I chouch bir poo......

That is code for Ragon. It means "I touched bird poop". Nice - that is what my two year old was yelling at us during dinner tonight. She is getting so big and is such a sweet, albeit energetic, little girl. This weekend David played in a soccer tournament. Ragon and I went to see him and then we went on a date, just mommy, Ragon and Daddy. We took her to the new store on Mingo called Kupcakz. She absolutely loved it and ordered a "pretty in pink" "Coocake" as she calls it. David and I shared a carrot cake cupcake - YUMMY! Fun little afternoon treat. All weekend when David would go to a game and we didn't go, she would just ask me "I go see 'em?". It was too cute. She is really talking up a storm right now.

As for Greyson - well brother is getting big. I wish I could report a lot of developmental milestones. I mean he sits up well, transitions things from one hand to the other, and will roll back to side. But the dude HATES to be on his tummy and he will not roll over to it. He has done it on accident. But apparently figured out how to put a stop to it and hasn't gone there since! Greyson is the easiest little boy. He just hangs out. However, the boy is a squealer. To give you an idea, the other morning we were sitting out on the patio and David commented. "A neighbor is going to call the police because they think we are killing a cat." Yes, my friends, that is what it sounds like. He is eating big boy food, as the picture shows. No negative comments please - I don't care if in your family a rib is inappropriate for a seven month old, in my family - this is acceptable behavior...I mean - I do have a hold of the rib!

And the answer is....

Wow - third time is apparently not the charm for me. Yep - I failed that test too. Apparently I have some precancerous cells on "old girl". So - going to have a little laser surgery procedure done in a couple of weeks. I do not know what all this entails. So let me know if anyone has had this done. Doctor gave me the option to wait three months and see if it resolves itself. However, I am not apt to leave anything with the word "cancer" inside my body. So I went ahead and asked them to set up the procedure. Will let you know more when I do.

Earmuffs....

Did you watch Old School? Earmuffs is what they said to the kids so that they would not listen to the following conversation. So for those of you who can't handle the word cervix or vagina....EARMUFFS. Okay - so a couple of weeks ago I had my annual Pap. So much fun....you know the drill. The doctor tells you to scooch down....a little father .....ok... a little father. This is hard for me...Sticking my privates in someone's face, albeit my excellent physician, is just not ladylike! But I do it....Anywho - after my pap, I got the dreaded letter. My pap was abnormal, and I have to go in for further "testing". So today, again, I go in for a little "look see" on the old cervix to see what is going on with "old girl" as I lovingly call her. I was hoping that the doctor would not have to do a biopsy. But yet again, I failed the test and the doctor saw some inflammation and did a biopsy. I will get the results on Thursday. Please pray that these come back ok. It appears I might have some precancerous cells growing on my cervix.  I hate the C word. For now, my doctor says don't worry. So I am not worrying. I do have an excellent physician. But at the rate I am going on this "test taking" thing, I just might not pass this test either! Anywho - I will update thursday...so what do I want? When you are praying, throw a couple up on behalf of my vagina. That was for my friend, Val. She hates the word vagina. (For those of you who are Type A, I realize my vagina is different than my cervix - I just like to make Val cringe). 

Jeans.....the ones that fit!

The other day (for my anniversary) my hubby and I went shopping. We decided to go and look for stuff for the new house. That is something that we can both enjoy. But my hubby had a little suprise up his sleeve. You see a while back, I had a jean problem. If you don't recall, click HERE. So my hubby takes me to one of those "young girl stores" that sells jeans. (He had previously promised to buy me some nice jeans, because my other nice jeans don't look as good as they used to, I have lost some of the ghetto in my booty!) So a young girl decides to help us pick out jeans. So I select the "big star" jeans. I really liked them. I sneak into the dressing room, trying to hide that I am the only person over 20 in the entire store and put on my jeans. I have to admit, they were pretty sassy, but in all their sassiness....they were SNUG. And when I say snug, I mean that you could see the freckles on my legs! So I go out and tell the now TWO sales people waiting on me, that I believe them to be a little snug. When yet another sales girls comes up and tells me not to worry, that these jeans stretch up a size. Now, I want to be nice, but you have to understand all the circumstances to get how odd this situation was. The third girl was what we would call a "large" girl. She informs me that all the jeans stretch a size and that hers stretch and now they fit perfectly. Obviously a look of panic set in on my face as David gives me the "the jeans you are wearing are not as tight as hers" look. (Because we have been married SIX years, I can read this look). But this girls jeans were so tight, I literally have NO IDEA how she got them. So I am sitting there looking in the mirror, thinking I look skinny, but secretly wondering if I am as insightful as Salesgirl #3 and in all reality, I am BUSTING out of the jeans and have no idea. Denial set in, I bought the jeans and wore them that night. I have decided I bought the right pair for the following reasons. One, I was able to eat dinner. Two, sitting down and standing up did not create an issue. And finally, the jeans were not so tight as to alter the way I walked. Hence, they are the PERFECT jeans.

