NTK May 2008

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North Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

Kids

Cover artist: Kevin Lieb, age 8

In this issue: Making Your Marriage Work After Baby Infant Bonding Over the Top Nurseries May Calendar of Events

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Your community now has the one outpatient care center with the most pediatric specialists. The Children’s Legacy Ambulatory Care Pavilion now offers the largest suburban group of pediatric specialists in the nation. Which means all your child’s outpatient needs, from ENT and urology to orthopedics and cardiology, can now be handled in one close and convenient location by specialists from UT Southwestern Medical Center. You’ll also have access to imaging and laboratory services. For a full list of available services and more information about this new state-of-the-art facility, visit childrens.com.

Children’s Legacy Ambulatory Care Pavilion 7609 Preston Rd., Plano, TX 75024 childrens.com or 972-730-KIDS

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North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008 4/10/08 11:01:21 AM

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North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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May 2008

Contents

Volume 6 No.4

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

Making Your Marriage Work After Having a Baby .......6 Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty ........................8 Coaching Parents on Infant Bonding ..........................10 Some Thoughts After Mother’s Day .............................12 The Well-Stocked Diaper Bag ........................................13

Office Manager Cindy Watts cindyw@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik mike@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs heidi@n o r t h t e x a s k i d s . c o m Account Executives Jane Bingham Mike Kravik Cindy Johnson Janice Robinson Cindy Watts

Over the Top Nurseries ....................................................14 Sushi Samba Restaurant Review ...................................16 Tips for New Grandparents ............................................20 Protection from “Pharm” Parties ...................................32 “Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords” ......................45

Regular Features Simple Concepts with Outings and Adventures ..........18 2008 Summer Camp Guide ...........................................21 Focus on our Advertisers................................................. 30 Family Resource Guide ..................................................31

Printed by Midway Press Mailing Address Scissortail Publishing 700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, TX 75074 Phone 972-516-9070 Fax 972-516-9048 North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 10 times a year. Copyright 2008 by North Texas Kids©. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids encourages your submission of articles, children’s artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Recommended article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the content of their printed advertisements and agree to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom. Page 4

Alexandria’s Book Review ..............................................35 Emma’s Kid-Friendly Restaurant Review .......................36 May Calendar of Events .................................................37 Index of Advertisers .........................................................47

Kids’ Activities Common Birds to North Texas .........................................19 Gift Card Packages ........................................................22 Kids in the Kitchen ...........................................................34 Spring Word Scramble ....................................................41 Greek Mythology Word Scramble .................................46

Sports Scoop The Cure for Nature Deficit Disorder .............................42 Elevate Your Game .........................................................44

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Note from the Publisher

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

Things that I love, like our new cover... ...Being a mom ...My kids ...My husband ...My family (mom, dad, uncles, aunts, in-laws, all of them!) ...Getting hand made Mother’s Day presents (while making sure I don’t forget my own mother) ...The smell of a newborn baby ...A good read (Check out my review of Schuyler’s Monster on pg.45) ...A good dinner out (Check out my review of Sushi Samba, my new favorite restaurant, on pg.16) ...A good cry, a really good one that just cleans you out ...Good friends ...Owning my own business ...My amazing staff ...The beautiful art that graces each cover of North Texas Kids ...Our brand-spanking new format with that beautiful glossy cover that lets us show off your kids’ artwork even more! ...A glass of wine ...A long walk in the woods ...Candlelight ...Fresh cut flowers in a beautiful vase ...Fine art ...Time alone - remember that?

So why should you care about what I love? Because I am a classic example of a busy, stressed out mommy who says yes more than I should. As new mommies or mommies of older kids, we often forget what it is that we love to do and all of the ways that we used to pamper ourselves. We forget our dreams, that we love to write, that we love to sew or take a yoga class or a craft class and long hot baths...

So Mom, here’s to you! Happy Mother’s Day I honor you for all the love, tears, laundry, meals and time in the car that you give to your kids. But please, this year, don’t forget about yourself. The best thing you can do for your kids is to be happy yourself. We have to model the behavior and attitude that we want our kids to have, and this is a big task, especially on those days when you are so tired you can barely get off the couch to fetch another juice box or bowl of Goldfish. “Ditch the Superwoman Syndrome. This syndrome is adding unnecessary stress and sickness to our lives. We place such unrealistic expectations

on ourselves. The guilt we feel as mothers often fuels this Superwoman Syndrome. Start letting go of your mental chatter; practice saying No and remember no one’s life is perfect. As mothers we need to take Superwoman off the pedestal and start putting a more realistic, imperfect, yet happier Mom up there,” says Peggy Porter, a women’s wellness coach. (www. seekingbalance.ca) Because we are moms and we love our kids, love our husbands, and our careers, we inevitably put ourselves at the bottom of the to do list. But I guarantee that if you take a few more time outs for yourself, one more night a month out with the girls or a date night with your husband, you will be a happier person. That happiness translates into a happy mommy who has the energy to break up the next fight between her kids without entering into the fray. I’m not any better at this than most moms I know and I get the kids to bed at night and am too tired for the candlight or the good read or all those other things I claim to love. I try to schedule it into my calendar. I try to spend an extra five minutes in the shower (if I can do so without an audience) or plan a lunch with a friend I haven’t seen in a while. It’s not easy but I always feel so much better when I make the effort. My goal for this month is to try. I have no interest in being perfect, don’t even want to try, but

I could definitely be more relaxed, less stressed and happier if I do something, anything, just for me. My committment to myself is to take a long hot bath, have a night out with my husband and a night out with a girlfriend and to spend more time playing with kids instead of doing things for my kids. I will like me better and so will they. What will you commit to this month?

Happy Reading! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR $250 GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!! I would like to thank all of you who filled out our online reader survey. Thanks for taking the time and thanks for the feedback. Our Grand Prize Winner was Stephanie Coleman. Here what she has to say about NTK... “Winning this is fabulous to me!! I enjoy reading North Texas Kids, as well as looking at it online, because it provides me with so much information for a variety of things. And I do mean varietyarticles, reviews, events, camps, and directories. My children even enjoy the “just for kids” sections. And the artwork on the front always makes you feel good. Most of all, North Texas Kids is just a lot of fun. I’m always picking up extra copies to give away. Thank you again.”

Cover Artist Meet Kevin Lieb, our cover artist for May. Kevin is 8 years old and attends White Rock elementary school in Dallas. He has a lot interests inlcuding church choir, Cub Scouts, and archery. Kevin loves to read and his moms says he reads 10 books a week, wow! His favorite place is a dude ranch in the Texas Hill Country that he and his family visit every year. Thanks for sharing your artwork with us Kevin! North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork on the cover of NTK. North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s masterpiece. We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child that appears on our cover recieves $50.00 along with their picture and story in the paper. Call 972-516-9070 for more information. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to info@northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste. 110, Plano, TX 75074. Page 5

Making Your

Marriage Work After Having a Baby Painting, Sculpture, Clay, Oh My! Your Child Will Experience the Wide World of Art at

The Artist Within! We specialize in instruction for children and special needs students. Birthday Parties for ages 5 to 14 The Artist Within is owned and operated by Dawn Petty, who has been working as an artist in the Dallas area for twenty years.

972-596-6077 Ryan, age 16, shows off his first oil painting. Visit our online gallery to see other samples of student work.

Check out our Summer Camps online! www.artistwithin.com

The Artist Within dawn@artistwithin.com

www.aristwithin.com

by Susan Fletcher, Ph.D.

According to Dr. John Gottman and Alyson Fearnley Shapiro at the University of Washington, the prescription for strengthening the marital bond after having a first child is: • Building fondness and affection for your partner • Being aware of what is going on in your spouse’s life and being responsive to it • Approaching problems as something you and your partner can control and solve together as a couple

2001 Coit Rd., Ste. 206, Plano N.W. Corner of Park & Coit

The Biggest Jump Is from Zero to One My husband and I have three young boys. People ask me if going from two to three children was tough. There are jokes about when your children outnumber you, and how parenting just gets that much tougher. In reality, my personal as well as clinical experience, proves that the biggest jump is from zero to one. The period surrounding the birth of a child is often one of the most challenging and stressful Page 6

transitions a couple will experience in their whole marital lifetime. Some couples will be able to experience this change in a way that ultimately enhances personal and marital wellbeing. For the most part, all couples have some exposure to a decline in marital satisfaction and an increase in personal problems in the months right after childbirth. Women especially find difficulties because they are dealing with the pregnancy, childbirth, childcare issues, and for many, career-related stressors. Research also found that women tend to report fewer positive feelings about their husbands during the postpartum period than during pregnancy. Further, women report doing much more of the housework and childcare than they had expected. Violated expectations concerning division of labor were related to negative postpartum feelings concerning some aspects of the marital relationship. Despite any differences related to gender, the changes associated

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

with having your first child are better navigated with a higher level of paternal involvement, especially in caregiving. Research proves that the husband’s involvement was associated with a more limited decline in marital satisfaction. In fact, most research suggests that the shared division of labor and responsibilities is particularly important for the maintenance of ongoing marital satisfaction. Creating an Opportunity for Change Having a child can actually create an opportunity for change in a couple. Even if the couple is not experiencing significant difficulties prior to having a child, maintaining realistic expectations about how a marriage will change may be the best way to be immune to the hardships. It is worth considering that some hardships may not always break a relationship. With appropriate attention and energy, a hardship could actually create an opportunity for change. There is something truly inspiring about couples who go through significant change in their marriage and survive it. Significant change can be anything, not just having a child. The change can be with retirement, the youngest child leaving for college, financial crises, job changes, becoming a caretaker for elderly parents, or the death of a parent. Change could also include moving from one house

to another, children growing up, changes in health, and trying to make a decision about whether or not to stay home with the kids. When I work with couples who have had significant marital stress and low satisfaction for a long time, I hear stories about many of the scenarios I just mentioned. It seems that marital difficulties were brewing and then some event, no matter how insignificant it seemed, appeared to send them into a cascade of marital stress. When they talk about the various events that have caused them to be unhappy, it’s as though it just happened yesterday. They have considerable difficulty getting past it, especially if they have neglected to give their relationship the proper attention and energy to be “better for the hardship.” Ask any woman about their experience with the birth of their first child and you will hear many different stories. Besides learning to manage being a new mother and all the unknowns about your new baby, what matters most is that you plan to be deliberate about making your marriage work. In doing so, it would be one of the best things you can do to help your children get off to a good start. Susan Fletcher, Ph.D. is the CEO of Fletcher & Associates Psychological Services, P.A. in Plano. She is the mother of three and the author of Parenting in the Smart Zone. Her second book Working in the Smart Zone was just released in January 2008. She can be reached by email at DrFletcher@FletcherPhD.com.

Date Night Ideas Dinner and a Movie

Com

7

Coffee and Dessert Win e Ba r Visit a Nearby Museum Send Your Kids Out r o o and You Stay In td ts

edy C

lubs

Ou ncer Co

Nature Walk

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty

by Lori Bittenbender

I

t’s only natural for babies to want to be held close and secure. The benefits of babywearing allow caregivers to be hands free, tend to older siblings, clean house, and shop. Marni Matyus, owner of Peppermint Baby Boutique, notes, “Baby slings are the most effective and simple way to maintain the warm, natural connection a child

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has with its mother.” Several North Texas moms weigh in on how they have benefited from babywearing. Hands-Free: Many moms can relate to Angelique Moses of Coppell when she says, “Mothers truly need more than two hands.” Vicki Carver of Keller recalls, “Babywearing gave me the freedom to do what I needed to get done.” Tend to Other Children: Babywearing allowed Vicki Carver of Keller to bond with her baby while still nurturing her other children and herself. Andrea OrrGilroy of Arlington shares, “My youngest can nap in the sling while I take the older two out. We can have a great day without having to be home by naptime.” Hands Free Nursing: It’s possible to discreetly nurse hands free in almost any type of baby sling. Maria Pokluda of Coppell enjoyed the newborn stage more because she “could go on with life

and nurse my son anywhere.” Fussiness, Nervousness, Colic, & GURD: Some babies need constant motion, some are shy and some just enjoy the comfort of being held — babywearing is the answer to all of these situations. Angelique Moses of Coppell shares, “Babywearing has helped me stay calm. It is both a quick fix and a long-term solution for crying.” Vicki Carver’s daughter had a lot of gastric pain. Often the carrier was the only place she would be happy. Lesley Spradlin of Watauga had a very colicky baby. An upright position kept him happy and helped him sleep. Rachel Neill’s baby had reflux and a front carry took the pressure off her son’s tummy. Working Moms: Mandy Casey of Richardson shares, “I don’t want to miss out on my time with my daughter. I wrap her on me, talk to her, and kiss her while

getting things ready for the next day.” Andrea Orr-Gilroy of Arlington once rehearsed for a play with her daughter asleep in a carrier under her costume. Babywearing allowed Lesley Spradlin of Watauga, to type, talk on the phone and attend meetings while her son slept, ate or gazed around. Bonding: Babywearing helps promote a sense of security and trust which allows children to learn that the world is a safe and reliable place. Angelique Moses of Coppell says “My baby rarely cries while being worn, probably because it is so similar to the womb environment.” Learning: Children who are worn learn about their world through the surrounding activities and conversations. Maria Pokluda’s son was delayed in his physical milestones and had low muscle tone. “I believe my son got more stimulation being on me and being able to look around. Babywearing

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

gave him my mobility.� There are five main types of slings: Ring slings, pouches, wraps, mei teis and structured soft carriers. Finding the one that’s right for you is “simply a matter of personal preference,� explains Matyus. Pouches. Pouches are the simplest type of baby carrier. Fast in, fast out with a sleek style and no extra fabric. The baby sits between two layers of fabric - in a pouch. While you can wear a newborn in a pouch, Matyus recommends them for a hip carry for babies age four months and older who have good neck control. Ring slings. Ring slings are great for new sling users and are the best type of carrier for nursing. You can easily nurse hands free or use the tail for a cover up. Ring slings are adjustable making them highly versatile. Matyus recommends an unpadded or lightly padded ring sling. “Excess padding makes the carrier hard to adjust, bulky and hot.� Wraps. With 20 different ways to tie a wrap using five- to sixyards of fabric, these baby slings

may seem intimidating. However, wraps are the most comfortable; the most versatile; and provide the best ergonomic support for both baby and the caregiver. With 1520 minutes of practicing the tying methods, Matyus assures that “parents will be a pro.� Mei tais. Pronounced “may tie,� these slings are primarily used for carrying the baby upright facing towards the wearer on the front or back. Oftentimes referred to as “Asian Back Carriers,� mei tais are comprised of a rectangleshaped piece of fabric, two straps for your waist and two shoulder straps. Structured Soft Carriers. Ergonomically designed to support the weight of your child, these baby slings are the best choice for carrying your heavy baby or preschooler and are popular choices for dads. Marni Matyus teaches Babywearing classes for free at Peppermint Baby Boutique. Visit www.peppermint.com. Lori Bittenbender enjoys wearing her 1-year old daughter and is a freelancer from Dallas, TX.

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Coaching Parents on

Infant Bonding by Caron Goode

Call us to schedule a FREE demo class. Sign up early for summer classes to reserve your spot. For ages 0 - 6 years. Watch this space for info about upcoming baby dance parties!

