Category Archives: Family Activities

Its Pow Wow Time – An OK Cultural Experience for your Family

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Powwow_DanceaPow Wow of Champions

August 9, 10 & 11, 2013

Oral Roberts University, 7777 S. Lewis

The ORU Mabee Center

– A smoke and alcohol free environment –

$7. Per Person (5 yrs & under free) – Weekend Wrist Band $15. Per Person

This weekend the Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa hosts the 36th annual Pow Wow of Champions. This is a wonderful opportunity for your family to experience together an OK Cultural event. Many times we overlook some of our own states special cultural events.  You of course would want to consider what parts of the program would most fit for you and your child’s or children’s ages and plan accordingly. I think it always works best not to over stay an event that we are not ready to handle.

For specific information event you can call 918-378-4494 or 918-838-8276 or go to their website:  www.iicot.org/   There is a schedule of events and times on their website. You will need to click on the flyer within their website to get this information.

You and your family can experience dance, drum music and song from tribal nations across the country. Over 300 native dancers will compete. In addition, native american crafts and food will be available for purchase.

This event is billed as a family event, but could also be a fun couple’s activity.  Hope you will consider taking advantage of this educational and entertaining OK weekend event.

Should my child watch PG-13 movies ???

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kid-watching-tvThis can be hard, deciding when your child is ready to begin watching PG-13 movies. There is a lot of  PUSH to allow children to see PG -13 movies earlier and earlier. Movies are a favorite pass time for children and also movie going can be a fun  parent / child or family activity. Here are some things to think about as you decide what is best for your child:

  • All PG -13 movies are not the same. So this may mean evaluating each of these movies beforehand if your child is on a border line as to their readiness for viewing PG – 13 movies in general.
  • The title PG – 13 gives some guidance as to the themes and the general idea as to the age that most children are ready for these kinds of movies.
  • Is MY child ready for this movie, developmentally and emotionally? Can they understand cognitively what the message is of this movie and can they handle what is portrayed in this movie? Are they ready to process violence or sexual themes or death if the movie deals with these kind of issues?
  • Is the message of this movie one for the age of my child?
  • Is it a message I want my child to have?
  • Get reviews on the movies. Check what the themes are. Go see it yourself before hand if you really are uncomfortable or unsure and feel you need to see it to decide.

It is so challenging as a parent when your child says all their friends are seeing a movie you feel they are not ready for and they say they want to see it. There are no perfect answers. Sometimes it is a compromise of letting children see a movie that is slightly above what they probably need if all of the children in their class have seen it and your child is feeling isolated and left out and not able to relate with the other children. Then there are other times when we feel for our particular child that they will have nightmares for weeks or it will create a fear they do not need to have at this point and that it just will not work. Parents have the tough job of evaluating and deciding what is best for their own child.

Going to the movies with your child can give you the advantage of discussing and giving your own thoughts to your values as a family, especially if the movie portrays very different values than you have as a family.  It can help by finding out what your child is thinking and by you being able to help them process what they have seen. 

Plus, parent / child or family movie going can be fun. And can create wonderful opportunities for discussion and sharing. Even if your child’s friend is invited, going to supervise opposed to dropping off gives you a chance later to visit with your child about the movie.

Movies have the opportunity to promote wonderful models and stories that are inspirational. Sometimes they do this and sometimes they do not. We can help guide or encourage movies that do so. Good luck in navigating the challenging waters of PG – 13 movies. Your child is lucky to have you as a thoughtful parent who assists with knowing the best time for this transition into this category of a movie.

Here is to finding lots of movies that matter and promote what we want for our children and their internal messaging!

Daily “Feeling Check In” to Stay Connected

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We all know ideally we should connect on a deeper level on a daily basis with our loved ones. We really want to connect, but sometimes we get busy or tired or distracted and it just does not happen. Putting a FEELING CHECK IN as part of your routine can help.

