DALLAS MOMS

Candace Hickey, a North Dallas mother of triplets Brooks, Reese and Sloane, alternates Thursdays with fellow moms of multiples, Jessica Melker and Amanda Dittlinger. Check out her triplets' latest escapades in the snow:

Surviving a snow storm (and a house without power) with 3 year old triplets!
A record-setting snow storm in Dallas! What are the odds? Just when I thought by living in Texas, the southernmost state of the Union, my children would never get to experience a foot of snow in their own backyard! Once again, I am proven wrong. Never assume anything.

PHOTO: Brooks, Reese & Sloane playing in the snow just hours before the power outage

It's two weeks and counting before I run my first half marathon. I actually paid money to race; those of you who know me know I really won't back out now. With that being said, I have several lessons learned as the clock ticks away to Race Day.

1) Proper Equipment: Proper shoes, clothing and sunscreen are essential, but not necessarily a panacea. My knees start to ache after about the 5 mile mark. I did buy new shoes, but to no avail. New shoes, with more cushion, only reduce the 'oldness' factor by so much. My hat, sunscreen and sunglasses seem to work fine. But I have learned that I will not wear cotton anymore when I run because I perspire so much and the cotton doesn't wick or dry. So I'll be sweating and getting cold all at the same time.

I went to see the last performance of Ragtime The Musical at the Jewish Community Center last weekend, mainly to check out the children I wrote about in KidBeat who were playing children in the show. I didn't go expecting too much -- after all, this J Players production was a community theater show. But I was blown away by the passion, the talent, the singing, the dancing, the flipping, the magic tricks on stage as director Linda Leonard worked with a remarkable cast to unspool this complex story of families and collisions between WASP, Jewish immigrant and African American lives at the turn of the century.

And I was also blown away by a little girl in the front row who stared up at the stage with rapt adoration during the almost three-hour show, and then worked intently on a Super Mario game on a DS during intermission. Seven-year-old Sydney Horowitz had not missed a single show in which her brother, Sam, 10, played the key role of Little Boy -- who narrates some of the tale.

PHOTO: Sydney Horowitz, who didn't miss a single performance of her brother, Sam, in Ragtime the Musical at the Dallas JCC

Many couples I know routinely drop their kiddos off at a family member's home (think Grandparent's, Aunt's or Uncle's) for a laid back sleep over. Following drop off, my friends often treat themselves to a romantic dinner and an R-rated flick at the theater. Without much of a second thought, they get a much needed break from the harried life of parenting and all the while their kids are spoiled and made to feel special. It is a win-win situation for all!

Now, until very recently, my husband and I had never experienced what an energizing blast a break from parenting paired with an actual "date" can deliver. Never in 7 years. While it may seem a little odd to you that Ethan is 7-years-old and just now experiencing a sleep-over for the first time, it was a necessity that we wait until he was fully ready and capable of handling it. Since my son lives with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), daily, weekly and monthly "life" for us has a very different set of challenges than my "typical" friends' parenting experiences. After years of therapy, biomedical treatment and special diets, Ethan finally experienced his first "real" sleep-over with his grandparents with raging success!

The last conversation I ever had with my Abuelita (my paternal grandmother) was over the telephone more than 13 years ago, when she was in the hospital for hip surgery. She had lost her vision as a result of diabetes, and had fallen at her home and broken her hip. She died in the hospital shortly after that surgery. The last time I ever saw my Nana (my maternal grandmother) was almost seven years ago. She was in the hospital for renal failure, just one of several complications from which she suffered because of diabetes.

Diabetes, a chronic disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood, continues to plague our family - my mother has it and my husband's father is borderline diabetic. Do I worry about getting diabetes? No, because healthy eating and exercise are a part of my life, and always will be. Do I worry about my children getting diabetes? Honestly, yes. Children in today's society are constantly bombarded with sugary and highly processed foods and treats. In fact, recent studies show alarming increases in the number of children who are overweight and who have early-onset Type II diabetes and other conditions influenced by poor diets.

