Suburban Parent: Irving

MAY 2015 | FREE

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IRVING | LAS COLINAS | VALLEY RANCH

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

PICTURE OF PARENTING A MOMS PERSPECTIVE

VACATION TEXAS STYLE A TRIP GUIDE

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

MARY SHARES COWARDLY LION: “ALL RIGHT, I’LL GO IN THERE FOR DOROTHY. WICKED WITCH OR NO WICKED WITCH, GUARDS OR NO GUARDS, I’LL TEAR THEM APART. I MAY NOT COME OUT ALIVE, BUT I’M GOING IN THERE. THERE’S ONLY ONE THING I WANT YOU FELLOWS TO DO….. TALK ME OUT OF IT!”

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patrick Hempfing Ken Swarner

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Jennifer Mazy Photography www.mazyphotography.com

AD DESIGNERS Jessica Hilderbrand-Marshall Luis Robles So Hee Lee Won

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Nubia de la Garza Doddie Guerra Julissa Ranjel

AD COORDINATOR/ DISTRIBUTION Francie Morin francie@suburbanparent.com

ACCOUNTING Carrie Vincent carrie@suburbanparent.com

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EDITORIAL editor@suburbanparent.com

PHONE/MAIL 972.887.7779 8344 Sterling Street Irving, Texas 75063

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.

RECOGNIZING COURAGE

W

hat does a mother recognize early on in their child’s life? Their character! We often hear moms talking about how different their children are; a bookworm, or an athlete, shy or outgoing. We can see qualities in our kids that we hold in our hearts too.

My daughter came to me recently and told me that her father told her she had courage. I looked at her and said, “You do have courage, and you‘ve had courage since you were very little.” Looking a bit quizitive, I told her what her dad and I see in her is something from within.

I told her about the first time I dropped her off at pre-school. She had courage; I had angst. Watching from the window, I witnessed her approach a child who was crying; she touched them and smiled. She was nearing 3 years old. She asked “how is that courage?” I reminded her that she could have cried too.

I told her that courage is often associated with soldiers, police officers, fire fighters, and astronauts.

These people are courageous, but it also takes courage to be good and moral. So we talked about how it takes courage to do the right thing when others choose a different path or to do something you’ve never done. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but to act with confidence and conviction when it’s required. This, (her dad and I) have witnessed time and time again. We are involved in several organizations; I watched as she walked into a room with other girls she did not know (yet) with courage; we have heard her talking to someone and witnessing (kindly) that what they had done was wrong. She has even come to us to report her own bad behavior (of sorts). This takes courage; courage to say “I was wrong” or “you were right!”

I can remember several years ago, at Christmas time, I saw Caroline (11yrs) walk across the street to talk to our neighbor. I watched as she BE OF GOOD approached her with confidence. Now, Nancy was a good neighbor, but COURAGE, AND HE Caroline had only been in her presence with us, or at Halloween when SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART, ALL Nancy would be on her doorstep. I never said anything about watching YE THAT HOPE IN and didn’t ask her any questions. But when Christmas morning came I THE LORD. knew what she must have been talking about. She asked Nancy (who — PSALM 31:24 was a quilter) if she could embroider a message on a quilt (a gift from Caroline and Clayton). Her courage to go ask this of our neighbor was amazing. That Christmas present is so incredibly special to me.

More recently, she was challenged too. Her track coach wanted her to run the last race of the day.

Caroline asked if she could be replaced because she was very exhausted. Her coach pushed her a bit and told her that he wanted her to rest for 35 minutes. He reminded her that she was there to win points for her team. Caroline’s response was “okay coach.” She ran the last leg of a 4 x 400 and the team was 25 yards in the rear. Her determination to get those points made her push through her discomfort and run as fast as she could knowing she was not going to win (team placed third).

I told her, “Courage is also about stepping up when needed, because you could have cried.” SP

COVER MODEL Chloe, 12 years Meet Chloe. She’s in 6th grade and in a dual language program at school. She has one brother, Colby and a chocolate Lab, Carly. Her favorite pastimes are church activities, riding her scooter, gymnastics and hanging out with friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a photographer.