972–267-4452 www.musictogetherdallas.com

From the moment a pregnant woman intuitively strokes her growing belly, a bond forms. In response to this gentle massage, the unborn child will move her arms, legs, and head. This exchange of movement and the mutual feelings it evokes initiates a bond between mother and child. Bonds, such as this, that start with touch can be one of the strongest and most influential for infants and children of all ages. For infants, touch is their primary sense. It is how they

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experience and respond to their environment and their caregivers. Countless studies have proven that for infants, touch is essential to growth and well being. According to Frederick Leboyer, French obstetrician and author of Loving Hands-The Traditional Art of Baby Massage, “Being touched and caressed, massaged, is food for the infant. Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins.” The link between touch, growth, and bonding begins in the womb. In the embryo there is a layer of cells called the extoderm. These cells produce both the skin and the nervous system. This physiological connection is the foundation through which the embryo experiences life. Touch and movement provide the growing child with awareness and the innate knowledge that she is alive. This awareness will follow her through birth and into the world where touch will continue to play a key role in her development. Developmentally, touch is crucial to brain growth and the cultivation of coping skills. The ability to cope with stress begins in infancy. Touch contributes to this by encouraging the brain to integrate nerve impulses. This

helps create neurological, chemical, emotional, and cognitive patterns that reduce the harmful effects of stress. An infant experiences stress when she is hungry, wet, under/ over stimulated, or in need of physical contact. When a parent answers her cries with comfort and loving touch, she learns to trust her feelings and the messages her body is sending. She also learns to trust and experience the emotional bond she shares with her caregiver. When comforting touch and a secure loving bond is combined with empathy, the child learns to accept and calm herself. This is the first step towards regulating her emotions and developing resilience. Successful infant bonding begins with touch. Touch is soothing and a natural way of showing love. When a child is in need or disoriented due to stress, movement or action combined with touch helps her regain balance. If

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

“When a child is in need or disoriented due to stress, movement or action combined with touch helps her regain balance.” this action emphatically answers the child’s need without imposing the parent’s perception, then the child learns to trust herself. She feels safe within her body and her environment. These responses are the building blocks for how the child will connect with the world and handle adversity. Also important to infant bonding are expressions of positive emotion and love. The child who has smiling, cooing parents feels a positive connection with them. She knows and feels their love. This connection often takes the form of intense mutual emotional engagement. Examples of this include staring into her parent’s eyes or enjoying a ritual such as bath time or massage. These periods are essential to the bonding process. Likewise, breaking these connections paves the path for integrating stress. When there is a reduction in emotional arousal, such as bedtime, a child learns to trust. She learns to trust that when she needs her parents, they will be there to reconnect with her. Sarah’s story illustrates the ebb and flow of connection, reconnection, and trust. Sarah’s Story. After giving birth to her daughter Sarah, Helen instinctively places the child on her chest. She rubs Sarah’s back and kisses her cheek. The comfort of these gestures helps calm Sarah. After a few minutes, her father, Tim, scoops her into his arms and begins stroking her legs. With gentle and loving touch, Sarah is welcomed into this world. Upon their arrival home, Sarah’s parents continue to offer her comforting touch and loving looks. Her mother and father stare into her tiny face; only too happy to share the joy they feel. Their happiness is transferred to Sarah

and she feels their love. Several weeks go by, and all the while Sarah is rocked, cuddled, nursed, and fawned over. During this time, Sarah and her parents establish a sense of communication. By reading her cues, Tim and Helen are able to anticipate Sarah’s needs. At eight weeks of age, Sarah is able to focus and lock eyes with her mother. Throughout the day, mother and child share quiet moments staring into each other’s eyes. More often than not, Sarah is the one who breaks the connection. She signals that the moment is over by turning her head, moving her arms or kicking her legs. At this point, Helen turns her concentration elsewhere. She talks to Tim, answers the phone or attends to household chores. From time to time, Helen and Tim become distracted and do not realize that Sarah is in need. Her cries let them know that she wants attention. These cries bring Tim and Helen back to Sarah. They intuitively use touch to calm her until her needs are met. By touching and responding with empathy, her parents give Sarah a sense of safety and security. By consistently attending to Sarah in this way, they help her establish a foundation on which her future coping skills will be built.

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

Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International, a training and certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties with the academy, Goode is the founder of the website InspiredParenting. net, and the author of ten books, the most recent of which are Nurture Your Child’s Gift: Inspired Parenting and Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma. For more information on The Academy for Coaching Parents International or to sign up for academy announcements, visit www.acpi.biz .

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Some Thoughts After Mother’ s Day I

had an especially wonderful Mother’s Day this year. After all, it is children who make mother’s day possible! My mom, who is 83 years old and quite fragile, stayed with me for the weekend. Even though she has lost most of her sight, her memory is fading rather quickly, and she seems a shadow of her former self, I really was able to connect with the heart of this woman I used to call “Sarge.” Mom could give orders like an Army Sergeant. She was quick to judge and even quicker to mead out what she considered a just punishment for infractions, especially those related to impolite behavior. I carried around a fair amount of fury with her for a long time, but in recent years it has softened into a mushy pile of admiration. Today Mom is just about blind, but her insight is better than 20/20. She’s had diabetes for over 25 years now and although she never did understand the ‘diet exchanges’ she really did observe the sugar restrictions with a selfdiscipline I have never known. Her arthritis has left her hands stiff, her knees hurting and her balance awkward, but she has never spent a day in the hospital (except for childbirth) nor was I ever aware of her passing through menopause! She has maintained her sense of humor through many, many losses over the years and in spite of a very difficult childhood. She loves that my hair is more silver than hers and she loves my sister and I more than life itself. I have always been aware of how much I love children, but I never truly realized how much of her life was dedicated to raising, protecting and loving her children and grandchildren. All of this

became very clear to me this past Mother’s Day. On her very worst day of not feeling well, she still wants to hear stories about her children and grandchildren. These stories sustain her spirit and her heart. I experience that myself with my children and grandchildren. I see this seed of love blooming in my oldest daughter who is the mother of three daughters; and I see it blooming in my other two daughters, who do not have children but who share understanding, listening time and love with their nieces and the many children whose lives they touch. This is the legacy my mom has given to each of us. This gift did not come without pain, sacrifice, fear and worry, but that is exactly what makes it a gift. I never really used to think of my mother as particularly strong. I compared her frequently to her mother and my dad’s mom, both of whom came to America as courageous immigrants at the age of 15 years, with no skills, a language barrier, and a deep desire for the freedoms America offers. I can now see my mother’s courage and her deep desire for her children and grand-children to have the best life possible, whatever sacrifice that required...and it required a lot on her part! Of the many beautiful expressions of love I received this past mother’s day, the most precious was my ability to ‘see’ my mom with new eyes; to see the heart of her spirit without judgment, without hurt, without resentment, without criticism; and to see that her spirit dwells in my sister and I; in our children and grand-children. I had a dream just before awakening in the morning of Mother’s Day. I dreamt that I was walking along a shallow river,

by Elaine Williams

surrounded by an ancient forest with a lot of crone trees bending over the flowing water. Rocks and boulders dotted the river and the adjacent land. In the distance, I could see a child sitting on one of the boulders, very still and very silent. As I approached the child, I realized she was alone and lonely. I also realized she had been waiting for me a very long time. I recognized the child immediately. She was nine years old, in fourth grade and she was wearing her very favorite shoes with the big gold buckle. This was my child, my “inner” child. As I approached her our eyes met and I could both sense and feel the deep peace that comes with recognition, the warm smile and the warm tears that come with deep love, the oneness that comes with being whole again. I lifted her with gentle gratefulness and deep affection and carried her home to me again. Thanks, Mom! Copyright © 2002 Elaine K. Williams. All rights reserved worldwide. Elaine is the mother to three grown daughters, and grandmother to three granddaughters. She considers her parenting role the most important of the many roles she has experienced in life and grandparenting the most fun and creative role. For the last 5 years Elaine has been a trainer for the Corporation for National Services, Washington, D.C., incorporating a background in holistic health with her study of leadership. As a national trainer, she conducts workshops on leadership, building partnerships, creating sustainable projects and most importantly, on helping people find their passion in life. Contact her at elainek4@earthlink.net.

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

The Well-Stocked Diaper Bag Having a diaper bag filled with essential items will make your on-the-go adventures much less stressful. And while all parents have varying ideas about what is truly essential, there are a few items that every well-stocked bag will have. After asking the real experts (parents) what they recommend, we came up with this handy checklist. For the First 6 Months ❁ Diapers ❁ Wipes (lots) ❁ Rash ointment ❁ Changing pad ❁ A change of clothes ❁ Washcloth ❁ Burp cloth ❁ Lightweight blanket ❁ Plastic baggies ❁ Toy and/or book ❁ Bottle and formula (if not breastfeeding) ❁ Bibs (two) ❁ Hat (sun or winter, depending on season) ❁ A disposable camera (in a sealed plastic baggy) ❁ $20 (just in case) For Months 6 to 12 ❂ Diapers ❂ Wipes (lots) ❂ Rash ointment ❂ Changing pad ❂ A change of clothes ❂ Socks ❂ Snacks (lots) The latest in diaper bags for dad! This one is a trendy bright orange and ❂ Washcloth black by DadGear. ❂ Burp cloth ❂ Lightweight blanket ❂ Plastic baggies ❂ Toy and/or book ❂ Bottle and formula (if not breastfeeding) ❂ Spoon, sippy cup, and water ❂ Bibs (two) ❂ Antiseptic wipes (lots) ❂ Neosporin or other medicated ointment This cute pink & brown ❂ Band-Aids model is by Carter. Both are available at Babies R Us. ❂ Disposable place mats ❂ Hat (sun or winter, depending on season) ❂ A disposable camera (in a sealed plastic baggy) ❂ $20 (just in case) List courtesy of Babies R Us

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Page 13

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Get Tested, Get Treated, No Drugs If you are a parent whose child is exhibiting the following symptoms or behaviors, call our office today! Can’t focus • Can’t sit still • Has a hard time making and keeping friends Academic & Learning Difficulties • Loud outbursts • Bed wetting Aspergers • Easily frustrated • Very emotional ADHD • Learning Disabilities • Behavior Problems • Depression Anxiety • Stress Management • Biofeedback • Relationship Issues Sports Performance Training • Woman/Family issues • Elder Care issues Individual • Group • Couples & Family Therapy

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Page 14

Top Nurse e h t rie r e v s

This firetruck is on crib bedding from www.babybellalinens.com

by Jenny Bair, MHE

W

hat really defines over the top? Over the top seems to be the norm in baby’s rooms now. New trends are happening in baby’s rooms all over the nation; you’ll want to be a part of the wave. It’s like a bath for all of your senses. There has been a big shift from theme rooms to creating rooms that celebrate children in a more high class fashion using a duo to trio of colors and multiple stimulating textures for not only baby but for all of the caretakers too. These nurseries are a haven that anyone would want to spend time in, sleep and learn in. I visited a local shop and got the special trip through the store with Creative Director Kay Cheflis, who updated me on all of the new trends and decision making processes to create amazing spaces for your bundle of joy.

The Essentials Every nursery in terms of aesthetics and basic functionality should have a crib, chest of drawerschanging table, glider chair, plush blankies and stuffed animals, the new modern mobile-the chandelier, customized, coordinating artwork, bookshelf or armoire and of course the great smelling baby. You can’t forget the crib, the most essential piece for the first couple years of life. Some of the most commonly purchased cribs styles are the iron cribs, turned spindle top, and sleigh style cribs. Many parents are choosing to go with the convertible cribs that can grow with your child from crib to

toddler bed. In the past, many parents chose the two twin bed situation for their child’s room but now the trend is a double or queen size bed after toddler age. Some of the most popular cribs are the Jenny Lind spindle crib, Belle Notte iron crib which is all American made and of course no lead paints, and Stanley Furniture’s sleigh bed options. The old changing table with an open front is a thing of the past in the over the top nursery; the new solution is a chest of drawers that can withstand years of use through the child’s early years. While the baby is small and still in diapers a changing pad and tray that attaches to the wall is how the chest of drawers is used. Then voila, after potty training the tray and pad come off and you can put dÊcor on top of the chest. Some antique lovers are converting old pieces that traditionally lived in hallways, living rooms, and dining rooms or that served as small buffets and bars into changing tables-chests now. There are no limits of keeping with your dÊcor throughout the house when using antique or faux antique pieces in the nursery. The bedding is the anchor for the look and feel of the room and is the basis for the painting, lighting, rugs and furniture color/s. Right now, what is hot for bedding is the amazing options to create custom bedding for your vision. Two amazingly soft fabrics that are being used are chenille and luxe fabrics.

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

The old standby – cottons, are still used for dust ruffles and crib sheets are now perfectly and uniquely handdyed to fit the rest of the bedding sets. Any baby or adult would feel comforted with these plush beyond plush fabrics draping every square inch of their sleeping space. When you order customized bedding for your baby there are dozens of each type of fabric in prints, solids, and textures. What makes the bedding so appealing to parents, grandparents, and babies is that many of the companies that now specialize in baby room products

Magic Garden Canopy Cradle by Corsican have a long history in juvenile or adult bedding. You can customize any piece for the bedding crib set but many sets are still sold together. It is recommended that you have the mattress cover, crib sheet, single or double dust ruffles, crib bumper and blanket but don’t forget the pillows tummy time blankets or animal plush lovies either. These are the new necessities in baby crib wares. Just a few of the hot brands that mothers and grandmothers are crazy for are Belle Notte, Little Giraffe, and Serena and Lily.

National Women’s Health Week is May 11–17, 2008 It’s Your Time. Get Inspired. Get Healthy. Each year, National Women’s Health Week empowers women across the country to take action to get healthy. Medical Center of Plano joins in the effort to help women like you take simple steps toward a longer, healthier and happier life. So join us in May for these FREE events!

GE Women’s Health and Wellness Tour Serena and Lily linens

I love that the chandelier has been deemed “the modern mobile and jewelry for the ceiling” by Kay. They can range in size from 14 inches to 40 inches in wingspan hovering as a centerpiece for the baby to gaze at and for visitors to admire. The purchaser has the choice of color of the frame, beading, and lighting sockets. One very popular brand of chandelier is the Savannah brand. They range in price from $600 up. They truly are amazing and great eye candy for all. I would suggest getting dimmer lights and a switch in the nursery for the different activities that you will have throughout the day in the nursery. Here are two books highly recommended for decorating your nursery: “Childhood Treasures: Handmade Gifts for Babies and Children” and “Babies Rooms: from Zero to Three.” They give some great tips on enhancing your child’s space. Jenny Bair, The Inner Organizer, helps moms and families get organized in their space, time, and lives. She can be reached at 972-930-0260 or by email at jenny@livingwelldallas.com.

Girlfriends, Giggles and Great Books!

WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Medical Center of Plano’s Fifth Annual

and Monday, May 12, 3 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Ladies’ Night Out

WHERE: Medical Center of Plano

WHEN: Monday, May 12, 2008, 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Medical Center of Plano

campus at Coit and 15th in Plano

Auditorium (Building 3, Suite 315), northwest corner of Coit and 15th It’s important to make time to do Don’t miss the only Plano stop on the

“girl things.” So get the girls together and join us for a relaxing and

national GE Women’s Health and Wellness Tour! Visit a high-tech “big

inspirational evening as we

rig” filled with gear and gadgetry to

celebrate National Women’s Health

educate you on vital health issues. And

Week. A light supper will be served.

check out the GE Stage throughout the day for special surprises that are sure

Tanya Abreu, President of

to entertain and enlighten! This free

the Spirit of Women

event includes:

Hospital Network, returns to share more “girlfriend”

Osteoporosis testing — 30-second

talk as we learn about

testing using the ankle

making the most of our lives as women.

Heart health screenings — blood

Then, award-winning author Sandy

pressure and pulse measurements

Blair presents Fiction That Makes You

Breast health education — all about

Laugh, Cry and Feel Better, discussing

breast exams, how mammograms

the value of reading and

work, and more

sharing books with your

Pregnancy education — why

friends, and how romance

prenatal care matters, sample 3D/4D

novels empower women to

ultrasound images, interactive kiosk

live, learn, love and lead.

One-on-one discussion with

Call 214.473.7317 now to reserve your spot!

medical professionals

Health is Action

SM

Medical Center of Plano is proud to be a member of the national Spirit of Women Hospital Network, offering the highest standards of excellence in women’s health outreach and care.

3901 West 15th Street Plano, Texas 75075 • 972.596.6800 www.medicalcenterofplano.com

St. Moritz blankets by Sferra North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Page 15

Sushi Samba

A blend of trendy good looks, great food and kids’ meals by Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

R

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

We provide a wide variety of services including skilled pediatric and neonatal care, ventilator and tracheostomy care, nasogastric feedings and education, respiratory care and information, phlebotomy services, wound management and medication administration, patient compliance programs, infusion therapy, respiratory services, and patient education and training. n

n

n

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

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

Page 16

ecently my family and I visited Sushi Samba and it is too fun not to talk about. It is located at the Galleria near the south entrance. You can’t miss it, it’s the place with the giant wooden doors set in the middle of a wall of colored glass squares, very Mondrianesque with an updated color palette. The inside is as colorful as the windows and my kids were instantly intrigued with the colors, shapes and textures of everything from the chairs and booths to the bamboo wallpaper. The music was great fun, too, without being too loud. Of course, we were there early and the place wasn’t too crowded, which suited us fine. We have heard that it really starts hopping around 7:30 or 8pm with the younger, hipper and kid-free crowd. I personally was intrigued by the menu. One of the reasons I wanted to try Sushi Samba is because it offers such a unique combination of flavors, claiming inspiration from Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. All three of these are favorites of mine. My husband and I love sushi! I traveled to Peru in high school and have always had a fondness for the food and flavors of South America, not to mention the music. We also try to introduce

our kids to a variety of food, flavors and cultures (within their limited taste repertoire.) We hope if they are even exposed to new menus that ultimately it will rub off. The service was great, and we all know that makes a huge difference when eating out with kids. Even at 6 and 9, my two can be very impatient especially when they are hungry. We ordered drinks and appetizers and both arrived promptly. We took our time ordering and gnoshed through the menu. We were happy to see that Sushi Samba has recently rolled out a kids’ menu. Each of the kids tried one of the new beverages. To quote their website, “Soda? Snore! Samba Kids beverages delight with fruit-filled options like Coco Leite, Watermelon Mojo, Blueberry Splash and Berry Fizz.” These drinks were delicious without being overly sweet and sugary. I do have to say that this was not a restaurant to visit any day of the week for a quick meal as it is expensive. Well-worth every penny, we will definitely go again for an occasional outing. Kids meals are $12.00 which is steep, even for a healthy alternative to mac and cheese. So check the online menu before you go to make sure that the unique flavors are what you are looking for. To start, we ordered the green bean tempura and it was some of

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

the best tempura I have tried. The batter was light, not too greasy and the three dipping sauces different. I have never seen my kids eat vegies that fast. We liked it so much, we also ordered the shrimp tempura and my 6-year-old who normally won’t touch seafood ate two entire shrimp. We took our servers recommendation and also tried the grilled shrimp with chimichurri sauce, a green herb-based sauce that was fresh and clean tasting, a good complement to the shrimp. The shrimp was served with a Peruvian corn that was very different but delicious, the kernels are gigantic but the flavor is sweet.

We also ordered the Yellowtail Sashimi Tiradito, several slices of perfectly fresh fish in a jalapeno, lemongrass sauce. The fish was like butter. My son even tried his first piece of sashimi and loved it. The kids both ordered off the new kids menu for dinner. My daughter ordered beef anticuchos, a shish-kebab covered in spicy sauce, but not too spicy. My son ordered sliders and fries. The kids menu includes a variety of choices to appeal to any little taste buds. What I liked was that for the most part, they included healthier than average choices and I felt like my kids weren’t just eating junk food. The hit of the day was when their meals arrived in specially-designed bento boxes. A bento box is the Japanese version of a lunch box, containing small divided sections for each of the different foods.

They can be very elaborate or very simple. These bento were white containers with several sections containing the different foods. My son’s sliders came with fresh fruit and a California roll while my daughter’s came with fresh fruit and fries. They enjoyed the food, everything was well prepared but they adored the bento boxes and wanted to take them home. My husband and I continued eating our way through the menu by ordering more sushi and sashimi. We tried a combination platter plus several of their special rolls. I loved the freshness of the fish and the diversity of flavors and textures. One of the most interesting things we tried was the Bobo Brazil roll, seared kobe style beef, avocado, kaiware, shiso, red onion & chimichurri ponzu. Of course we couldn’t leave without trying dessert. We let the kids pick one and we shared. It was decadent. If you are craving chocolate, you cannot go wrong with the Coco Duo, a dark & white chocolate custard with praline. I have to mention their website, too, The first time I went to explore it, I was delighted with the Brazilian music suddenly blaring out of my speakers, but it got better when I realized I could keep the music going. Click on the Listen button on the bottom of the screen and select a variety of styles and compilations. You will soon be dancing around the office or the kitchen. They have their entire menu online, too, so can get a sense of the diversity of the menu. Sushi Samba is located at:

Vacation Bible School June 9- June 13 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages 3 yrs* - 5th grade Must be 3 years as of 9/1/07

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North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Page 17

Tweet, Tweet, Chirp, Chirp

Simple Concepts Within Outings and Adventures By Lynda Morley

Come See the

(ZNC¾ FF %JGGFSFODF • Age Appropriate Classes • Newborn to age 5 • Patented Gym Equipment • Art and Music Classes • Family Classes • Baby Signs® Program • Awesome Birthday Parties You can try any class for free! To get your free class pass, visit us at GymboreeClasses.com or call us at 972-964-7529

4BWF PGG B OFX NFNCFSTIJQ *New! School readiness classes. www.gymboreeclasses.com

Plano • 972-964-7529 Call to preview a class today 3263 Independence SW Corner @ Parker

A

s the weather begins to get a little warmer, many objects in nature become more visable including birds and their young. May is just the time to start noticing our new, tiny feathered friends as they attempt to leave their nests and, literally, spread their wings of independence. While exploring this simple concept, come by Heritage Farmstead where we host a special May bird program “Tweet, Tweet, Chirp, Chirp” designed specifically for pre-schoolers. Remember, the purpose of these activities is to encourage the development of critical thinking skills, allow for exploration of the world close by, and facilitate a strong bond between adult and child. Visit your library and read a few books on this theme before and after your adventure. As you head out the door, bring with you a backpack filled with educational tools: color pencils, clip board, plain paper, ruler, scissors, firstaid kit, wad of string (– hey, you never know…) and anything else you think you might need! Theme: The simple concept of the wide world of feathered creatures; what kinds, where they live, and what they do. Where: Explore backyard trees, the neighbor’s bushes, on the telephone wires at intersections, The Bird Sanctuary at the Dallas Zoo, in pet stores, and listen carefully at dusk.

Page 18

For the 2 year-old: • Discover which types of flying, winged creatures live and invade your backyard or neighborhood park. • Listen to their sounds and imitate their calls. • Identify their colors and sizes. For the 3 year-old: • Draw a picture (or print one from the internet) and label the major parts; beak, wings, feet, head, eyes, tail, etc. • Find out what these creatures eat and where they sleep. • Compare differences and similarities of the three most common feathered friends; birds, ducks, and chickens. For the 4 year-old: • Talk about the varieties feathered animals; birds, emus, ostritches, ducks, peacocks, roosters, etc. • Use books and the internet to show the evolution of these creatures from pre-historic animals. • Make a simple bird feeder for your backyard or windowsill. Try the peanutbutter-bird seedpinecone feeder, a plastic top feeder, or invent our own style of feeder. Ask: How do common birds help our environment?

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

For the 5 year-old: • Watch birds or ducks bathe in a fountain or pond. Talk about the motions they use while cleaning themselves. Have you ever seen a chicken take a bath? • Discuss bird and duck flight patterns. Identify the shapes they make in the sky while migrating (V, W). Do chickens fly? • Bird and chicken beaks are small and narrow. Using chopsticks, pretend you have a beak and try eating very small pieces of food. Ask: What happens if there are too many birds in one place?

Lynda Morley is the Director of Education at the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano and author of the 5th edition of Outings and Adventures Everywhere! (2006, ISBN 0-9662888-6-6) has experienced hundreds of fieldtrips and adventures throughout the metroplex. For more information about this theme or other related activities, please contact Morley at 972-816-3930 or lmorley@heritagefarmstead.org. © 2008 Lynda Morley All Rights Reserved For more information about Heritage Farmestead, visit them online at www.heritagefarmstead.org.

Common Birds to North Texas Can you name them?

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Call today for $75 off a Cognitive Skills Assessment From top: hawk, dove, cardinal, sparrow

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Page 19

Tips for New Grandparents 1. What should new grandparents do to promote a healthy and safe sleeping environment in their homes for their new grandbaby? There are several issues a new grandparent should be aware of when it comes to providing a healthy and safe sleep environment for their grandbaby. First, it is extremely important to become familiar with the “Back to Sleep” ideas for safe sleep. Newborns and young infants should be placed on their back to sleep. This may be a very different approach for the grandparent who placed all their children on the abdomen to sleep. Since infants in the United States have been placed on their backs to sleep, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has declined by almost 50%. Contrary to old tales, babies will not choke when asleep on their backs. It is also important to know that the baby should be placed on a firm mattress in a crib without heavy blankets, quilts, pillows, or stuffed animals around them that might block the infant’s ability to breathe well. The mattress should fit snuggly in the crib without any gaps. When using family heirloom cribs or the crib that the grandparent used for their

For life insurance, call a good neighbor. Call me and I’ll help you get the right life insurance for you and your family.

Ann Dunham Ins Agcy Inc Ann Dunham CLU CPCU LTCP, Agent Plano, TX 75023-7877 Bus: 972-596-4809 www.anndunham.com

old children, it is important to make sure that the slots on the crib are no more that 2 3/8 inches apart and the crib does not have any decorative cutouts in the end panels. A crib is the safest place for an infant to sleep. Adult beds provide a safety risk and an infant should never be placed on a couch to sleep due to the risk of suffocation. These tips are important to follow to make sure that your grandbaby sleep safely when in your care or in your home. Additional information regarding safe sleep can be obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics (aap. org) or the Back to Sleep Campaign from the National Institutes of Health (www.nichd. nih.gov/sids/). 2. How do you decide what “wives tales” or other guidance acquired over the years is good for the baby? There are many strategies that grandparents may be aware of from raising their own children or advice from elder family members. It is important to know that even things we tried on our own children, are not “best” for our grandchildren. The practice of offering brandy on sore

Give your grandchildren the gift of Life By Ann Dunham, CPCU, CLU, LTCP State Farm Insurance® agent

When you are trying to choose just the right gift for your grandchildren, you can have a tough time sifting through the newest trends and fads. Last week it was this pop star, next week it may be a new cartoon character. On top of that, you don’t want to get something that won’t last 10 minutes out of the package. One gift that will last for many years is a life insurance policy. There are many reasons why it can be an excellent gift for your grandchild. Affordability – The younger the child’s age, the lower the premiums.

statefarm.com® P062046 12/06

Page 20

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) - Bloomington, IL

Protection – Illness or injury may affect a child’s ability to purchase life insurance coverage later in life. Coverage purchased now will continue to provide protection, even if a child’s health changes, provided premiums are paid as required by the

policy. Financial Security – Life insurance can be the foundation for a strong financial plan. The child may be able to borrow against the accumulated cash value (with interest charged) to pay for future expenses. While loans decrease death benefits and cash surrender values, the proceeds can be used for important expenses such as a college education or the purchase of a home. Giving a gift of life insurance to your grandchild can be one of the most significant things you do during your lifetime. He or she may not understand at the time how important the gift is, but should grow to appreciate it in the future. Take the guesswork out of your gift shopping. Life insurance is a gift that will last a lifetime.

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

gums, feeding cereal to help a newborn or young infant sleep, or dipping a pacifier in honey or liquor for colic are not “best” for a baby. You may have done these things for your own children and they were fine, but it is important to remember that sometimes home remedies may have unsafe consequences. For instance, using honey on a pacifier for a young infant potentially passes the bacteria that causes botulism to the child. Offering cereal at an early age, may make a baby sleep better, or may give him terrible colic due to the inability of his body to digest the cereal at a young age. Although cereal is fortified with iron, it has less nutrition and calories that breast milk or formula and the baby will not grow as well if offered routinely at a young age. 3. Any other topics? Remember that your grandchild must always be in a child safety seat in the car, even if it is for a short trip down the street. The parents can leave the car seat with you, or you may choose to purchase one to have if you will

be transporting or caring for your grandchild often. If you have your own car seat, considering having it’s installation checked by a certified car seat technician to assure that your grandchild is riding safely every time they are in your car. You can find a car seat installation station near your home by calling 1-866-SEAT CHECK or at www.seatcheck.org or www.usa.safekids.org. It is important to recognize that our children are the “parents” and are learning to care for their infant and received good, sound instructions on safety, nutrition and other topics from their pediatrician or health care provider. We, as grandparents, can offer advice but must recognize that our children will not always choose to follow that advice. We must respect their choices, just as we developed our own parenting style and choices for our children, so will they. Debbie Thompson, MS, RN, PNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Continuity of Care Clinic Children’s Medical Center Dallas

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

kawilder@sbcglobal.net www.power-pops.com/4sweetsuccess

Page 21

NOW ENROLLING FOR

SUMMER CAMPS

Gift Card Packages Do you love giving gift cards as presents, but feel slipping it in a greeting card or using the holder that it came with is boring? Here’s some fun examples to jazz up those cards and packages to make a fun and unique gift for any occasion! My daughter has enjoyed giving her teachers and friends our homemade gift card packages for years.

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

$15 Off Summer Camp

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.

$2 Off Any Project Min. Purchase Of $15

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 9-01-08.

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

www.smashingtimes.com

It’s Party Time!!

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Supplies needed: • printed papers • cardstock • ribbons • tags • photo corners • stamps • ink pads • charms • embellishments (stickers, rubons, silk flowers, etc.) • adhesive Decorative Box: 1. Use the box that was given with the gift card purchase. Cover box with printed papers. 2. Place gift card inside box. 3. Wrap ribbon around box and secure with a bow. 4. Attach a handwritten tag made from cardstock. Pocket Card: 1. Fold cardstock in half to create card. 2. Make pocket for inside by cutting a pocket front from cardstock and adhering on outside edges only. 3. Create a handwritten tag to slide inside pocket. 4. Secure gift card on opposite side with clip (as shown) or photo corners. 5. Decorate as desired. Just have fun with it! The recipient will enjoy their homemade goodie!

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Designs by Heidi Schlabs North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

2008 Summer Camp Guide r Summer! Now Enrolling fo

Your child will create and perform in their own original musical production! Art-A-Rama, Plano

Center Stage Drama

This camp is so much fun your kids won’t even know they’re learning. Camps for ages 6 and up run 5 days per week from 9 - 3pm. For younger artists (3-6) we have 1.5 hour sessions that meet 3 times per week. Each week older artists will create six to nine projects. Every camp includes a potter’s clay project that is fired and glazed as well as some fun with Tie-Dying. Call now to reserve your spot. 972-423-4554

Your child’s self confidence will soar while enjoying script writing, dance classes, drama games and more. Camp culminates with an original recital. Professional drama, art and dance instructors, only 12 spots per camp.Camps are for ages 3 – 18. Check the website for more details: www.centerstagedrama.com

,

and

Summer 2008

Classes for students ages 7 through adult at the historic Majestic Theatre, Downtown Dallas

ONE DAY WORKSHOP 3AT -AY &OR INFORMATION CALL 4HE $3- 3CHOOL

DSM KIDS !GES

INTENSIVE 3-WEEK !GES ADULT

June 16 - 27

July 7 - 26

Combo: Ages 6-12. June 16-19 from 9am-4pm

AM PM

AM PM %VENING 3ATURDAY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE

Basketball: Ages 6-18. June 9-12 or July 14-17 from 9am - 4pm (1/2 day session 9am-Noon)

For information call the DSM School 214-969-7469 www.dsmschool.org 4HE -AJESTIC 4HEATRE s %LM 3TREET s $ALLAS 4EXAS -A limited number of scholarships are available-

Backstage Dance Studio Summer sessions introduce students to different styles of dance and creative movement. Classes will help students develop confidence, improve their ability to work with others, and enhance motor skills. www.backstagedanceplano.com

Weeklong Camps of Fun & Fundamentals For Young Players Ages 6 -18 PRESENTED BY THE UT-DALLAS COACHING STAFF

Volleyball: Ages 13-18. Sun-Wed, June 22-25 1-5pm on Sun and 9-5 Mon-Wed

For More Information, Contact UTD Coaches At 972.883.4126 for Basketball 972.883.4492 for Volleyball

Dallas Summer Musicals

UTD Sports Camps

1-Day Workshop: Students learn music and choreography from national touring cast members of CATS. Ages 7-adult: Saturday, May 31; Time TBA; $35.

Campers will learn and enhance their skills while having fun! All campers will receive a camp t-shirt! Contact Matt for basketball and Zach for volleyball.

DSM Kids 2-Week Session: Ages 7-11; June 16-27; M-F; 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; $500; The Majestic Theatre. 3-Week Intensive Session: Ages 12-adult; July 7-26; M-F; 9:00 am – 3:30 pm; concludes with show on the Majestic Stage; $825; The Majestic Theatre.

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

972-883-4126 for Basketball 972-883-4492 for Volleyball Page Page23 23

2008 Summer Camp Guide Soar into the new year with new skills Ask any 5-year-old, “Can you sing? Play the guitar? Fly?” No doubt, you get a toothy, “Yes!” Yet somewhere between counting and calculus, Dr. Seuss and Shakespeare, the magic fades. Use this summer to recapture the magic!

“LearningRx gave Jacob the tools to be more successful in his classes as seen by his progress reports. His confidence grew and he was more engaged in class because his ability to understand verbal instruction improved. His attitude toward striving for higher achievement also improved.” - Karen A., Frisco, TX, (mother of a 12 year old boy)

972.267.8900 www.learningrx.com

Little Harts Summer Camps We offer a variety of summer camps for children ages 3-12. Located in Lucas, we also provide a Preschool & Pony Parties.

LearningRx Summer Learning

Studio 3 Dance

Learning difficulties may be a fact of life. Failure need not be! We believe that any child can learn faster and easier. Call and talk to LearningRx. Together we can make the connections that will unleash the superhero you know is inside your child. Call today to find out how we can help transform your child’s life from ordinary to extraordinary! Programs available for ages 4 through adult. 972.267.8900

Summer programs begin June 9 - Classes, Camps & Workshops! Great opportunity for ages 3 & up to try something new, improve skills or sign up for a fun-filled week of dance, drama and crafts. Register early for discount! Fall classes begin Aug 18.

Experience a summer of learning & fun. June 2 - August 15, 2008 Children’s Garden Montessori Academy Education for Life Serving ages 6 months to 6 years Open Year Round

Ages 3 - 18

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

State of the art facility in convenient location serving Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Allen, McKinney.

8565 Gratitude Trail Plano TX 75024 972-334-0980 www.cgmacademy.com

Children’s Garden Montessori Academy For ages 3 months – 6 yrs. We provide developmentally oriented curriculum based on Montessori standards. We ensure that your child will achieve academic excellence, and social/emotional components that will transform them into more complete individuals. Call for enrollment details. Page24 24 Page

Greenhill School 4141 Spring Valley Road Addison, TX 75001 972-628-5490 www.greenhill.org

Greenhill School - Summer on the Hill Join us for a summer of learning, fun and friendship. Students, ages 3-18, select from a wide range of summer programs presented in a creative and supportive learning environment. Download a complete catalogue and registration form from our website: www.greenhill.org. June 2 - August 15, 2008.