Write this down....

I did this a lot last summer. So glad a woman sat down and wrote it all out. I don't know who she is but a lady named annamerica@yahoo.com made the following lists of FREE or Pretty Cheap family entertainment in the Greater Tulsa Area....So sit back...here is what she has for the WHOLE summer, it is LONG - but it is well worth the read. Also - feel free to cut and paste right off my blog so you get the whole thing....PS I don't think the links will work, so just cut and paste!

READING PROGRAMS

Tulsa Library summer reading program, "Be Creative at Your Library."  
You go in and get a form, and then get prizes and coupons for free things for reading certain number of books over the summer (younger children can be read to). We have done it since age 2, and they have programs up through teens. More info athttp://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_ch_prize-poster_09_sm.pdf 
 
Free Reading Reward Program - Barnes & Noble, grades 1-6
Participation is fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble — write about their favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of paperback titles. In 2009, we’re partnering with Rick Riordan, author of the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series.  For more information and to download and print an Educator’s Kit, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/ 
   

SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS

AMC Theater Summer Movie Camp 
(At Southroads...$1 movies Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. seating first come first serve—proceeds benefit The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute) http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/ 
2009 Schedule 
June 17:           Space Chimps  
June 24:           Kung Fu Panda            
July 1:              Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 
July 8:              Tale of Despereaux     
July 15:            Horton Hears a Who   
July 22:            The Spiderwick Chronicles      
July 29:            Nim's Island    
August 5:         Star Wars: The Clone Wars 
 
Cinemark Theater Summer Movie Club 
Wednesdays at 10 am at Cinemark, 6808 S. Memorial.
*All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show.
2009 Schedule 
June 10            Space Chimps 
June 17            Madagascar 2 
June 24            Horton Hears a Who 
July 1               Arthur and the Invisibles 
July 8               Alvin & the Chipmunks 
July 15             Kung Fu Panda 
July 22             Tales of Desperaux 
July 29             Hotel for Dogs 
Aug. 5              Igor 
Aug. 12            Open Season 
 
RiverWalk Free Summer Kids Film Festival 
At RiverWalk in Jenks. FREE. Mon. Tues., Wed., at 11:30 & 1:45, June 1-Aug. 5. 
June 1,2,3                    Flushed Away 
June 8,9,10                  Alvin & the Chipmunks 
June 15, 16, 17            RV 
June 22, 23, 24            Shark Tale 
June 29, 30, July 1       Kung Fu Panda 
July 6, 7, 8                   Zathura 
July 13, 14, 15             Monster House 
July 20, 21, 22             Madagascar 2 
July 27, 28, 29             Hotel for Dogs 
Aug. 3, 4, 5                  Open Season 
 

 

FREE SUMMER MUSIC

First Friday Concert Series – LaFortune Park

Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and sit back and relax while local bands present family friendly music from all genres. Located in the Gardens of LaFortune Park (off 51st Street, just west of Hudson) our First Friday Concerts kick off each month from May - September with free entertainment 7-9 pm.

June 5             Vance Orange Project (Rock/Blues)

July 10             Three Hour Tour (Classic Rock/60’s & 70’s)

August 7         Radio Soul (Pop, R&B, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s Rock)

Sept. 11          Wanda Watson (Blues)

 

Music Sandwiched In
Each Wednesday in May over lunch (12:10-12:50 p.m.) you can experience jazz, the universal language of cool, during Music Sandwiched In at Central Library’s Aaronson Auditorium, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue. Free.