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1-866-TX ORTHO (896 - 7846)

FAX 972-438-2077

Serving Patients in:

Irving | Las Colinas | Trophy Club / Southlake

YOU SHOULD KNOW DISPOSAL DISPLEASING? ELIMINATE ODORS IN DISPOSAL Drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt and a few ice cubes. The lemon takes care of the odor while the ice and salt clean away the residue.

SANITIZE YOUR DISPOSAL

Pour half of a cup of baking soda into the disposal, then add one cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug.

While the baking soda and vinegar are fizzing and cleaning, heat some water to boiling then carefully pour it down the drain. Repeat weakly to maintain an odor free disposal.

WALK THIS WAY The evidence is clear on this! Walking a few times each week can increase the volume of the hippocampus (think long term memory) by 2-percent each year (instead of shrinking) How to do it: Walk for at least 40 minutes three times a week. It takes time, so consider making a commitment to walk this way forever!

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TIME TO REPLACE YOUR PILLOW? You should wash your pillows twice a year. Down and Fiberfill pillows can be washed in the washer. Wash two pillows at a time to keep the washer balanced in warm water on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat, fluffing and turning them often. You can’t put foam pillows in the washing machine, but you can spot clean them and tumble them in the dryer on no heat for 20 minutes. If you keep them clean, they should last three years. To test if it’s time to replace your pillow, fold it in half; if it doesn’t spring back, it’s time for a new one.

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A study by the National Fire Protection Association discovered that almost 5 million American homes don’t have any smoke detectors. Yikes! The recommendation is that there is a smoke detector in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on each level of the house. So, the average two-story, 3 bedroom house should have at least five. And they should be replaced every 10 years.

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WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING! Sleeping is the most important activity (yes activity) that we do. Our brain is very active when we are sleeping, and sleeping is crucial to our health and well being. Researchers found that the brain processes complex stimuli during sleep, and uses this information to make decisions while awake.

While you are sleeping the brain forms new memories and consolidates older ones. So it’s helping to cement the new information we recently took in for better recollection later.

Sleep before learning helps prepare the brain to receive new memories, and sleep after learning is important to achieve the “save and file” of new information. So think about what it means when we say “I’m going to sleep on this” before making a decision. Keep in mind, pulling an “all-nighter” to study something could drop your ability to learn the new information by up to 40%. (source:newsinhealth.nih.gov)

QUESTIONS { + PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS }

I S A B E L L A S AY S . . .

Q. I am a new mom and a new “Texan.” I found your publication and love the editorial and appreciate the local resources, I found my new pediatrician right away.

What I need right now are friends! Any suggestions?

A. Thank you! And welcome to Texas. I agree moms need friends and sometimes this can be difficult and oddly, we can feel like an awkward adolescent again! So go ahead and brush up on your friend making skills and arrange to get out and about. A stroller is your first best friend; take to the neighborhood and then venture out to local parks. Also, keep a look out for mom groups; occasionally they post events and meet-ups in our “Know It All” calendars. Not sure what city you are residing in, but I bet you could connect with the Dallas Moms Blog; they have a list Community Playgroups and tons of great ideas, discussions, and well, friendship!

MARTY ASKS...

Q. My child wants the same food every day. He is a bit of a picky eater. Should I be concerned?

M AG G I E , M O M O F 7 Y R . O L D .

Q. Would love to know techniques I can use to help my autistic child in the pool.

Therapy masked as fun!

A. This is not uncommon. Some young ones

A. By adding well planned activities and

may go days, even weeks, where they will only eat one food, in fact, there is a term for this, “food jags.” Although food jags leave parents frustrated, it’s helpful to go ahead and offer his favorite food, but be certain to also include other nutritious foods as well.

This will encourage variety. Also, give the kid kitchen duties! A kitchen stool, a colander, and water to clean veggies may just increase his interest in different foods. If this persists and he starts eliminating more foods or entire food groups you may want to enlist the help of a Registered Dietitian, specializing in pediatric nutrition.

games to your child’s summer routine, you can increase muscle strength, endurance, balance, and work on their social skills too. Try this: Purchase a few differently textured pool noodles (smooth, bumpy, or made from foam.)

Your child will like feeling (experiencing) the tactile differences. To play, have her “ride the noodle” like it’s a horse across the pool to feed him out of a bucket, then “ride” back to the starting point. Do this back and forth.

Virtually all aquatic activities that your child does will help them develop key skills that will benefit them outside of the water too. Make some memories and have fun!

M.E. CALDWELL, RDN

CARA KOSCINKI, MOT, OTR/L Author

EDITOR, a mom who misses the stay-at-home days with tots!

ASK THE SPECIALIST

Q. My child (9 yrs) snores at night and my sister, a dental hygenist, said it could be from a sleep disorder.

A. Your sister is referring to Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). SDB typically results from a con-

STEVEN TITENSOR, DDS, TitensorDental.com

stricted or underdeveloped airway and has been clinically associated with many childhood health disorders (chronic allergies, swollen tonsils and adenoids, snoring, crowded teeth, and more).

There is a therapy that we have been using in our practice called Perfect Start, this oral appliance promotes the proper growth and development of a child’s oral cavity, the jaw and upper palate, and as these areas develop more fully, a child’s airway can widen and expand, allowing them to breathe nasally.

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SUBMIT QUESTIONS : facebook.com/momsolvers

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WE LOVE THIS { YOU WILL TOO }

BUFF, HYDRATE AND RESTORE!

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win me!

Vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skincare products! Go ahead moms, pamper yourself with these products that will give you glowing skin all year long? derma e® Microdermabrasion Scrub $32.50; derma e® Hydrating Eye Crème with Hyaluronic Acid $21.50; derma e® Intensive Therapy Body Balm $15.00 Enter for a chance to WIN these products! www.dermae.com

DIY FLOWER CONTAINERS

2 Looking for a unique way to display your May flowers? Place simple groupings of flowers into painted tin coffee or soup cans. Use moss or floral foam to keep the flowers in place. Simply beautiful.

FOR THE BIBLIOPHILE!

3 A perfect gift to add some “pearls” of printed wisdom to your ensemble! You don’t have to be an editor to love this handmade piece. Laura Bruland Shields used her own favorite book to create the first one of a kind laser cut necklace; now she is hooked! We found this wisdom literary necklace at www.uncommongoods.com $55.00

LAUNDRY TIP

4 If you’re like most moms, keeping up with the laundry can feel like a losing battle, but here’s an idea that will help prevent you from getting caught on game day without a clean uniform for your athlete. Designate an additional basket in the laundry room as the “please wash me first” basket. Then train family members to put their most pressing (and only their most pressing) items in there.

“REMEMBER WHEN” FAMILY PILLOW

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Personalized to create a one-of-a-kind pillow the whole family will cherish. From a fun vacation to a special song; use your favorite memories to create this perfect gift. We found it at www.gifts.com $34.99 (check website, may be on sale now)

GO ONLINE FOR CHANCE TO WIN: www.suburbanparent.com 10

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MOMENTS { BY PATRICK HEMPFING }

THANK YOU … AT 70 WORDS PER MINUTE

T

hank you – two words, only eight letters. “Thanks” could

One day, after Mom had finished her unappetizing lunch, I headed

cut it to a single word. Heck, sometimes words aren’t even

to the hospital cafeteria. As I walked down the hallway, I saw an elderly

needed – a warm embrace, held hand, or gentle forehead

man with a cane who looked familiar. I stopped and hesitantly asked,

kiss are effective nonverbal ways to show appreciation. Of

“Mr. Furhman?”

course, it’s even more special when “Thanks” is followed by “I love you.”

Last July, I drove 15 hours to Pennsylvania for my mother’s serious operation. It hasn’t seemed that long since Mom combed my hair to get me ready for school. Luckily, since she drove the school bus (for 42

“Yes.” “I thought that was you. You haven’t changed a bit. Patrick Hempfing, class of 1978. I had you for typing in high school.”

After I exchanged pleasantries with the teacher I hadn’t seen for

years), my chances of missing it were miniscule. Somehow those school

36 years, I asked, “Guess what I do for a living?” Before he could

days had long passed and now my tough, energetic mother was frail.

answer I blurted out, “I’m a writer. I can still type 70 words a minute.”

