Tag Archives: Tulsa OK

Reading Together – A Couple or Parent / Child Activity to Connect Intellectually and Emotionally

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Reading together is a wonderful way to connect with your loved ones, whether it is with a child, a significant other or a spouse. In our high-tech age, we don’t always think of this kind of activity. On a winter’s day or evening it can be great when outdoor activities are not possible.  Or when it is raining or really for any time that you need to slow down a bit. It is a way to add interest and new things to consider and discuss with one another. Basically a way to connect intellectually and emotionally, a double win!  Below I have shared some possible variations of how “reading together” might be done.

couple reading by fireplace

As a Couple . . .

  • Consider selecting a book that is of interest to both of you. Buy two copies, one for each of you. Or of course you can share or check it out from the library. Read a chapter and discuss.
  • Another possibility is to take turns on selection of which book you read together. This is a bit more adventuresome, but it does mix it up a bit and makes both people stretch. You could read a certain amount and then talk about.
  • You each read your own book but stop at intervals and tell each other what is going on with your book and what you think about it and have a conversation about it.
  • Instead of a book, you could do an article from a magazine, newspaper, something on-line, etc. Again discussion following.
  • One of you reads to the other. This is especially nice when one of you is ill.  Sometimes this can be spontaneous when one of you finds something of interest that you feel your loved one might find of interest.

As a Family . . .

  • Drop Everything and Read Time. Some folks call this DEAR time. Everyone can read whatever they like and then after a certain amount of time each person can share a bit of what they were reading. Questions can be asked or discussions can develop. And maybe as you do this you can have a snack together. You can have a regular time you do this as a family or set it up when you feel it is a good fit for your family to do.
  • Select a book to all read at the same time and to discuss. Maybe one chapter at a time.
  • Read Aloud Time: Family members take turns picking something to read to their family. This could be a very short story or a poem or a chapter of a book or a quote. This might be done on family night or be done as part of Family Meeting Time. It could be done where only one “read aloud” happens per time or each person does a short read aloud. Discussion can follow.

family reading together

As a Parent / Child Activity . . . 

  • Let your child choose a book and you take turns reading it together. You can talk about what each of your thoughts are afterwards.
  • You read to your child. Invitation for discussion afterwards.

Hope you will have lots of cuddle up time soon to do some reading together. You won’t be sorry you did!

A Time to Let Go and a Time of New Intentions for Your Relationships

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With the new year, it is an excellent time to consider letting go and creating  “New Intentions” for your relationship. What does that mean? It means doing a bit of housekeeping. Out with the old and in with the new. The old being past hurts and misunderstanding and barriers to the relationship that you have with your loved one. The new being a focus on what you want for your relationship and then making a go for it. Can it be that simple? It can. So many times we choose to hang on to things that keep us from being happy.

woman-with-hands-in-the-air1

This is not to say that you should grin and bear it. If you have some issues that need to be addressed with your loved one, then do so in a respectful way, clearing the air and space for new more pleasant feelings to take their place. Search for ways to resolve old, reoccurring  conflict with a mutual cooperative look at each of your perspectives with true listening and searching for ways to make things better. It is possible. Letting go of old hurts and unhelpful patterns are the first step to a better relationship. This creates a foundation for creating our intentions of what we really want for our relationship.

I wish for you a wonderful new year filled with relationships that are nurturing and loving, filled with lots of new intentions!

Christmas Compliments to Your Loved Ones – The BEST Gift Ever

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“Christmas Compliments” are something I have used in the past and when I do I find them to be the BEST gift ever! Why is that? Well, it can be very rewarding when you trade “Christmas Compliments” with your family members. Letting each other know what you like about each other can go a long way to building and strengthening relationships. Family life can feel stressful and hard at times, especially as a parent when you are setting limits and children are not always so happy with these necessary boundaries. Or maybe as a couple you are feeling like you are way to negative with each other.

christmas stockings

So I hope you will consider this holiday season a time to balance what you are putting out there with words of acknowledgement of what you like about your loved ones. There is more than one way to give each other Christmas Compliments. Some possible ways you might consider are:

  • Have each family member write out (or dictate to a parent to write) a compliment for all the other members of the family. They can be deposited in the Christmas stockings and read when stockings are opened on Christmas morning or at the appropriate time.  If your children still thinks Santa brings their gifts and fills their stockings you may want to choose another option. For example: Each family member could have a special Christmas tin where their compliments are left. This option would allow them to have a fun place to keep their compliments too. Having each person put their name with their compliments makes them more meaningful.
  • Family members can wrap up the compliments like a gift for each other or use envelopes to put their compliments in for each other.
  • Have each family member verbally give each of the other members a compliment at one of your holiday meals.
  • One variation is using the 12 days of Christmas theme and for twelve days before Christmas each person gives other members a compliment. The Christmas tin or a Christmas cup may work well with this variation. Of you could have a nightly dinner ritual where you verbally share your compliments.
  • Use your imagination and personal knowledge of your family in finding ways to modify and use this potential strategy to appreciate each other more.