I was surprised to see so many kids at the fabulous Phantom of the Opera, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park. True it was a Sunday matinee, but Phantom and kids? So I asked some of them what they thought.

Matthew, Thomas and Casey of Colleyville admitted they didn't know quite what to expect before the show started. Their parents, Christy and Robert Basco of Colleyville decided that their 11-year-old triplets were ready for a season subscription. They really had their eyes on the upcoming Wicked and Shrek for the kids, but this was part of the season so here they were.

I checked with them at intermission and Matthew said it was "really good...probably a little bit scary for little kids (but not for him, he stressed). Thomas said "The chandelier was creepy" and when I asked him to elaborate he said, "Good creepy and bad creepy." Casey was enthralled from the start: "It was so cool with the music and dancing." But when I talked to them after the show, they were all in sync. "Awesome," said Matthew. "Awesome," said Thomas. "Amazing," said Casey.

PHOTO: Matthew, Thomas and Casey Basco of Colleyville

I have sympathy for those of you who still have pre-schoolers. I have fond memories of when my kids were young. I miss being able to hold them, singing songs over and over with them, listening to their funny way of viewing life, but I do know that pre-schoolers are emotional, enjoy saying "no," and have a unique ability as toddlers to become as straight and un-moveable as a piece of wood when they do not want to get in their car seat. Parenting pre-schoolers is exhausting. I believe that the first step to helping kids learn to behave is believing they can behave. I teach the students at NorthPark Presbyterian Day School social skills. The other day, I asked what it meant to give respect. They had some great things to say.

I am a horrible housekeeper but a fantastic grocery shopper. I really thought I had all the answers to getting the rock bottom prices for food, but I've met my match and her name is Casey. Within the last year, I discovered the art of getting the price match. A certain big box store that everyone loves to hate will match area store sales papers for the week. I don't remember who told me about it, and I had seen the people in line ahead of me (always, the person in line ahead of me!) doing it, but I didn't realize how much can be saved until I tried it.

Okay, so taxes are never fun to prepare for and it is just that time of year where we all have to MAKE TIME to get our taxes and papers organized for our accountants. So this year, I decided to let my eager nine-year-old help me out! It was a brilliant idea I must add (smile). All it takes a child who knows his or her numbers and how to read.

How would you like to win a gold medal stash of Hershey's Chocolates, Olympic style? Just respond by midnight on Thursday February 25th with your favorite chocolate memory or favorite recipe. The winners will be chosen and the fabulous chocolate prizes will be furnished by Hershey's Chocolates. February is a special month for chocolate! It is "Heart Healthy Month" and also "National Chocolate Month." In honor of chocolate being such a heart healthy treat I am doing a follow up blog on fall in love with chocolate...We all love chocolate and guess what? Chocolate loves us back!

Did you know...Chocolate has more antioxidants than red wine or green tea? A daily intake of a small amount of chocolate may: lower blood pressure, offer disease protection, reduce inflammation, have a positive effect on the immune system, help us to stay sharp, promote blood flow, and moisturizes our skin. The potent flavonoids found in chocolate (the same nutrients that are found in green tea, red wine, and blueberries) are naturally rich in antioxidants and have protective effects that guard against disease. What better reason do you need to enjoy chocolate?

Ok, I'll admit, that title might be a bit dramatic.

As much as we all love being mothers though, let's be honest, there are parts of it that really stink and I'm not just talking about when your kiddo poops in her sling and it explodes half way down your shirt while you're in the midst of the human maze that is Costco. That type of stink can at least be tediously wiped off, in a public restroom, one insanely un-absorbent napkin at a time and that odor is able to be semi-blown away by the complimentary restroom hand dryer you're now getting to second base with while a complete saint of a stranger offers to hold your naked baby in what will be the one of the most humanitarian acts of her life according to you.

But I digress, let's now take a look at the aspects of motherhood that will not be as temporary and by everyone's calculation, probably last for the next 18 years.

"The hardest thing in the world is to watch your child struggle. These challenges are what ultimately build inner strength and develop coping skills necessary to thrive as an adult." Summer Gibson

Two years ago, I was the keynote speaker at an event through Region X called Baby's Day Out where parents of children who have a visual impairment bring their children to play with other toddlers who are also visually impaired. While participants listen to speakers, receive small gifts and have a delicious lunch, the children play with teachers for the visually impaired just a few feet away.
I remember seeing an adorable little girl who was wearing a huge black bow crawling through tunnels, laughing and having the best time with her new friends. Kennedy's pretty white skin, pale eyes and white hair indicate that she was born with Albinism. Her mother, Summer, a special education teacher in Frisco ISD, and her father, Justin, an educator and a football coach also in Frisco, found out that Kennedy had Albinism when she was four months old.

Have a kid who is dying to see the 250 human specimens on display in BODIES: The Exhibition? Fifth through eighth graders can win a free class trip there if they write a winning essay about their favorite bodily system. Questions to address: What is its function? Why is it important? What things can you do to keep that system healthy?

Essays are due Feb. 22, with winners announced Feb. 23. First prize is free admission for a class of no more than 30 and no less than 15, including a required three chaperones. Second prize is six tickets and third prize is four tickets. Submissions must be made through a child's school with the school faxing the essays to BODIES...The Exhibition, Dallas at 214-432-7542. For more details, e-mail Briana Commins at bodiesdallasedu@prxi.com.

Or if art is more your child's style, BODIES...The Exhibition is launching a student contest for artwork inspired by the exhibition March 1-22. Three winning students will receive family passes (limit of seven passes) to BODIES... The Exhibition and have their art displayed in the downstairs area of the Exhibition. All mediums accepted. Art will be judged on creativity, originality and concept. Direct submissions to Briana Commins at bodiesdallasedu@prxi.com.

PHOTO: Jamie Sharp holds her son, Cohen, as she watches Scott Robinson and husband Ryan Sharp peruse a human cross-section during " BODIES...The Exhibition" at the West End Marketplace, photo by G.J. McCarthy

I am asked all the time "how do you do it all". Well, I have a lot of help, at my office I have an amazing staff and home I have an amazing housekeeper, not to mention my husband who is amazing at picking up the pieces. Sometimes I have a hard time saying no when it involves an animal in need. Yesterday was one of those days and this is how I handled it.

My foster dog, Franklin, was due to get neutered , and my husband was going to drop him off at the vet. When he got there I asked him to check on Simba, another mastiff in rescue being boarded at the vet, because there are no more foster homes for him. My husband said he was adorable and in a kennel. I told him we should probably bring him home this afternoon when I pick up Franklin, what's one more mastiff in the house?

A wonderful four-day weekend (courtesy of a record snowfall in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area), created enjoyable downtime for me and my husband Charlie! We watched Charlie Jr., our male schnauzer jump through and play in the snow. The other pups were curious, but Charlie Jr. definitely won the gold for snow play! Charlie Sr. surprised me by cooking his version of Vietnamese Pho - a wonderful chicken rice noodle soup with plenty of fresh veggies. We cuddled and snuggled under soft blanket throws (as well as being covered by puppies!), watching orange, red and gold flames crackle in the fireplace. Outside, a steady downfall of large flakes of snow covered our lawn and weighted our shrubs and trees in heavy, white blankets.

Dallas Dad Brad Schwall reports: "Our family enjoyed a wide range of musical styles last weekend." Here are the details:

Saturday night, we attended the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's (www.dallassymphony.com) performance of Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 2 at the Meyerson.

On Sunday, 12-year-old Sam performed in a concert put together by Zounds Sounds (www.zounds-sounds.com), where professional musicians teach kids guitar, bass, drums, piano and voice by having them practice and play music they enjoy. His concert featured all Beatles songs performed by students from the school. Sam played trumpet on "I Am the Walrus," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Magical Mystery Tour," and "All You Need is Love" and electric guitar on "Money," "Please Mr. Postman," and "You Really Got a Hold on Me."

