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MARCH 2015 | FREE suburbanparent.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

IS IT GOOD FOR PREGNANT MOMS?

ALLERGIES + SUMMER CAMP WHAT THE SPECIALIST SAYS!

SEE WHAT WE LOVE THIS MONTH!

VITAMINS FOR KIDS

“THE LOWDOWN”

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patrick Hempfing Ken Swarner

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PHONE/MAIL 972.887.7779 8344 Sterling Street Irving, Texas 75063

MARY SHARES ALWAYS THERE

on’t you just love to watch family videos with your kids? I promise you, my family regularly have what we call “marathon-family video days.” For several years my sweet Caroline was happy watching videos of Clayton, her big

brother, because we could not figure out how to get the movies of her uploaded. She never complained or got jealous. She just loved seeing our family together before she was gifted to us. One of the videos showed how we were preparing for her. She laughed out loud as she watched her 5 year old brother helping me create the perfect space for her arrival; with his little hand holding a paint brush and smiling at the camera, saying “Caroline is coming”, and me with a big belly, on a ladder (I was careful) adjusting the drapes I sewed for her (only for her, I could never do that again.) When we finally uploaded videos that included her and we watched movie after movie of our family all together, she said she felt like she was always there. And the truth is; she was always there! Just as with our son, my husband and I carried her in our hearts before we conceived. This is how God works; He plants seeds in our hearts. It’s amazing how He chose to compare the way His Word works to a seed. There is a germination process! The seed is the Word of God and the ground is our hearts. And our hearts were created by God to bring forth fruit when his word is planted in us; and just like a seed which has to remain in the ground over time to germinate, so too the Word of God has to remain in us always. This is what my husband and I clung to. We knew in our hearts that we would have children, and I often tell my kids, “we worked hard for you!” It took a total of twelve years of clinging to each other to bear our children! But, most importantly, we remained faithful to what God had planted in our hearts and we are blessed and forever grateful; as well as a bit tired! SP

IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU, YOU MAY ASK FOR WHATEVER YOU PLEASE AND YOU WILL GET IT. — JOHN 15:7

COVER MODEL Belle, 6 years Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

Our cover model Belle was born to be a pop star. She loves to sing and dance! She’s also quite the crafter. Give her some glue, beads, scissors, paper and paint and she’ll stay busy for hours making bracelets and cards for her friends in kindergarten. How nice, Belle!

YOU SHOULD KNOW SUMMER CAMP GOOD FOR YOU TOO!

Sending children to camp can contribute to the development of healthy independence. It’s the perfect opportunity for both parent and child to practice “letting go.” This allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self while giving parents the opportunity to take care of themselves and maybe even get to know each other again. When the children return, parents should hopefully feel refreshed, available and accessible again.

WORTH YOUR EFFORT

FRIDGE RAID Make “everyday” good choices easy for your family! Make sure to have available nutrient-rich foods where kids can reach them; like lower shelves in your refrigerator, pantry or cabinet. Keep “sometimes” foods, such as cookies and chips, away in cabinets where they’re less convenient to reach, especially for impulse eaters. A single-serve container for grab-and-go eating is a great way to increase nutritional intake. Milk, raisins, juice, fruit cups, pudding and baby carrots are favorites. See more at www.eatright.org

ARE YOU LISTENING? You hear your kids when they talk to you, but are you really listening? Probably not as well as you should. Research suggests that most people only remember 25-50 percent of what they hear. That’s not much and your kids deserve better. But you can improve your listening skills with practice. How? First, stop talking (don’t interrupt). Focus on the speaker (don’t get distracted, i.e. TV). Acknowledge the speaker (nodding works). Empathize (be understanding and don’t judge). And then, respond appropriately. When it gets down to it, what our kids want most from us is our attention, so we should really give it to them.

SOME THINGS NEED TO BE TAUGHT How to give a good compliment. Be specific. It’s easy to dole out a generic compliment, but if you really want to make someone feel special, or let them know how much you appreciate them, give details. Details show that you’re really paying attention. So, instead of saying, “You look nice today.” Say, “Nice shirt, it really brings out the blue in your eyes.”

suburban parent MARCH 2015

IT’S TRUE; A FAMILY WHO PLAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER! Famous athletes say it all the time, “Thanks Mom. Thanks for driving me to and from practice, and thanks for showing up at the games.” And consider the love your child feels when Dad helps with actual practice – playing catch, squaring off, one-onone, etc. And of course, we can’t overlook the health benefits and psychological benefits of participating in organized sports.

ARLINGTON’S CHOICE FOR FAMILY DENTISTRY

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Together with her talented staff, Dr. Johnson builds beautiful smiles for all ages. When visiting her office, you will find state-of-the-art treatment in a relaxed, caring, and comfortable atmosphere. •

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QUESTIONS { + PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS }

H E AT H E R , E X P E C T I N G M O M Q. Is Chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

J OA N N A , M O M O F 2 T W E E N S Q. I was told my child may be over-caffeinated. Is this possible? She does not drink coffee.

A. Not only is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy, it is almost essential. During pregnancy the spine goes through many changes commonly causing abnormal curvatures to develop. This is most common in the neck, which can then lead to headaches, shoulder tension, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, and many other problems. Adjustments on pregnant women are gentle and exert little to no pressure on baby. Also, some chiropractors are trained in the Webster technique, which is a specific technique for pregnant women. This technique ensures proper pelvic and sacral alignment, which then makes for a much easier delivery. Many obstetric journals have documented these benefits and show it even helps to reduce stress to the developing spine and nerves of the baby.

A. Great question Maria! It could be true though. Keep in mind that energy drinks, colas and teas all have caffeine. Also, a favorite with kids, hot chocolate could add about 20mg in a 12 ounce serving. Try to become more mindful of caffeine in foods and drinks, especially if your child appears jittery or has problems sleeping. Too much caffeine will make it hard to fall asleep, which might mean your child won’t be able to pay attention in school the next day. To give you an idea of how much, keep these numbers in mind. For younger children (4-6yrs) 45mg per day, children (7-9yrs) 62mg/day and tweens up to 85mg per day. Hope this helps! M.E. CALDWELL, RDN Your Favorite Dietitian

DR. MARK LIEBICH, D.C. Beyond Innovation Chiropractic

ASK THE ALLERGY SPECIALIST DR. MARTHA WHITE Nationally recognized pediatric and adult allergy specialist and founding board member of the Allergy & Asthma Network

suburban parent MARCH 2015

A. Though it may seem strange, buyers look at lots more than the bones, floor plan and physical amenities of your property. They look at your furniture, art, décor and more to determine how they feel about the property. They must imagine themselves in your home, so a great stager/realtor will bring in the proper items as part of the listing process to get your home sold for highest possible price. Statistics prove that staging sells home faster and for a higher price every single time. We are not looking for what works for you, but what works for the virtual tour and the buyers. MARCI BARTON The Marci Barton Group of RE/MAX DFW Associates

Q. My son was recently diagnosed with multiple life-threatening (severe) allergies and is heading off to summer camp for the first time this year. How should I best prepare him for this adventure? A. It’s great to start thinking ahead. A number of allergens can be found all around campgrounds

including peanuts and shellfish in the mess hall, latex in the art room, flying insects, and medications in the infirmary, etc. That’s why it’s important to be sure your child and all camp staff, including the nurse, counselors and coaches for camp activities, are ready with an anaphylaxis action plan. This action plan includes avoiding known allergens, knowing what symptoms to watch for, having access to two epinephrine auto-injectors and seeking immediate emergency medical care if anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, occurs. Importantly, teach your son to recognize and avoid his allergens, and to seek help immediately if he has an exposure.

EMAIL QUESTIONS: editor@suburbanparent.com 10

GINA B. Q. I am about to put my home up for sale and my friends keep telling me I need to “stage” my home to get a better price. Benefits?

SUBMIT QUESTIONS : facebook.com/momsolvers

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WE LOVE THIS { YOU WILL TOO }

SOCKS THAT ROCK!

