AZ history is cool by Daniel Friedman
I was perusing our calendar and made a mental note to get to the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, which covers Central Arizona history from 1864 to the present. Sharlot Hall's family moved to the Arizona Territory in 1882 and she was appointed Territorial historian in 1909. Here's a bizarre tidbit of Arizona history from before 1864. It's the story of Olive Oatman. In 1851, Oatman's family wagon train was attacked by Yavapai Indians and Olive, 14, and her sister Mary Ann,7, were kidnapped. The girls were traded to some Mohave Indians after a year, and were raised by them. Mary Ann died, but Olive was ransomed back to the whites in 1856, sporting a chin tattoo. That's her, pictured here. Margot Mifflin has written a book, The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman (University of Nebraska Press, 2009), that debunks myths about Olive Oatman. Was she was mistreated by her captors? Why she didn't try to escape when the tribe mingled with white traders? Tell your kids this story when they moan that history is boring. 10 Myths About Olive Oatman.

Enough with the dirty socks!

Unmotherly Insights blogger Debra Rich Gettleman tackles a dirty little problem and ponders a new strategy to resolve it. Do you think her idea will work?

Have you heard of ChatRoulette?

Gamer Mom Catherine Wyman weighs in on a new concern for parents in the realm of social media: Find out what she thinks about ChatRoulette.

Our newest online column! Today: creative spins on upcoming fundraisers to benefit children and families.

PLUS:

A new equine therapy program designed to enhance emotional intelligence and transform lives.

Get in on the buzz.

Mala's picks for weekend fun!

Calendar & Directories Editor Mala Blomquist shares her picks for the weekend's family events.

PLUS:

Stage Mom blogger Lynn Trimble writes about 15 fun art activities this weekend.

A childhood spent in foster care

Eighteen-year-old Brittany Haley did not choose to become an expert on the foster care system. Since the age of 5 she has lived in group homes, residential treatment centers, with foster families or with relatives. But as a lifelong student of the system, she is determined to become a teacher and mentor for other children facing the same ordeal. Learn about her experience and find out how she plans to focus her future working for change.

Watch Brittany's reaction when she is presented with a Life Book, created by volunteers at Arizona Children's Association.

Read more about the Life Books program and find out how you can volunteer to help.

Roderick McCray's artwork was selected as winner of the Black History Art Contest, awarding his class the opportunity to celebrate black history with Phoenix Suns center Jarron Collins, Suns alumnus Mark West and The Gorilla.

Learn more about Roderick and other incredible Valley kids.

Concussion or brain injury?

When a child's head injury is diagnosed as a "concussion," parents tend not to be alarmed. When they hear the words "brain injury," they take it more seriously. Watch RAK on 12 News.

An Ahwatukee mom and seamstress of 29 years, Kathy Cipresso started Kathy's Alterations before her kids were born. Now they are finishing college and Kathy's business is booming.

Read more about Kathy.

"How to Train Your Dragon"

We've got tickets to two different movie sneak previews of the new animated film "How to Train Your Dragon."

Our Grand Prize Winner also will receive tickets to the Komodo Dragon exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo.

Tickets to Out of Africa Wildlife Park

At Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde you can see hundreds of animals from all over the world. We're sending a family of four to walk on the wild side! Learn more.

Tickets to "Goose Bumps" at Arizona Science Center

Face your fears at the new "Goose Bumps" exhibit at Arizona Science Center, presented locally by JPMorgan and Chase. We've got a family four pack of VIP tickets to give away! Learn more.