May 6 -- Annie Ellicott. She may be young, but her voice is timeless and her American jazz performances are unforgettable. As a recipient of the Tulsa Jazz Society’s 2008 Legacy Tribute Award, she quickly has established herself as Tulsa’s jazz sweetheart and one of the city’s most sought-after performers.
May 13 -- Olivia Duhon and Vernon Howard. Giving a new twist to old jazz standards. As a recent graduate of the University of Tulsa and a former member of the TU Jazz Band, Duhon shines as a bright, new performer on the local jazz scene. Accompanied by Howard, director of jazz studies at TU, this duo will perform classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” and Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark.”
May 20 -- Chuck and Sandy Gardner. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Johnny Carson Show and Caesar’s Palace. As a regularly featured band at the Jazz Hall of Fame and Tulsa Jazz Society, SCORE’s signature “elegant American jazz” act is a local favorite.

May 27 -- Donald Ryan. One of Tulsa’s most respected classical, ragtime and jazz pianists. He is a faculty member at Oral Roberts University and serves as the musical advisor on ragtime for Tulsa’s board of directors. Jim Bates, bassist, and Arthur Thompson, drummer, will accompany Ryan.

  
Starlight Concerts 
Free concerts held Tuesday nights outside at the River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S. Jackson. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. Tentative dates for 2009 -- check for updates here: http://www.starlightbands.net/ 
June 16           Jazz Band - Contemporary Jazz 
June 23           Concert Band - Medley Night 
June 30           Concert Band - Americana Night 
July 7               Concert Band - A Tribute To Super Heroes 
July 14             Concert Band - Circle Cinema Movie Night 
July 21             Jazz Band - Big Band Hits 
 
Broken Arrow Tuesdays in Central Park outdoor concerts 
All concerts are held starting at 7 p.m. at Central Park, 1500 South Main, in downtown Broken Arrow. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to the North Intermediate High School Auditorium located at 808 East College.. The concerts are free and open to the public. 
June 2 - Missourians/Eternity (Gospel Night)
June 9 - Grady Nichols (Jazz)
June 16 - Mike Bennett (Big Band)
June 23 - Mary Cogan (Soft Rock) 
June 30 - Les Gilliam (Country) 
 
Summer’s 5th Night at Utica Square 
Every Thursday through August, 7-9 pm. 
Utica Square’s summer concert series serves up everything from jazz to rock to country. There’s something different every Thursday and best of all, it’s free! Pack a picnic or dine at one of our great restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. Put on your dancing shoes, catch up with family and friends and win great prizes like Utica Square gift certificates and merchandise from Utica Square merchants. 
May 21            Light Opera Oklahoma (Musical Theater) 
May 28            Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock) 
June 4             Earl Clark (Jazz) 
June 11           Admiral Twin (Rock)) 
June 18           Sean Adair & Okie Island (Country) 
June 25           Scott Ellison  (Blues/Rock) 
July 2               Red Dirt Rangers (Country) 
July 9               Joseph Vincelli (Jazz) 
July 16             Jessica V. and the Rhythmatics (Rhythm & Blues) 
July 23             Random Sample (Country & Rock) 
July 30             Usual Suspects (Rock) 
August 6         Something Steel (Island Music) 
August 13       Annie Ellicott w/Brian Haas Trio (Jazz) 
August 20       Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock) 
August 27       Grady Nichols (Smooth Sax) 
 
 
RiverWalk Concert Series 
Free outdoor concerts at the RiverWalk in Jenks. For additional dates and other Riverwalk events, go  here: http://www.riverwalkcrossing.com/events.html 
May 8, 6 pm               J3 Band (Jazz/Blues) 
May 15, 8 pm             Meridian (Rock & Blues) 
May 22, 8 pm                4 Players Band 
May 28, 7 pm             Francesca Battistelli 
May 29, 8 pm             Touch of Aloha Hula Dancers 
June 5, 8 pm               RadioRadio, Opening Act: Ziff 
June 6, 8 pm               Hurricane Mason 
June 11, 7 pm             John Waller 
June 13, 8 pm             Miles Raulston 
June 18, 7 pm             Jubiliation Choir 
June 19, 8 pm             Juke Box Hero 
June 20, 8 pm             Badwater 
June 26, 8 pm             Michael Ray Little Band 
June 27, 8 pm             Hot Shot Karate 
 
 

CITY OF TULSA PARKS PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise noted, call 596-PARK (7275) for information or to register

Pools 
Admission fees this year will be $2 per person. The 7 pools scheduled to open this summer are below – call 596-7275 for hours.
Lacy,  2134 N. Madison Pl. 
McClure, 7440 E. 7th St. 
Manion , 3003 E. 56^th St. 
Reed, 4233 S. Yukon  Ave. 
Zeigler , 3903 W. 4^th St.

