North Texas Kids December 2009 Issue by North Texas Kids

North Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

December 2009

FREE

www.northtexaskids.com

Nicholas Nance, age 5

In this issue: What's on Your Wish List? Giving or Receiving / Creating Traditions in Today's Economy / 5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress / December Calendar of Events

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Contents December

Volume 7 No. 12

6 8

Creating Traditions in Today's Economy

7 Emma's Restaurant Review

Poem: The Dog

Kids in the Kitchen: Cupcake Menorah

Support for Children with Sensory Integration Issues

School Enrichment Guide

Quick and Cozy Meals for Winter Months

Alexandria’s Book Review

Seek & Find Game

What's on Your Wish List? Giving or Receiving

Great Gifts

Craft: Hand Stitched Snowmen

Shorter Time to Straight Teeth

December Calendar of Events

Ticket Giveaway

5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress

Family Resource Guide

Winter Riddles

E.A.T. - Eating And Thriving

Winter Word Search

The Pursuit of True Greatness

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Note from the Publisher

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

Let There Be Peace on Earth... And let it begin with me. This has been a tough year for many people that I know, both personally and professionally. I have watched businesses fail and friends lose jobs that they have not been able to replace. I am incredibly grateful that my business is still here and set to enter our 8th year in print. What a ride it has been for the past 8 years, so many ups and downs, growth, success, challenges, people coming and going... it has been a never-ending whirlwind of change. But I am an eternal optimist and my glass is always more than half full. As the year draws to a close and I begin to focus on the Holiday Season, I am reminded of some of my favorite Christmas Carols, "Joy to the World" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," among many others. The words joy and peace and goodwill are often repeated in Christmas carols, yet this year, for so many people, peace and joy seem out of reach. When we step back from the craziness of Holiday shopping, the negative patter of the mainstream media about how terrible the world is and our kids' constant demands for bigger, better toys for Hanukkah or Christmas, it is important to take time to remember what is most important to us and to remember what we have to be joyful about. No matter how challenging our life is, we can always find one thing to be joyful about: a hug from our child, a sunny day, a bouquet of fresh flowers at the grocery store, something the

Minister or Rabbi said at service last week or even a silly commercial on television that makes us laugh out loud for the first time in weeks. In many spiritual traditions, peace and light are common themes this time of year, and I often worry that my family and especially my children forget to focus on these beautiful, positive and powerful traditions that give true meaning to our lives, no matter what our faith. For me and my family this year, I want to emphasize the value of peace. We are so busy running from one place to another, our lives are too full and weekends we collapse in a heap, trying to revive ourselves. I am committed to finding some quiet time with my kids this holiday season to talk about the power of peace, why it is important to create that in our personal lives and in our communities. Every year we do one volunteer project locally and I am excited to be supporting Gifts for Moms, a local program to provide Christmas gifts for single moms here in the Plano area. To bring a small gift of joy to another human being is to me, one of the greatest gifts of all and I try to model that for my children so that as they grow up, they continue to give back and be of service to others. Again, I am reminded of the lyrics of a favorite song, "Let There Be Peace On Earth." Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now. With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment

And live each moment With peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. I was chatting with Nancy, one of my wonderful sales staff, and she said her daughter handed her a color-coded list of Hanukkah gifts - what she wants, what she really wants and what she needs! My own children will use large 18 x 24 sheets of craft paper to create their Santa list. Did we as parents cultivate this commercialism, did we consciously raise kids who always want more? I like to think not but I am sure we have contributed. After all, we want our kids to be happy, to have the best of everything... but do happiness and having lots of toys go hand in hand? If I ask my children what they really want from me, they will almost always answer, "More time with you, Mom!" So this Holiday Season, I will do my best to plan quiet time with my kids and my husband, to sit together quietly, to reflect on faith, on peace, on light and on what we can do to make the world a better place in our own small way. I hope this December you are able to capture moments of joy and peace and remember the good things that happened in 2009. Happy Reading,

Publisher/Editor

Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com

Web/Media Designer

Brad Dobson bdobson@northtexaskids.com

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik mike@northtexaskids.com

Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs heidi@northtexaskids.com

Account Executives

Cindy Johnson Nancy Luttinger Jana McClinton Kristene Richardson

Creative Dir. /Designer Brittany Allen 2nd Story Design brittany@2ndstorydesign.com

Printed by

Midway Press, Dallas Tx

Mailing Address

Scissortail Publishing

700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, Texas 75074

Phone

972-516-9070

Fax

972-516-9048

North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 12 times a year. Copyright 2009 by North Texas Kids©. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids encourages your submission of articles, children’s artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Recommended article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their printed advertisements and agree to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.

Cover Artist...

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork

Nick

on the cover of NTK. North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece. We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child

Nick is Five years old and goes to Dorsey

that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with his/her picture and

Elementary School. He likes to do artwork

story in the paper. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to

and loves books and music. He just started

info@northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E.

reading this fall. He is a great big brother.

Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plano, Texas 75074.

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Home for the Holidays: Creating Meaningful Traditions in Today’s Tough Economy

by Adina Rich You know, last

year, I taught a series

of classes designed to strengthen the bond

between mothers and

their daughters. One of the activities we used was to write about

a special memory or

tradition that we had with our families.

My daughter really

enjoyed that, and still asks to add to the

traditions we have already created. It

It should be fun. That is the whole

and it has really helped us to become

for family at all times throughout

inspired my sons to get in on the act, closer as a family.

I think that we have all gotten

caught up in the latest, greatest,

newest buzz. Sometimes it really pays to think outside of the box.

THERAPY 2000: The North Texas leader in home-based therapy for children

Homemade or personalized gifts will make treasured keepsakes

many years from now. The same

can be said for traditions. Creating

game night, writing thankful notes to each other, taking a road trip to

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

be big helpers with just a lit bit of

encouragement and modification.

Traditions do not always have

can also be about strengthening Monthly family meetings,

discussions, or menu planning

sessions can help the family run more smoothly.

Remember that traditions build

on birthdays. The kids also got to

and patience. Some traditions will

for the birthday, and help make

It is amazing that little hands can

over time. Keep your expectations

choose their own homemade cake

Welcome to our Family

to involve all members of the family.

see snow, and eating on our good

china and toasting with wine glasses

214-467-9787 or 877-626-7003 • www.T2000.com

passed down and remembered. Try

things such as communication.

created this year include family

To obtain physical, occupational or speech therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000...

special holiday traditions that can be

truly unique, others not so much,

family together. Some that we have

A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to all children admitted for speech therapy services.

although it is nice to have those

to be about making something; they

but they are about bringing our

Feeding & Swallowing Disorders (including the need for Vital Stim Therapy) Cerebral Palsy • Neurological Disorders • Down Syndrome Developmental Delay • Sensory Processing Disorders and many others

the year, not just on holidays,

family traditions gives you lasting

memories to look back on. Some are

We treat children for. . .

point. Realize that we can be grateful

and decorate it. We are creating

and decorating our own holiday

tablecloths and centerpieces too. In our house it is not necessarily the

product, but the process that makes it meaningful.

What is the secret to a great

tradition? Really that you and your

family develop it together, and that it has meaning for everyone. The

tradition should not be something

that creates undue stress on anyone.

realistic, and have lots of faith

be embraced more quickly than

others. Some will not take hold at

all. But developing traditions and rituals help enrich your family’s

life together and give your children something to talk about fondly at future holiday get togethers.

Rich Educational Consulting offers a wide array of services including school advocacy, learning or behavior assessments, and parent and educator inservice trainings. Adina Rich, Director, Rich Educational Consulting. 972-816-3100. www.richeducationalconsulting.com

Emma’s Kid Friendly Restaurant Review

Culver’s ButterBurgers & Frozen Custard 1301 S. Central Expy • McKinney, TX 75070 972-548-7500 by Emma Bonin

I went to Culver’s after a

soccer game along with some of my teammates. Everyone ordered a

burger, some with the works (cheese,

soups, salads, sandwiches and sides such as green beans and mashed potatoes.

For the fall they have some

onions, pickles, tomato) and some

milkshake specials including

fries were great! My friends didn’t

I’m going back again soon, and you

plain. I loved mine! And the crinkle

pumpkin spice and pumpkin pecan.

complain and ate all of theirs.

should too!

signature ButterBurger and frozen

located at 1301 S. Central Expressway.

of dessert that included custard.

and Flowermound. You can learn more

Culver’s is known for their

We visited Culver’s of Mckinney

custard. We all had some type

They also have locations in Rockwall

Dessert options include shakes, malts,

about Culver’s at www.Culvers.com.

sundaes, frozen custard sandwiches,

among other custard creations. I had a milkshake; it was top notch!

Culver’s has a fun diner type

atmosphere. The menu also includes

Emma Bonin is a fifth-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.

What’s fresh for the Holidays this year? Jamba Card Stocking Stuffers!

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817-310-1080/ 817-714-0321 2116 E Southlake Blvd. Southlake, TX 76092 www.indoorsafaripark.com North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Bringing Peace Back Into The

Holiday Season: Support for Children with Sensory Integration Issues by Carolyn Federer As soon as a few leaves start turning colors, wonderful images and

sensations start forming in my mind. I can practically feel the crispness in the air and imagine the smell of wood-burning fireplaces. The thought of

sweet treats makes my mouth water in anticipation. I am ready to put on my special sweater and floppy slippers. Once my favorite music is playing in

the background and the scented candles are lit, I feel inspired and eager to welcome the holiday season.

All my wrapping paper, bows and shiny decorative items will come out

of the box so I can spread them all on the floor. Thank goodness we bought all those flickering lights on sale last year. The old ones got so tangled, we

had to throw them away. I

find myself smiling when I

Holidays for some are nostalgic, warm and comforting, but for others it’s traumatic at best.

sip some hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. As

I bite into a freshly baked gooey cookie bar with

crunchy walnuts, I look at it all, in wonder.

Molly experiences

the holiday season

differently from her mom, especially when she keeps making her put on that

uncomfortable sweater. It has all kinds of bumps and those crazy socks with the stripes.....They have so many knots from the yarn changing colors that

Molly pulls them off as soon as they go on. The loud music playing over and over again is hurting her ears badly and those scented candles aren’t making things any easier.

The crunching of the cellophane and wrapping paper is so sharp,

her skin hurts just looking at it. Molly keeps turning the lights off to make

all those loud colors, jiggly shapes and shiny things go away. “At least the

horrible snake with blinking spots won’t come out of his cave for a while”.

The scent of hot chocolate coming from the kitchen has a calming effect on

little Molly. Except that once those lumpy~ spongy~ white~ icky things touch her tongue, she will spit them out. The rocks in the bricks are too spiky and

now it all tastes very brown. She throws them as far as she can. The soothing moment has come and gone in an

instant. All she can do is scream back at all the things

that are hurting her. The next

time her mommy says, “Let’s go

shopping!”, you

By simplifying and reducing scents, sounds and sights, you will allow the intended peaceful season to enter your life.

can be sure Molly will be hiding under the bed hoping she’s never found. 8

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Things tend to go from bad to worse as the holidays approach for those

who, like Molly, cope with sensory integration dysfunction. Holidays for some are nostalgic, warm and comforting, but for others it’s traumatic at

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best. Even those who love the sights and sounds of the holidays can become overwhelmed in stores by the constant influx of holiday music, decorations and lights.

By simplifying and reducing scents, sounds and sights, you will allow

the intended peaceful season to enter your life. Adjusting things at home

will make a tremendous difference for everyone, especially those affected by sensory irritants.

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Music playing, fireplace crackling, kids playing, people talking, pots and

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note on the scale and there is no

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place to hide.

Our solution is creating a ‘quiet

room’ this season, a peaceful place

where one can get away, relax and re calibrate. Play soft music or listen

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to the muffled sounds of joy behind the closed door. Avoid any holiday related decor in this room, set it up

as a visual spa by having low lights,

gentle colors and comforting textures including a soft blanket to snuggle up in.

Make this a nurturing space for those who need to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

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Unexpected Sensory Irritants For those with sensory integration issues, the fewer scents, sounds and

sights the better. Stimulus is processed differently and uniquely. Bright colors and patterns may be perceived to have loud sounds, textures may create pain. So imagine how the traditional decor translates for some. Since a fireplace

produces mesmerizing shapes, sounds, lights and scents, let that substitute the need for flickering lights, overflowing decorations and perfumed potpourri.

It’s All In The Packaging Awareness of holiday irritants includes gifts themselves and their

presentation. Purchase toys with pleasurable textures, less plastic, flashing lights and eliminate sound effects. That alone will prove helpful in

maintaining a peaceful environment. To complete this gentle experience, use paper bags as wrapping paper with the brown side seen on the outside. Tie

the packages with non~shinny, subdued colored ribbon. It will only require

a simple pull to reveal the gift inside, no ripping or tearing sounds. For a fun craft later, the paper can be used to draw or paint on once the novelty of the gifts wears off.

Carolyn Feder is the founder and owner of Sensory Interior Design. By combining her space organization and interior design techniques, she creates spaces that get you in touch with inner peace and focus year round. For more information about consultations, lectures, workshops and coaching, visit sensoryinteriordesign.com or email: sensoryinteriordesigner@yahoo.com. North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Quick & Cozy Meals for the Winter Months by Dr. Caron B. Goode Family mealtimes are important times. In fact, families who eat together regularly share healthier and better balanced meals, have children who engage in less risky behaviors and have parents who are more actively involved in the lives of their children. But for today’s busy moms, preparing a meal (and getting everyone to the table at the same time) can take more time and energy than they have available. As a matter of fact, some days, it can be downright impossible. Enter one dish quick and cozy meals. If you’re looking to simplify dinner without sacrificing taste, here are a few meals that are just what this parent coach has ordered.

Crock Pot Easy Roast Ingredients:

3 pounds beef roast 6 potatoes 1 1/2 cups baby carrots 1 yellow onion 2 stalks celery 3 cubes beef bouillon or organic beef broth 1/2 cup water

Directions: Cut up vegetables into large chunks and place in crock pot. Place roast on top of vegetables. Put 3 bouillon cubes on top of roast and pour in water. Cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or High for 4 to 5 hours.

One Pot “Take the Chill Away” Turkey Chili Ingredients:

2 (5 ounce) cans turkey meat

2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans

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2 (1.25 ounce) packages chili seasoning mix 1 (4 ounce) can green chile peppers 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 onion, diced 1 cup water

Directions: Brown meat, add all ingredients, simmer at least 30 minutes. You can substitute canned chicken, fresh ground beef or fresh ground turkey in this recipe. Save time and brown it the night before!

The Best Baked Ziti Ingredients:

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2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

2 eggs

3 ounces grated parmesan cheese

1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese 1 box ziti with lines (or penne)

1 to 2 jars pasta sauce (depends how saucy you like it!)

Directions: Combine cottage cheese, eggs, grated parmesan cheese and ½ of pasta sauce in a big bowl. Boil pasta and drain. Add pasta to bowl of mixed ingredients. Line bottom of 9 x 13 pan with sauce. Add pasta mixture. Top with remaining sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover with tinfoil sprayed with

PAM. Bake of 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Remove cover last 10 minutes. This recipe freezes well, so if you like it, make a double batch and freeze half.

Crockpot Beef Stew

Achieving Your Child’s Goal,

One Step at a Time

Ingredients:

Come Play with

SANTA

at Pump It Up Junior!

3 pounds beef stew meat, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes 5 carrots, chopped

5 potatoes, peeled and diced 4 onions, quartered

2 stalks celery, chopped

28 ounce can diced tomatoes

Pediatric Services we provide:

1 1/2 cups water 2 cloves garlic

PT, ST, OT and Case Management

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

We see kids in the Dallas and surrounding areas.

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

Call today to have your child evaluated!

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Treat for the following but not limited to:

Directions: Add to all ingredients to crock pot. Cook on low, covered, 10-12 hours.

Stir occasionally.

Italian Tortellini Soup

Speech Delay • Autism Developmental Delay Cerebral Palsy • Down Syndrome Learning Disability • Dysphagia

Bring your little one (6 & under) to Pump It Up Junior for a SPECIAL Breakfast with Santa Claus! December 18th 9:00am-10:30am or 10:00am-11:30am

Admission includes: Playtime, Breakfast & Photo with Santa

We are also having...

Jump-N-Pizza with Santa December 11th 5:30pm - 8:00pm

As always, socks and a signed waiver are required for participation in Pump It Up parties and programs. Pre-register on-line by going to our web site

www.pumpitupparty.com

Ingredients:

4 carrots, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 790 Dallas, TX 75243

2 stalks celery, sliced

214-575-2999

3 cloves garlic, minced

www.KidsCareTherapy.com

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed 3 quarts (12 cups) Chicken Broth

Pump It Up of Plano 4101 E. Park Blvd. #135 Plano, Texas 75074 Purchase your ticket on-line & receive $2OFF Breakfast with Santa

ath

2 medium zucchini, sliced

ht P Finding the Rig

1 14.5 oz can use a can of diced tomatoes

1 9 ounce package refrigerated cheese filled tortellini Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: Add all ingredients except cheese filled tortellini to a large pot. Boil.

Reduce to low. Cover. Add tortellini 15 minutes before serving. Bring to boil. Return to low. Let cook until tortellini is tender. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.

Caron Goode's (EdD) insights are drawn from her fifteen years in private psychotherapy practice and thirty years of experience in the fields of education, personal empowerment, and health and wellness. (www.acpi.biz). Reach her at carongoode@mac.com.

“Hey, Mom, this is so much fun! I want to have my party here, too.” Birthday Parties • Carousel Parties

The Dog

AUTISM

Broomball • Learn to Skate

Developmental Delays

Group Rates

At Pumpkin Littles, children receive early intervention through a combination of the most renowned autism education principles including but not limited to ABA, TEACCH, RDI, DIR, and EDMARK, which are blended to form an individualized approach.

Call 972-731-9600

The dog is black

Stonebriar Centre in Frisco

The dog is white

Schedule your child’s

The dog is the perfect height

Pumpkin Littles believes there is hope with many approaches to reach the child with autism. We just need to find the right path for that child.

best party ever!

The dog is fast

The dog is slow Yet the poor little dog Has no place to go. by Samantha Huggard

www.stonebriarice.com $5.00 off 1 Learn to Skate session or a gold or silver birthday party. Expires 01/01/2010

Contact: Michelle Beck MA mbeck@pumpkinlittles.com Dallas, Texas • 972-569-7141

www.PumpkinLittles.com

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

What's on your “Wish list”? Giving or Receiving

by Andrea Patrick

I know the period of time between November and January 1st is called many different names by many people around the world, but for me it has always been Christmas time. A time of giving, sharing and most importantly, the celebration of my Saviors birth. As a child I looked forward to this time because I knew great presents would be under the tree and my family would be together. It wasn’t just my immediate family, but aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and even great grandparents that would gather for dinner and games on Christmas Eve. It was an awesome time of fellowship and love that I remember fondly to this day. As an adult, wife, and mother of three little girls now, I sometimes crave that feeling because my family is so far away and I know they are still doing those traditional parties and believe it or not, my great grandmother is still in attendance. I try to recreate the experience for my children as much as possible, but unfortunately it never quite feels the same to me. Until recently, my husband and I have been showering our children with fabulous gifts and clothes for Christmas, playing into the materialistic trap of the Christmas season, but this year things will be different and here’s why… One day this summer, a woman and her daughter rang my doorbell and asked for donations for a non-profit organization called Mugs with Hugs. At the time, I didn’t make a contribution, but after doing a little digging I quickly realized Mugs with Hugs was definitely worth my attention. I later found out the woman who came to my door was the actual founder of the organization, Regina Reddick, and not just some random volunteer. She and her daughter were truly working to make a difference. You see, last Christmas, Regina wanted to teach her children about the gift of giving and how it represents the true meaning of Christmas. She and her children assembled mugs filled with goodies and delivered them to local retirement homes where she met residents hungry for friendships, attention and to feel they were not forgotten. She mentioned on her website, one of the residents, after receiving her gift, saying “thanks for not forgetting us this year”. I was touched by Regina’s story and made a commitment to help. This year, my family will be working with Mugs with Hugs to bring joy to the lives of area retirement communities. Fortunately, the organization doesn’t just provide their services during the Holiday Season. They need sponsors, volunteers, and donations all year for monthly deliveries. Join Mugs with Hugs and my family to bring joy to the older members of our society all year long!!!

For more information on how you can participate, donate or volunteer contact Andrea Patrick, Butterfly Marketing Group (469-964-4157) or go to the Mugs with Hugs website at www.mugswithhugs.com

Fun Holiday Lights ...to go see as a family this season Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 • Grand Prairie - Prairie Lights Holiday Display • www.prairielights.org Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 • Highland Park - Highland Park Neighborhood Nov. 28 - Jan. 2 • Frisco - Christmas in the Square • www.friscosquare.com Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 • Plano - Deerfield Holiday Lighting • www.deerfieldplano.org Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 • Providence Village - Providence Christmas • www.providencechristmas.com Dec. 6 - 31 • Farmers Branch - Farmers Branch Tour of Lights • www.ci.farmers-branch.tx.us Dec. 6 - 31 • Dallas - Kessler Park Holiday Lights • www.kesslerpark.org/holidaylights.htm Dec. 11 - 31 • Arlington - Interlochen Lights Display • www.ci.arlington.tx.us/events/

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Kids in the kitchen

Cupcake Menorah What You Need 1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix, any flavor 1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding 1-3/4 cups milk 2 eggs 1 pkg. (12 oz.) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks 1 container (16 oz.) ready-to-spread vanilla frosting

Make It

Our Heart is in Caring for You!

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Place cake mix, dry pudding mix, milk and eggs in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes or until well blended. Stir in chocolate chunks. Spoon batter evenly into 24 paper- or foillined medium muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Specializing in Pediatric Home Healthcare

3 Main Offices

BAKE 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.

