L ike most mornings, we’re running late, but the school carpool line waits for no one so off we go. As I’m driving, I’m also peppering my three kids with questions: Do you have your bags? Your folders? Lunches? Gloves? My youngest interrupts my barrage to sweetly announce, “I love you, mama.” It occurs to me that his little voice won’t sound like a toddler for much longer. My middle son will realize a “wash car” is actually called a car wash. And, likely soon, my daughter won’t hug me and hold my hand when I pick her up from school. Those three little words gave me pause amidst chaos, reminding me to slow down and become more intentional in the way I parent and love those around me. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, February is the perfect time to consider how to love ourselves and our families well. Make time to spend together, either with our OKC family date night ideas on page 12 or plan a night in with recipes for a festive family feast on page 8. Talk about how to spread kindness, with inspiration from two metro high school seniors on page 48. Like their story did for my crew, I hope our Super Kids of the Metro will also spark a conversation with your family about mental health awareness. I certainly know from experience that moms can be the very worst at loving ourselves. My conversation with Jessica Falkner, local restaurant owner and February’s Real Mom of the Metro, reminded me that even in our mom guilt we have to seek moments of joy and carve out time to love our families when and how we can. Find Jessica’s story on page 36.
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers ReRe Lunsford, Tanya Schoor Contributing Photographers Bridget Pipkin, Lauren Smith
MY THREE VALENTINES (DON’T MISS THE ORNERY ONE AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS!)
Wherever your life’s journey finds you at this moment, I hope you’ll take time this month to affirm yourself, your children and the other parents around you. We’re all in this together. In solidarity,
Art Director Stacy Noakes Project Manager Kirsten Holder Sales Dana Price, Laura Beam Office/Distribution Kathy Alberty Marketing Assistant Lauren Smith Contact us 318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509
Erin Page Managing Editor
This Month’s Cover Michael is a charismatic, inquisitive 2-year-old who loves finger painting, swimming, playing pretend and story time. He is always ready to dance to live music or make his own with musical instruments, and he’s already a big fan of college sporting events. Michael is the son of Leonard and Kadedra, and the family’s favorite place to visit in the metro is the OKC Zoo.
sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2020 5
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