North Texas Kids March 2008

Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

North Texas March 2008 FREE

www.northtexaskids.com

Kids

Cover artist: Darla T., age 12

In this issue: Birthday Party Blowout!

Summer Camp Guide March Calendar of Events

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

www.thewiggles.com

Come, stay, & play all day at the Wiggly Play Center!

TODDLER PLAY AREA

WIGGLES MERCHANDISE

YUMMY YUMMY CAFE

Corner of Preston Rd & Lebanon Rd

WIGGLY BIRTHDAY PARTIES OVER 9,000 SQUARE FEET OF PLAY AREAS Kids admission only $6.50 Monday-Friday (reg. $8.45) for North Texas Kids Readers. Adults are FREE. *Must redeem ad for discount

469-633-0676 4944 Preston Road Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75034

This eyrea\r, let h OKVV c No two girls are the same, and their parties shouldn’t be either.

Whether she aspires to be a rock star or a princess, we make little girls’ dreams come true.

And we also offer a wide range of spa-inspired salon services to make every occasion a special one.

Sweet & Sassy—it’s more than a salon, it’s a celebration. sweetandsassy.com

GattiTown Shopping Center 3211 Preston, Suite 11 Frisco, TX • 972-668-4922

Page 2

•

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

The Shops at Willow Bend 6121 W.Park Blvd.

Plano, TX • 469-546-1010

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

IMPROVE TAKS SCORES THIS YEAR! With Learning Built to Last Study Skills Program!

All Subjects • PreK-Adult • TAKS/SAT/ACT Prep Reading • LD/ADD • Math • Science • Foreign Languages Study Skills • Diagnostic Testing Available Affordable Rates • Certified and Degreed Tutors

Call today and receive your 1st session for free!

H HjbbZg#

HjbbZg 6i HBJ BJ# Youth Programs

Frisco 469-362-6693 McKinney 469-952-3663 Plano 972-424-6321

L^i] XaVhhZh \ZVgZY id bV`Z aZVgc^c\ [jc! a^`Z A:<D 8Vg GVaan!

6bjhZbZci EVg` E]nh^Xh! 8dbejiZg 6c^bVi^dc! A:<D 9^\^iVa 8dchigjXi^dc! :meadg^c\ =^hidgn l^i] 6bZg^XVc <^ga 9daah! ?djgcZnh ^c <VbZ 9Zh^\c!

6XVYZb^X :c]VcXZbZci! VcY GdX`¼c GdaaZg 8dVhiZgh! HBJ¼h HjbbZg Ndji] Egd\gVb ]Zaeh `^Yh XgZViZ! hdakZ! YZh^\c! VcY i]^c` i]Z^g lVn ^cid cZl ZmeZg^ZcXZh# 6[iZg Vaa! ^hc¼i i]Vi l]Vi aZVgc^c\ ^h Vaa VWdji4 =ZaY Vi HBJ¼h EaVcd 8Vbejh# 8Vaa '&)#,+-#*)(( dg k^h^i lll#hbj#ZYj$ndji]#

www.clubztutoring.com Southern Methodist University will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or veteran status.

For new customers only

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

• Page

3

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Contents

March 2008

Volume 6 No. 2

Feature Articles Publisher/Editor Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com Web/Media Designer Brad Dobson bdobson@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m Office Manager Cindy Watts cindyw@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m

6

Are There Birthdays After a Divorce?

8

Throwing A Great Party

12

Online Party Planning Resources

15

It’s My Party...

16

What I Learned About Gratitude from 7-year old Sami Fitzgerald

18

Using Your Tax Refund Wisely

19

Native Texas Plants

29

Summer Success Strategies

Just for Kids

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik mike@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m Account Executives Cindy Johnson Mike Kravik Janice Robinson Heidi Schlabs Cindy Watts Printed by Midway Press

Egg-stra Special Easter Gift Spring Crossword

Kids in the Kitchen Write a Poem

Directories 10 24 32 34

Party Directory 2008 Summer Camp Guide Is Here!

New

After-School & Enrichment Education School & Child Care Directory

Regular Features

Mailing Address Scissortail Publishing 700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, TX 75074

Emma’s Familly-Friendly Restaurant Review Simple Concepts within Outings & Adventures News About Town

Phone 972-516-9070 Fax 972-516-9048 North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 10 times a year.

Copyright 2008 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.

Page 4

•

North Texas Kids

•

31 31 46 47

Focus on our Advertisers Family Resource Guide Calendar of Events

20 21 22 30 33 41

Sports Scoop 39 40

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Baseball Practice Should be Fun... and Effective Frisco IFL Kicks off 2008 Season

Darla T., age 12, was adopted into a loving family 8 years ago. She enjoys water therapy, listening and singing to music and finger painting. She has a canine companion (her best buddy) named Brandy. Her highlight of the week is when A’Donna her THERAPY 2000 Physical Therapist comes to work with her.

North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s masterpiece.

Each child that appears on our cover recieves $50.00 along with their picture and story in the paper. Call 972-516-9070 for more information. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to info@northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste. 110, Plano, TX 75074.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Play-n-Learn, Parties and Camps, Oh My! Plus the Chance to Win $250, just for you.

Healthy Texan Pediatrics

Note from the Publisher

Board Certified Pediatrician n

Wow, we are so busy this month.

This issue of North Texas Kids is loaded with fun information and ideas on birthday parties, as well as our first of several issues that will include our 6th annual Summer Camp guide.

And yes, it’s true, we want to give you a Visa gift card for $250.00! We just need 5 minutes of your time. We need your help! Please take 5 minutes to fill out our online survey at www.

NorthTexasKids.com, tell us what you like about us and what you would like to see more of. You will be entered to win $250 just for you and other great prizes!

Check out the article on Summer Success Strategies by Brenda Bonin on pg. 29 If you are interested in hearing more of Brenda’s ideas, join us at Bounce U in Plano for our first “Play-n-Learn” on Tuesday March 18.

Bring the kids and let them bounce for $6.95 (regularly $8.95), while you join other moms for a little education and conversation. If you are interested and would like more information, email us at info@northtexaskids.com or call 972-516-9070 to reserve your spot.

We will be launching other “Play-nLearn” seminars around the metroplex, so watch our website for details or sign up for our free e-newsletter to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to meet other moms for some adult conversation while the kids play and make new friends. If you have a topic that you would like to learn more about or discuss with other moms, please let us know. Our goal for these sessions is to make it easy for you to gather with other moms without worrying about child care. Come on your own, bring a friend or schedule a “Play-n-Learn” for your mom’s group. We are here to offer support, community and education.

I want to spend a minute talking about Birthday Parties. We have also put together a list of useful websites full of party planning tips or resources for supplies. We also have 3 great articles

on parents’ perspectives on party planning.

It seems like fewer people than ever host parties at home and that we are spending more money than ever on our children’s parties. I happen to be a fan of letting someone else host the party, especially for my very active son and his friends. Having a group of lively boys running crazy in my house makes me crazy! So over the years, Conner had parties at places like Pump it Up, Canyons Climbing, Main Event and this year we are going roller skating at Thunderbird Roller Rink. As he gets older, the parties are getting smaller and I am grateful for that but still prefer to let the boys be someplace where they can run, jump, shout and be boys. Every party we have ever had has been great, easy to plan and the young people who work at these places bring energy and excitement.

My daughter, who recently turned 6, prefers to have her parties at home.

When she was little we had gymnastics

and pottery painting parties. But for the last two years she has asked to have her party at home, with just a few friends. They have been very girly parties with dress up clothes and face painting, lots of flowers and crafts. Perfect for her and fun for me. We kept it simple.

The secret was making sure that the girls had plenty to keep them occupied so that the time flew by quickly. This last party could have been better planned but she insisted on keeping it simple.

Then when all girls ended up in her room “touching her stuff” she fell apart. We both learned a valuable lesson. It’s very different to have one or two people over for a play date and share your toys than it is to have 6 people digging through your closet. My daughter does better with smaller groups and always has. I learned to listen to my own instincts and to have plenty of activities planned, even if she didn’t ask for them!

I admit that I love birthdays, I love parties in general. I adore planning, hosting and attending parties. I think everyone should have their birthday celebrated in style. It’s the one day of the year that is just about you. The day you were born is worth celebrating no matter your age. It doesn’t have to cost money or be elaborate but it should be special to you and to your family. I love all of the homemade cards from my kids and my husband usually comes home with flowers and books, two of my favorite things! Mom, make sure you celebrate your own birthday, too. You are raising our future generations and you deserve to be acknowledged for all of the hard work, energy, love and time that you pour into your job. Whether you stay home or work in an office, raising kids counts as time and a half.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Happy Birthday to all of you!

Minette Riordan, Ph.D. minette@northtexaskids.com

Shelley Weiss, MD, FA AAP

1; E<<;H >?=> GK7B?JO >;7BJ> 97H; <EH ?D<7DJI

9>?B:H;D 7D: 7:EB;I9;DJI ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newborn care at 3 area hospitals Wellness checkups School, sport, and camp physicals Urgent care from colds to cuts Most insurance plans accepted Ear piercing And more…

EDL;D?;DJBO BE97J;: 7J Medical City Dallas 7777 Forest Lane, C-550 Dallas, Texas 75230

972-566-4 6-4286 ★ 972-566-8634 (fax) 6-4 www.healthytexan.net

Empowerment for a better life.

North Texas Therapy & Associates 14580 E. Beltwood Parkway, Ste. 109 Farmers Branch, TX 75244 972.385.0006 * 972.385.0405 Fax

www.northdallasspeech.com

Speech, Occupational, & Physical Therapy Serving the DFW Metroplex and surrounding counties Offering specialized therapies for: Speech & Language, Feeding & Swallowing, Learning Differences, Congenital Deficits, Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing, and many others

We accept most commercial insurance, managed care, and Medicaid Plans.

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

• Page

5

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

ARE THERE BIRTHDAYS AFTER A DIVORCE?

by G. Kyle White

The Biggest & Best INDOOR Kids Amusement Park.

Come for the PIZZA, stay for the FUN! Affordable Birthday Parties Every Day of the Week Roller Coaster Tea Cup Ride Bumper Cars Pirate Ship Jet Planes SE Corner of Parker & Custer next door to Hollywood Video 972-985-7711 www.planetpizzaplano.com

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE Unlimited Ride & Soft Play Tickets ($9.99 Savings) Not valid Not Vaild Saturday or Sunday or with any other special. One coupon per person per visit. Expires 03-31-08

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm; Sunday 12pm - 7pm

While our divorce had been anything but amicable, I always felt that my ex-wife and I handled one aspect of our separation with grace: birthday parties for our two sons.

Our oldest, Lucas, had the good sense to arrive in October when a plethora of candy and other goodies abounds in the stores. His parties tended to be elaborate affairs full of screaming children, and frequently involved a Halloween theme.

Fourteen months later our youngest, Jacob, arrived shortly before Christmas. As such, his parties were often sad afterthoughts during a hectic holiday season. I’d like to say they were themed around the season, but the truth is they were normally rushed affairs of hastilybought party supplies.

Our party pros make sure your child has the best birthday ever!

Slides, obstacle courses, basketball, boxing and the only Spider Climb in town!

We even have a massage chair for Mom.

N

Summit

✫

2532 Summit Ave. Plano, TX www.bounceu.com

Jupiter

I75

972.422.3399

George Bush (190)

Join us for Open Bounce during Spring Break.

Call for dates and times.

Page 6

•

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

For the first few years after our divorce each boy received two birthday parties, one from each parent. I am now ashamed to admit we competed to out party the other.

I cringe to think what the b’day race cost each of us.

Time heals all wounds, and in our case it also imbued common sense. We both soberly realized it was time to work together. I’m just glad the boys were still young and never realized all the booty they missed.

Because our sons were born so close together, we agreed to honor their actual birthday with a small dinner while hosting an elaborate group party in November. We would invite their friends to the bowling alley or skating rink or wherever the hot party spot was that year. Sharing the planning and the expense made everything easier. This arrangement worked well for several years.

Then, late last summer, my exwife passed away. Suddenly, I was on my own again.

Consumed by the necessity of relocating my sons from Corsicana to Dallas, birthdays were the last thing on my mind. In the mad rush to enroll them in new schools, adjust to altered lives, and relearn how to be a full-time dad, I forgot October was nearing.

Thank goodness Lucas’ grandmother took over.

Now a strapping 13-year-old, Lucas loves bluegrass music. He travels with his grandparents in their RV attending festivals around the state. Skilled at the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and piano he’s a natural talent.

The weekend of his birthday Lucas was scheduled to perform with the musical group Third Generation.

Jacob and I drove to a small RV park in West Texas to hear Lucas play

and to celebrate with him. It was a simple party of family, friends and fellow musicians.

As December drew nearer I knew I had to do a better job. Besides, the old guilt that Jacob’s birthdays rarely received full attention had set in.

To celebrate his successful adaptation to a new school (my youngest doesn’t handle change well) I was determined to give him a real party.

Planning the event with his teacher, I arrived during lunch loaded down with pizza, drinks and goody bags -- enough for the whole school (thankfully it’s a small, private academy). It made me happy watching the children laugh and play as they enjoyed the food and excitedly opened their gift bags.

But more I got a warm-fuzzy feeling when Jacob later proclaimed the party to be “his best birthday ever”.

As he celebrated with his new friends, I truly missed his mother.

She would never see Jacob -- our miracle baby who the doctors said would never make it -- turn twelve.

I suppose my only consolation is that I finally gave the kid a party worthy of his special day.

As my children grow older I know the days of Power Ranger- or Pokemon-themed birthday parties are over. I foresee simpler gatherings with more elaborate -- and costly -gifts.

Birthdays are like that, I suppose. When you’re young they are a celebration of the future. As you grow older, they are a reminder of the past. I’m just thankful that my ex-wife and I put aside our differences in order to give each of our sons’ some happy memories.

G. Kyle White is a local freelance writer and photographer whose work has appeared in regional and national publications. Visit him at www.gkylewhite.com.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

SPRING BREAK CAMPS MORNING MOMMY & ME CLASSES AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES Ladies Night every third Thursday Book your party, classes, and ladies night ON LINE.

Mosaic Art Studio Birthday Parties for Boys & Girls

Win a free Webkinz at our new Webfriends Workshops and Birthday Parties!

A Fun Unique Educational Enrichment Center Weekly Classes, Spring & Summer Camps, & Birthday Parties Programs for Ages 4 months & Up

WALK-INS WELCOME 308 Preston Royal Shopping Center Dallas, Texas 75230 Tel: (214) 363-2088

$2 Off

Any Project

Min. Purchase Of $15

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.

Offer expires 3-31-08.

8837 Lebanon Rd #600 Frisco, Texas 75034 Tel: (972) 731-5625

1/2 Off

www.smashingtimes.com

After-School Classes Sign Up 1 Child, The 2nd Is 1/2 Off With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.

Offer expires 3-31-08.

6201 Technology - Ste 121, Frisco l 469-252-4521 l www.einsteinkidz.com

F

e re

t i m e f o r p a re

nts!

d Play time for ki

s!

Leave the kids to play while you...

• run errands • see a movie • go shopping • go out to dinner Pizza Parties Every Friday and Saturday Night!

Toddlers Birthday Parties Every Sunday!

www.kidztimehourlyplaycare.com COLLEYVILLE Heritage Towne Crossing Glade Road & Hwy 121 817-685-0200 Mon-Thur: 8:30am-6pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am-11pm

SOUTHLAKE Southlake Town Square 335 N. Carroll Avenue 817-329-1999 Mon-Thur: 8:30am-10pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am-11pm

DALLAS Lakewood Village Shopping Center Mockingbird & Abrams 214-370-4687 Mon-Thur: 8:30am-6:30pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am-11:30pm

$10.00 OFF Annual Membership With this ad • Reg. $40 • New Memberships Only • Expires 3-31-08

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

• Page

7

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Throwing A Great Party Activities That Accelerate and Celebrate Success

W

by Kathryn Booth, MBA

hen you have five boys, one girl and house rules encouraging laughter and fun, the potential is there for a party every day. For logistical and fiscal reasons, we had official Birthday parties with friends every other year for each child. The most memorable was a “Pirate Party” actually inspired by a large box of pretzel rods my brother -in-law gave me.

About six additional boys came over dressed as pirates and we had a few sea-themed games and said “argh” a lot. The highlight activity was everyone making a ship out of pretzel rods dipped in melted chocolate. That sounds like a huge mess…you might be saying to yourself.

Well yes…it was. They had chocolate up to their elbows, all over the table and chairs, spattered on windows and walls. On the fun scale? A 10.

Bringing this into the business world doesn’t involve trashing your break room – although this would be totally fun to do as a team activity.

The underlying attitude Your Child Will Experience the Wide World of Art at of fun, imagination and The Artist Within! no rules as to how big the ship being built can be or how many people can We specialize in work on it at once can instruction for benefit product creation, children and special needs students. marketing strategy and problem solving. The Birthday Parties for limits? What resources ages 5 to 14 and team members are on hand…time The Artist Within is before the chocolate owned and operated

by Dawn Petty, who hardens and the need has been working as for structural stability. an artist in the Dallas Creating a diverse area for twenty years. team that includes artists, communicators, engineers and directors works best.

Ryan, age 16, shows off his first oil painting. Visit our online gallery to see other samples of student work.

One of the tools I use as a consultant is Summer Camp information coming soon! teaching teams to work with Basadur profiles.

The Artist Within This test locates each dawn@artistwithin.com member’s strengths www.aristwithin.com 2001 Coit Rd., Ste. 206, Plano N.W. Corner of Park & Coit and weaknesses and

Painting, Sculpture, Clay, Oh My!

972-596-6077

Page 8

•

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

spotlights the polarities that make opposites react in irritation. A team can be trained to temper the irritating factors in their individual strengths, to understand the reasons why other profiles “bug them” yet offset their weaknesses, and everyone learns to set up tasks to maximize talent and enjoyment.

Understanding this personality metric helps in family management too. For example, one of my sons is 11, intelligent, highly organized and detail-oriented. He can be easily frustrated when others don’t understand his “plan” or when things don’t go the way he envisioned them. His class at school was going on a camp out and he insisted that he didn’t want to go. He had a list of things to pack the night before as they were preloading luggage.

After I gave him several reminders that he needed to pack and get ready, he kept insisting that he wasn’t going to go. This reached an emotional peak (which is pretty mild at my house compared to others) with him laying on the living room floor refusing to pack and saying “I don’t have any control in my life.”

It was an hour before we had to leave, so I told him, “Control is important to you and so I’m giving you a choice. I am going to get what I need to do ready which will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You have your list and everything you need to pack. If you decide not to do it, I will have about 15 minutes to pack your things and that will be no problem for me. You won’t really know whether you have everything until you get there. You are going. You also won’t be able to put things in your luggage the way you want, I am just going to stuff everything in there however I feel like it. You have a lot of control right now over how this packing is going to get done. You have 45 minutes.”

He was finished packing, in a great mood and had his luggage by the door in 30 minutes. As we drove to the bus, I complimented him by saying, “You know if I had to get everything ready for a trip for our whole family, I would want you to be in charge of organizing it. You are so great at thinking things through, planning it out and putting it together the best you can. I knew you could get that packed and you’d feel great about

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Zenith Fun & Fit Programs McKinney, TX

• Boys & Girls Gymnastics - Competitive & Recreational • Educational Preschool Program • Compulsory, TOPs, Optional & Elite Team • USA Gymnastics Certified • Highly qualified coaching staff • Tumbling & Trampoline Programs • Open Gym, Birthday Parties, Summer Camps

214-592-0662

www.zenithgym.com

. out us ass y r l T E c d!

FRE this a h wit

it.” With my other kids, this approach would lead to me doing the packing.

When you need quick action, the trick is to impart a strong sense of what will upset them and the possibility of what they will enjoy if they take action now.

So what makes a great party?

• A celebration of what is truly important – we always sing Happy Birthday, but also have everyone share what we like and enjoy about the person and then we sing a special song “I’m so glad you came to live with us.”

Come experience the Cooperative Difference.

