Windy City Mama

Holiday Time at the Museum of Science and Industry

2008-12-02T18:50:00Z

Check out the Museum of Science and Industry for good deals on holiday fun! The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light display is a favorite festive activity: more than 50 dazzling trees reflect holiday customs from around the world. Each day features a variety of ethnic and holiday song-and-dance performances (check online for a schedule).
Head over to www.msichicago.org to download a “Share the Memories” voucher to receive two adult general admission tickets for the price of one, redeemable on-site Monday through Thursdays until Dec. 11. General admission is free for everyone on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), and don't forget to take advantage of extended hours are also offered on select dates in December.

Naughty or Nice?

2008-11-24T17:52:00Z

It's that time of year again: Finally, parents everywhere can echo that famous line: "If you don't (Insert: make your bed, brush your teeth, do your homework), Santa's going to leave you nothing but a bag of coal!"

Let your kids self-evaluate their behavior at http://www.santasgoodlist.org/. Created by the friendly folks at Santa's Candy Castle, in Santa Claus, Indiana***, this direct link to the real-deal North Pole elves guides kids through a questionnaire that will let them know where they fall on Santa's Naughty-or-Nice-o-Meter.

*** Yes! There really is a Santa Claus, Indiana-- my son and I had a blast there over a long weekend this past summer. Check out the details of our trip here.

Get ready, get set...VOTE!

2008-11-04T18:56:00Z

No matter if you're Red, Blue or Green -- grab your favorite kid and get out and VOTE on this beautiful Autumn Chicago day!

Let your kids know WHY you are voting for your candidate. Take the time to ask: "If (when!) you are President of the United States of America, what new laws will you create? How will you change the world?"

Afterwards, don't forget to have a donut on Krispy Creme or a coffee on Starbucks.

Happy voting!

Wired NEXT Fest

2008-10-10T13:27:00Z

When I was a little girl, I looked forward to the future, when I could finally live like the Jetsons. And here we are, 2008, and I am still waiting for that machine where at the push the button the meal of my choice will flash intact through a tube and onto the table, I'm still wondering when I'll be able to jet Daniel off to school via yet another tube (suddenly, I'm remembering how cool it was when drive-through banks used to magically zap money for mom out of seemingly nowhere and safety suckers for me through those then innovative tubes, perhaps inspired by the Jetsons?)...and Rosie -- wow I would still love a Rosie. The hairdo machine would be great too. George Jetson was still stuck in a dead-end job with Mr. Spacely for a boss, but Jane Jetson was a completely liberated woman.
Daniel and I headed over to Millennium Park last week to check out the WIRED NEXT FEST, a.k.a "premier showcase of the global innovations transforming our world." I knew he would enjoy it: Daniel is a LEGO fanatic and his most recent invention is a pair of bizarre space goggles that are now sitting on our coffee table. The NEXTFEST gave him the chance to chit-chat with M.I.T. professors working on the latest in robotics -- not Rosie but something close: a wandering information-desk type robot -- and test out new video games alongside their creators, among other things. I even enjoyed the petals blowing in the wind video game -- part of a new generation of 'meditative' video games -- and I hate video games.
We also watched a demo on the new Toyota I-REAL. This was one innovation that creeped me out. Supposedly we'll be driving these in the future: pod-like cars that seat one and will take us from doorstep to office without having to ever get up off our butts. In the demo, the man leaves his garage in River Forest and rides downtown to his office, parking finally right at his desk. The most pathetic part is when the man goes on a DATE and arrives at the cafe in his pod, parking himself at a table. Think the future according to WALL-E, where we'll all be a bunch of inflated soda-guzzlers permanently fixed to our pods by choice. Daniel and I both agreed on this one: Thanks but no thanks. I'll be the old lady riding the vintage bicycle contraption or taking part in that old-fashioned delight, walking.
And that's what we did afterwards, we transported ourselves the old-fashioned way -- walking -- over to the Oasis Cafe, which is truly an Oasis of Israeli delights hidden in the back of a jewelry store on Wabash, steps away from Millennium Park. We ate fresh falafel sandwiches, dipped pita into lemony hummus, and sipped San Pellegrino Limonata. For dessert, baklava. This hidden cafe is an affordable, delicious gem in the midst of diamonds, pearls, and Rolexes.

