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 weekly for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

I was reminded yesterday by my sister that this Sunday is Mother’s Day and while I’m all fuzzy inside about the day set aside for us moms, it’s also a reminder to me that I’m extremely lucky that I ended up with the kid that I did. And by that I mean I’m lucky Rose didn’t inherit some of my–how shall I put it–less desirable traits.

For instance, I’m not a morning person. I pretty much snarl at anyone that comes near me before 8 a.m. Not Rose. She jumps out of bed with a smile on her face and a song in her heart–usually opera. I hope I’m not judged too harshly when I say I lock myself in the bathroom most mornings to escape her Carmen-esque version of “Let It Go.” The other downside to not being a morning person is that I have a habit of hitting the snooze button just one time too many. That extra ten minutes of sleep means we’re late before we even get out of bed…like every. single. day. Our morning routine is always the same. Me frantically running through the house looking for keys, cell phones, and matching earrings, while Rose (who’s been completely ready to go for at least 15 minutes) patiently waits for the blast off signal–a.k.a. jump in the car and race to beat the tardy bell. Until she was four I’m sure she thought her name was Hurry-Up-C’mon-Let’s-Go-We’re-Late.

Unlike her mother, Rose also has the uncanny ability to think before speaking, or as we like to say here in Texas, she never misses a good opportunity to shut up. Case in point, one day last winter as we were leaving the house for school, the subject of a low math score came up. I reminded her that she needed to focus when she was doing her math homework in order to avoid careless mistakes. And while I was lecturing her about the importance of paying attention I backed into my neighbor’s car. Rose didn’t say a word.

Maybe I should buy her flowers this Mother’s Day.

Celebrate mom, being a mom, or your exceptional children with one of these family-friendly activities.

Take mom to see ‘Cinderella’ this weekend. (photo: Brooke Robb)

Start Mother’s Day early on Friday night with a little music alfresco.  The Sound of Spring Music Series at NRH Centre in North Richland Hills is just the thing to re-energize all those tired mommies out there. You can spread your blanket out on the lawn and relax as you listen to some great tunes by Me & My Monkey, The Beatles tribute band. There’s a kids zone with free games and all sorts of crafts for the teeny-tykes and best of all, mom won’t have to cook because you can bring a picnic or indulge in one of the many food trucks that will be on site.

Remember when a handful of dandelions and a crayon drawing was the perfect Mother’s Day gift? The Fine Art and Flowers event at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art is definitely a step above that. You and mom can enjoy 24 floral masterpieces created by members of the Fort Worth Garden Club inspired by artwork from the museum. The arrangements will be displayed alongside their fine-art counterparts in the galleries.

Take a stroll through the colorful outdoor gardens and butterfly house at Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. Afterwards, check out the Botanical Menageries exhibit, a family-oriented show that features the artwork of a father and his teen-age daughter. The exhibition opens this Friday and runs until Aug. 31.

If the tinies are yearning for a little bonding time with mommy, gather everyone up and take them to see Fig Theatre Company’s production of Cinderella this weekend at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. The play has just the right blend of comedy, poignancy and magic to appeal to little theater goers. And, at just over an hour, it’s the perfect length as well. Be sure to stick around after the show to meet the characters.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer.  She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 8-year-old daughter, Rose.  Tell us about your  ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected]