seconds that pass, I realize I'm about to head out of the women's restroom with only my underwear on. For a split second, I stop.

THANK YOU, GOD! I slowly realize that the emergency siren I hear is part of some new hip song that I've never heard. Some skinny, well-paid singer begins to crune her lyrics and I don't know if I should laugh or cry. Slowly, I turn around to make sure there's no one else in the women's locker room, especially Candid Camera. Nope. I'm safe.

Laughing hysterically while I actually get dressed, I realize how "alarming" it is that I have grown from hip, independent woman to concerned, protective Mommy who obviously needs to listen to a pop radio station now & then. How did that change happen to me? Me, I ask? Laughing still, I realize it's all part of the process & I'm reminded of my little daughter again... even when she's not peaking at me in the shower.

Until the next nap time...

Cool Down with Jamba Juice Coupon

Thanks to Kara Hagen for pointing this family-friendly coupon out. Jamba Juice has a buy one smoothie, get one free coupon valid through July 4. Yum! It'll be perfect for cooling off in this Houston heat.

Here's the link for the printable coupon: http://www.jambasummer.com/freesmoothie/thankyou1.htm

Until the next nap time...

Big Water, Baby Water

This morning, Little K was eager to play... I mean, wash ... her hands in the sink. As I struggled to change her diaper while she stood up, she experimented with the bathroom faucet. Little minds are curious. She turned the faucet knob back & forth, studying the effect it had each time.

Finally, she announced with such delight: "Big Water!"

Yes, the water was on full force & splashing everywhere. Her diaper still was not on.

"Baby water, Mommy?" she asked.

"Sure. Why not?" I replied.

She quickly turned the faucet knob the other way & exclaimed: "Baby water!"

After about the ninth episode of big water vs. baby water, I decided it was time to turn off the water, dry our hands as well as the bathroom & head for breakfast. It was a mere 7 am. Oh, how these little minds work.

Until the next nap time...

The Beatles & The Presidents?

Where else but Houston can you see the Beatles (as in Paul, Ringo, John & George) and the former Presidents of the United States? Today, Little K & I visited David Adickes Sculpturworx where the artist has on display what he calls "Mount Rushhour." I was surprised at my own delight. Little K wasn't sure about these gigantic presidential heads and I can assure you she has no idea who The Beatles are... much to her father's dismay.

This is a cool trip for history buffs or young students studying American history. From central or west Houston, take 1-10 toward downtown and exit Taylor. Continue through the light at Taylor (you'll see Target on the south side) until you come to Sawyer. Turn right on Sawyer and continue until you come to Summer. Turn right on Summer and continue until it deadends at 2500 Summer, which is Adickes' studio. Wear cool clothes and bring a camera. This was really cool. Great job, Mr. Adickes!

Until the next nap time...

I Have to Admit..

How is that no matter what I do, I feel like I have a million things on my plate? Hmmm... yes, we have a busy week ahead so check back for updates. Little K & I will be investigating some of the "off the beaten path" museums in town and evaluating them. And we're supposed to squeeze at least 30 minutes of exercise per day into the schedule. Yeah, right.

Hope your Father's Day was a good one. Here Little K gives a smooch to her PaPa and then hugs & kisses her Daddy. I have to admit, I love the photo frame holding a pic with Little K on the playground that was sent home for Father's Day from her school. It's cooler than the flower pot with the wilting flower that I got for Mother's Day. Oh well.

Until the next nap time...

Proud to Wave My Flag

June 14 is Flag Day, a day for Americans to celebrate what the American flag stands for. Do you kids know the history of the American flag? What do the stars & stripes stand for?




Here are a few sites to help you jumpstart this discussion with your kids.

• Wikipedia
• Holiday Insights
• The Kaboose Family Network

If nothing else, hang up your flag or help your child color a patriotic picture. Be a proud American.
Until the next nap time...