1 Who needs shoes when your socks are this cute? Your sweetie is bound to get compliments in these. So many styles to choose from including Mary Janes, ballerina slippers, oxfords, high top tennies and more. They’re a great shower gift too! www.trumpette.com $27-$30

MESS-FREE HELPER

2 If you’ve got a little one who wants to help in the kitchen, but you don’t want to clean up the mess, try this. Open up the dishwasher door and let them use it as a counter surface. It’s the perfect height where they can stir, mix and pour all they want. Then when he or she’s finished “helping”, just close the door to clean up.

FASHION FIX

3 You don’t have to put away your favorite jeans! With Kevel pregnant moms have an easy way to secure zippers and expand an ever-growing waistline. Kevel Mommy comes in three sizes for the ultimate fashion fix from the beginning stages of pregnancy to post-pregnancy, which means keeping moms in their favorite jeans longer. We found it at shop.nordstrom.com $16.99

BE A STORY TELLER

4 Can’t think of one more bedtime story? The Storymatic can help with that. Just pick a few cards and watch your story take shape. The yellow cards reveal who your characters are; the blue cards provide the situation. You make up the rest. It’s a good tool for budding writers and a great game for long road trips, at parties, in the classroom, anytime. It’s a fun way to get people talking, listening and laughing. www.thestorymatic.com $29.95

RE-IMAGINE THE CAMERA

5 This camera could not be easier! You get to focus on the moment, not on your camera. The HTC RE pairs with your phone, and streams everything for you. You can even edit photos and videos with a push of a button! www.recamera.com $199

suburban parent MARCH 2015

MOMENTS { BY PATRICK HEMPFING }

LEPRECHAUNS, POTS OF GOLD, AND CLOVERS

rior to St. Patrick’s Day last year, my nine-year-old daughter,

named after me, though I’m a kind and loving man. I already found my pot

Jessie, came home from school and asked to have a picnic.

of gold. I have a beautiful wife, daughter, and dog. I’m a blessed man.’” Jessie then handed me my third assignment, a coloring sheet with the

Jessie loves picnics. We tossed two blankets in the yard and placed two lawn

chairs on top of them. I relaxed in one of the chairs while Jessie prepared our picnic. She likes to be in charge of the menu and entertainment.

my chance to color. I searched for a green crayon. Teacher Jessie had a different lesson plan. She gave me the writing

About ten minutes later, Jessie called for assistance. She carried the

prompt, “If I found a pot of gold, I would spend it on,” with my answer

basket of snacks and a few sheets of paper. I grabbed the crayons and

to be written on the back of the paper. I wanted to raise my hand and

markers. Of course, Sadie, our dog, joined us; it wouldn’t be a picnic

ask for a bathroom pass, but I knew my request would be denied. Like

without Sadie. A few seconds later, Jessie’s feet were free of socks. We

before, Jessie finished well before me. She chewed on a pretzel stick

munched on pretzels and raisins and shared a can of Orange Crush soda

and waited patiently.

a friend gave her for Valentine’s Day. My future third-grade teacher (her current career aspiration) then distributed my first assignment, a St. Patrick’s Day maze. She had downloaded the maze from a teaching website and

Jessie’s been campaigning for another dog, so her answer didn’t surprise me. “If I found a pot of gold I would spend it on one more dog. It would be a Havanese. I would spend the rest on books.” I’ve been campaigning for a man cave, a quiet area to focus

printed copies for each of us. We raced to see whose

on my writing. I wrote, “If I found a pot of gold, I would

leprechaun would reach the pot of gold first. Jessie won.

spend it on building a man cave. It would be a luxurious

My second assignment involved a coloring sheet

man cave with all the amenities a famous writer would

that pictured a pot of gold. I like to color; however, my

have. I’d have state-of-the-art office equipment. I would

aspiring teacher gave me the following writing prompt,

install a bell on my desk. I would ring it to have my

“If I saw a leprechaun, I would … .” Instead of coloring the pot of gold, Jessie asked me to write my answer inside the pot. My writer friends know I’m not a big fan of writing

assistant bring me a snack or whatever else I need. For now, I’m happy with my man chair.” As I reflect on our St. Patrick’s themed-picnic, these

on demand. I was ready to object, but noticed Jessie had

thoughts stand out. Jessie will make an outstanding

already started to write on her copy, so I hastily began

teacher. Her best chance for a Havanese is to find a pot of gold; they’re expensive little puppies. I’m getting better at

my assignment. Jessie finished well ahead of me. She wrote, “If I saw a leprechaun I would ask him nicely to give 1,000 million dollars to help find a cure

writing on demand, though I still don’t enjoy it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jessie found a leprechaun who could fund research to cure cancer? Finally, I need to accept that my luxury man cave,

for cancer.” Jessie’s answer clearly beat mine,

with assistant, is not likely to happen. But hey, with the

but for writing on demand, I did okay. “If I

extra writing practice, maybe I’ll become a famous author

saw a leprechaun, I would say, ‘Hi, my name

and can upgrade to a man sofa.

is Patrick. No, St. Patrick’s Day was not

FOLLOW PATRICK @PatrickHempfing

words “HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY” surrounded by green clovers. Finally,

suburban parent MARCH 2015

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments. SP

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing

New Camper Guide Y

our child’s first camp experience should be one to treasure forever; however, it can be quite a challenge too. How can you assure your child will have fun and that you won’t worry yourself silly while he is away? Here are some tips for getting off to a good start.

IS “NOW” THE TIME?

The first thing to do is to make sure your child really wants to go. If he is attending because it’s what mom and dad want and he has no real interest, chances are he won’t enjoy himself. On the other hand, some hesitation is normal the first time. If your child is adamant about not wanting to go, don’t send him. Try again next year.

HOW BIG, HOW SMALL? Starting out with a small local camp can be a good choice. If your child is involved in 4-H or Scouts they often have summer camps or weekend overnighters. Your little camper may feel more comfortable around people he knows.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD? Choosing the type of camp is important. Sit down and ask your child what would be enjoyable for them. Churches often have camps for kids too. Other good options are local specialty camps such as baseball camp, soccer or music camp.

TRIAL RUN: CAMPING AT HOME OR A FRIENDS HOME If you’re not sure your child is ready for overnight camping do a trial run. Get together with some friends and arrange an overnight sleepover. You can get an idea from this as to how your child will react to being away from home at night. If you have to go get him or her in the middle of the night you might want to consider a day camp.

THE MORE THE MERRIER Having a buddy to go with can make a difference to some children, especially if they will not know anyone else there at the camp. Some camps will let friends bunk together in the same cabin, but they need to know also that their friend may have different interests and won’t be with them all the time.

ORGANIZATION HELPS Plan ahead for fun and make things easy for the camper. Pack things like disposable cameras, pre-stamped postcards or envelopes and even a favorite stuffed animal. Encourage them to record their week through pictures and notes to mom and dad back home. But most importantly make sure your child knows you will be there if he needs you. Check with the camp on its policy for allowing children to use the phone and how they handle homesickness. Most camps do a great job of helping kids get over those homesick moments. By helping your child to enjoy and get the most out of his first camp experience, you are paving the way for years of summer fun. SP

suburban parent MARCH 2015

summer camp CAMP INVENTION 800-968-4332 www.campinvention.org See ad on p. 35 CITY OF ARLINGTON 817-277-5001 www.naturallyfun.org See ad on p. 26 CST SOCCER CLUB 972-318-2881 www.cstsoccerclub.com See ad on p. 31 CUB CREEK SCIENCE CAMP 573-458-2125 www.myanimalcamp.com See ad on p. 35 DESTINATION SCIENCE www.destinationscience.org See ad on p. 28 DIFFERENT STOKES SWIM SCHOOL 817-649-SWIM (7946) www.differentstrokesswimschool.com See ad on p. 33 EXPLORE HORIZONS 817-697-5225 – Alliance Town Center 817-656-4180 – Colleyville www.explore-horizons.com See ad on p. 19 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN GRAPEVINE 817-488-8526 www.fpcgv.org See ad on p. 41

suburban parent MARCH 2015

MARTIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 817-354-9038 www.martinmethodist.org See ad on p. 36 MID-CITIES ARLINGTON SWIMMING 817-925-0505 www.marswim.org See ad on p. 43 RIVER LEGACY FOUNDATION 817-860-6752 www.riverlegacy.org See ad on p. 37 SAFESPLASH SWIM SCHOOL 817-876-0136 www.safesplash.com See ad on p. 39 ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE CHILD CARE 817-595-2694 www.stjohnchildcard.org See ad on p. 40 SUNSHINE GLAZE 817-424-1417 www.sunshineglaze.com See ad on p. 26 TCU BASEBALL CAMP www.tcubaseballcamps.com See ad on p. 37

FULL CIRCLE RIDING ACADEMY 817-223-6036 www.fullcircleridingacademy.com See ad on p. 33

TEXAS PREMIER YOUTH SPORTS 469-834-8450 www.texaspremieryouthsports.com See ad on p. 18

KIMBELL ART MUSEUM 817-332-8451 www.kimbellart.org See ad on p. 33

UTD CHESS CAMP 972-883-4899 www.utdallas.edu/chess See ad on p. 18

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

BY MALIA JACOBSON

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS?