• Bringing a group together that will create the most action and fun potential • Having a few rules and a timeline that keep everyone safe, accounted for and on schedule • Spreading out responsibilities and tasks so that you are not doing all the work If you can throw a great party at home with all these elements, you can bring the same dynamics into your business to increase acknowledgement and loyalty, tailor tasks to individual strengths, prevent or minimize irritations within your teams, encourage collaboration and creativity, focus on big outcomes not micro-management, and with a strong enough team, enjoy the party yourself.

• Early Childhoood Development Center for ages 18 months to 5 years.

Kathryn Booth lives in Frisco with three of her six children. She has an MBA from Oklahoma State University and over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur with several successful service companies which are still in business. After completing her MBA, she began consulting with a wide variety of businesses and realized that the skills she learned as a mom made her much more effective than the degree.

Her humorous and practical insights can be accessed through http://themomba.com as e-books and mini-courses designed for busy moms.

If you’d like to visit with Kathryn about speaking to your business or mom’s group, email her at kb@themomba.com .

• Commited to providing teaching excellence in a positive environment for over 35 years.

• Instilling the love of learning by emphasizing the development of the whole child with parents as active participants.

“Play with a Purpose”

• Studies link parental involvement with student success. Provide your child with the best start in life by joining other active families at Creative!

Register now for Fall 2008 1210 W. Beltline • Richardson Four blocks east of Coit and Beltline

972 • 234 • 4791

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

• Page

9

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Party Directory All Things Imagined

Kidztime Hourly Playcare

Ages 3-10. Fabulously, whimsical, inhome parties for girls. Includes fine table linens, silver, crystal, gift bags, music, dress-up apparel, and activities. Choose from a variety of themes or build on your ideas. Parties can be upgraded with custom invitations, cake, and digital photos. For information, call 972-234-9549. www.allthingsimaginedevents.com

Bounce U Plano. Ages 2 and up. Your private party, up to 35 bouncers, includes specially trained party hosts. Each BounceU party is held in a clean & comfortable indoor, giant stadium filled with fantastic inflatable play structures, games, music and activities. Your party hosts teach kids and adults how to have the most fun possible while insuring safety & security promises are kept. We coordinate, set up, faclitate, clean up & pack up. www.bounceu.com 2532 S u m m i t Av e . , P l a n o 7 5 0 7 4 .

972-422-3399. Call for reservations today!

See ad on pg. 6.

Canyons Indoor Rock Climbing Ages 6 to adult. Our parties really rock! Plan your party adventure at Canyons for an experience your group will always remember. Each party is hosted by a Canyons Guide who will lead your party up our walls, traversing our Canyon, climbing our Real Rock Boulder and climbing a rope ladder just like the performers in the circus. Ask about our Piñata parties with all the action 20 feet up. Birthdays, Groups, Churches, Team Building, Scouts,Lock-ins and more await you. See ad on pg. 17. 214-387-0906 www.canyonsclimbing.com.

Dr Pepper Starcenter Plano, Frisco, Euless, Farmers Branch, Duncanville. Have the coolest party in town with our newly improved birthday parties! The Dr Pepper StarCenter is the perfect venue for the ice-skating or hockey enthusiast. We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs. All birthday parties include party favors in a Dallas Stars goodie bag. We’ll follow up by sending you a memento to help remember your special day. Plus the birthday child receives a gift certificate valid for one semester of skate

Page 10

•

North Texas Kids

•

school at 50% off and a t-shirt autographed by all of his/her guests. We provide a cheerful and animated party host to interact and skate with your birthday child and their friends! Package prices start at only $139.00 for a party with 10 guests. See ad pg. 3. 214 GO SKATE www.drpepperstarcenter.com

Eagle Gymnastics Frisco. Ages 3 and up. Allow Eagle Gymnastics Academy the opportunity to plan your party, hassle free! We provide a party coordinator to plan all of the details so that you can relax, spend time with your guests and capture the memories of your child’s celebration. Call today to reserve your party! 972-712-4644.

Located at 7164 Technology Dr. #201. www.eaglegymnastics.com. See ad pg. 16.

Excite!

Flower Mound and Highland Village. Fun themes for boys and girls! Dance parties!

Giant inflatables party! Gym bash party!

Organized games! Choo-choo train rides.

Cake room. Professional party staff takes care of everything! www.excitegym.com Excite! Flower Mound 972.874.9663.

Excite! Highland VIllage 972.874.8500

Fun Times Party Rentals Huge Selection of Bounce Houses, Wet/ Dry Slides, Sno Cone, and Popcorn Machines. Receive a Free Delivery when you mention N. Texas Kids!!

See ad on pg. 7. 214-277-4953 www.funtimespartyrental.com

J’s Art Studio Have a fun and creative birthday at J’s! The birthday child gets to choose the art project, and all you have to do is bring the cake!

17630 Davenport Rd. Suite 102.

Dallas 75252.

972-931-1933 jsartstudio@sbcglobal.net www.jsartstudio.com

Jump Town Plano. More fun for kids, no mess for mom! A large indoor inflatable facility with huge slides, obstacle courses, moonwalks & rock wall. Private party rooms with your own attendant. Open jump every weekday.

Group events (lock-ins, fundraisers), day cares, birthday parties and more. NW corner 15th/Independence Plano. See ad on pg. 12. www.thejumptown.com.

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Southlake, Colleyville & Dallas. Ages 1-5. Kidztime is the perfect place for your toddler and pre-school age child to have an unforgettable birthday party! Kidztime offers five popular themes that your child can choose from. Parties are on Sundays or on weeknights at select locations.

The party includes the private use of the entire Kidztime facility for two hours.

For more details visit us online at www. kidztimehourlyplaycare.com or see our ad on pg. 7 for the location nearest you.

Made of Sugar and Spice Parties McKinney. Princess, Rock Star, Tea, B Good 2 Me Spa, Pink Poodle & Fairy Parties; dress-up, hair, makeup, nails, fashion show & more. Only ONE party at a time! YOU bring the cake, WE do the rest! 207 N. Kentucky, McKinney See ad on pg. 9. 972-693-6141 w w w. m a d e o f s u g a r a n d s p i c e . c o m GirlyGirlDressUp@sbcglobal.net

McDonald’s Play Place Ages: All. McDonald’s offers Birthday Party Fun where we do it all so you can relax and enjoy. Only $69.99 for 10 children and $6.10 for each additional child.

Includes: Party Hostess/Host, Happy Meal, Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, Party Favors and a Special Gift for the Birthday child. (See our ad page 36.) Locations in Richardson, Plano, Allen & McKinney.

Call our Party Hotlines to book your party today! 972-985-9675 or 972-985-9285.

Noah’s Ark Noah’s Ark Animal Workshops come to your location to hand stuff-n-fluff, name,bring to life and dress your own plush animal. See ad on pg. 8. Visit www. stuffindallas.com for more information.

Planet Pizza Plano. Ages: ALL. Planet Pizza is an exciting indoor children’s amusement center and restaurant which serves its famous fresh baked pizza along with a variety of other food. Planet Pizza is a great place to visit any time and provides good food and fun in a safe and clean environment. We have Ferrari Bumper Cars, a Pirate Ship, Jets, a Roller Coaster and other exhilarating rides. In addition, there is a large Softplay area with tubes, tunnels and slides and a variety of token operated skill games and video arcade games. Planet Pizza

offers Birthday Parties too! At Planet Pizza every child’s birthday is special. Celebrate your child’s party with the convenience of your own party specialist to take care of your every need while you relax and enjoy!

Be a guest at your own party! SE corner of Custer/Parker. 972-985-7711 www.planetpizzaplano.com See ad/coupon pg. 6.

PSA (Plano Sports Authority) Some available parties are Ice Skating Party, Basketball Party, Martial Arts Party.

The basic (MVP package) includes admissions and skate rentals during public skating times or 1 hour court time dependent on availability, decorated party table, soft drinks for guests, special t-shirt for the birthday child, goody Bags, and a host(ess) to take care of your group. Several Package upgrades and options are available. For further information or to book your party, contact Starla Seabaugh at 972/208-3804 or email sseabaugh@psaplano.org. PSA StarCenter, 6500 Preston Meadow, Plano, Tx 75024. See ad on pg. 38. www.psaplano.org

Pump It Up, Jr. Plano. Ages 6 and younger. Pump It Up, Jr. is a revolutionary indoor party zone designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. Bring your little ones to climb, slide, bounce and play in our exclusive, custom designed arena. We are fun, safe, private, clean and just what your’re looking for when it’s time to plan your next party or get together.4101 E. park Blvd, Ste 135.

972-792-9663 See ad/coupon on page 11. www.pumpitupparty.com

Rainforest Cafe - Grapevine Mills Celebrate your child’s next birthday in a rainforest! Rainforest Cafe is the ultimate dining adventure! Our fun atmosphere is the ideal setting for parties, and kids won’t ever forget the excitement of having a Wild Bunch Birthday Bash. Call for more information on our birthday packages. 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway Grapevine, TX 76051 972.539.5001 See ad pg. 37. www.rainforestcafe.com

Simply Pretend Theme Party Dress Up Trunk Rentals Princess, Tea Party, Glitzy Glamour, Spa, Pink Poodle in Paris, Luau, Chef, Knight, Pirate, Cowboy, Superhero.

Costumes & accessories, games, music,

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids! activities and much more! Only $95 for 11 children ! Co-ed costumes avail.

We’ve been “Pretending” since 2002!!

Visit www.SimplyPretend.com or call 972-396-1486 today

Smashing Times Dallas & Frisco. We can host parties for boys and girls of all ages for birthdays, scouting functions, graduation parties, and more. We have a variety of options for your party including providing cakes. www.smashingtimes.com. Call today to receive more details! See ad pg. 7.

308 Preston Royal Shopping Center, Dallas 214-363-2088 8837 Lebanon Rd. #600, Frisco 972-731-5625

Sweet and Sassy Frisco & Plano. Girls ages 0 - 12, boys ages 0 - 6. Sweet & Sassy is the ultimate place to have the Best Birthday ever! You can choose from 6 different Glam parties with popular additions available. You can even have Limo service for your guests. www.sweetandsassy.com or Frisco 972668-4922, Plano now open! Call 469-5461010. See ad pg. 2.

Texas Tornado

Birthday Bash! Bring a group of 20 or more and receive a ticket, a hot dog, chips and a drink for only $9.50 per person. See our ad on pg. 38. Call 972-335-9800 or visit www.tornadohockey.com for more information.

The Artist Within Plano. Ages 5 and up. The studio is able to accommodate approximately 30 children.

Birthday party ages start from 5 years and go up to 14 years old. Parties are 1 and 1/2 hours long, 1 hour for the project and 30 minutes for cake, and if time permits, for opening presents. Email the studio dawn@ artistwithin.com or call 972-596-6077 for reservations and more information. See ad pg. 14.

Young Chefs Academy Plano & Carrollton. A YCA Birthday Party is one and a half hours long, and the birthday guests will participate in real “handson” cooking during that time. Parties are 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.Call your local YCA today to find out more about this unique birthday experience. Remember...YOU SUPPLY THE CHEFS...WE’LL SUPPLY THE REST! Plano-NW, Lakeside Market, 4021 Preston Rd. #624, 972-473-9090

Carrollton, 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy #100, Carrollton, 972-395-9900. See ad this pg. for website and more information.

Pump it Up, Jr. - fabulous fun just for kids 6 and under!

U.S. Toy Plano – U.S. Toy Company is your one stop shop for all your party needs. We have tableware, decorations, balloons and last minute gifts for any party theme. 972964-8600. 3115 W. Parker Rd., Hours: 9-8 Mon-Fri, 9-6 Sat and 12-5 Sun. See ad pg.2.

Wiggly Play Center Frisco. Six uniquely themed party rooms with interactive features holding up to 15 people each. Party includes: 11/2 hour party room rental with interactive Wiggles video and private host, Choice of party food & beverage menu, Quarter sheet Wiggles Birthday cake, All paper goods, T-shirt for Birthday child, Unlimited playtime in the Wiggly Playground. Children must wear socks in all play areas. 4944 Preston Road, Ste. 100. 469-633-0676. www.wigglyplaycenter.com See ad on pg. 2.

Receive 2 FREE pizzas for your Jr. Classic Party Call by 03/31/08 to receive this offer.

Frisco. Ages: ALL! Texas Tornado

Kindercooks@yahoo.com

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

• Page

11

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Plano’s Favorite Place to Bounce!

e n i l On Party Planning Resources

NEW inflatables arriving in December • Huge Slides • Obstacle Course • Gigantic Moonwalks • Sports Challenge • Inflatable Rock Wall • Private Party Rooms • Weekday Open Jump

see website for holiday break hours TEEN NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY Ages 11-15 / 8pm - 11pm Cost is $10, $5 extra for pizza / drink

Fun for the Kids, No Mess for Moms Call us for daycare, church and fundraising specials.

$2.00 OFF Open Jump Valid for children 2+, one per visit per family

Special Offer $25.00 OFF Town Party Package Reservation

$50 non-refundable deposit required for all reservations

★ 15th St. Plano Pkwy.

Custer

3045 W. 15th St. Plano, TX 75075

Coit

972-867-JUMP(5867)

Park Independence

www.thejumptown.com

by Minette Riordan, PhD I spent some time surfing the internet for party planning websites.

There are so many sites where you can go to purchase supplies and find themeparty ideas. This list is not exhaustive, there are hundred of sites focusing on children’s parties. I thought these had the most interesting information or they were easy to navigate and attractive. I particularly liked the sites created by parents that are more about sharing information than selling products.

If you have a favorite partyplanning site, email me at minette@ northtexaskids.com and I will post it on our blog so other moms can have the information, too.

N

Collin County’s Premier Family Entertainment Center 8789 Lebanon Rd. Frisco, TX 75034

Page 12

•

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

www.amazingmoms.com

www.birthdaypartyideas.com

Planning your child’s birthday party will be fun and stress-free, with these birthday party ideas created just for kids! You’ll find popular kids’ party themes with free party guides, party games, party planning tips, party supplies and easy to make birthday cakes...everything you need to host a fun children’s birthday party at home, without the anxiety.

This site helps you answer questions like, “Are you planning a Birthday Party for your son or daughter and can’t decide what to do? Should you have a party at home or at some unique location?”

Birthday Party Ideas provides a place where everyone can come and share ideas for children’s birthday parties in a very simple and organized format. This site is busy but it does have a huge list of theme ideas, some outside the normal top 10 favorites.

www.kidspartyfun.com This website had an entire section on Party Planning, including a step-bystep Planning Guide to make planning your child’s birthday party fun & easy!

Use their Planning Checklist to keep on schedule. Visit Helpful Hints for 10 great tips for a successful party.

They have a good selection of games, activities and even food ideas.

www.party.kaboose.com Kaboose.com is one of my favorite parenting sites with lots of information on every topic imaginable. Their birthday party page is packed with ideas for all ages, homemade crafts, cakes, activities, games and more.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com This site is chock full of informatin and was created by a dad. He even gives you insight on how to start your own money-generating website. Here’s what he has to say on his home page: “Have you got another kid birthday party coming up? You’re about to view the most dynamite, out-of-this-world, absolute coolest kid birthday party ideas - including every bit of info you’ll need to throw the perfect party. The ideas on this site have AWESOME potential, but they need a few very special ingredients: Your creativity, your time, your energy and your ENTHUSIASM!” There are some user-friendly and cost conscious sites to order supplies from that also have excellent ideas for cakes, games, activities, and more: www.celebrateexpress.com “Birthday Express, your complete resource for kids’ birthday party supplies, has always been part of a family of brands under the company Celebrate Express. The Birthday Express brand hasn’t changed, just its location: now CelebrateExpress.com!

We’re still your complete resource for kids’ birthday party supplies, with over 150 party themes — plus tons of piñatas, party activities, party favors, toys, birthday scrolls, cake decorating supplies and more. As always, you can count on us to make planning your child’s birthday party a piece of cake!” www.thepartyworks.com “Looking for some fun and easy birthday party ideas? We’ve got you covered! We’ve created over a thousand free party planning ideas for some of the top birthday party themes, which include party games and party recipes the kids are sure to love! You’ll also find a helpful party checklist, decorating tips, group party games, party recipes, and cake recipes. Enjoy!” www.birthdayinabox.com I really liked the look and feel of this website. It has a party planning page, lots of supplies and great information.

Best of all, they had some great candles and cake pans for making and decorating your own cake. Definitely worth visiting!

www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 13

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

An Ayurveda based Spa and Yoga Center

Ayurvedic body & face therapies Swedish & hot stone massage Yoga classes

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

l

l

l

Scrubs & wraps

Ayurvedic lifestyle consultation

Private yoga sessions

l

Yoga for kids

l

Meditation

Starting NEw Yoga for kids!

Gift Certificates Available LakeSide Market, #532 4017 Preston Rd. Plano, TX 75093 972-608-0402 For more information please visit us at www.pranaa.com

We Specialize in Pediatric: Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech Therapy #OMMONLY 4REATED $IAGNOSES &EEDING 3WALLOWING $ISORDERS s $EVELOPMENTAL $ELAY #EREBRAL 0ALSY s !UTISM 3PECTRUM $ISORDERS s .EUROLOGICAL $ISORDERS s $OWN 3YNDROME s 3ENSORY 0ROCESSING $ISORDERS Welcome to our Family !$$ !$($ AND MANY OTHERS To request therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000: 214-467-9787 or 877-626-7003 www.T2000.com

7ELCOME TO OUR &AMILY

Page 14

â&#x2014;? North

Texas Kids

â&#x2014;?

www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

s ’ M y t I Party...

“Experienced Attorneys Helping Families Through Difficult Times” Divorce • Collaborative Law • Custody Adoptions • Social Security Disability 214-473-8383 Amick & Stevens 2222 West Spring Creek Pkwy., Suite 101 Plano, TX 75023 www.amickandstevens.com

by Chris Martin

M

otherhood is filled with endless, gut-wrenching choices. Bottle or breast? Spanking or time-out? Public or private?

Having a birthday party or offering your kid a hundred bucks to never mention the word “party” in your presence again?

Don’t get me wrong, the most joyous day of my life (at least after the post-partum subsided) was the day my children were born. It’s just the tradition of celebrating it that has gotten taxing. In my day, a box cake, some Kool-Aid (made the “old-fashioned” way by adding a cup of sugar to the powder in the little envelope) a few neighbors and you had yourself a party!

Nowadays, things are more complicated. First, deciding where to have the party can be intimidating.

My 9-year old has been to a party in a limo, watched a concert from a private suite and been pampered with a massage and mani/pedi at a spa (I tried to sneak in but my size 8 feet and bunions gave me away.)

Not that I need to keep up with the Jones’, but my kids have spent so much time in bounce houses, NASA is studying them to determine the effects of weightlessness on the brain. Although, it doesn’t matter where the party is, as long as it’s not my house.

Even if you can find an “outside” locale that won’t break the bank or give your children brain damage, deciding who to invite will give you brain damage. The intricacies of guest selection require more strategy than the NFL draft. Do you invite all of the same-gender children in the class? Which neighbors? The

soccer team? Friends of mine with children that mine don’t play with but would be hurt if I didn’t invite them? Siblings? Many of which just show up or mom asks if little Susie can “come along,” throwing your budget and party favor count out the window.

Even being a party guest is tricky. For instance, how much do you spend on a child’s gift? Are there different rates for different classes of friends, like airline tickets? First class presents for best friends, business class presents for kids your children play with on occasion, and coach presents for random kids in the class. And, do you take into account how much they spent on your kid’s present? Should it matter? No. But let’s be honest, what mom out there hasn’t tried to decipher if her child is a “first class” friend or just a “random kid in the class” based on the present received? Not only that, but if the present you buy is on sale, do you get credit for the sale price or full retail? Oh, the humanity!

It is for these reasons I spent $500 for a family night at The New Hotel With The Indoor Water Park (including dinner, breakfast and the arcade) for my son’s birthday this year. No searching for that “perfect” venue, no hurt feelings, no drama, just great family fun! I was so proud of myself for making things so trauma free. At least until we got home from said Grand Birthday Adventure and my son announced “now when are we doing my real birthday with a party, presents and all my friends?