Rowlett Community Centre Summer Sports Camps for Kids Skyhawks Summer Sports Camps www.skyhawks.com Mini Hawk Camp • Soccer • Flag Football Golf • Volleyball • Basketball Multi Sport Speed & Agility Dallas Mavericks Summer Basketball Camp www.mavs.com 5300 Main St. Rowlett, TX 75088

972-412-6170

www.rowlett.com

Rowlett Community Centre

Join us this summer for great athletic programs. Visit us online for complete details and registration information. The Skyhawks Summer Sports camps are scheduled for June and July. The Dallas Mavericks Basketball Camp is scheduled on June 16 – 20 at the RCC. North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

2008 Summer Camp Guide

Plano Super Bowl

Frisco Wilderness Adventures

Art CAMP

Join us at PLANO SUPER BOWL for our Bowling Camp and stay out of the HOT SUMMER HEAT. You’ll get your own bowling ball & bag!

These programs offer participants an introduction to the wilderness experience. Outings are conducted at regional National Forests. Emphasis is placed on wilderness safety, camp set-up, trail walking, basic survival techniques, leadership, self reliance, and confidence, along with working as a team. Registration through May 31st. Visit our website to find out more about us: www.friscowilderness.com.

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

www.planosuperbowl.com

Enroll Now for an Extraordinary Summer Camp Experience

Educational with a Fun Twist! Camps for 3 - 6 yr olds Science & Technology (Imagine Tomorrow, Robotics & Weird Science Fun) Camps for 7 & Up TechnoKids TechnoHTML & Web Design Clay Animation g Video Game Design

Weekly Themes • Field Trips • On-site Water Park Two locations : 5516 W. Plano Pkwy, 972-818-5736 or 1207 W. McDermott Dr. 214-495-0941 Take a virtual tour online at www.cremedelacreme.com

Frisco

469-252-4521

www.einsteinkidz.com

Créme de la Créme

Einstein Kidz

Enrollment for Kindergarten fall 2008 now open. Limited space available. Please call today to schedule a visit or take a virtual tour online at www.cremedelacreme.com

Are you looking for something fun, but educational? Einstein Kidz offers camps to kids ages 3 – 6 and 7 – 13 that involve science and technology. We offer one or two week camps. Programs consist of preschool computer skills, weird science, robotics, video game design, clay animation and web design. Page Page25 25

North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

2008 Summer Camp Guide Camp Canyons Indoor Rock Climbing Two fun and educational Summer Camps for ages 5-14.

What are your kids doing for summer break? A) falling behind

B) getting ahead

Weekly camps from June 9 thru August 22

Beginner: Climbers will focus on basic climbing techniques. Advanced: Climbers must attend 1 week of Beginner camp first or be tested to enter the Advanced camp.

Enroll in POWERMath’s summer camp and give your child an academic advantage this summer.

Siblings receive a 15% discount

Math Camp - Grades: 1-10 / Duration: 5 weeks, twice a week, 2 hour sessions each

Canyons Indoor Rock Climbing 7164 Technology Drive #202 Frisco, TX 75034 214-387-0906 www.canyonsclimbing.com

POWERMath is offering two camps this summer: Program: Grade level Math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 / See description below

Day Camp - Grades: 1-5 / Duration: 9 am - 12 pm, Monday through Friday See description below

*Register before 4/30 and we will waive your registration fee!

For registration: Plano location (972) 312-0037 or Frisco location (972) 335-2800 n www.powermath.org

Canyons Climbing Gym

PowerMath

Gotta Dance

Your kids will have a blast and get a great workout at our week-long summer camps. Camps are from 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm depending on dates and availability. All campers will enjoy a pizza party on Friday. Call 214-387-0906 to reserve your space today!

Math Camp: This camp is a structured and focused program for students to review and reassess their current math level. Math camp will also prepare your child for the next grade that he or she will be enrolling in the fall term.

Gotta Dance would like to welcome you to the wonderful world of dance as it comes to life in our classes for children of all ages.

Day Camp: For younger children we have day camps where your child will engage in fun activities such as mental math, math shortcuts, math games, puzzles, quizzes, etc. All day camp activities are built around numbers to enhance their math skills while they have fun.

If your middle schooler loves video games, they will love The Guildhall at SMU Academy When: Two sessions, July 14 – 25 and July 28 – Aug. 8 Where: The Guildhall at SMU 5232 Tennyson Parkway Plano, TX 75024 How:

USA Martial Arts Leadership Academy Summer Camp Exciting opportunities for Boys and Girls ages 4 and up! USA Martial Arts has been the leader in Professional Martial Arts instruction in the Texas area for 15 years. For more information on our classes and upcoming summer camp, call 972.985.7738 or visit us at www.USAMartialArtsFitness.com. Page 26

Contact René Archambault for information at 972.473.3539 or rarchamb@smu.edu.

Video Game Academy at The Guildhall at SMU The Guildhall Academy is a two week (full day) summer program taught by SMU renowned faculty. Students will learn the arts and sciences of video game development. Each student will produce their own 2D video game that will play on their personal computer or an Xbox 360. North Texas Kids • www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008 Page 26

,KMU ,c :YZ_VK 2008 Summer Camp Guide orkshops! Sweet & Sassy Summer 4-Day W

Where Frisco Comes to Dance!

4 Day Workshops

Join us for COOL summer dance classes, dance camps, cheer camps, and workshops!

10:30 am – 3:30 pm M-Th

YPP

Ages 2 1/2—Adult Beginner thru Professional Levels Voted “Best Dance Studio� in Collin County 1997-2007.

A Summer Workshop

Wilmeth Redbud

7975 Stonebrook Pkwy. Frisco (972) 712-1100 Home of The Frisco Ballet

GattiTown Shopping Center 3211 Preston Rd., Ste, 11 Frisco, Texas • 972-668-4922 The Shops at Willow Bend 6121 W.Park Blvd. Plano, TX • 469-546-1010

Sam’s Club

Sheena’s Dance Academy

7975 Stonebrook in Frisco, offers the finest instruction in classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, modern, and much more. Call 972-712-1100.

$199 per girl • Ages 6-12 Sign Up Today! Limited to 15 Girls per Workshop

Zenith

WalMart

University Dr.

www.sheenasdanceacademy.com

Workshops begin on the following dates: 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4 & 8/11

Zenith Elite Gymnastics Academy

Sweet & Sassy

2.375x3.75summer.indd 1 2/12/08 9:26:26 PM Summer Workshops Zenith Summer Day Camps in McKinney offers physical FITNESS and FUN, FUN, FUN! Camp with option gymnastics or tumbling. USAG Safety Certified and CPR We offer a time for girls to come to Sweet staff. Spacious facility with state of the art equipment. From 2 to 5 day camps, 9am to & Sassy and get pampered while learning 1pm or 1pm to 5pm, with optional extended care hours. Camps run June 8 through Audances, cheers, playing games, and gust 23, except the week of July 4. We also offer regular classes all year round, Mom & giving Parents a much needed break! Tots, Birthday Parties, open gym and more. Zenith is located at 2140 N. Redbud Blvd, #F, McKinney, TX 75069. Call us to enroll NOW at 214 592 0662.

LET’S BUILD SOME FUN!

St. Mark’s School of Texas 2008 Summer Camps June 2–July 18, 2008 "OYS AND 'IRLS AGES TO ,ACROSSE +ARATE 3OCCER "ASEBALL 3OFTBALL "ASKETBALL 6OLLEYBALL 4ENNIS -ICRO -ANIA #HEMISTRY 2OCKETRY +EYBOARDING 3TOP -OTION !NIMATION #OOKING Due to campus construction, OUR CAMP OFFERINGS ARE REDUCED

BUT WE WILL BE BACK BETTER THAN EVER IN

Call today for your registration form! A $50 minimum deposit – made payable to UTD SOCCER CAMP – is required at time of registration for each camp. The BALANCE IS DUE on or before first day of camp. ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS 0RESTON 2OAD s $ALLAS 48 #AMP (OTLINE OR s WWW SMTEXAS ORG 1UESTIONS TO 'INGER *ASEK JASEKG SMTEXAS ORG

St. Mark’s School of Texas Summer Camps

Educational, recreational and safe, and our instructors are top professionals in their fields! Our 2008 brochure is now available. Please visit our website at www.smtexas.org or call 214.346.8090 to request your Summer Camps Brochure today!

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

HALF DAY 8:30 am - 12:00 pm $145.00 FULL DAY 8:30 am - 5:00 pm $195.00

UT Dallas Soccer Camp 2008

Join the UT Dallas coaching staff for fun and fitness this summer. You can download the registration form and find other information about additional UTD summer sports camps at http://cometsports.utdallas.edu/UTDATH/CAMP.html.

Page Page 27 27  

2008 Summer Camp Guide Join Frisco Dance Force

FRISCO THUNDER SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP Learn from the pros and work on your game. The Frisco Thunder will follow up its successful Spring Break camp with another session this summer. Plans are being finalized — visit our web site for the latest updates.

WWW.FRISCOTHUNDERIFL.COM

Girls In Motion

10-12 year old girls paired with college women mentors for fitness games, crafts and conversation about nutrition, exercise, positive body image and healthy snack making!

Frisco Thunder Summer Football

If you have been to a Frisco Thunder indoor football game, then you know the talent of the players and coaches. Learn from the best this summer! Attend the Frisco Thunder summer football camps. Visit www.friscothunderifl.com for more information and all the camp details.

Pump

Creative

It Up a

For fun~filled Summer Camps & Field trips!

STARTING JUNE 16TH • Dance / Karate Camps • Musical Theatre Camps • Hip-Hop / Cheer Camps • Intensive Dance Camps Snacks included FREE Camp T-shirt!

Fall Semester 2008-09 Starts August 18, 2008

www.friscodanceforce.com Frisco Dance Force 3221 Preston Rd. #3 Frisco, Texas, 75034 972-712-6829

Frisco Dance Force

Enjoy Summer Camp with Frisco Dance Force. We have full day camps for ages 3-12 yrs of age and our camps. Beginners to Intense Dance Camp are available. Jazz, Cheer Dance, Pom/Spirit Time, Hip Hop, Ballet, etc... See website for specific weekly dance options and Themes.

nd Kid

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Kids Sum

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Call now or Register online!

972.821.8643 www.creativekidsprograms.com

Creative Kids programs are available at the following locations... Frisco: 7164 Technology Dr. #200 • Coppell: 1405 S. Beltline Dr. #400 West Plano/North Dallas: 3632 Frankford Rd. #180

Weekly Sessions begin: June 10th! Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30am-2:30pm Creative Kids Summer Camp Hey Kids, drop your Mom off at the mall and come experience THE BEST summer camp ever! Children ages 4-10 years old will enjoy painting, ceramics, clay, crafts, music & instruments, jumping & games, special visitors and so much more! Sign up online today at www.creativekidsprograms.com or call 972-821-8643 for more information.

Page28 28  Page

Bobby Moffat’s Techniques Soccer Camps

Since 1970. Boys And Girls, 4-16. Day Camps (Full, Half, & Evening). For Goalkeepers, Field-players, Select, Foundation (4 & 5yrs). Throughout Texas. Camps for Teams, at your Location or Our Camp Location. Fall & Spring Academy - Spring, & Winter Break Camps - Rent-A-Coach Year Round. Look for Camp applications & signup on web site. (972) 699-3653 www.soccermoffat.com

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

2008 Summer Camp Guide Think learning stops when schoolʼs out in summer?

We think it doesn’t have to. This summer, get your child ready for the next school year. We offer 1st and 2nd Grade Readiness, Reading/Writing Workshops, Math Skills, Study Skills and more, with individual attention from a degreed teacher. • Unique summer workshops • All subjects tutored • PreK – College • One-on-one • Enrichment

PLANO 972 985 3276

Eagle Gymnatics

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

>

ALLEN 972 359 0222

July 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-Aug 1 August 6-8, 13-15, 20-22

www.tutoring101.com

Tutoring 101

Tutoring 101 offers a unique selection of summer workshops. A large staff of creative teachers have developed curriculum designed to both enrich and develop a student’s skills. Engaging lessons integrate knowledge, reading, and writing thus allowing high achievers to excel and all students to expand their understanding of specific subjects. The secret to our success is simple: great tutors! Our tutors are all degreed teachers or professors. www.tutoring101.com

SummerFest SportsCamps 6500 Preston Meadow Plano, Tx 75024 June 11-3, 18-20, 25-27

>

www.psaplano.org

FlexiPass

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

Skill Building Camps

Trot Your Youngsters Off to “Summer Day Camp in the Country” at Prospering Farm • Ages 7-13 • Beginners through advanced • 20 minutes from Plano • Specializing in English style riding • Horse show at the end of every session • Swimming • Arts & crafts • 6 Day Summer Camp Sessions Complete year-round riding programs for children & adults

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

Prospering Farm

Campers learn to ride or improve their riding skills in a safe and positive atmosphere. Activities include: horseback lessons, care of the horse and the equipment, swimming, arts & crafts and a camp horse show.

“Please pass the manners.”

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

-All Day Fun!

For class schedules and enrollment visit our website.

214.618.2470 *We do birthday parties

www.etiquetteschooloffrisco.com

D.A.’s Spring Creek Golf is proud to have Kevin Johnson as our Director of Junior Instruction. Kevin’s overall excellence and commitment to serving young golfers earns him a position among the Top 50 Junior Instructors in America. www.dasspringcreekgolf.com

SportsCamps at PSA!

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

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Etiquette School of Frisco

Kids love our camps! Impressive social and dining skills for ages 4-18 in a fun environment. Visit the website for schedules and early enrollment specials!

Page Page 29 29

2008 Summer Camp Guide

North Star Learning Center

Infinite Bounds

This summer will be full of traditional “Olympic” games & some...not so traditional games. Campers will experience bubble popping, sand castle building archery, shooting (water gun style), obstacle course/rope climbing, castle building, basketball, fencing, triathlon, volleyball, hockey and our very own water balloon toss...Movie room, popcorn and snacks & GOLD Medals...we fill fast!!

PowerKids Camps and Classes

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

J’s Art

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

Page30 30  Page

Themed weekly — art, science, sports, and dance. Monday-Friday ~ 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. $150 per week (K-5); Infants-4s ~ M-F ($150) or T/Th ($60) or M/W/F ($90)

Elevate Your Game

Charles H. Williams is a 15-year veteran professional basketball player and coach whose career has taken him around the world. His teaching philosophy is that “everyone can be a success because success directly relates to the effort put into discovering and attaining your personal potential.”

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

2008 Summer Camp Guide

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CAN YOUR CHILD AFFORD THREE MONTHS OFF?

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Reserve Your Tutor Today!

The month’s activities will focus on the ocean, it’s inhabitants (fish, animal and plant life), and the joys of life under the sea.

Plano...................972-424-6321

Mckinney...............469-952-3663

Southlake & Grapevine..817-741-4475 R

Spring Valley United Methodist Preschool

We provide a strong education in a nurturing Christian environment that is dedicated to guiding each child to become the unique person God created him or her to be. We believe that learning is more than just the memorization of details. Children need to be exposed to a variety of experiences in a loving, caring atmosphere to reach their full potential.

www.clubztutoring.com Club Z?

Keep your head cool through summer enrichment with Club Z! Club Z! offers a “Catch Up and Get Ahead� Program for students of all ages. We also offer SAT/ACT/TAKS Prep and foreign languages. One of our most requested programs is our writing course as well as our Study Skills program for both Middle and High School students. Writing course offered through Southlake / Grapevine area only.

Under the Umbrella Summer Camp This is an excellent opportunity for young children who have been diagnosed with language and learning challenges to be part of a wonderful multi-disciplinary program that integrates learning and social skills with arts and crafts, music, learning centers and more!

June 9th-July 3rd & July 21st- August 7th www.undertheumbrellatx.com

Under the Umbrella

Designed for children ages 3-10 years old diagnosed with language, learning, social, and communication issues to be part of a wonderful multi-disciplinary program. www. undertheumbrellatx.com

Summer is Almost Here! Are you ready? Advertise Your Summer Camp Here Great Rates, Phenomenal Exposure! Call to Reserve Your Space Today. Deadline for the June Issue is May 10. 972-516-9070 www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

r Now g fo llin er o r En Summ p Cam

Page Page 31 31  

Focus on our Advertisers

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

Peppermint Baby Boutique wants to make your mothering experience tremendously rewarding. Our Sling Experts will help you find the right carrier to maintain the warm, natural connection a child has with its mother, plus leave your hands free to go about life. Our most popular brands include HotSlings, Didymos Wraps, Ellaroo Ring Slings and Mei Tais,

Maya Slings as well as Ergo Baby Carriers. Our prenatal classes including childbirth and prenatal yoga will prepare you for the most profound experience of your life. Our parenting classes including infant massage, baby sign language and postnatal yoga will help strengthen your family bond and empower you as a mother. We are also a valuable parenting retail resource and provide a wide variety of organic and natural parenting products.