Berry, 5002 N. Wheeling

Whiteside, 7440 E. Pittsburg Ave. 
 
Pools open with Beach Bash – May 30, noon-3pm, at McClure Park Pool (7440 E. 7^th St.) Kick off the Summer Pool season with ice cream, music, and pool races. Admission is free! 
 
Tennis in the Parks – June 8-July 18 at most Community Centers. 
Practice matches in June, and League play in July in four divisions for ages 6 through 18. Cost of $46 (Lacy and Chamberlain - $6) includes t-shirt and awards.  Call 596-2527 for info. 
 
Hook A Kid On Golf – Five-day morning sessions starting June 22 and July 13 
Designed for ages 8 -13 for boys and girls. Enrollment fee of $186 includes golf shirt, and starter clubs. All lessons and games occur at Page Belcher Golf Course – 6666 S. Union Ave. Limited Space; call 596-2527 for info. 
 
Kids Triathlon – July 25, McClure Park, 8am 
Youth ages 6 through 15 can sign up for either the short or long course. Includes swimming, biking, and running with medals of completion for all finishers. Early Bird entry fee of $25 includes a t-shirt. Call 596-2527 for info. 
 
Summer Day Camps - Registration has already begun. Ages 6-11. Rates vary. 
Sessions: #1: June 1-12, #2: June 15-26, #3: June 29-July 10, #4: July 13-24, #5: July 27-August 7, and #6: August 10-14 
At the following Community Centers: 
Chamberlain, 4940 N. Frankfort Ave., 591-4155 
Hicks, 3443 S. Mingo Road 669-6355 
Lacy, 2134 N. Madison Place 596-1470 
Maxwell, 5251 E. Newton St. 596-1444 
McClure, 7440 E. 7^th Street 669-6678 
Owen, 560 N. Maybelle Ave. 596-1485 
Reed, 4233 S. Yukon Ave 591-4307 
Turner, 3503 E. 5^th Place 596-1444 
Whiteside, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave 746-5040 
Zeigler, 3903 W. 4^th St. 596-1485 
 
Specialty Camps-Teen 
McClure – All Sessions (Ages 12-14) - $150 
7440 East 7^th Street 669-6678 
 
Specialty Camps-Theater 
Clark Theater – Sessions 2, 3, & 4 only (Ages 8-14 & 11-17) - $150 
11440 E. Admiral Place 669-6455 
Heller Theater @ Henthorne (Ages 11-17) July 27-Aug. 7 - $150 
4825 S. Quaker Ave. 746-5065 
 
Specialty Camps-Art 
WaterWorks Art Center - half days only 
Ages 7-12 (Sessions 1-5) - $120. Ages 12-15 (Sessions 5&6) - $180 
1710 Charles Page Blvd. 596-2440 
 
 
Other Tulsa Park events include classes in Martial Arts, Soccer, T-Ball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, Swim Lessons, and Dance. Pick up a Tulsa Parks Fun Guide for more information, or visit www.TulsaParks.org

 

Tulsa County Parks also has swimming pools and other programming at LaFortune (51^st & Yale); O’Brien, 6149 N. Lewis Ave.,  and Chandler, 6500 West 21st St., but doesn’t have details about hours, etc., online (and I am too lazy to call!) – for information check their website at http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/Default.aspx or call 596-5990.

 

 

MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS

Gilcrease Museum-Kids Dig Books, Summer on the Plains
FREE. Fridays, 10-11 am. June 5, 12, 19 & 26;  July 3, 10, 24 & 31
Listen to stories of summertime on the Western plains in which children explore their natural surroundings and the freedom the long warm days bring. Then create a work of art based on these adventures.

Also at Gilcrease, if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend the Creative Learning Center:  http://www.gilcrease.org/CreativeLearningCenter.aspx 
It’s a free art center with all kinds of activities available to the kids. They can make and take projects using painting, clay, weaving, etc.  
 
AND Gilcrease offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of each month (“TU TUesday”). For more information,www.gilcrease.org 
 
Philbrook Museum-Free 2^nd Saturday 
Every 2nd Saturday of the month is Free Family Day.  Drop in anytime from 10:30 am – 4 pm. Experiment with fun materials to make hands-on art projects, go on a scavenger hunt, take a family-friendly tour of the museum, and so much more on this day specifically for families.
Thanks to Heyman Family Adventures in Art. 
 
Oklahoma Aquarium 
Get a free admission for a child for going to the dentist...print out the form here and get dentist to sign.http://www.okaquarium.org/userFiles/DentalCertificatePrint.pdf 
 
Oxley Nature Center 
In Mohawk Park – free. 
With more than 9 miles of trails covering 804 acres, the Mary K.. Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park is one of Tulsa’s treasures. The gates open daily (except City holidays) at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., although the trails are open as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 9 p.m. to hikers who park outside the gates. 
Visitors may pick up maps and trail information at the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Building houses inter-active, hands-on exhibits explaining the local natural history. Gift shop, restrooms, drinking water and a classroom are also available. For more information, call 669-6644. 
Grand opening for the newly remodeled Interpretive enter is June 27, 9-5 pm—join us for all kinds of fun activities! 
 
Redbud Valley Nature Preserve 
Free. Natural diversity is protected at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. Located on North 161st East Avenue about 3.8 miles north of I-44, Redbud Valley Nature Preserve protects 220+ acres of unique plant and animal life. The rugged one-mile trail is open to hikers only when the gates are open: Wed.-Sun., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Barclay Visitor Center is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pets are not permitted. The Preserve is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and most holidays. For more information, call 669-6460.

 

Farmers Markets

(A variety of local Farmers Markets offer fresh local produce, crafts, plants, herbs and more. Most Markets run May through October. Great place to wander around with the kids, and one of the few where you can actually buy them a healthy snack!)

Cherry Street Farmers Market 
15^th Street and Peoria Ave., Saturdays, 7 am-11 am.

 

Brookside Farmers Market 
41^st & Peoria, Wednesdays, 8 am-noon. 
 
Pearl District Farmers Market 
6^th Street and Peroria Avenue, Thursdays, 4:30-7 pm 
 
Downtown Tulsa Farmers’ Market 
3^rd & Boston, Williams Green, Tuesdays, 10:30 am -2 pm 
 
North Tulsa Farmers Market 
2620 E. 56th St. North, Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm, starts first week of June. 
 
Owasso Farmers Market 
Owasso YMCA, 8300 Owasso Expressway, in Owasso just off U.S. 169, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am-noon. 
 
Jenks Farmers Market , Riverwalk: 7 
RiverWalk, Saturdays, 7 am-noon. 
 
Broken Arrow Farmers Market 
418 South Main St., Saturdays, 8 am-noon. 
 

 

OTHER FUN EVENTS

Tulsa Mayfest, May 14-17 (11 am-11 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11 am-6 pm Sunday) 
Downtown Tulsa. FREE Family-oriented outdoor tribute to the arts, with an array of dance and music performances in addition to the many visual arts booths and four indoor galleries (including a Youth Gallery at the PAC) and a newly revamped KidZone sponsored by St. Francis at the new park at 6^th and Main.  Always one of the major highlights of spring, Mayfest is planned to encompass some of the very best in both the exhibit and performance areas.  For listing of exhibitors and performers or other information, go to http://www.tulsamayfest.org 
 
Blue Dome Arts Festival, May 15-17 (noon-9 pm, Friday; 10 am-8 pm Saturday; 11 am-4 pm Sunday) 
Located at 1^st & 2^nd Streets at Elgin, the Blue Dome Arts Festival features hundreds of local artists.  It’s fun to wander over here before or after Mayfest. For more information, go to www.bluedomeartsfestival.com
Downtown Tulsa Adventure Fitness Walk, May 23, 9 am-noon 
FREE. Discover downtown Tulsa in a new way. Join a tour, beginning at Owen Park at 500 N. Maybelle and continuing through the streets of Tulsa. Tour guides will explain the city's beautiful Art Deco history and more. The tour involves considerable walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Ages 10 and older.   
 

 Tulsa Tough, May 29-31

A three-day cycling festival designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles while showcasing the beautiful city of Tulsa. Tulsa Tough offers events and spectating opportunities for everyone with professional-level races, recreational and tour rides,kids and youth activities, live music and vendors in one action packed weekend.  For more information, go tohttp://www.tulsatough.com/

 

Bartlesville’s SunFest, June 5-7 
“Oklahoma’s Biggest Outdoor Picnic” returns for a long weekend with its trademark combination of 

	A relaxed, family picnic atmosphere.
	Quality, cost-free entertainment.
	A diverse range of arts and crafts.
	Creative, supervised activities for children.
	Terrific food in abundant variety.
	An eye-popping car show.