Chris Martin is a freelance writer living in Frisco.

Nancy Amick and Laura Amick Gadness are a mother-daughter team. Nancy is Board Certified in Family Law. Nancy and Laura provide compassionate, personal care as they help families work through challenging situations. In addition to her regular Family Law practice, Nancy is a practitioner of Collaborative Law, a less adversarial approach to divorce, geared toward minimizing the negative impact of the divorce and issues concerning children.

k ild @ b l b l kawilder@sbcglobal.net www.power-pops.com/4sweetsuccess /4

WWW.NORTHTEXASKIDS.COM W

Your online guide to raising happy, healthy kids! www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 15

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

Protection for your family, peace of mind for you.

Wills Living Wills

Trusts • Guardianships • Powers of Attorney • Probate

•

“If You Don’t Have a Will, the State of Texas Has One for You!”

What I Learned About Gratitude from 7 year old Sami Fitzgerald

- Lorie Burch

Lorie L. Burch Attorney & Counselor At Law 7920 Belt Line Road, Suite 670 • Dallas, TX 75254 972.385.0558 • lorie@burch-law.com • www.burch-law.com

You Bring the Guests, We Supply The Rest!

At our parrties you get: Balloons, art projects, fface painting and games. 1.5 hours hou of private studio time!

❈Fine Art Classes ❈Birthday Parties ❈Summer Art Camps

Page 16

● North

Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

by Minette Riordan, PhD

Sami Fitzgerald looks and acts like a typical 7 year old girl who loves the color pink, loves to pick out her own clothes and to draw turtles. She drew one for me during her visit to my office. She is learning to ice skate and is excited about her new pink Nintendo DS. Yet Sami is different than most of the 7-year old kids I have met. First of all, she has already published her first book with her mom Caryn titled Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans.

Second of all, she decided one year on her birthday that she wanted to give away all her gifts to children that didn’t have any. From that thought arose the “Colors Decorate the World” project to encourage people to donate art supplies to children at St. Judes Hopsital. Finally, she has accompanied her parents to training seminars by some of the most famous and inspirational speakers of our time like Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and Bill Bartmann, the “billionaire business coach.”

These three factors combined have turned Sami from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

First, let’s talk about her book project. Having seen her parents work with affirmations and talk about the importance of expressing gratitude for what they do have in their life, Sami asked for a similar workbook that she could use. They looked everywhere: bookstores, libraries, online and found nothing that was suitable for a child to use

in working with affirmations. Using affirmations to improve your selfworth, value, and self-esteem as well as increase wealth, change your weight and improve health is a concept that has been around for quite a while. People like Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey use affirmations. Several movies like The Secret have been made that talk about the power of using positive thinking to change our lives. As Caryn Gottlieb-Fitzgerald noted, “We all grew up hearing ‘You are what you eat’ but we are also what we think.” We manifest our reality through our thoughts, choices and actions. An affirmation in this context can be defined as a positive statement that you make daily, multiple times a day, week or month until you believe it. Simply put, it is a statement asserting the existence or the truth of something.

Sami’s response to the inability to find what she wanted was to create her own. Thus was born Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans: Teaching kids to be thankful for everything (yes, even Fish Sticks) everyday!

This simple but powerful book is an easy way to introduce children to the power of positive thinking. It shows how focusing on what they have can make them happy and by focusing on what they want to have or become, they can change their life. When I asked, Sami said her favorite affirmations are the ones about food, health and exercise.

When I asked her why she wanted

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

to create a book about gratitude, her mom about wanting to give she says that too often kids are not away her birthday presents, they see where I can support them in grateful for what they have and she did some brainstorming to figure achieving big dreams and small thinks that other kids like her would out a way that they could help more goals and showing them how they want a book like this one. I think she children. The children at St. Jude’s can make a difference. is right. hospital cannot keep stuffed animals I encourage you to get Sami is in demand as a speaker and toys in their rooms. They can do a copy of Sami and Caryn’s in her hometown of Mansfield. She art, though. So Sami came up with book. They have generously and mom Caryn do presentations to a simple idea that will benefit many offered to give a copy away, too. elementary school students based children and help to brighten up their Email Caryn at caryn@ on her experience and on the book. day. As Sami says, “By working carynfitzgerald.com for a chance Bill Bartmann has endorsed her “Gratitude, the act of simply being thankful for the people book along with other popular and things we have in our lives is something every one should seminar leaders practice. Unfortunately, children miss out on this wonderful she has met. She experience because they are focused on the things they feel they has been on t.v. are lacking….such as the new toy they see on the store shelf or the and radio. She says the book hottest fashion trends flashing across the television screen.” (an has changed excerpt from “Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans - Teaching kids to her life for the be thankful for everything (yes, even Fish Sticks) everyday!”) better.

Copies of the book are available on her website at www. samifitzgerald.com, www.amazon. together we can help the kids at to win. Visit Sami’s website com and will be arriving in area St. Jude’s to bring color into their www.samifitzgerald.com to learn bookstores soon. rooms while they receive treatment more about Sami, to order a copy I asked Sami’s mom Caryn from the wonderful doctors.” of her book or to request her as a about her role in this project. She How can you help? It’s easy! speaker at your next event. says she helped Sami to get the Simply send a new coloring book idea in her head onto paper. Then and a box of 24+ crayons to St. Jude Sample affirmations from the she got out of the way and let Sami with a note stating you are sending book: do her thing. I honor Caryn for her your gift as part of the “Colors • I am surrounded by people ability to encourage Sami to set this Decorate the World” Tribute for who love me everyday. goal, follow a dream and achieve Sami’s birthday. To date, 575 people • I am healhty. My body is success. Her advice to parents who have made donations to the “Colors strong. have children with dreams is to Decorate the World” project. Here’s • Sharing with others is a good do whatever they can to help their the address: deed I can do everyday. children, encourage them or find a St. Jude Children’s Research • I am smart and can learn mentor who can help them. Teaching Hospital anything I want quickly and children to follow their passion Attention: Vilma Carnahan easily. today creates leaders for tomorrow.

595 N. Parkway She says she helps Sami to meet Memphis, TN 38105 Make sure to order your copy people, makes sure she is safe and Questions? www.stjude.org today and teach your children about then lets her follow her own path. If expressing gratitude and using we want tomorrow to be better for What I learned from Sami affirmations to improve their outlook our children, then we have to start was to express gratitude for the on life. today. I encourage you to pick up wonderful people in my life and all www.samifitzgerald.com copies of Fish Sticks, Books and the wonderful things that I have and Blue Jeans for your children today. am able to do. I was inspired by her Sami’s other project, Colors motivation to make a difference in Do you have an amazing child with a story to tell? Email me at minette@northtexaskids.

Decorate the World, is as impressive the lives of others. as her book project and has had a I was inspired by Caryn, Sami’s com to be considered for a future article. huge impact so far. When she told

Looking for something different for this year’s birthday party?

Come in and climb the walls at Canyons of Frisco We offer many great programs: All skill levels welcome!

• After-school programs • Camps • Birthday Parties • Team Building • Lock-Ins • Climbing Team • Portable Wall at Your Event • Just for Women (last Wed. of the every month)

214-387-0906 www.canyonsclimbing.com Located just Northeast of Pizza Hut Park Stadium 7164 Technology Dr. #202 Frisco, TX 75034 Climbing Hours: Mon-Fri: 12-9pm Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: 12-6pm

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

Birthday Parties • Carousel Parties Broomball • Learn to Skate Group Rates

Call 972-731-9600

at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco and schedule your child’s best party ever!

www.stonebriarice.com $5.00 off 1 Learn to Skate Session or a Birthday Party exp. 03/31/08

www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 17

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

USING YOUR TAX REFUND WISELY

www.North hTexasKids.com Your online guide to raising happy, healthy kids!

Sig gn up for our online newsletter and rreceive monthly updates on local events, coupons and informative e articles on parenting!

Register to win free tickets to fun local eve ents like Disney on Ice’s presentation of High School Musical

Page 18

● North

Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

So your 1040 is filed and you are now anxiously waiting for your refund. What do you plan on doing with it? Go on that long-awaited cruise, get a new set of golf clubs or buy that wide-screen TV you’ve had your eye on? There are so many ways you could spend your refund, but there may be better alternatives to consider.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, over 75 percent of American taxpayers received a federal tax refund, with the average around $2,500. It’s what you do with your refund now that may create a better financial future for you and your family later on.

Instead of spending your refund this year, consider funding an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA), setting up a college savings fund for a child, or paying down credit card debt. These options will help to improve your financial situation.

First on your list of priorities should be paying down any highinterest credit card debts you have incurred. By paying only the minimum each month, you may be paying just the interest (or less) on the debt and little or nothing towards the principal. Paying down the debt can free up additional money for other important financial needs.

If debt is not a problem, your tax refund could provide you an excellent opportunity to fund an existing IRA or establish a new one. For the 2007 tax year, you can contribute up to $4,000 to an IRA. If you are 50 years or older by December 31, 2007, you can add an additional $1000 to the account. Making a tax-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA is an option if you are not participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or, if you are participating, your Adjusted Gross Income falls within

eligibility guidelines.

A Roth IRA may be a more appropriate choice, depending on your eligibility. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible.

However, qualified distributions are received free from federal income tax.

Your refund could also be used to fund a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) or 529 Plan for your child. Contributions are not deductible, but withdrawals to pay qualified educational expenses are free from federal income tax.

One thing to remember after you’ve decided the fate of this year’s refund: the check you received is not a windfall but the return of an interest-free loan you provided the government.

Regardless of the pleasure you may get from receiving a large check each tax year, adjusting the amount withheld by Uncle Sam to reduce the amount of future refunds may be an appropriate course. You may not get a refund in April, but there may be more in each paycheck to contribute to a Coverdell ESA, 529 plan, IRA or to pay down debt throughout the year.

Take some time to consider your options before making the down payment on that cabin cruiser. The earlier you start saving for your future, the more you may have during your retirement.

If you have questions about these options and others, you owe it to yourself to contact a financial services professional that you know and trust. Your financial future may depend on it.

For more information on any of these ideas, please contact Ann Dunham, State Farm agent at 972.596.4809.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

NATIVE TEXAS PLANTS AT THE HEARD MUSEUM Plants are everywhere! From the thin blades of grass beneath your feet to the towering trees that shade your house and garden, plants are all around us. Have you ever wondered where these plants came from? Some plants like the hedge around your house may have come from China. Those pretty begonias in the flower beds have parents that came from Brazil, and the grass in your lawn is from South America. Are all the plants you see from another country? While many of the plants we use around our homes are imported, there are many native plants in our area. The majestic pecan tree, stately live oak and scrappy yaupon are all native to Texas. In fact there are almost five thousand species of plants that are native to Texas.

So what is a native plant? A Texas native plant is one that originated in Texas. These native plants can be found growing in woodlands, prairies and some can be found right in your own back yard. Do you have bluebonnets or Indian blankets in your yard? These are native Texas plants as well as peppers, grapes, sassafras (the flavoring for root beer) and blackberries. Here at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary we have a 2-acre native plant garden and more than two hundred acres of Sanctuary providing a home to plants native of north central Texas.

We planted the garden so

everyone could see how beautiful native plants are. We also wanted to encourage people to plant more natives in their own gardens. This garden provides food and shelter for the native insects, birds, reptiles and mammals that live here. In summer you can find moths that look like bees, giant bugs with wheels on their backs and even tarantulas. Monarchs are also popular in the garden during the fall.

Texas native plants are an important part of a healthy environment. You can help keep it that way by planting native plants in your garden. Plant a package of sunflowers, coneflowers or blackeyed Susan’s in your garden. They are easy to grow and they’ll attract native butterflies. Encourage mom and dad to plant native trees and shrubs, tell them they are easy to grow and will live longer than plants from other countries. Come out to the Heard Texas native plant garden and walk the sanctuary trails to see the many wonderful species of native plants.

Coming soon to the Heard • 19th annual Spring Native Plant Sale: April 11-13 (details at heardmuseum.org)

Is your family feeling a little cramped in its current quarters?

Spring is prime time to get your house on the market!

At Realty Revolution, we understand the needs of growing families.

Rather than paying thousands of dollars to sell your house, we provide exceptional service for a $995.00 flat listing fee.

Please call 214-227-6626 for a free, in-home consultation or visit us at www.whypay6percent.com.

Part-time and full-time agents welcome.

Not intended to solicit properties already listed with a broker. Equal housing opportunity.

Gymnastics, Cheer & Swim Parties!

• Trampoline, • Pit Play, • Swimming, • Obstacle Courses • Exciting Games

Three Great Options that include invitations, themed tableware, U of G party favor for each guest and Special Gift for the birthday child.

We also offer: Preschool & MDO Gymnastics & Cheer Classes ★ Swim Lessons ★ Kid’s Night Out Special Group Events

• Animal exhibit in March

1400 Summit Ave. ★ Plano

• Butterfly exhibit in April

(Corner of Summit & Ave N, 1 Block SE of Plano Pkwy & Ave K)

• Green Living Family Festival: April 26-27 (A WFAA Family First event!)

972.423.5709 http://universityofgymnastics.com www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 19

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

Emma’s family-friendly restaurant review of Mamma Emilia’s Italian Restaurant 119 W Virginia St. • McKinney, TX 75069 • 972-562-1102

Be a part of th t e Nat a ion’ n s leading ch c ildren’ n s and maternity t consignment sales eve v nt!™ • Shop o and get unb n elieva vable deal a s on al a l yo y u need fo f r wa w rm we w at ather fu f n! y ur it items as a co c nsignor an a d earn up u to t 70%! Detai ails & signup u onl n ine!

• Sell l yo •Vo V lu l nte teer and shop befo f re th t e pub u lic to get th t e best deal a s fi f rst!

SHOP McKINNEY SHERMAN/DENISON APRIL 18-19

High Pointe Church of Christ 32011 N. Central Expy • McKinney, y TX 75071

2

GREAT SALES!

APRIL 25-27

Finley Cultural Center 500 North Elm • Sherman, TX 75090

shop o . sell. l save. smart! t™ Details and consignor registration av a ailable online.

BENEFITS, IN PART, LOCAL CHARITIES! Visa, MasterCard, & Discover accepted.

There are so many good Italian restaurants to choose from, but Mama Emilia’s stands out. It used to be a hotel many years ago, so the atmosphere is old fashioned and pretty. It has a big lobby with a staircase, tall ceilings and windows, brick walls and dark wood floors.

The brass chandeliers and white table cloths make it kind of elegant.

They have all of the traditional Italian choices. My grandma was with us during this visit. She and my mom had the lasagna, and they really liked it. My brother and I both liked our spaghetti and meatballs. My dad had the cannelloni which he said was great. The entrees came with homemade soup or salad. My mom and dad said the roasted red pepper soup was one of the best soups they have ever had. Grandma had a Caesar salad that she said was standard.

The menu also has pork chops, steaks and salmon for those not wanting pasta. They had quite a few deserts, but we didn’t save enough room. We will have to go back another time to try the tiramisu, crème brulee, or bread pudding, just to name a few of the items listed on the dessert menu.

It was very busy the night we ate there, so other people must agree that Mama Emilia’s is worth a try. We had good service by our waiter who was new to Texas.

If you are in the mood for affordable Italian food in an unusual setting, go to Mama Emilia’s off the square in downtown McKinney. After dinner, you can walk around the square and see some of the other downtown stores.

HOURS Tue-Thu 5-9:30 pm Fri-Sat 5-10:30 pm Sun 11 am-2 pm and 5-8:30 pm Emma Bonin is a third-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is excited about the opportunity to review area restaurants and share her thoughts with the readers of North Texas Kids.

Emma is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.

Page 20

● North

Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

Simple Concepts Within Outings and Adventures

By Lynda Morley

Young children are often obsessed with growing up and being a “big boy” or “big girl,” especially if they have a younger sibling. March is a good time to start introducing simple concepts related to growing by experimenting with fast growing plants. While exploring this simple concept, set-up a window sill garden, visit a local plant nursery or your neighbor’s beautiful yard, and come by the Heritage Farmstead where we will be exploring growth and getting our children’s garden ready to plant this month.

Remember, the purpose of these activities is to encourage the development of critical thinking skills, allow for exploration of the world close by, and facilitate a strong bond between adult and child.

Visit your local library and read a few books on this theme before and after your adventure. Bring with you a backpack filled with educational tools; color pencils, clip board, plain paper, ruler, scissors, first-aid kit, wad of string ( hey, you never know…) and anything else you think you might need!

Theme: The simple concept of growing and planting.

Where: Explore your backyard, Northhaven Nursery in Dallas, the East Dallas Community Gardens, Heritage Farmstead in Plano, the Heard Museum in McKinney or your local park.

For the 2 year-old: • Go for a walk and introduce vocabulary tall, short, big, small, etc.

• Identify large plants by their name: trees, flowers, bush, moss, etc.

• Collect leaves, rocks, twigs, etc.

• Look under rocks, fallen logs, and along the creek.

Enter to win a $250 visa gift card

For the 3 year-old: • Introduce plant parts: stem, leaves, flower, roots, seeds, etc.

• Discuss how plants grow; first plant a seed in the dirt, water the seed, put in sunlight, be patient….

• Set up a simple growing experiment – a stalk of celery in colored water.

• Ask: (after a few hours or next day) How did the celery change?

For the 4 year-old: • Visit a well planned garden and talk to a gardener about what is planted.

• Create a small backyard or window sill garden with simple, fast growing herbs or vegetables.

Use labels and create a watering schedule.

• Draw a picture of what you think your plants will look like when grown.

• Try your vegetable or herb after it is fully grown.

For the 5 year-old: • Measure a growing plant and record its height and other characteristics (Is it flowering?

Leafing? Dying?) in a journal.

• Introduce new vocabulary including photosynthesis, germination, and pollen.

• Look at a seed packet. Talk about the information included on a seed packet. Make a list of the different kinds of information (growing seasons, time to plant, how to care for, best way to preserve, etc.).

• Ask: What are three essential ingredients to grow a plant?

Lynda Morley, Director of Education at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, in Plano and author of the 5th edition of Outings and Adventures Everywhere! (2006, ISBN 0-9662888-6-6) has experienced hundreds of fieldtrips and adventures throughout the metroplex. For more information about this theme, the Heritage Farmstead Museum or other related activities, please contact Morley at 972-816-3930 or lmorley@ heritagefarmstead.org.

or one of many other great give-aways for kids and parents To enter to win, please take our online reader survey at

www.NorthTexasKids.com We promise this will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

The more we know about our readers, the better we are able to serve you!

We appreciate your honest feedback.

Deadline to enter is March 31, 2008.

See website for details and a list of additional prizes.

Prizes will be awarded by April 15, 2008.

www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 21

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

News About Town Harry C. Withers PTA Wins National Award to Celebrate Take Your Family to School Week The Harry C. Withers Parent Teacher Association (PTA) from Dallas, Texas., had 1,897 reasons to celebrate PTA Take Your Family to School Week, February 10–16.

The PTA national office awarded $1,897 to, Harry C. Withers PTA one of only 32 award recipients nationwide, for its plans to help thousands of students and families celebrate the special week. PTA National Secretary-Treasurer, Betsy Landers, present ed the PTA with a ‘big’ check during one of the events on Tuesday, February 12, 6:00 p.m., at the school.

“Now more than ever, it’s so important for parents to have an active role in their children’s education, and not just at home. PTA Take Your Family to School Week gives today’s parents and families the key to the door of their children’s school experience,” said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president. “We’re happy for Harry C. Withers PTA and feel local schools should be recognized for the work they do for all children.”

The PTA national organization is making these awards of $1,897 in honor of the day and year PTA was founded (February 17, 1897). The 2008 Take Your Family to School Week Awards are presented by PTA Proud National Sponsor AXA Foundation.

“AXA and PTA share a common goal of supporting parent involvement and children’s educational success. So AXA’s involvement in PTA Take Your Family Your Family to School Week is a natural,” said Faith Frank, President of the AXA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AXA Equitable.

“AXA Equitable is one of the nation’s largest corporate providers of scholarships and our sponsorship of these awards is part of our ongoing commitment to increasing educational opportunities.”

The award-winning PTA’s have planned activities that are innovative and inclusive; promote parent and family involvement in schools; emphasize the link between involvement and student achievement; and further the Mission of PTA. Hundreds of PTAs submitted proposals describing different family activities they have planned, such as school tours, parent workshops, and opportunities for parents to be 21st-century students.

PTA national leadership chose as award recipients 30 PTA schools from 22 different U.S. states and two from U.S. Department of Defense PTA schools overseas! Visit www.pta.org for a complete list of the 32 PTA schools, and contact PTA’s national office for more information on what activities Harry C. Withers PTA has planned for the special week.

PTA Take Your Family to School Week is supported by education and community leaders, including Secretary Margaret Spellings, U.S. Department of Education; the National School Boards Association; the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Page 22

● North

Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Local Ballet Student Wins Merit Scholarship Rachel Cinquepalmi of Wylie, Texas has been offered a merit scholarship to Ballet Austin’s Senior Summer Intensive program. She will study classical ballet, jazz, modern, and theater dance, six days a week, for six weeks this summer. Rachel is an 8th grader at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas and has been dancing since she was 2 1/2 years old. She currently trains at Chamberlain School of Performing Arts in Plano.

2008 March for Respect Honors People with Developmental Disabilities on Saturday, March 29 The dictionary defines “respect” as a showing of honor and consideration.

Holding a level of esteem and regard for one another. It’s a quite simple concept, actually. So simple, in fact, it’s hard to comprehend how easily it can be forgotten. Especially to the hundreds of thousands of citizens living with developmental disabilities. Regardless of our differences, we all want many of the same things. To be loved and understood. To receive a fair chance. To find respect. On the last Saturday in March, more than 5,000 of us will gather to walk a mile for respect. With your participation, who knows how far we can go. Registration is free.

Be a Leader. Get a group together, and you could win $1,000 for your school or organization. The school and organization attending with the most pre-registered participants will win $1,000 each. For more information on how to become a March for Respect™ Group Leader, contact Sherry Wacasey march@arcdallas.org.

More than 100 Volunteers are needed to help with March for Respect™.

For more information on volunteering, contact April Allen, Volunteer Coordinator at aallen@arcdallas.org.

Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Dallas West End. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and the March begins at 11 a.m.

For more information about the March for Respect and the organizations involved, please visit www.MarchforRespect.org.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

A ED M O DR ORS N A NI JU CCER SO The Andromeda Juniors Academy is a developmental soccer training program for boys/girls ages 7-10.

FREE!

Emphasis is placed on ball skill development and tactical fundamentals of the game.

One Month Academy Fee New players â&#x20AC;Ś bring this ad and receive one free month of Academy training and fun.

x Age appropriate technical/tactical training x State of the art soccer training facility x Lighted & professionally maintained fields x Professional, licensed coaches x Clubhouse w/wireless web access x Fun, friendly, family-oriented environment

Does your child come home from school smiling everyday?

Aaron does now. Before LearningRx, his ADHD made school and learning frustrating for him and his parents.

He grasps things much faster now and is reading above grade level.

Andromedaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training facility is located approximately one mile from the George Bush Tollway & Jupiter intersection in Plano at 4401 14th Street.

For more information contact: Michael Powers 469-682-3145 planopowers@tx.rr.com

And so does Jamie. She went from Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on almost every single test. She reads more quickly and understands more of what she reads.

Best of all, her confidence level has gone up.

Or go to our web site at: www.andromedasc.com

Gu ar res antee ult d s

SUMMER 2008 DSM KIDS

INTENSIVE 3-WEEK

(Ages 7-11)

(Ages 12 - adult)

June 16 - 27

July 7 - 26

9am - 1:00pm

9am - 3:30pm %VENING 3ATURDAY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE

ONE DAY WORKSHOP Sat. May 31, 2008 For information call The DSM School 214-969-7469

CURTAIN UP! 2008 DSM School Showcase & Fundraiser

Sat. July 26

LearningRx can help your child learn, too!

LearningRx is not a tutoring program. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12-24 weeks of intensive one-on-one training that helps children with learning or reading difficulties attend to and process information. The majority of the children who complete our program improve from 3 to 5 grade levels.

Call today to find out how we can help your child. 972.267.8900

2pm & 7pm

For information call the DSM School 214-969-7469

www.dsmschool.org 4HE -AJESTIC 4HEATRE s %LM 3TREET s $ALLAS 4EXAS

www.learningrx.com

Conveniently located near George Bush & Tollway

Call Today to Receive $75 off a Cognitive Skills Assessment!

-A limited number of scholarships are available-

www.NorthTexasKids.com

â&#x2014;?

March 2008

â&#x2014;?

Page 23

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy Healthy Kids!

2008 Summer Camp Guide Experience a summer of learning & fun.

June 2 - August 15, 2008

Ages 3 - 18

SUMMER AT THE CLUB Give your child a competitive edge this summer!

Reading Enrichment Math Accelerator Writing Workshop Study Skills Bridge Programs … and more

Academics • Arts • LEGO® Camps Music & Drama • Science Camps Early Childhood Camps Specialized Sports Camps Dance • Chess Camp Day Camps • Extended Day www.TutoringClub.com

is on The Ice at Stonebriar Center

Greenhill School 4141 Spring Va V llley Road Addison, TX 75001 972-628-5490 www. w greenhill.org

Greenhill School - Summer on the Hill Join us for a summer of learning, fun and friendship. Students, ages 3-18, select from a wide range of summer programs presented in a creative and supportive learning environment.

Download a complete catalogue and registration form from our website: www.greenhill.org.

June 2 - August 15, 2008.

Call 972-731-9600

at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco for camp information!

888.TO.TUTOR

* West Plano * * McKinney *

Stonebriar Ice

Tutoring Club At Tutoring Club, summer is the best time to catch up or get ahead. Plan ahead for summer schedules. Increase confidence and selfesteem. No pressure of school or schedules.

No long-term contracts. Guaranteed to succeed. Avoid summer “brain drain”.

Enroll Now for an Extraordinary Summer Camp Experience

www.stonebriarice.com Campers will learn to skate and have a blast on the ice! Ages 4-12, grouped by ability and age. Skates provided. June 9-13, 2327 and July 7-11, 21-25. Call for more information or visit www.stonebriarice. com

rning stops when hoolʼs out in summer?

*For first time customers only

Wee think it doesn’t have to. This summer, get yourr child ready for the next school year. We offer Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social R Studies S with individualized attention from a degreed d teacher.

• Unique summer workshops • All A subjects tutored •P PreK – College •O One-on-one • Ennrichment

Weekly Themes • Field Trips • On-site Water Park Two locations : 5516 W. Plano Pkwy, 972-818-5736 or 1207 W. McDermott Dr. 214-495-0941

PLANO 972 985 3276

>

ALLEN 972 359 0222

>

www.tutoring101.com

Take a virtual tour online at www.cremedelacreme.com

Créme de la Créme Open enrollment for Kindergarten begins April 1st. Limited space available. Please call today to schedule a visit or take a virtual tour online at www.cremedelacreme.com

Page 24

● North

Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Tutoring 101 Tutoring 101 offers a unique selection of summer workshops. A large staff of creative teachers have developed curriculum designed to both enrich and develop a student’s skills. Engaging lessons integrate knowledge, reading, and writing thus allowing high achievers to excel and all students to expand their understanding of specific subjects.

The secret to our success is simple: great tutors! Our tutors are all degreed teachers or professors. www.tutoring101.com

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

2008 Summer Camps TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

4 Day Workshops

Summer Enrichment Camps & Summer Preschool June, July & August Ages 3 thru 5 years See website for registration information

PRESCHOOL A Private Preschool offering half-day academic classes

10:30 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 pm M-Th Workshops begin on the following dates: 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4 & 8/11 $199 per girl â&#x20AC;˘ Ages 6-12 Sign Up Today!

Limited to 15 Girls per Workshop

7797 Stonebrook Pkwy. Frisco Phonics & Reading cla sses available to the public

972-334-0005

802 S. Alma Dr. Allen/Plano

972-396-0099

GattiTown Shopping Center 3211 Preston Rd., Ste, 11 Frisco, Texas â&#x20AC;˘ 972-668-4922

!PPLE #REEK 0RIVATE 0RESCHOOL IS DEVOTED TO CHILDREN

PROVIDING EACH CHILD WITH A HIGH QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The Shops at Willow Bend 6121 W.Park Blvd.

Plano, TX â&#x20AC;˘ 469-546-1010

www.applecreekpreschool.com

Apple Creek Preschool Apple Creek Preschool offers two programs during the summer. Our Educational Summer Preschool is offered two or three days a week. The Enrichment Camp themes are Space, Math, Literature Based Cooking, Spanish, Handwriting, Science, Art, Dinosaurs, All About Bugs, and Reading.

Art CAMP Artscool offers a variety of daily art camp activities including inside and outside games and picnics in our secure playground area. From Monday thru Friday, children will enjoy ceramics, painting, print-making, drawing and glazing. Artists may produce a weekly portfolio of their projects.

Sweet & Sassy Summer Workshops We offer a time for girls to come to Sweet & Sassy and get pampered while learning dances, cheers, playing games, and giving Parents a much needed break!

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BUILD SOME FUN!

Registration begins

St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Texas 2008 Summer Camps

March 3 Members March 24 Public May 5 Late

June 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;July 18, 2008 "OYS AND 'IRLS AGES TO ,ACROSSE +ARATE 3OCCER "ASEBALL 3OFTBALL "ASKETBALL 6OLLEYBALL 4ENNIS -ICRO -ANIA #HEMISTRY 2OCKETRY +EYBOARDING #LAYMATION ,EGOMATION #OOKING 3EWING Due to campus construction, OUR CAMP OFFERINGS ARE REDUCED

BUT WE WILL BE BACK BETTER THAN EVER IN BUT WE WILL BE BACK BETTER THAN EVER IN

ST. MARKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SCHOOL OF TEXAS S 0RESTON 2OAD s $ALLAS 488 #AMP (OTLINE s WWW #AMP (OTLINE s W WWW SMTEXAS ORG SMTEXAS ORG 1UESTIONS TO 'INGER *ASEK JASEKKG SMTEXAS ORG

REMEMBER those days of kids enjoying the outdoors during summer?

Perhaps it was even you! It is time again for kids to enjoy the summer months as they get an in-depth nature education. Studies include nature CSI, microscopy and aquatics, reptiles and birds, insects and nocturnal animals and many more! Camp dates: June 9-August 8 Details and registration forms at heardmuseum.org CAMPS Salamander

Copperhead

Eco-Explorers

1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069 / 972.562.5566

St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Texas Summer Camps Educational, recreational and safe, and our instructors are top professionals in their fields! Our 2008 brochure will be available in March. Please visit our website at www.smtexas.org or call 214.346.8090 to request your Summer Camps Brochure today!

Heard Museum of Nature and Science Remember those days of kids enjoying the outdoors during summer? Perhaps it was even you! Kids take guided trails to learn about animals and nature. Summer camp choices: Salamander, Copperhead and Eco-Explorers. Studies include nature CSI, microscopy, aquatics and more! Details and registration: www.heardmuseum.org. Registration begins: Members: March 3rd, Early Public: March 24th, Late: May 5th www.NorthTexasKids.com

â&#x2014;?

March 2008

â&#x2014;?

Page 25

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

2008 Summer Camps FlexiPass x 1, 5, 10, 20 Day Pass x Lunch and Snack Included x All Day Multi Sport Activities x All Day Fun!

Accepting 2008-2009 Summer Camp and Fall Registration

Skill Building Camps x Basketball x Volleyball x Indoor Soccer x Golf x Martial Arts x Indoor Lacrosse x Scuba x Dance Team

FINGERPRINTS CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL For children 2 -5 9:00am to 2:00pm June 16-27 Creepy Crawlers July 7-18 Eric Carle Extravaganza Reading Workshop July 21-August 1 Surfin’ Safari August 4-15 Space Adventure Handwriting Workshop

www.psaplano.org

SummerFest SportsCamps 6500 Preston Meadow Plano, Tx 75024

FRISCO 6181 Esther Way • Frisco, TX 972-712-2808 www.fingerprintspreschool.com

SportsCamps at PSA!

Skill Building Camps with experienced instructors. The FlexiPass allows campers to sample different sports and fun activities including basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, ice skating, PE games, movies and arts and crafts. Call for more information 972-208-5437 or visit our website www.psaplano.org

Prestonwood Christian Academy Summers at Prestonwood Christian Academy offers enlightening summer courses to the public in the areas of academics, arts and sports. For a course guide and registration, visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org and click on the Summers at Prestonwood icon. Call 972820-5063 with any questions.

Pump

Creative

It Up a

Fingerprints Christian Preschool

During the school year: Academic Christian Preschool for children 15 months-Transitional Kindergarten. We use developmentally appropriate practices and incorparte Spanish and Bible. Our hours are 8:45-2:30, with play-n-stay till 4:00.

nd Kid

presen t the

sNArt

Kids Sum

mer Camp

Register by March 31 and the price is only $99.

Regular price is $150. Call now or Register online!

972.821.8643 • www.creativekidsprograms.com

Creative Kids programs are available at the following locations...

Frisco: 7164 Technology Dr. #200 • Coppell: 1405 S. Beltline Dr. #400 West Plano/North Dallas: 3632 Frankford Rd. #180

Weekly Sessions begin:

June 10th! Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30am-2:30pm

Creative Kids Summer Camp Hey Kids, drop your Mom off at the mall and come experience THE BEST summer camp ever! Children ages 4-10 years old will enjoy painting, ceramics, clay, crafts, music & instruments, jumping & games, special visitors and so much more! Sign up online today at www.creativekidsprograms.com or call 972-821-8643 for more information.

Page 26

●

North Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

FC Dallas School of Excellence Training Camps Open to boys and girls aged 7-16. This unbelievable training program will allow young players to experience what a typical workout session is for a professional soccer player and learn how to play the FC Dallas way. Each participant will receive instruction from FC Dallas professional players and nationally licensed professional staff coaches. This is a great way to get your game ahead of the rest. Camps run from June until August.

View our complete training camp schedule and register at www.fcdallas.net (click on soccer camps tab), or call 972-922-3801

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

2008 Summer Camps Summer Wilderness Leadership Programs for Youth Trot Your Youngsters Off to “Summer Day Camp in the Country” at Prospering Farm • Ages 7-13 • Beginners through advanced • 20 minutes from Plano • Specializing in English style riding • Horse show at the end of every session • Swimming • Arts & crafts • 6 Day Summer Camp Sessions

Frisco Wilderness Adventures and Outfitters The cure for nature deficit disorder

Summer Programs Designed for Youth in 7th Grade and up. Expeditions Range from 4 days to 14 days. Small Group and Family Expeditions Also.

Complete year-round riding programs for children & adults

For more information call 972-821-9121 or visit www.friscowilderness.com

Eagle Gymnatics

For children 3-14 yrs of age. With the aid of our qualified staff, your child will learn quality gymnastics as well as play games in our air conditioned facility. From 12:303:00pm Monday through Thursday and bring a friend. Call 972-712-4644 to book your camp today. For more information please visit at www.eaglegymnastics.com

972-346-3236 www.ProsperingFarm.com ProsperFarm@aol.com p

Frisco Wilderness Adventures

Prospering Farm

These programs offer participants an introduction to the wilderness experience.

Outings are conducted at regional National Forests. Emphasis is placed on wilderness safety, camp set-up, trail walking, basic survival techniques, leadership, self reliance, and confidence, along with working as a team. Visit our website to find out more about us: www.friscowilderness.com.

Temple Shalom Preschool Summer Camp All children may attend Temple Shalom Preschool camp two, three, or five days per week for each two week session. Hours available are 7:30am-6:00pm, 8:45am3:00pm or 8:45am-12:45pm. Each session will include splash days, yoga, PE, music, art, science, playground time and lots of fun.

Campers learn to ride or improve their riding skills in a safe and positive atmosphere.

Activities include: horseback lessons, care of the horse and the equipment, swimming, arts & crafts and a camp horse show.

Bobby Moffat’s Techniques Soccer Camps Since 1970. Boys And Girls, 4-16. Day Camps (Full, Half, & Evening). For Goalkeepers, Field-players, Select, Foundation (4 & 5yrs). Throughout Texas. Camps for Teams, at your Location or Our Camp Location. Fall & Spring Academy - Spring, & Winter Break Camps - Rent-A-Coach Year Round. Look for Camp applications & signup on web site.

(972) 699-3653 www.soccermoffat.com www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 27

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

2008 Summer Camps

Einstein Kidz

Are you looking for something fun, but educational? Einstein Kidz offers camps to kids ages 3 – 6 and 7 – 13 that involve science and technology. We offer one or two week camps. Programs consist of preschool computers skills, weird science, robotics, video game design, clay animation and web design.

PowerKids Camps and Classes

Get fit while developing sports, motor and socialization skills in a fun, nurturing, selfesteem building environment. Campers will participate in exciting cardiovascular games and activities such as relays, trampolines, powerball, agility and obstacle courses, just to name a few. Campers will need to bring their own lunch. Sometimes there will be a craft or fine motor activity after lunch.

Moms and Kids Want to Know What their Summer Options Are!

J’s Art Art Camps: Themed art camps for ages 5 - 12. June 9 - August 22. One week sessions, weekdays with morning and/or afternoon camp sessions available. Campers undertake projects related to each weeks’ theme. Some themes include: Rainforest Rafting, Fashion Forward and Cruise Ship Construction! $190 per weeklong half-day session; $380 per weeklong full-day session. Teen Classes: June - August. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Teen workshops (sewing, printmaking and mosaics) are also available. Please check our website for more information or call for a brochure!

Page 28

●

North Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Advertise Your Summer Camp Here Great Rates, Phenomenal Exposure!

Call to Reserve Your Space Today.

Deadline for the April Issue is March 15.

972-516-9070 www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Summer Success Strategies

by Brenda Bonin

We just got through the winter break and spring break and now it’s time to start planning for summer.

What? Summer is still months away.

That’s true, but one of the key’s to a successful summer with your kids is to plan early. If you wait until you hear the shouts of “no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks”, it will be too late. Don’t be left scrambling at the last minute to figure out how to keep your kids safe, busy, and happy for 12 weeks of summer.

When I was a kid, the ringing of the bell on the last day of school meant “FREEDOM”! Freedom to sleep in or to jump out of bed early to watch cartoons. Freedom to play all day and into the night. Freedom to skip baths and wear only my favorite clothes, even if they didn’t match!

My summer days were filled with playing with neighborhood friends, eating popsicles, climbing trees, riding bikes, building forts, and sometimes just laying in the grass watching the clouds float by.

On a typical summer morning, I would get up and have a bowl of cereal, unaware of what the other members of my family were doing. A couple of my siblings were probably sleeping, my two oldest sisters were most likely off to their summer jobs, and mom and dad were at work. I didn’t really care. I was ready to charge out the front door and over to my friend Matt’s house, next door.

The doorbell at Matt’s house was not one that you pressed. It was an actual bell with a cord on it that you rang. I loved ringing that bell every morning, sometimes a tad too early for his mom! But Matt was always ready to join me outside for a day of pure fun!

If we wanted to ride our bikes or go over to another neighbor friend’s from there, we just checked in with Matt’s mother and then off we went.

We would pop home for lunch – a quick sandwich and milk, and then meet up again for the afternoon. The

days flew by and the nights were just as fun with night games like Kick the Can and Hide –and-Seek, when the older kids would join us.

On the rare rainy day, we would play cards or other games inside, read, and watch Daniel Boone on TV. We truly watched very little TV, but Matt was a big fan of Daniel Boone!

How I wish that my children could experience this same freedom, but that was a different place and time. Today we must be more diligent about exactly where our children are which translates to much more structured time and a great deal more supervision, which isn’t all bad, but certainly is lacking in the FREEDOM that I rejoiced in as a young girl.

As a working mother, I have found the summer to be particularly challenging, especially as the kids get older, into the “tween” years.

My priority is to make the summer just as fun and liberating for my children as when I was a child, while also sustaining my professional responsibilities. This is quite a tall order, but here are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning.

• Plan early, as mentioned before, if you delay you will be without a plan.

• Consider family resources.

Summer is a great time to spend quality time with extended family: Grandma, Grandpa, cousins, aunts and uncles. One of my clients has one week each summer month where her son spends the week with an extended family member.

• Find a mother’s helper – maybe one of your babysitters can spend mornings entertaining the kids while you focus on other things.

• Special focus activities. Does your child have a special interest such as dance, theatre, or a sport? Find a good resource to have fun further developing your child’s talent at

summer camps or workshops.

• Network with other mothers. I have always found the best resource to be other moms, whether you need a referral, a partnership, or a sounding board. One working mother I know partners with a stay at home mom who was challenged with finding affordable things to do during the hot Texas summer.

The two moms struck up an arrangement where the working mom paid for the outings that were arranged and supervised by the stay at home mom. It was a win-win-win as the kids were also happy that they got to get together with their friends.

• Volunteer work might be an option for older kids. Local theatres, hospitals, vacation bible school

might be some places that need youth volunteers.

So get your calendars out and start filling in the weeks, one at a time, because summer will be here before we know it!

Want to learn more of Brenda’s Strategies for Success? Bring your kids to play and join us for some adult conversation and education at Bounce U in Plano on Tuesday March 18 at 9:30am. Brenda will do a FREE presentation for moms! Call 972-5169070 for details.

Brenda Bonin is an advocate and resource for working mothers.. Visit her at www.workingmothermatters.com for more success strategies to manage it all when you have a family and a career. .

www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 29

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Focus on our Advertisers Here at North Texas Kids, we take our advertisers very seriously. We want to make sure that the companies we work with and the companies you are using provide quality, reliable services. As moms and dads ourselves, we have visited most of the facilities mentioned in our publication and used a lot of these businesses for our own children. In this column, we are giving different advertisers each month the opportunity to tell you more about what they do. It is a parent’s job to be as well-informed as possible about the decisions they make for their children. We hope that our newspaper helps make that job a little easier by providing you with quality information! Want to share with other moms about an experience you had with one of our advertisers? Please email the publisher and we will be happy to share your opinions with our readers. Want a personal referral to one of the places mentioned our paper? Email us and we will share that, too!

Our email address is info@northtexaskids.com.

Gymboree Play & Music Programs of Plano There’s truly nothing like it… the look on a parent’s face when they first enter the world of Gymboree. It is part excitement, part trepidation, and part wonder. First comes the excitement. “Look at all these other parents! What a fabulous play area, we can’t wait!” Next, comes the trepidation, “Is my child going to enjoy this, what if I don’t know the songs they sing or the games they play?” And by the end of every class, the wonder, “How have I not known about this place, and why didn’t I come here sooner?”

Every parent, whether you are on your first child or your fifth, wants what is best for them. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, “So what do I do with them now? How can I stimulate them and help them learn?” Gymboree is the answer that you’ve been looking for. We have more enrichment classes with a comprehensive developmental approach.

More support and education for parents.

More involvement from child development experts. And most importantly, more fun and play for you and your child.

Today, the Gymboree learning program is stronger than ever. We’ve worked hard to maintain our core belief – children need to develop at their own pace through physical, cognitive and creative activities.

When you come into our doors, you will know that our teachers and staff genuinely care about you and your child. We want what is best for them too, and we will help to Page 30

●

North Texas Kids

●

give you the tools to support them in their development. After all, you are your child’s best teacher, and we’re helping you to be the best parent you can be.

Throughout the week and on Saturdays we offer Play, Baby Signs®, Music, and Art classes for children ages 2 months to 5 years.

We also offer amazing birthday parties for members and nonmembers alike. We look forward to seeing that unforgettable look on your face soon, and remember that it’s never too late to play with your child! Call today at 972-964-7529 to schedule a free trial class at our location on the southwest corner of Parker and Independence in Plano.

Planet Pizza: an indoor carnival?

When you walk into Planet Pizza Plano, you walk into an indoor carnival. When you buy an unlimited day pass your child can ride and play (inside) until they are ready to drop.

The rides are tailored for your younger kids (two-nine), but older kids can also be entertained for a few hours as well. There is never a admission fee for adults so you can come in and see their enjoyment without having to pay a cover charge for yourself. Planet Pizza is over 20,000 Sq ft and a great place to visit any time and provides good food and fun in a safe and clean environment.

For your child’s entertainment there are Ferrari Bumper Cars, a Pirate Ship, Jets, a Roller Coaster and other exhilarating rides. In addition,

www.NorthTexasKids.com

there is a large 2 Story Softplay area with tubes, tunnels and slides and a variety of token operated skill games and video arcade games. Planet Pizza offers Birthday Parties too! At Planet Pizza every child’s birthday is special. Celebrate your child’s party with the convenience of your own party specialist to take care of your every need while you relax and enjoy! Be a guest at your own party!

Plenty of tables fill the front half of the facility so moms and dads can strategically congregate and chat while keeping a watchful eye on the kids. We also have Group Rates for Field Trips of 25 kids or more.

Plano Sport Authority Brings Youth Sports to Plano and Frisco PSA (Plano Sports Authority), founded in 1970 and its sister organization, FSA (Frisco Sports Authority) proudly boasts their status as the finest non-profit youth sports organizations in North Texas!

Come visit us at the PSA StarCenter located on Preston Meadow Drive in Plano: home to 15 basketball/ volleyball courts, an ice rink and meeting rooms.

Projected to open in the fall of 2008, you will find us at our second home: the PSA Arena adjacent to Clark Stadium. This center will feature 8 basketball/volleyball courts and a permanent turf arena. PSA & FSA offers the kids of North Texas the best facilities to participate in youth sports We’re sure your family and you will enjoy playing one or more of the following sports with PSA: Football; Cheerleading; Basketball; Soccer;

Volleyball; Baseball; Softball; Lacrosse; Track; Flag Football; Dance Team; Arena Football; Golf; Rugby; Martial Arts; Wrestling and Ice Skate School.

Parents with, children 3 months old through five years old, might be interested in our toddler programs at the PSA StarCenter: Little Athletes and Yoga Critters. We recommend our preschool programs to you: soccer, t-ball, ice skate school.

Remember it is never too early to start your child on a healthy active lifestyle found through youth sports provided by PSA and FSA. Summertime is especially fun at PSA StarCenter! PSA suggests several sports specific camps: Basketball, Soccer, and Golf. We provide a unique camp Flexi pass camp. Flexi pass allows campers to sample different sports and activities: Basketball, Volleyball, Indoor soccer, Ice skating.

Included in the package are games, movies, arts and crafts. Flex passes packages may be purchased for 1, 5, 10 and 20 days. Before and after care are available. Ask for details. Never underestimate the importance of family being together through recreational sports. You’ll find that here at PSA and FSA! In Plano, visit us at www.psaplano.org or email us at info@psaplano.org. Call us at 972208-KIDS (5437).

In Frisco, visit us at www.fsafrisco.org; email us at info@fsafrisco.org or call us 469- 362-6405. We’ll be happy to talk to you about PSA and FSA and our FAMILY of sports!

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

What is special about Newfound School?

by Dr. Marsha A. Guernsey and Dr. Bill Robb, Executive Directors at Newfound School

What is Newfound School?

Newfound School is a small private school for students in grades Prekindergarten through twelfth grade with learning or behavior challenges. Newfound is a school with a challenging academic focus with communication and social skills an integral part of the curriculum.

Newfound School accepts students with High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD, Emotional and Behavioral Challenges such as being BiPolar, ADD/ADHD, ACC, Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia. Students represent a variety of ability levels including students who are Gifted and Talented. Newfound does not accept students who need 1:1 attention exclusively, have violent tendencies, serious emotional disturbance, conduct disorders, drug or alcohol addictions, or who are involved in the juvenile justice system. Newfound has a staff to student ratio of one to five to insure individual attention for each learner.

An individualized learning and behavior plan is developed for each student. A behavior plan addresses any behavior that may interfere with learning.

Why should a student come to Newfound School? Newfound has a deep commitment to the

learning success of each child. We are educators and implement an educational model for learning and instruction. Each child’s learning program is directly overseen by one of the Executive Directors who has a Doctorate in Education, teaching and administrative certification, and an extensive background in special education. Newfound offers research based instruction, and academic results oriented success.

Typically, our learners achieve one year’s academic growth in math and reading during a school year. Newfound has a no homework policy. We believe that learning is a 24 hour a day proposition. Therefore, there are skills and activities to be acquired outside of school. The day is productive and time is efficiently utilized. Therefore, a parent can feel confident that a child has accomplished his learning goals during the school day.

If your child will benefit from an effective teaching staff who are knowledgeable about teaching and instruction, who understand the scope and sequence of curricula, and who differentiate and individualize instruction, Newfound may be a good choice for your child. Each child is considered individually for admission. The primary criteria for acceptance is, will this child be successful at Newfound and can Newfound and the child’s parent(s) work together to create a successful academic program? If your answer is yes, then please visit our web site at www.newfoundschool.com.

Rain Robin April

Egg-stra Special Easter Gift

by Heidi Schlabs

Have that extra someone that you want to let them know that they are "Egg-stra Special" this Easter? Here's a fun craft to do just that!

Supplies needed: • plastic egg carton • decorative papers • ribbon • letter stickers • flower stickers • silk/paper flower • glue stick/adhesive runner Instructions: 1. Trim paper and adhere to cover top of carton 2. Use various letter stickers for "You're EGG-stra Special" 3. Decorate with stickers 4. tie ribbon around carton (secure with adhesive around corners) 5. accent with silk fower 6. fill carton with candy and goodies!

Happy Easter!!

Tulips Flowrs Spring Showers Puddles Umbrella Butterflies www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 31

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

After-School & Enrichment Cooking Academic/Tutoring Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Frisco: 469-362-6693 McKinney: 469-952-3663 Plano: 972-424-6321 www.clubztutoring.com The Club Z! tutoring program is successful because it provides highly individualized, one-onone instruction in the comfort and security of home, free from distractions. Tutoring sessions may also be scheduled at schools, after school facilities, libraries, or community centers. Club Z! tutors are experienced degreed professionals and state certified instructors with impeccable credentials and a heartfelt enthusiasm for teaching. Call today for more information. See ad pg. 3.

Knowledge Points Plano - 6205 Coit Rd., #316 972-612-3707 Carrollton - 3733 N. Josey Ln., #112 972-394-7323 Ages K-12 www.KnowledgePoints.com Affordable, proven and guaranteed tutoring programs in Reading, Writing, Math and Study Skills for grades Pre-K-12. See ad pg. 32.

Learning RX 5136 Village Creek Dr, Ste 501 Plano, TX 75093 972-267-8900 www.learningrx.com Our center exists to serve clients wanting to enhance their ability to learn, read and succeed at a broad range of academic and work-related challenges to improve their overall quality of life. See ad pg. 23.

Texas Virtual Academy The Texas Virtual Academy@ Southwest and K12 bring learning and possibility. Serving students in grades 3-8 in Dallas/Ft. Worth and the greater Houston area, TXVA uses courses and lessons from K12 Page 32

●

North Texas Kids

●

that were developed by education experts to ignite minds—to get kids into learning, so learning gets into them. www.K12.com/tx 866.360.0161

Arts/Drama Art – A – Rama, Plano Plano. Ages 2 1/2 to adult 1610 Avenue J 972-423-4554 www.artaramaplano.com We offer fine art instruction for ages 2.5 to adult. In addition to our art classes we have special events throughout the month. Birthdays or other occasions are special here also. Contact us for class information. See ad pg. 16.

The Artist Within Plano. Ages preschool - adult 2001 Coit Rd, Ste 206.

972-596-6077 www.aristwithin.com The Artist Within is an independent studio that offers art classes for everyone - children, youth, and adults - individuals and groups.

Creating art is one of the most natural ways for a child to improve motor skills and build confidence through self expression. See ad pg.

14.

Dallas Summer Musicals Dallas. Ages 7 to 18.

214-969-SHOW (7469) www.DSMSchool.org The goal of the Dallas Summer Musicals School of Musical Theatre is to provide fun, disciplined and professional training for students ages 7 to 18, as well as continuing education for adults in the musical theatre arts. 1925 Elm Street #301 Dallas, Texas 75201-4516 See ad pg. 23.

Cheer/Gymnastics/Dance Eagle Gymnastics Frisco. Ages 12 m. and up 7164 Technology Drive, Suite 201 972-712-4644

www.NorthTexasKids.com

www.eaglegymnastics.com We have a variety of programs from Parent - Tot to Team Gymnastics. Fun, fitness and fundamentals will be the basis of all of our programs. See ad pg. 16.

Excite! Gym and Cheer Highland Village 2225 Highland Village Rd. 972.874.8500 Flower Mound 510 Parker Square 972.874.9663 www.excitegymandcheer.com Preschool, cheer, dance, gymnastics, trampoline, and tumbling for ages tots and up. Year-round recreational and competitive programs. Camps, clinics, M.O.M.s day out , award-winning parties and parent nights out every weekend.

See ad on pg. 11.

University of Gymnastics Plano. Ages 3 and up 400 Summit Ave 972-423-5709 www.universityofgymnastics.com U of G (as we are known around town) is entering our 28th year of serving the Plano Community! We are dedicated to providing programs for your child’s academic success and physical development. Our mission is to develop happy, physically fit, and confident children. Please stop by or give us a call. See ad pg. 19.

Zenith Gymnastics McKinney. Ages toddler and up 2140 N. Redbud Blvd, #F 214-592-0662 www.zenithgym.com The purpose of Zenith Elite Gymnastics Academy is to enrich each student’s life through gymnastics instruction. Our philosophy is that gymnastics can be for everyone. And most of all, it is fun! Visit our website for more information about the programs offered. See ad pg. 9.

Young Chefs Plano. Ages 3 and older 4021 Preston Rd #624 - Plano 972-473-9090 404 W. Hebron Pkwy #100 Carrollton 972-395-9900 www.youngchefsacademy.com Young Chefs Academy offers cooking classes to children in a safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity. Call today for more information about the classes offered. See ad pg. 11.

Computer Classes Einstein Kidz Frisco. 7151 Preston Road, Ste 181A Ages 2 1/2 and up 469-252-4521 www.einsteinkidz.com We offer a fun, interactive computing environment for kids through our one hour classes, camps, and birthday parties. Visit us online or call today for more information.

See ad pg. 7.

Royal Kids 3001 S. Hardin Blvd., Ste. 100 McKinney, TX 75075 Located inside Tumble Bugs Nicole Tegge 972-898-8482 ntegge@royalkids.net It is the number one goal of Royal Kids to prepare all young children with the skills they will need to succeed in their future. From the very first class, children receive more than just computer basics. Each experience integrates sophisticated technology concepts such as E-mail and the Internet in an ageappropriate way that even our youngest students understand and enjoy. Available for children ages 3-7. See ad pg. 12.

Music Private Music Lessons 972-898-6272 You are never too young or old to learn! Harp, Cello and Piano lessons for any age. Music Theory & Ear Training classes available. Plano/ Frisco Area. See ad pg. 32.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

Program Directory y Family Resource Guide Parent & Me Classes Gymboree Ages: Infant - 5 years 3263 Independence Pkwy 972-964-7529 www.gymboreeclasses.com Each program level incorporates fundamental, engaging activities that help to build your child’s cognitive, social and physical skills. See ad pg. 13.

Kindermusik Multiple North Texas locations to serve you. Ages newborn – 7.

Visit their website for the location nearest you. Each Kindermusik class is a world of discovery and adventure. In every class, you’ll witness your child’s developmental evolution in language skills, literacy, listening, problem solving, social skills, self-esteem, and musicality.

And it happens within a nurturing environment-full of energy, imagination, music, dancing, and playful delight. www.kindermusik.com The following businesses also offer Parent & Me classes: The Classics, Eagle Gymnastics, Young Chefs, Powerkids, PSA - Little Athletes, Smashing Times

Sports/Fitness Dr Pepper Star Centers Plano, Frisco, Farmers Branch, Euless, Duncanville www.drpepperstarcenter.com We provide general skating, hockey lessons and figure skating lessons. We also have hockey leagues for all ages and abilities. Our facilities are also available for parties, celebrations, and other social gatherings. Our pro shop is a great place to purchase all of your skating equipment. See ad on pg. 3.

Extra Innings Plano 2300 Coit Rd, Ste 400, 75075 469-241-1432 www.extrainnings-plano.com Extra Innings Plano is the newest and finest baseball and softball training facility in the Metroplex

area - dedicated to fulfilling the needs of players of all ages and abilities. Extra Innings state of the art, year round, indoor training facility has over 16,500 square feet of training area, 10 indoor batting tunnels, pitching tunnels, a fully stocked Pro Shop, batting stations, and birthday area. See ad on pg.

39.

FSA (Frisco Sports Authority) 8200 Stonebrook Pkwy, Ste 200 Frisco, TX 75034 469-362-6405 www.fsafrisco.org We provide quality year-round recreational sports leagues to all boys and girls who live within the Frisco and surrounding areas. See ad pg.

38.

Nexgym Ages 3 - 14 yrs 5964 West Parker Road Plano, TX 75093 972-781-2244 www.nexgym.com Nexgym is a fun and interactive center for kids which combines video and virtual reality games with fitness. Group classes and personal training are also available. See ad pg. 20.

PSA (Plano Sports Authority) PSA StarCenter 6500 Preston Meadow Plano, Tx 75024 972.208.5437 www.psaplano.org info@psaplano.org We provide quality year-round recreational sports leagues to all boys and girls who live within the Plano Independent School District and surrounding areas. See ad pg. 38.

Child & Adolescent Counseling Center

Beth Farrell M.Ed., LPC, RPT, NCC Is your child experiencing....

Depression?

Anxiety?

Grief?

Behavior Problems?

Professional counseling and play therapy Treating children ages 3 to 18 7424 Greenville Ave Ste. 104, Dallas 75231 940-206-4084 | bethy78@gmail.com

Plano/Frisco Area Music Lessons for K-12 & adults

Give your child the gift of music Harp • Cello • Piano Ear Training & Music Theory Combined 25 years of Professional instruction Call now for a Free lesson, space is limited.

ee 972.898.6272 972 898 6272

If Wallz Could Talk

Murals for Munchkins

Bedrooms * Bathrooms Nurseries * Furni Furniture urniture nit niture iiture turre Faux Finishes Free Consultations

214.293.1205

Advertise Your Business Here for $99 a month.

Call us at 972-516-9070 to reserve your space today!

www.ifwallzcouldtalk.com

www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 33

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

School & Child Care Directory You can find this directory online at www.NorthTexasKids.com with links to all of the websites.

Adventure Kids Dallas, Flower Mound, McKinney, Plano & Southlake. Ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

See ad on pg. 13 for location nearest you and a $10 off registration coupon. A unique drop-in child care and entertainment center. Kids play, explore, and learn in a safe and secure environment. Enjoy shopping, dining, running errands, or just relax with peace of mind!

See ad on pg. 13 for the location nearest you! www.adventurekidsplaycare.com American Heritage Academy 2660 E. Trinity Mills Rd, Carrollton 972-4165437 Distinctly Christian, Unquestionably Academic, Intentionally Relational! Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered, Biblical perspective to early childhood education and care in the major areas of human development (physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual).

Our primary curriculum is ABeka and Sing,Spell, Read,

and Write is our secondary resource. Visit www.starsaha.org or call 972-512-4813 for more information. See ad on pg. 34.

Beth Torah 972-234-1542 720 Lookout Dr Richardson 75080 Small classes provide a nurturing, loving environment to help children develop a positive self-image. The school promotes creative play, fosters academic growth, and invites parental involvement. We celebrate all Jewish holidays and hold a weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service to enhance a child’s identification with Judaism. All teachers are degreed in education or childrelated fields. See ad pg. 34. www.congregationbethtorah.org Fingerprints Private School 9725 Independence Pkwy, Frisco 972-712-2808

Child Care Services

From Babies to Boomers™ F Quality Care for All Ages Homewatch CareGivers offers an array of affordable care services customized for family members of all ages. g The same expertise p and service yyou’ve ggrown to trust in elder care is also available for a variety y of child care needs. To ensure your loved ones are being cared for by the most trusted caregivers, all of our caregivers have child care experience, proper certifications, and training. In addition, each caregiver has to pass a three level pre-employment check, along with being bonded and insured. This comprehensive background search includes: depth of character, level of care expertise, and criminal background investigations.

