Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Isn’t it funny that after you have kids, you suddenly see your own mother in a whole new light? The memories of her yelling at you to pick up your room, stop teasing the baby or quit running in and out of the house are now replaced with fond recollections of a woman who was organized, a better cook, calmer and gosh-darn-it more patient than yourself. This revelation came to me last week as Rose and I were listening to the soundtrack from Annie in the car. Don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say, I love that musical. The songs are catchy, and it’s a cute story. I love it, but I don’t love it as much as I use to thanks to the Anniephile who lives with me. For most people, after you’ve listened to a particular CD, oh, say, 300 times, you’re probably ready to move on. Not Rose. When she’s not listening to the soundtrack in the car, she’s watching the DVD of the movie or belting out “It’s a Hard Knock Life” while she’s doing the dishes. (Oh please.) It got so bad over the summer that I picked up a copy of the musical Oliver! thinking it would break the Annie cycle. Sadly, all that accomplished was a rotation between the two musicals. We’re now an all-orphan, all the time household.

So back to my revelation – we’re on our way somewhere in the car and we’re listening to Annie for the bazillionth time. I find myself begging Rose to pul-leeeze pick something else. Even Princess Sing-A-Long would be nice for a change. And then, as if on cue, it all comes back to me. It’s the summer of 1970, and my family is about to make the 10-hour trek to our cabin in Northern Minnesota. I say, “family,” but it was just mom and the kids. Dad joined us later when his work allowed. Our Oldsmobile came equipped with an eight-track player, and we each got to buy a tape for the trip. (Here’s where the patience revelation comes in.) My brother picked The Doors’ The Soft Parade, my sister selected Easy Rider and I chose The Sound of Music soundtrack. We listened to those three tapes (and nothing else) all the way to Minnesota and every day through the rest of the summer. Besides putting up with music that clearly wasn’t to her taste, my mother also had the added bonus of listening to the three of us fight to the death over whose turn it was every time we got in the car. But you know what? I don’t remember her ever complaining, criticizing our choice in music or even asking us to play something else. She just hummed along while she drove and patiently listened to those three tapes over and over and over again.

Last night I joined Rose as she meowed the tune “Tomorrow” to the cat.

And speaking of sing-a-longs (how’s that for a segue) the recently restored Riglea Theater in Fort Worth is having a GREAT sing-a-long featuring the film The Sound of Music on Oct. 21. Yes, that’s right, you and the kids can burst into song to my favorite childhood film during this interactive presentation. The show starts with a costume contest (costumes are strongly recommended, but not required) and goodie bags will be handed out with props to use at specific times. You can cheer for Maria and boo at Rolf. The lyrics are on the screen, so even if you’ve never seen the film, you won’t miss a thing. It sounds like a really good time so grab your nun costume and the kids (seven, if you’ve got them) and meet Rose and me at the Ridglea.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 7-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].