I have found it can  help with connecting if we can set up a structured time to do a FEELING CHECK IN with each other. Here is what this might look like:

  • Ideally, this would be daily. But if not daily this could be done whenever you can. You might consider a weekly check in if your family is really busy and you think this might be more likely to happen.
  • This can be done as a couple or as a family or as a parent / child activity (If you have more than one child this could be done individually with each one of them privately.)
  • If you connect your FEELING CHECK IN  to another daily activity it is more likely to happen. For example: At the dinner table every night or with your child as part of their bedtime ritual.
  • The format can be structured in a variety of ways and you can decide what works best for you and your loved ones. Some possible FEELING CHECK IN formats are listed below. You can of course come up with your own unique FEELING CHECK IN format that best fits your own unique family. You are the expert on your family!
  1. Tell me about your least favorite part of the day. What about your most favorite part of your day?
  2. What was the most exciting part of your day? What was the most boring part of your day? What about what made you feel happy today? Any sad things that happened to you? Or things that made you angry? Things you really feel proud of? (You can mix this up or do the same each day. Plus, you can decide for yourself what feelings you most want to highlight and how many you want to include). You will not want this to come off as an interrogation or as invasive. Teens may be particularly sensitive. One of the briefer formats may work best for them.
  3. On a 1 to 10, with 10 being the best how was your day today? What made it that way?
  4. What feeling did you have the most today? 
  5. Tell me your top three feelings you had today.

 If you are doing this activity as a family you will want to consider the ages of your children and what they will understand and most be able to relate to. 

If you do this activity as a whole family (or as a parent / child or even as a couple) I feel care should be taken to protect privacy and need to not share, meaning someone should always be able to pass and not be pressured to reveal something they are not ready to share. Letting your children know they can always pass is important. We want to encourage sharing,but not force sharing. 

Last of all when your loved one shares their feelings with you, be respectful with full attention and focus; acknowledging and reflecting without giving advice and questioning. They will love you for this unconditional, loving response!  ♥ ♥

Playhouse Tulsa’s “Little Women” This Weekend

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Little-Women

For those of you who are fans of the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott you may want to check out this weekend’s performances of Little Women done by Playhouse Tulsa’s Summer Stage Festival. This is an original adaptation written by Cody Daigle and commissioned for Playhouse Tulsa. 

This play is based on the classic book which tells the story of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. This is set in America Civil War times. Themes of friendship, love and family. It timeless tale.

This would be a wonderful activity for a mother and daughter, family or couple. It is all about relationships. A wonderful opportunity for lots of discussion afterwards.  Hope you will consider this play as part of your weekend activities.

Little Women

SummerStage Festival

July 12-13 at 7:30 p.m.; July 13-14 at 2 p.m.

John H. Williams Theatre, Tulsa PAC, 110 E 2nd

Tickets 918-596-7111 or www.tulsapac.com

Oklahoma 4th of July Family Fun

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JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

Photo by JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

Are you in process of considering what might be a  fun 4th of July celebration for your family. Not sure what to do this 4th? I ran across an article in www.travelok.com that was titled “Let Freedom Ring: Top 4th of July Celebrations in Oklahoma”. Enter this title name in the SEARCH Box at the top of the home page.  Check this article out for some of the big and little city celebrations across Oklahoma. Below is an abbreviated summary of what Travel OK sees as top OK 4th of July celebrations.

4th of JULY BIG TOWN CELEBRATIONS:

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Liberty Fest -Edmond

CNN and USA Today lists this as one of the top 10 celebrations in the nation. Included in this celebration is a large 4th of July parade, free watermelon feed, live entertainment and children’s activities. Plus, Parkfest, which is their large firework display in the OK City metro area.

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Tulsa FreedomFest – Tulsa

On the banks of the Arkansas River throughout Tulsa River Parks. Live music with three entertainment locations on the river, with face painting and inflatables for the children. One of the largest free firework displays in OK.

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Art in the Park: A Celebration in the Heartland – Moore

Children’s Art Tent; Sand Pit; Car,Truck & Motorcycle Show; Carnival Rides and 4th of July Foods

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Freedom Fest – Yukon

At Yukon City Park you will find a children’s parade, crafts, free swimming and games.  During the evening hours you have free watermelon, free ice cream and live music throughout  Chisholm Trail Park. After dark there is fireworks and a performance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

4th of JULY SMALL TOWN CELEBRATIONS:

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Blackberry Festival – McLoud

Long running event in McLoud, OK in which you will find a black berry cobbler eating contest, a blackberry baking contest and the crowning of the Blackberry Queen.  Other activities include a car show, living history demonstrations, a carnival and fireworks.

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Watermelon See Spitten World Championship – Pauls Valley

You will see a fireworks, enjoy live music and have 4th of July food as you watch this Word Championship that is featured in The Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. 

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July 4th Games – Pawnee

Games for children of all ages include: turtle races, horseshoe throw, bubble gum blowing contest and water balloon fights. Held in the lawn of the historic Pawnee County Courthouse. Other games include: boot-toss, tug-of-war tournament, egg toss, and tricycle races. At noon time you will find a parade that travels through downtown Pawnee. Fireworks take place at Pawnee Lake at dusk. 

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Duck Creek Fireworks – Ketchum

Enjoy a picnic and a swim along with live music at Grand Lake in northeast OK. Food and fun as you watch the annual boat parade along Duck Creek. Early evening there is a War Bird flyover and then at dusk a fireworks display over Grand Lake that is synchronized to 4th of July music. 

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Boomer Blast  – Stillwater

Wakeboard and wakeskate tournament, including competition for the young ones. Food and activities that are topped of with a firework display over the lake. 

Go to www.travelok.com and find the article mentioned above and for more detailed information on each activity you can click on adjacent links

Special Note: You might also check out Guthrie Greens 4th of July Celebration in Tulsa.   www.guthriegreen.com 

A few things to consider when planning your family 4th of July celebration:

  1.  What kind of activities will work best for my family? What will work for their specific ages? Will my youngest be able to handle the distance of the fireworks and can they keep up with a high energy crowd?
  2.  As a couple, what are we in the mood for this year? Do we want to watch be close up and in the mix of it all or would we rather sit back and maybe watch the fireworks from the Tulsa Rose Garden or from another more distant spot that is not so frenetic.
  3.  Do we want to travel or do something close in town?
  4.  Is there some down times or quieter, less stimulating time planned for the day and evening to keep it balanced and not overwhelming or over stimulating for the family.
  5.  Has the entire family had a chance to give their opinion or thoughts on what they would like for the 4th. Of course, as with any activity planning,  most all family members will have to do some compromising.
  6.  Is there a time among all the celebrating to talk about what we are thankful for in our USA?

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY and best wishes for finding the best fit for your family and their own unique way of celebrating. 

Boomer Blast - Stillwater, OK

Boomer Blast – Stillwater, OK

“We Love and Appreciate You!” Birthday Book

“We Love and Appreciate You!” Birthday Book

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This last week was my birthday and my family presented me with a Birthday Book filled with notes of love and appreciation from my family and friends. This is something I have put together for a number of people in … Continue reading →

It’s Time for a Tulsa Driller’s Baseball Game

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721-tulsa-drillers-baseball-gameIt is baseball season and the Tulsa Drillers play at the state of the art ONEOK Field which is located in the historic Greenwood District in downtown Tulsa. The ball park is an art deco architecture style to blend with down town Tulsa’s art deco.  The season runs from April – September.

This is a perfect family activity (though I would not recommend this for preschoolers due to the length of the games). You could take the  whole family or have a special parent / child time.  You will have to decide if your child is ready for a two to three hour event. And of course if your child has an interest in baseball this will of course make this a more enjoyable activity. You could also consider just going to part of a game as an introduction to baseball to keep it a positive experience if things begin to fall apart. You want this to be fun memory.

Or this would also be a fun couple activity. This is a fun, open air activity and only available to us certain times of the year. Lots of time to chat and hold hands and just be together.

If you would like to look at the Tulsa Drillers’ schedule or find out more about them or the games you can check out their website www.tulsadrillers.com

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Couple Time or Family Time at the Farmer’s Market

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Want to connect as you do something good for the environment and healthy for your body. Doing something that is simple, easy and meaningful. GO LOCAL with your marketing. 

It is that time of year when the FARMERS MARKETS are in full swing. If this is an activity you have not participated in before, you may want to consider giving it a try. The Tulsa area has several farmer’s markets that sell fresh produce from local farms. Some of these farms grow organic foods. Knowing where your food comes from and building a relationship with some of these farmers is pretty cool.  In addition most of them have local art and handmade products. It is a fun community event where people are there to promote local and to choose products that are good for our environment and more healthy for our bodies. And you will save money!

NOTE: If you take CHILDREN to the market, consider their age and how much walking they can do. For little ones a stroller or wagon can be very helpful. Of course, as with any marketing it is best to go when you are not tired. This especially applies for children.  Consider limiting your time to what your child or children can comfortable manage to keep it a positive experience. Letting your children help pick out your veggies can be fun and educational and allow them to be part of the process. You might expand this activity to a family or parent / child cooking time, using your fresh veggies you purchased at the farmers market. 

There are a variety of times these markets are open. I have listed the main markets in the Tulsa area below. The OK Food and Farm Alliance also has a listing of all of OK Farmer’s Markets. So if you are not in one of the Tulsa area towns listed, check out the OK Food and Farm Alliance website okfarmand food.org  

TULSA – TUESDAY

DOWNTOWN TULSA FARMERS MARKET

10:30 am – 2:00 pm, year-round     3rd and Boston

TULSA- WEDNESDAY

BROOKSIDE FARMERS MARKET

8:00 am – 12:00 pm. May thru October

Food Pyramid parking lot, 39th and Peoria

WINTER MARKET (see details for details)

www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com

OWASSO – WEDNESDAY

OWASSO FARMERS MARKET

8:00 am – 12:00 pm, April 29 thru October

TULSA – THURSDAY

PEARL FARMERS MARKET

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, April 18 thru September 26

East end of Centennial Park, 6th and Peoria

www.PearlFarmersMarket.org

TULSA – THURSDAY

WESTSIDE FARMERS MARKET

7:00 am – 11:00 am , April 6 thru October

On 15th Street, just east of Peoria

www.redforkmainstreet.org

TULSA – SATURDAY

CHERRY ST. FARMERS MARKET

7:00 am – 11:00 am, April 6 thru October

On 11th Street just each of Peoria

www.cherrrystreetfarmersmarket.com

BROKEN ARROW – SATURDAY

BROKEN ARROW FARMERS MARKET

8:00 am – 12:00 pm , April 20 thro September 7

418 Main St.

JENKS – SATURDAY

JENKS FARMERS MARKET

9:00 am – 1:00 pm, April 27 thru October 5

Green Acres Market, 117 S. 7th St.

angier@greenacres.com

OWASSO – SUNDAY

OWASSO FARMERS MARKET

8:99 am-12:00 pm , April 29 – October

YMCA Parking Lot, 8300 N. Owasso Expressway

WINTER MARKET

9:00 am – 11:00 am, every other Saturday all winter

TULSA – SUNDAY

Guthrie Green Sunday Market

10:00 am – 4:00 pm, April 7 thru October 27

North Boston and 111 E. Brady St. in The Brady Arts District

www.guthriegreen.com

Hope you enjoy your time  “going local” and becoming a bit of a foodie. Your partner or family will enjoy this fresh open air environment and the healthy connection of good food and good times. 

That was not in the plan . . . how to roll with the flow!