It may be necessary to explain what you mean by a compliment. Older children will of course pretty much know what you are talking about, but younger ones may not be so sure. You will have your own words. Some possible things you might include are: A compliment is something you say to another person that makes them feel good. It can be something that you liked that they did or something you admired that they did. It is positive and not negative. It is something the other person will like hearing.

Note: This can also be done as a couple. It can be just as fun and uplifting.

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Connecting While Giving to Others – A Holiday Service Project for Your Family

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Looking for ways to connect with your family during the holidays? Consider doing a family or couple project in which you are helping others who are in need. Not only can it be a way to connect on a deeper level with your loved ones, but it can be a wonderful way of instilling the value of helping others to your children.  And of course helping someone need!

givinghearts

Here are some things to consider with a Family or Couple Service Project:

  1. Who do we want to help? This is a great time to do some braining storming as a couple or as a family. It can be a time when you each can share what you feel is worthwhile to give to, what you each feel passionate about. And then practicing cooperatively coming to a conclusion about what service project you do. You may even choose to do more than one project.
  2. Are you going to volunteer time, give money or gifts? There are lots of options in all of these categories. Listed below are a few general ideas.
  • Gently used items – toys, household goods, etc can be donated to a non profit agency.
  • Collecting food as a family for a non profit group or shopping for food together to give to a non profit group that serves those who need help with food.
  • Participating in an Angel Tree that is in your community.
  • Bake cookies or holiday treats for the Homeless Shelter or a Nursing Home or whatever group you feel would like this kind of thing.
  • Have a party and have participants bring a particular item for your project. For example: All who come to the party bring mittens or hats for a Christmas tree that you decorate at the party for those in need. Or you could have folks bring canned goods to set under a tree. Then later you take it to an agency that you know can use it.
  • Donate some time at a non profit agency. Call non profit groups and see what kinds of things they need help with.

  3. Treat your family to a special treat or fun time after your service project and talk about all you have been blessed with.

Note: This is an activity that will work for couples also. No children required!

THANKS”GIVING” – Expressing Thankfulness and Kindness as a Family Holiday Activity

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THANKS”GIVING” is a time to be thankful for all we have. It is a wonderful time for all of us to reflect on all we have to be thankful for and to share that with one another. It is the beginning of the holiday season and a time to decide what we will do with the holidays ahead.

 

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I was listening to a broadcast on Hayhouse Radio today in which the speaker was talking about the concept of THANKS”GIVING” being an opportunity to not only be thankful for the good in our life, but a time to give back to others sharing something they can be thankful for. I like this idea! This incorporates two powerful ideas that can make us truly happy – being thankful and giving / acts of kindness to others.

So I hope you will consider using this idea as a springboard for letting your family members know why you are thankful for them and then consciously give back to your loved ones – passing on an act of kindness to them.  I am including two potential concrete activities to consider in connection with this general concept.

  1. I challenge you to choose to do this each day during the upcoming holidays. Think of something you are thankful for each day with one of your family members or loved ones and tell them what it is. And follow-up the same day with forwarding on an act of kindness to them.
  2. Of course this can be done outside of your family too. You could on purpose do this as a family project in which each of your reports at the evening meal or whenever you see each other all together who you thanked or gave some appreciation to AND then what act of kindness you did for someone that day. This could be a weekly check-in if daily is too much or not possible. This would be a time to reflect on what each of you have been thankful for and also what acts of kindness each of you have consciously chosen to do.

christmas heart tree

Here is to the wonderful holidays ahead and the many opportunities they give us to contemplate our blessings and give back to others!

HallowZOOeeN – Tulsa Family Event October 27-31, 2013

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Looking for a fun Halloween family activity, check out the Tulsa Zoo’s HallowZOOeeN. One of the great things is that there are several nights available to take in this fun activity. 

Halloween Zoo event

Goblin Stops:

Pirate Island with Ship and Crew

Pumpkin Patch Playroom

Royal Castle with Archery, Crafts and Princessess

Haunted Train Ride

Cross Eyed Carousel

Haunted House

Candy Stops Along the Way

Ticket Prices:

Non-Members: $8

Members: $7

Haunted Train: $4

Cross-Eyed Carousel: $1

Then of course you get to the animals too. So what is not to like about this family activity.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

  • Take it at your own pace and take your lead from your kiddo’s. It’s about enjoying the moments and being together as a family having fun. If you feel you are going to run out of time, one option is to give your child or children a choice of which they want to do for their ending activity. Another thought is to look at what is available and start with the things that your children are most interested in.
  • Even though this appears to be a pretty tame event, watching your little ones for signs of being scared and helping them cope is a good idea. What seems so very mild to us as grownups can feel so very scary to a little one or sometimes a not so little one.
  • Staying together as a family makes this a family activity and also keeps it safer. Some families may choose to split up mom and dad with children that have a large age difference. You could even do a balance of some all together and some split up to accommodate the different ages.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you live outside of Tulsa, check your own local zoo and my bet is they have some kind of Halloween or Fall event planned.