The words “stressed, fatigued, and worried” summed up my emotional week. I pondered the role reversal from my younger years as I brushed Mom’s hair and fed her ice chips, broth, and Jell-O.

To be honest, this may have been a slight overstatement, though I am proficient with the keyboard.

I filled Mr. Fuhrman in on all the jobs I’ve performed since I took his

Mom just peeled and cut bananas for my morning cereal. Now I had

class. He smiled when I told him that, a few weeks earlier, I thought

to excite her about the tray of clear liquids delivered to her hospital

about him when I instructed my daughter, Jessie, to “place her fingers

room. All the times she held a tissue to my nose and said, “Blow,”

on the home row keys.” I’ve been trying to teach her to type instead of

pinching, in my opinion, too hard, came to mind when I became the holder of the tissue and issued the command.

The “Fall Risk” sign posted outside her hospital room took me back to the

peck. As our meeting concluded, I thanked him for making a difference in my life. I’m not sure which of us enjoyed our chance meeting in the hospital more, but I know we both cherished the moment.

Months have passed since that week-long visit to the hospital, and I am thankful that Mom is doing better. She turned 80 in November and

days when I held my outstretched arms for

is as feisty as ever. After her hospital stint, she spent three weeks in

my daughter, Jessie, to prevent my toddler

rehab. Much to her dismay, she had to re-take her driver’s test before

from falling. Now my ailing mom needed the

she could drive again. She set a goal, took the test, and passed. Thank

assistance. How did the years go so fast?

you, Mom, for the great lesson on perseverance.

Jessie, the next time you’re faced with a challenge and feel like saying, “I can’t,” think of your Mom Maw and her driver’s test. You can do it. I also want you to always keep a thankful heart and express your gratitude with warm hugs and kind words, spoken, written in cursive, or typed, regardless of how fast you can press the keys. We can’t all have Mr. Furhman as our typing teacher.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I’m grateful you’ve been here for 80 years. Thank you for the lessons you taught me, and drive safely. Maybe one day, you’ll bump into your road test examiner, not with your car, I hope, and have a chance to thank her for putting you at ease as you took your first driving test in decades.

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments.

FOLLOW PATRICK @PatrickHempfing

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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

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10 THINGS TO TEACH YOUR SON ABOUT

TRUE MANHOOD

In the book Season of Life, Joe Ehrmann says there are three false ideas of masculinity: athletic ability, sexual conquest, and wealth accumulation. Instead, true masculinity is defined by two principles. One is relationships… to love and be loved by your family. The other is to live for a purpose bigger than yourself. Great advice. So, how are you doing on being a true man? And, are you teaching your son about being a real man? Here are the 10 things you must teach your son about true manhood:

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BEING A GENTLEMAN IS STILL WORTH THE EFFORT. • Hold the door. • Stand up when a woman leaves

or joins the table. • Walk on the “splash” side of the sidewalk.

• Attempt (gently) to pick up the tab. • Go get the car when it’s raining. • Offer your hand…

2

. AT THE SAME TIME, BE RESPECTFUL. All the above “gentlemanly” actions must be offered subtly, and – if necessary – set aside graciously when refused.

3

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. In a word (well, two), “step up.”

True manhood takes responsibility for its actions, choices, values and beliefs. And – while taking responsibility, manhood is also willing to admit – with grace – when it is wrong.

4

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE VULNERABLE. Real

strength allows other people in. Manhood is honest about feelings and not afraid to be known. True manhood never builds a wall where there should be a window, or a fortress where there should be a sanctuary.

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ACTUALLY “BEING” A MAN IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN “TALKING” LIKE ONE. Real men don’t just

stand up and speak up – they “put up” too. Loud talk and tough posturing don’t cut it. True manhood involves finding a need and doing something about it. Real men don’t complain about social problems – they go out and do something about them. Real men don’t point fingers – they work for solutions. Real men get calluses on their hands – not from flapping their lips.

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LISTEN RESPECTFULLY, DISAGREE POLITELY AND NEVER EXCLUDE WOMEN FROM CONVERSATION. True manhood is inclusive. It may be strong, but it’s unfailingly polite. Men who equate bluster or machismo with strength are typically covering something up. Men who think women have nothing to contribute to the conversation need to wake up and smell the 21st Century.

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LOVE IS STRONGER THAN MUSCLES: True manhood understands that brute force is less compelling than self-giving love. The best solutions to difficulties involved applied love.

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THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST. True manhood puts others first. Jesus is quoted more than once as saying something like this: If you want to be a leader, then the place to be is on your knees, with a towel in your hand, washing someone’s feet.

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MANHOOD IS – SOMETIMES – MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD DO BUT DIDN’T THAN WHAT YOU COULD HAVE AVOIDED BUT DID ANYWAY. There’s a lot of restraint – a great deal of “Quiet Strength” in true manhood. Real men tend to always have something in reserve.

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TRUE MANHOOD IS MORE ABOUT GIVING THAN ABOUT GETTING. Our culture often touts

a “men see what they want, then they go out and get it” view of manhood. But true manhood is more along the lines of “see what the world needs, then go out and do it.” Strength leveraged for the benefit of others.

— 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 14

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Summer Program 2015

AN EXPRESSION OF

HIGH REGARD March was a good month for the Carson Leslie Foundation Because of the commitment of its founder, Annette Leslie, who in honor of her own child, Carson, and his battle until death from brain cancer, this organization has made a positive impact in behalf of children battling Cancer. So much so that the State of Texas House of Representatives has awarded CLF with a Resolution stating that their achievements have made a positive impact in support of research for Pediatric Brain Cancer.

Annette will be the first person to say that she does not do this alone; she has scores of dedicated friends and other organizations helping her with raising funds, as well as contributing time and efforts to enrich the lives of teens battling cancer.

Congratulations to the Carson Leslie Foundation! SP

DONATE OR BUY CARSON’S BOOK carsonlesliefoundation.org

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New Hours for Your Convenience 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM MONDAY – FRIDAY

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM SATURDAY

Call now for your appointment

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ThoefPPicatruerneting T

he other night I attended a mom’s night out with a few girlfriends.

We went to one of those “Paint and Sip” places, where you take a painting workshop while drinking wine and socializing. The teacher brings in a sample painting, and takes the class step-by-step through recreating it. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and it’s supposed to be a fun way to explore your creative side while spending time with friends.

My entire group has young children at home. We were desperate for a break from kids, and looked forward to some fun adult conversation.

And I figured the wine couldn’t hurt, either.

When we arrived, I stopped to look at the piece we would be painting.

It featured a deep blue night sky with a luminescent full moon. Trees with leaves in glittery fall colors graced a craggy beach. The calm ocean held a reflection of the moon, and the sky was dotted with tiny pinpoints of light.

It was beautiful. And it looked impossible to replicate.

There were about thirty students that night, mostly women. Once we settled in with our snacks and wine, the teacher started the lesson. First, we were to paint the top third of the canvas in blue. That was easy, and it felt soothing, spreading the creamy paint onto the textured canvas.

The scent of acrylics and wine drifted up and my shoulders relaxed as I painted. Then, we were instructed to add a little black to the blue, painting our way down the canvas until the color was completely black at the bottom, with the blue color gradually darkening. That’s when I heard the first negative comments from around the room.

“I messed up!” “Can I start over?” “I made my blue too dark!”

As we worked, the conversation at my table turned to parenting and kids, as it usually does when a bunch of moms get together. Many of my group had given up careers to be at home with their kids.

We talked about how difficult that transition can be.

“The hardest part about staying home taking care of kids,” one friend said, “is that you never get any feedback. At least at work I got quarterly evaluations to tell me how I was doing.”

“And a paycheck!” another mom said.

Once the backgrounds of our canvases were finished, we blow-dried our paintings, and then began adding in the tree trunks. The teacher showed us exactly how to create these with a thin paintbrush turned sideways, painting long stripes from the bottom up, then adding branches. Next, we created a big full moon and dabbed the moon’s reflection onto the water in white.