Child Care Services include: • Back-up and urgent child care • Prenatal care • Postnatal care • Special needs child care • Nanny care Contact our Homewatch CareGivers professional today to discuss your individual needs and schedule your free evaluation.

972-960-9999 www.homewatchcaregivers.com Page 34

●

North Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Ages: starting at 2yrs With love and nurturing, a child is capable of learning more from infant to six years of age than any other time in their lives, and that’s why its important to have fist class programs. They have learned to understand, and speak before the age three, so we need to continually expose them to new ideas and learning. Call to schedule a visit anytime. www.fingerprintspreschool.com Junior Academy Of McKinney NOW ENROLLING 6800 Bountiful Grove Dr McKinney 75070 Various programs from 6 weeks to after school care. Come meet our certified, welltrained, caring teachers. We utilize the A Beka Curriculum and HighReach Learning within our daily classroom schedules.

Our New facility has been equipped with security cameras monitoring each room including our inside play room. See ad on page 34. www.junioracademyofmckinney.com Lara’s Busy Bee’s Oak Point/Little Elm area (S. of 380) Children can play, explore, and learn at Lara’s Busy Bee’s In Home Daycare! I want to make sure your children are safe and happy while you are hard at work. Each day brings new opportunities to provide a welcoming and home like environment that encourages exploration, creative play, artistic ventures, healthful choices, and personal growth for each individual child. Each day is full of fun activities and as much outdoor play as possible. I can make all of this possible, because I hold an Associates’ Degree in Early Childhood Development, I have been a sought-after professional nanny for 15 years, I have past experience working in daycare centers, Coached little kids sports, I am a mother, and I have motivation to pass on. I will teach your children sign language (so that they can express what they need before they can talk). References available upon request. Servicing all ages. Call today for more information! 469-362-4588 Texas Registration #888999

Newfound School 2206 Heads Lane, Ste 110 Carrollton 214-390-1749 Newfound School teaches students in grades PreK-12. Our specialties include: Autism Spectrum, ADD, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities. Newfound also offers special education advocacy. newfoundinc@aol.com www.newfoundschool.com See ad on pg. 34.

SS Noah Grapevine - 817-410-2866 1900 South Main Street, Ste. 103 Allen - 214-495-8809 111 N. Central Expy, Ste. 116.

The SS Noah is a hourly playcare facility which encourages fun, safe and secure playcare while you run errands or attend appointments. Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. www.ssnoahplaycare.net See ad & coupon on pg 14.

St. James Episcopal School 214-348-1349 9845 McCree Rd, Dallas 75238 Ages: 18 months - 4th We offer an excellent Montessori, Christian education that fosters self-motivation, selfconfidence, and self-discipline through a nurturing and caring environment.

The Montessori integrated curriculum emphasizes exceptional one-on-one attention for each child, which enables each student to reach his or her full potential.

Call to schedule a private tour. See ad pg.

34. www.stjamesepiscopal.info White Dove Montessori School Independence & Hedgcoxe 972 727 7433 Ages: 2 - 6 years www.whitedovemontessori.com White Dove Montessori program combines the self- paced, developmentally appropriate learning environment of the Montessori method in the surroundings of a natural home setting. We offer your child an ideal learning environment based on the Montessori principles that will guide and nurture the full development of your child.

Our goal is to nurture in your child a lifelong joy for learning. Director is AMI certified with 15 years of Montessori experience.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

2206 Heads Lane, Suite 110 Carrollton, TX 75006

214-390-1749 newfoundinc@aol.com www.newfoundschool.com St. James Episcopal School offers a strong academic Montessori-based curriculum designed to deliver an excellent preparatory education to children ages

Newfound School teaches special needs students in grades PreK-12. Ourr

18 months through 4th grade.

specialties include: Autism m

We offer...

Spectrum, ADD, ADHD, AC CC,

Core curriculum including reading and writing, mathematical concepts, science and care for the environment, art and spanish.

and Learning Disabilities s.

Newfound School offers s: • Research based teaching.

Celebrating 40 years of montessori education.

• Academic results oriented succcess.

• A professional, experienced sta aff.

• A staff to student ratio of 1:5.

214-348-1349 www.stjamesepiscopal.info 9845 McCree Rd. • Dallas, TX 75238

Accredited by S.A.E.S. and N.A.I.S. A.M.S. Affiliated

1UALITY %ARLY #HILDHOOD %DUCATION 0ROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN WEEKS TO 0RE +

#ERTIFIED 3TAFF 3AFE &UN ,EARNING %NVIRONMENT ,OW 4EACHER 3TUDENT 2ATIOS (IGH 2EACH ,EARNING AND #URRICULUM

Visit the NTK mommy blog g at

"EFORE AND !FTER 3CHOOL #ARE 4RANSPORTATION 4O AND &ROM ,OCAL 3CHOOLS !GES YRS OLD

NorthTexasKids.blogspot.com

'YM )NDOOR 0LAY !REA AND 0OOL %XTRA #URRICULUM !CTIVITIES

and find parenting tips, rants and raves, reviews of local

3PANISH !RT +ARATE $ANCE AND 'YMNASTICS

#AMERA -ONITORING

businesses and more.

Share your thoughts and opinion ns, too. We’d love to hear from you! u! www.NorthTexasKids.com

●

March 2008

●

Page 35

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids!

8_hj^ZWo FWhjo <kd

CHILDREN’S HOME HEALTHCARE Caring for those who need it most.

M[ Ze _j Wbb \eh oek" ie h[bWn [d`eo

+ tax

for up to 10 children $6.10 for each additional child

7bb[d CYA_dd[o FbWde H_Y^WhZied

We provide a wide variety of services including skilled pediatric and neonatal care, ventilator and tracheostomy care, nasogastric feedings and education, respiratory care and information, phlebotomy services, wound management

FWhjo _dYbkZ[i0 Happy Meal , Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, ®

Party Favors, a Host or Hostess and a Gift for the Birthday Child.

Je cWa[ h[i[hlWj_edi0 Visit www.OreillyMCD.com or call our birthday party hotline at 972.985.9285.

Dem 7lW_bWXb[ - ZWoi W m[[a De Z[fei_j h[gk_h[Z$

and medication administration, patient compliance programs, infusion therapy, respiratory services, and patient education and training. n

n

n

n

n

www.childrenshha.com Plano Office: p. 469-361-2188 n f. 469-361-6887 Van Alstyne Office: p. 903-482-9020 n f. 903-482-9019 (Serving Collin, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Grayson and North Dallas Counties)

Hiring RNs and LVNs - please call or visit our website.

Get Tested, Get Treated, No Drugs If you are a parent whose child is exhibiting the following symptoms or behaviors, call our office today!

Can’t focus • Can’t sit still • Has a hard time making and keeping friends Academic & Learning Difficulties • Loud outbursts • Bed wetting Aspergers • Easily frustrated • Very emotional ADHD • Learning Disabilities • Behavior Problems • Depression Anxiety • Stress Management • Biofeedback • Relationship Issues Sports Performance Training • Woman/Family issues • Elder Care issues Individual • Group • Couples & Family Therapy

2 Convenient Locations: North Dallas Tollway @ Beltline Coming Soon to Frisco

Looking for Child Care Providers in Your Area?

Order The Child Care Source To T day a !

It’s a FREE guide that includes: • All options, fr f om in-home care to befo f re and aft f er school care • Comprehensive listings of all licensed centers • Articles and advice to help you make a decision • Easy to use, with descriptions and locations of prov o iders The Child Care Source is av a ailable f r your area and all of Te fo T xas.

www.DrBlanton.net

Call To T day a ! It’s FREE!

214-615-6352 Dr. Derrick Blanton is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Educational Testing and Bio/Neuro Feedback therapy, techniques that are clinically proven to be effective in dealing with a range of psychological issues.

Page 36

●

North Texas Kids

●

www.NorthTexasKids.com

214-ABC-CARE or visit us online at: www.TheChildCareSource.com Those requesting The Child Care Source may also receive information from providers in their area.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

( $&--&/5 ( & $)" $)"Â 4 W F O U V S F E

Â&#x201E; BN

FBTUFS B DI

TBUVSEBZ NBS

eservation Today! our R Y e Mak

Â&#x201E; Â?,OFF )JHIÂ&#x17E; #SFBLGBTU #VGGFU Â&#x201E; &BTUFS &HH )VOU Â&#x201E; &BTUFS #VOOZ $IB $IB Â&#x201E; $PMPSJOH $POUFTU Â&#x201E; 'SFF (PPEJF #BHT GPS UIF ,JET Â&#x201E; 'SFF &BTUFS #BTLFU 3BGGMF

Grapevine Mills â&#x20AC;˘ 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy.

(972) 539-5001 â&#x20AC;˘ www.rainforestcafe.com

>ch^YZ ZkZgn X]^aY VgZ i]Z bV`^c\h d[ hdbZi]^c\ heZX^Va# <^kZc i]Z g^\]i hiVgi! Vaa `^Yh XVc higZiX] id i]Z^g cVijgVa ediZci^Va# K12 and the Texas Virtual Academy@Southwest (TXVA) ignite all kinds of minds to bring learning and possibility alive.

With the K12 curriculum and the support of committed, state-certificated teachers, TXVA@Southwest gives Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth students in grades 3-8 the opportunity to learn without limits, tuition free.

K12 has become the leading curriculum provider for online schools serving kindergarten through high school, and is changing the lives of tens of thousands of students across the country this school year alone.

Learn more by visiting www.K12.com/tx or calling 866.360.0164 today.

Discover the Texas Virtual Academy@Southwest. Discover what your children have in them.

www.K12.com/tx | 866.360.0164

www.NorthTexasKids.com â&#x20AC;˘ March 2008

â&#x2014;?

Page 37

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids

For our Collin County Moms!

Youth Sports brings Families Together Register for: Baseball, Softball, and Martial Arts

Check out our Summer Camp Options!

Wish you knew when and where to sign your child up for soccer, baseball, football, basketball or another sport?

Spring

20 0 8

Pick up the newest issue of our Community Guide for Parents and check out the Youth Sports Association listings You can find a copy at all the same great places you can find the newspaper. Or search our online database at www.NorthTexasKids.com

A Com prehen sive Dir Things ectory to Do, Places for Fam to G ilies in Collin o and Peop le County

www.N

to See

orthTexa

sKids.co

m 1

www.psaplano.org

Give Your Kids the Self Confidence they Need!

FSA Martial ArtsAcademy

Check our website for sports registrations, clinics, classes and camps! www.fsafrisco.org Frisco Sports Authority 8200 Stonebrook Pkwy Suite 200, Frisco, Tx 75034 info@fsafrisco.org - www.fsafrisco.org 469.362.6405 Page 38

●

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

ID S C L B

FRISCO SPORTS AUTHORITY

SK ’ E

U

Plano, Tx 75024 For registration information call 972.208.KIDS (5437)

IK

Plano Sports Authority

Join the COOLEST Club Just for Kids!

Only $15

Join the coolest Kids Club in town and get lots of cool stuff: an Ike backpack, Ike t-shirt, Ike piggy bank, up to 5 free tickets* , a $25 voucher from Texans Credit Union** and much more! Then, be sure to come to a Tornado game this month and check out the most lovable Polar Bear around!

Call 972-335-9800 tornadohockey.com *with a paying adult **texanscu.org, “See What’s New” for details

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

Baseball Practice Should be Fun...

and Effective

by Mke Kravik People ask me what I do in winter when there is no baseball. I’ll tell you what I’d do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. -Rogers Hornsby When I was in college and it was towards the end of the month, the budget would inevitably start to get a little thin.

The phrase that provided great relief could be found at the ATM machine that instructed me to “Please Take Your Cash” instead of the dismissive “Insufficient Funds Available.” Twenty some odd years later my life has changed in many ways and the phrase “Pitchers and catchers report...” is my new favorite.

Progress and change are good things and that is reflected in the worlds of both youth baseball and softball. The baseball and softball experiences for kids in North Texas today are so much different (and better) than it was in the “good old days.”

Thirty years ago, the season began in late April, consisted of twelve games and was over before July. This was fine for some kids but for those of us that truly loved the sport it was difficult to comprehend. Didn’t everybody realize how much it rained here in April, May and June? To play baseball at a high level requires daily repetition to keep up with the timing and rhythm of the game. Falling into a four game hitting slump is tough to overcome but when that slump covers a third of your season, your psyche begins to circle the drain.

Today kids can play baseball almost year-round. Some teams get their seasons cranked up in late February, play 75-100 games and won’t hang up their cleats until Thanksgiving. There are good and bad sides of equal merit to playing that many games. Personally, I wish I would have played more games when I was younger. I wouldn’t have sweated the four game hitting slump nor worried about the weather taking a wrecking ball to my baseball season.

When I was growing up, teams were not separated at all by level of

ability which was very frustrating for players, parents and coaches. Imagine a classroom where everybody was put on the same learning curve. The brighter students get bored and the slower students lose self-esteem, begin to resent the sport and eventually quit.

Today kids have the option of playing in a league more appropriate to their level of skill. For the more advanced players, there is now the option of spring and fall select baseball while the kids who are not quite as serious about baseball can play in rec leagues and still enjoy the sport with kids of similar ability.

With perspective, I can now say that practice back in the day was a joke.

The coaches were well-meaning but they just didn’t know better. A typical practice would generally be some long drawn out affair and consist mostly of one dad either throwing batting practice or loading a machine with balls while the rest of the team either played in the dirt or yawned as they watched the grass grow. These practices weren’t fun at all and eventually made some kids think that baseball was boring.

Something that also exists today that was not prevalent in the 1970’s is the indoor training facility. Kelly Archer is a local entrepreneur who opened up a baseball / softball training facility called Extra Innings in Plano this past October.

The seeds for this venture were planted when Archer (in another job) would take business trips to Boston.

With time to kill at night, Archer would find himself drawn to an Extra Innings complex in Boston. “I spent twenty years in the corporate world but always held a passion for baseball,” says Archer. “I kept telling my wife that I was going to open up one of these places in Plano.

She finally just said either do it or shut up. She didn’t have to tell me twice.”

Most indoor training facilities have professional instructors available for private hitting and pitching lessons.

One of the instructors at Extra Innings is Harold Allen, who played college

baseball at Indiana State and also spent six years in the Houston Astros minor league system as a pitcher. Allen gives both hitting and pitching lessons at Extra Innings.

Allen achieved the goals that so many North Texas parents have for their kids. He earned a scholarship to college and played professional baseball. So how did he do it? “When I was nine years old, I told my mother I had a dream to play professional baseball.

Instead of laughing at my dream, my mom worked with me as much as she could. I also remember playing against older kids all the time. As tough as that was, it made me a better player.”

When asked about the wisdom of ten year old kids playing 75-100 games per year Allen said, “Who are we to decide if those seasons are too long?

Kids should be fine as long as they learn to stretch properly and have sound mechanics. It was luck of the draw with me. I was fortunate to be blessed with a strong arm but I was also very active and kept in good shape when I was growing up.”

Understanding the best ways to take care of young arms is a work in progress with lots of clues but very few absolutes. Kids can survive long seasons but improper throwing technique and not giving arms enough rest from pitching can lead to injury.

Probably the most common injury to a young baseball player’s arm is “Little League Elbow” which is usually the confluence of overuse and improper technique. Recovery from this injury will shut down a kid from throwing for at least two months with an extensive rehab that emphasizes strengthening the forearms and shoulders plus refining throwing technique.

Allen says there are other ways for the kids to help protect themselves from injury. You need to have a specific throwing routine. Long toss is going to help you lengthen, strengthen and ultimately protect your arm. There is a difference between throwing and

Check out the new game in Plano.

2300 Coit Road, Suite 400 (far northeast corner)

469-241-1432 www.extrainnings-plano.com

pitching and I used to throw just about every day during the baseball season.

Tubing is another good way to help strengthen and stretch your arm but the kids who use tubing need to be supervised by somebody who knows what they are doing.”

One of the main reasons kids get burned out on baseball is because of mind-numbingly boring practices.

Allen concurs, “Practices should be high tempo and run at game speed.

Having nine and ten year olds practice for three hours is not going to get you anywhere or make you a better player.

What it will do is make you dislike the game.”

Count me as one of those skeptics who believes that the “good old days” really weren’t all that. Disagree?

Imagine what it was like to have surgery before the invention of anesthesia if you pine for the way things used to be.

Baseball and softball for kids in North Texas could be better but those sports no longer drag their knuckles on the ground and The Great Game is so much better than it used to be in the “good old days.”

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

●

Page 39

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids

Frisco Thunder Intense Football League Kicks off 2008 Season

by Mike Kravik

The beginning of March traditionally means longer days, warmer temperatures and the chance to spend more time outdoors. As winter disappears, mittens are put away and sweatshirts replace heavy jackets. The grass turns green, trees start to bud and visions of spring break are dancing in the heads of children and teachers alike.

The beginning of March means something very different in Frisco, Texas. On March 1, the Frisco Thunder of the Intense Football League (IFL) will kick-off their fourteen game regular season at the Deja Blue Arena at the Frisco Dr.Pepper StarCenter against the San Angelo Express.

The Frisco Thunder is an indoor football team in their second year of existence and are owned by former NFL player Jake Reed and his wife Vinita. Reed played at Grambling State for Eddie Robinson and had a 13 year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. In their first year the Thunder went 8-6 and earned a first round playoff berth. In 2008, the Thunder will play teams from all over Texas and Louisiana and will also play two different teams from Alaska.

Page 40

●

North Texas Kids

•

Reed took ownership of the Thunder h a l f w a y through the 2007 season and has put his own special stamp of excellence on what has turned into a very popular product. Reed has high ambitions for the Thunder and wants his team to become a pillar within the community and another entertainment option for families.

While the IFL is considered to be a minor league indoor football team, the Thunder is operated much like any other professional franchise, complete with their own website ,(www.friscothunderifl.com) team merchandise and dancers.

Troy Esprit (pronounced “Spree”) is the first year head coach of the Thunder and hopes that his team becomes a high-scoring ball control machine on offense and a gambling hard-hitting team on defense. Esprit says, “In regular football, you cannot afford to gamble all the time and make a mistake that leads to a score.

In the IFL, the offense scores most of the time so it is not that big of a deal if you gamble and get burned.”

Esprit is a Beaumont, Texas native and also played college

www.NorthTexasKids.com

football for Eddie Robinson at Grambling State. Esprit played for several coaches in his life and plans to take the best qualities from each. When asked to describe Eddie Robinson’s greatest quality as a coach, Esprit speaks with reverence.

“He really wasn’t a drill sergeant coach. His secret to success was that his players completely trusted him.

If he said something was going to happen, believe me, it happened.”

There are fundamental differences in the IFL from conventional football. There are eight men on each side of the ball and the fields are 50 yards long and 28 yards wide. There is no punting in the IFL because of the size of the field. When teams get to fourth down, field goals are attempted through goal posts half the width of a conventional goal post. Onside kicks are very common as well because possessions of the ball are valued more than field position.

While this type of football still features the 300 lbs. jumbo linemen and speedy Wes Welker clones at wide receiver, quarterbacks in the IFL aren’t required to have big arms

yet they must be able to make quick decisions and throw unorthodox touch passes off their back foot.

Running backs in the IFL are prized more for their ability to protect the quarterback with their blocking than carrying the football. “If a running back in our league gets 30-40 yards rushing in one of our games, it is the equivalent to 150 yards in the NFL,” says Esprit.

Esprit is excited at some of the additions the Thunder have made for the 2008 season. This past offseason the Thunder acquired Wes Cooper, who quarterbacked the Corpus Christi Hammerheads to the last two IFL Championship games. Cooper is a teacher at Kaufman High School and is quoted on the Thunder website as saying, “I’m fired up. Coming to Frisco is a perfect fit. My family can come to see me play and I can be involved off the field as well as on the field.”

Another new Thunder acquisition was former Kimball High School and TCU running back Ricky Madison, whose college career was cut short by a knee injury. Esprit loves the versatility that Madison provides the Thunder. “This league is all about opportunity and I’m excited to see how we can use Ricky’s athleticism in our line-up this season.

Indoor football is different than conventional football on so many levels. The most basic difference is that IFL players play for the love of the game. All the players have day jobs within the community and then go to football practice in the evenings. “The pay is low and we travel to our games by bus. There is no room for prima donnas in our league. The players that survive in our league are mentally tough and love to play smash-mouth football,” smiles Esprit.

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

NTK Calendar of Events Looking for Something to Do in Your Own Backyard or Around the Metroplex? You Will Find it Here!

Saturday y March 1 Dallas North Texas Irish Festival - Fair Park. The Festival features some of the finest in Irish and Scottish entertainment, including world famous musicians, award winning dancers, enchanting storytellers and educational workshops. Friday, Feb 29 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Saturday, March 1 10:30 am - 11:30 pm Sunday, March 2 11:30 am - 8:30 pm www.ntif.org Flower Mound YMCA Healthy Kids Day - 10:00 AM: FREE to the community! Come out and join the fun with First Choice ER and many more for a day of child-friendly games, activities including prizes and much more. The Greater Lewisville YMCA is located at 2021 Cross Timbers Rd. Flower Mound Frisco 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. 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month. All Q&As are at no charge and will be held on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing, near the Healthy Hometown Play Area. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com Plano SPCA Pet Adoption Booth - 12:00 PM: While shopping for a new Easter bonnet, stop by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Pet Adoption Booth at a nearby shopping center owned by General Growth Properties (GGP), and try on a new pet for size.

Collin Creek Mall. Lower level, Dillard’s wing near the children’s soft play area.

Dallas SPCA Grief Counseling Group - 1:00 PM: The SPCA of Texas Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca.org (214) 742-SPCA Lewisville Dr. Seuss Read-A-Thon - 1:00 PM: One fish.

Two fish. Red fish. Blue fish. Vista Ridge Mall.

Elementary school students are invited to come to a free book-reading session, sponsored by the National Read Across American program.

The reading sessions will be held on the lower level, near Dillard’s. There is no charge.

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 Garland The Velveteen Rabbit - 2:00 PM: Mar. 1 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Mar. 2 at 2 pm Granville Arts Center Main Auditorium. Timothy Lion, Train Engine, Skin Horse, Model Boat and Velveteen Rabbit all spring to life. Tickets are available at

the Granville Arts Center Box Office or by calling 972-205-2790. www.garlandcivictheatre.org

more information contact Tina Teutsch at 214513-2838 or visit www.divineconsign.net

on March 5th at 3.30pm - 4.15pm. FREE. www. musictogetherdallas.com

Flower Mound & Highland Village Excite! Friday & Saturday Nights Out - Sat Mar 1 2008 6:00 PM: Open gym play, inflatables, trampoline, foam pit, games, and pizza dinner.

Ages 3 - 11.Fridays at Excite! Flower Mound 972.874.9663 for reservations. Saturdays at Excite! Highland VIllage 972.874.8500 for reservations. $18 Excite! members / $20 nonmember. www.excitegymandcheer.com

Carrollton Teen Tech Week - FREE! Tune in @ your library during Teen Tech Week March 2-8. Stop by the library to learn more. www.cityofcarrollton.com

Dallas Hand in Hand - 10:00 AM: A children’s program that takes place each Wednesday morning from 10-11:30 am during the school year.

Preschoolers and their adult companions can explore, imagine and discover together - hear a story, get your wiggles out to music, create theme-related crafts and enjoy fun activities. www.natureandscience.org

Irving Multicultural Children’s Event - Sat 7:00 PM: Carpenter Performance Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur BLVD, Irving. Program features several multicultural dances presented by groups from around Irving. The program is presented by children, for children to foster an understanding of the world’s cultures. $6, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) for tickets. www.irvingartscenter.com Highland Village “The Odd Couple” - 7:30 PM: Studio B Performing Arts Center. Performances are scheduled for March 1 and 2. Times are 7:30 for all Friday and Saturday performances and 2:30 for Sunday performances. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors & students and $10 for kids 10 and under. Studio B is located at 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village, right behind Celebrations. You can also reserve seats by calling 972-966-2787, or emailing studiobtheater@aol.com www.studiobtheater.info Richardson Prenatal Yoga 9:30-10:45 am or 11-12:15pm March 1 - April 19th Saturdays. Peppermint Baby Boutique announces its spring schedule of classes which include Prenatal Yoga, “Mommy and Baby” postnatal yoga. Students should bring their own mat, other props provided. Located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080 Richardson Masterworks for Strings and Piano - 8:00 PM: Richardson Symphony Orchestra featuring the Winner of the 2008 Lennox International Young Artists Competition. Hill Performance Hall. Tickets: $10-$80 Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 Web Site: www.richardsonsymphony.org

Sunday y March 2 Plano Divine Consignment Sale - Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway. Divine Consign Children’s, Juniors and Maternity Consignment Sale is the Metroplex’s favorite twice yearly sale specializing in the highest quality ‘gently’ worn clothing, toys, books, games, DVDs, baby equipment and children’s furniture. The 3-day sale runs March 2 - 4: Sunday, March 2 11am 7pm, Monday, March 3 9am - 3pm; Half-price Sale from 6pm - 9pm, Tuesday, March 4 8am - 12pm; Half-price Sale. Admission: FREE. For

McKinney Bull Mania 2008 - 9:00 AM: The Bull Stops Here and YMCA McKinney present Bull Mania 2008. Gates open @ 9 a.m. First event @ 10 a.m. Chili Cook Off Church Service @ 1 p.m. This event will be held @ Myers Park and Event Center (380 & Lake Forest.

A bull riding event to raise funds for the 2008 YMCA McKinney Camp Scholarship Program Tickets can be purchased at Mckinney Dodge Dealership & YMCA McKinney. For more information on how to participate or sponsor, contact Jason and Belinda Phillips at 214-4919408 Plano FAMILY SYMPHONY SUNDAYS - 3:00 PM: Plano Symphony Orchestra www.planosymphony.org The Courtyard Theatre 1501 Avenue H, Plano$7-$11. Add $2 at the door for all performances.

Monday y March 3 Dallas Official Grand Opening Celebration - Mon 10:00 AM: Museum of Nature and Science Official Grand Opening Celebration. Be there as we flip the switch! Come and explore the new galleries, participate in fun activities and enjoy cookies and milk! www.natureandscience.org/

Tuesday y March 4 Dallas Leonardo’s Workshop - 2:00 PM: Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2-4 pm a museum educator will be on hand to assist you in the Children’s Museum galleries. You can explore your creativeness or build science readiness through fun innovative activities. www.natureandscience.org Plano Ronald Macdonald Visit - 6:00 PM McDonald’s #147774005 W. Parker Rd. @ Coit Plano 6-7pm Flower Mound Drill Team Prep Workshops at The Dance Space - 7:30 PM: Workshop for anyone wishing to try out for high school drill team. Workshops are offered every Tuesday evening from 7:30-8:30 p.m. through April 1st. The workshop is $15 per class and drop ins are welcome. The Dance Space is located at 1681 Justin Road Suite 300, in the office building located in front of Cloud Nine Salon. The sign is not up yet, but classes are in full swing. 972-539-8555 www.thedancespace.org

Wednesday y March 5 Dallas / Plano Free Music Together community Event - 2008 3:30 AM: Community Music Together class for age 0 - 7 years old. Renner Frankford Library

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 Plano “Everyone Else is Doing It” - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, 75093, Sponsored jointly by the Daffron and Hightower Elementary PTA’s. No registration required, Free to anyone in community.

Practical Parent office #469.752.2270 www. practicalparent.org Grapevine Rainforest Cafe Family Nights - 5:00 PM: every Wednesday night. Enjoy a WILD night of family fun in the jungle! Family Night includes activities like face painting and balloon animals.

Receive discounts on Kid’s meals and hand out with Cha! Cha!, our very own red-eyes tree frog. It’s an adventure for the whole family! www.rainforestcafe.com 972-539-5001 Grapevine Rainforest Cafe is hosting the First monthly Storytime at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. The Feature book will be a Dr. Seuss book titled “If I Ran the Rain Forest”. Special Appearance by Cha Cha. Families can join the RainForest Cafe for Wednesday Kids Eat for $1.99 night. Visit www.rainforestcafe.com for more information or call 972-539-5001.

Richardson Helping Children to Develop Positive Attitudes - 7:00 PM -8:30 PM, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Room M108 first floor, 3901 Northstar Rd, Richardson, 75082, child care available for ages birth through 8th grade.

No registration required, Free to anyone in community. Practical Parent office #469.752.2270 www.practicalparent.org Richardson Baby Sign Language Wed 10:30 am (8 wk session) or Thurs 7:00 p.m. (8 wk session).

Peppermint Baby Boutique announces its spring schedule of classes which include Prenatal Yoga, “Mommy and Baby” postnatal yoga and Baby Sign Language. earning to sign with your baby is giving your baby the gift to communicate. Baby sign language eases your child’s frustration, builds their self confidence, increases I.Q., language skills and the ability to pay attention, fosters a love of books and more sophisticated play and strengthens the family bond. Located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

●

Page 41

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids

PROFESSIONAL JANITORIAL SERVICES

✬

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FREE ESTIMATES

Mention this ad for a 1st time discount on any of our services.

Look on our website for more great coupons for residential and commercial services. www.alljanitorial.net

Let us give you the GIFT of time.

Residential,, Commercial,, Industrial & Construction Cleanup p * Insured & Bonded * Private Residences * Apartments & Condos * Office Cleaning - Large or Small * Nursing Homes

* Restaurants * Schools * Malls * Churches

* Any Type of Construction Cleanup * Floor Stripping, Waxing, and Carpet Cleaning * Day Porter Services * Construction Laborers

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. WE DO IT ALL. JUST ONE CALL AWAY!

972-516-9550 900 Ave. K, Ste. 150, Plano, TX 75074 Member: BBB, Plano Frisco & Dallas Chambers of Commerce

References Provided Upon Request Page 42

●

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Minority/Women Owned Business

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080

Thursday y March 6 Allen Li’l Lambs Consignment Sale - 4:00 pm Thursday Ends at: 1:00 pm Saturday. 13th Biannual Consignment sale featuring seasonal infant and children’s clothing and accessories, maternity clothing / accessories, toys, nursery items and children’s furniture. All proceeds donated to local community based outreach. First Presbyterian Church of Allen 605 S Greenville Ave.Allen , TX. On Greenville Avenue between Bethany & Main Street intersections. www.fpcallen.org/ 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: 469361-6468. URL: www.wyliemomsandmore.org Irving JumpstART - Stories & ART - 10:00 AM: 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving. Box Office: (972)252.ARTS. FREE family story time with a hands-on art activity to follow. Contact Jennifer to pre-register at (972) 252-7558 x1226.

Plano Ronald Macdonald Visit - 6:00 PM: McDonald’s #213182205 W. McDermott @ Custer Plano 6-7pm Plano Younger Generation Chorus Performance - 6:00 PM: Join us in celebrating the opening of “Wendy’s Wing” at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center. The chorus will be singing at 6:00 pm. Younger Generation Chorus of Plano is a non-profit, premier children’s chorus with members ranging from 4th through 8th grade representing Collin County. Free. www. youngergeneration.org

Friday y March 7 Argyle Argyle Bluegrass Festival - www.argylebluegrassfestival.com info@argylebluegrassfestival. com 888/557-6499 Carrollton McCoy Round-Up Carnival - 5:00 PM: McCoy Elementary PTA will be hosting our annual McCoy Round-Up Carnival. McCoy Elementary School, 2425 McCoy Road, Carrollton. There will be food, games, bounce houses, prizes, silent auction and mostly family fun for everyone! This event is free to get in the door. Tickets for food, games and bounce houses can be purchased at the door for 4 for a $1.00. For more information go to cfbstaff. cfbisd.edu/mccoy/ Plano University of Gymnastics Kid’s Night Out! 7:00 PM: University of Gymnastics is hosting a Kid’s Night Out! Visit www.universityofgymnastics.com or call 972-423-5709 for more information and registration.1400 Summit Ave, Ste D 75074

Saturday y March 8 Mesquite “The ABC’s of Learning Differences” Workshop - Dallas Association for Parent Education presents a workshop you don’t want to miss. Do you have questions about the confusing world

of learning differences? Learn about what these diagnoses mean to parents, children, & the classroom. $25 per person or $35 per family (no children please.) To register or for more info call D.A.P.E. at 972-699-0420. www.dallasparents.org Lewisville 21st Annual Funny Bunny Festival -8:30 AM: Carnival includes games, face painting, the ever-popular cupcake walk, and lots of fun!

Egg Hunt Times: Ages 0-3 8:45 a.m. 9:05 a.m.

9:25 a.m. (held inside Recreation Center in groups of 50) Ages 4-5 9:45 a.m. Ages 6-7 10 a.m. Ages 8-10 10:15 a.m. Memorial Park Recreation Center, 1950B S. Valley Parkway, Lewisville. 972-219-5061 www.cityoflewisville.com Richardson Richardson High School 5K - 9:00 AM: Richardson High School, 1250 W. Beltline Rd, Richardson, TX 972-231-8260 https:// secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information. php?event_id=1285 Frisco 16th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza - 9:00 AM: Egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. Pizza Hut Park soccer fields 9 - 14. Ages: 12 and under. Free.

Hippity-hop over to Pizza Hut Park for the biggest egg hunt in Frisco’s history. The Easter Bunny will leave more eggs than ever before -- more than 45,000.

Plano Easter Eggstravaganza - 9:30 AM: Easter Eggstravaganza at Young Chefs Academy Plano 4021 Preston Rd, Ste 624 75093 Cost is $20. please register at 972-473-9090 kindercooks@yahoo.com Flower Mound Otaku Kyokai No Flower Mound (Teen Anime Club) - 1:00 PM: (Monthly at 1pm on the second Saturday). Flower Mound Public Library McKinney Second Saturdays - 7:00 PM: “Second Saturdays” is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food where featured artists debut their latest creations. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. For further information call 972.547.2660 or visit www. downtownmckinney.com

Sunday y March 9 Plano FAMILY SYMPHONY SUNDAYS - 3:00 PM: Plano Symphony Orchestra www.planosymphony.org The Courtyard Theatre 1501 Avenue H, Plano. $7-$11. Add $2 at the door for all performances.

Tuesday y March 11 Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano - Tue 9:30 AM: March - DALLAS MORNING NEWS COLUMNIST, STEVE BLOW. Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. (West of Preston Road on the SE Corner of Tennyson & Democracy) www.newcomerfriends.org Frisco Grandparents Raising Children - 7:30 PM: Support group for Grandparents (and other family members) raising children. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday on each month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at 2591 North Dallas Parkway in Frisco. Please call 469-449-9800

Great seats still available!

Wed. MAR. 26 ★ 7:30 PM OPENING NIGHT - TICKETS $15!

(Excludes Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts.)

Offer courtesy of

To buy tickets go to www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com, Retail Locations including Fiesta and Macy’s, Arena Box Offices or call (214) 373-8000 Dallas or (972) 647-5700 Metro For group sales information call (214) 665-4269

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

●

Page 43

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids or visit us at www.grandparentsraisingchildren. com for more information and to R.S.V.P. www. grandparentsraisingchildren.com

Wednesday y March 12 March MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) - 9:30 AM: Join us at Vista Ridge UMC (2901 Denton Tap Rd) March 12th from 9:30-11:30am for MOPS! Mothers of Preschoolers (ages birth to entering kindergarten) Childcare is provided with RSVP. www.vrumc.org/others/mops.php Richardson Helping Creating Family Memories: Traditions, Rituals, and Routines - 7:00-8:30 PM, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Room M108 first floor, 3901 Northstar Rd, Richardson, 75082, child care available for ages birth through 8th grade. No registration required, Free to anyone in community. Practical Parent office #469.752.2270 www.practicalparent.org Plano YIKES! WHAT IS THAT? (3YRS & UP) 7:00 PM: Join the Creature Teacher in this fun, educational and interactive ‘scales and tails’ show. Hope no one ‘croaks’ when they see all the exotic reptiles we will share with you from around the globe. At least eight creatures will be featured. Everyone three and up must register for this program. www.planoparks.org

Thursday y March 13 The Colony Egg Hunt and Spring Festival -6:30 PM: The Colony Five Star Complex Egg Hunt and Spring Festival. Age Groups: 0 - 3 (with 1 parent), 4 - 5, 6 - 7, 8 - 10 and Special Needs.

Tickets $3/child in advance, or $5/child day of event. Tickets on sale starting 3/3 at The Colony Recreation Center 5151 North Colony Blvd.

Friday y March 14 Rowlett Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - 9:0010:00am. Ages 2-6 years. Create Easter memories by sharing breakfast with the Easter Bunny! Bring an Easter basket to decorate and make beautiful for the Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 15. Pre-registration is required! Fee is $10 per child.

Carrollton “Luck of the Irish” Kids’ Night Out - 6:00 PM: “Luck of the Irish” Kids’ Night Out at Young Chefs Academy 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy, Ste 100 972-395-9900 www.youngchefsacademy.com/ carrollton for more information and registration Plano St. Patrick’s Day Celebration - 6:30 PM: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Young Chefs Academy Plano 4021 Preston Rd, Ste 624 75093 Please register at 972-473-9090 kindercooks@yahoo.com Cost:$25

Saturday y March 15 Plano Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - 9 AM- 11 AM - Plano Centre. Admission Fee: $25 per person. Register On-line (johgriefsupport.org/ bunny.htm) or call 972-964-1600 for more information! Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will include: * Delicious Buffet Breakfast * Fun Crafts for Kids * Goodie Bags * Silent Auction * Photos with LIVE bunnies * Kids Entertainment * Fabulous Raffle Items** An Appearance by the Easter Bunny! Net Proceeds of this event benefit theJourney of Hope Grief Support Center Journey of Hope

Page 44

●

North Texas Kids

•

Frisco FLOWER POWER FESTIVAL - A FAMILY SPRING CELEBRATION - 10:00 AM: FRISCO SQUARE. Fashion Show, Custom Cars, juried International Fine Art Exhibit, arts & crafts and more! Enter contest for cash prizes for the Best decorated Hat, Best decorated Umbrella, Best decorated Stroller, Best dressed Pet. Enter the contest before March 8th and parade around the City Hall Plaza March 15th.

For registration or to buy $12 tickets for the fashion show e-mail president@VAGF.org Grapevine Mills Mall Rainforest Cafe is hosting Cha Cha’s EggCellent Easter Adventure from 8 - 10 am.

Special appearance by Cha Cha for the “kneehigh” breakfast buffet, easter egg hunt and coloring contest. Each child will receive a Free Goodie bag and entry into the Easter Basket Raffle. Make your reservation today! 972539-5001 or visit www.rainforestcafe.com See ad in this issue for more information.

Rowlett Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt - 10:00 AM: Pecan Grove Park. Ages 2 - 10. Grab your Easter basket and hippity-hop on over to hunt for 20,000 candy-filled Easter eggs! Mark your calendars now for this eggstaordinary free event!

Enjoy face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, music, visiting with the Easter Bunny and much more! The Egg Hunt will be divided into the following categories; Babies to 3 years, 4 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years and Angel Kids (children with special needs).

Frisco SPCA Pet Adoption Booth - 12:00 PM: SPCA Pet Adoption Booth at area GGP shopping centers Saturdays in March. Stonebriar Centre on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing; and Richardson Multi-Media Salute to Young Artists - 8:15 PM: Plano Symphony Orchestra. Be simply amazed by the Grand Prize Winners of the Collin County Young Artist competition in their prize-winning concerto performances.