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Taking a recent vacation made me think about how our plans many times do not go the way we think they will. You are correct that my vacation did not go exactly as planned or envisioned in my head.  But I adapted, shifted and had a great time.

Yes things do not always go as we expect. This can be with a vacation or a family outing or a date night or really any kind of activity that we have planned to do together as a couple or as a family. I am a big planner and I believe in thoughtfully preparing for outings with our loved ones. On the other hand somethings spontaneous, let’s go . . . can be very romantic or real fun for a family. So I guess a balance is nice. We each will have our own style.

Regardless if you have a PLAN or you are doing a spontaneous outing, being able to roll with the flow is important. Our lives are so busy and complex and things shift quickly. Plus, the biggie here is that we can not control everything around us. We can not control that the restaurant is out of our favorite dish or that the air conditioner breaks on our fun day trip or that a thunderstorm appears out of no where and you have to cancel or shift your outdoor outing.

So how can we better ROLL with the FLOW? 

  1. First of all accept that our planned or spontaneous event may not or probably will not go exactly as we had hoped for in our head.
  2. Acknowledge your upset feelings or those of your loved ones. It is ok to be upset or disappointed. The key is WHAT WE DO WITH OUR UPSET OR DISAPPOINTMENT.
  3. Accept and then say it is OK that it did not go exactly as we wished. We can still have fun and enjoy regardless of the hiccups or bumps in the road.
  4. Remember we are capable of adapting and shifting. We are amazing human being with the ability to make the best of whatever the situation.
  5. Shift to what you can do at that point. And know you can be ok with it.
  6. Use your positive mindset to create a place of acceptance and regrouping. 
  7. Sometimes if we look we can find these unexpected needed shifts can open up opportunities that were not there before. Some folks would say there are no accidents!

GO ROLL WITH THE FLOW AND ENJOY!!!

Canoeing

Guthrie Green – Arts and Entertainment Park; plus FREE fitness programs and Local Sunday Market

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image_4I discovered Guthrie Green this spring. Guthrie Green is in downtown Tulsa, located in the Brady Arts District. It is a full square block between Brady and Cameron Streets and Boston and Cincinnati Ave. This is a real Tulsa treasure choked full of wonderful events every day of the week. It opened in the fall of 2012. So still a fairly new Tulsa park. I would suggest you check this out as a couple or as a family.

I am listing some of the wide variety of activities that Guthrie Green offers to give you a general idea of the treats that are there.

  • Sunday Market (locally grown produce, gourmet food trucks, homemade soaps, hand crafted jewelry, etc.) 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, April to October
  • Fitness on the Green (FREE)

Mondays – Tai Chi 5:30 pm

Tuesdays – Boot Camp 5:30 pm

Wednesdays – Family Yoga 10:30 am and Lululeman’s Community Yoga 6:00 pm

Thursdays Boot camp 5:30 pm

Fridays – Walking 4:00 pm

Saturday – Mommy & Me Yoga Class 10:00 am

  • Special Community Fitness Events (FREE)
  • Concerts, Films and Plays (FREE)
  • Lucky’s on the Green (serving lunch and dinner during park hours)
  • Woody Guthrie Center (across the street from Guthrie Green)
  • Food Truck Wednesdays (live music, amazing food trucks and fresh air picnic, every Wednesdays from 11:30 – 1:30)
  • Water Fountain Feature for Children’s Play

For more detailed information and their calendar of events go to www.guthriegreen.com .

Potential Fun Couple’s Date Night: Performance of Shakespeare Play “Much Ado About Nothing” 

There are too many events to list, but I wanted to note for a fun couple’s night out you might want to consider a Shakespeare in the Park event that is occurring June 11-June 16 from 8:30 – 10:30 pm with a 7:30 pre show. Much Ado About Nothing  is being preformed. This is a fun romantic comedy. The pre-show will be 40’s music and swing dance.

I hope you will be able to take advantage of this wonderful new Tulsa arts and entertainment park. It has much to offer. Have fun!

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