• Dallas 214-637-1300 • Addison 214-623-5900 • Fort Worth 817-698-9500

SPREAD tops of cupcakes with frosting. Insert blue candles into tops of 9 of the cupcakes. Arrange in the shape of a menorah, elevating the center cupcake for the shammus of the menorah.

Services available in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, & surrounding counties

Visit www.kraftfoods.com for more fun, neat & yummy recipes!

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Shorter Time To Straight Teeth:

Dallas Area Kids & Teens

Smiling At an orthodontic visit last year, Dallas resident and mom Jamie Hashop couldn’t believe her ears. “He’ll get his braces on and off in only 13 months?” Thanks to a new robotic orthodontic technology called SureSmile, her son Joel had straight teeth and a healthy bite six months sooner than if treated with traditional methods. THESE ARE NOT YOUR PARENTS BRACES ANYMORE Did you wear braces when you were a kid? Remember the experience, sitting in the orthodontic chair month after month in anxious anticipation of the wire tightening, wondering how many more times you would have to come back until you could finally get your braces off? Now a revolutionary innovation in orthodontics is helping tweens and teens get straight teeth and a healthy bite in 30-40% less time than with traditional methods. This new system is called SureSmile and was developed by OraMetrix based in Richardson, TX. SureSmile brings together the latest technology including digital scanning, 3D software and robotics into one system that enables orthodontists to straighten teeth more efficiently. With SureSmile, an average a patient sees the orthodontist only 7-10 times compared to 18-20 visits with traditional orthodontics. Treatment times estimated to take two years, can be completed in 12-18 months with SureSmile. Dr. Kim Travers of Travers Orthodontics in Irving, TX is one of nine Dallas/Fort Worth area orthodontists using SureSmile. “Not only do my patients benefit from shorter treatment time but they have fewer office visits which means fewer episodes of discomfort. Best of all,” says Dr. Travers, “is the quality. It would be nearly impossible to be as precise with final tooth positioning without SureSmile.” Dr. Travers says, “The best orthodontists have the ability to manually bend a wire to within a few millimeters of its desired location. With SureSmile, the robotically bent wire can be more precisely bent to within .1 millimeters of the orthodontist’s prescription. A more precisely bent wire means fewer adjustments, fewer office visits and a more direct path to the optimal smile.” The orthodontist digitally scans a patient’s mouth and creates a virtual model of the teeth. He or she then uses the SureSmile software to create the

optimum treatment. The target position of each tooth is planned and the doctor can share the visual information with the patient, their parents and other doctors so they will know what outcome to expect. Next, the data from the model is sent to a wire-bending robot. The robot creates a customized prescriptive wire using ‘smart’ wires made out of Shape Memory Alloy that permanently retain the individual prescription. Shortly after the scanning process, the patient returns to the office to have their SureSmile wires inserted by the orthodontist. 14 year old Sydney Whelpdale of Irving, TX had braces for only 13 months. Sydney’s mom, Carol Vasquez said SureSmile transformed her daughter from a kid who avoided smiling at all costs--sometimes pursing her lips together to not show her teeth--to someone who tells everyone about her fabulous experience with braces using SureSmile. Carol explained there were many benefits besides the short time in braces, but as a busy parent the best benefit to her was fewer and less frequent office visits. Dallas parent, Karen Stock, whose son Matthew finished his SureSmile treatment in 15 months says she is most amazed by how drastically orthodontic technology has changed since she had braces as a child. She plans to use SureSmile for Matthew’s younger sister also. While shorter treatment times are often the most appealing benefit to the patient, Dr. Travers also talked about the overall health benefits of shorter treatment time. “After an extended time in braces, patients become less compliant with their dental care. Many patients, especially kids, find it difficult and tiresome to adequately brush around the brackets and wires and they just don’t do as good a job as time goes on. With shorter treatment times there is a decreased risk of tooth decay and gum problems.” SureSmile is not just for kids. More and more adults are also using SureSmile. According to the American Academy of Orthodontics, 1 out of every 5 orthodontics patient is an adult (18+), up nearly 60% from just 10 years ago. Dr. Travers said that nearly 50% of her practice is adult patients, many of them parents who felt it was ‘their turn’ after watching their children get straight teeth with SureSmile. Dan DeSilva, VP of Marketing for SureSmile, told us “more than 50,000 patients have either completed or are currently in SureSmile treatment. Nationwide, 230 orthodontists now offer SureSmile and the number is growing rapidly.” SureSmile is covered by insurance the same as any other orthodontic treatment. The price of SureSmile treatment varies by orthodontist and depends on each individual patient’s treatment needs. For more information or for a list of local area orthodontists using SureSmile go to www.suresmile.com.

A lifetime of healthy, bright smiles begins here. • dentistry for children & adolescents • fun, friendly environment • insurance accepted • accepting new patients

972-608-GRIN www.grin-dental.com 6225 chapel hill blvd plano, tx 75093 14

A wonderful treat for families during the holiday season! courtney keel, d.d.s board certified pediatric dentist

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress

Bring the family to

by Minette Riordan, Ph.D. Many people dread the holiday season because of the added stress on their lives. Some suffer from too much togetherness with extended family and others from the sensory overload of people, places, lights and sounds. Children are especially susceptible this time of year, as they are dragged around to shopping malls and holiday parties and their own expectations and anticipation build toward to that special day! Here are 5 simple ways to avoid adding stress to your family's holiday this year: 1. Plan ahead. Don't leave everything until the last minute. Remember that the more stressed you feel, the more negatively this will impact your children and the crazier they will be! Keep a calendar that the whole family can see that lists out all of the shopping, parties and activities you will be participating in. Most children do not like surprises (except for presents of course,) they want to know what is expected of them and what the plans are. 2. Set a budget and don't go over it! Money and overspending can cause tremendous stress for families, especially between spouses. We often feel like we have to buy large gifts for our children that we cannot afford. Don't be afraid to tell your children that you have a budget this year (or Santa has a budget) and that they will not get as many gifts as they have in other years. It is better to tell them ahead of time than have them be disappointed when they open presents. Don't spend more than you have, make a list before you go shopping and only buy what is on your list.

Every Saturday & Sunday Kids under 12 receive FREE admission Most activities take place in the Center for Creative Connections on Level 1.

3. Manage your children's expectations and energy. Pay careful attention to your children and be honest with them about what is going to happen during the busy weeks ahead and what they can expect. Don't over do it! Everyone needs some down time, especially children, so don't be afraid to say no to someone's Holiday Open House if it means you can have quiet time at home with your own family.

collection connections

Saturday & Sunday 1:00–3:30 p.m.

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sketching in the galleries for kids

family films

Every third Saturday 1:00–2:00 p.m.

4. Deal with your extended family in whatever way works best for YOU. Don't be afraid to stay in a hotel if staying with your mom or sister-in-law makes you crazy. Or if they are asking to come and visit you, how long should the visit be? Don't allow them to stay for two weeks if three days is all you can handle. While it can be difficult to have these conversations, if you approach your family with love, honesty and respect and make it clear that you are doing your best to take care of your own family, it will help to take the sting out of it. 5. Get moving! Whether you are traveling or staying home, getting exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress for you and your kids. Even a short 20 minute walk will make you feel tons better. Don't go to extremes. If you have not been exercising regularly, now may not be the time to join the gym and over do it! Make exercise a fun, family activity. An after dinner walk to look at the neighborhood Christmas lights is a great way to spend time together, burn calories and energy and do your heart some good!

studio creations

Saturday & Sunday 2:00 p.m.

This month don’t miss family activities inspired by the exhibition All the World’s a Stage. Family initiatives are funded by Catherine and Will Rose and the Pollock Foundation Education Endowment Fund. New family learning experiences are supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Museum’s Gateway Gallery Endowment Fund, the Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Hobson Endowment Fund, the Betty Moroney Norsworthy Education Endowment Fund, and the Karen and Richard Pollock Education Endowment Fund provide a permanent source of support for family and community programs. Annual support for family and community programs is provided by The M. R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation, the Junior League of Dallas, and the Donor Circle membership program through leadership gifts by an anonymous donor and the Dedman Foundation. Promotional support provided by

DallasMuseumofArt.org

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/ Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

E.A.T. : Eating And Thriving My daughter was born at 1lb. 11.8oz. at 32 weeks, spent 3 months in the NICU and was then discharged as “Failure To Thrive”. She experienced severe acid reflux, came home with an NG Tube, and later had a Mickey Button inserted. We continuously went through feeding therapy, had swallow studies and upper GIs performed. As a parent of child who has had a difficult time with eating, I have often felt alone. After years of waiting in doctor offices and the lobbies of feeding programs, I found that there were more parents and caretakers just like me. You may or may not have had these same experiences, but if your child has had difficulty eating and growing, then we have something in common. E.A.T. is a new parent support group that I am organizing. I hope you will consider joining E.A.T. so that we can share resources, information and support in order to help our children so that they may one day learn to Eat and Thrive.

Please contact me at: Tiffany Knox (214) 498-3397 or knoxtiffany@hotmail.com

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Alexandria’s Book Review

Seven-Day Magic A Review by Alexandria Battle By Edward Eager 208 pages • Ages 9-12 Odyssey Classics (August 1999) Edward Eager was known to many as a spectacular lyricist, playwright, and, later in his life, a children’s book author, after searching for excellent books to read to his young son in vain. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio, personally enjoyed the Oz series as a child, and frequently refers to his favorite author of all time, E. Nesbit, in each of his own wonderful books. This month’s book, Seven-Day Magic, has a hint of magic in it that is perfect for the holiday season. The seventh of Mr. Eager’s books begins with five children enjoying themselves at the library, chatting about the best kind of book to read. John, Susan, Barnaby, Abbie and Fredericka have read almost the entire children’s section, and all

are rather wishing that there was something else for them all to enjoy together, since television does not interest them in the slightest. It is Susan who notices the unusual, untitled red book lying quietly in a corner and adds it to the pile of books she has checked out this weekend, and from there the adventure begins. It is not long before the children realize that this red book is about them, and that the wishes they have made for a book about children like them may be coming true in front of their eyes. They are just making plans to use the magic with caution and respect (for they have read quite a few stories about children being thwarted by abused magic) when Fredericka, the youngest, snatches the book and begins to make her own

wish—that the magic, if it is real, will begin this very instant. A moment later, she is carried off by a dragon. That is all I will reveal in reference to the story, so read on your own to discover what misadventures the five children get into, if they get out, and just how special that red book really is. I also recommend some of Edward Eager’s other books about children who mix with magic: Half Magic, Magic or Not?, and The Well-Wishers. From my family to yours, may you have happy holidays!

Circle all the differences you can f�nd between the two pictures.

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Save the Date! Saturday, April 24, 2010 Plano, TX Interested in being a vendor? Give us a call at 972-516-9070 or email us at info@northtexaskids.com. *Offer valid at participating locations for one 16oz smoothie or oatmeal per $25 jambacard load. Oatmeal offer available only at participating locations. Valid with cash and credit card payments. Offer valid only in-store, not with online or phone purchases. No cash value. Offer expires 1/3/10 ©Jamba Juice Company 2009.

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Upgrade to 4 22 oz. smoothies for $15 * Offer valid through 01/15/2010 at participating Jamba Juice locations in the state of Texas. Purchase of any four 16 oz smoothies are required for discount. Excludes oatmeal, Ideal Meals and fresh squeezed juices. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Offer not valid for Jamba Juice employees. For Jamba Juice store locations, go to jamba.com. No cash value. ©Jamba Juice Company 2009.

$1 Hot Oatmeal Get our Hot Oatmeal for $1 with the purchase of any smoothie.

* Offer valid through 01/15/2010 at participating Jamba Juice locations in the state of Texas. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Offer not valid for Jamba Juice employees. For Jamba Juice store locations, go to jamba.com. No cash value. ©Jamba Juice Company 2009.

Come visit us at our newest DFW location at the Galleria Dallas. 3rd level above the ice rink.

Visit www.jambajuice.com to find any one of our 19 DFW locations. North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

great gifts... Holiday Glow Stick 200 hour LED glow stick, flashlight, flashers and whistle. Dicks Sporting Goods • $5.99

11 in One Deluxe Game Set These kid games are perfect for a great family fun night or as a great addition to the family game room! Includes checkers, chess, dominoes, Chinese checkers, and more... there's a fun game inside to please everyone!

Jamba Juice Smoothie & Ice Pop Maker A fun, interactive toy blender that brings the Jamba smoothie making experience into the home to inspire and excite kids and parents alike about better-for-you eating. Just follow the recipes and kids can have fruit smoothies or frozen treats in minutes!

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Cranky This four-legged wire friend is fun and useful. Cranky wants to help you remember things by holding cards, pictures, notes, reminders, and whatever you can wedge into its little claws, and it will dance to get your attention. Just wind it up and let it go. www.shopdma.org • $12.00

Mini Doc Amplifier A must-have for the iPod® devotee on your list, our Mini Doc Amplifier plugs directly into the base of the iPod® and projects clear, high-quality stereo sound. Black or Pink. www.containerstore.com • $19.99

Playskool Clipo Creativity Table At this all-in-one play station, toddlers can develop their fine motor skills while enjoying a shape sorter and a drop slot, too. Curiosity and delight will grow as toddlers design their own creations again and again! Walmart & Toys R Us • $32.99

Wii and Nintendo TM

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & BaileyTM, the ultimate circus experience for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. This holiday season, Ringling Bros.® circus fans can get into the act and perform jaw-dropping stunts, breath-taking acrobatics and even “clown around” under the Big Top with their family and friends. Available at retailers across North America. Wii™ game $39.99 • DS™ game $29.99

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Holiday Hope Wear This design is festive for the Holidays or all year round. A fun way to share and WEAR your message. Ladies and Kids sizes available with assorted messages. www.shop.hopebrand.com • $15.00 Ladies, $10.00 Kids

Stuff-n-Fluff Holiday Reindeer The Adorable Stuffed Animal that comes to your door. No machine needed, your child will hand-stuff and name their new friend! Gingerbread Man and other animals also available. www.StuffInDallas.com • $13.00

Corner Wines Gift Basket Sample Wine Basket from Corner Wines in Plano. Located in Lakeside Market on Preston Road. www.cornerwines.com • prices vary

Fisher Price Little People Hanukkah Set Little ones can create Hanukkah memories with the Little People Hanukkah Play Set. This set includes characters, accessories and recognizable icons that your toddler will enjoy building stories around. There's a refrigerator and stove, cookware with molded recognizable foods for this traditional meal, a hutch with silver coins and 8 presents, a Menorah that lights up and plays a traditional tune, a table with traditional dressing, and 6 Little People figures. www.amazon.com • $34.99

Miche Bags One bag, endless possibilities. The handbag with the interchangeable cover. www.michebag.com • prices vary

"I'M THE DADDY" Medical Scrubs Our super stylish medical scrubs are available in an assortment of colors, styles & sizes. www.daddyscrubs.com • $39.95 per set

Made By Hands Make Your Own Games This amazingly fun activity kit will allow children to invent and design their very own board games. Each kit comes with 1 game board, 1 spinner, 1 deck of cards, 4 dice--all undecorated and ready to be adorned with over 800 colorful pop out shapes. A great gift and a great activity for play dates. www.amazon.com • $17.42

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Sports Scoop

The Pursuit of True Greatness by Mike Kravik

"Drew Grant's second half kick-off return helps lead Wilson to the Plano's 8th Grade City Championship." #5 Drew Grant,# 56 Nick Smith and # 81 William Garrison.

One of the of the highlights of middle school sports in Plano every year is the 8th Grade City Championship played at Clark Stadium. The road to becoming a Friday night hero starts with this game that serves as a reward to the two best 8th grade football teams in Plano. It's also the end of a journey and an exciting glimpse of the future. The 2009 8th Grade City Championship is between the Wilson Rams and the Renner Mustangs. Wilson (7-0) scored 305 points this year and enters the game undefeated and unscored upon. Renner finished 5-1-1. After scuffling early, they have just started to play their best football.

3:00 Thursday, November 5 Wilson Middle School

Coach Tom Kailey has a good problem but a problem nonetheless. He has the best 8th grade football team in Plano and feels the only way his boys will lose to Renner is if his team loses focus or becomes overconfident. This team also went undefeated as 7th graders and has the reputation as one of the best collections of 8th grade talent Plano has ever seen. Kailey is worried because everybody is telling his players how good they are and they're starting to believe it. As he prepares for an afternoon practice in his office with assistant 22

coaches Ernest Sterling and Michael Stallon, the kids are getting dressed. A player comes in and says he can't find his helmet. Kailey's brow furrows. Another kid comes in to explain why he missed tutorials and Kailey plaintively listens. The weather in Texas this November has been spectacular and the setting is remarkable. Leaves are turning colors and it’s a dry 72 degree day without a cloud in the sky. After the team stretches, Coach Kailey begins practice by working on extra points. The boys are moving a little slow and just going through the motions. C'mon, coach chillax. Doncha know we scored 305 points this year? A slow snap to the holder becomes a blocked kick. No big deal, coach. A blocker misses an assignment that turns into another blocked kick. A kick sails wide right. Why are we worried about extra points? We're undefeated. We're gonna kill Renner. Coach Kailey clears his throat and calls his team together. Kailey and his staff have great affinity for this team on many levels. Several kids come from single parent homes and his staff has had to fill in the gaps where needed. He tells his boys they have a chance to write their own history and accomplish something they will remember for the rest of their lives. Most importantly, he tells them "Do not waste this opportunity."

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

In an effort to pump energy into the practice, Kailey starts conditioning drills. Some linemen are struggling to make the required time and that means the entire team has to run again. Why are we running so much? Kailey begins to smolder. Man, what's with coach today? When the team is done running, Kailey tells the boys to get some water. Within seconds, a player throws down his helmet in disgust before getting a drink of water and Kailey sees it. The misplaced helmet, the elaborate why-I-missed-tutorial story, the lethargic beginning of practice, the linemen who couldn't make time all come to a head and the pin of Coach Kailey's personal grenade has been pulled. “THAT'S IT, YOU'RE DONE!!!! GO TO THE GIRLS' GYM AND TAKE YOUR EQUIPMENT OFF, NOW!!!" The practice setting of a beautiful day has changed. The boys are now in a dimly lit gym wearing nothing but football pants and t-shirts standing against the wall on a cold tile floor and being screamed at by their coach. Whatever air is in the room has been fouled by sweaty 13-14 year old boys and equipment they've had since August. Coach Kailey calls for the managers to get the “boards.” The boys swallow hard. The boards consist of several four foot pieces of wood wrapped in towels. Each player has to take turns grabbing a board and pushing it on the floor going from one end to the other and back. Kailey has his team's full attention, everybody now has their head right and practice resumes. Wilson has scouted Renner and begins running their plays. Kailey is the quarterback for the scout team as they go up against the defense. Kailey loves this part of the job because, well, he's playing football. He gets to throw passes, show off his wheels and let his players know that back in the day, yeah he had some game. There's also some playful smack being thrown back and forth which cuts whatever tension existed earlier. As practice comes to an end, the message has been delivered but

Kailey is still worried if it's been received.

8:00AM Friday, November 6 Renner Middle School

Coach Greg Coutermarsh has a different problem and every other 8th grade football coach in Plano can relate. He has to convince his team that Wilson is a collection of talented 8th grade boys and not the '85 Chicago Bears. Both teams met earlier in a scrimmage before the season. Although Wilson dominated, Renner did move the ball against their vaunted defense. Coutermarsh recollects, “Unquestionably, our kids were intimidated when the scrimmage began but the more we played, the more we were able to hang with them. We're also playing much better than we did earlier in the season." A big part of the Wilson mystique is that they've never been scored upon this year which makes the legend breathe a little more. Most teams that Wilson plays are beaten before the game starts because they're afraid to compete. The great upsets in football usually share five traits - early success, freaky breaks, controlling tempo, maintaining poise and keeping the score close. Coutermarsh feels all of the above need to happen but the most important thing his team can do is put some points on the board early in the game. "Wilson hasn’t had to play from behind this season. I wanna score and see how they react when they fall behind in a game."

7:00 Tuesday, November 10 Clark Stadium

The string of beautiful weather in early November continues and the temperature sits at 70 degrees as Wilson prepares to kick off to Renner. Coach Coutermarsh and his assistants shake hands and give each other man hugs. They've prepared their team as well as they can and it's on. Renner shows early nerves by fumbling and recovering the snap on the first play. Miles McCain then completes a pass to Austin Enloe over the middle. Renner's players, coaches and parents in

making the score 23-16. Renner's lead lasts all of two minutes and the half ends. As Wilson was getting ready to field the second half kick-off, five year old Tristen Kailey has a football and bounces up to his dad to see if they can play catch. The intense Kailey has his game face on and close to a million things running through his mind at once. He quickly tells his son "No" then takes a couple of steps, sheds his game face and turns around smiling, "Daddy has to coach football, ok?" Tristen Kailey smiles back and nods that it's okay. Wilson's Drew Grant, walking around with a fancy pick 6 in his pocket from earlier in the game takes the second half kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown is a dagger to Renner. The score is now 31-16 and Wilson has seized the game. Renner, which had played with confidence for the entire game begins to leak oil. Blocks are missed and passes are dropped. Consecutive sacks from Chandler Hunter and Grant in fourth quarter seal the deal. Peterson scores his second touchdown on a one yard plunge to make the score 37-16. Coach Coutermarsh is disappointed but proud his team dared to compete. In the waning seconds, several players douse Coach Kailey with a Gatorade bucket filled with water. After shaking hands with Renner the boys from Wilson realize what they've accomplished and begin mobbing each other. Kids are doing their own version of the "Lambeau Leap" as they hop into the stands hugging parents and girlfriends. Coach Tom Kailey, soaked in water head to toe, is wandering around the scene with a big smile on his face and is unable to say a word. He is old enough to know that the biggest regrets any person has as they get older are missed opportunities and his boys now have the memory of a lifetime. Parents and coaches (Kailey is both) are always going to worry but for now his chest was stuck out because it was settling in how proud he was to have coached the kids from the best 8th grade football team the city of Plano has seen in a very long time.