PHOTO: Sam Schwall on trumpet at the Zounds Sounds Beatles Show

My husband, Keith, is the ultimate partner in my life. We have always had a strong, stable relationship, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was a little unsure of how our relationship would handle the birth of triplets. In addition to the bond we have as "soul mates" and through our marriage, we have a unique bond through the unique situation of parenting multiples.

Upon hearing that we would be having more than one baby, my husband was thrilled. Shocked, but thrilled. Within weeks, he was already changing his life for these three precious babies developing in my womb. As each week passed in my pregnancy, my restrictions became greater until ultimately I was placed on bedrest in the hospital for seven long weeks. During this time, Keith worked his regular long hours, took care of our home, did my laundry, ran my errands, lifted my spirits and cooked an amazing surprise Thanksgiving dinner for me to enjoy in my peach-colored hospital room. He even shaved my legs now and again. Without a single cut.

PHOTO: Jessica's husband, Keith, relaxes with Madison, Hayden and Payson after a full day

Its funny how you make a commitment to doing something good and two seconds later you wish you hadn't. Which is where I am with my half marathon training. Four weeks to go and I am over it already. Trying to carve out time to complete my long run is exhausting. With this crazy Texas weather you may get one decent day a week that you won't freeze your backside off, but then it snows more than it has since the first century. Then to add insult to injury I had to travel for work to California, which isn't so bad, but it has been unseasonably rainy and cold there as well.

In addition to training for the half-marathon I am in week 9 of my P90X training, which is an intense 12 week training program that has me doing more pull ups, push ups and core work that the law allows. Although my arms and back are looking buffer than they ever have and I may actually see a 1-pack right above my 'baby gut', I am sore and in pain most days, ok....everyday. Mental note to self.... don't commit to anything, ever.

Dallas Moms blogger and Briefing Moms columnist Susan Sternblitz switched reporting hats with her 10-year-old son, Jordan Sternblitz, as the fifth grader took on a very cool writing assignment for Briefing, interviewing NBA All Star players at Friday's NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service event at Summit International Preparatory in Arlington. Check out Jordan's report (which ran in Briefing today) and his video on www.dallasnews.com here:

My mom and I trudged through a foot of snow and muddy slush, anticipating the entrance of NBA players and legends who were building a playground at Summit International Preparatory School. Our shoes were like ice, frosty and freezing. My teeth were chattering due to both the temperature and my nerves.
This was the moment I had been dreaming of for over a year. I was actually a kid reporter covering the All-Star Weekend.
After a brief lesson in reporting from a friendly and patient staff photographer, I was ready to work. The players were knee-deep in pouring cement, hauling mulch, fixing swings and even painting birdhouses.

PHOTO: Jordan got advice from Dikembe Mutombo about what it takes to make it in the NBA: "Work, work, work, work." Photo by Nathan Hunsinger/DMN

Last Thursday, amidst the record-breaking snowfall, experts on Autism Spectrum Disorders from Easter Seals' programs from across the country came together at the Easter Seals North Texas Autism Treatment Program facility in Carrollton. Dallas Moms Blog Administrator, Healthy Living writer and columnist Nancy Churnin and I were asked to speak on a media panel to the group of expert guests. While the temperatures outside were frigid, our reception in the beautiful facility was quite warm. In speaking with them last week, I found that this group of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals is eager to help spread the word that "Autism is Treatable!" To that, I whole-heartedly add, "Hear, Hear!"

Many people in our society today may not know that Easter Seals has been a great source of information, services and support for families living with various disabilities for nearly a century. With the sharp increase in Autism diagnoses over the past two decades, Easter Seals astutely recognized the critical need for quality treatments for young children, on-going support for families and continued services for adolescents, young adults and grown men and women living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Not only does Easter Seals work "nationally to provide children and adults with autism individualized treatment plans and comprehensive services," they also advocate in our nation's capital for increased research financing. Their motto is basically that any person living with an ASD, no matter the age at diagnosis, is capable of tremendous progress through individualized therapies and interventions so that they may lead meaningful lives.

In the photo: Leigh Attaway Wilcox (left) and Nancy Churnin (right) sit on a media panel to speak to Easter Seals' representatives from across the country.