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It’s time to rodeo San Antonio! And it all starts today with the Western Heritage Parade, celebrating our proud Texas heritage and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo!

What:  Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive & Parade
Where:  Houston Street (from Christus Santa Rosa Hospital / I-35 to the Alamo!) RIGHT THROUGH THE HEART OF SAN ANTONIO!!
When: February 4, 2012, 11:00 a.m. start
Admission: FREE

ENJOY children’s games, family activities and more at the Alamo Plaza (directly across from the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum) following the parade. Rodeo volunteers will be on hand to keep the little ones entertained with stick horse races, coloring, and much more!

Just like the drovers years ago, cowboys will guide a group of Texas Longhorns on streets where only trails existed 100 years ago.  You won’t want to miss experiencing such a majestic historic event.  Don’t forget your camera…or your kids.

It’s on the backdrop of the Cold War that we find a poor reporter, stuck in the frozen tundra of Barrow, Alaska, trying to find stories where, really, not much news is happening. Avocados at the local Mexican restaurant is about the best he can find. Until he’s photographing a really-not-so-talented jet ski rider and notices a plume of smoke in the background.

And so begins the unraveling of the tale of three whales – Fred, Wilma and BamBam – stuck in the ice, desperately fighting nature to keep an air hole open so they can breathe.

Before it’s all over, you see dirty politics, huge egos, romantic entanglements, spiritual depths and PR ploys all play a role in helping to free the whales from their icy death chamber. You see a brief moment of Soviets and Americans working together- their flags flying side by side. You see the intersection of modern times against ancient culture and values against greed.

The storytelling is great. There are details that make this movie rich in so many ways, at so many levels. Young children will enjoy it; older parents will, too. There is truly something for everyone. And, frankly, the environmental “Save the Whales” message is not in your face. You won’t walk away feeling like you’ve been shoved into a corner, feeling guilty that you haven’t donated to Greenpeace or hugged a tree lately.

What it’s missing is spectacular photography. I guess I’ve gotten spoiled by the likes of Earth and March of the Penguins. Somehow, I expected the Arctic Circle to appear on the screen in all its bright white splendor, with whales close enough to take my breath away. I was expecting majesty. I got a really good movie. But not breathtakingly spectacular cinematography.

Still, all in all, it’s a movie worth seeing.  I can wait until April for Earth and the spectacular filming of nature. Because The Big Miracle is charming. And genuine. And intelligent. And frankly, not a lot of movies these days are.

This post has a Compensation Level of 3. Please visit Debi’s Full Disclosure page or more information.

Image by ABC LRC via Flickr

How would you like to win a child’s home library. As in 50 brand, spanking new books? And a celebrity read aloud for your homeschool, school, community group or neighborhood? And I’m not talking about some boring old adult coming to read to you…I’m talking a rapper (yes, moms, a family-friendly one) or a storyteller/songwriter or a children’s author. Seriously, San Antonio is going to rock World Read Aloud Day.

I thought you might think that was pretty cool.

So here’s how it works.  Register at the little link at the bottom of the page at World Read Aloud Day. Then, download the reading log and keep track of your minutes.

The child home library (generously provided by the San Antonio Library Foundation) will be given away in a random drawing of all those registered and all those who turn in their reading logs.  That means if you register AND turn in a reading log, you automatically have two entries. You can turn in your reading log to your school, community center or just snap a photo of it and email it to me at debi at pfitzpr dot com.

The organized group with the most minutes read will win the celebrity read aloud from our fabulous readers: Jason Riley, Jose Sanchez and Catherine Stier.

All the specifics are here.

Come on, join the party!

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When my son was just a toddler, he had a wonderful fascination with the planets. Especially the ones that were very, very far away. His interest stuck, and we found ourselves taking treks to the Scobee Planetarium, the library and even one very lo-o-o-ong drive out to West Texas and the McDonald Observatory to feed his curiosity. One year he was the entire planetary system for Halloween. The following year, he made his own political statement by wearing a cardboard sandwich with Pluto drawn  on both sides and a big red X running through the word “Planet.” All the other kids were dressed up in Star Wars and Dracula costumes. He didn’t win the costume contest. Personally, I thought he rocked it.

What’s great about introducing your child early to the wonders of the universe is that it opens up all kinds of other worlds…the worlds of chemistry and gasses, distance and math, big numbers (really, really big ones) and small numbers (really, really small ones). You can learn about time, physics and infinity. Or, you can just look and marvel together about the beauty of God’s creation.