Gift ideas include swaddling blankets from Aden + Anias, darling BabyLegs (legwarmers), soothing, natural and safe baby lotions from Aura Cacia. Mom-to-Be Must-Haves: Wear your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans with the Bella Band, Preggie Pops to ease nausea and stretch mark cream from Mustela. New Mom Nursing Must Haves: Stylish Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers, Utterly Yours Breast pillows for comfortable breast support, and Organic Mother’s Milk Pregnancy Tea from Traditional Medicinals. Organic Products include onesies and playwear from Under the Nile and Maggies Organic Clothes, Hylands Homeopathic solutions for teething, earaches and upset tummies, and a variety of organic ring slings and carriers. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, Texas 75081. They can be reached by phone at 214-623-5080 or online at www.peppermint.com.

Stuff-n-Fluff Animals Are Hittin’ the Road! The ever popular Build Your Own Stuffed Animals are on the move in a company called Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop! Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop is a traveling “Stuff-n-Fluff” make your own stuffed animal activity not tied down to one location, which is unlike the large retail stuffed animal franchise. Need a new birthday party idea for your child? Want an on-site field trip for your preschool class? Having a large family gathering and need to keep the kids entertained? Noah’s Page 32

Ark Animal Workshop is just the answer! No need to pack up the SUV and hall a load of children off to the mall. Simply call your local Noah’s Ark representative, and she’ll be there for you. Your Noah’s Ark party leader will bring everything you need for a great time, and she will set up AND facilitate the entire event – all in about an hour! What is involved in a Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop? You can choose from approximately 25 different animals (new animals are added often), and the children can all make the same animal, or they can choose their favorite. Go wild with lions, monkeys, bears, or go domestic with kittens, doggies, and hares. Ever seen a ballerina horse? How about a basketball playing giraffe? Or even a cheerleading monkey? The combinations are numerous and fun! Noah’s Ark offers approximately 25 different outfits, and new ones are added frequently. Everything you need: the stuffing, wishing stars, birth certificates, and take home bags, will be brought to your location. All you need to supply is the location: your home, the park, the preschool, or your backyard. Not only will having Noah’s Ark make your next event the talk of the town, but you also don’t have to worry about buying those little trinkets for party favors. The children will love and play with their new animal friends that THEY made. So sit back and relax, and have your Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop Crew Member come to you. Laurie Stein can be reached at 469-438-8899 or visit her online at www.stuffindallas.com.

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Family Resource Guide Simply Pretend s 0RIVATE SPEECH AND LAN GUAGE THERAPY SPECIALIZING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM s 3OCIAL SKILLS GROUP SESSIONS ALSO AVAILABLE *ULIE 2 ,IBERMAN - ! ### 3,0 JULIE?SLP YAHOO COM

WWW JULIESLP COM

Where your children will play, explore and learn. Lara keeps them safe and happy while you are hard at work.

469-362-4588 Oak Point/Little Elm area (S. of 380) Call today for more information! Lara holds an Associates’ Degree in Early Childhood Development and has been a sought-after professional nanny for 15 years. Servicing all ages. Texas Registration #888999

Child & Adolescent Counseling Center

Beth Farrell M.Ed., LPC, RPT, NCC

Themed Party Dress Up Trunk Rentals

Is your child experiencing....

972-396-1486

Depression? Anxiety? Grief? Behavior Problems?

www.SimplyPretend.com See our Photo Gallery Online! Princess, Tea Party, Glitzy Glamour, Spa, Pink Poodle in Paris, Luau, Chef, Knight, Pirate, Cowboy, Superhero. Costumes & accessories, games, music, activities and much more! Only $95 for 11 children! Co-ed costumes available.

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

“Pretending� since 2002!

White Dove Montessori

Plano/Frisco Area

972-727-7433

Music Lessons for

Near Independence & Hedgcoxe

K-12 & adults

Bedrooms * Bathrooms

For Ages 2 - 6 years White Dove Montessori program combines the self- paced, developmentally appropriate learning environment of the Montessori method in the surroundings of a natural home setting. Our goal is to nurture in your child a lifelong joy for learning. Director is AMI certified with 15 years of Montessori experience.

www.whitedovemontessori.com

Kidz Murals & Faux Finishes

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

ee 972.898.6272

Nurseries * Furniture

Free Consultations

214.293.1205 www.ifwallzcouldtalk.com

Make sure 100,000 moms see your business name every month. This is a great way to get the word out at a reasonable rate. Advertise Your Business Here for $99 a month.*

Call us at 972-516-9070 to reserve your space today! *Ad design fee $25.00 www.northtexaskids.com North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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Providing Special Care for your

Protection From “Pharm Parties”

Special Kid!

by Donna Barsky

Pediatric Services

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

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

9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 790 Dallas, TX 75243

214-575-2999

www.KidsCareTherapy.com

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A

s Mothers and Grandmothers, we always try to be aware of all the problems that threaten our children and their future. I have been keenly aware of a growing problem in our children’s environment that I feel I must address. Have you checked your medicine cabinet lately? Have you been missing some of your medications or noticed that some are running unusually low or found an empty bottle or two? Do you have older children and their friends rummaging through your bathrooms? The latest trend these days is adolescents getting together and having a “pharm party” “Pharm,” it turnes out, is short for pharmaceuticals, such as the

powerful painkillers Vicodin and OxyContin. Area youths all over the country are organizing parties to down fistfuls of prescription drugs found in their own or friends’ homes. Drug counselors across the USA are beginning to hear about similar pill-popping parties, which are part of a rapidly developing underground culture that surrounds the rising abuse of prescription drugs by teens and young adults. It’s a culture with its own lingo: Bowls and baggies of random pills often are called “trail mix,” and on Internet chat sites, collecting pills from the family medicine chest is called “pharming.” Young abusers of prescription drugs also have begun using the Internet to share “recipes” for getting high. Some websites are so simplistic that they refer to pills by

color, rather than their brand names, content or potency. Overdoses of prescription and over-the-counter drugs accounted for about one-quarter of the 1.3 million drug-related emergency room admissions in 2004, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported last month. The abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs — which barely registered a blip in drug-use surveys a decade ago — is escalating at an alarming rate. In a 2005 survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 19% of U.S. teenagers — roughly 4.5 million youths — reported having taken prescription painkillers such as Vicodin or OxyContin or stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall to get high. Vicodin has been particularly

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

popular in recent years; a study by the University of Michigan in 2005 found that nearly 10% of 12thgraders had used it in the previous year. About 5.5% said they had used OxyContin. Both drugs are now more popular among high school seniors than Ecstasy and cocaine. Marijuana is still the most popular drug by far; about onethird of the 12th-graders surveyed said they had used it in the previous year. Prescription pills have become popular among youths because they are easy to get and represent a more socially acceptable way of getting high than taking street drugs. Some kids are self-medicating undiagnosed depression or anxiety, while others are using stimulants to try to get an edge on tests and studying. Prescription drugs are familiar mood-altering substances for a generation that grew up as prescriptions soared for Ritalin and other stimulants to treat maladies such as attention-deficit disorder. Approximately five million kids take prescription drugs every day for behavior disorders. It’s not unusual for kids to share pills with their friends. There have been incidents where kids bring a Ziploc baggie full of pills to school and share them with other kids. Pharm parties are simply everyone pooling whatever pills they have together and having a good time on a Saturday night. Kids ... don’t think about the consequences. In recent months, federal anti-drug officials have acknowledged that they didn’t anticipate the quick escalation of prescription drug abuse. Most government-sponsored drug prevention programs focus on marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and methamphetamine. In a bulletin last year, NIDA called the increase in pharmaceutical drug abuse among teens “disturbing” and said pharm parties were a “troubling trend.” The increasing availability of prescription drugs is a big reason for the rise in their abuse. Pharmaceutical companies’ production of two often-

abused prescription drugs — hydrocodone and oxycodone, the active ingredients in drugs such as Vicodin and OxyContin — has risen dramatically as the drugs’ popularity for legitimate uses has increased. Drug companies made 29 million doses of oxycodone in 2004, up from 15 million four years earlier. Hydrocodone doses rose from 14 million in 2000 to 24 million in 2004. The 2005 Partnership survey found that more than three in five teens can easily get prescription painkillers from their parents’ medicine cabinets. And the rising number of youths being treated with stimulants has made it easier for kids to use such drugs illicitly. About 3% of children are treated with a stimulant such as Adderall or Ritalin, up from less than 1% in 1987. There’s definitely easy access, maybe a parent had some surgery and took one or two painkillers from a bottle of 10, and the rest are just hanging out in the medicine cabinet. A tricky part of the prescriptiondrug problem is addressing the perception among youths that pills are safe because they are “medicine.” Many teens don’t equate taking such pills with using drugs such as heroin or cocaine. If you start with pills, it seems fairly sanitary and legitimate. Kids have been lulled into believing that good medicine can be used recreationally. Two in five teens in the Partnership study said prescription medicines, even if they are not prescribed by a doctor, are “much safer” to use than illegal drugs. How can you stop the trend? Check your medicine cabinet, if you don’t intend to take the medications, destroy them or take them to your nearest pharmacy for destruction. Or find a lock box or safe and keep them locked away from curious kids. If you suspect this activity from your children, use a simple urine test to verify any usage or innocence. The best protection of our children begins at home. Dr. Donna S. Barsky, D.Ph, R.Ph. TexasStar Pharmacy 3033 W. Parker Rd. #100, Plano, TX, 75023, 972-519-8475

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

When you are sick or injured, do you want a waiting room or an emergency room? When you or a family member find yourself in need of emergency medical care, you have a choice in routes for help. One route will take you to a traditional hospital emergency room where the average visit is over 3 hours according to the federal government*. Your alternative route will take you to ER Centers of America where you will be treated by Board Certified emergency physicians in an emergency room, not a waiting room. When you come to the fork in this road, which will you choose? Don’t keep this little secret to yourself, spread the word, look us up. We are here for you! Open 10:00am—10:00pm 365 Days

Spring Athletic Physical Exam No Appointment necessary $50 with coupon

6501 Preston Road Plano, TX 75024 Phone: 972.403.1300 www.ercentersofamerica..com * http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r050526.htm

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Kids in the Kitchen Blueberry Angel Food Cake Read It! (Read your recipe all the way through before you begin!) Place It! (Get everything out and ready to cook!) Ingredients Cake:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sifted cake flour, divided • 12 large egg whites • 1 ¼ tsp. cream of tartar • ½ tsp. salt • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries • 1 Tbsp. lemon rind, grated Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons • Sifter

• Mixer • Large mixing bowl • Small mixing bowl • Fine gauge grater • Citrus reamer • 10-inch tube pan* • Table knife • Narrow metal spatula • Whisk

(Time to cook!) Create It!

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare ingredients per list above. 2. Sift together ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 cup flour. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt, beat until soft peaks form. Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 bsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. Sift flour mixture over egg white

2206 Heads Lane, Suite 110 Carrollton, TX 75006

mixture, ¼ cup at a time gently folding in. Fold in vanilla and blueberries. 5. Combine 2 Tbsp. flour and lemon rind, toss to coat. Sprinkle over egg white mixture and fold in. 6. Spoon batter into ungreased tube pan spreading evenly. Break air pockets by cutting through batter with a knife. 7. Bake for 40 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert pan and cool completely. Loosen cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula. Invert cake onto a serving plate. 8. To prepare glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over cooled cake. Makes 12 servings. *To make Blueberry Angel Food cupcakes: Spoon batter into 24 muffin tins lined with paper liners and bake for 8-10 minutes. Recipe courtesy of Young Chefs Academy. Visit them online for the location nearest you. www.youngchefsacademy.com

214-390-1749 newfoundinc@aol.com www.newfoundschool.com Newfound School teaches special needs students in grades PreK-12. Our specialties include: Autism Spectrum, ADD, ADHD, ACC, and Learning Disabilities. Newfound School offers: • Research based teaching. • Academic results oriented success. • A professional, experienced staff. • A staff to student ratio of 1:5.

Kindercooks@yahoo.com

Page 36

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Alexandria’s Book Review

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (author of The Goose Girl) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books (June 16, 2005)

T

his book is great for kids who are a little older—it will help them understand the book’s main character, Miri, and the struggles she and those around her go through. I won’t bar the book from any little geniuses, though! Girls who like princess stories will especially love this one. In this book, Miri lives the simple life of a mountain girl: her family works shaping linder-filled rocks in the quarry her father forbids her to enter, she suddenly feels strange around her closest friend, and she secretly fears that her father believes her to be useless. Still, life has hummed on peacefully on Mount Eskel—until a representative from Danland, the kingdom they are loosely part of, comes to their tiny village. His news is a shock: the kingdom’s next princess is among them! The girls of Mount Eskel, however, aren’t what you would call “acceptable princess candidates”—so an academy is created in an unused building to turn these uneducated girls into princesses…and that is all I will say. Princess Academy is a really great book—not only Miri but everyone else seems to transform into more than just the average “princess material”. I really liked this particular book because of the strong characters. Boys— don’t shove this one aside, because there’s action waiting for you later!

Skip the

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No two girls are the same, and their parties shouldn’t be either. With a dress-up closet beyond her wildest imagination Sweet & Sassy has the perfect party just for her. Whether she aspires to be a rock star or a princess, we make little girls’ dreams come true. And we also offer a wide range of spa-inspired salon services to make every occasion a special one. Sweet & Sassy—it’s more than a salon, it’s a celebration. sweetandsassy.com

Frisco • Plano • Highland Village Southlake • Northeast Mall • Fort Worth

Get More Location and Party Information at: sweetandsassy.com North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008 Mic_10.2367x5.9-multifranchiseDa1 1

Page 37

4/11/08 1:05:02 PM

Emma’s Kid-Friendly Restaurant Review

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Half Shells Seafood Grill

5800 Legacy Dr # C2 Plano, TX 75024 (469) 241-1300 www.fishcitygrill.com 7 locations across the metroplex!

+ tax

for up to 10 children

by Emma Bonin

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Half Shells is mostly known for seafood. It is located in the Shops at Legacy in Plano. It’s kind of a small place, and luckily we were seated before the crowd arrived. It has a friendly, neighborhood kind of feel with brick walls. When we sat down and ordered our drinks, our waitress had them to us very quickly. That’s what I call good service. For an appetizer we tried something unusual, fried pickles. These were OK; not exactly my favorite, but I don’t like pickles of any

$6.10 for each additional child

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

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

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

Dem 7lW_bWXb[ - ZWoi W m[[a De Z[fei_j h[gk_h[Z$ Locally owned and operated by Chuck and Julie O’Reilly

kind. My brother felt the same way I did, but my mom and dad really liked these sliced fried crunchy pickles with ranch dressing for dipping. On the kids menu there were several choices: peel and eat shrimp, catfish stick basket, macaroni and cheese, hamburger, shrimp basket, cheese quesadillas and chicken fingers. My brother and I both had hamburgers which came with waffle fries. Both were delicious. We ate every bite. They had several “blackboard” specials of the day. My dad had one of these, blackened trout. He said it was very good, not too spicy. My mom had the Serafin’s fish tacos with tilapia instead of the standard catfish that it usually comes with. She said the tacos were fabulous. Soups available include gumbo, clam chowder and the house specialty, roasted jalapeño soup. Other items on the general menu include various different salads, Cajun steamer platters, fried seafood dinners, Po Boy sandwiches and other sandwiches. And for those who don’t like seafood, the “things that don’t swim” selections include pot roast, Cajun chicken pasta, and chicken breast dinner. We will definitely go back to Half Shells. I think we should start with dessert, since otherwise, we are always too full. The dessert options looked good and included key lime pie, bread pudding, brownie sundae, and apple crisp. Emma Bonin is a third-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is excited about the opportunity to review area restaurants and share her thoughts with the readers of North Texas Kids. Emma is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.

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North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

NTK May Calendar Thursday May 1 Wylie Moms & More Monthly Meeting - Thu May 1 10:00 AM: Moms & More offers support and activities for parents and kids in Wylie and the surrounding communities. Please call for more info: 469-361-6468. www.wyliemomsandmore.org Irving JumpstART - Stories & ART - Thu May 1 10:00 AM: 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062, FREE, Box Office: (972)252.ARTS. FREE family story time with a hands-on art activity to follow. Explore new themes, books and fun projects each month. JumpstART family story time takes place at 10 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month through April at the Irving Arts Center. JumpstART will break for the summer and start again in August. Open to children of all ages. Groups of 15 or more must pre-register - contact Jennifer to preregister at (972) 252-7558 x1226. Dallas Leonardo’s Workshop - Thu May 1 2:00 PM: Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2-4 pm a museum educator will be on hand to assist you in the Children’s Museum galleries. You can explore your creativeness or build science readiness through fun innovative activities. www.natureandscience.org Dallas RISE Kayaking - Thu May 1 6:00 PM: May 1, 8, 22, 29. 6-9pm at White Rock Lake (meet at W.R. Corinthian Yacht Club). RISE Kayaking: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations. Plano Prince of Peace Catholic School presents Willy Wonka, Junior - Thu May 1 7:00 PM: The five-year-old drama department will be one of the first schools in the nation to perform Willy Wonka Jr., based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Prince of Peace Catholic School gym - 5100 West Plano Parkway. Tickets are on sale now! Advance ticket prices: Adult/$6, Children/$4. Group discounts of 10 or more - $3/ea. All tickets - $6 general admission at the door. Call (972) 380-5505 for more information. www.popschool.net/ Garland Charlie And The Chocolate Factory - Thu May 1 7:00 PM: Plaza Theatre. Join Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas as they lead Charlie, Veruca, Augustus, Violet, and Mike through a labyrinth of adventures and life lessons. A $10 donation at the door is

The 2008 Komen North Texas Race for the Cure®

Saturday, June 7th at EDS Global Headquarters in Plano For more information call 972-378-4808 or go to www.komennorthtexas.org.

being asked for admission. www.ci.garland. tx.us

Friday May 2 Garland Cinco de Mayo - Fri May 2 5:00 PM: VIVA El Cinco de Mayo! A celebration of freedom and liberty and fun for the whole family. Enjoy local Folklorico dance groups, live music, and tasty traditional treats. Of course, no Cinco de Mayo would be complete without pinatas! For more information, please contact Gale Fields Recreation Center (972) 205-3090, or frc@ci.garland.tx.us. Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road www.garlandparks.com

18th Annual

Flower Mound & Highland Village Excite! Friday & Saturday Nights Out - Fri May 2 6:00 PM: Open gym play, inflatables, trampoline, foam pit, games, and pizza dinner. Ages 3 - 11.Fridays at Excite! Flower Mound 972.874.9663 for reservations. Saturdays at Excite! Highland Village 972.874.8500 for reservations. $18 Excite! members / $20 non-member. www.excitegymandcheer.com Carrollton “Cinco De Mayo” Kids’ Night Out! - Fri May 2 6:00 PM: Carrollton Young Chefs Academy is hosting a workshop. Kids can learn how to use cooking utensils and some great recipes to share with the family. visit www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton or call 972-395-9900 for reservations.

Saturday May 3 Wylie Wylie United Methodist Church Garage Sale - Sat May 3 7:00 AM: 1401 FM 1378 Wylie. For more information, contact Lezlie 972442-5835 or www.wylieumc.org Allen Annual Martha Janes Memorial 1-Mile Walk - Sat May 3 7:00 AM: Each Spring, Collin County residents, ISD students and their families, local running enthusiasts, and representatives from businesses and organizations all come together for friendly competition and for a common cause. ACO Programs including Meals-On-Wheels & More Program and other services benefiting families in crisis in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. www.acocares. org www.RunOnTexas.com Plano Plano Wildflower Run - Sat May 3 8:00 AM: 5K. Arbor Hills Preserve, 6701 W. Parker, Plano TX www.planowildflowerrun.org/ 972678-2244 Richardson Cottonwood Art Festival - Sat May 3 9:00 AM: For the past 40 years, Cottonwood Art Festival has been a popular Texas attraction and one of our nation’s premier festivals. It

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSOR PLATINUM Kroger KSCS 96.3 KTVT Channel 11 KXTA Channel 21 The Twister 96.7 SURVIVOR PROGRAMS Alcatel-Lucent DIAMOND McDonald’s Medical Center of Plano Plano Insider Presbyterian Hospital Plano Recuerdo 94.1 FM Star Community Newspapers The Campus at Legacy Univision 1270 AM TEAMS SPONSOR Ideas at Work CRYSTAL Accenture Baylor Regional Medical Center Coca Cola The Dallas Morning News Dasani EMC Corportation ESPN Radio

NTKs.indd 1

Living Magazine NYLO Hotel People Newspapers Plano Profile Radio Disney 620AM Texas Instruments Wishbone Graphics CELEBRATION Aramark Chick-fil-A City of Plano Computer Associates EDS Credit Union Einstein Bros. Bagels Embassy Suites Herald Democrat Luke’s Locker Marriott Legacy Town Center North Texas Floral Presbyterian Hospital Allen Whole Foods Zen Luxury Nail & Beauty Bar FESTIVAL AEGON Direct Marketing Services CB Richard Ellis CoServ Dallas Child DealTaker.com

Elizabeth Jekot M.D. Breast Imaging Center First Choice Emergency Room Inside Collin County Business K. Hovnanian Homes Northside at Legacy Post Apartment Homes ViaViente Hope Blue Bell Creameries CLMCreative.com Denton Record Chronicle emerald city band.com Fisher Controls Frisco STYLE Frito-Lay Intel Corporation JCPenney Main Street Bakery Microsoft Corporation New Balance DFW Nordstrom North Texas Kids Plano Florist Plano Jazzercize Sanden International The Rudman Partnership The Sports Page Weekly TLC Child Development Centers

4/3/08 10:36:57 AM

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draws over 240 local, regional, and national artists, as well as local and regional bands performing the best in rock, country, jazz, blues, swing, and folk. www.cottonwoodartfestival.com/ Belt Line Rd. It is one block east of Coit, and west of I-75 Plano Plano Kidney Walk - Sat May 3 9:00 AM: Bring your walking shoes, family, and friends for a day of fun! show your support for the mission of the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Come early and stay after the walk for music, entertainment, snacks, bounce houses, vendor areas, and health and wellness information! www. kidneywalk.org 214-351-2393 for more information. Plano ASIAFEST ‘08 - Sat May 3 11:00 AM: ASIAFEST ‘08, the 5th Annual Plano Asian American Heritage Festival. Celebrating Asian American Heritage Foundation, ASIAFEST ‘08 will be held in Downtown Plano’s Haggard Park. The festival is geared toward the entire family. Admission and parking in City lots are free. AsianAmericanHeritage.org McKinney McKinney Cinco de Mayo - Sat May 3 11:00 AM: This annual festival gets underway at 11 a.m. for a parade near the downtown square. At noon, the festivities move to Old Settlers Park for music, food, dancing and vendor booths. info@ccchamber.org Frisco Centennial Medical hosts First Saturday Q&A - Sat May 3 12:00 PM: The first Saturday of every month, professionals from Centennial Medical Center will present a free question and answer session at Stonebriar Centre. A Centennial doctor will be at the shopping center each month to answer questions about hospital- and health-related issues specific to his/her field of expertise. Sessions are held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month. All Q&As are at no charge and will be held on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing, near the Healthy Hometown Play Area, which is sponsored in the shopping center by Centennial Medical Center. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com Irving RISE Handcycling - Sat May 3 12:00 PM: May 3, 10, 18, 12-3 pm at Campion Trail located at 5757 Riverside Dr, Irving. RISE Handcycling: (Birds Fort Trail Park) RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469762-5075 for more information or registrations. Dallas SPCA Grief Counseling Group - Sat May 3 1:00 PM: The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca.org (214) 742-SPCA Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity

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Series - Sat May 3 2:00 PM: This fun, handson activity program for elementary school age children takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 2:00 pm. www.northparkcenter.com Irving Saturday School Session 4: Drawing and Painting - Sat May 3 2:00 PM: Saturday, April 12 to Saturday, May 17 - Saturday School Session 4: Drawing and Painting 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays Art Lab, 3333 N. MacArthur BLVD, Irving. Presented by Irving Arts Center: KidsArts - Open to art enthusiasts ages 6-14, Saturday School offers professional art instruction in the fun and inspiring setting of the Irving Arts Center. Students will learn how to visualize, draw objects in contour and perspective, create basic shapes and forms and add values with pencils, charcoal pencils, chalk and pastels. Basic painting techniques with watercolor and acrylic will also be explored. Instructor: Eva Kutscheid is an art instructor at the Booker T. Washington School of the Visual & Performing Arts, Dallas ISD and has been teaching for the KidsArts program since 2000. Supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. $75, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) to register. www.irvingartscenter.com Plano Parents Night Out - Sat May 3 6:30 PM: Parents Night Out hosted by Infinite Bounds. Come get wild at Infinite Bounds and experience some fun with friends. Due to popularity, walk-in guests are not guaranteed a space due to the safety of the children. Reservations 972-491-1916 visit www.infinitebounds.com for more information. Located at NE corner of Spring Creek & Independence.

Sunday May 4 Lewisville RISE Sailing - Sun May 4 1:00 PM: May 4, 25, 31. 1-5pm at Lake Lewisville (we meet at Pier 121). RISE Sailing: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Monday May 5 Garland The Jungle Book - Mon May 5 7:00 PM: Plaza Theatre. Come join us and discover Disney’s The Jungle Book on stage at the Plaza in downtown Garland. Tickets are $5 and will be sold in advance at the school and at the door. It’ll be a swingin’ good time! www.ci.garland.tx.us Carrollton Cinco De Mayo Celebration with Maricela and Friends - Mon May 5 7:00 PM: Josey Ranch Lake Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road. FREE! Join Maricela Zamora Allish -singer, ventriloquist, storyteller and teacher -- and celebrate Cinco de Mayo. All ages are invited to hear folktales and history of Cinco de Mayo. www.cityofcarrollton.com

Tuesday May 6

Please join us for a release party for The Battle of the Labyrinth, the latest release in the popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. Tuesday, May 6th from 4pm to 5pm. We will also have great mythology themed

activities and crafts. Barnes & Noble, 7700 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225. For more information please call 214.739.1124.

Wednesday May 7 Dallas Hand in Hand - Wed May 7 10:00 AM: Hand in Hand A children’s program that takes place each Wednesday morning from 10-11:30 am during the school year. Preschoolers and their adult companions can explore, imagine and discover together - hear a story, get your wiggles out to music, create theme-related crafts and enjoy fun activities. www.natureandscience.org Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - Wed May 7 10:30 AM: This fun, hands-on activity program for pre-schoolers takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 10:30 am. www. northparkcenter.com Grapevine Rainforest Cafe Family Nights - Wed May 7 5:00 PM: Rainforest Cafe is hosting Family Nights every Wednesday night. Enjoy a WILD night of family fun in the jungle! Family Night includes activities like face painting and balloon animals. Receive discounts on Kid’s meals and hand out with Cha! Cha!, our very own red-eyes tree frog. It’s an adventure for the whole family! www. rainforestcafe.com 972-539-5001

Thursday May 8 Dallas Step Out, Step Up - Thu May 8 11:00 AM: Women volunteers will gather at Center Court feeling good while doing good. Step Out Step Up will introduce Macerich’s new partnership with the Step Up Women’s Network, volunteers will be assembling 500 “wellness bags” for local women cancer patients, while enjoying a spirit of female camaraderie with their peers. Valley View Center is teaming up with Susan G. Komen Dallas County Affiliate & the North Texas Affiliate to help us deliver these kits to the women who in need. www.shopvalleyviewcenter.com Allen Ronald Macdonald Visit - Thu May 8 6:00 PM: May 8thMcDonald’s #23615815 S. Allen Heights @ Bethany Allen 6-7pm Dallas RISE Kayaking - Thu May 8 6:00 PM: May 1, 8, 22, 29. 6-9pm at White Rock Lake (meet at W.R. Corinthian Yacht Club). RISE Kayaking: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Friday May 9 Denton Just Between Friends Warm Weather Fun Sale - Fri May 9 All day event: Just Between Friends is having their Warm Weather Fun Sale! See ad this issue or visit www.jbfsale. com for selling or buying information. (Just Between Friends benefits, in part, local charities!) Flower Mound Wild About Flower Mound Festival - Fri May 9 5:00 PM: Bakersfield Park, 1200 Duncan

Lane, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Wild About Flower celebrates the fun, festive, family atmosphere of the Town of Flower Mound. Richardson Chamberlain School of Performing Arts Spring Dance Performance - Fri May 9 7:00 PM: Hill Performance Hall. Tickets: $7.50-$17.50. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.chamberlainperformingarts.com

Saturday May 10 Plano Children’s Chorus of Collin County - Sat May 10 All day event: Auditions for the Children’s Chorus of Collin County are currently being scheduled. Boys and girls in grades 3-7 are invited to contact the Chorus office for an audition time. This non-profit chorus performs a variety of the best in children’s choral literature. To schedule an audition, please call or email us at 972-941-9600 or office@childrenschorusofcollincounty. com www.childrenschorusofcollincounty. com Various Camp I-Thonka-Chi’s Parkland Foundation Burn Camp Poker Run - Sat May 10 All day event: Camp I-Thonka-Chi’s Parkland Foundation Burn Camp Poker Run for adults who want to have fun with friends and firefighters while helping kids attend camp. For more information contact Cheryl Mershon 972-998-1256 hlthcare@verizon.net or James Mershon 972-662-9007 Grapevine Journey’s Backyard BBQ - Sat May 10 All day event: Journey’s Backyard BBQ Food, music and exhilarating skateboarding, motocross and BMX demonstrations all in one place on Saturday, May 10th! Right here at Grapevine Mills! The best performers in the best location! All the action will be located in the parking lot just north of AMC Theater near the outer ring road. www.simon.com Dallas Habitat for Humanity 5K Family Run/Walk - Sat May 10 8:00 AM: 5K/1M Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 214- 6914488 Ext. 208 https://secure.getmeregistered. com/get_information.php?event_id=1403 McKinney The Salvation Army Annual Craft Fair & Rummage Sale - Sat May 10 8:00 AM: 600 Wilson Creek. Come join us at our annual craft fair & rummage sale. There will be bounce houses for the kids to play in while you do your shopping. Proceeds made from the sale will benefit our Youth Group and help pay for them to go to camp. Whether you want to come shop or have a booth of your own, we’ve got it all for everyone in your family. For more information call 972542-6694 Carrollton Mother’s Day Brunch Workshop - Sat May 10 9:00 AM: Carrollton Young Chefs Academy is hosting a workshop. Kids can learn how to use cooking utensils and some great recipes to share with the family. visit www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton or call 972-395-9900 for reservations. Irving RISE Handcycling - Sat May 10 12:00 PM: May 3, 10, 18, 12-3 pm at Campion Trail located at 5757 Riverside Dr, Irving. RISE Handcycling: (Birds Fort Trail Park) RISE Adventures mission to help persons with

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

8:00PM, Hart Elementary, 450 Country Club Rd, Lucas, 75002. No registration required, Free to anyone in community. Practical Parent office #469.752.2270 www.practicalparent.org

Flower Mound Otaku Kyokai No Flower Mound (Teen Anime Club) - Sat May 10 1:00 PM: (Monthly at 1pm on the second Saturday). Flower Mound Public Library

Plano Ronald Macdonald Visit - Thu May 15 6:00 PM: May 15thMcDonald’s #143222100 W. 15th St. @ Custer Plano 6-7pm

Richardson Chamberlain School of Performing Arts Spring Dance Performance - Sat May 10 2:00 PM: Hill Performance Hall. Tickets: $7.50-$17.50. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.chamberlainperformingarts.com McKinney Second Saturdays - Sat May 10 7:00 PM: “Second Saturdays” is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food where featured artists debut their latest creations. Once you experience the energy of these evenings, we are certain “Second Saturdays” will become a regular event on your social calendar. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. For further information call 972.547.2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com

Sunday May 11 Happy Mother’s Day!

Thursday May 15

Friday May 16 Richardson Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival - Fri May 16 All day event: Wildflower! is an awardwinning, multi-day eclectic arts and music festival that draws over 60,000 attendees! US 75 and Galatyn Parkway www.wildflowerfestival.net/

Saturday May 17 Denton Make Your Kids Rich & Safe - Sat May 17 All day event: A symposium for Parents and Children that will help teach your child the secrets, skills and tools that will lead them to personal and financial success in life. As well as information to educate and empower parents to keep their kids safe on the internet, including, Internet Safety, Child Identity Theft...and much more. www.themillionairesjourney.com/events_1. html McKinney RISE events/Challenge Air: Free plane rides - Sat May 17 All day event: RISE events/ Challenge Air: Free plane rides for Physically challenged kids at McKinney Airport. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-7625075 for more information or registrations. Title Sponsor of RISE Adventures is C&R Medical www.candrmedical.com Southlake Dragon’s Fire 3rd Annual 5K/ 1 mile Fun Run for Education - Sat May 17 9:00 AM: 5K/1M 1425 Southlake Blvd at Central Market, Southlake, TX 817-949-8246 www. diggingfordragons.com/ Carrollton Free Home Buying Seminar - Sat May 17 9:30 AM: Advice from Mortgage, Financial, Realty and Title Experts. LandAmerica Title, 3432 Hebron Pkwy, Ste. 106, Carrollton. RSVP to 972.599.3065

Tuesday May 13 Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano - Tue May 13 9:30 AM: Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There’s always an interesting speaker, and you’ll meet a lot of fun women! Please join us at SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! (West of Preston Road on the SE Corner of Tennyson & Democracy) www. newcomerfriends.org Garland Spring Jazz & Percussion Concert - Tue May 13 7:00 PM: Plaza Theatre. The Sachse High School Band presents the annual Spring Jazz and Percussion Concert on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00. Admission is $5.00 at the door. www. ci.garland.tx.us Lucas “I Gotta Be Me!” - Tue May 13 7:00 PM: Tuesday, 5/13/ “I Gotta Be Me!” 7:00 -

Plano Central Fire Station Tour - Sat May 17 10:30 AM: Central Fire Station - Avenue K at 19th Street. This tour of Fire Station #1 is geared toward children 4 to 8 years old. Children must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. FREE. Sign up for this event by visiting www.planoparks.org and clicking on LEISURE Online to register for activity Code #86253, or call 972-941-7250. McKinney NTHC Family Day - Sat May 17 11:00 AM: Family centered activities will take place between 11 and 3 on North Texas History Center Family Days. Come learn how to discover and preserve your family history, or try your hand at being a museum detective. Go to www.northtexashistorycenter.org for more details. 300 E. Virginia Plano Parents Night Out - Sat May 17 6:30 PM: Parents Night Out hosted by Infinite Bounds.