THE LOWDOWN ON SUPPLEMENTS FOR KIDS

daily multivitamin is a healthy basic for adults and kids alike, right? Maybe not; the journal Annals of Internal Medicine recently deemed multivitamin and mineral supplements massive money drains that don’t deliver promised health benefits. This leaves confused parents holding the bag, or in this case, the bottle of brightly colored chewables. Read on to discover if nutritional help makes sense for your child.

THE DIET DEFENSE Is a multi a must for your kid? Possibly, but maybe not. As it turns out, deciding whether kids need a daily pill isn’t simple, because the answer lies in your child’s food preferences and daily diet, says Kristi King, MPH, R.D., L.D., senior clinical dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital and clinical instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. If your child eats a varied diet that includes a few servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and plenty of whole grains (see sidebar), a multivitamin probably isn’t necessary, she notes. “We encourage parents to help kids meet their nutritional requirements through food, because the nutrients in food are better absorbed than those in supplements,” King says. In fact, for kids already downing vitamin-rich foods such as leafy greens, milk, meat and fish on a daily basis, a pill could be overkill, she notes. That’s because certain fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are toxic in very high doses. Then there’s the challenge of finding a kids’ vitamin that’s not full of unwanted additives or worse: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found significant number of popular children’s vitamins to be contaminated with lead. And they may not contain the vitamins or doses promised — independent testing service ConsumerLab found labeling errors in 40 percent of the vitamins studied.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

IS IT SAFE TO SKIP? With all the questions surrounding supplements, some parents choose to bypass them altogether. But that may be a mistake, too. Picky eaters, exceptionally slow growers, chronically ill children or those who avoid certain food groups due to allergies or preferences may need added vitamins, King says: “It can be very hard on a restrictive diet to get everything kids need for growth.” In those cases, King recommends a multivitamin and mineral supplement, as opposed to single-vitamin supplementation (with the exception of vitamin D, see below), because vitamins and minerals must be balanced appropriately to be effective. Too much of a single nutrient can be problematic: An excess of iron may cause abdominal pain, while too much magnesium may lead to diarrhea. Kids in the restrictive-diet camp may actually need a multi and then some. “For some kids who avoid entire food groups, a multivitamin might not be enough,” says Pirayeh Pedarsani, M.S., R.D., a clinical dietitian at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Multivitamin supplements are designed to complement a typical varied diet, so kids who avoid entire food groups — say, dairy or all animal products — may need a multivitamin plus other supplementation. For example, dairy avoiders may need additional calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, and vegans can benefit from supplemental B-12, a vitamin found mainly in animal foods that’s important for nerve function. Those who avoid grains or gluten might miss out on the magnesium or vitamin E found in whole grains. Research shows that most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, so the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU (international units) per day for babies and children via a nutritional supplement. Vitamin D isn’t readily available in food, so even an immaculate diet won’t provide enough, King says.

WELL ROUNDED

Ages 2–3 Whole grains* 3 oz.

4–8

9–13

14–18

4–5 oz.

5–6 oz.

6–7 oz.

Fruits

1 cup

1–1½ cups

1½–2 cups

Vegetables

1 cup

1½ cups

2–2½ cups

2½–3 cups

2 cups

3 cups

2 oz.

3–4 oz.

5 oz.

5–6 oz.

Dairy Meat & beans

*At least half the grains children consume should be whole grains, such as oatmeal or whole wheat.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

If your kiddo downs most of the following foods on most days, a multivitamin might not be necessary. Check with your pediatrician to be safe.

SUPPLEMENT SAVVY What’s a parent to do? If your child won’t drink milk or gets stuck in an “I hate veggies!” phase, or if your family follows a restrictive diet, King says that a daily multi is worth considering. Though food-based nutrition is ideal, she recognizes that it’s not possible or practical for all kids all the time. Multivitamins are probably safe for most children, she notes. A few simple blood tests can eliminate nutritional guessing games. Your family doctor can easily check levels of nutrients such as D, B12 and iron, and offer customized advice about supplementation, says Kimberly L. Braly, R.D., a pediatric dietitian at Seattle Children’s Hospital. But deciding whether to supplement is only half the battle; now you have to pick one. All vitamins aren’t created equal, and some manufacturers use cheaper ingredients that don’t absorb well, says Haylie Pomroy, a nutritionist, mom and author of The Fast Metabolism Diet. Go for one with folate (look for “5-methyltetrahydrofolate” or “L-methylfolate” on the label) instead of synthetic folic acid; methylcobalamin (the bioactive form of B12); and cholecalciferol (the most active form of vitamin D). If a vitamin contains these superstars, Pomroy says, it’s likely high-quality. What about buzzy supplements such as probiotics and fish oil? While research is still emerging, it’s promising, says King. Probiotics have been linked to reduced colic in breast-fed babies, and fish oil may improve cognitive function. But because recommended dosages haven’t been established for children, be sure to check with your pediatrician before supplementing. After spending a “ridiculous” amount of time reading labels, Gallagher settled on a natural gummy vitamin. Now the real challenge: finding a safe spot to stash them so Will doesn’t overindulge. “He loves them,” Gallagher says. “He’d eat a whole bottle if he could!” SP Malia Jacobson is a nationally published parenting journalist. Her most recent book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschooler s Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

10 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY

ON SPRING BREAK

HIT THE BEACH! For a great many people Spring Break =

The Beach. For good reason. Winter has been cold and gray. Work and school have been rough. No place on earth relaxes the spirit like the coast. Bright sun, crashing waves and feet in the sand. Your family will have nothing but smiles.

THE BIG PARKS The Grand Canyon. Yosemite. The

Great Smoky Mountains. America is full of natural wonders and beauty. Somewhere within driving distance lies a national park offering endless opportunities of fun and exploration. Get out there and show your family the world is more than strip malls and endless concrete.

BASEBALL Starting this month, America’s great pastime

begins another season. The states of Florida and Arizona host teams from all over the nation. Spring training offers fans a much more intimate experience with the sport. Small stadiums. Access to the players and coaches. Great weather. Smiling faces. Hot dogs. What could be more fun? And, you don’t have to travel to Florida or Arizona to get the same thrill. Minor league baseball has teams all over the country offering the same thrills!

THE BIG RIG How many times have you been on the

road with your family and you all see that big motor home next to you and wish you were in it? Make it happen. RV dealers rent those big rigs for surprisingly reasonable fees. There are special resorts all over the country that cater to big motor homes.

BACKYARD FUN Traveling is not the only way to have a

great time with the family on vacation. Turn your backyard into your very own resort destination. You can play all types of different sports such as ultimate Frisbee or volleyball. Maybe you will put down an old fashioned slip n’ slide. Even a sprinkler can keep young kids entertained for hours on end. Think outside the box and come up with your own unique backyard fun.

GRILL MASTER A skill your child should have as an adult is the ability to cook good food. The popularity of outdoor grilling is bigger than ever. Get in on the fun. Spend the week with your kids challenging and expanding your abilities. Become a

grill master. As a family, research and find recipes of food you have never attempted. Try a new one each day. Have your kids involved every step along the way. Not only will you all have fun and eat well, you will be giving them a gift that will last a lifetime.

THE OUTDOOR PROJECT Yard work on vacation?

Sure! It’s the perfect time to add beauty and function to your home. Take this time to add that long talked about gazebo. That fountain. Maybe your wife wants a garden. Get the whole family involved with the vision and planning. Then get out there with your family and make it happen!

VOLUNTEER Spring break is a perfect time to give of yourself. Spring is the time of new life and renewed hope. Your family can join in giving nature a hand. Clean up litter in your neighborhood. Pick up trash around ponds and creeks that harm wildlife. Help an elderly neighbor with yard work or house maintenance. Let your family choose the cause and then be the solution.

WACKY DESTINATIONS America has millions of

strange and odd attractions. Most times they are free or very low-cost. The “Blowing Rock” in North Carolina. Dinosaur World in Florida. These types of places are all over. So much fun and so very silly. They offer a balance to the massive and very expensive theme parks. Yet strangely, they give the same thrills and smiles. Don’t forget your camera. That picture of your daughter standing next to the 40 foot tall Paul Bunyan will be a timeless keepsake. A great source for this type of experience is: www.roadsideamerica.com.

THE FOOD TOUR We all love to eat. What is your

passion? Seafood? Barbeque? Southern cooking? Plan a road trip hitting some of the very best of the foods you love. Maybe you will drive all over Texas sampling the best of their unique beef barbeque. Or it could be a trip up the New England coast for classic seafood. How about sitting in New Orleans eating jambalaya in an open-air café? Nothing brings a family together better than food. — Reprinted with permission

This is where dads in any stage of fatherhood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting. Fathers can also sign up to start or attend one of our All Pro Dads chapters.

WWW.ALLPRODAD.COM 22

suburban parent MARCH 2015

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL { YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR }

MARCH 2015 SUN 1 FREE FEE SUNDAY AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 12-5pm. No studio fees on ceramic painting all day plus 20% off mosaics & glass fusion. We do not take reservations for Free Fee Sunday. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-484-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

SEUSS FESTIVAL 1-4pm. Join us for our annual celebration of Dr. Seuss! Balloon benders, celebrity readers, face painting, crafts & more! Free. Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, 817-952-2100, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

LATINO BRIDAL & QUINCE GIRL EXPO 12-5pm. Highlighting products & services designed to make your wedding or quinceanera celebration a success! Gowns, tuxedos, consultants, professional planners and service providers conduct workshops to outline new & traditional styles and approaches. Online tickets $6 or $8 at the door. Fair Park Automobile Building, 1010 1st Ave., Dallas, 214-824-7495 www. quincegirlexpos.com.

“PEANUTS…NATURALLY” Runs through Apr. 22. How many suns? Is the Earth flat? Charles Schulz touched on many aspects of the natural world during the nearly 50 years he created the Peanuts comic strip (October 1950 to February 2000). During the 1950s and 1960s, Schulz’s characters explored aspects of the natural world with wonder and delight, and their cockamamie understanding of the world around them afforded many opportunities to introduce readers of the strip to fun facts about the natural world. Visit website for gallery hours. Admission is free. Grapevine Tower Gallery, 636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, 800-457-6338.

= ADVERTISER

THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF SHERLOCK HOLMES Exhibit Runs through May 10. Elementary? Maybe for Sherlock Holmes, but how will you fare when you try to solve a captivating, original murder mystery in the tradition of the master detective? Come inside and find out! The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes brings this world to life as never before as you step into Conan Doyle’s Victorian London and work side-by-side with his legendary detective. You will become Holmes’ eyes and ears as he tackles a baffling new case in a world steeped in innovation and experimentation. Along the way you’ll see a dazzling array of original manuscripts, publications, period artifacts, film and television props and costumes. You’ll learn to use investigative tools and techniques from Holmes himself, and test yourself with exciting, interactive crime-solving opportunities. Hurry along! The game’s afoot! Perot Museum of Science and Nature, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, 214428-5555, www.perotmuseum.org.

DALLAS BLOOMS 2015: DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXANS Runs through Apr. 12. Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum begins today. This is the largest floral festival in the Southwest and has been a tradition “Deep in the Hearts of Texans” for 31 years. This year’s Texas-sized extravaganza will feature more than 500,000 blooming spring bulbs along with themed topiaries, entertainment, food and other activities celebrating the iconography of our state that is recognizable world-wide. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, 214-515-6500, dallasarboretum.org.

KIDZ BOP LIVE 3pm. The ultimate pop star party for kids and families. House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar Street, Dallas, kidzbop.com/tour.

DALLAS STARS VS. ANAHEIM DUCKS 7pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

MON 2

THU 5

SPANISH STORY TIME-KELLER PUBLIC LIBRARY

FULL MOON PADDLE

11am-12pm. Immerse your children and yourself in another language! The Keller Public Library and Spanish Schoolhouse Keller holds Spanish Language story time for children 18 months to 5 years of age, and their caregivers. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and cultural activities at 11 a.m. every Monday in the Library’s story room. This event is free and no registration is required. Keller Public Library, 640 Johnson Road, Keller, 817-743-4840.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 7:30pm. Gnome Night: Mark Cuban (first 5k). American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

TUE 3 HOME SCHOOL CLASSES AT THE FORT WORTH ZOO 8:45-10:45am. The Fort Worth Zoo offers classes for home-schooled children ages 6 to 12 two Tuesdays a month. Classes, $25 each, and include a snack, live animal presentation and admission for each student to the Zoo on class day. Please note that the same class is offered twice a month. Classes for home-schooled children ages 13 to 15 are offered one Tuesday a month from September to December and January to May. Classes, $50 each, are from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. and include an interactive lab, snack, live animal presentation and admission for each student to the Zoo on class day. Please see website for specific dates for the appropriate age groups, and also to register. Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, 817-759-7200, www. fortworthzoo.org/education/home-school.

DALLAS STARS VS. ISLANDERS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

6-8:30am. Come and join us for a different type of Canoe Tour in the evening hours. This program will present new opportunities, like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing deer and raccoons. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Registration ends Tuesday preceding or when filled. Maximum-12 participants. Meet at Back Gate. Pre-registration required. $20 (includes admission fee)/ MEMBERS $15. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, 817- 392-7410.

MATH HOMEWORK HELP 7TH12TH GRADES 6-8pm. Every Thursday of the month (ongoing) at 6pm-8pm (except for HEB ISD holidays). Ages: Grades 7-127th-12th grade math homework help taught by Marsha Davidson/HEBisd Math Teacher. Registration is not required-first come first served program. Bedford Public Library, Teen Room, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, 817-952-2374, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

FRI 6 STORYTIME WITH SUNSHINE 10-11:30am. Every Friday morning through April 3rd. $20 per child. Ages 3-5.Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

FIRST FRIDAYS AT THE FARM 10am-2pm. This month experience urban homesteading techniques that you may incorporate into your lives today. Registration is required. Participants of all ages may attend. Nash Farm, 626 Ball St., Grapevine, 817-410-3185, www.NashFarm.org.

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL DFW GOLF SHOW Mar. 6-8. The DFW Golf Show is back for 2015-you won’t want to miss this three-day golf extravaganza unlike any other in North Texas! Admission Prices: Adults-$12 Seniors (60+)-$10 Kids 12 and under-Free $1 off-distributed to local golf courses (off the $12 general admission ticket price). Show Hours: Friday 11am-5pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, 425-412-7070 dfwgolfshow.com.

NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL Mar. 6-8. This year’s theme, The Pipes Are Calling, is a nod to that unique instrument so beloved in Celtic culture. From the traditional Scottish great pipes that most people recognize as “bagpipes,” the festival will also feature the world’s top musicians on the uillean pipes, or small pipes, the national bagpipe of Ireland, and the gaita, the bagpipes of Galicia from Spain’s northwestern region. Hours are 6 to 11pm on Friday; 10:30am to 11:30pm on Saturday, March 7; and 11:30am to 7:30pm on Sunday, March 8. For tickets and pricing visit www.ntif.org. Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd, Dallas, 214-821-4173 www.ntif.org

2015 PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The 2015 Big 12 Women’s Basketball will be held March 6-9 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This marks the second time in three years Dallas will host the tournament. The tournament opening round games will be played on Friday, March 6th. The tournament championship game will be played on Monday, March 9th to determine a Conference Champion. Visit website for ticket information. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, www.big12sports.com.

SAT 7 NORTH TEXAS TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL 9am-5pm. The North Texas Teen Book Festival strives to connect our reading community, adding dimension to the reading experience through diverse author panels and dynamic discussions in a safe and fun environment. Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, www.northtexasteenbookfestival.com.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

NORTH TEXAS WOOD CARVERS SHOW 10am-5pm. Over 50 artisans show their creations with many of these items being for sale! There is a silent auction and raffle items. The competition has over 30 categories with ribbons and awards being handed out. And don’t miss the whittling competition... it’s timed and amazing to see what can be done in one to one and half hours. Visit their website for additional information. Admission $3. Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main Street, Grapevine, www.ntxcarvers.com.

GRAPEVINE GOES GATSBY FEATURING THE SINGAPORE SLINGERS 7pm. Runway Theatre Presents... Grapevine Goes Gatsby featuring the Singapore Slingers! Hey flappers and swells-put on your glad rags and get a wiggle on down to the Palace Arts Center in Grapevine to hear the coolest, quirkiest retro jazz group in the Metroplex! The Singapore Slingers are truly the Cat’s Meow-easily one of the most entertaining and fascinating musical acts around for miles! Doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 8pm. Besides foxtrots, rags, tangos, rhumbas and trivia, there will be a costume contest and a silent auction. So get dolled up and join the fun! Tickets $25. Use link below to purchase tickets. Grapevine Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3100.

SUN 8 THE RHYTHM AND BLUES HALF MARATHON, QUARTER MARATHON, AND 5K 8am. The Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, and 5K is an electrifying run where participants race to the rhythm & beat of live bands along a spectator filled course. Runners will never get bored with live music playing at every available spot and spectators cheering them on. Plenty carefully selected Rhythm and Blues Bands from throughout Dallas & other Texas Cities will be strategically positioned to provide an electrifying, festive environment every step of the way. There will also be a costume contest & prizes for those who dress up to the race’s theme as well as awesome giveaways. Started by Texas running and fitness enthusiasts, we invite you to join us, thousands of runners and spectators, and hundreds of volunteers in supporting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and other worthy charities with the proceeds of this wonderful

KNOW IT ALL event. This event is about raising the awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, having fun, and inspiring the population to get moving and get fit. Visit Website for Course Info and To Register. runrhythmandblues.com

MON 9 SPRING BREAK CAMPS AT SUNSHINE GLAZE Mar. 9-13. Kids will enjoy creating fun projects using a variety of media! $28 per day. Ages 5 and up. Call or stop in studio for more details and times. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave, Southlake, 817-424-1417 www.sunshineglaze.com. See ad in this issue.

SPRING BREAK AT THE RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER Mar. 9-13, 10am-3pm. Daily activities for the family to connect children and families to nature. River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 817-860-6752, www. riverlegacy.org. See ad in this issue.

GRAPEVINE VINTAGE RAILROAD: SPRING FLING Mar. 9-13. Join the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a week of fun aboard the train during Spring Break. The train will run each day Monday through Friday in addition to normally scheduled weekend runs. There will be on board games and activities on the 1pm trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards and on the 2:45pm. Trinity River Run during this special five day run. Visit website to purchase tickets. Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3185, www.grapevinetexasusa. com/grapevine-vintage-railroad.

SPRING HIKE Mar. 9-13, 1-3pm. Join a staff naturalist on a hike us as we take a peek at the new life springing up from below. We will look for wildflowers that are beginning to bloom and signs of local wildlife that have emerged since winter. Please bring water and dress for the weather. This hike is designed for all ages. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Maximum-20 participants. FREE (with paid admission). Fort Worth Nature Center, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410.

TUE 10 SPRING SWIM SESSION BEGINS AT DIFFERENT STROKES SWIM SCHOOL Swim lessons for toddlers thru adults at the indoor heated pool at Harris Meth-

suburban parent MARCH 2015

odist HEB. Evening classes available. Other sessions begin April 7& May 5. Call 817-649-SWIM or register online at differenstrokesswimschool.com. Different Strokes Swim School, Bedford, 817649-SWIM, differentstrokesswimschool. com. See ad in this issue.

SPRING BREAK ART EXTRAVAGANZA AT KIMBELL ART MUSEUM Art activities, interactive family tours, storybook readings and teen studios. Tues-Thurs 10am-3pm, Fri noon-4pm. See complete schedule at kimbellart. org. Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, kimbellart.org. See ad in this issue.

BISON FEEDING HAYRIDE Two sessions, 10-11:30am or 1-2:30pm. Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the bison range where you will get to see the bison up close and personal as you assist staff in feeding them range cubes. Pre-Registration required. $16 per person 3 and older (includes admission fee). Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410, www. fwnaturecenter.org.

SPRING BREAK MOVIE MADNESS Mar. 10-13, 2-4pm. Enjoy a movie each day at the Library. Bottled water and snacks can be enjoyed in the theatre only. Please no juices, canned soda, coffee, or hot chocolate. Bedford Public Library, 2024 Forest Ridge, Bedford, 817-952-2372.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com.

WED 11 CANOE FEST 11am-3pm. Come out and enjoy a bit of canoeing on your own along the West Fork of the Trinity River. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets provided. Children must be 5 years or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. Event will be cancelled if unsafe weather conditions exist. Please call Hardwicke Interpretive Center Wednesday (11th) morning to confirm eventâ€™s availability. FIRSTCOME FIRST SERVED. $5 per person (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $3. Fort Worth Nature Center, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410.

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MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL SPRING BREAK MOVIE AT THE COLLEYVILLE LIBRARY

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

2-4pm. Watch a movie on the big screen at the library! Free popcorn and drinks will be provided. All movies are family friendly, with a G or PG rating. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times. Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main Street, Colleyville, 817-503-1154, www. colleyvillelibrary.com.

7:30pm. Star Wars night. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

THU 12 FREE COMMUNITY OPEN DAY AT EXPLORE HORIZONS 9am-6pm. Visit the Explore Horizons enrichment and tutoring centers and enjoy some interactive workshops and meet new friends. Workshops include Story Writing, Money Madness, Problem Solving, STAAR Test Taking and Tailored Sessions. Workshops are free, but spaces are limited. Call to schedule your space: Alliance Town Center 817697-5225, Colleyville 817-656-4180. www.explore-horizons.com. See ad in this issue.

BISON FEEDING HAYRIDE 10-11:30am or 1-2:30pm.Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the bison range where you will get to see the bison up close and personal as you assist staff in feeding them range cubes. Pre-Registration required. $16 per person 3 and older (includes admission fee). Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410, www. fwnaturecenter.org.

FRI 13 STORYTIME WITH SUNSHINE 10-11:30am. Every Friday morning through April 3rd from 10am to 11:30am. $20 per child. Ages 3-5.Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www. sunshineglaze.com.

SAT 14 HUMMINGBIRD WORKSHOP 9am-3:30pm. Texas hosts a great diversity of hummingbirds, and we are fortunate to host this all-day workshop presented by Mark Klym, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s coordinator of the Texas Hummingbird Roundup and Texas Wildscapes programs. Mark will share detailed information about these tiny jewels of the skies including ID tips for all hummer species found in Texas. He will also introduce gardening for hummingbirds with ways to provide for their habitat needs and discuss the statewide Hummingbird Roundup program with a report on the 2014 Roundup results to date. This class is approved for Master Naturalist Advanced Training hours. Bring lunch. Pre-registration required. FREE (with paid admission). Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, 817-392-7410.

ROCKET READERS 10:30am-12pm. What’s a better listener than a friendly non-judgmental dog? Independent readers grades 1-5: bring your favorite book from home or choose one from the library and read to a furry friend from the Texas Therapy Dog Program. This is a program that is sweeping libraries across the country and a program that researchers report raises reading levels among participating children. Great for gaining readaloud confidence! Pre-registration IS recommended and can be done in person. (Walk-in availability will be based on a first-come first-served basis, at the Youth Services desk). Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main Street, Colleyville, 817503-1154, www.colleyvillelibrary.com.

5KRUNDEAD SPRING HIKE 1-3pm. Join a staff naturalist on a hike us as we take a peek at the new life springing up from below. We will look for wildflowers that are beginning to bloom and signs of local wildlife that have emerged since winter. Please bring water and dress for the weather. This hike is designed for all ages. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Maximum-20 participants. FREE (with paid admission). Fort Worth Nature Center, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

1-5pm. Get ready for a unique event in which runners must escape packs of zombies. Bring your family and friends. Activities include: 5K race, special effects makeup (provided by Paul Mitchell the School Dallas). 100% proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s research. Event details and schedule: 2pm: Volunteers, zombies, and make-up artists arrive on site. 2:15pm: Zombies begin free transformation by on-site makeup artists. 3:30pm: Runners arrive and begin checking in. 4:30pm: Zombies

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL are directed to their locations. 4:50pm: Runners start to line up. 5pm: The 5KRunDead race begins! 5:45pm: The Recovery (drinks, snacks). 6pm: Awards ceremony. More information can be viewed online at www.5KRunDead.com Limited time: use code DALLAS to receive 50% off (any category) Click link below to register. Trinity High School, 500 N. Industrial Blvd., Euless, www.active.com/euless-tx/running/races/5krundead-zombie-run-dallas-tx-2015.

MUSIC IN THE AIR AT LOG CABIN VILLAGE 1-4pm. No music store...no problem! Come join our band of merrymakers at this special family event as we create an orchestra from found materials, with instructions on how to make your own at home! We’ll also feature photos and recordings of historic instruments, as well as live music from Buttermilk Junction Old Time String Band. Cost is regular Village admission plus a $3 fee if you wish to make an instrument to take home. Log Cabin Village, 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, 817-392-5881, www.logcabinvillage.org.

HERITAGE PARK TOURS-EULESS 1-5pm. Free tours of historic Heritage Park are offered on the second Saturday of every month between 1-5pm. Visit the all-new Euless Heritage Museum at the Ruth Millican Center, as well as the Himes Log House, the Fuller House and the McCormick Barn. Come see “HOW WE LIVED.”. Group tours are available on different days depending on staff availability. Heritage Park, 201 Cullum Drive, Euless, 817-685-1649.

SECOND SATURDAYS AT THE BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 6-8pm. Teens, ages 12-17: Join us for free after hours teens-only events. Online registration and school IDs are required. Bedford Public Library, Teen Room, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, 817-952-2374, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

TALES AT TWILIGHT 7-9pm. Bring a chair or blanket to spread out and listen to stories presented by the Tarrant Area Guild of Storytellers. Registration is not required and participants of all ages are encouraged. Admission is free. Nash Farm, 626 Ball Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3185.

MAIN STREET LIVE “THE BEST OF BUDDY HOLLY & ELVIS PRESLEY” 7pm. This energetic show will feature top hits from two unforgettable legends whose music undoubtedly changed

suburban parent MARCH 2015

our culture. Local singer/songwriter Ryan Tracy will perform the music of Buddy Holly, a Rock and Roll pioneer who has been described as “the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll.” And you’ll not want to miss the chart-topping tunes of one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century, Elvis Presley. Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Drake Milligan will not disappoint as he pays tribute to The King of Rock and Roll. One show, two musical icons... don’t miss this event! Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office the night of the event; or call 817-4818733 to speak with our staff. Adult tickets: $25.00 Seniors (55 and older): $20.00 Children (12 and under): $15.00 Grapevine Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main Street, Grapevine, 817-481-8733.

SUN 15 DALLAS STARS VS. BLUES 5pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

MON 16 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. OKC THUNDER 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com.

WED 18 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. ORLANDO MAGIC 7pm. Car Sunshade & ‘80s night. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

THU 19 DALLAS STARS VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, 214-2223687 stars.nhl.com.

FRI 20 ART ON THE GREENE Mar. 20-22. 80 incredible artists from across the country showcasing their work inside the Richard Greene Linear Park. The park includes tree lined paths, the Caelum Moor sculptures and a lake on the north side. Rangers Ballpark is on the east and Cowboys Stadium is on the west. See website for more information. Richard Greene

March 10th, April 7th, & May 5th!

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MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL Linear Park, 1601 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, artonthegreene.com.

TEXAS COIN SHOW Mar. 20-22. Friday, March 20th: 2pm-6pm Saturday, March 21st: 9am-6pm Sunday, March 22nd: 9am3pm. Coins, Stamps, Currency,Gold, Jewelry, Proof Sets & More! Prize drawings take place on Sunday at 2:30pm during the show. Early Bird badges are available on Friday for $25.00 from 10am-2pm. Free parking, police security, 70 dealer tables, ANACS Grading Service and 3 gold coin prizes. Admission $3. Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3459.

ME AND MY AMERICAN GIRL DOLL CLASS AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 4-6pm. Paint a magical light switch cover for your room & decorate a magic wand for your doll! $20 per child. Ages 5 & up. Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

ROCK N’ROLL DALLAS 1/2 MARATHON

MARINA ALMAYEVA SCHOOL OF

CLASSICAL BALLET Famous Russian Vaganova Method Real Classical Ballet Training! • • • • • • • •

Classes for students age 3 -19 Ballet Pointe Variation Character Dance Lyrical/Jazz Stretching/Conditioning Piano Lessons with Experienced Instructor with Master’s Degree

Preparation for prestigious international ballet competitions! Annual productions of The Nutcracker!

102 E. GRAPEVINE HWY • HURST TX 76054 • 817-788-0818 WWW.MA-BALLETSCHOOL.COM

suburban parent MARCH 2015

Mar. 20-22. New events added this year to this three-day event, including a new course. Check the website for all the details and to register. www. runrocknroll.competitor.com/dallas.

be held in the ICCLC grand ballroom at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Those signing up for a full weekend of classes will automatically receive a ticket to this event. Visit dfwfiberfest. org to learn more. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, 214-799-1347, dfwfiberfest.org.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 7:30pm. Military Night. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

SAT 21 THE 6TH ANNUAL DFW FAMILY EXPO 10am-5pm. Discover the best products, services, venues & entertainment for North Texas Families. Enjoy bounce houses, face painting, an indoor trampoline park, petting zoo, massage stations, character appearances and more. $5, all ticket proceeds donated to Children’s Medical Center. See ad in this issue. Dallas Market Center, Main Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 214-605-0006, dfwfamilyexpo.com. See ad in this issue.

DALLAS STARS VS. BLACKHAWKS 7pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

DFW FIBER FEST Mar. 20-22. Fiber Fest is the premier annual fiber event in the Dallas/Fort Worth community and returns to the Irving Convention Center Center for its 10th Annual event. Held each Spring, DFW Fiber Fest is a locally focused non-profit organization/event that includes vendors from the industry and educational classes. DFW Fiber Fest brings in a juried selection of local and regional fiber vendors (with a few who are from outside the regional Dallas/ Fort Worth area to spice up the mix). A slate of classes are offered from both nationally known and local teachers in the fiber arts-primarily in knitting, crochet, and spinning. All classes will be held at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas (ICCLC). Morning classes are held from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and afternoon classes from 2- 5 p.m. Vendor Hall hours: 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday; 9am-4pm on Sunday. Tickets for the Friday Night Event are sold separately. For 2015, the Friday evening event will feature a program entitled “Five Women, Five Shawls” presented by Franklin Habit, which will

SUN 22 READ2ROVER AT THE BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 1:30-3pm. Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs encourage children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener. Our furry listeners enjoy lying next to the reader and being read to-they won’t laugh if a child stumbles over a word. The relationship between child and dog enables the child to gain a positive attitude about reading, improve reading skills, build confidence and enjoy reading. Admission: free. Registration is NOT required for this free event Bedford Public Library, Storytime Theatre, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, 817952-2374, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

MON 23 DALLAS STARS VS. SABRES 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, 214-2223687 stars.nhl.com.

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2015-16

Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence!

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL TUE 24 GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 7-8pm. Private school for preschool – 12th grade. Details & Registration online: GrapevineFaith.com. Grapevine Faith Christian School, 729 E. Dallas Rd, Grapevine, grapevinefaith.com. See ad in this issue.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. SAN ANTONIO SPURS 7:30pm. T-Shirt Tuesday (first 10K). Latino Heritage Night. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

WED 25 DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN Mar. 25-29. Enter a fantastical winter wonderland at Disney On Ice presents Frozen! The Academy Award winning movie is LIVE and coming to your town with dazzling special effects, astonishing skating and inspiring songs like “Let It Go.” Join Elsa and Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and many more of your favorite Disney characters for this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship! March 25 - 7:30pm; March 26 -10:30am | 3 pm | 7:30pm; March 27- 10:30am | 3pm | 7:30pm; March 28- 11:30am | 3:30 pm | 7:30pm; March 29 - 9:30am | 1:30pm | 5pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.americanairlinescenter.com.

THU 26 JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS CONSIGNMENT SALE Mar. 26-29. Shop, sell and save on children’s and maternity clothes. Thu. 2:30-8:30pm; Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am1pm & 2:30-6pm; Sun 10am-2pm. $10 admission first day only; all other days are free. Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Man Street, Grapevine, jbfsale. com. See ad in this issue.

LADIES NIGHT AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 6-9pm. Ladies enjoy free studio fees on ceramic painting plus 20% off mosaics & glass fusion from 6-9pm. BYOB. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www. sunshineglaze.com.

EVENING STROLL WITH A NATURALIST 7:30-9pm. Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center’s trails as

suburban parent MARCH 2015

we explore nature before nightfall. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center their home. Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Pre-registration required. Meet at Front Gate. $10 (includes admission fee)/ MEMBERS $5. Fort Worth Nature Center, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 817-392-7410.

FRI 27 FUN FAMILY FRIDAYS AT THE BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 3:45pm. Join us after school for some free fun...it could be a story time or board games. Children must be accompanied by their parent/caregiver. All ages, Admission: free. Bedford Public Library, Storytime Theatre, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, 817-952-2350, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL Mar. 27-29. Fri.: 5pm-1am; Sat.: 10am1am; Sun.: 9am-2:30pm A WHOLE WEEKEND OF GAME ROOM FUNLeave your quarters at home! Over 400 vintage and new pinball machines & classic arcade are scheduled to be set on free play. Enjoy a variety of adult and kid pinball tournaments throughout the weekend to test player’s pinball skills against others for trophies and prizes. Vendors selling parts, supplies, equipment and memorabilia all weekend. There will be a presentation by well-known pinball artist and designers on Friday/Saturday followed by signing autographs and answering questions from the audience. A pinball auction will be held Saturday afternoon. Door Prizes for pinball related memorabilia drawn throughout the weekend, including a grand prize raffle drawing Sunday awarding a just released full size Pinball Machine to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. So come on out and bring the family! One Day Pass Prices (at the door): Adult/ Child $25/$15 $35/$25 $20/$10. Weekend passes at the door are $60 for adults and $35 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 get in free. Save on a weekend pass by pre-registering. (214) 471-5777 & the website. Embassy Suites Frisco, 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr., Frisco. texaspinball. com/tpf/tpfstore.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 5:30-8:30pm. Parents enjoy your night out while the kids make their own hand-built clay frog! Pizza will be

621 E. Southlake Blvd. Suite 120 Southlake, TX 76092

817-488-4600 MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL served! $30 per child, ages 5 & up. Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

SAT 28 9TH ANNUAL KIDSFEST 2015 11am-1pm. This year’s theme is “Keep It Moving” and the focus is on teaching children the benefits of healthy living. Lots of entertainment and high-energy activities for children plus a huge egg hunt, face painting, a video game truck, bounce houses and more. Benefitting Galaxy Counseling Center. See ad in this issue Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive, Garland. See ad in this issue.

OPEN HOUSE AT NORTH RICHLAND HILLS MONTESSORI 10am-2pm. 8725 North Tarrant Pkwy, North Richland Hills, 817-281-9992, www. nrhmontessori.com. See ad in this issue.

USTA BLOCK PARTY & 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 2-4pm. Free activities and fun for all ages including food, dunking booth, door prizes and music. Arlington Tennis Center, 500 W. Mayfield Rd, Arlington 817-4596163 naturallyfun.org. See ad in this issue.

WALK MS: FORT WORTH

3750 William D. Tate Ave. • Grapevine, TX 76051

Now Accepting Applications • TCCED Accreditation • Full Day Pre-K and Kinder • On-site Before and After Care

GRAPEVINE ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT 9:30am-12:30pm. Come enjoy a family-fun Easter egg hunt at Nash Farm. Sponsored by the Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department. Hunts are age specific so be sure to visit www.GrapevineTexas.gov for more details. Admission is free. Nash Farm, 626 Ball Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3185.

• Call to Schedule a School Tour www.holytcs.org 817.421.8000 • admissions@holytcs.org 38

8am. Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. When you participate in this community event, the funds you raise give hope to the more than 2.3 million people living with MS worldwide. We’ve been walking since 1988 and to date have raised more than $870 million to support life changing programs. Register for Walk MS: Fort Worth TODAY! Make a self-donation and set a fundraising goal that will keep you motivated! MS stops people from moving; we can’t stop our efforts! Start or join a team, raise funds and celebrate hope for the future! Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth, 469-619-4707. walktxh. nationalmssociety.org.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

SOUTHLAKE EASTER IN THE PARK 9:30am-12:30pm. Free event! Join the City of Southlake for our annual Easter

celebration! Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny are preparing thousands of Easter eggs for this year’s egg hunt. Then, they are traveling to Southlake to hide eggs, take pictures with your family and participate in all the excitement. Egg Hunt Schedule:10am – Children 2 & under, 10:30am – Children 3-4 years old, 11am – Children 5-6 years old, 11:30am – Children 7-8 years old, 12pm – Golden Egg Hunt for ages 9 and up. For more information, please contact 817-7488019. North Park, 200 East Dove Rd, Southlake, southlakeparksandrec.com.

COLLEYVILLE BUNNY BRUNCH 10am-12pm. Hop on over to the Colleyville Center for a morning full of spring activities, including brunch, an egg hunt, and pictures with the bunny. Tickets go on sale Feb. 23 at the Parks and Recreation office, 2512 Glade Road, or online at Colleyville.com until March 20. Space is limited. Fees: $5 per child & $7 per adult. Ages: 2-12 Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive, Colleyville.

BEDFORD EAST EGG CELEBRATION 10am-12pm. Age(s): 10 and under Fee: $5.00 per child Bring your family and join your neighbors and friends! Pre-registration is required. Registration fee includes an arts & craft project, a picture with the Easter Bunny, a snack and an Easter Egg Hunt that will include over 8,500 eggs! Areas will be marked off for different age groups. For more information, please call 817-952-2323. Splash Parking Lot, 2000 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford.

BEDFORD ARTSFEST 10am-4pm. In the heart of the city’s cultural district, the third annual Bedford ArtsFest will take place March 28, 2015 at the Bedford Boys Ranch Park. Coinciding with the City of Bedford’s Easter Egg Celebration, families can enjoy the Easter festivities and continue over to the ArtsFest for free entertainment and activities. The Bedford ArtsFest is a single-day event that adds vibrancy to mid-cities by creating opportunities for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to celebrate the arts of North Texas. Artists of all varieties and skills will have an opportunity to display and sell artwork at ArtsFest. If interested in obtaining a booth, please contact Jeff Florey at 817-952-2317 or jeff. florey@bedfordtx.gov.DATES: Boys Ranch Park, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford.