Oasis Cafe
http://www.oasiscafe1.com/
12 N Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 443-9534

WIRED NextFest
Experience the Future
September 27 - October 12, 2008Millennium Park, ChicagoWIRED NextFest is FREE and Open to the Public.
HOURS:Monday ClosedTuesday - Wednesday 11-7
Thursday 12-8Friday - Sunday 11-7

Books! Books! Books!

2008-09-15T14:44:00Z

What: 57th Street Children's Bookfair

When: September 28, 2008, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Hyde Park - Take Metra Electric Line to 55th-56th-57th and head west. L riders can exit Garfield Red or Green.

Why: Because we LOVE books! Meet up with your favorite characters: Curious George and the Man with Yellow Hat, Clifford, Franklin, Miss Spider, the Stinky Cheese Man, Strawberry Shortcake, the original Winnie the Pooh, Madeline and of course Mother Goose!

Architecture for Kids

2008-09-03T20:03:00Z

Forwarded from: http://www.architecture.org/cafamily.html

Join the CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION on Sunday, September 21 from 11am to 3pm for Construction Junction – a day of building fun at CAF's first Family Studio Sunday!

Help construct colossal kid-sized structures out of recycled newspapers and cardboard, design a tower with marshmallows and toothpicks, and take a family-friendly walking tour.

Special guest, Benjamin Takemori, master builder for Kapla Blocks, will conduct hands-on building workshops throughout the day.

3rd Sunday of the Month, 11am to 3pm

COST Free

LOCATION Santa Fe Building, 224 South Michigan Avenue

Activities, walking tours, stories, and more for the whole family! Activities are designed for children ages 3 to 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Schedule for 2008-2009
September 21
January 18
October 19
February 15
November 16
March 15
December (no program)
April 19
May 17

Fall Workshops for Tots at the Art Institute of Chicago

2008-09-02T19:01:00Z

The Art Institute of Chicago is simply a grand master when it comes to introducing children to art. The upcoming fall series of family workshops and Mini-Masters classes will have your children observing the depiction of the seasons in art, stepping into the royal court of Benin, and creating animated animals.

Check out fall programming and reserve a space for your future Monet at www.artic.edu/aic and Hurry(!!!) as programs tend to fill up quickly.

Photo: Altar Head of an Oba (Uhunmwun Elao), 18th/early 19th century. Nigeria, Benin Kingdom; Edo. Brass, h: 32.4 cm, The Art Institute of Chicago, Major Acquisitions Centennial Endowment, 2003.16.

Sharing News Single Mothers Already Knew

2008-08-29T17:31:00Z

As a single mother, I already had an inkling, but USA today has decided to share the news with the world today. Yes, everyone Single moms' sons can succeed! and new research backs it.

Was I the only mom who teared up when Obama brought up his mother last night? His sister, Maia, brought me to tears speaking about his mother on NPR yesterday as well. It was a happy, teary day.

In the USA Today article, Cambridge researcher Michael Lamb states that for decades, family researchers expressed concerns that "were driven by a lot of cultural assumptions, which led them to propose kids are better off in the traditional family." He goes on to say "The evidence, on the whole, hasn't supported that, but the beliefs have persisted in society."

Lamb summarizes: "What's important is not whether they are raised by one or two parents. It's how good is the relationship with the parent, how much support they're getting from that parent and how harmonious is the environment."

I consistently see this in my classroom: I would say that in my high school homeroom classroom, half the kids are raised by single parents (single mothers). They fare no better nor worse than the kids raised in traditional mother/father homes. The kids who are struggling appear to be the ones that do not connect with any parent at all; the families where harmony is replaced with economic struggle (a.k.a. mom and dad have to work two jobs and are never around, dad is stressed out because he doesn't have enough money to pay school fees, mom is stressed out because she can't afford to pay her medical bills) or personal struggle (mom and dad fight all the time, mom is more interested in her newest boyfriend, dad screams at me all the time, etc. etc. - I've heard it all). Kids don't prosper in stressed out homes, no matter whether the home be headed by a single parent or a mother/father combo.

In any case, it is great to see some men raised by single mothers figure so prominently in the spotlight today. Their confidence, hope, and the love that shines from them for their moms is enough to make any (single) mom melt. It was touching to see Debbie Phelps cry with joy as she watched her son win race after race in the Olympics, knowing that supporting his swimming passion took a lot of rides to and fro from the pool, a lot of rushed meals, many late arrivals and early departures from her job, tons of early morning wake-ups for swimming meets, loads of cheering and support and love. Touching to see the pictures of Barack Obama with his mom: couldn't you just see how fiercely proud of him she really was? I am saddened when I think that she isn't here to watch her son - the one she woke up at 4:30 a.m. to tutor - become President. But like all moms, she knew in her heart that he was on to accomplish great things.

Isn't that all a child really needs in life? Someone, anyone - a mother, a father, an aunt, a brother, a sister - someone to stand behind him and believe in him with all their hearts?

For the full US Today article, see http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-08-27-single-moms-succeed_N.htm?csp=34

Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s 2008 Showcase House

2008-08-26T17:57:00Z

The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society's 2008 Showcase House

From :http://www.childrenscliniciws.org/

The 2008 Showcase House, from which proceeds benefit The Children’s Clinic, is a must see on the inside. It’s full of surprises! This year’s house is a 30-year-old classic English-style brick and stone house, completely rebuilt over the last two years. But the house comes alive through the creativity of 15 area designers who are volunteering their talents and resources to transform the 18-room home into an elegant show of interior design. With 12,000 sq. ft. the house features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and the magic continues in the lower level. Some of the “extras” in this year’s showcase house include a movie theatre (including box office) and an authentic English pub. Organized and sponsored by the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society, the 2008 Showcase House opens September 7 and continues 21 days in September. Guests will be treated to a tour of the house and grounds and can shop in a boutique market that features 30 regional artisans, designers and vendors.

The Infant Welfare Society raises funds to support The Children’s Clinic which provides health and dental care to underserved children throughout 50 communities. For more information on The Children’s Clinic visit The 2008 Showcase House, from which proceeds benefit The Children’s Clinic, is a must see on the inside. It’s fullof surprises! This year’s house is a 30-year-old classic English-style brick and stone house, completely rebuilt over the last two years. But the house comes alive through the creativity of 15 area designers who are volunteering their talents and resources to transform the 18-room home into an elegant show of interior design. With 12,000 sq. ft. the house features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and the magic continues in the lower level. Some of the “extras” in this year’s showcase house include a movie theatre (including box office) and an authentic English pub. Organized and sponsored by the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society, the 2008 Showcase House opens September 7 and continues 21 days in September. Guests will be treated to a tour of the house and grounds and can shop in a boutique market that features 30 regional artisans, designers and vendors. The Infant Welfare Society raises funds to support The Children’s Clinic which provides health and dental care to underserved children throughout 50 communities. For more information on The Children’s Clinic visit http://www.childrenscliniciws.org/.

The Air and Water Show: Know Before You Go

2008-08-17T03:08:00Z

On Friday afternoon, I loaded up three kids into the Radio Flyer wagon and walked from Wisconsin and Armitage to North Avenue Beach. Yes, that was me, the woman in the red sundress pulling the red wagon, with the sweet curly-haired four-year-old boy manning the front, the girl with the frog boots and the Detroit Pistons tank top (she insisted on wearing it and some battles are not worth fighting) in the middle and my son anchoring them all in the rear. Normally I'd force Daniel - age 7 - to walk on his own two feet, but the wagon is now necessary as he's broken his arm for the FOURTH time in the past two years.

Yes, that's the truth. FOUR times in the past two years. This time he fell off his bike while racing a gang of boys in an alley on the south side. The first time he was at his grandparents house and fell down the garage steps. The second time he fell was sliding down a snowy hill. The third time he was playing tag on the school playground, slipped and fell.

It is especially sad because we adore daily trips to the pool and the beach - really - we don't go a day without a swim. There were so many times this summer that I really didn't feel like getting into a public pool filled elbow to elbow with people, so many times I dipped my feet into Lake Michigan and cringed, thinking, Do I really have to get in? But I always jumped in. And I am so happy that I always did that. It really was a joy to see my son dive into the deep end for the first time this summer. To see his little girl friend finally jump in on her own and swim to me with her super-fast doggie paddle which improved into underwater froggy-style. To see the littlest, curly-haired and fiercely proud boy get into the water (our first few trips he just sat at the side on the ledge) and trust me enough to cling to me as I swam to the deep end.

My son - and the two children who spent most days this summer with us while their mother's worked hard - drove me nuts at times (most notably the time they threw bits of charcoal from our patio down to our neighbors backyard...though it was kinda funny watching them pick it all up, faces red and flustered, worried that the beloved neighbor would be angry with them forever) BUT I feel blessed to have spent a slice of a summer of their lives together. And to be able to spend the entire summer with my son, eating popsicles, swimming, walking to the park, building sandcastles on the beach...I am so thankful. Because I am well aware of how quickly time passes, and to me, there is nothing better than spending time with my little family, Daniel and I, and the little friends and good adult friends that are such a close part of our lives.

Back to the Air and Water Show: by the time I got to North Avenue Beach, I felt like my arms were about to fall off. But we made it just in time. I bagged Daniel's arm up in an extra-strength garbage bag, issued the 'No Going Past Your Kneecaps' warning and crossed my fingers for the best. We saw Bill Murray parachute down - though of course the kids have no idea who he is (Note to self: rent GhostBusters) and we heard Carol Brady sing the national anthem.

My son actually is familiar with Carol Brady, as we watched the entire series in the backseat of my sister's car on the way to Traverse City. Normally I hate DVD players in cars. I feel like kids need to learn to enjoy the road trip and look out the dang window and play travel bingo. But this time, I really enjoyed watching the Brady Bunch through my adult eyes. I used to dream of living in such a perfect family. How funny to watch it now, knowing that Mike was really homosexual, Carol and Greg sneaked a kiss though Greg and Marsha were...and then there's Jan...and now Bobby on reality tv with that girl from Joliet...well, I'll stop there. I do LOVE the Hawaii episode. I think I have it memorized.

You can still catch the Air and Water show on Sunday. A few recommendations: Bring your own snacks and water. Prices triple at all the stands this weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen and hats for all. Bring along buckets and shovels and set up camp close to the shore so the kids can play in the water and the sand - they will appreciate the airplanes but playing in the sand and swimming and watching the airplanes is the most fun.

We always go to North Avenue Beach. Yes, it's totally crowded. Yes, you need to park far and then walk a mile to get there. But the Air and Water Show is a Chicago tradition, and it's just one of those must-do summer things. Have fun! Summer's almost over so squeeze what you can out of these beautiful, sunny summer days!

Walking with the Dinosaurs Chicago Premier!

2008-08-08T14:51:00Z

Before I begin, let me say that if you know a child even remotely interested in dinosaurs - head immediately over to unitedcenter.com or ticketmaster.com and order your tickets. You won't want to miss this!

My son, age 7, and I caught the Chicago premier of Walking with the Dinosaurs last evening, and we were both enthralled.

What's not to love about these dinosaurs? They look just like the real thing must have: so spot-on size wise that it takes the United Center to host them. Walking with the Dinosaurs, based on the eponymous BBC series, is a brand new 96 minute live theatrical show featuring true-to-life-size robotic and puppetted dinosaurs. Carefully written with the family in mind, this educational spectacle will take your family back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the world. You'll experience everything: the roars, the earthquakes, the volcanoes, the comets, the, ahem, dino poop - all within the comfort of your seat and century.
Huxley, the paleontologist will be your guide, taking you on a 200 million year journey. You'll meet the terror of his times, Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as Plateosaurus, Liliensternus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Torosaurus, and Utahraptor. The largest of all, Brachiosaurus, is a jaw-dropping 36 feet tall, and 56 feet long from nose to tall. Apart from load roars, the show is suitable for audiences ages 3 and up, and best of all, you're kids will glean a lesson or two about the lives of these amazing creatures. The entire script is paleontologist-approved.