This free premier arts & entertainment festival – now in its 27th year – is held in Sooner Park located at Madison Boulevard and Tuxedo Avenue in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Parking is available in several lots near the park. For information:http://www.bartlesvillesunfest.org/tradition.htm 
 

Asian-American Festival, June 6

FREE. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road.

Celebrate and learn about the customs and traditions of Asian-Americans with entertaining, educational events for the entire family as Tulsa City-County Library presents the seventh annual Asian-American Festival.

Explore the colorful cultures of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in Asia. The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. with a vibrant Dragon Dance, featuring a 70-foot dragon from China, and includes martial arts demonstrations; Kyoto, Japan art exchange exhibit and workshop; manga exchange and workshop; bamboo flute music; classical Indian dance; traditional Chinese dance; a Japanese tea ceremony; and children’s dances and songs in Japanese and English.

Numerous activities and presentations are scheduled indoors throughout the festival, including interactive educational booths featuring crafts for kids, temporary tattoos, name translation, henna painting and origami instruction. The festival also features authentic arts and crafts booths. Food concession is provided by India Palace, located at 69th and Lewis.

 

Tulsa FreedomFest '09, July 4 
Annual July 4th celebration held at the River West Festival Park and Veterans Park featuring fireworks, entertainment, activities, food & beverages. Fireworks are shot from the 21st Street Bridge at approximately 9:30 p.m. Contact River Parks at 596-2001 for more details 
 
DFest, July 24-25 
Downtown in the Blue Dome District, music conference and festival showcasing 130+ artists of the best emerging independent artists in the country including Oklahoma, Regional and National performers. Tickets required for entry into stages, but you can wander around and see exhibits and hear some music for free – for families, probably best in afternoon and early evening.  For more information, go to www.ddfest.net 
 
Tulsa Drillers 
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. We love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways from free tickets to 50 cent hotdogs. For a list of various promotions, go here: 
http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t260 
A couple of promotion highlights: Free tickets are available for the following games: May 29 (pick up tickets at all WalMart locations); June 10 (all QuikTrips) June 24 (all Arby’s), Aug. 25 & 26 (free tickets at ALL advertisers.) 
There are several “Kids Eat Free” nights, where kids can go on the field for a free clinic and with a paid admission, they get a free hot dog, milk and ice cream -- June 11, June 28,  July 12 and Aug. 16. 
And even if you don’t feel like watching the game, be sure to check the list for one of the nights that will feature fireworks after the games – they put on really impressive shows (better than many 4^th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate in the Lowe’s or Walgreen’s parking lot or in nearby neighborhoods to watch. 
 
Blue Bell Broken Arrow Ice Cream Plant- Taste of Summer, June 29 
8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow, June 29, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm 
The annual Community Open House hosted by one of Broken Arrow's favorite and best-known businesses. ALL the ice cream you can eat. Jupiter Jump for the kids, ice cream eating contest, live entertainment, plant tours and much more. Admission $4 for adults with kids under 6 free. 
 
Woolaroc Kidsfest, June 27 & 28 
10 am-5 pm -- Regular Woolaroc admission (adults $8, over 65 $6 and children 11 and under are FREE) at the great family museum/ranch southwest of Bartlesville. 
Kidsfest features events, games, crafts and entertainment presented on the Woolaroc grounds where visitors can enjoy all of the activities in the rustic outdoor environment, along with the natural beauty of the Osage Hills, the historic art and artifacts in the Woolaroc Museum and the animals on the Wildlife Preserve.  Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as pony rides, wagon rides, treasure dig, face painting, Carpenter's corner, tattoos, beaded necklaces, Indian head bands, native sand art, rock painting, bean bag games, and lots of nature crafts. Our living history booths will include horseshoeing, saddle & boot makers, bridle, bit and spur makers, woodcarvers, silversmiths, flint knapping, rope making, black-smithing, old west re-enactors and lots more. More info at: http://www.woolaroc.org/ 
 