FREE Family Fitness Festival at St Francis Health Zone, Tulsa OK, Saturday, October 12 for All Ages

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Check out the FREE family fun at St. Francis’s Family Fitness Festival this coming Saturday, October 12 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. This will be held at St Francis Health Zone, 5353 E. 68th St. There are activities planned for all ages.

Children’s Carnival (for ages 5 and under, Kids Zone Patio, games and art activities)

Youth Fit Zone – Inflatable Obstacle Course (for ages 6 – 12, Health Zone Parking Lot)

family zumbaGlow in the Dark Zumba (dance for all ages, free glow sticks for the first 50 participants, from 6:00-7:30 pm)

As parents we all want our children to be active and healthy. Participating with children and teens in these kinds of events can promote the worthy goal of caring for our bodies.  This should be a fun family event that gets everyone moving. Plus, being active together has the added benefit of building your family relationships.

Here is to having fitness as a family goal!

PS To see the official brochure on this event, click on this link.     HZ_FamFes   Contact Number: 918-494-8263

Do you know about Choregus, Tulsa’s Modern Dance Performances?

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choregus performance KoreshDo you like modern dance and music performances? You might consider checking out Choregus. They host world-class contemporary dance and music performances here in Tulsa. Their season runs from September through April and is held at Cascia Hall’s Performing Arts Center (Helmerich Theatre). Tickets are $15 – $40.  per performance. Plus discount tickets are available. I was not aware of this group until this summer and decided to do a post so that those looking for activities to do as a couple or as a family could be aware of this opportunity. I think they are worth checking out. They were the 2012 recipient of the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts in Education award.

You can call 918-688-6112 for more information. I would also suggest that you go into their website www.choregus.org to get detailed information about each of their performances.  There are links to view the dance or music company coming to perform.

The next two performances that are scheduled are:

Koresh Dance Company

Saturday, October 5 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, October 6 at 3:00 pm

Gillim Dance

Saturday, November 16 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 pm

I have not had the opportunity to attend any of Choregus’s performances, but I have two professional colleagues who have season tickets to Choregus and very much enjoy the performances that they bring into Tulsa.

If  you are a modern dance fan, this could be a very fun date night.   Or if you have a child who likes modern dance this could be a fun parent / child or family activity. Hope you will be able to check this out.

Family Night or a Couple’s Date Night at Admiral Twin Drive In- Tulsa’s Outdoor Movie Theater

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admiral twin drive in logoI recently had a chance to take in a movie at the Tulsa’s Admiral Twin Drive In. This is Tulsa’s old-time outdoor movie theater.  It was fun! Thought I might pass the idea on to you as a potential Couples Date Night or as Family Night Out.  As this is a seasonal activity, I decided to go ahead and write this piece while they are still open.  When asked how long they stayed open? We were told that last year they were open from March 1st until December 1st.  It sounded like they had not made a decision for this year yet.  In a recent Facebook post they noted that they would close when the weather made them close.  So . . . you may want to consider doing this here at the end of the summer or  fall if you are interested. If in doubt just check their Facebook page or call them. Starting September 6, they are only open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

Admiral Twin Drive In, Tulsa, OK

Phone    918-392-9959

Email      information@selectcinemas.com

Website     http://www.selectcinemas.com

A double feature is played each evening with two screens playing. Their Facebook info page indicates you cannot switch screens. We were also told this upon entering.

Sound comes through your radio speaker. You must have an FM radio to get the sound. Movie goers are allowed to sit outside of their cars with their lawn chairs or blankets if they wish. We noticed many folks opted to do this.

Animals allowed on a leash. Not allowed in restrooms or concession stands.

Admiral Twin operates a grill / concession stand. It was noted on Facebook that at times they have Food Trucks also as an option. I would check Facebook if you want to know on this.

Movie Times are listed on their website www.selectcinemas.com  or http://www.admiraltwindrive-in.com can be gotten by calling them  918-392-9959 or you can locate this information on their Facebook page.

Prices: 12 and up is $7:00 and 3 – 11 is $3:00.

They are located 7355 East Easton, Tulsa, OK.

admiral twin drive in acutal view of from distance

Special Note: As always, it is important to do  your homework if this is a family outing as to movies that are showing and determining if they are appropriate for your age of children.  Even though you can stay for both movies as it is a double feature, you do not have to. It appeared they try to do some family movies and some more adult type movies too.

If you’re in the mood to try something a bit old-fashioned and think your honey or family might like this kind of venue, it may be worth checking out.

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