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Come get wild at Infinite Bounds and experience some fun with friends. Due to popularity, walk-in guests are not guaranteed a space due to the safety of the children. Reservations 972-491-1916 visit www.infinitebounds.com for more information. Located at NE corner of Spring Creek & Independence.

lenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations. Title Sponsor of RISE Adventures is C&R Medical www. candrmedical.com

Sunday May 18

Sunday May 25

Irving RISE Handcycling - Sun May 18 12:00 PM: May 3, 10, 18, 12-3 pm at Campion Trail located at 5757 Riverside Dr, Irving. RISE Handcycling: (Birds Fort Trail Park) RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Lewisville RISE Sailing - Sun May 25 1:00 PM: May 4, 25, 31. 1-5pm at Lake Lewisville (we meet at Pier 121). RISE Sailing: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Monday May 19 Dallas When They Close the Door and Turn Up the Music - Mon May 19 11:15 AM: Monday, 5/19/, When They Close the Door and Turn Up the Music, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM, Frankford Middle School, 7706 Osage Plaza Pkwy, Dallas, 75252. No registration required, Free to anyone in community. Practical Parent office #469.752.2270 www. practicalparent.org

Tuesday May 20 Lewisville “Dealing with Mommy Guilt” - Tue May 20 7:00 PM: Greater Lewisville Mothers & More is hosting an OPEN HOUSE EVENT at the Z Grill in Flower Mound (Address: Z Grill ~ 2321 Cross Timbers Rd Ste 413, Flower Mound 75028) . Guest Speaker Eliska Counce is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Transforming Tomorrows Counseling Center in McKinney. Visit www.mothersnmore.com or call 1-888535-7118 for more information on this great topic!

Thursday May 22 Dallas RISE Kayaking - Thu May 22 6:00 PM: May 1, 8, 22, 29. 6-9pm at White Rock Lake (meet at W.R. Corinthian Yacht Club). RISE Kayaking: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Friday May 23 Dallas 39th Annual ARTFEST - Fri May 23 All day event: The 500, Inc. presents the 39th annual ARTFEST on Memorial Day Weekend, at Fair Park.Friday May 23 6pm-10pm, Saturday May 24 10am - 7pm, Sunday May 25 11am - 6pm. Cotton Bowl Plaza, Dallas. april.davis@the500inc.org

Saturday May 24 Dallas RISE / Baylor Handcycle Clinic - Sat May 24 10:00 AM: RISE / Baylor Handcycle Clinic: handcycle clinic for all physically challenged individuals at Bishop Lynch High School from 10am-1pm. RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical chal-

Monday May 26 Memorial Day

Tuesday May 27 Richardson Allen HS/Lowery FC Bands and Orchestra - Tue May 27 7:00 PM: Allen ISD presents Allen HS/Lowery FC Bands and Orchestra. Hill Performance Hall. Tickets: $10. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.allenorchestra.org

Thursday May 29 Dallas RISE Kayaking - Thu May 29 6:00 PM: May 1, 8, 22, 29. 6-9pm at White Rock Lake (meet at W.R. Corinthian Yacht Club). RISE Kayaking: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Friday May 30 Carrollton Adult “Basic Cooking” Class Event - Fri May 30 6:30 PM: Adults asked for the class and Young Chefs Academy is hosting the Basic Cooking class. Bring your friends, learn some great recipes to share with the family, and have fun. visit www.youngchefsacademy.com/carrollton or call 972-3959900 for reservations.

Saturday May 31 Plano Children’s Chorus of Collin County - Sat May 31 All day event: Auditions for the Children’s Chorus of Collin County are currently being scheduled. Boys and girls in grades 3-7 are invited to contact the Chorus office for an audition time. This non-profit chorus performs a variety of the best in children’s choral literature. To schedule an audition, please call or email us at 972-941-9600 or office@childrenschorusofcollincounty. com www.childrenschorusofcollincounty. com Rockwall Rockwall Founder’s Day Festival - Sat May 31 All day event: The Marshall Tucker Band headlines a day of music and fun to celebrate Rockwall’s 154th birthday. The fifth annual event offers something for the entire family: exciting bands, great food and drinks, strolling entertainers and a healthy dose of Rockwall’s small-town charm. Free parking and free admission. “Family Time” begins

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at 10am with magician/comedian Todd McKinney. rockwallfoundersday.com Richardson Baby Care, Bonding & Breastfeeding Class - Sat May 31 9:00 AM: Gain confidence and learn to care for your baby. Practice holding, diapering, swaddling and bathing a baby (doll). Learn about effective ways to calm a fussy baby, feeding choices, and health concerns of newborns through infancy. Cost: $35. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214623-5080. Lewisville RISE Sailing - Sat May 31 1:00 PM: May 4, 25, 31. 1-5pm at Lake Lewisville (we meet at Pier 121). RISE Sailing: RISE Adventures mission to help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs. Visit www.riseadventures.org or call 469-762-5075 for more information or registrations.

Ongoing Classes & Activities Carrollton. AW Perry Homestead Museum 1509 N. Perry Rd 972-466-6380. Free Admission and Tours, Mon - Sat 10 - 12 & 1 - 5 http://www. cityofcarrollton.com Dallas. Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Saturdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy ) 972934-8866 for more information. Dallas. Dallas Arboretum. Mommy & Me Mondays - 10am - 2pm. 10am - 2pm: Tiny Tots Tuesdays presented by Children’s Medical Center. http://www.dallasarboretum.org Dallas. Outstanding family entertainment is abundant at Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. New Vaudevillians, Slappy & Monday, reach wider audiences in their newly improved and expanded Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse on the third level of the Galleria Dallas next to Nordstrom’s and Children’s Play Place. Continuing their mission of high-quality, parent-friendly programs, the theatre offers a vibrant array of European-style puppet shows as well as a unique variety show brimming with the talents of world-class clowns and other circus artists, musicians and magicians. http://www.slappysplayhouse.com Flower Mound/Highland Village. Friday - Flower Mound 6 - 10 pm Saturday - Highland Village 6 - 10 pm Excite! holds parents night out so that your children can enjoy their evening with friends and activities. It’s the best deal for a sitter in town! Open Gym, foam pit, games, music and Pizza dinner. Visit www.excitegymandcheer. com or call 972-874-9663 Flower Mound 972-874-8500 Highland Village for more information and reservations (Ages 3 - 11) http://www.excitegymandcheer.com Frisco. Moms Eat Free & Jersey Night. GattiTown.

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

Bring your family for a special time together at the Little Elm Library. Call the library for Movie titles each week. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www. littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www. littleelm.com

Frisco. Preschool programs available at First Choice Emergency Room. Attention Mom’s groups and Preschools....First Choice Emergency Room at 4851 Legacy Dr. #301 Frisco. Call 214-618-6800 to schedule your tour of the ER. It is a fun and educational experience. Tours available at 10am any weekday. If your group or class cannot come to the ER, First Choice will bring the Teddy Bear visits the ER program to your school or group.

McKinney. Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney. ‘Second Saturdays’ is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. Galleria d’Arte is on the corner of Kentucky and Louisiana at 100 E Louisiana St. Art Institute of McKinney is at 113 S Kentucky Street. 972-548-7830 7 PM - 10 PM http:// www.artinstituteofmckinney.com

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

McKinney. McKinney Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday 8AM - 1PM. Downtown McKinney at the southeast corner of Church Street & Louisiana Street. Locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, local honey, farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and pork from grass-fed animals, a natural soap and lotion-maker and chair massages. For information on becoming a vendor call 214-850-0886

Highland Village. Acting Classes for Kids. Studio B is offering a wide range of acting classes for ages 3 and up. 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village. 972-966-2787 http://www. studiobtheater.info Irving. JumpSTART Stories and Art. The Irving Arts Center and Irving Public Library now offer FREE family storytimes at the Arts Center on the first Thursday of every month (through December) at 10 a.m. Stories are followed by a fun craft. ‘Seafaring Tales’ is the July theme. Call (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info. Little Elm. Wednesdays 10:15 - 10:45 & 11 - 11:30 am Toddler time (ages 1 - 3) & Storytime (ages 4 - 6) Bring your family for a special reading time in the Little Elm Library. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http:// www.littleelm.com Little Elm. 2nd & 4th Thursdays 5:30 - 7:30 pm Chess Club for ages 7 to adult Do you enjoy playing chess and want to learn to play with a variety of people. Join us at the Little Elm Library and bring your friends. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http:// www.littleelm.com Little Elm. Saturdays 10:30-11 am Family Story Time for all ages Bring your family for a special reading time in the Little Elm Library. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-9750430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www.littleelm.com Little Elm. Saturdays 11-12 Children’s Film Festival Bring your family for a special time together at the Little Elm Library. Call the library for film titles each week. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www. littleelm.com to verify changes. Little Elm. Saturdays 1 - 3 pm Saturday Movie Matinee

Plano. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Bounce U is hosting playdates for Preschoolers from 9:30 am - 11:30 am And Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00. These are opportunities for kids and adults to socialize and play with others in their peer group. Ages 7 and under only please. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Bounce U 972422-3344 2532 Summit Ave., Suite #501, Plano grapevine.tx@bounceu.com Princeton. Groove Kids, Every Sun & Wed. Absolutely free to kids newborn thru 6th grade - Groove Kids is the place to be to have fun, hang out with Christian friends, enjoy Bible stories, cool music, and more! Every Sunday 10:45-12:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Worship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. (Call for directions 469.450.7437) http://www.groovekids.com Various. REGISTER TODAY for Kids First Ice Hockey Program. A totally FREE, get-acquainted program that offers boys and girls, ages 4-8, the opportunity to ‘try’ the game of hockey at NO CHARGE. The first week each player is given a full set of hockey equipment to use during the program. Kids will skate (4) 45 minute on ice sessions designed to introduce kids to the excitement of the sport. (214) GO SKATE http://www.drpepperstarcenter.com Various. Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. This is a fun and exciting meetup group for couples and families to fulfill all of their social needs! We have family nights, couple only nights, playdates for kids of all ages, mom’s night/day out, and of course daddy days! If your looking for the perfect meetup group to make new friends for yourself or for your family this is the place to be! http://groups. yahoo.com/group/familiesonthego Various. Baylor Medical Centers provide ongoing classes in Irving, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Classes include Baby Care Basics/Infant Safety and CPR, Prepared Childbirth Class, Infant/Child CPR, Car

Seat Safety and SIDS Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class, Baby Care Basics, Cesarean Birth Class. 1-800-4-BAYLOR http://www.baylorhealth.edu/

Support Groups Allen. MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN - Are you a SAHM? Need some support, come join this welcoming group and get acquainted with great MOMS! We offer Playgroups, MNO’s, Monthly meetings and load of activities for you and your child. http://www.allenmoms. com Allen. MOMS Club of Allen-West. Monthly meeting at 10 am on the last Friday of the month. Call 972-396-7406 or email mailto:momsclub_ allenwest@yahoo.com. Allen. Allen Early Childhood PTA. Meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30am to 11am during the school year at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville Ave. information@aecpta.com http://www.aecpta. com Allen. La Leche League of Allen. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive. Contact Deena at 972-727-4213 or Jennifer at LLLofAllen@gmail.com http:// www.lllusa.org/web/AllenTX.html. Allen. We are the MOMS Offering Moms Support - Northeast Allen MOMS Club Christy Youens at 469-675-6652 email mailto:momscluballenne@yahoo.com Carrollton. The Carrollton Early Childhood PTA is an organization dedicated to providing activities, support, friendships and education for parents of children age newborn through preschool. Possibly the biggest reason for becoming involved is to meet, socialize and network with other parents in the Carrollton area. For more information about the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA please visit our website http://www.cecpta.org. Collin County. The Collin County Moms Meetup group is a fun, down-to-earth group of moms dedicated to friendship and support. As the most active moms group in North Texas, we offer daily playdates, field trips, supper get-togethers, Mom’s Nights Out and family events too! Whether you work outside the home or stay at home with your kids, there’s something for you. http://moms.meetup.com/994/ Dallas. Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter boundaries are I-30 to the south, I-635 to the north (exception: Addison), Marsh Lane to the east, and Garland Road to the west. info@momsclubofdallas.org Dallas/Plano/Frisco. Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA (FNDECPTA) is dedicated to facilitating an educational and supportive network of parents of infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children. We are the only early childhood PTA (for families with children under age 6) in Plano ISD. The organization is

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

open to new members year-round and sponsors organized playgroups, mom’s night out, children’s activities, Bunko, holiday parties, special guest speakers and more. We meet in Room 133 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd. at Plano Parkway, and offer free childcare. http://www.fndecpta.txpta.org Farmers Branch My Place - Tuesdays & Fridays. It’s an early intervention play & communication group. North Texas Therapy & Associates (972) 385-0006. 14580 E. Beltwood Parkway; Farmers Branch 75244 no website given Frisco. Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is a low-cost health clinic for uninsured children, 18 and younger, living in or attending school in Frisco, Celina or Prosper. The primary focus of Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is to provide acute health care for uninsured children. The Clinic is held at Primera Bautista Iglesia each Wednesday (September - April) located at 8581 5th Street, in Frisco (corner of 5th and Ash). Appointment cards available at 5 PM. The doctor sees patients beginning at 6 PM. Cost per child is $5 to see the doctor. Medications are available at no cost. Proof of residency (utility bill) or proof of school enrollment (report card) is required. http://www.friscocares.org Frisco. Frisco Early Childhood PTA. Meet at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, 2nd friday of the month @ 10am. membership@friscoecpta. org http://www.friscoecpta.org Frisco. The Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems Inc. at 2611 Internet Pkwy, suite 107, Frisco. Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program for families with children, birth to 3, with disabilities and developmental delays. Call 972-377-7289. Garland. Garland Area Early Childhood PTA. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at NorthLake Baptist Church, 1501 N. Country Club, Garland. 972-412-8540. http://www.earlychildhoodpta.com Lewisville Greater Lewisville Mothers & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education, and advocacy. Our chapter welcomes ALL Stay-At-Home & Working MOMS living in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Corinth, & many of the DFW surrounding areas. We offer Monthly meetings with Guest Speakers, Playgroups (which include Weekdays & Saturdays), Field Trip Fridays, MOMS Night Out, Recipe-Foodies Club, Coffee Catch-Up Club, Book Club, Mommy Message boards, and MUCH MORE! Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm at a restaurant in Flower Mound. Please visit http://www. mothersnmore.com for more info. Little Elm. Writer’s Support Group 3rd Thursday of each month 6 - 8 pm Join us at the Little Elm Library and bring your friends. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes.

McKinney. La Leche League of McKinney. Meetings are held 3rd Thursdays at 5871 W Virginia Pkwy, 10:15am to 12pm. Dee Dee 972-838-9135, Holly 214-385-0063 or Ricki 214-684-3966. http://www.lllusa.org/web/McKinneyTX. html McKinney. MOMS Club of McKinney East. Contact Becky Garrett, 972-548-8236 bogarrett@ tx.rr.com McKinney. Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday every month from 7-8 pm at Academics Plus, 1831 W. Louisiana, McKinney, Tx. Contact us at 972-548-8788 for more information. http://www.academicsplus.com North Dallas. Mocha Moms of North Dallas meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the Douglass Community Center on Ave. H in Plano. http://www.mochamomsnorthdallas. com Plano. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Support Group. Meets every first Monday at Schimelpfenig Library 504 Custer Rd. in Plano. Meeting time: 6:30-7:30. No children allowed at the meeting. There will not be a September meeting due to the holiday. For more contact Alinda Ford at: parent_connections@verizon.net http://www.spdnetwork. org/parentconnection/us.html Plano. Mothers and Others. Meet the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the room 230 of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Activity Building. Call Katy Brandeland 214-9268696. Plano. The Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW. Monthly meetings at the Davis Library, 7501 Independence Parkway, Plano the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Carol at 972 862 3460 for more info. http:// www.aauwplanocc.org Plano. CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center. Contact our Plano Office at 4030 West Plano Parkway, Suite 211. 972.612.5989 http:// www.childrenandfamilies.org Plano. Collin County Early Childhood PTA. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month, 9:45 a.m., at Parkway Hills Baptist Church, located at 2700 Dallas Parkway, in Plano. Call Karen Maddox at 972-491-0260 Plano. Plano Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday for breakfast at 7:00 AM (always over by 8:00 AM) at La Madeleine Cafe, 5000 West Park Blvd at Preston Road. http://www. kiwanis.org/club/plano Plano. La Leche League of Plano meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:45 am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3601 West 15th Street, Room 105. Call Beth 972747-1297, Cleo 972-208-0158, or Emilie 469-366-7205, http://www.lllusa.org/web/ PlanoTX.html Plano. MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter. Meeting the first Thursday of every month, at 9:30 AM, at the Atonement Lutheran Church

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

on Legacy just west of Coit. For more information contact 214-473-4144 momsclubnc@ yahoo.com Plano. MOMS Club of Plano-North. Monthly Social Meeting is the first Wednesday of every month, at 10:00am, at the Baha’i Faith Plano Center at 4200 Hedgcoxe (just West of Coit Rd). For more information contact membership@momsclubplanonorth or 972-464-1958 http://www.momslubplanonorth.com

Spring

Y T R S Word

Scramble

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

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

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Plano. Own my own mentoring program is a mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents sponsored by Dedicated Women of Christ. Contact Latahra Smith, 972-3778254 Plano. Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. http:// geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/ Richardson. La Leche League Of Richardson meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm. Call Jayne 972-758-7236, Tiffany 972-2345853 or Mary 972-907-9079, http://www. lllusa.org/web/RichardsonTX.html Richardson. Post Partum Depression Support Group. Non-profit group Dallas Association for Parent Education will hold a free, monthly Post Partum Depression Support Group at their office in Richardson. This also offers network support for moms and families. To sign up or for more info call the DAPE office at 972-699-0420, Mon. - Fri., 9am - 3pm. dallasparents@hotmail.com http://www.dallasparents.org Wylie. Moms & More: Be you a Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny, we welcome all caregivers from Wylie and the surrounding communities. Our Monthly Convergence is held on the first Thursday of each month. Children are always welcome to all our activities. Drinks and snacks will be provided. For more information and directions, please contact our Membership Chair, Grady at 972941-8597 or visit our website http://www. wyliemomsandmore.org Submitting Events All events must be submitted online at www.northtexaskids.com. Just click on the submissons button and follow the directions. Please keep listings short and similar to the format in our publication.

