“Pretty Little Liars”: Not Toby! … and how I spent my evening with my daughters
I was in the kitchen fixing chili for dinner last night, and I could hear my girls talking about what they were about to watch on TV.
It was going to be “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” followed by “Pretty Little Liars.”
When my daughters first started watching some of the popular teen-oriented shows, I wondered about the content of such shows. It seems like only yesterday they were immersed in shows like “Hannah Montana,” “Rugrats” and “That’s so Raven.”
I would occasionally hear a conversation about the shows, but I was an outsider. And, I had no interest in watching either of the series. How could I possibly get interested in them?
One night, however, I sat down with my oldest daughter, Katie, and watched both “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Pretty Little Liars.” I was hooked! Not on “Secret Life” as much, but “Pretty Little Liars” became one of my must-see shows.
So, after I hurriedly finished in the kitchen last night, I settled in next to my girls on the couch. We finished the finale of “Secret Life” and then started “Liars,” a show all three of us had been anticipating.
But this isn’t just a blog about my television viewing habits. I have many more favorites: “NCIS,” “Longmire,” “Covert Affairs,” “Psych” …
It’s about the benefits of watching television with your children. When they were watching “American Idol” a couple of seasons ago, I would sit with them then on occasion.
I’ve enjoyed watching the shows. But I also enjoy listening to what Katie and Kaci have to say about the actors, characters, plots. I love to hear their opinions and their analysis of what the backstory really is when you’re unsure of where the storyline will go next.
They might get a little annoyed if I ask a question about Emily or Jenna or Toby or why they did what in the middle of a scene. … But, that’s OK. I can learn more just by watching … and listening later to what they have to say.
– Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Spend a day at the museum Sept. 29
What are you planning to do Sept. 29?
Go to a museum, of course!
Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! is an opportunity for two of your family members to visit a local museum for free.
Just click here to sign up for two free tickets to visit a participating museum anywhere across the nation. If you know you’re going to be in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 29, you could print your tickets now and visit a Smithsonian Museum!
No worries if you’re going to be in Oklahoma, though. There are several state museums participating in this fun event:
- Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan
- Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman
- Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa
- Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee
- Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
- Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum, Pawnee
- Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa
- Philip Foster Farm National Historic Site, Eagle Creek
- Sam Noble Museum, Norman
- Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City
- Three Rivers Museum, Muskogee
- Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, Tulsa
- Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
This opportunity will allow you to enjoy your favorite museum or explore one you’ve never visited.
It’s easy to print your tickets. I just did!
So, see you at the museum!
- Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter: @OKNewsResearch
WINNERS! named for Summer Movie Fun giveaway
Congratulations to Crystal Keene and Nita Smith!
Both were the winners of the Harkins Theatres Summer Movie Fun 4-pack voucher giveaway.
They’re in for some “movie fun” this summer!
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Tagless shirts: Best invention yet?
- Where are the scissors?!
Cade hates tags in the backs of his shirts. They’re itchy, scratchy, nuisance-causing, razor-edged swatches that feel like they’ve been cut from sandpaper.
My 7-year-old will inspect the back of a shirt before he pulls it over his head. If a little, conspicuous tag is seen, he’s not wearing the shirt … until I cut the tag out.
This past school year, I received communication from his teacher, asking if she could cut the tag out of the shirt.
“Absolutely! Whatever makes him happy,” is my motto.
So, whether we need to thank Hanes — or maybe a mommy — for this bright idea, it doesn’t matter.
I’m a tagless fan!
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter: @OKNewsResearch
(Hooray for tagless shirts!)
GIVEAWAY!! Summer Movie Fun!
If you’re looking for a way to make your kids smile this summer, just tell them you’re taking them to the movies.
Children can go to the movies for less than $1 per movie during Harkins Summer Movie Fun program, which begins the week of June 4.
Harkins Theatres in Bricktown is offering a different movie each week for 10 weeks, and each movie is less than $1 if a season pass is bought for $5.
The following movies will be shown at 9:45 a.m. during the 10-week event:
Happy Feet Two
Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked
Rio
Kung Fu Panda 2
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Puss in Boots
The Smurfs
Arthur Christmas
Hotel for Dogs
Locally, two lucky families also have a chance to win four vouchers that will get them into the movies once a week for free throughout the summer program.