TROPHY CLUB EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 2-4pm. Easter Eggstravaganza is the largest Easter Egg Hunt in town with 1,000’s of eggs! Egg hunts are divided into separate areas by age group, and kids ages baby though 10-years-old

A special place for a special moment.

Celebrate your princess with her very own dress up tea party or reserve our beautiful venue for a one of a kind baby or bridal shower.

406 W. Main St. • Arlington, TX

817-504-8468

www.amomentintimearlington.com parties@amomentintimearlington.com

off

First Month of Lessons (new clients only)

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

KNOW IT ALL are welcome to participate! Be sure to bring Easter baskets and a camera. Independence Park East, 2419 Lilyfield Dr, Trophy Club.

Martin United Methodist Church, 2621 Bedford Rd, Bedford 817-354-9038 martinmethodist.org. See ad in this issue.

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT AT SUNSHINE GLAZE

APR 9

6-8pm. Dads will spend a fun night of art with their special little girl! Pay just $10 per couple plus the price of the items you choose. Includes light snacks, drinks, & studio fees. Reservations Required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

MON 30 DALLAS STARS VS. FLAMES 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, (214) 222-3687, stars. nhl.com.

COMING SOON… APR 4 FREE EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 9am-noon. Games, pancake breakfast, animals, crafts. Egg hunt starts at 11:30am.

INFORMAL TOUR NIGHT AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CCA serves students ages PK3–Grade 12. 901 Cheek Sparger Rd, Colleyville 817-281-4333 x 1, www.covenantchristian. net, admissions@covenantchristian.net. See ad in this issue.

JUN 8-12 SUMMER CHESS CAMP AT UT DALLAS Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7-14. 9am-noon or 1-4pm and extended playing classes available. Other sessions June 15-19, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Register at www.utdallas.edu/chess. For more info, call 972-883-4899 or email james.stallings@utdallas.edu. See ad in this issue.

JUN 9-JUL 9 TCU BASEBALL CAMP: ALLSTAR DAY CAMPS

OPEN ENROLLMENT NOW

For ages 6-14. Camp 1 is 6/9-6/12; Camp 2 is 6/15-6/18; Camp 3 is 6/22-6/25; and Camp 4 is 7/6-7/9. For more info and to sign up, visit www.tcubaseballcamps.com. See ad in this issue.

JUN 22-26 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT MARTIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 6-8pm. 2621 Bedford Rd, Bedford 817354-9038 martinmethodist.org. See ad in this issue.

JUN 27-31 FINE ARTS CAMP AT MARTIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 9am-12pm. 2621 Bedford Rd, Bedford 817-354-9038 X 2214. martinmethodist. org. See ad in this issue.

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

suburban parent MARCH 2015

First Presbyterian Preschool Grapevine

V • 3 Ye a r s O l

d• M a r. 1 2

N A H • 3 Ye

Old

happy birthday

• M a r. 2

Celebrating

30 Years!

4 Year Pre-K Get Set for School Curriculum • Readiness & Writing (Handwriting Without Tears) • Language & Literacy • Numbers & Math

www.fpcgv.org/preschool

www.facebook.com/fpcgv

SS A

• 6 Ye a r

• M a r. 3 1 UPLOAD YOUR BIRTHDAY KIDS PICTURE @ suburbanparent.com Please submit by the 10th of the month PRIOR to the month of their birthday to be included in our print edition. No copyrighted photos.

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

SP SAVINGS PAGES

suburban parent MARCH 2015

SP SAVINGS PAGES

MARCH 2015 suburban parent

FUN STUFF { LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING }

WHAT DO YOU CALL A FAKE STONE IN IRELAND?

WHEN IS AN IRISH POTATO NOT AN IRISH POTATO?

A SHAM-ROCK!

WHEN HE IS A FRENCH FRY!

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A LEPRECHAUN IS HAVING A GOOD TIME? HE IS DUBLIN OVER WITH LAUGHTER

Source: www.enchantedlearning.com

IF WE WERE SUPPOSED TO TALK MORE THAN WE LISTEN, WE WOULD HAVE TWO TONGUES AND ONE EAR. — MARK TWAIN

LOL WITH JAMES ESTES!

GET CREATIVE!

How to Eat a Rainbow Eating different colors of the rainbow is a great way to get your kids to eat fruit and vegetables. Simply having different colors of fruits and vegetables available for them to put on their plates enriches their nutrition in a fun and “colorful” way. Also, this encourages trying new foods. Introduce the concept of “eating a rainbow” at home. You can also show your kids how you are going to create a vegetable medley by sautéing onions (red, green or white) with carrots, corn, jicama, broccoli and black beans. Or try a spinach salad with dried cranberries, mandarin oranges and red onion with your favorite vinaigrette.

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM We were taking a road trip to see extended family, and we repeatedly reassured our four year old daughter that we would be stopping once we got to Mississippi. She seemed pretty confused and finally asked “Who is this “Miss” anyway? ELEANOR K.

SUBMIT YOUR FUNNY STORY: editor@suburbanparent.com, subject “Funny”

suburban parent MARCH 2015

The 6th Annual

DFW FAMILY EXPO SATURDAY • MARCH 21 • 10-5 DALLAS MARKET HALL • 2200 Stemmons Freeway @ Wycliff

DISCOVER THE BEST CAMPS, CLASSES, PRODUCTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE FOR NORTH TEXAS FAMILIES All Entertainment FREE with Admission! • Bounce

• Diaper

• Indoor

Houses Trampoline Park • Facepainting • Massage Stations • Petting Zoo • Exotic Animal Encounters • Princess Tea Parties

• Character

Derby Appearance • Autograph Signings • Balloon Animals • Mermaid • Prizes • More Family Fun

ADMISSION ONLY $5!

All Ticket Proceeds Donated to Children’s Health

dfwFamilyExpo.org 214.605.0006

MEDIA SPONSORS

BACKTALK { BY KEN SWARNER }

FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING

our days ago my son received his driver’s license. I wrote a

They have gone through exactly what I am experiencing, and now

couple times about his adventures learning how to drive, or more

chuckling that I am acting as if I’m the first dad to experience the

specifically, the years I lost off my life span riding as his passenger.

“new driver jitters.” Or, are they laughing? Does the feeling ever go

Now the child is on the road solo…God Bless us all.

I can report that in the first 96 hours he has had his driver’s license,

he has managed to go through three tanks of gas, run his battery down after leaving his headlights on, and even managed to pop his front right tire hitting a curb.

you ever comfortable that he or she is out in the big world driving on his or her own? I suspect not. To combat my fears, I have found myself in the last 96 hours

I should open a tow truck business. Thank the Lord for Triple A.

offering my son as many things to think about on the road that I can

I have mixed emotions about my son driving…and not just because

muster. While making my son a peanut butter and jelly sandwich two

of the car mishaps. It’s great that I don’t have to drive him to the three

days ago, I told him that 43,000 people die each year

soccer practices and game each week for the 48 weeks out of the year

on the highways. As I congratulated him on

he plays. It’s cool I don’t have to get him to his school events, which he

his successful math test, I said, “Always

invariably announces at the last minute every time. I’m thrilled that he

remember - safety is a cheap and effective

can now drive himself to his own doctor appointments, singing lessons,

insurance policy.” And while we enjoyed

sports events and the bazillion times he just hangs out with friends. I’m

a belly laugh over a Seinfeld episode

a free man! Or, am I? What I have gained in free time, I have filled up with worrying. I knew the day would come when he’d leave the nest - I just wish it wasn’t at 35 miles an hour inside a vehicle licensed to kill. I don’t like the loss of control I feel. I don’t like that my son could have a serious accident. I don’t like the DMV dude who gave my son a passing grade. I am quite certain that there are thousands of empty-nest parents reading these words and laughing.

away? Even when your child is 29 years old and fully employed, are

suburban parent MARCH 2015

last night on TV, I explained that there’s nothing worse than flying through your windshield at 80 miles an hour because you forgot to buckle up. Yep, I have a lot more where those came from let me tell you. I just hope when he’s 30 he’s still listening. SP