Bartlesville Kiddie Park 
A fun and cheap park for younger kids (probably best up to age 7 or 8). Some of the rides were so mild that even very young toddlers can ride them safely. No admission charge and ride tickets are 25 cents -- almost all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. At least last year, concessions were good "fair fare" and cheap -- $1 cotton candy, 75 cents snowcones, etc. A few things adults could ride, plenty of benches to sit on and watch the kids. There also were wandering clowns, face painting, etc. Good old-fashioned summer fun! 
It's open through the summer, only in the evening:  Fridays and Saturday evenings through May, then open Tues-Thurs 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7:00 pm -10:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays & the 4th of July. If you want to make it the quintessential summer date -- go early enough to stop at the Bartlesville Sonic on the way -- you pass it on your way to the Park, and it's the only Sonic I've seen with a big outdoor playground. 
It is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark.net/ . 
 
Free Family Fishing Clinics 
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hosts free family fishing clinics at the Zebco casting pond, located adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.  The two-hour clinics begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with fishing in the small pond, which is regularly stocked with good-sized channel catfish, which the novice anglers can take home for the dinner table is they so choose. Clinics are open to all ages, not just children, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 
Here’s the schedule for this year: 
May 19, 21 & 28; June 2, 4, 16, 18, 23 & 25; July 7, 14, 21 & 28;  Aug. 4 & 11. Pre-registration is required -- to register call the Wildlife Department's Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.   
For a complete schedule of other locations and events, go to: 
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com./aquated2.htm. 
 
Bixby Green Corn Festival, June 25-27 
Enjoy this old fashioned family fun festival held in downtown Bixby hosted by the Bixby Optimist Club! Enjoy the Pride of Texas carnival, crafts, live music, food and fun games and events for all. Proceeds from the festival will fund youth projects and scholarships provided by the Optimist Club of Bixby. For more info, visit http://www.bixbyoptimist.org/green_corn_festival.php 
  
Porter Peach Festival, July 16-18
Downtown Porter. Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream! 
For more infromation, http://www.porterpeachfestivals.com/ or 694-9314. 
 
Free Bowling 
Kids can bowl free all summer long at Andy Bs, located at 8711 S Lewis Ave. Just go to this website:www.kidsbowlfree.com/andybs and register each child, and receive free bowling passes every week by email. Registered children can bowl 2 games free every day all summer long! 
 

ONGOING

For Teens - Youth Services of Tulsa Coffee House 
Come on by any Saturday, bring your friends and relax at the YST Coffee House. 
Same time, same place: Every Saturday night, 7-11 pm, 
311 S. Madison (1/2 mile West of Peoria on 3rd St). 
The YST Coffee House has Wi-Fi! So, bring your personal connection devices and etc. 
with you to the Coffee House while you enjoy your free coffee and cappuccino. 
 
Get Ready, Set, Take a Stand 
Kind of neat thing, for kids 7-12, an offer from Sunkist for a free lemonade stand kids can use to raise money for their favorite charity. 
http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/ 
  
Free Kids Workshops - Home Depot. 
This is at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month...they can build all kinds of cool projects, with all supplies provided free. I have been doing with the kids from ages 3  and up. 
 
Free Kids Workshop at Lowes 
Similar deal, the second Saturday of the month at 10 am. Both of these are actually year-round. 
  
Tulsa Kids Summer Guide 
For Tulsa Kids summer camp and activities guide, go here: http://www.tulsakids.com/CampGuide/index.html 
 
 
 

CRAFTS/ETC.

Aaaaand, if that isn’t enough, here is a list of fun summertime crafts you can do at home: 
 

Kool-Aid Play Dough

2- 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add water and oil and stir. Knead with hands when mixture is cool. Store in air-tight container. This recipe lasts for several months.

  
"I Spy" water bottles 
Use rice, birdseed or sand to fill the water bottle about 3/4 of the way up and add a bunch of small trickets (buttons, doll shoe, jingle bell, coins, earring, etc.) Super glue the top on to keep it from opening up. Make a label of everything included and attach it to the bottle neck with a ribbon – kids can spend hours looking for all the items. I had little label to tie to the top with everything they neede to find.  
 