Sports Scoop

the stands relax and take a deep breath. On the next play the thing that couldn't happen, happens. Wilson defensive back Drew Grant intercepts a pass on the Renner 45 yard line and takes it to the house for 6 points. With 6:29 left in the first quarter Wilson leads 8-0. In his heyday Mike Tyson once said “Everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth.” Renner has been hit in the mouth and is reeling but there's no panic on his sideline. Coutermarsh knows his team needs reassurance and tells them, “Keep your chins up, boys.” The sense of calm pays off and Renner immediately gets off the floor. McCain throws a bomb down the right sideline snared by Enloe for a 60 yard touchdown pass. Brock Dudley's kick makes the score 8-8. After the first quarter the game is tied. Coutermarsh's plan is coming together and he's beaming, “I got them figured out! Defense, just get me that ball back.” More insulted than shocked by the touchdown Wilson marches down the field and Greg Peterson scores on an 11 yard run. Steven Collins runs in the extra point to make it 15-8. Coutermarsh desperately wants a halftime lead and pulls hard on the throttle of his passing game. After poking into Wilson territory, Dudley makes a beautiful catch and the ball is now on the Wilson 18 yard line. The players on the Renner bench are all high-fiving and screaming one of four sentences. "Oh my gosh!!! Did you see that?!!? Way to go Dudley!! Atta kid!!!" Two plays later McCain sprints right and drills a pass off one of his receiver's shoulder pads, that pops into the air and falls like a feather once again into the hands of Enloe. Dudley's extra point gives Renner the lead 16-15 with 4:29 left in the first half. Renner takes another deep breath and realizes the impossible might happen. Coutermarsh looks at his boys and nods. On the other sideline, Wilson cannot believe what is happening. They've come too far and done too much to let this nonsense go much further. Dearion Johnson takes the ensuing kick-off back 85 yards to the Renner 10 yard line. On 3rd and goal, David Griffith punctuates the drive with a 10 yard touchdown run

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Hand-Stitched Snowman Ornament or Gift Topper My 10-year old son and I made these in a couple of hours. We had a great time together and it was fun teaching him a few simple sewing stitches. We used left over craft items we had around the house and did not have to purchase anything new. Hobby Lobby and Michael's both sell sheets of felt for around .20 cents each!

Materials needed: Felt scraps: white, various colors for hat/scarf, orange Sequins or small buttons Pom poms Embroidery Floss

Needle Fabric Glue Cotton balls or polyster fiber fill Ribbon or thread for hanging loops

Instructions: 1. Make a pattern for your snowman and for the hat on cardstock. Cut out and trace onto felt. Cut out felt pieces. 2. We put the hat together first (we cheated a bit and only made the hat one-sided but you could make it double- side to hide stitches on the back.) We used a whipstitch to attach the stripes to the hat and the hat to the snowman. For younger children, the hat, nose and eyes could be glued on with craft glue. 3. Then we created the face, it is important to remember to do this before you sew the snowman body together! We used an outline stitch for the mouth. You could also cut the mouth out from black felt and glue it on for younger children. We used sequins for the eyes, you could also use a french knot.

4. For the body, we used a blanket stitch. Remember to leave a hole to stuff the snowman or stuff as you go. We used cotton balls because we had a big bag at home but you could also use polyester fiber fill.

5. We cut a long strip of felt and simply tied it around the snowman's neck for a scarf but any ribbon would work. For the hanger, we used left-over gold thread from one of last year's Christmas crafts. You can glue or sew the ribbon to the top of the hat. We found this fun craft at http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/fun-felt-snowmen-decoration-for-christmas. They have patterns and details on the embroidery stitches online.

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References Provided Upon Request 24

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Minority/Women Owned Business

NTK Calendar of Events

Looking for Something to Do in Your Own Backyard or Around the Metroplex? You Will Find it Here! Find these events and more online at www.northtexaskids.com.

December

U, 3050 N Josey Ln, #110, 972-939-5000 www. bounceu.com/cities/carrollton.tx

Lewisville

1 Tuesday Dallas Science of Spying Exhibit: This exhibit is part James Bond, part Jack Bauer and part ‘Lie to Me.’ Through Jan. 4, 2010. Museum of Nature & Science Building 1318 S. 2nd Ave. (in Fair Park) www.natureandscience.org

McKinney Dinosaurs Alive! Life-sized Animatronic Dinosaurs: Encounters with eight life-sized animatronic dinosaurs will be fun for you and your kids. www.heardmuseum.org

Dallas Dallas Children’s Theater presents THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. At Rosewood Center for Family Arts! Fri/Sat/Sun performance times. Ticket prices range from $14-$25. Call 214-740-0051 or visit www.dct.org.

Dallas SANTA’S HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS: A PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA. There’s Santa, Frosty, dancing penguins, a singing armadillo, and more in this rollicking musical revue. Weekend performance times. Ticket prices range from $14-$25. Call 214-740-0051 or visit www.dct.org to make reservations.

Grapevine North Pole Express: Steam down the tracks aboard the North Pole Express, complete with carols, stories and an enchanting encounter with Santa Claus himself. Tickets are necessary for all ages 2 and up. Infants are considered to be under 24 months. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

Dallas Salvation Army Angel Tree: Visit the Angel Tree at Valley View Center located on the 3rd Level, AMC Lobby. Adopt an angel this holiday season. www.shopvalleyviewcenter.com

Dallas The Trains at NorthPark: The most elaborate toy train exhibit in Texas, with vintage locomotives whizzing by on a journey across America. Ticket prices are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children. www.northparkcenter.com

Fort Worth Pictures and Pages: The pencil, by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Bruce Ingman: (Ages 4-6) Popular children’s books inspire group conversations and simple art activities. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Maximum two children per adult. To register, call 817-332-8451, ext. 297. www.kimbellart.org

Plano Santa Paws at Willow Bend: Four-legged friends invited to visit Santa four Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, November 17. Owners are invited to bring cats and dogs to visit with Santa Claus in the Snow Globes www.shopwillowbend.com

Southlake Carriage Rides: Take a Magical Carriage Ride through the Winter Wonderland of Town Square. Hosted by Southlake Town Square. For times and pricing please visit www.SouthlakeTownSquare.com or call 817-329-5566.

Carrollton Fitness and Fun @ Bounce U - 5:30 PM: Bounce

La Leche League Meeting - 7:00 PM: Whether you breastfeed for a day, a year, or plan to breastfeed, come join La Leche League of Lewisville - First Presbyterian Church in Lewisville, 1002 Fox St. Call Julie 214-929-8908, Bridget 972-3171648, Laura 972-436-8383, or Fanny 972-535-5159; www.lllusa.org/web/LewisvilleTX.html

2 Wednesday Plano Wacky Wednesday Night at Jump Town: To receive the discount, child must participate in the Wacky Theme of the night - see website for details. No other discounts/offers apply. Jump Town, 3045 W 15th Street 972-867-JUMP (5867) www.thejumptown.com

Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - 10:30 AM: This fun, hands-on activity program for pre-schoolers takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 10:30 am. www.northparkcenter.com

3 Thursday Wylie Moms & More Monthly Meeting - 10:00 AM: Moms & More offers support and activities for parents and kids in Wylie and the surrounding communities. Please call for more info: 469-3616468. www.wyliemomsandmore.org

Garland Christmas on the Square - 5:00 PM: The City of Garland invites you to celebrate the holiday season with an official tree-lighting ceremony, holiday crafters, food, fun, music & games. www.ChristmasontheSquare.com

Frisco TBW of Frisco Monthly Meeting - 6:15 PM: Frisco Embassy Suites, 7600 John Q. Hammons at the Spa Botanica . Texas Business Women of Frisco ANNUAL SPA PARTY!! Reservations required. www.tbwfrisco.com

Rockwall Holiday Tree Lighting - 7:00 PM: Rockwall City Hall, 385 S. Goliad. Bring the family for an evening and fun and music! There will be fun live entertainment, crafts making in Santa’s Workshop, free cookies and coffee, and visits with Jolly ol St. Nick! www.rockwall.com

and 1930s artists, a train ride, greeting card workshops, performances, photos with Santa, complimentary cookies and so much more! www.irvingartscenter.com

Allen Friday Lunch Time with Santa at Watters Creek: The first three Friday’s of December children of all ages are invited to come eat lunch with Santa and enjoy tales about life at the North Pole. Complimentary lunches for children will be provided, while supplies last. www.watterscreek.com

Carrollton Preschool Playdate - 10:00 AM: M & F 10 to 12 $7 first child/$6 any additional snack included (Mondays bring in a dated church bulletin and get in for $5, Friday’s Wear your BounceU t-shirt and save $1) Bounce U, 3050 N Josey Ln, #110 972-9395000 www.bounceu.com/cities/carrollton.tx

Southlake First Friday Women’s Event - 11:00 AM: First Friday of Every Month. Harkins Theatre, Southlake Town Center. Admission is free. Arrive early to ensure seating. Childcare is provided through Harkins Theatre for a fee by reservation only. Contact the Play Center at 817-3100245 two days prior to the event to reserve your child’s place. firstfridaywomen.com

Plano Texas Scottish Rite Holiday Benefit Cabaret - 7:00 PM: An amazing night of great food, comedy and entertainment. General Admission $45 www.texasscottishriteholiday.com Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway

5 Saturday Richardson Holiday Fun with Children workshop: Parents and children will enjoy a morning of art and activities with make-it/take-it holiday fun. Cost is $20 ahead of time or $25 at the door. For more info or to register please contact the DAPE office at 972-699-0420 or www.dallasparents.org

Lewisville Holiday at the Hall Festival: an award-winning festival held in Old Town Lewisville and features a wide range of free family events. Free. www.visitlewisville.com

Grapevine New Twinkle Light Boat Parade: Dusk. Grapevine Lake - Begins at Scott’s Landing and ends at Little Pete’s. Call Scott’s Landing at (817) 481-4549. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

Dallas

Kids Theatre Camp - 7:00 PM: YMCA Park Cities, Dallas. For ages 7-12. This high energy class includes singing, acting and Broadway style dancing for beginners to more experienced students. www.dsmschool.org/index.html

Camp Gingerbread: This event gives children ages 4 and up the opportunity to assemble and decorate their very own gingerbread cookie. $10.00 per child. Level One near Macy’s, North Park Center. www.northparkcenter.com

4 Friday Grapevine Christmas on Main Street: Free fun activities for the entire family like horse drawn carriages, exciting reindeer games and much more family fun to get your in the holiday spirit. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

Irving Holiday Open House: The sights and sounds of the Harlem Renaissance fill the Irving Arts Center for the 17th annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy art projects inspired by 1920s

Dallas The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department will host our Winterfest event at Norbuck Park -Saturday, December 5, 2009 10am-6pm. Located near the Old Lake Highlands Neighborhood & the Northeast White Rock Lake Community. Our goal is to provide the Dallas community a free festive holiday event for the entire family. dallaswinterfest@hotmail.com 214-670-8889

courses, slides, trains, and concessions www. cityhouse.org

Allen Rudolph Run - 8:15 AM: 5K/1M, 102 Main Street, Downtown, Allen - 214-509-4810 www.cityofallen.org

Flower Mound Breakfast with Santa - 8:30 AM: The Community Activity Center. Children ages 4 - 10 and their parents will enjoy a fun morning having breakfast with Santa. Make a craft, eat breakfast, and bring a camera to take your picture with Santa. Seating is limited. Register at the CAC. $10 per person for CAC members/$11 per person for non-CAC members. For more information, call 972.874.7275. www.flowermound.com

Rockwall Lost Orphans Bringing Hope 5K/1M Fun Run 9:00 AM: Harry Myers Park, Rockwall 972-4151725 www.lostorphans.org/

Plano Christmas Tree Farm Tour - 9:00 AM: This is a great time to pick out your Christmas tree and learn about a tree farm. Enjoy a hay ride and playing in a maze. 5-years old or younger, and 36 inches or less MUST be secured in a child safety seat as required by state law. Cost: $10. Signup online at www.planoparks.org 972-9417250.Liberty Recreation Center 2601 Glencliff Dr.

