General Parenting

1. Disney Princess and Friends Craft Event - Saturday, January 14.  Disney Store cordially invites you to come dressed as your favorite Princess for an enchanting sing-along and royal craft event. Minimum age for participation is 3 years. Event is limited based on store capacity. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Sessions at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 a.m. (512) 219-7117.  Disney Store at Lakeline Mall, Cedar Park.

1. Santa Appreciation Day at The Art Garage - Friday, December 30, from 1 - 3 p.m. Join The Art Garage to make thank you notes for Santa, and then meet the Big Guy to tell him thanks in person! This event is free and does not require pre-registration. The Art Garage is also hosting a fun contest: Name their new class pet, an Oranda goldfish. The name must be art related - art medium, artist, artwork, etc. The winner will win a $20 gift certificate to The Art Garage. All entries can be submitted on Facebook and must be received by January 11, 2012. 11190 Circle Drive, Austin, TX 78736

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!  I wish you all a lovely, relaxing weekend. Unless, of course, you'd rather run around town.  In which case, here is some free fun to keep you busy:

1. Oliver's Sand & Glitter Art Event - Friday, December 23, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fashion a rainbow with sand and glitter. FREE Make-It Take-It. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up. Michaels stores.

1. Free Chamber Music concert - Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m. Come celebrate Beethoven's birthday in style! Bring a friend and come hear Archlute, Oud, Harp, Guitar, Barque Strings, Harpsichord, Madrigals and more. Appearances by Andrew Del'Antonio, Guido Oliveri and Chuck Dillard. Kaleidoscope is a new concert series offered by Austin-area musicians who hope to approach classical music from a fresh perspective. Pre-concert discussion starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit Safe Place.  Concerts will be recorded, and excerpts will be emailed to concert-goers the following day. Free childcare for children under the age of five will be provided, and after the concert, you will be invited to discuss your impressions and suggestions with the musicians. For a childcare reservation, email: KaleidoscopeAustin@gmail.com with "Childcare" in the subject line.  The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3202 Windsor Rd., Austin.

by Julie Chen Allen

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The scintillating cinnamon scent of fresh pumpkin pie in the oven… The comforting warmth of cornbread stuffing infused with chicken broth… The incessant whines of spoiled little brats scraping against my eardrums… (Whoa, back up, what?!)

Ingratitude from the mouths of my own kids?! On the eve before the officially designated day of giving thanks? I was quite disappointed: