North Texas Kids March 2010 Issue

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North Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

March 2010

FREE

www.northtexaskids.com

In this issue: 5 Memorable Party Favors / Over-scheduled Families / Living Large The Natural Gifts of Summer Camp / March Calendar of Events


Before LearningRx

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

After LearningRx

“My daughter avoided reading at all costs. She didn’t even like to listen to me read to her. I finally began to realize that something was wrong. Through LearningRx, I found out that she didn’t automatically understand basic sounds, which made reading very difficult for her.” - Dallas mom

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

Join us to find out if your child is a good reader Wednesday, March 31 - Complimentary Parent Seminar: “Red Flags for Reading Struggles.” Call today to RSVP!

A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to all children admitted for speech therapy services. To obtain physical, occupational or speech therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000...

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

Voted 2009 “Center of the Year”

Welcome to our Family

972-267-8900

Saturday, April 10 Complimentary Reading Screening for ages 5-18. Call today to reserve your screening time!

www.LearningRX.com

Spring Break FUNpass

SON PER PERDAY R PE

Sunday, March 14th thru Friday, March 19th, 9AM - 5PM

ALL YOU CAN PLAY Bowling, Billiards, Laser Tag, (Glow Golf*, Rock Climbing*, Gravity*)

ALL DAY! 5PM 9A M -

www.maineventusa.net LEWISVILLE 972-459-7770 GRAPEVINE 817-416-1111

PLANO 972-881-8181 FORT WORTH 817-292-5555

FRISCO 469-362-7227

We’re opening early at 9AM Saturday, March 13th thru Sunday, March 21st! *WHERE AVAILABLE. Promotion valid Sunday, March 14- Friday, March 19th from 9-5 PM only. Price does not include bowling shoes, socks or tax. Not valid with any other offer. Certain restrictions apply. Main Event reserves the right to place up to five people per lane with a maximum of one hour per session. Activity time limited to space availability. Not valid toward group reservations. Valid day of purchase ONLY.

L ! L A W

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Every Monday, 4PM to Close. 3 NEW Great Offers!

Only

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Price does not include bowling shoes, socks or tax. Not valid with any other offer. Certain restrictions may apply. Main Event reserves the right to place up to five people per lane. Not valid toward group events. Happy Hour not valid on select holidays. Activity time limited to space availability.

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North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com


Every child deserves great theater! Dallas ChilDren’s theater Presents

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Performance tImeS for BotH ProductIonS

SELECT FRIDAYS AT 7:30 pM

SATURDAYS & SUnDAYS AT 1:30 pM & 4:30 pM TICKETS & InFoRmATIon

5938 skillman Dallas texas 75231

214-740-0051 www.dct.org

rosewooD Center for family arts SEASON SPONSORS

Supported, in part, by the City of Dallas and the texas Commission on the arts

TargeT Time Family SerieS

hansel & gretel Performance Saturday, mar 6, 2010, 4:30 pm the lion, the witch, & the wardrobe Performance Saturday, mar 27, 2010, 1:30 pm TARGET TImE FAmILY SERIES TICKETS ARE HALF-pRICED

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Contents March l Volume 8 No. 3

6

22

9

9

7 Birthday Trivia

6

Let's Party!

8

5 Memorable Party Favors

14

Summer Camp 2010

12

Craft: Shamrocks and Rainbows

9

A Grandmother Remembers Birthdays

24

March Calendar of Events

13

Camp Word Scramble

10

10 Things About Parties You Didn't Know

26

Family Resource Guide

20

Kids in the Kitchen: Shepherds Pie

11

Over-scheduled Families - Reality or Myth?

25

Ticket Giveaways!

13

The Natural Gifts of Camp

26

Silly Riddles

21

You've got to Know When to Hold 'Em

22

Living Large

Alexandria’s Book Review

Join the North Texas Kids BLAST email for an easy way to keep in touch with fun, active, local family life! We'll tell you about cool new stores, local events, and great products and services just for families.

Go to NorthTexasKids.com today to sign up! 4

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com


Note from the Publisher

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

Celebrating What's Right With the World I spent a recent Saturday at a Board of Director's planning retreat for CITY House, one of my favorite non-profits in North Texas. I am so awed by the help, support and the love that the staff and volunteers are able to offer to children in our community who have no place else to go, for a variety of reasons. CITY House's newest facility, My Friend's House is an amazing shelter for children ages newborn to 17. I had a chance to hear several of the staff members tell stories of the children they have helped in recent months and even sadder stories of the children they have had to turn away for lack of bed space. Their phenomenal transitional living program for 15-24 year old young adults is also full to capacity and needs to grow to accommodate the number of homeless 18-24 year olds in our area. I am thrilled to be taking an active role in this organization as a new member of their Board of Directors. I have been a fan and supporter of the organization for many years and CITY House is the beneficiary of part of the proceeds from the North Texas Kids Family Expo held every year in October at the Plano Centre. They need your help, too, through volunteering and donation of money, goods, time, whatever you have to offer. For more information on how you and your family can get involved, visit their website at www.CITYHouse. org or feel free to call me personally at 972-516-9070. I bring up the retreat for a couple of reasons, first to let people know that CITY House is just one of the phenomenal non-profits in North Texas that serve children but also to share with you something that struck me

as important to share with you. The facilitator of the retreat was a friend of mine named Buzz Kolbe. If you ever need someone to facilitate a corporate meeting or retreat of any kind, he does a beautiful job. One of the first things we did on Saturday was to watch an amazing video titled "Celebrating What's Right With the World" with Dewitt Jones. Dewitt Jones is a photographer for National Geographic magazine and from the opening slides of the video I was entranced, not just by the stunning photography and video but also the words of wisdom that he shared. Jones talked about how his passion for National Geographic magazine began as a child when he would spend hours pouring through the pages of photographs and stories (as I am sure many of you did as children). He noticed when he began working for the company that their core philosophy centered around showing people what is right with the world. So often, mainstream media centers around what is wrong with the world with a completely negative focus on scarcity, poverty, death, war, sadness. Where are the happy stories? The 20 minute video created by Dewitt Jones was about creating a vision of what is right for ourselves and letting our passion and creativity flow from that vision. Whether we have a huge vision of helping all abused and neglected children in our community, fostering abandoned pets or planting trees in our own backyard and recycling on a small scale level, we can all make a difference and contribute to celebrating what is right in our world. Sitting down at dinner with our children each evening

and asking them to share what went well today, what made you happy today, telling them about your own small successes (I exercised today, I paid all my bills today, I baked homemade cookies and took them to grandma...) Every small kindness is an example of what is right in the world. I encourage you to teach your kids about what it means to have a vision, to see the possibility everywhere, even if maybe it seems impossible right now, it doesn't mean that dreams cannot come true. In keeping with the theme of celebrating what is right in the world, the March issue is all about Birthdays. We have several great articles with new takes on birthdays. You will not find the normal, run of the mill list of birthday party places and websites to order supplies. We tried to look at birthdays from different angles this year and to remember that a birthday is a celebration of the day someone was born. What could be more important than acknowledging the day you came into the world? In March, we are also celebrating our 8th Annual Guide to Summer Camps. We have lots of familiar camps and quite a few new ones to share with you. I know my kids are already dreaming of what they want to do this summer, are you and your kids planning already? Remember that this entire guide is online as well as in print, so make sure to share it with your friends. As always, happy reading!

Publisher/Editor

Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com

Web/Media Designer

Brad Dobson bdobson@northtexaskids.com

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik mike@northtexaskids.com

Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs heidi@northtexaskids.com

Account Executives

Cindy Johnson Nancy Luttinger

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

Printed by

Midway Press, Dallas Tx

Mailing Address

Scissortail Publishing

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

Phone

972-516-9070

Fax

972-516-9048

North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 12 times a year. Copyright 2010 by North Texas Kids©. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids encourages your submission of articles, children’s artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Recommended article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their printed advertisements and agree to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.

Cover Artist...

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork on the cover of NTK.

Riley

North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece. We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with his/her picture and

Riley loves her art classes! She is a red belt in

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

Karate, a cheerleader and an avid swimmer. She

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

takes French lessons and likes to go hunting.

Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plano, Texas 75074. North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

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LEt's PArty! by Lorraine Brock

Watters Creek The Centre at Preston Ridge The Shops at Willow Bend 926 Market Street

3211 Preston Rd, Ste. 11 Frisco, Tx Allen, TX 972.668.4922 972.359.1994 SweetandSassy.com SweetandSassy.com (across from DSW)

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6121 W. Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75093 469.546.1010 SweetandSassy.com

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

As the mother of three teenage boys, I have thrown my fair share of birthday parties over the years. As a Professional Organizer, organizing anything has always come quite naturally for me. Every detail is planned, areas are zoned out for a purpose, activities are considered for easy clean up and possible safety issues are considered. One of the first things that I started doing as a young mom was collecting party ideas. When I read an article or attended a unique party, I'd take note of what I liked. For example, at one birthday party my son attended, they handed out cool lunch boxes as take home gifts, in place of candy or throwaway toys. When it came time to planning a party, the first item on my agenda was the date and the second was the theme. However, I have to admit, that a few years the theme was determined by what party plates and napkins were on clearance. If I happened to find Army plates and party favors on clearance ... we were going camo. Once I decided on the theme, I began to plan my party in greater detail. If you have younger children to entertain, watch and prepare for, you need help. While a spouse is a good start, many times you will need more hands on deck. So, prior to the party ask another parent or a grandparent to help in the kitchen, supply entertainment or be the photographer. By having someone photographing the party, this will allow you to enjoy the party and not feel like you’re watching behind a lens. Once you have the theme and your help arranged, now comes the fun part. It’s time to start putting together games, decorations, food and party favors. When putting together games, consider the age range attending the party. This may include younger or older siblings that might be attending with your child's friend. Knowing the attendees’ ages will help in planning games everyone can enjoy. Next, kids these days are avid gamers. You might consider putting away the gaming console during the party. Some kids can't seem to have any fun without electronics and once a kid gets started on a game... the entire group tends to follow; especially for boys. Another good idea is to have name tags for the kids and for the parents. This will be helpful for you and your adult guests that may be staying throughout the party. It's quite embarrassing to keep asking someone their name over and over. Name tags will help alleviate this problem. Oh, and let's not forget safety. If parents will be dropping off their child have a sign in sheet. Making sure the parent signs the child in, leaving his or her name and two emergency phone numbers. I have found over the years that there were two great parties that my boys loved having and I loved throwing. One was a camping themed party where the activities and kids stayed in the backyard all night. The other was


a swimming party. The camping party by default supplied most of its own entertainment. The menu consisted of traditional camping foods; activities included hide and seek, roasting marshmallows over a hibachi grill, and a tent full of flashlights, glow sticks and board games. The other great party we had that was probably the least work of all was a swimming party. When you have a pool, kids entertain themselves. But don't think this activity is just for summer birthdays. There are a handful of indoor pools with slides and buckets that dump water throughout many cities. We used the city of Plano's indoor pool at Oak Point. Life guards were on duty to watch the kids and a private area was available for parties all at a very low cost. A few great sites that I find very helpful when party planning are www. OrganizedHome.com, www.OrientalTrading.com and www.FamilyFun. go.com. Organized Home has tons of free PDF forms that can get you organized in almost any area, including birthday parties. One of the many forms this site offers is a free party planning checklist and a guest list form. Oriental Trading has been around for years and offers low cost traditional and unique party favors for every holiday and party. Family Fun offers ideas for party games and has suggested themed parties broken down by age group. When planning your party just remember, hosting a well ORGANIZED birthday party allows for maximum fun for both you and your guests. Having fun even when things don't go as planned - priceless. Lorraine Brock is founder and owner of “Get Organized!” a Dallas based Professional Home Organizing company specializing in "Mom's Organizing for Mom's". A popular media guest, Lorraine has been on various radio outlets, Good Morning Texas and is hallmarked on countless local, regional, and national print and on-line magazines, such as the Dallas Morning News. For more information about Lorraine go to www.

Birthday Party Fun! We do it all for you, so relax & enjoy

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Party includes: Happy Meal , Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, ®

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To make reservations: Visit www.OreillyMCD.com or call our birthday party hotline at 972.985.9285.

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Birthday Trivia • More people celebrate their birthdays in August than in any other month (about 9% of all people). The two other months that rate high for birthdays are July and September. • Close to 2 billion Birthday Cards are sent each year in the U.S. alone, accounting for nearly 58 percent of all cards sent. • The world's largest birthday cake was created in 1989 for the 100th Birthday of the city of Fort Payne, Alabama. The cake weighed 128,238 pounds, 8 oz. and used 16,209 pounds of icing. • A recent survey suggests that more people are born on October 5 in the United States than any other day. • The least common birth date in the U.S. is May 22nd.

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Party Favors

That won't end up on the floor of the car or cause cavities by Dr. Minette Riordan As a working mom, I don't always have time to do the research, make something precious (my kids have received wonderful favors like personalized book bags, aprons and t-shirts), or spend time Googling for options. It is so easy to go to U.S Toy Company or BirthdayExpress.com, pick a theme and buy all of the accessories to go with that theme, including cheap plastic toys for the goodie bags. Over the years, my kids have been invited to parties or occasionally I have made the time myself to come up with some really fun, different ideas for party favors that would please both the kids and their parents. Here are a few of my favorites that double as fun party activities. 1. A decorated flower pot planted with a small plant or flower seeds. All you need are small terra cotta or plastic pots, an inexpensive purchase at WalMart or Loewe's. The kids can paint them with craft paints or decorate them with self-adhesive foam stickers. Let the children fill them with potting soil and drop in a small plant or a few seeds. They will enjoy the process of decorating the pot and watching the plant grow once they take it home. 2. When my son turned three, we went to my friend Michelle's house for her son's party. She had bought each of the 5 little boys a small white tin lunch pail at the craft store and filled it with stickers. The boys had a ton of fun decorating the boxes. It was a simple craft that they could do themselves. It was not messy and boys love boxes! Want to make it fancier? Add a Matchbox car or a box of crayons to the box for them to take home. My son still has this box full of crayons and he is 10 now. He loves boxes for sorting and collecting his treasures! 3. A Lego kit is a great treat and party activity for boys. (I have a son and a daughter and have always found it easier to plan fun crafts and activities for her than him.) For $4 to $5, I could buy each child their own Lego car to put together and play with, before and after the party. It is amazing how boys will spend hours playing with Lego and this is a great way to get them to sit quietly for a while. I found that I was easily spending $4 per child on all of the other pencils, bags, candy and junk for a goodie bag that I knew would end up in the trash. This to me had better, lasting value.

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Schedule a tour now and see how your child can grow with us. 877.664.7683 6800 Independence Parkway, Plano, TX 75023 groveschool.com © 2010 The Grove School. All rights reserved.

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North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

4. A photo frame is always popular with kids and parents. You can buy simple kits at the local craft store, make them out of popsicle sticks or buy inexpensive wooden ones. Watch for sales at Michael's and Hobby Lobby or check your dollar store. Give the kids stickers, adhesive foam pieces, jewels, ribbons, feathers, etc. and let them decorate the photo frame. Send them home with a picture of them at the party or send the photo later with your thank you notes. 5. Homemade play dough. This is tons of fun for the kids. You can make the play dough ahead of time and just let the kids add colors or let them help with the whole process. It depends on how brave you are and how comfortable you are with flour spread around your kitchen. Let each child take home a baggie of play dough and a few plastic cookie cutters. Homemade play dough will last for several weeks. Dr. Minette Riordan is the publisher of North Texas Kids and a certified coach for parents. She loves cooking and doing crafts with her kids in her spare time and she adores birthdays! Minette is a dynamic public speaker who is always looking for speaking opportunities to local mom's groups, women's groups or business meetings. You can reach Minette at minette@northtexaskids. com or call her at 972-516-9070.


Alexandria’s Book Review Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

A Review by Alexandria Battle By Doreen Cronin 32 pages • Ages 5-8 Simon & Schuster (February 2000) Doreen Cronin was not always an author--before writing this month’s book, she was an attorney, and was quite good at it. It was my own shock to learn that Click, Clack, Moo was rejected not once but five times before one publisher decided to take the plunge and publish the story. And I am very grateful to that publisher! As March approaches and Spring Break looms, I find myself drawn to a more “fun” book with a less apparent message or theme and more moments that make the reader laugh, along with a wide variety of imagination. The book Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type has a more lighthearted feel to match the coming of spring, if you don’t count my favorite idea of the book--farm owners versus their own crafty animals. In this story, Farmer Brown is

shocked--no, completely flabbergasted-to find that his cows can type. That’s right, type. He was as shocked as you might be, but it was indeed true. It would be fine, even cute, except that their typing is driving him crazy! All day long he hears nothing but click, clack, MOO, click, clack, MOO. As he goes to the barn, he is further surprised by the animals he has underestimated: for there is a note on the door, created by typewriter, that is clearly a group effort by the cows. Apparently, the barn is too cold for their liking, and they would like him to give them some electric blankets. And so the war begins... because Farmer Brown, predictably, is not on the same train track. He even freaks out a little. Electric blankets for cows? Why in the world would any decent farmer do that? He denies the cows’ request,

thinking it is for the better. The cows, however, trump him again and go on strike. As long as they don’t have any electric blankets, he’s not going to get any milk from their barn. And to make matters still worse for poor Farmer Brown, for not cooperating in the first place, the hens are going on strike too. That means no milk and no eggs! What are you waiting for now? Go out, as fast as your feet or hooves or webbed feet will take you, and find this book! Not only is it a great read, it’s easy to understand and you’ll definitely side with the animals at some point in the story--you’d want electric blankets when it was cold, too. As for recommendations, I happen to know that the book has a sequel called Giggle, Giggle, Quack...

Sponsored by Friends of the Richardson Library Sun. Mar. 21st at 2:30 pm

Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co.

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Charles W. Eisemann Center 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson, TX Group Sales 972.744.4657

by Evelyn Dobson

A baby cries and for an instant the world stands still. A new star shines in

game. We once turned

Watching that infant grow and change through the years of its life is

spider's web with

someone's heart.

both a delightful and a terrifying experience. The naive dreams of growing a child are quickly replaced with the urgent realities of life. He not only looks like grandmother, he has a lot of her genes and characteristics. That long

forgotten family trait appears again, be it sad or wonderful.The underlying genetic truths exist and the strongest playing card you have in your child's development will be the Love and Understanding you use to temper and mold your child.

And so your child develops into a unique individual. One who shines in

his or her own way. What more fitting time to celebrate that individuality than a birthday. "It's celebrating WHO I am, aren't I worth that?" My grandson said

"It's a time to celebrate when a person was born, otherwise you don't really exist." A birthday present, or a party, is a way to tell an individual that you Love

our house into a giant miles of intertwining string winding

through rooms, up and down stairs.

Each string ran from

a name tag, which had to be found first, to

end at a small gift for each guest. Our three children watched in

excited fascination as we wove the web. The guests and their parents caught the excitement when they arrived and a fevered activity began at the start of the game. That was 35 years ago and most of the now adults, still talk and laugh about the fun.

Birthdays need to celebrate the individual, not the number of guests, not

them, that their life is important and unique. A phone call, a flower, a plate of

the gifts, not the venue of the party. Because the child is an integral part of a

your Love and their worth in your life.

and grandparents. An old fashioned picnic on the beach, an outdoor BBQ, an

cookies will make the older and younger generations in your life recognize For a child, the anticipation of planning and looking forward is almost

more than the joy of reality. For most children simplicity and easy fun is better than the frantic planning of large events. Old fashion play is the name of the

family, it is an ideal time to involve special family members, siblings, cousins afternoon of play and making homemade ice cream. A phone call, a card, an

e-mail card all say, "I remember you." The value of it all is the intimate contact of saying "You are special and on this day I celebrate you."

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

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10 Things

I bet you did not know about Birthday Parties…. .by your toddler/pre-schooler 10. Sometimes it is overwhelming to have so many people there. Maybe it would be better to just have a few friends over to play where I can feel comfortable and we can all have a good time. (It’s cheaper too!!) Same goes for a cake or theme. It can be as involved as you want or you can just let me have my Elmo cake. 9.

Family First Day/ Family Celebration

On that note, my party does not have to be so extravagant that it breaks the bank. Theme parties can be fun, but is it fun for me or dread for you? Ten years from now, the only person that will remember my party is you. I will still grow older, but wiser from all of the extra experiences we are able to have with all of the extra money you will save. But take lots of pictures, cuz I want to remember every detail too!!

8. Watch sensory overload. With so many new experiences, extra sugar or treats, loud noises, screaming friends, flashing lights, and extra people, I may become overwhelmed and not be as appreciative of all of the attention I am receiving.

7. Be sure I have plenty of rest before my party. Be cognizant when scheduling the party that it is not around nap or that it will delay a mealtime. I may be crankier than you would like if I am off my routine. Similarly, it may be more fun for everybody if I have a family party later where I can shower Grandma and Grandpa with undivided attention.

6. Save opening presents for home. I might get so excited I mix up the cards and the wrapping paper, not want to share my new toys, or refuse to play with a friend’s toy and hurt his feelings.

5. Make party favors meaningful. Do my friends and I really need sticky, gooey candy or toys with little pieces that I might swallow? A puzzle, book, bubbles, or coloring book is always fun.

Saturday, March 13 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., free Join us for the WFAA Family First Day/Family Celebration. Meet on-air personalities, create a work of art in the studio, participate in gallery activities, and enjoy vacation-themed family experiences inspired by the exhibition The Lens of Impressionism.

General admission is

free for everyone!*

Details at DallasMuseumofArt.org or 214-922-1822

* On March 13 only, see The Lens of Impressionism

for $8—half off the ticketed price!

WFAA Family First Day presented by WFAA and the Medical City Children’s Hospital The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Image: Édouard Manet, On the Beach, Boulogne-sur-Mer (detail), 1868–69, oil on canvas, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Photo: Katherine Wetzel

DallasMuseumofArt.org

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North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

4. Try to pick a party place that is developmentally appropriate for me. For example, skating might be hard for a three year old or princess parties may not be as fun for both boys and girls. Animal parties might not be good for those with allergies. Think about friends with special needs and what accomodations might be necessary for them to have a good time.

3. Don’t forget my siblings. Allow them to bring friends so they are not bored, and while you are at it, think about how you will handle friends who want to bring their siblings. 2.

Don’t forget the thank you. Not only should I help you stuff goody bags whenever possible, I should help pass them out and thank my friends for coming. A written thank you acknowledging the present is also nice. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; as a matter of fact, they are some great kid-friendly fill in the blank cards available.

1. Planning activities carefully is really important so that we all have fun. Craft activities are good for us, and can be easily assembled and laid out before guests arrive. Be sure too that there are enough adults at the party to help you supervise everyone. Be sure that doors are manned so that no one practices their escape skills. Don’t be afraid to ask other parents to stay and help, because don’t you want to mix, mingle, and enjoy my party too? Most of all relax, don’t worry about what could go wrong, we are going to have a great time. Want more information about parenting and guidance or developmental milestones? Adina Rich is the director of Rich Educational Consulting, LLC. Please contact us at 972-816-3100 or visit www.richeducationalconsulting.com for more information.


Over-scheduled FamiliesReality or Myth?

Building the

foundation for a Lifetime of

learning

by Lisa Schreiner

• Are you usually overly stressed by the time crunch of helping your child participate in his/her extra-curricular activities? • Does your child frequently complain about being bored when he/she isn’t being entertained? • Does your child often appear anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or exhausted? If you answer “yes” to these questions, then you and your child may be overbooked. It’s true that many children, like adults, are involved in too many planned activities, which leave them feeling overwhelmed and pressured to succeed. It’s also true that children who have limited time to rest and relax, and even get a little bored, may miss opportunities to develop the creative, problem-solving skills that simply playing alone or with friends can provide, such as building a fort out of cardboard boxes in their backyard. Sometimes as a result of social pressure, anxious parents who have the best of intentions feel guilty if their children aren’t playing several sports well and excelling in music, dance, and art lessons because they don’t want them to miss out on any opportunities to achieve and be competitive. Also and importantly, because they love their children, they want them to have enriched, happy childhoods. However, some children as young as eightyears-old feel pressured by their parents to build their resumes so they’ll have an edge when they apply for college. Many, diverse opportunities can be wonderful, but children do need time to explore things in depth. Involvement in too many activities sacrifices depth for breadth. A child who enjoys soccer, for example, will thrive on the responsibility that comes with practices and games, but may become distressed if also involved in three or four other activities. Overscheduled children often miss out on other important experiences. Unstructured time allows children to pursue their special interests, to plan their own schedule, and to express their unique personalities. Children and parents need family downtime—time to relax, think, talk, read, write, create, explore, and just hang out together. Children who are involved in an appropriate amount of enjoyable activities reap important rewards that are a positive force in their lives. They have higher levels of self-confidence, academic performance, and physical fitness and lower levels of behavior problems and the likelihood of experimenting with drugs. Obviously, finding the correct balance is critical. Parents would do well to follow Aristotle’s advice: everything in healthy moderation. They must understand and appreciate their children’s temperaments, abilities, and preferences in order to advise them. But above all else, they should focus on building loving, meaningful, and trusting relationships with their children that will last a lifetime.

“At Carpe diem Private Preschool, 7-month-old infants are taught baby sign language... by 3, they’re tackling Spanish and the computer. And by the time they head to kindergarten, most can read, write and move a mouse as easily as they toss a ball” - Dallas Morning News

872 Junction Drive Allen, Texas 75013 972.396.0909 5570 Warren Parkway Frisco, Texas 75034 214.619.0699

Infants Toddlers

271 Renner Parkway Richardson, Texas 75080 972.664.0203

Preschool Afterschool Summer Day Camp

www.carpediempreschool.com

Lyn Voegeli, MS, Executive Director. Carpe Diem Private Preschools: Allen, Frisco, and Richardson North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

11


Salt Dough Rainbows & Shamrocks Add a bit of Irish fun to your St. Patty's Day by making these salt dough Shamrock and Rainbow Magnets. Easily turn the small shamrocks into pins for great Irish flare!

Supplies: 15% off a catering order of $50 or more

Sit back and let the cow cook for you! www.purplecowtexaS.com expireS

Dallas

214-373-0037 Preston Royal Shopping Center Suite 110 Dallas, TX 75230

Plano

972-473-6100 LakeSide Market Suite 588 5809 Preston Rd. Plano, TX 75093

12/31/2010

Ft. Worth

817-737-7177 Chapel Hill Shopping Center 4601 W. Freeway Ft. Worth, TX 76107

One Step at a Time

Pediatric Services we provide: PT, ST, OT and Case Management We see kids in the Dallas and surrounding areas. Call today to have your child evaluated! Treat for the following but not limited to:

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

ath

ht P Finding the Rig

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

AUTISM

Developmental Delays At Pumpkin Littles, children receive early intervention through a combination of the most renowned autism education principles including but not limited to ABA, TEACCH, RDI, DIR, and EDMARK, which are blended to form an individualized approach. Contact us now for our Two-Week Intensive school readiness and maintenance program. (6:3 student to teacher ratio)

Now offering Yoga classes!

214-575-2999

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

www.KidsCareTherapy.com

www.PumpkinLittles.com

9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 790 Dallas, TX 75243

12

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

Instructions:

NOTE: This recipe for salt dough makes a lot of projects. If you only plan on making a few, cut this recipe into fourths or in half.

Dough:

Purple Cow at The Village in Fairview opening March 2010!

Achieving Your Child’s Goal,

1 cup salt 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup water green acrylic paint gold glitter paintbrush acrylic paints in black, gold, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple small heart shaped cookie cutter knife toothpick pin backs and magnets white craft glue or hot glue

Preheat oven to 250 F. Mix together, salt, flour, and water until a dough is formed. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is elastic and smooth. If dough is too sticky, sprinkle with flour, until stickiness is gone. Do not add too much flour, this drys out the dough and will cause it to crack before you bake it. Roll dough flat with a rolling pin, about 1/4" - 1/2" thick.

Shamrocks: 1. Use cookie cutter to cut out hearts. You will need 3 hearts for each Shamrock. Lay the hearts in a semi-circle, with sides touching, onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 2. Cut out a small stem from the dough and place underneath the tips of the hearts so that when they are drying, everything will stick together. If you have problems with the hearts sticking to the stem, you can "glue" them together by lightly brushing the undersides of the heart tips and the stem, with water. 3. Glue a magnets or pins to the back and let dry completely before using.

Rainbow & Pot of Gold: 1. Trace the outline of a rainbow onto the dough. Cut out the shape and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Using a toothpick, draw in the stripes of the rainbow - press heavily enough into the dough that the lines will stay in the dough but not heavily enough that it goes all the way through to the pan. 2. Cut out the pot. Place the pot over the right-hand edge of the rainbow. 3. For the coins, make small balls of dough and flatten into circles with your fingers. Place around the top of the pot and also a few at the bottom of the pot. 4. Bake all for about 2 - 2.5 hours. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Dry overnight, or for at least 4 hrs. 5. Paint the Shamrocks with one or two coats of green paint, enough to cover. Allow to dry in between coats. For the glitter Shamrocks, sprinkle with glitter while the paint is still wet. Let dry. 6. Paint the rainbow in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. 7. Paint the coins gold; the pot black. Sprinkle glitter on the coins while the paint is still wet. Let dry. 8. Glue a magnet or pin to the back and let dry completely before using.

Thanks to www.familycorner.com for this awesome craft!


by Richard Louv Every summer, when I was in junior high and high school, my buddy Pete Sebring would disappear for a few weeks to a camp in the mountains west of Colorado Springs. I resented it. For me, those humid July weeks back in Kansas dragged, and then Pete would come home telling tales of adventure — as if he had been to some alpine Oz. As it turns out, that camp shaped Pete in ways neither of us realized at the time. He credits his summers in Colorado with giving him a foundation for success and longevity — more than three decades — as a teacher. "The camp encouraged me to invent activities, such as pioneering, survival hikes and overnights, and identifying native plants of central Colorado," he says. "Once while picking ground plums, which tasted like raw green beans, we uncovered an ancient hunting site full of arrowheads, charcoal, and flint chips. I also encountered brown bears, coyotes, pumas, and wolves — one white and one black. Only the kids with me believed me." I was one of those who didn't believe that Pete had encountered wolves. This morning, I checked the history: The Colorado Department of Resources reports that, while wolves were, by official measure, eradicated in the 1930s, "there have been sporadic reports of wolves in Colorado over the decades" — none confirmed. They may have been wolf-hybrids or dogs or, just maybe, wolves. "Their night howls were long, sonorous, and unnerving," Pete recalls. One more reason I wished I could have gone to summer camp with him. Still, during those years, I had my own adventures — a free-range childhood spent fishing and chasing snakes and building forts in the woods. Those experiences shaped my life every bit as much as Pete's time at camp shaped his. Today, too few children and young people have either experience — freerange or camp. In my book, Last Child in the Woods, I describe how young people can likely tell you about the Amazon rain forest, but they'll likely be hard pressed to describe the last time they explored the woods in solitude or lay in a field listening to the wind and watching the clouds move. Nature is becoming an abstraction, something to watch on the flip-down TV screen from the back seat of a minivan. In 2005, "Generation M: Media in the Lives of Eight- to Eighteen-YearOlds," conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, revealed that children are plugged into some kind of electronic medium an average of five-and-a-half hours a day, "the equivalent of a full-time job, and more time than they spend

doing anything else besides sleeping." One reason kids aren't going outside as much is parental fear. News and entertainment media have conditioned us to believe that life outside the front door is far more dangerous than it actually is, at least from stranger-danger. Nonetheless, this fear is unlikely to go away, which is one of the reasons parents are likely to value camps even more in the future than they do today. Risk is always a part of life, but camps can offer parents the reassurance that their children will be safe as they receive the gifts of nature. The physical benefits are obvious; others are more subtle but no less important. For example, research shows that nature experiences significantly reduce children's stress. Free play in natural areas enhances children's

cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, creativity, self-esteem, and selfdiscipline. Effects of Attention Deficit Disorder are reduced when children have regular access to the out-of-

doors. Studies of outdoor-education

programs geared toward troubled youth — especially those diagnosed with

mental-health problems — show a clear therapeutic value.

Children are simply happier and

healthier when they have frequent and

varied opportunities for experiences in the out-of-doors.

Nature-oriented camps also help

care for the health of the earth; many studies show that nature play in

childhood is the chief determining factor in the environmental consciousness of adults.

Clearly there's more to camp than s'mores. Pete could have told us that. In

fact, he did.

Richard Louv is the author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder and chairman of the Children & Nature Network (www.cnaturenet.org). Originally published at www.CampParents.org. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association; ©2009 American Camping Association, Inc.

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1.fun 2.swim 3.play 4.sing 5.canoe 6.dance 7.learn 8.craft 9.hike 10.sports 11.snorkel 12.games 13.friends

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

13


summer Camp

I Can Swim! AquA - Fit

Love Horses?

Swim, Fitness & Wellness Center Plano’s Best Warm Water Aquatic Center

Featuring Salt/Mineral Water for Your Comfort

Saddle Up and Learn to Ride Summer Horse Camp for Ages 6 – 14 Weekly sessions June 7 - August 16

$25 Discount

Horseback Riding • Games on Horseback Horse-related Games and Activities • Water Day • Horse Costume Contest • Horse Show Each Friday

With this ad.

Capricorn Equestrian Center

1400 Summit Ave D2 • Plano, TX info@aquafitplano.com

6101 Ben Rd Sachse, Tex 75048

972-530-1124

972-578-7946

www.capricornhorse.com

www.aquafitplano.com

TECH CAMPS internalDrive.com

1-888-709-TECH (8324)

North America’s #1 Tech Camp for ages 7-18 held at:

SMU St. Edward’s University Univ. of Houston Univ. of the Incarnate Word Emory Harvard MIT & more!

Game Design 3D Modeling Web Design Filmmaking Programming Robotics & more! REGISTER TODAY! Save with Code TX26

14

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com


fun!

fun!

Spring Break & Summer Camps

Free Trial Class

Does Your Child Smile About School?

2010

fun!

Have You Done Your Therapy Homework?

This Summer Art Camp takes imaginations to new heights... Create and Bounce uses a balance of exercise and artistic expression to help kids: SM

• Build self-confidence • Follow directions • Work together in groups • Develop coordination

A Parent-Child Learning Experience

Save $10

• A Venue for Therapy

Enrolling Now!

Or is she secretly struggling? Use this summer to get to the root of learning challenges. Enroll your child today in a fun, one-on-one, interactive brain training program at LearningRx that will permanently impact your child’s ability to learn.

Per session (3-day week) Create and BounceArt Camp

Homework

When you enroll by 6/10/10. Discounts cannot be combined. Valid at this location only.

• Mother’s Day Out for children with special needs

c reate

• Staff/Parent-Guided Sensory Circuit • Tutoring • Group Classes for Social Skills ®

Locations in Collin & Denton Counties

972.267.8900 www.learningrx.com

214.592.4066 www.dramakids.com/tx5

13617 Neutron Rd., Farmers Branch, TX 75244

www.itsasensoryworld.com

BOUNCE

SM

(972) 939-5000

972-239-8100

Reserve a spot today!

BounceU of N. Dallas/Carrollton 3050 N. Josey Lane Carrollton, TX 75007 BounceU.com/cities/Carrollton.TX

It’s a Small Step From Imagination To Fine Art... Does Your Child Have a Masterpiece Inside? Allow Your Child To Experience the Wide World of Art at

The Artist Within! Now Enrolling for Summer Camps • We specialize in instruction for children, adults and special needs students. • Birthday Parties for ages 5 to 14

972-596-6077 www.aristwithin.com 2001 Coit Rd., Ste. 206, Plano N.W. Corner of Park & Coit

Skill Building Camps SummerFest SportsCamps Camps at Both Locations

PSA StarCenter

6500 Preston Meadow Plano, 75024

PSA2

601 Seabrook, Plano, 75023

972-208- KIDS (5437) www.psaplano.org

FlexiPass

-1, 5, 10, 20 Day Pass -9am-4pm -Extended Day Options Available -Lunch and Snack Included

-All Day Fun!

Basketball Volleyball Indoor Soccer Golf Martial Arts Indoor Lacrosse Scuba Dance Class

SUMMER CAMPS! SUMMER CAMPS! SUMMER CAMPS!

Fun Filled weekly camps that start in June and will end in August. Gymnastics, games, and other activities for all ages!

FREE T-SHIRT If you register before May 1, 2010!

972-712-4644

7164 Technology Drive • Frisco,TX eaglegymnastics.com

SUMMER CAMPS! SUMMER CAMPS! SUMMER CAMPS! North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

15


rite Place

to

Da

Pl a

avo sF ’ o

e nc

n

I love camp! iste1r Reg il y Apr

Magical Summer at A+

b a free & get ottle! b r e t a w n-line r go o call o

All Ages • Fun but Educational

Studio

3 Dance

NOW ENROLLING

Summer Dance Classes & Camps • Tap • Jazz • Ballet • Hip Hop & More • Themed Morning Camps • Programs for ages 2 ½ & up

www.studio3dance.com 972-964-3838

2220 Coit Road Suite 440 • Plano, TX 75075

FREE Summer Registration

HEARD SUMMER CAMPS

Key Note Music Studio

Open House - Sat. April 10, 2010 2pm-5pm

Cross Curricular Programs • Camping • It is a Circus • Island Fun • Wizard School • Castle & Dragons •Christmas in July and many more

Extracurricular Activities Chess • Piano • Violin • Computer • Karate (972) 618-1688 6509 Independence Pkwy (N. of Spring Creek)

www.aplusprepschool.com

• Piano Lessons for ages 5 and up • Flute Lessons for ages 8 and up • Private Instruction • Small Group classes

469-323-1200 Location: West Plano, Parker & Independence

Remember those days of kids enjoying the outdoors during summer? Perhaps it was even you! Kids will love the summer with a fun Heard nature education. Dozens of Studies canoeing plants aquatics reptiles birds amphibians bats dinos rocks & minerals wetlands archeological dig non-native animals forest nature drawing & painting and many more! CHOOSE FROM NEW NATURE SUMMER CAMPS June 7 - July 30 Wooly Mammoth Eco-Explorers Saber-tooth Tiger Animal Adventures Audubon Naturalist Art Canoeing EXPERIENCE THE SUMMER EXHIBITS NEW! Ice Age Mammals Butterflies & Non-native Animals

McKinney heardmuseum.org 972.562.5566

Do the words “math homework” strike fear in your child…or you? We can change that fear into better grades and higher self-confidence, and eliminate the frustration, tears, and fights over math homework. Discover how a better understanding of math can change your child’s attitude. Before you know it, your child could be crazy about math. Find out how affordable your child’s soaring self-confidence can be!

214-336-7648 • www.mathnasium.com/plano

2nd - 12th GRADES • TAKS, SAT, ACT PREP • HOMEWORK HELP

m m er u S Splash into

Summer has never been this much fun! Cooper Fitness Center offers something for every child. Campers have fun while being active, learning the importance of good health, developing teamwork skills, and building friendships.

Swim Academy, ages 1-13.

Our experienced instructors teach swimming in a controlled and nurturing environment in a low student-to-teacher ratio. Two-week sessions.

Fitness Camps, ages 5-12.

Children enjoy recreational games, swimming, sports, fitness/nutrition talks, and more. One-week sessions.

Sports Camps, ages 5 -14.

Basketball, tennis, volleyball, triathlon, self defense, and more. Our experienced sports pros know how to get the most from your kids and boost their confidence. Ages vary by sport. One-week sessions.

Register today at CooperYouth.com

h Cooper K Wit ids C amps! 16

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

Camp runs May 3-August 20

Cooper Fitness Center - Dallas • 12100 Preston Road at Willow Lane • 972-233-4832 ext.6402 Cooper Fitness Center - Craig Ranch • 7910 Collin McKinney Parkway, McKinney • 214-383-1045 Options vary at the two locations.


superduper great activities!! Trot Your Youngsters Off to “Day Camp in the Country” at Prospering Farm

Come Play with Us this Summer!

Enjoy Fun With Friends This Summer at All Saints Catholic School

• Ages 7-13 • Beginners to advanced • 20 minutes from Plano • Specializing in English style riding Campers will also enjoy crafts, swimming and a weekly horse show.

972-346-3236

www.ProsperingFarm.com ProsperFarm@aol.com

• We offer a variety of Summer Camps to nurture and guide each child in a spiritual environment with hands on fun. • Children experience hands on fun with Eagles Soaring Day Camps. • Academic enrichment camps, recreational and sports camps are also offered.

Plano Parks and Recreation camps offer a wide range of fun indoor and outdoor activities including sports, creative arts, fishing, water games, swimming, nature and more! For a complete camp listing, visit Leisure Online at

Visit www.allsaintsk8.org Find an exciting summer of fun for your child. 7777 Osage Plaza Parkway Dallas, TX 75252 • 214.217.3331

www.planoparks.org.

I am Ready for J Summer Camps There’s something for every age and every interest. Ages: 2-14 Years

3-, 6- and 9-week • • • • • •

options

Camp Simchah Camp Chai Gymnastics Camp Tennis Camp Sports Camp Teen Adventure Camp

Please contact Laura Seymour at lseymour@jccdallas.org or 214-239-7110. 7900 Northaven Road • Dallas 75230

JCCDALLAS.ORG

Come In, Cool Off & Get Fit!

Give your child the summer experience that will keep them captivated and begging for more... Enroll in:

Spend the Summer with us at The Ice at Stonebriar Centre

Now Enrolling for Summer Classes

Summer in the Zone Your child can spend the day/week/summer participating in thrilling daily-themed activities from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Birthday Parties • Carousel Parties • Broomball

Or Camping in the Zone Enroll in a variety of summer camps. June 1 - August 6, 2010

Learn to Skate • Group Rates

Call 972-731-9600

at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco

www.stonebriarice.com

$5.00 off 1 Learn to Skate Session or a gold or silver birthday party. Exp. 9/1/10

4000 Midway Rd. Carrollton, TX 75007 972.447.9887 ext. 453 summerinthezone@popcs.org

www.popsc.org/summer.htm North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

17


Fun and learning

Languages, Ceramics, Robotics, Yoga, Karate, Drama, …

and many more fun activities to choose from

Dallas International School

Frisco Horse Park summer horse camp

• Horseback Riding & Care • Barnyard Animals • Water Activities r!!! e • Friday v e r e mm Best su Rodeos

Awesome Staff! SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP 6039 Churchill Way Dallas, Tx 75230

Tel. 972 991 6379 www.dallasinternationalschool.org/camps

languages@dallasinternationalschool.org

Register NOW www.friscohorsepark.org

(Corner of Hwy 121 & Coit in Frisco, TX)

972-335-8000

Temple Shalom ECEC Summer Camp 6930 Alpha Road. Dallas, TX 75240

Create our World (for ages 12 months through 5 years)

S CCER CAMPS Owner Operated Since 1970

Summer Camps with locations in: Allen, Carrollton, Dallas, Frisco, Garland, Irving, Keller, Lewisville, Mc Kinney, Mesquite, Paris, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Southlake, Texoma, The Colony & Wylie

For Boys & Girls 4 - 16 Look for dates, times & locations on our web site Locations Metroplex Wide

JUNE 1-11: Darkness and Light JUNE 14-25: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

We run Camps Metroplex wide All Summer Long.

JUNE 28-JULY 9: Fish and Birds and Animals July 12-23: Let’s Take a Sabbatica

Bobby Moffat's

CONTACT Bonnie Rubinstein: 972- 661-5025 brubinstein@templeshalomdallas.org

972/649-7933 Sign up & applications available on our web site

www.soccermoffat.com

Our Camps

(full, half & evening) are for Regular Players, Select, Goalkeepers, and Foundation (4&5yr).

Team Camps (any age) at your Location or Our Camp Location

Other Activities

Fall & Spring Soccer Academy, Spring, & Winter Soccer Break Camps, & Rent-A-Coach Year Round.

Money School for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults We teach kids, teens, and young adults all about money and making smart choices when earning, saving, investing, borrowing, donating, and spending it. Our goal is to give them the knowledge and skills they need to make good financial decisions throughout their lives. Summer Camps in June, July, and August. Sessions are 4 half-days, Monday through Thursday

Frisco/Plano Area 469-362-3128

www.kidsmoneyschool.net 18

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com


n s e new friends l w l i k f s u n w e n m er u m S C a m p 20

10

Advertise your summer camp here!! Prairie Adventure Camp for Boys & Girls McKinney, TX Where History Comes to Life

Ads as low as $175. Market to

100,000 moms! Call us for details!

For more information 972-562-8790 www.chestnutsquare.org

Where History Comes to Life!

972-516-9070 www.NorthTexasKids.com

Join us this summer! Mosaic Art Studio

Birthday Parties for Boys & Girls Ladies Night every third Thursday WALK-INS WELCOME

Morning camps, afternoon camps and all day!

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

Teen / Adult Classes & Workshops also available!

6405 E. Eldorado Parkway McKinney, Texas 75070 Tel: (972) 540-9767

$2 Off Any Project

Call soon, space is limited.

Minimum Purchase of $15

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires 12/31/10

972-931-1933 • jsartstudio.com

www.smashingtimes.com

Summer Camp at Congregation Anshai Torah Come join us for a summer of fun that is “On The Move!” Dates: June 7 - August 13 9:00am - 1:00pm (extended day available)

Summer 2010

Ongoing Enrollment for 2010/2011 School Year For more information contact Faith Retsky, Early Childhood Director at 972-473-7712 or by email at faith.retsky@anshaitorah.org

www.anshaitorah.org North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

19


When busy lives meet big responsibilities… With so many demands on your time, some things just have to wait. But don’t put off talking to a State Farm Life Insurance Company agent about life insurance – it may be the most important thing you ever do.

Kids in the kitchen

Traditional Shepherd's Pie Shepherd's pie is a hearty one-dish meal that has a topping of mashed potatoes over a rich meat filling. Thanks to instant mashed potatoes and a jar of gravy, this version is streamlined to the point where you can have it on the dinner table in an hour.

Ingredients: 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup) 1/2 small onion, chopped fine Ann Dunham Ins Agcy Inc Ann Dunham CLU CPCU LTCP, Agent 2301 W Parker Road, Suite 1 Bus: 972-596-4809 Fax: 972-867-3183 www.anndunham.com

Tamara Murphy, Agent 4504 Legacy Drive, Suite 200 Plano, TX 75024 Bus: 972-943-9555 Fax: 972-943-9562 www.murphyagency.net

2 tablespoons olive oil 1-1/4 pounds lean ground beef Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels 1 cup purchased beef gravy 2-1/2 to 3 cups mashed potatoes from a mix (follow the directions for 6 servings) 1 egg

P092002TX

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) • Bloomington , IL

Changing perspectives every step of the way.

2 tablespoons milk

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a large skillet, saute the carrots and onion in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Add the ground beef and cook for 10 minutes or until it is done, breaking it up with a large spoon as it browns. Drain any accumulated fat from the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the frozen corn kernels. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Pour the gravy over the ground beef mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. 3. While the beef mixture bakes, prepare the potatoes according to the directions on the box. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the meat mixture, spreading it out so that it is even. 4. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Brush the egg-milk mixture evenly over the mashed potato topping. 5. Return the dish to the oven and bake it for 10 minutes. Remove and set oven to broil. Broil the shepherd's pie for 5 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.

Don’t miss the 8th annual March for Respect Saturday, March 27th in the Dallas West End. Participation is free, and your group can win $1,000 by bringing the most participants!

Every year for nearly a decade, more than 5,000 Metroplex citizens have met for a one mile walk through the streets of Downtown Dallas to show support for the hundred of thousands of people Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s more than just a walk. It’s progress. Sponsored by the Developmental Disabilities Network of North Texas

For information, visit www.marchforresepct.org 20

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

Substitutions: 1. You could make this with ground turkey instead of ground beef, and you could use other vegetables besides corn. Feel free to add a clove or two of chopped fresh garlic to the skillet when you add the onion. 2. For a different flavor, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes rather than brushing with the egg and milk mixture. Broil briefly. 3. For picky eaters, leave out a portion of plain mashed potatoes and a spoonful of the ground meat and vegetable mixture. Often kids will eat foods when they're not "all mixed together."

Thanks to Kaboose.com for this yummy yummy meal!


Stuff for Dads... You've got to Know When to Hold 'Em by Brad Dobson

"Every gambler knows that the secret to survive is Knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep 'Cos every hand's a winner and every hand's a loser..."

Invoking Kenny Rogers for parenting advice? Sure, I’ll go there. As a Husband, I’m usually smart enough to Know When to Run. As a Dad (The Bringer of Discipline) I am not always cognizant of the best times to hold back on letting my kids know what they are doing wrong. I usually go directly to ultimatums, invoking biting sarcasm and irony along the

way for good measure. Case in point: my 11-year old son and the books he is reading. His younger sister is already reading small novels, but he can’t be bothered. It’s not like he can’t read them, he just does not want to. During a recent period of being grounded from TV and Wii he started picking up little kid’s story books - the kind with pictures. I gave him a hard time about reading baby books and pointed out how much his little sister was reading. He closed the book and put it down, chastised. This morning I saw him reading another little kid’s book, but I realized he was actually engaged in reading. I gambled and kept my mouth shut. A few minutes later he was on

a different couch reading a Spiderman graphic novel, once again engaged and he lasted more than 30 seconds. This was progress, perhaps not in the direction I thought it should take or at the rate I wanted it to go, but it was undeniably progress. Case in point #2: my son remembered on the way to school last week that he had forgotten his planner at home. Near tears, he begged me in the car to go home and get it for him. Rather than chiding him for being thoughtless, or going home and fixing it for him, I told him that it was his responsibility and his consequences to bear. At some point I turned into the disciplinarian, trying to

fix everthing and electing to win all the little battles along the way in the interests of structure and sanity. By doing that I forgot the part where kids have minds of their own. For a change I showed a little restraint and held on to the cards I had been dealt, and it worked. Do you fuss at your kids more than you would like? Can you take an opportunity to NOT discipline something small today and allow them to learn in a different way? Can you do it soon so I don’t have to invoke more Kenny Rogers lyrics? Brad Dobson is a software engineer and does all the web work for North Texas Kids (because he's married to the publisher). He's the father of two kids, a buddhist, a parrothead, a musician and a runner. He's always open to really nice comments, ideas for other articles for Dads, or offers of web work at bdobson@ northtexaskids.com.

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21


Sports Scoop by Mike Kravik

Vacationing in the Bahamas with his family during the summer of 2006, Carson Leslie sat back and thought he had it wired. Derek Jeter would be 40 years old in eight years and ready to retire. By 2014 Carson saw himself as a hot-shot, slickfielding 22 year old prospect and the perfect replacement for the New York Yankee legend. While Carson still had dreams of playing major league baseball, he was also stoked about the upcoming school year at The Covenant School. He was entering ninth grade. Both grades and girls would matter much more than in the past. His true love had always been baseball but Carson also liked playing football. Practice was a beating but the fierce competitor in him loved games. As a safety, he thought it was a lot of fun blowing up unsuspecting running backs coming across the line. Craig, his older brother, let him know how hard two-a-day practices were going be in high school. Craig was 2.5 years older and one of the reasons Carson admired him so much was because he knew what to say and when to say it. In early October, the fatigue that followed him when two-a-days started in August was wearing Carson down. It seemed like he was dizzy and nauseous all the time. Doctors treated him for strep throat but the symptoms persisted. On October 30, Carson talked his mom (Annette) into letting him go to school but on the way he became sick and then started having double vision. Annette had seen enough and rushed Carson to Children’s Medical Center. Various tests were run and the worst fears were confirmed. Carson was told by his dad that he had a brain tumor the size of a 22

golf ball. He asked to see his big brother before burying his head in a pillow. It was a terrible scene. The first few days a family discovers a loved one is this sick are covered with a surreal “This cannot be happening” haze. Your heart is broken and your feet are in concrete. There is a lot of praying, crying and holding on to each other. Then the sun comes up the next day and you need to figure out how to win the fight. Carson had surgery and began receiving radiation / chemotherapy treatments. The initial prognosis was optimistic but this was going to be a tough bout. Cancer itself wreaks havoc but fear, stress and uncertainty are also a wrecking ball to the mind. A family friend named Gary Koerner gave Carson the bible verse Joshua 1:9. The verse reads “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Carson drew comfort from the verse and felt like it gave him the courage he needed. Recovery was slow but Carson made great strides. For an eleven month period Carson was classified NED (no evidence of disease). He made it back to school the next year but he couldn’t play football or baseball. Watching his friends play was too painful so golf and fishing became his favorite sports. Carson became involved with a local organization called Wipe Out Kid’s Cancer (WOKC). He played in a WOKC golf tournament in a foursome with Michael Young of the Texas Rangers. Carson was feeling good but Annette followed the foursome in her own cart, lagging behind 50 yards or so. Not hovering but there if needed. Michael and Carson hit it off

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

that day. Carson told Michael he appreciated him but Derek Jeter was his favorite player. He explained that he had played for a Little League team called the Yankees, was a shortstop and wore number 2. The perennial Ranger all-star liked this kid’s moxie. As they were finishing their last few holes, Carson noticed that Michael had been spending a lot of time fiddling with his phone. “There’s a call for you” Michael said as he handed the phone to a livid Carson who thought his mom was checking up on him. I don’t need to go the bathroom. I’m not hungry. I’m not thirsty. I’m fine. Can’t you see I’m playing golf with Michael Young?! Carson sneered into the phone, “Who is this?” The voice calmly said “This is Derek Jeter…” As Michael laughed, Carson went into a series of “hummina, humminas” spit out a few words and then sheepishly handed the phone back to Michael. The following summer Carson was a guest of Michael when the Yankees came to town. The game was nationally televised and Erin Andrews was covering the game for ESPN. During batting practice Carson sat in the Ranger dugout and was able to meet her. Just before the game started, Carson was in his

at her but she saw Carson. Without hesitating, he threw her his baseball and said “Call me.” Andrews caught the ball, pointed at him and said “I will!” Carson popped his jersey, and then casually strode back to his seat. Carson was still going to his doctors every three months for check-ups and in January 2009 he found out his cancer had returned with a vengeance. The prognosis for recovery was not dire but it was not as optimistic. The Leslie Family decided that 2009 was now going to become The Year of Living Large. The entire family went on a fishing trip to Alaska and the next month a hot air balloon trip at

sunrise. Carson went with a family

friend to Augusta and saw the final round of the Masters. He went

fishing again on a private island in Belize and thought it was the

prettiest place he had ever seen.

He went to the Byron Nelson and

chatted up several pros in the locker room. He signed a player’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He met

Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer at St. Jude’s Hospital in July and

was his guest when Florida played

Georgia in the fall. It was assuredly The Year of Living Large.

The crown jewel of 2009 for

Carson came when Michael invited Carson and his family to Arizona to hang out with the Rangers at

spring training. Carson and Craig seat and there were several men in the stands vying for the attention of Andrews as she went from one dugout to the other. Carson had a baseball that he had scored from the Ranger dugout and quickly wrote his name and all his contact information on it. Andrews was working and had no time for all the men screaming

put on Ranger uniforms and

shadowed Michael all over the


could and also dispensed advice that if your nurse is named “Amy,” she’s probably a good nurse. As 2009 closed, the cancer had become relentless. Carson bravely wrote “I do not believe I will be around much longer. My family and friends aren’t as ready to let me die as I am ready to die. I am at peace with the idea of death. I know where I am going. I think it is easier to leave than it is to have someone leave you. I am the one moving on.” After the holidays, Michael visited with Carson. The two friends talked about everything for a couple of hours – the upcoming season, golf, and also what was happening to Carson. Before Michael left, Carson gave him a baseball that he signed. On January 12, 2010 Carson Leslie died. The Leslie’s traveled to Belize in February to scatter

his ashes and Michael Young put

Carson’s signed ball in his locker. For more information on the book “Carry

Me” please go to www.carrymecarson.com

Sports Scoop

complex as he put in his work. They drank Red Bulls with Marlon Byrd before the game and horsed around with Josh Hamilton and Elvis Andrus. Carson was a little nervous because he was throwing out the first pitch and didn’t want to bounce it. When the moment came, Carson delivered a high strike to Michael. The Rangers won the game 8-5 but all that really mattered to Carson is that he spent a day with Michael and sat on a major league bench with Craig. Carson also decided to keep a journal in 2009. The more he wrote, the more he kicked around the idea of turning his journal into a book. With the help of his English teacher from The Covenant School, Carson got serious with the project. Carson called the book “Carry Me.” He wanted his book to become a mouthpiece for other kids with cancer. The book details how he made it through this difficult journey with credits going to his faith in God and support of family and friends. He threw in a few rants, detailed some rules he’d like to break if he

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Register Online for PBA and PGSA www.planobaseball.org 972-517-5800 customerservice@planobaseball.org

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

23


NTK Calendar of Events

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

March 1 Monday Dallas Hansel & Gretel. Striking German Puppets, an enchanting forest, and the familiar and melodic music of Engelbert Humperdink come together in this magical re-telling of the classic fairy tale. $18-$23 www.dct.org - Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St. Dallas. Fri Feb 26 to Sun Mar 21

2 Tuesday Lewisville Target First Saturdays. Event features free admission from 10 am to 2 pm, NasherKids Live! performances, a Passport for kids, and monthly themes to encourage children to explore Big Ideas. www.nashersculpturecenter.org - Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas.

Lewisville Increasing Your Child’s Language. This presentation will teach basic natural environment techniques for increasing the level of your child’s communication at any level. Please RSVP for this event on www.bigtent.com or by contacting: Kerri Evanson at kevanson@grandecom.net or 972-899-3915 - 400 W. Main Street, Lewisville - Tue Mar 2 6pm to 8pm

4 Thursday Irving JumpstART - Stories & Art: The Stinky Cheese Man. FREE family story time with a hands-on art activity to follow. Open to children of all ages. Groups of 10 or more must pre-register - pre-register at (972) 252-7558 x1226. www. irvingartscenter.com - Irving - 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving - Thu Mar 4 10am

Wylie Moms & More Monthly Meeting. Moms & More offers support and activities for parents and kids in Wylie and the surrounding communities. Please call for more info: 469-361-6468. URL: www.wyliemomsandmore.org - Wylie Thu Mar 4 10am to 11am

5 Friday Grapevine Day Out with Thomas. Enjoy a full day of fun with Thomas the Tank Engine! For tickets visit www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com or phone toll free 866-468-7630. - Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main Street, Grapevine 76051. March 5 to 7.

Dallas North Texas Irish Festival. www.ntif.org/ - Fair Park, 1200 S 2nd Ave, 75210 - Fri 5 to Sun 7

Southlake First Friday Women’s Event. First Friday of Every Month. Harkins Theatre, Southlake Town Center. Admission is free. firstfridaywomen. com - Southlake - Fri Mar 5 11am to 12pm

6 Saturday McKinney Spring Canoe Trail. Families, scouts and groups interested in professional development will have the opportunity to learn to canoe or kayak while experiencing nature’s beauty.

24

3 Hour Canoe Trail Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Kids age 7 and up may participate For more information and updates, email: Schelly Corry scorry@heardmuseum.org - Heard Museum, McKinney - Sat Mar 6

Allen Allen Eagle Run. 5K/1M 972-727-0362 www. allenisd.org. Downtown Allen - Sat Mar 6 8am to 9am

Plano Esperanza 5K - A Soulful Run for Hope. 5K/1M 214-726-9764 www.esperanza5k.com/ - Custer Rd United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Rd, Plano - Sat Mar 6 8am to 9am

Rockwall Jr. Olympic Skills Competition. This free national skills participation program provides boys and girls, ages 8-13 the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities in four sports - basketball, soccer, tennis and track and field. www.rockwall.com/parks - RISD Education Center Gym, 1050 Williams Street, Rockwall, Texas - Sat Mar 6 10am to 12pm

Frisco Centennial Medical hosts First Saturday Q&A. The first Saturday of every month, professionals from Centennial Medical Center will present a free question and answer session at Stonebriar Centre. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com - Stonebriar, Frisco - Sat Mar 6 12pm to 2pm

Grand Prairie Kids Fishing Day. Free for ages 16 and younger. For information call: 972-237-8100 or www. GrandFunGP.com - Mike Lewis Park Lagoon, 2600 Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas - Sat Mar 6 1pm to 4pm

Dallas SPCA Grief Counseling Group. 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 - Dallas - Sat Mar 6 1pm to 2pm

Irving Side by Side: Concert for Peace. Irving Chorale’s 4th annual “Side by Side” concert features the Irving Children’s Choir and Irving ISD Elementary Honor Choir. Price: FREE (The concert is free but requires a ticket. Please call the Box Office to receive your complimentary ticket.) Phone: (972) 252-2787 (ARTS). www. irvingartscenter.com - 3333 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving 75062 - Sat Mar 6 8pm to 9pm

7 Sunday Plano Divine Consign Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale. For more information contact Tina Teutsch at 214-513-2838 or email divineconsign@hotmail.com or visit www.divineconsign.net - Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano - Sun Mar 7 to Tue Mar 9

Plano Plano Symphony Family Series Gone With the Winds. Featuring the Wind Section! Pre-concert lobby activites begin at 2:00pm for all concerts. Tickets: $7-$11. www.planosymphony.org/ education/family.asp - Courtyard Theater, 1509 Avenue H, Plano, 75074 - Sun Mar 7 2pm to 4pm

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

Lewisville Family Popcorn Series presented by the Lewisville Lake Symphony. Admission: $15 adults (18+), $8 children, Family Special $25. Peter and the Wolf. Danced by the LakeCities Ballet; narrator will be Chip Waggoner. www.lewisvillesymphony.org/popcorn1.htm - Mar 7 3pm to 4pm

8 Monday McKinney Mini Olympics. $15/skater. Let the games begin and start your Olympic dream today! All skaters eligible. Enter by March 1. lcushley@ dallasstars.com, 469-675-8327 - Dr Pepper Starcenter, 6993 Stars Avenue, McKinney,TX 75070 - Mon Mar 8 5:45pm to Mon Mar 8 6:45pm

McKinney Disney Dazzle Concert. The Children’s Chorus of Collin County. 5.00 for adults with free admission offered to all public school students. www.childrenschorusofcollincounty.org - McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney,TX 75069 - Mar 8 6:30pm to 8pm

Carrollton Second Monday Family Fun Nights at Josey Ranch Lake. Come to the library for a night of games and crafts. For all ages. www.cityofcarrollton.com - Carrollton Public Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006 Mon Mar 8 7pm to 8:30pm

9 Tuesday Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano. Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! www.newcomerfriends.org - Plano - Tue Mar 9 9:30am to 11:30am

11 Thursday Lewisville Alternative Treatments for Children With PDD. The LISD Special Education Department presents FOCUS: Families Of Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders United and Supported. Presentation will include information about medications, nutrition/diets, and play therapy. Reservation is required. by the preceding Tuesday @4pm. www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org - Lewisville - Thu Mar 11 6:30pm to 8:30pm

12 Friday Frisco Car Seat Fitting Station. Centennial Medical Center Frisco, 1-877-228-3628. 2nd Friday of the month. Parents will be assisted with installation of the car seat and educated on proper securing of child. - Frisco - Fri Mar 12 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Plano Anshai Torah Tot Shabbat. Plano. Friday night services for kids, prayers, songs & stories, plus an art project or eatable craft. Then there will be a special aliyah for children on the bimah with Rabbi Weinberg. Info: Faith Retsky, 972-4737712. Faith.retsky@anshaitorah.org - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 W. Parker, Plano - Fri Mar 12 6:30pm to 7:30pm

13 Saturday The Colony 4th Annual St. Patty’s Day Pooch Party and 5K

Mutt Strut. 5K Mutt Strut - 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Join other local pets and their people for a brisk morning stroll, jog or run down the Shoreline Trail. www.thecolonytx.gov - Shoreline Trail, The Colony - Sat Mar 13

Allen City of Allen Community Arts and Craft Fair. Take this opportunity to bring the family, walk around and enjoy all the creative crafts on display! www.cityofallen.org - Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Allen - Sat Mar 13

Mansfield Peter Rabbit Trail. Bring the kids out for Spring time on the Farm. The kids enjoy the bounce house, the playground, a pony ride, petting zoo, a train ride, a hay ride, and the Peter Rabbit Trail. The cost is $7 per person. countrycrittersfarm.com - Country Critters Farm, Mansfield - Sat Mar 13 to Fri Apr 30

Grapevine Weekend Family Campout at Meadowmere Park. Get ready to discover the natural world on the shores of Lake Grapevine. $35 per adult and $30 kids. The premium sites are first-come first-served www.AdventureDayCamps.com Lake Grapevine - Sat Mar 13 to Sun Mar 14

Dallas St. Paddy’s Day Dash Down Greenville. 5K 214-821-0909 www.dashdowngreenville.com - Lover’s & Greenville, Dallas - Sat Mar 13 8:30am to 9:30am

Frisco Lochrann’s Paddy Dash. 5K/1M/ 50 yd 214529-9622 www.paddydash.com - Frisco City Hall, Frisco - Sat Mar 13 8:45am to 9:45am

Arlington Kite Festival. River Legacy Park, Arlington - Sat Mar 13 10am to 2pm

Flower Mound Funscape Teen Night. Ages 9 to 14, the event will feature a live DJ, organized sports, foosball, billiards, dancing, and a variety of other activities in a safe, healthy environment. $9. Please call 972.446.6483 for more information. www. flower-mound.com - Community Activity Center, 1200 Gerault Road, Flower Mound - Sat Mar 13 7pm to 11pm

Dallas The DFW Family Expo from 10am to 5pm. $3/adults; $2/children 2 and older. DFW Family Expo is a celebration of Dallas-Ft. Worth’s best for families with children of all ages. It’s a day of fun, goodies, shopping, entertainment, learning and hands-on activities in special themed areas, scores of exhibitors and vendors and opportunities to win amazing prizes. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Children’s Medical Center! Dallas Fair Park - Centennial Hall. 1300 Robert B. Collum Blvd. Dallas, TX 75315 www.dfwfamilyexpo.com

15 Monday Dallas Dallas Zoo Spring Break Camp. The Dallas Zoo also is offering a new action-packed Spring Break Camp for children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. For more information, email publicprograms@DallasZooEd.com or call the reservation line at (214) 670-7501 - Dallas Zoo, Dallas TX - Mon Mar 15 to Fri Mar 19


Dallas Museum of Nature and Science Discover Camp. While school’s out-discovery’s in this Spring Break at the Museum of Nature & Science. www.natureandscience.org 214-428-5555 - 3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue, Dallas - Mon Mar 15 to Fri Mar 19

Plano Spring Break Soccer Camps. Boys and girls ages 4-10 learn soccer skills, drills and games. Register with Texas Spirit (girls) www.txspirit.com or Club Classic Soccer www.clubclassicsoccer.com (boys). Contact Wilco Ravestijn at 214-682-2037. wilco@coachingsource.com - Plano Family YMCA, Plano TX - Mon Mar 15 to Fri Mar 19

Plano YMCA Spring Break Fun Club. The Plano Family YMCA in Legacy will offer all day care for children ages 3 to 13 during spring break. Care provided from 7:30am to 6:30pm for $25 a day. Activities include the rock climbing wall, swimming, gym, arts & crafts and outside play. Registration is required. www. planoymca.org - Plano Family YMCA, Plano Mon Mar 15 to Fri Mar 19

Plano A Beka Book Home School. A home school curriculum and text book sale. Admission is Free. For more information contact Mickey Pierce at 800-613-3222 Ext. 67 or visit our website at www.abeka.org - Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano - Tue Mar 16 11am to 3pm

16 Tuesday Irving Stinky Cheese Man. 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Dupree Theater. $6. www.irvingartscenter.com Irving - Wed Mar 17 - Wed Mar 17

18 Thursday Allen

23 Tuesday Richardson LSWO Percussion Extravaganza 2010. Back by popular demand, Lone Star Wind Orchestra presents a truly thrilling and crowd pleasing selection of music performed by the seven percussionists of the LSWO. Tickets: $20, adult; $10 student general admission; group rates available for 10 or more. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.lonestarwindorchestra. com - Eisemann Center, Richardson - Tue Mar 23 7:30pm to 8:30pm

24 Wednesday Dallas

North Richland Hills

Allen Allen Community Outreach Wine Masters. Benefitting the Programs of Allen Community Outreach. www.acocares.org - Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club - Fri Mar 26 7pm to 10:30pm

27 Saturday Carrollton Homeschooling with Literature. www.carolejoyseid.com - Carrollton - Sat Mar 27

Carrollton Kacie’s Run. Kacie’s Run is an annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Run Benefitting the All Stars Special Olympics Team of C-FB ISD, held in honor of Kacie Brekhus, R. L. Turner graduate. www.cityofcarrollton.com - Tommy Standridge Stadium, 1330 W. Valwood Parkway, Carrollton 75006 - Sat Mar 27

Lewisville

Lake Ray Roberts Country Critters Farm Easter Egg Hunt. $7 per person. Join us for a fun, affordable family day. countrycrittersfarm.com - Country Critters Farm, Mansfield - Sat Mar 20

Lake Ray Roberts Texas Outdoor Family Workshop Offered At Ray Roberts Lake State Park. www.tpwd.state. tx.us Register by calling (512) 389-8903 and speaking to a Texas Outdoor Family representative Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-to-6 p.m., or send e-mail to tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us - Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Sat Mar 20 to Sun Mar 21

Frisco Easter Eggstravaganza. www.friscotexas.gov Pizza Hut Park, Frisco - Sat Mar 20 1pm to 4pm

21 Sunday Richardson Eisemann Center Presents Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co.. Family Theatre Series sponsored by Friends of the Richardson Library. Tickets: $10-$20; Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-7444650 www.fredgarbo.com - Eisemann Center, Richardson - Sun Mar 21 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Euless

26 Friday

19 Friday

20 Saturday

Fast TracK S/24 Stock Car Racing. Gravity Racing is coming to Valley View Center. Different groups will be getting together to race their cars on a 180 degree, 52 foot lock, 24 degree banked extreme TRACK. 1:24 scale Stock cars and trucks will be working to earn medals and points to enter into regional and National Competitions. www.shopvalleyviewcenter.com - Preston Rd & 635 LBJ Freeway, Dallas - Sat Mar 27 9am to 10am Easter Egg Scramble. The 6th Annual Euless Easter Egg Scramble is a mad dash by over 500 kids to snatch up as many candy filled plastic eggs as they can. We will have bounce houses, games and face painting. www.eulesstx.gov 1501 S Pipeline Rd E, Euless - Sat Mar 27 10am to 12pm

Lewisville

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Enjoyed by ages 7 years and above. - Dallas Children’s Theatre, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, Texas, 75231 - Fri Mar 19 to Sun Apr 25

Dallas

Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate. It’s a colossal party on ice with all your favorite Disney friends! Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits Dallas! www.americanairlinescenter. com - American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219 - Mar 24 to 28

LiVE! ON THE GREEN. FREE outdoor concert series. “LiVE! ON THE GREEN” is perfect for family, friends or a date. No lawn chairs, coolers or alcohol permitted. 7pm. For more information call 972-747-8000 or visit www.watterscreek.com - 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen, Texas - Thu Mar 18 to Sat Mar 20

Dallas

Airport Road, Rockwall, Texas - Sat Mar 27 9am to 11am

Panda Cup Games international soccer exhibition. Panda Cup schedules an array of games from U6 through U19. Youth games are for boys and girls and involved teams of all levels. www.pandacup.com - Lewisville - Sat Mar 27 to Thu Apr 1 Regional Amateur Tour (RAT) skateboard competition. www.skatetherat.com - Railroad Park in Lewisville, Texas - Sat Mar 27

McKinney Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale. www.sweetrepeatsmckinney.org - McKinney - Sat Mar 27

McKinney Take a Hike! for your Community. Hike the Heard to raise funds for your favorite participating partner organization. More details at www.heardmuseum.org - Heard Museum, McKinney - Sat Mar 27

Irving Run for Wishes. 5K/1M raceforwishes.kintera. org - Williams Square, Las Colinas, Irving - Sat Mar 27 7am to 8am

Richardson

Easter in the Park. Activities will include an Easter egg hunt with over 25,000 eggs and prizes, a special visit by the Easter bunny, bounce houses, train rides, a petting zoo, and performances by local NRH Recreation dance groups. Contact the North Richland Hills Recreation Center at 817-427-6600. - Green Valley Park, 7701 Smithfield Road, North Richland Hills - Sat Mar 27 10am to 12pm

Plano Eggs Over Easy Egg Hunt. The event includes an egg and candy hunt, as well as a visit from PAR D. Duck and the Easter Bunny! Children will be separated for egg hunting by age groups (2-3 yrs., 4-5 yrs. and 6-7 yrs.). Space is limited, so register early. Cost: $4 per child. www.planoparks.org. For more details call 972-941-7250. Liberty Recreation Center 2601 Glencliff Drive, Plano - Sat Mar 27 10am to 12pm

Dallas Museum of Nature and Science, Science School 8th Annual Carnival. Guests will enjoy a “bouncy house”, silent auction, pie toss and more! Snacks will be for sale $1/ticket. Pie toss tickets are $2/throw or 3 for $5. This does not include entrance admission into the Museum. www.natureandscience.org - 3535 Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue, Dallas - Sat Mar 27 1pm to 4pm

intriguing cirque style performers. Reserved Seating tickets: $9-$75. www.planosymphony. org/concerts/concert-cirque.asp - Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson 75082 - Sat Mar 27 8:15pm to 9:15pm

28 Sunday Lewisville SEPTSA Annual Spring Egg Hunt. We will have an egg hunt for the kids with a surprise appearance by Mr. E. Bunny. This party is for SEPTSA Members’ families only. Non-members may join SEPTSA for $9 upon arrival. Contact Victoria Martinez at victoria.martinez@sspcorp. com www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org - LL Woods Park, 1000 Arbour Way, Lewisville 75077 - Sun Mar 28 2pm to 4pm

31 Wednesday Allen Lunch with the Easter Bunny. Parents, bring your cameras. Come join the Easter fun and make memories that will last forever. Deadline to register by will be 3/28. $10.00. www.cityofallen.org - Joe farmer Recreation Center, Allen - Wed Mar 31 11:30am to 12:30pm

Please visit our website for all of our Ongoing Activities and Support Groups

Submitting Events Our calendar of events is free to the community. All events must be submitted online and will appear in print and on our website. Go to www.northtexaskids.com and click on the submissions button to add your event to our calendar. We reserve the right to edit submissions and give priority to familyfocused events.

Carrollton Teddy Bear Picnic. $15 Resident Fee/$20 Nonresident Fee. Bring your teddy bear, a picnic lunch and enjoy the festivities which include: crafts for your bear, games, cookies and lemonade, a contest for best dressed bear, and a teddy bear first aid station, where a certified teddy bear nurse will repair your well-loved bear. www.cityofcarrollton.com - A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, 1509 N. Perry Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006 - Sat Mar 27 1pm to 3pm

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Flower Mound 27th Annual Easter Egg Scramble. ark, 4975 Timber Creek Road, Flower Mound - Sat Mar 27 2pm to 3:30pm

North Mothers of Twins Club Sale. North Dallas Mothers of Twins is hosting their Club Semi-Annual Sale is open to the public with more than 20,000 gently used, quality finds for kids of all ages. Admission is $1.00. For more information visit www.ndmotc.org/sale sale@ ndmotc.org - Richardson Civic Center at 411 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson - Sat Mar 27 8:30am to 12:30pm

Richardson

Rockwall

Plano

Easter Egg Hunt. Bring an Easter basket to Tuttle Athletic Complex and hunt for candy and special eggs that could win you eggstraordinary prizes. www.rockwall.com/parks - 1600

The Plano Symphony Presents “Cirque de la Symphonie”. The Plano Symphony Orchestra’s two-part concert will feature the Grand Prize winners of a Young Artists competition and

Cirque de la Symphonie and The Young Artists. Rousing symphonic music accompanies acrobats, dancers, contortionists and visual artisans to heighten your senses and stir your imagination. Hill Performance Hall. Tickets: $9-$75; call 972-473-7262 to purchase. www.planosymphony.org - Eisemann Center, Richardson - Sat Mar 27 8:15pm to 9:15pm

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North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

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NTK Family Resource Guide North Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need to simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!

Seeking Counseling? FREE 30 minute consultation Serving Children, Adults, Couples, and Families Insurance Accepted

Anisha Shah Licensed Professional Counselor

Two convenient locations to serve you McKinney: 214-585-0584 Richardson: 972-231-2555, Ext: 4 www.collincountycounseling.com

RESULTS THAT LAST A LIFETIME

SERVICES INCLUDE: In-home Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy

CONTACT US TODAY

to find out how we can help you! T 214.566.2687 E Contact@DynamicTherapy.net

Insurance & Medicaid accepted NOW HIRING THERAPISTS

www.DynamicTherapy.net

We keep kids entertained.

Plano Area Mothers of Multiples (PAMOM)

at Deal

Baby and children’s gently used clothing, toys, books and gear.

469.789.9964 brittany allen aclownnamedzoe@yahoo.com making little hearts happy.

www.aclownnamedzoe.com

R I D D L E S

re

Scraptions by Christy

s!

ballooning & whimsical magic

G

Semi-Annual Sale

clowning for special events

Are your kids bored?

Come early for the best selection!

Sat., April 10, 2010 8:00am - Noon Hilton Garden Inn 705 Central Expressway South North of Bethany Exit in Allen

www.pamom.org

“Scrapbooking your way to creative memories.”

10% off Custom Scrapbook Design Call Now for Details!

~

Schedule your scrapbook event today! Perfect for bridal/baby showers, birthdays, and any special event.

972-971-9408 www.scraptionsbychristy.com

What do a car, tree and an elephant have in common? They all have trunks!

Why do dogs sit in the shade? Becuse they don’t want to be HOT DOGS!

Why do dogs run in circles? Because its hard to run in squares!

What does a cat have that no other animal has? Kittens

What is a snake’s favorite subject? HISSSStory!

Why did the duck cross the road? It was the chicken’s day off.

Advertise Your Business Here for $109 a month.* Call us at 972-516-9070 to reserve your space today! *Price valid for full year contract only / BW Ad. Ad design fee $25.00. www.northtexaskids.com


Bring the family to

May 1-2, 2010

Dallas Market Hall • 10am - 5pm

Every Saturday & Sunday Kids under 12 receive FREE admission Most activities take place in the Center for Creative Connections on Level 1. studio creations Saturday & Sunday, 1:00–3:30 p.m.

collection connections Sunday, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

sketching in the galleries for kids

family films

Every third Saturday, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Family initiatives are funded by Catherine and Will Rose and the Pollock Foundation Education Endowment Fund. New family learning experiences are supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Museum’s Gateway Gallery Endowment Fund, the Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Hobson Endowment Fund, the Betty Moroney Norsworthy Education Endowment Fund, and the Karen and Richard Pollock Education Endowment Fund provide a permanent source of support for family and community programs. Annual support for family and community programs is provided by The M. R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation, the Junior League of Dallas, and the Donor Circle membership program through leadership gifts by an anonymous donor and the Dedman Foundation. Promotional support provided by Radio Disney and North Texas Kids. The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

h h h h h

Information Sessions Special Appearances Entertainment Activities And MUCH MORE!!

FUN for the WHOLE FAMILY!

* Kids 12 and under get in free with donated canned good item. Admission (Ages 13+) is $7 at the door. Discounted tickets of $5 can be purchased online at:

www.dallaskidsexpo.com

DallasMuseumofArt.org

North Texas Kids  •  March 2010  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com

27


Looking for ideas for Summer Fun & Education? Looking for something Fun and Free to do with your family? Join Us!

100 Vendors • Face Painting • Prizes • Crafts & More!

Saturday, April 24 from 10am to 2pm Plano West Senior High School • 5601 W. Parker Rd. Plano, TX Watch our website for more details! www.northtexaskids.com

Want to be a vendor? Call 972-516-9070

Benefitting Plano West Theater Department


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