So, if you live near Oklahoma City, send an email to LLYNN@OPUBCO.COM and place SUMMER MOVIE FUN in the subject line. Please include your name, contact information and mailing address.
Two winners will be chosen soon, so enter now!
Families will need to select a specific day of the week to attend the movies when they go to redeem their vouchers.
If you don’t win, you can still buy tickets at Harkins Theatre in Bricktown. Summer Movie Fun season passes are $5 per person or $2 per individual ticket.
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Giveaway: Crabtree & Evelyn spa gift set!
Because you deserve it, Moms!
Crabtree & Evelyn is partnering with The Oklahoman’s Hiccups parenting blog to give away a vanity case filled with products that will pamper one lucky mom.
To enter, simply send me an email about why a special mom …. or you … deserves to enjoy this beautiful giftset.
Place Mother’s Day in the subject line, and please include your contact information and mailing address.
Here’s more information about the gift, the La Source Vanity Case, described by promoters of this product:
This double-zippered case features an ocean blue print and opens to reveal five La Source favourites for velvety soft skin. Our revitalising La Source therapies for the body and hands are blended with restorative mineral salts and nutrient-rich seaweeds. Fragranced with a crisp, clean scent reminiscent of fresh sea air.
La Source Vanity Case Contains:
- La Source Relaxing Body Wash (250mL)
- La Source Triple-Milled Soap (100g)
- La Source Relaxing Body Lotion (250 mL)
- La Source Hand Recovery (100g)
- La Source Hand Therapy (100g)
Mother’s Day is only a few days away, so enter today!
For more information about Crabtree & Evelyn products visit this website.
~Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Festival of the Arts might inspire your child’s creativity
The Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts offers a lot of art and a lot of fun for kids.
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend with your children, you’ll want to drive downtown and let your kids explore their creative sides.
The festival’s not just for children, but there are areas that are dedicated to your child.
For $2 your youngster can participate in hands-on art activities in the Children’s Art Field. And the Young-at-Art Mart is a children-only shopping area with artwork priced no more than $5.
For more information, call (405) 270-4848 or go to the Arts Council of Oklahoma City website.
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Here are a few photos of children enjoying this year’s festival, as well as some of the sights you might see when you go:
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- Comedian, contortionist and daredevil, Al Millar brings his high-energy street performance talents to the 2012 Festival of the Arts He is photographed during one of his three daily performances on Thursday, April 26, 2012. His stage name is the Human Knot. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
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- A man and woman walk through Sculpture Park on the north grounds of 2012 Festival of the Arts on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
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- Devin Smith and her daughter, Catelynn, 8, of Edmond, look an an acrylic painting in the tent of Houston artist Elaine Lanoue at the 2012 Festival of the Arts on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. This is Lanoue’s seventh year to exhibit her paintings in Oklahoma City. Her husband, Guiteau Lanoue, also displays his art at the festival. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
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- Patrice Tucker kisses her niece Jillian Tucker, 1, during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
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- Gainsville, Florida digital artist Gregg Billman sorts and catalogs Monday, April 21, 2012 in preparation for the Festival of the Arts starting Tuesday. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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- Sabrina Smith, 5, and Ajax Haldane, 3, run through a fountain in the Myriad Gardens during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
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- Joseph Dover, 4, runs through a fountain in the Myriad Gardens during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
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![Oklahoma City Barons mascot Derrick holds a Jumbo Turkey Leg from the Brewer Entertainment, Inc., & [Artspace] at Untitled booth on International Food Row during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman](http://blog.newsok.com/hiccups/files/2012/04/FESTIVAL-OF-THE-ARTS_003-150x150.jpg)
- Oklahoma City Barons mascot Derrick holds a Jumbo Turkey Leg from the Brewer Entertainment, Inc., & [Artspace] at Untitled booth on International Food Row during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
![Oklahoma City Barons mascot Derrick holds a Jumbo Turkey Leg from the Brewer Entertainment, Inc., & [Artspace] at Untitled booth on International Food Row during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman](http://blog.newsok.com/hiccups/files/2012/04/FESTIVAL-OF-THE-ARTS_003.jpg)
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- Strawberries Newport at the Strawberries Newport & Science Museum Oklahoma booth on International Food Row during the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
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- Kinetic sculpture by Andrew Carson during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City TUesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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- Kinetic sculpture by Andrew Carson during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City TUesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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- Paula Vallera, of Mustang, looks at the colorful shoes of artists Mark and Judy Carter from Prescott, Arizona during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City TUesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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- Nichols Hills Varsity Choir sings during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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- Mekhia Chandler, 8, a third-grader in the Nichols Hills Varsity Choir sings during opening day of the Festival of the Arts in downtown Oklahoma City Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
Touch-a-Truck a hands-on event: May 12 at UCO
I was always pretty mystified by the flashing lights of fire trucks, police cars and ambulances.
I still am.
And when my dad brought his Allis Chalmers tractor in from the fields, it was always a treat to climb up into the cab and tower above the ground.
In the 1970s and ’80s my family would camp at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas. One of the fantastic attractions there was a huge, black train engine. My sister and I would climb all over it! I’m not sure if it’s still accessible, but my point is that I was able to imagine myself as an engineer, riding the rails.
To a child, getting to explore these massive modes of transportation is like playing with a new toy.
On May 12, children can attend a Touch-a-Truck event in Edmond. Police cars, ambulances, a garbage truck, a fire truck, a school bus and more will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m in the University of Central Oklahoma parking lot just off Second Street.
For more information, go to the event website or read The Oklahoman’s story.
Here’s a photo gallery of the 2011 Touch-a-Truck event:
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- Touch-a-Truck / Photos by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Juggling: Entertainment or necessity?
When the kids were younger, I ended up driving them to gymnastics, piano lessons, dance class, Y basketball games …
Although not as busy as some families, we had our share of drive-through meals on our way to or returning from classes and events.
My husband and I spent a lot of time juggling our schedules around our children’s activities.
But, guess what? Now that our children have gotten a little older, we’re still juggling schedules. With both of us working and all three kids in school and involved in social activities with friends, we definitely need a plan for our week.
How do you juggle? Have you found a great way to organize and plan?
Share here!
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter @OKNewsResearch
Free book! Enter to win one of these newly published books that you can enjoy reading to your child
I was lamenting to my daughter that I had not been regularly reading books with our youngest son.
Then, after emptying out his backpack that night, he sat down with me with a book “The Berenstain Bears: New Kitten.” I was thrilled! And, before the evening had ended we had read four more books!
With my oldest daughter, she was the only child in the house, and my husband and I read to her constantly. By the time Kaci came along, we squeezed in a book here and there and made sure to meet school reading requirements.
With Cade, reading only happens when he wants to read. Sometimes he will sit by his bookcase and read on his own, and, sometimes, I’m actually sitting on the couch, he’s on the couch, and voila! a book is there, too. Yea, reading time!
We have many children’s books in our home, and sometimes I cycle them in and out from boxes in the garage since we don’t have a lot of bookshelves. And, though, we have a lot of books, there’s always an excitement when we bring a new book into the house.
I recently was sent a few new books that might find their way to your home.
All are colorful and somewhat whimsical, filled with lovely illustrations. They might be children’s books, but I enjoy them as an adult, too.
”The Word Collector” by Sonja Wimmer is somewhat unconventional with the words winding around the page and through the book. As the little girl in the book collects words, there is the sense of a journey and realization of the magic of language.
”Witches Handbook” by Monica Carretero is what all little witches need to know about being a carrier of the broom. A fun book with delightful characters and that spurs the imagination.
”Drops of Life” by Esko-Pekka Tiitinen and illustrated by Nikolai Tiitinen inspires environmental responsibility. The story explores the world in which endangered species must come together to save the Earth. You will enjoy the artistry as you read.
”Zaira and the Dolphins” by Mar Pavon and illustrated by Cha Coco is a tale of a little girl and … dolphins, but not in the usual setting. Her imagination plays a big part in this book.
”Story of a Cockroach” by Carmen Gil and Sonja Wimmer and Anastasia. I’m not usually a fan of cockroaches, but this character is more heartwarming than the usual bug. She dreams of being famous but discovers she is very important just being who she is.
Send me an email with your name and mailing address, and you will have a chance to enjoy one of these beautiful books! The deadline to enter is April 30.
–Linda Lynn
Follow me on Twitter: @OKNewsResearch
Check out this website, too: The Children’s Book Review http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/