The universe can be taught at very simple levels and, if there’s a spark of interest, taken in increments to … well… infinite depths of difficulty and challenge. I can’t think of anything else that works that way.

So where does all that lead you? To this Wednesday, February 1 at McAllister Park when the San Antonio Astronomical Association holds its weekly Astronomy in the Park star party beginning at sunset. This is a great event for the whole family, plus it’s free and open to the public. You don’t even need to worry about bringing your own telescope. Members of the Association will bring theirs (their scopes are fabulous), and they love to share!

So head out to McAllister Park at dusk, weather permitting, to the Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot.

If you miss it this Wednesday, no worries. It happens every Wednesday (these are some dedicated star gazers!). Can’t make it? You can also catch a star party every third Thursday at Woodlawn Lake near the dam.

Want to go deeper? You can join the Association at their monthly meetings (free and open to the public). The Young Astronomers program begins at 6:30 p.m., and the next meeting is February 10 at Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights, 6720 Broadway.

Welcome to Shana’s Corner, where most Mondays, I post a question from the Blue Filing Box of math problems. The first person with the correct answer wins. This week’s prize is a book and CD set for Brave Irene, from classic children’s author Willian Steig. The set includes an audio CD of the amazing Meryl Streep reading the book, the full color paperback (which won the New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year) and a read along track for kids.

Synopsis: Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace in time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing – quite an errand for a little girl! But where there’s a will, there’s a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicket wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.

Half a Hen

If a hen and a half will lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs would seven hens lay at the same rate in six days?

This post has a Compensation Level of 3. Please visit Debi’s Full Disclosure page or more information.

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Are you humming Sweet Georgia Brown yet? Yep – the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will be in San Antonio today (Thursday). The Ambassadors of Goodwill® will be dancing and dunking their way into your hearts at the AT&T Center with their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletic skills.

It’s an interesting story. Some 85 years ago, a Chicago businessman put together a small basketball team to promote his nightclub. He was just 24-years old. Who knows why in the world he put basketball together with a nightclub as a promotion tool but I guess weirder things have happened. In just a few years, the b-ball team had played so many exhibition games, they were an entity all to their own, known as the Harlem Globetrotters.

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Do you have a chatty child? Why not introduce them to a whole new set of words? Learning a second language is beneficial for anyone and San Antonio has some great places for language exploration. Pick a culture, pick a country, there are plenty of languages to choose from!

Spanish

New World Spanish
1864 Nacogdoches Rd.
210-822-2804

With classes for everyone from kids to adults, this immersion based language school also offers Preschool in Spanish. A variety of classes, tutoring, and services, New World Spanish takes a personal approach with small class sizes and private or semi-private lessons. They offer a ‘Mama y Yo’ class for you and your toddler, as well as seminars and summer camps.

Ms. Blanca teaches in schools around San Antonio, but you can take her lessons home with you! Offering online classes as well as monthly vocabulary e-mails, Ms. Blanca provides products for you to learn and teach Spanish in your home with your kids.

International Language Center at San Antonio (ILCSA)
110 Gallery Circle
210-342-2035

For what might prove to be a more intensive course, ILCSA offers a variety of summer sessions as well private courses for your children. Each session immerses your child in the world of Spanish in a fun atmosphere where they can learn to express themselves and interact with others. ILCSA also offers language programs in Italian, French, Arabic, and German.

The Bilingual Child Academy
96 Trailcrest St
(210) 263-3634

If you’re looking for a Preschool or just afternoon classes for your Elementary School child, the Bilingual Child Academy offers a variety of courses and tutoring depending on your needs. With summer workshops and workshops for both kids and adults, you will find the language enrichment you’ve been looking for.

German

The German-Texan Heritage Society

Meeting weekly at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 502 E. Nueva Street, the German-Texan Heritage Society offers fun and engaging language instruction for kids ages 3 – 13. With both Winter and Fall sessions, you can register for a 12-week semester of classes for $170. Rooted in Austin, this heritage society employs art, music, and games to introduce the world of the German language to your child.

Chinese

Confucius Institute at UTSA
One UTSA Circle Main Building room 1.209
210-458-6242

Offering Sunday Chinese School during the year as well as Summer Camp activities, the Confucius Institute meets at the main campus of UTSA and gives your child the advantage of small class sizes, language enrichment activities, and a wide exposure to the Chinese culture. Register early for the Summer Camp to catch the early bird special discount!