Don't miss “Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience” at Chicago’s United Center August 7 to 17. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. For more info, check out Dinosaurslive.com

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center

2008-08-07T02:37:00Z

No matter how hard I nag my seven-year-old son to pick them up, you're still bound to step on a LEGO or two in our home. We have amassed enough LEGOs to build a full-scale replica of the Hancock building. And perhaps Trump Tower. Likely the Shedd Aquarium as well.
So you can imagine the excitement as my son, his seven-year-old cousin, and six-year-old girl friend and I headed to the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center at the Streets of Woodfield.
The larger-than-life LEGO creations inspired the whole gang. They spent several minutes pointing out sights in the LEGO version of Chicago, and wandered around the jungle, with it's LEGO lions and tigers. The Dragon Ride was a major disappointment for our group (all aged older than six) - veeeerrry slow and not-at-all scary (but it would be perfect for the four and under set). The 3D movie brought out some giggles and ooohs and aaahs but the LEGO factory was a dud: the "factory manager" read his script with zero enthusiasm and our group wasn't fooled by the fakery (I'll blame that on watching too many episodes of How It's Made on the Discovery Channel). The equipment at the play area was no more interesting or unique than that at your local park and was more suitable again for the four and under set.
The best fun to be had was at the creation center, where kids have free reign and loads of LEGOS to build and test creations on simple slides and ramps. The kids really could have spent hours here.
The admission price was a bit steep - $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Likewise, prices were a rather high at the cafe as well (but isn't it the same at all amusement park/attraction cafes?).
All in all, the smaller LEGO lovers in your family will truly enjoy this attraction; older kids will enjoy a visit or two, but the lines and crowds might make them long for some quiet, creative building time with friends at home.

http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

They're Baaaack...(after 64 million years away...)

2008-07-19T16:15:00Z

Dinosaurs are about to stomp and stampede back into Chicago, much to the delight, or fear, of dino-loving kids.

And what's not to love about these dinosaurs? They look just like the real thing must have: so spot-on size wise that it takes the United Center to host them - and frightening enough - with their scales and fangs and carnivorous chompers - to have scared the pants off some of the kids in the preview audience (one boy, I'd say age 9 or so, let go of his cool factor and ran straight for his grandma's bosom). The good thing is that these dinosaurs are truly friendly - the whole meat-eating monster thing is just part of their act.
Walking with the Dinosaurs, based on the eponymous BBC series, is a brand new 96 minute live theatrical show featuring true-to-life-size robotic and puppetted dinosaurs. Carefully written with the family in mind, this educational spectacle will take your family back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the world. You'll experience everything: the roars, the earthquakes, the volcanoes, the comets - all within the comfort of your seat and century.
Huxley, the paleontologist will be your guide, taking you on a 200 million year journey. You'll meet the terror of his times, Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as Plateosaurus, Liliensternus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Torosaurus, and Utahraptor. The largest of all, Brachiosaurus, is a jaw-dropping 36 feet tall, and 56 feet long from nose to tall. Apart from load roars, the show is suitable for audiences ages 3 and up, and best of all, you're kids will glean a lesson or two about the lives of these amazing creatures. The entire script is paleontologist-approved.

Don't miss “Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience” at Chicago’s United Center August 7 to 17. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. For more info, check out Dinosaurslive.com

Koons for Kids

2008-07-14T14:12:00Z

This past Thursday, I dragged my kiddo and his friend, ages 7 and 6, to the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Dragged isn't the appropriate word: Kid #2, my son's best friend, is the daughter of an artist, and has the gene in her already: she is struck by images and I'll see them later in the drawings she cranks out on my kitchen table. Kid #1, my son, has seen the mom of Kid #2 at work. He's seen the paintings in progress and the paintings on display. He looks for the story in the art and recognizes things I don't. The MCA is breezy and light, calm and quiet yet filled with art that speaks loudly, to adults and children alike. The kids ran up the Mies Van der Rohe staircase with glee.
Both stared in awe at the giant, bright orange Balloon Dog (1994-2000) and spent much time just craving to poke it with a sharp pin, "Could it really be a balloon?" And then, "How did he get those basketballs to float like that in an aquarium?" (Three Ball Total Equilibrium Tank, 1985). "How did he blow up that caterpillar to fit in the ladder?" (Caterpillar Ladder, 2003). I don't answer their questions, I ask them to answer them between themselves. I could see their brains tinkering and toiling as they contemplated Stacked (1988), life-sized, disney-esque animals balanced on a big fat pig. To the kids, Michael Jackson (Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988) appeared to be a really cool, invented cartoon character with a funny monkey. "No," I explained, "he's real!" and I thought to play some Michael Jackson tunes at home but still haven't gotten around to it.

I had been warned: Do NOT let the kids get past the partitioned area. There is a security guard at the entrance to prevent this from happening, but of course, Kid #1 was crafting a plan to infiltrate the great beyond. I set them beside Caterpillar Ladder and told them DON'T MOVE and they didn't for the five minutes or so as I checked out the hidden art. Koons was married to the Italian porn star/ politician Ilona Staller for a spell, and their (sexual) relationship is now on display, memorialized in all its glory, almost a sad tribute to the impermeance of passionate love (knowing that Staller is currently suing Koons in the courts for unpaid child support...). For my kid, who has spent too much time on beaches where women sunbathe topless and with laleche feed on demand moms, boobs are for gathering sunshine and nourishing babies, so he didn't really blink an eye at the images of Staller's breasts that were not behind the partition. But some parents may be uncomfortable, so you may want call up the sitter and reserve your visit for a Tuesday afternoon, perhaps, when afterwards, you can enjoy jazz and a glass of wine on the terrace.

This exhibit is perfect for kids: bright, colorful, and larger than life (like Jeff Koons himself). If you've never been to the MCA, now is the time to go. I've always loved Jeff Koons; it was a treat to see him through a child's eyes again.

Jeff Koons at the Museum of Contemporary Art

May 31 - September 21, 2008

Deliciously Non-Deceptive

2008-07-08T01:40:00Z

For the past 7 years or so, I've been on the eternal quest to get my son to eat fresh, whole foods. Aren't we all in this same boat? I checked out the book Deliciously Deceptive, by Jessica Seinfield, but found the recipes way too time-consuming for my summer of leisure. I am so happy to live in Chicago where there is an amazing array of restaurants with healthy options that appeal to both kids and parents.

One of our favorites is Karyn's on Halsted. Karyn Calabrese is committed to offering fresh, delicious, "living" foods. You may have already heard of the raw diet: Raw foodists believe that cooking depletes the enzyme activity in food and prevents the ideal absorption of nutrients. Whenever we're on our way to the zoo or out and about in Lincoln Park, we make a pit stop at Karyn's for her delightfully creamy ice cream. It's fruit based, non-dairy, non-soy and entirely organic. My son loves strawberry or blueberry, while I love the vanilla. If your sweet tooth is especially hungry, try her cakes - you'll swoon.

Though I love cheese and butter to much to ever be able to committ to a vegan diet - let alone a raw foods one - I do love the idea of incorporating as many living, fresh fruits and vegetable as I can into our family meals.

I've recently experimented with my own "raw" ice cream. It's easy breezy to prepare and guarantees seconds requests from your kiddos. I've even been indulging for breakfast!

"Raw" ice cream

Freeze bananas (at least 8 hours)

Place frozen bananas in your food processor until soft and creamy peaks appear. For even more sweetness, add dates or maple syrup to taste. Experiment with flavors by adding seasonal fresh fruit, coconut or nuts.