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Page 43

Sports Scoop

The Cure for Nature Deficit Disorder by Mike Kravik

O

ne of the remarkable aspects of living in North Texas is the contagious “can-do” approach to business and the vast number of opportunities the area presents for people of various interests. Christopher Gibson of Frisco has parlayed living in the area and a lifelong interest in the outdoors to start a business called Frisco Wilderness Adventure and Outfitters. Gibson grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Says Gibson, “We lived close to a forested area and back in those days I would leave in the morning and be gone all day. After high school, Gibson went to the military and ultimately became a navy Sea Bee. Gibson went on to earn a degree in Applied Physics and meet his future wife at the University of Texas El Paso before eventually finding his way to Frisco. Gibson, who is a father of four children, created his business to provide an alternative to traditional camp and vacation experiences. Frisco Wilderness Adventure and Outfitters have youth and teen adventure programs and wilderness adventure programs for families and small groups. Each expedition features activities such as backpacking, kayaking, canoeing and rock climbing. Favored destinations are the Ouachita Forest and Ozark Mountains in Arkansas and the Gila and Lincoln National Forests in New Mexico. Gibson says his programs are the cure for nature deficit disorder. “Our programs are designed to get children, young adults, youth groups, and corporations back into nature and restore a sense of balance that has been thrown off by the influx of electronic media, video games, and hectic schedules. We feel that allowing individuals Page 44

to connect with one another in such a setting is the foundation where true teams are built.” Corporations are also attracted to Gibson’s business for leadership and team building exercises. “When you get in the wilderness, personas are stripped and these corporations get to see people in a different light. It can be surprising which people are whiners when they are outside their comfort zone. The ability to step up and lead can also be discovered on these trips,” says Gibson. When asked whether or not he considered outdoor adventures to be a sport a hobby, Gibson quickly said it is a sport. “It’s man versus the elements, so you have an opponent. It’s a sport where you need a special set of skills that can be honed and improved upon over time plus you need special equipment to do it.” The obvious challenge is gaining the trust of parents and getting the necessary insurance and permits to take 8-12 people into the wilderness. Gibson welcomes parents to go with their kids and act as chaperones. Gibson also went through extensive measures to get proper insurance and he is required to get permission from the National Forest Service before each trip. The process of getting permission to take people into the woods is similar to the pilot who files a flight plan before taking people in his plane. “Safety is our number one concern on all trips,” says Gibson. “There is a wilderness EMT person within every group we take. We use radios to stay in contact with base camps. Each camper has a partner and between the two of them, somebody has a beacon. All staff members have major background checks, extensive knowledge and are thoroughly trained.” Gibson regards himself is a minimalist and tries to pack as few things as possible with him. At

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Sports Scoop

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base camp, bottled water is served and various meats are grilled but the wilderness is a different story. While on the trail, campers eat freeze dried meals and drink water from rivers via a water filtration device not larger than a small fire extinguisher. Gibson also teaches his campers the principles of a concept called “Leave No Trace,” which revolves around proper planning,

minimal use of fire (“unless it is a survival situation,” says Gibson) and taking out only what you take into the forest. While there are many different summer camps you can send your kids to this summer, Christopher Gibson presents a unique alternative. “We don’t have a traditional camp experience. What we have is not for everybody but it is something new, different and challenging.”

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North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Page 45

Sports Scoop

Elevate Your Game:

One Man’s Passion for Kids and Basketball by Mike Kravik

O

Check out the new game in Plano. 2300 Coit Road, Suite 400 (far northeast corner)

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

Watch for our June issue featuring

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Page 46

ne of the more difficult challenges every professional athlete faces is what to do with the rest of their lives when their careers are finished. Charles Williams played basketball for three years at Oklahoma State and then went on to a fourteen year career of professional basketball that took him to countries such as Argentina, Venezuela, Greece, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Williams, the son of a pastor and a deeply religious man prayed to God and asked, “What am I going to do now that will fill me with as much passion as professional basketball?” Williams discovered through his travels that there are many children in the world who do not have direction in their lives. Williams grew up in a strong family with lots of love and discipline that helped carry him through his life. He thought that the best way he could reach kids was to use basketball as a metaphor to life. In 2000, the seeds of Williams’ new direction were planted and Elevate Your Game was then formed. The basic concept for Elevate Your Game is that it is a place where kids can go to be introduced to basketball, improve their present skills or learn new skills. EYG’s original target market was kids 7-13 years old but it has since expanded to include high school and college basketball players as well. Getting better at basketball is only one layer within the foundation that EYG provides their athletes but the overriding goal is to give kids necessary building blocks that can be used for the rest of their lives. EYG is faith-based and the

religious influence is not watered down (prayers are said before and after each practice) but it is also not forced upon participants. Williams says they try to make their lifestyle so attractive that it is difficult not to accept. Williams likes to simplify and calls the curriculum that he teaches his athletes “SPICE” which is an acronym that stands for Selfcontrol, Perseverance, Integrity, Confidence and Effort in the pursuit of excellence. These kids may think they are improving their ball handling skills by dribbling with weighted basketballs through a series of cones but the ultimate goal of these drills is to bring out and enhance the core values of SPICE. Williams has a unique approach in the way he coaches kids because he talks to them as though they were in a classroom. “It’s an approach I learned from my father and works best for me,” says Williams. He doesn’t whisper to the kids and he doesn’t yell but he does speak to the kids with a respectful tone. He says, “I always tuned coaches out that screamed at me and could never connect with them. I’d do what I had to do to get along with them on the court but I wanted nothing to do with them after I was done playing the game.” As a coach, Williams is the softly spoken yet menacing power forward that dares you not to pay attention when he speaks. He is that rarest of coaches whose physical presence speaks volumes and commands immediate unchallenged attention. Kids love to be coached by Williams because he not only treats them fairly but they know they are going to become better basketball players if they listen to him break down drills in an uncomplicated manner

that is easily understood. When teaching kids how to properly follow through on their shots, Williams tells them, “Imagine your momma has cookies on the top shelf of the pantry. You have to lift your arm straight up and reach deep into that cookie jar in order to properly follow through on your shot.” EYG will typically have 25-30 kids at sessions that can last 1-2 hours. The kids are separated into groups depending on age, position and skill level. Williams cannot coach all the kids at one time but he does have several assistants that help him. “Before I hire a coach I want to know what their agendas are and how passionate they are about connecting spiritually with these kids. That passion is not something you can fake.” When asked about the most important skill a player can possess to play at any level, Williams said, “When Larry Brown was coaching for Kansas, he was trying to recruit me and he said, ‘If you can run the floor and rebound, you can play for anybody,’ and that is something I have always found to be true.” Regarding the teaching of skills to kids, Williams says that shooting a basketball is the easiest skill to learn and to improve but that passing a basketball is toughest part of the game to improve because of the “deeper understanding” of the game it requires. When Charles Williams played basketball he was a good passer because he had a deeper understanding of the game. After his career was over, that deeper understanding of the game transcended off the court and helped him realize how the game of basketball could provide an avenue of direction for kids.

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

“Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords” Book Review of Schuyler’s Monster by Robert Rummel-Hudson Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (2008) by Minette Riordan, Ph.D. Schuyler’s Monster is by far the best book that I have read this year. As an avid reader and book junkie, I loved this book for the story. As a parent I was moved by the challenges and successes so eloquently described by the author. But mostly, I found this book to be a message to all parents about advocating for our special needs children. If we don’t fight for them, who will? On the surface, Schuyler’s Monster is a memoir about Schuyler Rummel-Hudson, who is born with a rare neurological disorder and cannot speak. As you delve deeper into the story, it is about two parents struggling with this reality, with doctors, with teachers, with family and a daughter they love deeply. It is about the challenges of their relationship with each other and their fight for Schuyler. Most poignantly, it is about the author and his efforts to be the best father he can to Schuyler. Robert Rummel-Hudson describes Schuyler’s Monster as a love letter to his daughter. In an interview with St. Martin’s Press, he says, “In the end, I guess I’d characterize Schuyler’s Monster as a love story, one in which sometimes that love is all we had to keep us going and to take up Schuyler’s fight with her and for her. In the book, I describe that struggle as ‘fighting monsters with rubber swords,’ the idea being that even when you know you’re up against something bigger than yourself, you do it, out of love, because what else can you do?” This book made me laugh, made me cry and made me think on every page. It is beautifully crafted and it kept pulling me in until I found myself incapable of putting it down. Here is a sample paragraph describing the author’s despair after Schuyler’s initial diagnosis: I cried then. I cried for the future, for the life I had always imagined for my little girl, a life that would never ever be what we imagined it to be. I cried as I imagined her one day collapsing into seizures, her

uncomprehending eyes finding mine before she lost consciousness, the question of how I could let this happen to her forever unspoken. I cried for Julie and I cried for Schuyler, for the day she realized she was different and broken. I cried at the word “retardation” and the atom bomb of low expectations it carried with it. I cried at Schuyler growing old in our care and never knowing a life on her own terms. (p.118) As parents we all imagine a life of success, wonder and joy for our children. We have dreams, hopes and aspirations. Then our children arrive on the scene as entire little beings, fully formed from the inside out with identities and personalities of their own. Schuyler is no different and neither are her parents. The author’s descriptions of Schuyler bring to life a delightful, curious little girl who adores dinosaurs and her daddy. It also describes the frustrations, the low times and the fears of having a child who cannot speak, cannot articulate what she wants and needs. This memoir is a powerful testament to a parent’s love but it is also a very clear lesson in being an advocate for your child. Whether working with doctors, insurance companies or schools, you have to be well-versed in your child’s needs and be willing to go the distance because no one else will. This becomes most clear when the Rummel-Hudson’s fight to get Schuyler “her big box of words”, an augmentative communication device that is an amazing testament to modern technology. With this new technology, Schuyler is now able to speak, and this is perhaps the happy ending to the book but the beginning of the rest of their lives. I think Robert Rummel-Hudson clearly articulates the struggles and joys of having a daughter like Schuyler. Read it for the great story, read it for the inspiration and motivation, read it for a good cry! For more information about the book and some great photos visit www.schuylersmonster.com.

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Advertise in

Make sure your business, service or program is seen by over 100,000 parents in North Texas each month! Call today to and speak to one of our Marketing to Moms experts to find out more:

972-516-9070 www.NorthTexasKids.com Page 47

AND

Greek Mythology Word Search Puzzle

Invite you and your children to

“Play-n-Learn” While the kids play under the watchful eyes of Pump it Up staff, parents & caregivers can join us for some adult conversation and education. Topic: Traveling with Kids - Tips to Reduce the Stress & Hassle and Make it Fun for Everyone Speaker: Minette Riordan, Ph.D., CCP is “The Family Communications Expert.” She helps families find solutions to the every day challenges of parent-child relationships. When:

Wednesday, May 21, 9:30-11am

Where: Pump It Up of North Dallas/West Plano 3632 Frankford Road , Suite 180 Dallas, TX 75287 972-820-0777 www.pumpitupparty.com Cost: $7.00 per child* Mom is FREE! Children must be 3 years of age or older. Socks required. Advance registration is requested but not required. Please contact North Texas Kids at 972-516-9070 or email info@northtexaskids.com to reserve your space or for additional information. www.northtexaskids.com Page 48

Achilles Aphrodite Apollo Aris Artemis Athena Atlanta Atlas Bellerophon Centaur Chaos Charites Cronus Cyclops Demeter Dionysus Epimetheus Eros

Eurynome Furies Hades Hephaestus Hera Hercules Hestia Leto Medea Medusa Mercury Minos Mount Olympus Nemesis Nymphs Oceanus Odysseus Pandora

Pegasus Persephone Perseus Poseidon Prometheus Rhadamanthus Rhea Sirens Telemachus The Fates The Muses The Underworld Theseus Titans Triton Typhon Zephyrus Zeus

Battle of the Labyrinth to be released May 6 The latest in the beloved Percy Jackson series, The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan is being released soon. Visit your local bookstore to get your copy! You won’t want to miss what happens to Percy, Grover, Annabeth and the rest in book 4. See Rick Riordan read a sneak preview on You Tube! North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Index of Advertisers Adventure Kids Playcare

8

GreenHill School

24

Rainforest Cafe

35

American Heritage Academy

16

Gymboree – Plano

18

Realty Revolution LLC

13

Aria Music Productions

33

Healthy Texas Pediatrics

12

Rhea’s Mills Church

17

If Wallz Could Talk

33

Rowlett Community Centre

24

Infinite Bounds

30

Salon Jo-Li

14

3

J’s Art Studio

30

Sheena’s Dance

27

BackStage Dance

23

Jump Town

45

Simply Pretend

33

Bank of America – Katie Lewis

13

K12 – Texas Virtual Academy

34

Smashing Times

22

Beth Farrel, LLC

32

KidsCare Therapy

34

SMU Summer Youth Programs

11

Bobby Moffat’s Soccer Camps 28

Knowledge Points

7

SMU Guildhall

26

C & R Medical

14

Lakewood Orthodontics

6

Spectacular Cakes

12

Canyons of Frisco

26

Lara’s Busy Bees

Speech Texas

33

Center Stage Drama

23

Learning RX

Spring Valley UMC

31

Children’s Garden Montessori

24

Little Harts Summer Camps

24

SS Noah

50

Children’s Home Healthcare

16

Lorie Burch

10

St. James Episcopal School

50

Maid Brigade

38

St. Marks School of Texas

27

Art-A-Rama

23, 50

Artscool

25

Babies R’ Us

Children’s Medical Center

2

33 19, 24

Club Z Tutoring

31

Made of Sugar and Spice

21

State Farm – Ann Dunham

20

Color Me Mine

17

McDonalds

38

Strikz

45

Crème de la crème

25

Medical Center of Plano

15

Stroller Fit Dallas

33

DA’s Spring Creek Golf

29

Music Together

10

Studio 3 Dance

24

Dallas Summer Musicals

23

Neuro Health Center

14

Studio Movie Grill

52

Dr Pepper StarCenter

21

Newfound School

36

Sweet and Sassy

Eagle Gymnastics

11, 29

Nex Gym

7

Einstein Kidz

18, 25

Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop

20

Elevate Your Game

30

North Star Learning Center

6

ER Care Centers

35

Pee Wee Picasso

Evelyn’s Janitorial

50

Peppermint

9

Extra Innings

46

Planet Pizza

45

Farmers Ins. – Ranie Jeanis

32

Plano Sports Authority

36

29, 45

27, 37

The Artist Within

6

The Etiquette School of Frisco Therapy 2000

29 9

Tutoring 101

29

Twin Oaks Private School

31

Under The Umbrella

31

US Toy Co.

37

First Choice Emergency Room 51

Plano Super Bowl

25

USA Martial Arts

26

Frisco Dance Force

28

Powerkids

30

UT Dallas – Sports Camps

23

Frisco Sports Authority

44

PowerMath

26

UT Dallas Soccer Camp

27

28, 44

Power Pops

21

White dove Montessori

32

Frisco Thunder Frisco Wilderness Adventures

25

Prospering Farm

29

Wiggly Play Center

Fun Times Party Rental

18

Pump It Up Jr.

22

Work at Home United

33

Girls In Motion

28

Pump It Up Party/KidsNArt

28

Young Chefs Academy

36

Gotta Dance

26

Race for the Cure

39

Zenith Gymnastics

27

9

Please tell our advertisers you saw them in North Texas Kids! Find links to all of these businesses on our website at www.northtexaskids.com North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Page 49

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References Provided Upon Request Page 50

Minority/Women Owned Business North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

Page 51

Page 52

North Texas Kids  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com • May 2008

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