Hill Performance Hall. Single Tickets: $9-$70; season subscriptions are available. Call the Symphony Box Office at 972-473-7262 to purchase.Web Site: www.planosymphony.org

Sunday y March 16 Frisco Family Day Celebration with the Frisco Thunder and North Texas Kids - 5:00 PM: Family Day Celebration with the Frisco Thunder and North Texas Kids. Come help us celebrate Families at the Frisco Thunder home game against the Alaska Wild. Half time show will include a special event with the North Texas Kids. For Tickets visit www.friscothunderifl.com or www.northtexaskids.com for more information about the Family half time show

Monday y March 17 Frisco Webfriendz Spring Workshops - Win a free Webkinz at our Webfriendz Workshop. Make a stop animated movie with your webkinz, register your new friend online and play, make fun crafts, and play Webkinz themed games to earn kinz cash. Find out more on our website. www. einsteinkidz.com Plano Spring Break Camp at Young Chefs Academy - 9:00 AM: Plano 4021 Preston Rd, Ste 624 75093 Please register at 972-473-9090 kindercooks@yahoo.com Cost:$135

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Tuesday y March 18 Carrollton Spring Break Camp ‘Survivor Theme’ - at Young Chefs Academy. 9:30 - 12:30 pm. Come enjoy cooking in our kitchens during your Spring Break. Call for your reservation today: 972-395-9900 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy, Ste 100 www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton Plano North Texas Kids and Bounce U invite you to Play-n-Learn - 9:30 AM: Topic: Summer Success. Strategies: Create the perfect summer for your kids without going crazy or broke.

Speaker: Brenda Bonin - an advocate and resource for busy parents. She is the author of numerous articles on work/life issues, career success, and an upcoming book on summer success strategies. Bounce U, indoor inflatable playground, 2532 Summit Ave. Plano, TX 75074 www.bounceu.com Cost: $6.95 per child for open bounce (regularly $8.95), free for Mom, goodie bags for families included.

For more information or to reserve your space, please contact North Texas Kids at 972-5169070 or info@northtexaskids.com Carrollton “Survival” Spring Break Camp - 9:30 AM: at Young Chefs Academy 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy, Ste 100 972-395-9900 www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton for more information and registration

Thursday y March 20 Garland Egg Hunt - 6:00 PM: Hunt for colorful candy and toy filled eggs. Snack on cookies and punch and load up on recreation activity information. Contact Granger Recreation Center, (972) 205-2771, or grc@ci.garland.tx.us Ages: 0 - 10 years. Central Park, 1310 West Avenue F, Garland www.garlandparks.com

Friday y March 21 McKinney McKinney Has Talent! - 9:00 AM: The McKinney Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for their second annual talent contest, ‘McKinney Has Talent.’ Return application forms, and the $10 registration fee to: MRT, 111 N. Tennessee, Suite 305A, McKinney.

Application forms are available online at mckinneyrep.org and at MPAC. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday y March 22 Plano Son Rise Run - 8:00 AM: 5K/1M Cross Bend Christian Church, 901 Cross Bend Road Plano, TX 75023 972-424-0814 crossbend.org/230699. ihtml Richardson Easter Eggstravaganza - 10:00 AM: Richardson Church of the Nazarene is having there Annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Pony rides, a petting zoo, games, jump houses, puppet shows, and of course, an Easter egg hunt. 10:00 am-1:00 pm at Richardson Church of the Nazarene. All events are free.

Monday y March 24 Carrollton “Bake Sale” Camp - 9:30 AM: at Young Chefs Academy 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy, Ste 100 972395-9900 www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton for more information and registration

Wednesday y March 26 Dallas Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour

- 7:30 PM: The hottest phenomenon is now on ice! American Airlines Center, March 26 - 30. www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com Performances: Wednesday, March 26 7:30pm, Thursday, March 27 7:30pm, Friday, March 28 7:30pm, Saturday, March 29 11:30am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm, Sunday, March 30 1:30pm and 5:30pm

Friday y March 28 Plano Heart of TX Arts and Crafts Show - Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway. Handcrafted art items, numerous crafts, antiques, collectibles and home decor. Friday, March 28 3pm - 8pm, Saturday, March 29 9am - 5pm, Sunday, March 30 11am - 4pm. Admission: $4/adults; free for children 12 and under (admission fee is good for the entire weekend). Contact Earline Walters at 903-217-8081 or visit www.heartoftexasshow.com Coppell Texas Dreams Gymnastics 9/10 meet Everybody Fits is hosting the Texas Dreams Gymnastics 9/10 meet. Bring your family and experience gymnastic competition at it’s best!

200 Fitness Court 75019 Call 972-471-2345 for more information or visit www.everybody-fits. com Dallas Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show - 10:00 AM: 20th Annual ‘Beyond the Rainbow’ Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Landmark Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel (300 Reunion Boulevard Dallas, TX 75207). 214-442-1691 www.childrenscancerfund.net Dallas Day Out with Thomas - 10:00 AM: Thomas the Tank Engine, the classic storybook character, chugs into the Grapevine Vintage Railroad in historic downtown Grapevine, Texas for two weekends of unparalleled family fun! March 28-30 & April 4-6, 2008. Tickets are $18 for adults & children ages 2 and up. Tickets are available by logging onto www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com or calling Ticketweb at 1-866468-7630. Tickets are on sale now! Museum of the American Railroad, Dallas

Saturday y March 29 Coppell Texas Dreams Gymnastics Flip ‘N Fun - Visit www.everybody-fits.com for more information or call 972-471-2345. Everybody Fits 200 Fitness Court 75019 Dallas March for Respect. Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2008, in the Dallas West End to show your respect for citizens with developmental disabilities. Featuring a rally, activities and games—it’s an incredibly uplifting way to start off the day!

Registration is free. Activities begin at 9am. www.marchforrespect.org McKinney Sweet Repeats Kids Consignment Sale - 7:00 AM: The MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Groups at Trinity Presbyterian Church (5871 Virginia Parkway, McKinney) and 1st Baptist Church McKinney will be hosting Sweet Repeats Kid’s Consignment Sale. 7am-12pm **Cash only.** www.sweetrepeatsmckinney. org info@sweetrepeatsmckinney.org Addison Walk MS: NexBank Walk and Run - 8:00 AM: 5K run/ 5K walk Addison Circle Park, Addison,

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids TX walktxh.nationalmssociety.org Dallas North Dallas Mothers of Twins Club SemiAnnual Sale - 8:30 AM: $1 admission.

Arapaho/75 (SW corner). email therapy4kidz@ tx.rr.com McKinney Open House and Celebration for families 10:00 AM: Adventure Kids Playcare, O’Reilly’s McDonalds, and North Texas Kids will be hosting a Open House and Celebration for families.

Bring your families to Adventure Kids and celebrate the new location open in McKinney.

Prizes, drawings, snacks, and tours available from 10-2 at Adventure Kids. McDonalds will be hosting Open House tours from 2 - 3pm with all participating children receiving Free ice cream cones. Call Adventure Kids 214-4914088 for questions or visit www.northtexaskids. com for calendar information.

Frisco Seventeen magazine Rock the Runway - 1:00 PM: Teens and parents are invited to Stonebriar Centre for an afternoon of fashion and fun when Seventeen magazine presents Rock the Runway. Lower level in the Dillard’s wing, near Sears and the Wild West Play area. Time is to be announced. www.shopstonebriar.com

Sunday y March 30 Dallas 51sth Beal Bank Regional Science Fair - 9:00 AM: The 51st Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair will take place March 29-30, in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. www.DallasScienceFair.org 214-7682495. Sunday: Science Fair open to the public, noon - 4 p.m., Fair Park. Free admission.

Exhibits MAY NOT be removed before 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Plano FAMILY SYMPHONY SUNDAYS - 3:00 PM: Plano Symphony Orchestra www.planosymphony.org The Courtyard Theatre 1501 Avenue H, Plano $7-$11. Add $2 at the door for all performances.

Ongoing Fun Classes & Activities Carrollton.

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

Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Saturdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy ) 972-9348866 for more information.

Dallas.

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

Storytime Saturday at the Galleria. Storytelling, Comedy, Sing-a-longs - in the Children’s Play Place every Saturday 11am-noon. http://www. galleriadallas.com/ Frisco.

Moms Eat Free & Jersey Night. GattiTown.

Mondays are Moms Eat Free (with the purchase of a kid’s buffet). Tuesday Nights are Jersey Nights (3pm-close). Kids, wear your practice or game jersey and receive a FREE $5.00 game card and a $5.00 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods (with the purchase of a buffet). http://www.gattitownfrisco.com Frisco.

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 214-6186800 to schedule your tour of the ER. It is a fun and educational experience. Tours available at 10am any weekday. If your group or class cannot come to the ER, First Choice will bring the Teddy Bear visits the ER program to your school or group.

Frisco.

Wiggly Play Center weekdays 3:00pm 5:00pm. Arts & Crafts Mondays, Storybook Tuesdays, Monster Mash Wednesdays, Dancing with Dorothy Thursdays, Wiggle with Wags Fridays. 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco (469) 633-0676 http://www.wigglyplaycenter. com 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 http://www.studiobtheater.info 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. “Seafaring Tales” is the July theme.

Call (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info.

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. Galleria d’Arte is on the corner of Kentucky and Louisiana at 100 E Louisiana St. Art Institute of McKinney is at 113 S Kentucky Street. http:// www.artinstituteofmckinney.com http://www. carriegarner.com 972-548-7830 7 PM - 10 PM McKinney.

McKinney Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday 8AM - 1PM. Downtown McKinney at the southeast corner of Church Street & Louisiana Street. Locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, local honey, farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and pork from grass-fed animals, a natural soap and lotion-maker and chair massages. For information on becoming a vendor call 214850-0886 Plano.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Bounce U is hosting playdates for Preschoolers from 9:30 am - 11:30 am And Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00. These are opportunities for kids and adults to socialize and play with others in their peer group. Ages 7 and under only please. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Bounce U 972-422-3344 2532 Summit Ave., Suite #501, Plano grapevine.tx@ bounceu.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 10:45-12:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Worship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. (Call for directions 469.450.7437) http:// www.groovekids.com Various.

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. http://www.drpepperstarcenter.com (214) GO SKATE Various.

Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. This is a fun and exciting meetup group for couples and families to fullfill all of their social needs!

We have family nights, couple only nights, playdates for kids of all ages, mom’s night/day out, and of course daddy days! If your looking for the perfect meetup group to make new friends for yourself or for your family this is the place to be! http://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 http://www.baylorhealth.edu/

Support Groups Allen.

MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN - Are you a SAHM? Need some support, come join this welcoming group and get acquainted with great MOMS! We offer Playgroups, MNO’s, Monthly meetings and load of activities for you and your child. www.allenmoms.com Allen.

MOMS Club of Allen-West. Monthly meeting at 10 am on the last Friday of the month. Call 972-396-7406 or email momsclub_allenwest@yahoo.com.

Allen.

Allen Early Childhood PTA. Meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30am to 11am during the school year at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville Ave. http:// www.aecpta.com information@aecpta.com Allen.

La Leche League of Allen. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive.

Contact Deena at 972-727-4213 or Jennifer at LLLofAllen@gmail.com http://www.lllusa.org/ web/AllenTX.html.

Allen.

We are the MOMS Offering Moms Support Northeast Allen MOMS Club - Christy Youens at 469-675-6652 email momscluballenne@ yahoo.com..

Carrollton.

The Carrollton Early Childhood PTA is an organization dedicated to providing activi-

ties, support, friendships and education for parents of children age newborn through preschool. Possibly the biggest reason for becoming involved is to meet, socialize and network with other parents in the Carrollton area. For more information about the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA please visit our website http:// www.cecpta.org.

Collin County.

The Collin County Moms Meetup group is a fun, down-to-earth group of moms dedicated to friendship and support. As the most active moms group in North Texas, we offer daily playdates, field trips, supper get-togethers, Mom’s Nights Out and family events too!

Whether you work outside the home or stay at home with your kids, there’s something for you. http://moms.meetup.com/994/ Dallas/Plano/Frisco.

Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA (FNDECPTA) is dedicated to facilitating an educational and supportive network of parents of infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children. We are the only early childhood PTA (for families with children under age 6) in Plano ISD. The organization is open to new members year-round and sponsors organized playgroups, mom’s night out, children’s activities, Bunko, holiday parties, special guest speakers and more. We meet in Room 133 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd. at Plano Parkway, and offer free childcare. www.fndecpta.txpta.org Dallas.

Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter boundaries are I-30 to the south, I-635 to the north (exception: Addison), Marsh Lane to the east, and Garland Road to the west. email info@momsclubofdallas.org Frisco.

Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is a low-cost health clinic for uninsured children, 18 and younger, living in or attending school in Frisco, Celina or Prosper. The primary focus of Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is to provide acute health care for uninsured children. The Clinic is held at Primera Bautista Iglesia each Wednesday (September - April) located at 8581 5th Street, in Frisco (corner of 5th and Ash).

Appointment cards available at 5 PM. The doctor sees patients beginning at 6 PM. Cost per child is $5 to see the doctor. Medications are available at no cost. Proof of residency (utility bill) or proof of school enrollment (report card) is required.www.friscocares.org Frisco.

Frisco Early Childhood PTA. Meet at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, 2nd friday of the month @ 10am. http://www.friscoecpta.org membership@friscoecpta.org Frisco.

The Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems Inc. at 2611 Internet Pkwy, suite 107, Frisco. Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program for families with children, birth to 3, with disabilities and developmental delays. Call 972-377-7289.

Frisco.

MOMS Club Frisco, West-Central Chapter. Call 214-356-3312 or visit our local http://www. momscluboffrisco.org Garland.

Garland Area Early Childhood PTA. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month,

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

●

Page 45

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids September through May, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at NorthLake Baptist Church, 1501 N. Country Club, Garland. 972-412-8540. http://www.earlychildhoodpta.com.

9:30 AM, at the Atonement Lutheran Church on Legacy just west of Coit. For more information contact 214-473-4144 momsclubnc@yahoo. com

McKinney.

La Leche League of McKinney. Meetings are held 3rd Thursdays at 5871 W Virginia Pkwy, 10:15am to 12pm. Dee Dee 972-838-9135, Holly 214-385-0063 or Ricki 214-684-3966. http://www.lllusa.org/web/McKinneyTX.html or LLLI at http://www.lalecheleague.org.

Plano.

MOMS Club of Plano-North. Monthly Social Meeting is the first Wednesday of every month, at 10:00am, at the Baha’i Faith Plano Center at 4200 Hedgcoxe (just West of Coit Rd). For more information contact membership@momsclubplanonorth or 972-464-1958 http://www. momslubplanonorth.com

McKinney.

MOMS Club of McKinney East. Contact Becky Garrett, 972-548-8236, bogarrett@tx.rr.com McKinney.

Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday every month from 7-8 pm at Academics Plus, 1831 W. Louisiana, McKinney, Tx. Contact us at 972-548-8788 \www.academicsplus.com for more information.

North Dallas.

Mocha Moms of North Dallas meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the Douglass Community Center on Ave. H in Plano. http://www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com Plano.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Support Group. Meets every first Monday at Schimelpfenig Library 504 Custer Rd. in Plano.

Meeting time: 6:30-7:30. No children allowed at the meeting. There will not be a September meeting due to the holiday. For more contact Alinda Ford at: parent_connections@verizon. net http://www.spdnetwork.org/parentconnection/us.html Plano.

Mothers and Others. Meet the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the room 230 of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Activity Building.

Call Katy Brandeland 214-926-8696.

Plano.

The Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW. Monthly meetings at the Davis Library, 7501 Independence Parkway, Plano the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Carol at 972 862 3460 for more info. http://www.aauwplanocc.org Plano.

CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center. Contact our Plano Office at 4030 West Plano Parkway, Suite 211. 972.612.5989 http://www.childrenandfamilies.org Plano.

Collin County Early Childhood PTA. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month, 9:45 a.m., at Parkway Hills Baptist Church, located at 2700 Dallas Parkway, in Plano. Call Karen Maddox at 972-491-0260 Plano.

Plano Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday for breakfast at 7:00 AM (always over by 8:00 AM) at La Madeleine Cafe, 5000 West Park Blvd at Preston Road. http://www.kiwanis.org/ club/plano Plano.

La Leche League of Plano meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:45 am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3601 West 15th Street, Room 105. Call Beth 972-7471297, Cleo 972-208-0158, or Emilie 469-3667205, http://www.lllusa.org/web/PlanoTX.html Plano.

MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter.

Meeting the first Thursday of every month, at

Page 46

●

North Texas Kids

•

Plano.

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Plano Central Are you a stay at home mom living south of Spring Creek? Please join us for weekly playdates and monthly Mom’s night out! We are small but growing and would love to have you. Contact Amy at 972 491-6893 or momsclubplano_central@yahoo.com Plano.

Practical Parent Education is a non-profit organization based in Plano, Texas dedicated to helping parents do their job better. http://www. practicalparent.org Please come by our Family Resource Center in the Dr. Allan Bird Education Center at 1300 19th Street, Plano Plano.

Own my own mentoring program is a mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents sponsored by Dedicated Women of Christ.

Contact Latahra Smith, 972-3778254 Plano.

Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. http:// geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/ Richardson.

La Leche League Of Richardson meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm.

Call Jayne 972-758-7236, Tiffany 972-2345853 or Mary 972-907-9079, http://www.lllusa. org/web/RichardsonTX.html Richardson.

Post Partum Depression Support Group. Nonprofit group Dallas Association for Parent Education will hold a free, monthly Post Partum Depression Support Group at their office in Richardson. This also offers network support for moms and families. To sign up or for more info call the DAPE office at 972-699-0420, Mon. - Fri., 9am - 3pm. www.dallasparents.org / dallasparents@hotmail.com Wylie.

Moms & More: Be you a Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny, we welcome all caregivers from Wylie and the surrounding communities. Our Monthly Convergence is held on the first Thursday of each month.

Children are always welcome to all our activities. Drinks and snacks will be provided. For more information and directions, please contact our Membership Chair, Grady at 972-941-8597 or visit our website: http://www.wyliemomsandmore.org Submitting Events Please limit your submissions to two events.

Listings are on a space-available basis with non-profit and free events prioritized.

Submit your event with our on-line form at http://www.northtexaskids.com We would be happy to put you on our email reminder list. It would be appreciated if you would provide us the information in the format given and make it brief.

www.NorthTexasKids.com

Young Chef’s Cookie Recipe Contest Winner!

Chef Max Minter, age 12 of Denton, TX won a Young Chefs Academy chef’s jacket embroidered/personalized with his name from the Carrollton Young Chefs Academy for his winning recipe!

Peanut Butter Cookies 2 ½ cups flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 cup butter or margarine 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 2 eggs Mix flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside. Mix butter & peanut butter. Add both kinds of sugar. Mix well.

Add eggs and beat well. Stir flour mixture into peanut butter mixture.

Drop dough from a teaspoon onto a baking sheet and flatten with a fork.

Bake @ 375 for 10-15 minutes until lightly brown. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.

Young ChefsLocations: 1404 W. Hebron Pkwy #100, Carrollton, TX 75010 972-395-9900 Lakeside Market 4021 Preston Rd, #624, Plano, TX 75093 972-473-9090

North Texas Kids: Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

When you are sick or injured, do you want a waiting room or an emergency room?

When you or a family member find yourself in need of emergency medical care, you have a choice in routes for help. One route will take you to a traditional hospital emergency room where the average visit is over 3 hours according to the federal government*.

Your alternative route will take you to ER Centers of America where you will be treated by Board Certified emergency physicians in an emergency room, not a waiting room.

When you come to the fork in this road, which will you choose?

Don’t keep this little secret to yourself, spread the word, look us up.

We are here for you!

Open 10:00am—10:00pm 365 Days

Spring Athletic Physical Exam No Appointment necessary

6501 Preston Road Plano, TX 75024 Phone: 972.403.1300 www.ercentersofamerica..com

$50 with coupon * http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r050526.htm

What does Spring mean to you?

Write an acrostic poem and send it to us at info@northtexaskids.com.

Use our word or make up your own.

S P R I N G

www.NorthTexasKids.com • March 2008

●

Page 47

North Texas Kids: A Family Guide to Events, Activities and Everything for Kids

Page 48

●

North Texas Kids

•

www.NorthTexasKids.com