First Baptist Chinese Church
5481 West Prue Road
210-558-6393

Your Sunday afternoons can be filled with Chinese language – the Chinese School at First Baptist Chinese Church offers classes for Preschoolers onward. With an expanding curriculum, classes continue to grow based on the level your child needs as they progress through the program. Tuition, books, and registration comes out to $170 for a semester of weekly Chinese lessons. Consultation and registration is offered every Sunday at 1pm and Friday at 7pm in the church’s fellowship hall.

Hindi

Hindu Temple of San Antonio
18518 Bandera Rd.
210-695-9400

Interested in connecting with your Hindi heritage? The Hindu Temple of San Antonio offers a comprehensive look at culture and language through their Balavikas program, providing a forum for children ages 4-14 to learn about the traditions and customs of the Hindu religion with optional language classes built into the course schedule.

Other

You name it SEFLA has it!

Offering group or private classes, Spanish English and Foreign Languages for America, Inc. is located at 5805 Callaghan Rd., Ste. 304 near the Medical Center. For adults and children interested in a variety of languages SEFLA also offers summer programs and intensive classes for the eager language learners. With flexible course schedules and payment plans SEFLA might just have what you’re looking for!

Know any other great places for your kids to learn a language? Please share – Leave a comment here!

The 25^th Annual Asian Festival will take place at the Institute of Texan Cultures, Saturday, Jan. 28^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online or at the ITC’s museum store – $8 for adults, $5 for children (6-12). Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults, $5 for children (5 and under get in free).  Or, your whole family can go for free! SABusyKids.com is giving away a free family four pack of tickets! Register now for your chance to win at SA Busy Kids on Facebook.

The Festival is packed full of activities for everyone to enjoy.  With a variety of dance and musical performances, featuring Karilagan Philippine Dance Group, Hula Halau Ohana Elikapeka, Jones Korean Dance Company and other notable talents, the Asian Festival also offers the opportunity to explore other aspects of Asian culture. There are animé showings, the Japanese storytelling tradition of Kamishibai (which involves live, mural-like illustration). Children are also invited to visit the museum’s Timeless Texas Toys exhibit for a make-and-take craft: a Japanese-style paper doll with Asian attire. Did I mention the food? Your family can enjoy authentic Asian-American food from 15 vendors, offering Japanese, Korean, Thai, Laotian, Philippine and other delectable cuisines.

With demonstrations ranging from cooking to martial arts, it’s also a great place to get some shopping in- including clothing, artworks, dolls, silk items and other gifts this multicultural celebration is a great way to spend your Saturday.

The Chinese New Year has become a tradition for the San Antonio community to share. After 25 years, this Year of the Dragon celebration continues to commemorate traditions for many of the diverse cultures of Asia, including, mainland China, Korea, Japan, the Indian sub-continent and the islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Courtesy of Fort Worth Transportation Authority

If you’ve got a child who loves trains, don’t miss the Amtrak Exhibit Train this weekend. It’s a unique traveling display showcasing memorabilia from the 40-years of Amtrak railroad history. As it tours the country for Amtrak’s 40^th anniversary, it’s making a stop in San Antonio.

The Exhibit Train event is free and open to the public 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT on Saturday, January 21, and Sunday, January 22.

The train showcases Amtrak history over the decades, displaying memorabilia such as vintage advertising, past menus and dinnerware, and period uniforms.  Inside the station will be a train-themed kids’ activity area, Chuggington Depot, based on the popular television series on Disney Junior and designed for kids ages 2-7 and their families.

Want more info? Visit Amtrak 40^th online.

Besides the Exhibit Train and drawings for free Amtrak tickets, the event also features model trains from the San Antonio Model Railroad Association, exhibits from the San Antonio-based Railroad Heritage Museum, the New Braunfels-based Railroad Museum, the National Park Service’s Trails and Rails interpretative program and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, the National Association of Railroad Passengers and Operation Lifesaver, an industry-sponsored rail safety group.

Is it possible that you haven’t heard yet? Extreme Makeover Home Edition has joined forces with Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio to build a home for the Harris Family. And here’s your chance to participate – and be on TV. The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with Extreme Makeover Home Edition to throw a mini holiday river parade – and you and your family are invited!

When:
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 19, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
(Plan on being there by 7 p.m.)

Where:
Arneson River Theatre
(through Hilton Palacio del Rio section of River Walk)

What you need to know:
-The parade will honor wounded warriors.
-Wear something Christmas-sy as this will be their series finale and Christmas 2012 episode.
-Ty Pennington will make a BIG announcement at this parade. Lives will change!
-This parade is not typical, as it is being shot for TV. They will run through a few times and end with Ty’s big presentation.

Sorry for the late invite, they originally didn’t want a crowd, but now they do. Hope to see all of you there!