Richardson Richardson’s 38th Annual Christmas Parade - 9:00 AM: ‘Christmas - Texas Style’ Kick off the Holiday Season! The parade route will go north on Plano Road from Richardson Square to Huffhines Park Ballfields on Apollo Road. www.cor.net

Southlake Santa’s Workshop - 10:00 AM: Kids ages 3-5 are invited to join the City of Southlake Parks and Recreation staff for a morning of holiday fun! Games, arts & crafts and lots of surprises in a well supervised environment. Pizza, juice boxes and a special treat will be provided. Preregistration is required. Durham Elementary/ Intermediate School. www.cityofsouthlake.com

Carrollton Christmas on the Square Sugar Plum Wonderland - 10:00 AM: Downtown Square, 1102 W. Main St. Carrollton. Play in the snow by tubing down a hill, ride a real Stagecoach, sing carols, Christmas Parade, Santa. www.olddowntowncarrollton.com

North Richland Hills Elves Workshop - 10:00 AM: NRH Recreation Center. For children ages 3 to 6. The cost is $16 per child. Participants will enjoy singing holiday songs, making festive crafts, decorating sugar cookies and a visit from ol’ Saint Nick. Each child will take home a photo with Santa. Space is limited. To register your elf for this special event, call 817-427-6600.

Lewisville

Wylie

Barnes & Noble story-time - 11:00 AM: Saturdays at 11am. Please join us for story-time each week with a new featured story. Call 972-3157966 or visit the 2325 South Stemmons Frwy Lewisville 75067 location for weekly titles. Bring your family and friends each week.

Benefit/Fundraiser for City House, Wylie Arts Festival Christmas Parade: Downtown Wylie - 108 S Ballard Street. Bounce houses, obstacle

Santa Days - 11:00 AM: The Plaza at Preston Center welcomes Santa and his loyal reindeer,

Dallas

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Comet and Cupid. Come have your Polaroid picture taken with Santa and his reindeer for free. www.theplazaatprestoncenter.com

photo. Sandwiches, soup and salad for $6 per person www.CampElTesoro.org / CampET@ CampFireFW.org

$10-$50. Several showtimes. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.danceada.com

Stonebriar, Frisco

Dallas

Centennial Medical hosts First Saturday Q&A - 12:00 PM: The first Saturday of every month, professionals from Centennial Medical Center will present a free question and answer session at Stonebriar Centre. All Q&As are at no charge and will be held on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com

MetroPCS FAIR PARK HOLIDAY - 2:00 PM: Free holiday festival featuring Dallas Wind Symphony Quintet concert, free museum visits, kids activities, arts and crafts, The 500 Inc. Holiday Market, plus Esplanade Fountain ‘dancing water’ debut. Fair Park. www.fairpark.org

Car Seat Fitting Station - 12:30 PM: Centennial Medical CenterFrisco, 1-877-228-3628. 2nd Friday of the month. Parents will be assisted with installation of the car seat and educated on proper securing of child.

Dallas The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. 1:00pm, Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca.org (214) 742-SPCA

North Richland Hills Pictures & Popcorn - 1:30 PM: Want something the whole family can do that’s FREE? Come to the North Richland Hills Library each Saturday, September until May, and watch a movie on the big screen while you enjoy free popcorn. 9015 Grand Ave. Call 817-427-6814 for more information.

Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - 2:00 PM: This fun, hands-on activity program for elementary school age children takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 2:00 pm. www.northparkcenter.com

7 Monday Plano, Frisco, Lewisville ST. NICK’S PET PICS - 6:00 PM: Fido and Fluffy might have a few requests for Santa, too, so he’s hosting St. Nick’s Pet Pics every Monday beginning November 30. Pet owners and their lovable, four-legged friends are invited to come and pose for a keepsake photo with Old St. Nick. Photos begin at $17.00. Collin Creek Mall, Stonebriar, Vista Ridge Mall.

8 Tuesday Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano - 9:30 AM: Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There’s always an interesting speaker, and you’ll meet a lot of fun women! Please join us at SMU-inLegacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! www.newcomerfriends.org

9 Wednesday

Irving

Rockwall

Family Funday, Card Workshop and Santa Photos - 2:00 PM: Create greeting cards to share with friends and family, take photos with Santa and take part in holiday-themed art projects. All supplies provided. First three Saturdays in December. www.irvingartscenter.com

Gingerbread House Making - 4:00 PM: The Center, 108 E. Washington. Gingerbread House. Candy Canes! Gum Drops! Gingerbread Men! Twizzlers! Just a few items we use to decorate our houses! The Gingerbread Houses are already upright so all you need to do is bring creativity, holiday cheer, and a bag of candy to share with friends as you decorate your special holiday house. Age: 5-12 yrs. Fee: $15 Res/$23 Non Res www.rockwall.com

Allen Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus at Watters Creek - 2:00 PM: Celebrate the holidays in sweet style by decorating holiday cookies with Santa’s better half. This free activity also includes story time and entertainment with Mrs. Claus. www.watterscreek.com

Plano Heritage Farmstead Lantern Light - 3:00 PM: Historic Victorian home tour, live music, crafts, games, mule-drawn and covered wagon rides Admission: $8/adults; $5/children and seniors. Bring new unwrapped toy for a free wagon ride. Toys will be donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Call 972-881-0140. www. heritagefarmstead.org

Frisco Merry Main Street - 5:00 PM: Simpson Plaza at City Hall(6101 Frisco Square Blvd.) Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa’s arrival, Lighting of the City of Frisco Christmas tree, Frisco Express Train Rides, American Railroad Museum model train display, Live reindeer, Snowflake light show, Horse-drawn carriage rides. www.friscofun.org

Dallas Ice Skating Shows - 5:00 PM: With U.S. National Skating Champions and 2010 Winter Olympic hopefuls. Joining each show is Missile Toes, Galleria’s ice skating, back-flipping Santa Claus! www.galleriadallas.com

Euless Christmas Parade of Lights - 6:30 PM: Celebrate the spirit of “A Star-Spangled Christmas” at this year’s Christmas Parade of Lights. This event is a spectacular display of moving lights. Midway Recreation Center, 300 W. Midway Dr. www.eulesstx.gov

6 Sunday Granbury Sunday with Santa at El Tesoro - 11:00 AM: Santa is making a special stop in Granbury. Camp El Tesoro - 7710 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury. No reservation needed - Free 8x10”

Plano Gingerbread Apron (4yrs & Up) - 6:00 PM: Each child will create a holiday apron decorated with a gingerbread boy and girl. The gingerbread kids will be adorned with multicolored paint designed by you and your child! The aprons and all supplies are included in the course fee. (One child per adult) Cost: $15. Signup online at www.planoparks.org 972-941-7250.

10 Thursday Grand Prairie Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Bring your entire family! Audiences of all ages will delight in this multifaceted spectacular including Santa flying high above the crowd, childhood dreams coming true in the Nutcracker and touched as the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life with the awe-inspiring Living Nativity - the beautiful story of the first Christmas. www.nokiatheatredfw.com

Plano 4th Annual Women in Support of Enterprise (WISE) Holiday Luncheon, Fashion Show and Gift Expo - 11:00 AM: Expo provides opportunities for holiday shopping and networking. Luncheon features fashion show with clothing and accessories for fall and holiday events. Admission: $25 - Allen Chamber members; $30 - non members, general public and guests. www.allenchamber.com Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway

Frisco

Frisco WINTER WONDERLAND PARTY at Wiggly Play Center - 5:30 PM: Wear your festive holiday attire and come out and see Dorothy, Wags, and Henry. There will be dancing, crafts, puppet show, and face painting. We will also have our $5.00 pizza deal in the Yummy Yummy Cafe. This deal includes a 12” cheese pizza for $5.00 with each additional topping costing only $1.00 each. www.wigglyplaycenter.com

Flower Mound Holiday Concert for the whole family - 7:00 PM. Both the children’s’ and adult choirs will perform at 7pm at the Flower Mound Community Church. www.voicesofflowermound.com

12 Saturday Frisco Frisco YMCA Heartsaver CPR and First Aid Classes: Frisco Family YMCA - Hall Office Park, 2401 Internet Blvd., Ste. 100. COST: $45Full Facility Member, $60-Activity Member. CONTACT: Sarah LaBine, slabine@ymcadallas. org 214-297-9622. www.friscoymca.org

Dallas Kwanzaafest: Fair Park Automobile Building. Two-day annual event. Sat. 10am to 7pm and Sun., 11am to 6pm. Free Admission - family activities, mini-concerts by national recording artists, holiday market vendors, children’s activities, 5K walk/run, High School Great Debate, and charitable health outreach. www. johnwileyprice.com/kwanzaa-main.html

Dallas Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park Presents ‘Candlelight’. Celebrate the holidays with Texas’ earliest residents and see how they did it “back then” on December 12 & 13, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., during Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 South Harwood. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+ and $6 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 and museum members are free. www.DallasHeritageVillage.org

Plano 37th Annual Children’s Christmas ParadeStarts at 9:00 AM from Plano Senior High School parking lot at the corner of Park and Independence Parkway. This year’s theme is “It’s A Magical Christmas”. www.planotxchristmasparade.com/

Plano Date with Santa - 9:00 AM: Join us again this year for breakfast, craft making, and a private Date with Santa. All proceeds benefit Hope’s Door, the only shelter for battered women and their children in Collin County. www.hopesdoorinc.org/DatewithSanta09

Plano

11 Friday

Babysitter Training Bootcamp - 9 AM: For 11-15 year olds. This training will certify participants in Basic Child Care w/FA, Child & Infant CPR, and Basic Water Rescue. American Red Cross Babysitters Training Handbook, Emergency Reference Guide, Babysitters Training CD-ROM and Water Safety Handbook are included. Bring lunch and swim suit to class. 2 sessions Cost: $116. Signup at www.planoparks.org 972-941-7250.

Grapevine

Dallas

Christmas on Main Street: Free fun activities for the entire family- horse drawn carriages, exciting reindeer games & more family fun to get your in the holiday spirit. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

All the World’s a Stage - 9:00 AM: Museum of Nature and Science Kid’s Club event is being held at the Dallas Museum of Art and will celebrate the special exhibitions. This exclusive before-hours event will include art, dance, and fun for everyone! Watch a dress rehearsal and meet dancers and choreographers from the ‘The NOTcracker’. www.natureandscience.org

Richardson Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Hill Performance Hall. Tickets:

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Dallas The Winter Art Fair - 10:00 AM: The much anticipated event, Last year’s event was missed by all who’ve attended the previous 10 years, but the new group of organizers promises it to be better than ever. For more information, contact Patty Goya at 214-328-6643 or pgoya@ airmail.net Alex Sanger Elementary, 8410 San Leandro, Dallas. Free (donations accepted)

Allen Santa and His Reindeer - 10:00 AM: Meet Santa, sit in his sleigh and get up-close with his beloved reindeer on The Green. Families will have the opportunity to take their own photos, at no charge. www.watterscreek.com

Flower Mound 20th Annual Flower Mound Christmas Parade - 10AM: Approximately 100 parade entries will be celebrating the holiday season with decorated floats & costumes. www.flower-mound.com

Arlington Santa’s Little Helpers - 10:30 AM: 1815 New York Avenue, Arlington. Join us for a fun morning making ornaments, decorating cookies, reading a story and getting a special visit from the North Pole! Parents should stay to help with the fun and bring a camera. This event is for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Please call 817-459-5474 or visit your local Recreation Center to register. www.arlingtontx.gov

Euless Heritage Park Christmas Celebration - 1:00 PM: Heritage Park, 201 Cullum Dr. Choirs will be there to sing your favorite Christmas songs. Visit our petting zoo or ride the Christmas Choo-Choo. Kids young and old can visit Santa and make their own Christmas ornaments. We’ll have free hot chocolate, lemonade and cookies for everyone. Holiday cheer and Euless history wrapped up in one great afternoon! www.eulesstx.gov

Frisco Santa Skate - 3:00 PM: Dr Pepper Arena, 2601 Avenue of the Stars. Fee: $10 per person (both skater and non-skater tickets are available). Bring the family and enjoy and afternoon of family fun and ice skating with Jolly Ole’ Saint Nick and friends! In addition, the Texas Tornado Hockey Club will offer photos with Santa from 5-6 p.m. The proceeds from the photos will benefit Frisco Family Services. www.friscofun.org

14 Monday Coppell Coppell/Valley Ranch ECPTA general meeting - 9:30 AM: At the Coppell Family YMCA, 146 Town Center Blvd., Coppell. For our December meeting, the ECPTA Board will share holiday brunch with members and provide fun craft ideas and supplies to ‘Tame your team’ over the holiday break. Childcare is provided during the general meetings at no charge and everyone is welcome to join. www.cvrecpta.org

Plano “Winter Lights...A Twinkle, A Flicker, A Glow” Concert - 7:00 PM: The Children’s Chorus of Collin County will be presenting a holiday concert. The 7:00 PM concert will be at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. Tickets are $8.00 for adults with free admission to all school age children. For additional information visit www.childrenschorusofcollincounty.org or call 972-941-9600.

Plano Family Night Hike - 7:00 PM: Spend an enjoyable evening walking through the woods of Arbor Hills Nature Preserve with your family and friends. Parks and Recreation staff or another trained naturalist will guide you through local flora and fauna. Everyone 13 years and or younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost: $1/person. Signup at www.planoparks.org 972-941-7250.

16 Wednesday Dallas Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra presents “Holiday Magic” - 7:30 PM: Meyerson Symphony Center. The concert features over 300 youth on the stage of the Meyerson. www.gdyo.org/

17 Thursday Allen Big Screen on the Green - Holiday Edition: Families are invited to bring a blanket and watch an entertaining holiday movie on a gigantic twostory inflatable movie screen. No lawn chairs, coolers or alcohol permitted. Weather permitting movies begin at 6:30 p.m. Movies shown include “Elf” on December 17, “Home Alone” on December 18, and “A Christmas Story” on December 19. www.watterscreek.com

18 Friday Grapevine Christmas on Main Street: Free fun activities for the entire family- horse drawn carriages, exciting reindeer games & more family fun to get your in the holiday spirit. www.grapevinetexasusa.com

McKinney Heard Holiday Trail of Lights: From the moment guests enter the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s native plant garden, they will enjoy thousands of holiday lights and displays, including a walk along a specially lit trail that will commence with a hayride and caroling. Kids of all ages are in for a special surprise as they happen upon Father Christmas and Mother Nature, waiting in a festively decorated log cabin along the trail. www.heardmuseum.org

19 Saturday Plano Plano YMCA Heartsaver CPR and First Aid Classes. Plano Family YMCA in Legacy, 5101 Tennyson Pkwy. $45 - Full Facility Member, $60 - Activity Member . CONTACT: Cassie McKee, cmckee@ymcadallas.org, 972-378-9622. www. planoymca.org

Plano Plano Civic Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah: The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at St Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano. Free concert admission to all students through college age. Advance tickets are $20; tickets at the door are $25. $5 discounts available for groups of 10 or more. To order tickets, please visit www. planocivicchorus.org or call the chorus hotline at 972-606-5220. Richardson Tuzer Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Hill Performance Hall Tickets: $15-$35. Various showtimes. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972744-4650 www.tuzerballet.com

Irving Holy Family Christmas Canter Run - 8:30 AM: 5K/1K Holy Family of Nazareth School, 2323 Cheyenne St, Irving TX 972-255-0205 hfns.com/

McKinney Ropes Course Open to the Public Days - 9:00 AM: Get together with your family and friends to experience a 110-foot rock climb, 500-foot zip line and a team power pole at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. www.heardmuseum.org Rockwall Santa’s Workshop - 9:00 AM: The Center, 108 E. Washington. Ho, Ho, Ho! In this 3 hours, you will make all sorts of Christmas crafts that you can take home for the entire family! Crafts range from jingle bell bracelets to Rudolph necklaces to Christmas Tree magnets! 5Y - 10Y. Fee: $20 Res/$30 Non Res. Grand Prairie Breakfast with Santa - 9:00 AM: Cost: $10 per child. Charley Taylor Recreation Center, 601

East Grand Prairie Road. To register: 972-2646890 www.GrandFunGP.com

28 Monday Frisco Sci-Tech Discovery Center will host Holiday Camps during the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks. Children age six and up will have the opportunity to become a scientist for the day while learning about math, science and technology. Each camp runs from 10:00 a.m. to noon and is $30.00 a child for Sci-Tech members or $35 for non Sci-Tech members. Additional siblings or camps are $15.00 a child. Visit www.mindstretchingfun.org to download a registration form.

29 Tuesday Mesquite Mesquite Championship Rodeo - Holiday Rodeo Season: Two hours of non-stop action and rock’n roll. Ticket prices in the arena $6 for children (12 and under) -$11 for adults with parking for $3. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and rodeo events begin at 7:30 p.m. www.mesquiterodeo.com

Ongoing Fun Classes and Activities

Located at 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound 75022. Visit the Town of Flower Mound Web Site for more information. Registration not required.

location: 2831 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 110 www.adventurekidsplaycare.com

Flower Mound

1st Wednesday of each month 4:30 p.m. Rainforest Cafe is hosting the Grapevine Mills Mall Kids Club storytime. Bring your family and friends to enjoy some great stories and eat dinner at Rainforest Cafe for Family Night. Contact 972-539-5001 for more information. No reservation required. www.rainforestcafe.com

Color Me Mine is a paint it yourself ceramic studio. Kids Pizza Night is held every Friday night from 6:30-9 for kids ages 6 . Drop off your kids for a night of pizza, painting, movies, and more! www.dfw.colormemine.com

Flower Mound/Highland Village Friday - Flower Mound 6 - 10 pm Saturday - Highland Village 6 - 10 pm Excite! holds parents night out so that your children can enjoy their evening with friends and activities. It’s the best deal for a sitter in town! Open Gym, foam pit, games, music and Pizza dinner. Visit www. excitegymandcheer.com or call 972-874-9663 Flower Mound 972-874-8500 Highland Village for more information and reservations (Ages 3 11) www.excitegymandcheer.com

Frisco Tuesdays are Half Price Games - enjoy all midway games at half price! Wednesdays are Kids Eat Free (one free kid’s buffet* with the purchase of one adult buffet at regular price. *Kids 10 yrs. & under) www.gattitownfrisco.com

Carrollton

Frisco

AW Perry Homestead Museum 1509 N. Perry Rd 972-466-6380. Free Admission and Tours, Mon Sat 10 - 12 & 1 - 5 www.cityofcarrollton.com

Preschool programs available at First Choice Emergency Room. Attention Mom’s groups and Preschools....First Choice Emergency Room at 4851 Legacy Dr. #301 Frisco. Call 214-618-6800 to schedule your tour of the ER.

Carrollton What do you get when you mix awesome inflatable structures, a clean, climate-controlled environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private-party atmosphere? One heck of a great time, that’s what! 2nd Friday of each month - 6-10 pm - Kids Nite Out is hosted by Bounce U Carrollton. Take some time to reconnect with your spouse & drop off your kids for Kids Nite Out which includes dinner. Carrollton location 3050 N. Josey Ln, Ste 110, 75007. 972-939-5000 www.bounceu. com/cities/carrollton.tx

Dallas Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Saturdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy ) 972-934-8866 for more information.

Dallas Dallas Arboretum. Mommy & Me Mondays 10am - 2pm. 10am - 2pm: Tiny Tots Tuesdays presented by Children’s Medical Center. www.dallasarboretum.org

Frisco Wiggly Play Center weekdays - Daily Activities are at 11:00 am. Mondays - Arts & Crafts, Tuesday - Hop with Henry, Wednesday - Story time, Thursday - Dancing with Dorothy, Friday - Wiggle with Wags. 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco (469) 633-0676 www.wigglyplaycenter.com

Frisco Frisco Public Library Youth Services Programming. For more information on all programs call 972-292-KNOW or visit www.friscolibrary.com

Frisco Fridays at 1pm - Preschool storytime is hosted by Adventure Kids Playcare. Each week we will read stories from your childhood. Friday Nights - Parents’ Night Out & Kids Fun Night Out! Every Friday night has a theme to keep the kids excited about coming to Adventure Kids Playcare. Call 972.668.5990 to reserve your child’s spot or call with questions. Frisco

Grapevine

Highland Village Acting Classes for Kids. Studio B is offering a wide range of acting classes for ages 3 and up. 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village. 972-966-2787 www.studiobtheater.info

Highland Village Join us for Storytime for Children every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:00 AM, Spanish Storytime for children, every Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Barnes & Noble - 4100 Deer Creek, Highland Village 972-966-0099 crm2271@bn.com

Irving JumpSTART Stories and Art. The Irving Arts Center and Irving Public Library now offer FREE family storytimes at the Arts Center on the first Thursday of every month (through December) at 10 a.m. Stories are followed by a fun craft. Call (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info.