Dyed Pasta 
(use for crafts, to make necklaces, glue on paper for designs) 
1. Pour 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol (or ¼  cup vinegar) into a plastic resealable bag
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the plastic bag
3. Add ½ lb of dry pasta to the plastic bag
4. Seal the bag and shake, making sure that the past gets coated with coloring
5. Set out sheets of wax paper
6. Put on rubber gloves
7. Remove the past from the plastic bags and place on the wax paper to dry
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each color
9. Make sure pasta is completely dry befor storing in containers/plastic bags 
 

Sidewalk paint

1part corn starch 1 part water  , few drops of food coloring (more if you want brighter colors)... I use the platic cups we get at resturaunts to  mix it in.  the paint brushes you get to paint on walls work better (get 1'' and 1/2" ones)  When the paint dries it looks really cool... but when you are tired of it just sweep it away.  If it leaves a slight stain don't worry the sun will fade it away in a day.   It also comes off clothes easy.  My kids can paint for hrs... let them paint rocks, flower pots, even the house. You can put the paint in shallow pans to let them dip their feet in and make foot prints... really cute

   

Salt Dough

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon cooking oil (optional)

This is the most basic and time tested dough mixture. First mix all the ingredients together. Next knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. The kneading will make the dough smooth and shinny. Floor your hand to prevent the dough from sticking. This dough can be baked in a low (250 degree) oven and then painted. Spray with a varnish for added shine.

 

Bubble recipe

11 cups of water
4 cups Ajax Anti-Bacterial dish soap
1 cup corn syrup

Will fill a gallon milk jug and will store indefinitely if kept cool.

  
And a few good sites for summer activities, games, crafts, etc.: 
http://familyfun.go.com/ 
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/summerkidsactivities.html 
http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer/ 
 

Fancy Family....

Wanna see how cute our pics are???? Go to www.quinciecreations.com and click on the PROOFING button at the botttom....then it will ask for password - Type in FRANCY and you can watch the slideshow. Little push - Quincie is the best at family pictures - notice how she has captured Ragon's personality so well!

Swing Low Sweet Chariot......

What is wrong with my children that they both would sit in a swing like this as infants? I wish I had my old computer and I would post the pictures of Ragon doing the same dadgum thing!

Should I be embarassed by this?

Never in our 8 years have I seen my husband as embarassed as he was when I posed for this picture. The sad thing is that we are stone cold sober. Yep - maybe a glass of wine...but it isn't any excuse. These are all the prosecutors I work for posing with our badges. I thought David was going to die as he just shook his head. So - you tell me - am I a nerd? BTW - isn't Tulsa County lucky - what a bunch of hottie prosecutors!

How you doin'?

Okay - this is a picture of my sissy's, my grandma, my momma, my aunt, and my cousin's wife. We are all the momma's at our house this Mothers Day. Can I be honest? I picked this picture, because my arms looked the best in it...How is that for honesty?

YEAH! Do you see sister? Yep! No one is holding on to this little girl...She has learned to swim with a life jacket on...Apparently this is something you have to learn. At first she just kept ended up face down in the water...Now she can hold herself up! Yeah! Now we have to learn to do it without the life jacket! How did she get so big?

Teachable moment....the way to take a picture of 10 kids - 10 years and under is to turn on Monsters, Inc. and stand next to the TV. Not that it works perfectly...but come on....Their heads are all turned the right way!

Happy Mother's Day.

Face Lift!

This isn't really a face lift. I am so cheap. I will one day pay to have a cute blog....but for now, all three of my followers, you will have to live with the free downloads...but I just HAD to get rid of the CHRISTMAS background I had been using! I had family pictures done on Monday - so those should make their debut in a couple of weeks. I am sooo excited. 

The other face lift ? I need one! Because - hold your breath. I am turning 35 on Thursday - please as a favor to me...pretend thursday doesn't exist! Just ignore it. Treat me as you would any other day - maybe tell me I look skinny....or young. Today in a staffing, this girl was talking about how OLD the guy was....she then said he was born in 1973. Yeah - that is a whole year before me! I about rolled under the table and quickly informed her that he was NOT old. I think she too wanted to roll under the table after I told her - he was my age. She tried to back peddle....no such luck. The damage was done!

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater....

I don't know if this is cheating...we shall see! Go to this website and vote on the notecard naming contest. I suggested "Seaside" I don't care if you like my name - just vote for it!!! HAHAHA!!! That is sooooo wrong! But I want to win something - I don't think there is a prize...but I am just competitive, and if you take a look. I am LOSING! So log on and vote for Seaside! Come on - it is two clicks. And on a side note - this girl has the GREATEST stuff! So shop around. She is in town - super fast, reasonable prices and very reliable!