Little Elm Various programs for children of all ages. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. Mansfield Mansfield Public Library has weekly storytimes for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. www. mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library

McKinney Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney. ‘Second Saturdays’ is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. 972-548-7830 7 PM - 10 PM www.artinstituteofmckinney.com

McKinney Arani Bellydance is a mom duo teaching beginner classes to ladies of all ages and sizes in downtown McKinney. Have fun, rediscover your curves, and shimmy like you mean it! Weekly classes are held Mondays at 1pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8pm. Call Raena at 214-6843966 for more info! www.aranibellydance.net

Dallas Outstanding family entertainment is abundant at Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. Marionette Show Times: Fridays - 10:30 AM, Saturdays - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM, Sundays - 2:00 PM. Variety Show Times: Saturdays - 4:00 PM www.slappysplayhouse.com

Dallas Every Friday 6 - 10 Parents’ Night Out hosted by The Gymnastics Place. Kids will enjoy pizza, drinks, entertainment, and special kid fun. RSVP preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Sibling discounts available. Check schedule for exact dates and times. www.thegymnasticsplace.com 972-248-2805

Dallas/Casa Linda Glaze Days! Saturday & Sundays. Pottery Painting for all ages. Drop in Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Sundays 1pm to 4pm. Cost is price of items chosen plus tax! www.artisticgatherings.com

DFW Playin’ Around Town hosts events throughout the Dallas metroplex during the mid-day hours Monday through Friday. All events are open for parents and their immediate family to attend, at NO CHARGE. www.playinaroundtown.com/

Flower Mound

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

McKinney

Various

Terrific Tuesdays, Every Tuesday. 2-for-1 Supply Fee. Two painters pay for the price of one.... an $8 savings! www.wallofclaymckinney.org

REGISTER TODAY for Kids First Ice Hockey Program. A totally FREE, get-acquainted program that offers boys and girls, ages 4-8, the opportunity to ‘try’ the game of hockey at NO CHARGE. The first week each player is given a full set of hockey equipment to use during the program. Kids will skate (4) 45 minute on ice sessions designed to introduce kids to the excitement of the sport. (214) GO SKATE www.drpepperstarcenter.com

Plano Story Times Plano Public Library System Schedules are available at any PPLS library or on our website www.planolibrary.org.

Plano Friday nights 7-10 pm. Plano Sports Authority brings Martial Arts Parents Night Out to Plano! Open to all PSA Families and you must rsvp in advance at 972-208-3817 or martialarts@psaplano.org. 6500 Preston Meadow, Plano 75024. www.psaplano.org

Plano EVERY Wed night at Jump Town is Wacky Wednesday! All you have to do is follow the Wacky Theme of the night and the kids will get to jump for only $4! To get the discount, child must participate in the Wacky Theme of the night. Offer not valid with other discounts or offers. Jump Town, 3045 W 15th Street 972-867JUMP (5867) www.thejumptown.com

Plano, Flower Mound, Hurst Boomerangs, First & Third Thursday of each month. We open one hour early to special needs families so parents can jump with their children. The cost will be half price for the children (parents are free). Parent’s night out every Friday 7-11pm ages 6-11, dropoff begins at 6:30, $25 for 1st child, $15 for each sibling. Please check website calendar or call for specific store hours. Plano: 214-473-9995, Flower Mound: 469-549-4400, Hurst 817-503-8100 www.boomerangspartyandplay.com

Princeton Groove Kids, Every Sun & Wed. Absolutely free to kids newborn thru 6th grade - Groove Kids is the place to be to have fun, hang out with Christian friends, enjoy Bible stories, cool music, and more! Every Sunday 10:4512:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Worship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. www.groovekids.com

Richardson Peppermint Baby Boutique holds regular classes. Peppermint Baby Boutique 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson. Registration information at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080.

Southlake Kids Night at Chick-fil-A Southlake. Every Tuesday evening, Chick-fil-A Southlake offers free kids activities & loads of fun! 5:30-7:30pm at Chick-fil-A Southlake, 2301 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-481-7152. www.cfarestaurant.com/ southlake/home

Southlake Third Friday of each month, 6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out - 280 BLOCK PARTY! Jump Zone is hosting a Kids Night Out for ages 3-14. Join Jump!Zone, Dollamur Martial Arts and Southlake Gymnastics Academy for a Kid’s Night Out! Children will be put in appropriate age groups (if needed). Children will spend time in Jump!Zone, Dollamur and Southlake Gymnastics Academy. Children will be fed Pizza and Drinks! Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot. Call to pre-register! 817-778-8870 #4. Check in begins at 5:45 at 280 Sports front doors. Must be potty trained in order to participate. www.jumpzoneparty.com

University Park Storytime for 4-5 year olds, Wednesdays at 3:45 pm, Story Time for Preschoolers, Thursdays @ 10:45 am - University Park Public Library - 6517 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 110. www.uplibrary.org

Various Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. groups. yahoo.com/group/familiesonthego

Various Baylor Medical Centers provide ongoing classes in Irving, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Classes include Baby Care Basics/Infant Safety and CPR, Prepared Childbirth Class, Infant/ Child CPR, Car Seat Safety and SIDS Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class, Baby Care Basics, Cesarean Birth Class. 1-800-4-BAYLOR www.baylorhealth.edu/

Various Drama Kids International is designed to develop students speaking skills, presentation abilities, acting skills and confidence. 214.592.4066. www.dramakids.com

Various Dallas/Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue Hosts special Meet & Greets scheduled in the area. www.dfwcares.org

Wylie In-Sync Exotics is home to 43 exotic cats, including 3 rare white lions! We invite you to visit our sanctuary on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. There is a requested donation of $10/adult and $7/child or senior (group rates available). www.insyncexotics.com

Support Groups Allen MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN - www.allenmoms.com MOMS club of Allen - West - momsclub_allenwest@yahoo.com. Allen Early Childhood PTA - information@ aecpta.com www.aecpta.com MOMS Offering Moms Support - Northeast Allen MOMS Club - 469-675-6652 email momscluballenne@yahoo.com

Allen The Heart Link Network - www.theheartlinknetwork.com

Anna Area North Collin County Moms Group - www. meetup.com/sahm-3053

Arlington Stay at Home Moms in the South Arlington area! arlingtonsmomsclub@yahoo.com www. momsclub.org. Arlington MOMS Club of North Central Arlington - support.mom@hotmail.com, Emily at (817)2762589, www.momsclub.org

Carrollton Carrollton Early Childhood PTA - www.cecpta.org.

Collin County Collin County Moms Meetup group - moms. meetup.com/994/

Dallas Dyslexia Information Group - Call Bob 214-351-1985.

Autism Support Meeting - www.featnt.org, 817-849-1122 www.featnt.org

La Leche League of Dallas - www.lllofdallas.org

Plano

Dallas/Collin County

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Support Group - chavez.slp@gmail.com, wlpark@sbcglobal.net

Free Parent Helpline - 972-699-7742. dallasparents@hotmail.com, www.dallasparents.org

Dallas/Plano/Frisco Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA - www. fndecpta.txpta.org

Denton The Denton Area Mothers of Multiples - damoms.clubspaces.com

Farmers Branch My Place early intervention play & communication group - (972) 385-0006, www.northdallasspeech.com

Fort Worth Its My Heart Support Group - www.itsmyheart.org

Frisco Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic. www.friscocares.org Frisco Early Childhood PTA - membership@ friscoecpta.org, www.friscoecpta.org

The Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems Inc - 972-377-7289.

Garland Garland Area Early Childhood PTA - 972-4128540, www.earlychildhoodpta.com

Grapevine/Colleyville MOMS Club of Grapevine-S/ColleyvilleS. - membership@gscsmomsclub.com, www. gscsmomsclub.com

Irving irvingHOMEschoolers - www.irvinghomeschoolers.com

Lake Highlands Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA www.lhaecpta.org

Lewisville The Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA - (469) 293-6343, www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org First Baptist Church of Lewisville MOPS - fbclmops@gmail.com Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village Greater Lewisville Mothers & More - www. mothersnmore.com

Little Elm Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group - Tracy O’Mara at 972-987-4010

McKinney DivorceCare 4 Kids - www.divorcecare.org, 972-547-7000 La Leche League of McKinney - DeeDee 972838-9135, dlynn@dfwair.net MOMS Club of McKinney East - momsmckinneyeast@yahoo.com Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group - 972-548-8788, www.academicsplus.com MOMS Club of McKinney Central - www. geocities.com/mckinneymoms.com, mckinneymoms@yahoo.com Homemakers and CEOs - www.homemakersandceos.com

Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW. Carol at 972 862 3460, www.aauwplanocc.org CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center 972.612.5989 www.childrenandfamilies.org Collin County Early Childhood PTA - Karen Maddox at 972-491-0260 Plano Kiwanis Club - www.kiwanis.org/ club/plano La Leche League of Plano - Beth 972-747-1297, Cleo 972-208-0158, or Emilie 469-366-7205, www.lllusa.org/web/PlanoTX.html MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter www.planomomsclub.com/ MOMS Club of Plano-North - membership@ momsclubplanonorth.com, 972-464-1958 www.momslubplanonorth.com MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Plano Central - momsclubplano_central@ yahoo.com Own my own mentoring program - Latahra Smith, 972-3778254 Collin County Homeschool Playgroup - geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/ The Scoliosis Center of Excellence at Medical Center of Plano - 1-877-24-SCOLI. www.medicalcenterofplano.com S.A.F.E.(Support and Activities for Food allergy Education) - www.safewithfoodallergies.com. PEACH - Plano Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers - www.peachonline.org

Richardson MOMS Club of Richardson West - www. momsclub.org, momsclubofrichardsonwest@ gmail.com Post Partum Depression Support Group - 972699-0420, dallasparents@hotmail.com, www. dallasparents.org

Rockwall Rockwallsahm - www.rockwallsahm.com/ MOMS Club of Rockwall - rockwallmomsclub@ hotmail.com, 214-771-3538, www.angelfire. com/tx5/rockwallmoms

Various RISE Adventures - jhendrix@riseadventures. org 469-762-5075 www.riseadventures.org

Wylie Moms & More - Diva@wyliemomsandmore.org www.wyliemomsandmore.org

Submitting Events Our calendar of events is free to the community. All events must be submitted online and will appear in print and on our website. Go to

Murphy/Sachse

www.northtexaskids.com and click on the sub-

MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse - murphy_ sachse_moms@yahoo.com

dar. We reserve the right to edit submissions

North Coppell

Autism society of Collin County - www.autismascc.org - 214-925-2722

MOMs Club of Coppell - NORTH 866.841.9139 ext. 3555, momsclubofcoppell@ onebox.com, www.momsclubofcoppell.org

Coppell/Valley Ranch

North Dallas

Coppell/Valley Ranch Early Childhood PTA 214-236-8290 www.cvrecpta.org

Mocha Moms of North Dallas - www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com

Dallas

North Richland Hills

Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter - info@momsclubofdallas.org

Asperger’s Support Meeting - 817-849-1122, www.featnt.org

North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Mothers and Others - Christine Cooper at 214705-8160, www.setonmothersandothers.net

missions button to add your event to our calenand give priority to family-focused events.

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North Texas Kids • December 2009 • www.NorthTexasKids.com