The comments began again. “My moon looks like an egg!” “I hate my trees!” I don’t know how many trees to paint.” “Can I look at yours?”

After the grumbling in the room died down, our table went back to our previous conversation as we tried to follow the teacher’s directions.

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BY TIFFANY DOERR GUERZON

A mom of two spoke up first. “Any feedback on your parenting skills you do get is negative!”

“Yeah,” I said. “No one ever stops you in the grocery store and tells what a great job you are doing with your kids.”

“No,” another added, “but they sure do give you the look when the kids act up!”

After our tree trunks dried, the teacher showed us how to mix three colors to achieve a golden-brown for painting fall leaves onto our bare trees.

Again, the comments began.

“My leaves are too big!” “I can’t get that color!” “Did I put too many?”

The self-criticism I was hearing around the room reminded me of how we critique ourselves as parents. While it’s true that the media, parenting experts, and even other moms are always telling us what we are doing wrong—often our worst enemies are ourselves.

No one can criticize us as harshly as we criticize ourselves.

When I finished my artwork, I walked around the room and checked out the other paintings. I was amazed at how different they all were. Every student had been given the same colors and the same set of instructions, yet each person’s individuality shone through in their art. And each painting was beautiful.

But when the class wrapped up, many students were unhappy with their results.

“Don’t worry,” the teacher said. “In a minute we are going to each view our paintings from a distance. You will be happy and surprised at what you have done.”

One by one, we placed our paintings on an easel at the front and stood behind a line on the floor to view our work from several feet away.

The comments began again, but now they were entirely different.

“Wow, it really looks good!” “I can’t believe I painted that!”

“My leaves aren’t so bad from here!”

“You were too close to it before,” the teacher said.

And it was true. My less-than-round moon and too-thick tree trunks were pretty when viewed as a whole, as a small part of the bigger picture.

I believe that it is the same with parenting. The little things—like the time you yelled at your kids or fed them mac ’n’ cheese four days in a row—seem huge when viewed up close. Or when you are in the middle of bigger problems, such as a teen with bad grades in school or a kid in trouble, you feel you have flunked at parenting.

But down the road, when our kids are grown, it will all fade into the background. Every painting will look a little different, but they will all be beautiful. SP

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Small Class Size with Caring, Friendly Teachers Welcoming Students of all Races and Religions Confidence Building Through 100% Mastery Effective, High Quality Curriculum Challenging Individualized Program Before- & After-School Care Available with Supervised Study Hall & Daycare on School Holidays Summer Camp: Academics and Fun

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YEAR ROUND INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hooked-Up-Charters-and-Trapping/372017149545540?sk=timeline

CHARTERS & TRAPPING FORT MYERS • FL

TARGETING...

• Redfish • Snook • Trout • Tarpon

MEET CAPTAIN DEREK My goal is to provide you with a back country fishing experience you will never forget. I was born and raised in Fort Myers and have been fishing our local waters such as Estero Bay and Pine Island Sound since before I could walk. I am able to accomodate up to 3 people comfortably, but a fourth is welcome.

15001 PUNTA RASSA RD • FORT MYERS 33908

239-222-1259

WE ALSO OFFER...

• Dolphin Tours • Sightseeing Trips • Sunset Cruises

KNOW IT ALL { YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR }

MAY 2015 FRI 1 IRVING ISD PREK REGISTRATION 8am-2pm. Registration for the 20152016 School Year through May 22nd.

Clifton, Kinkeade & Pierce Early Childhood Schools, 2621 W. Airport Freeway, Irving. 972-600-5050 HOT LUNCH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS 11:30am-12:30.pm Heritage Senior Center offers a hot lunch program. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for senior citizens in the community. At no time will membership to HSC or membership fees be required to participate in the congregate meal program, only a completed client intake form must be on file for a patron to be eligible for this meal program.

Eligible persons may contribute a dollar donation or more, it is voluntary.

Ineligible participants (under 60) will pay the full price of the meal, $6.75.

The lunch program is sponsored by the City of Irving, Dallas Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Aging and Disability Services. Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Irving.

972-721-2496 LADY IN THE DARK 8-10pm. Lyric Stage presents a gem from 1941 described by Life Magazine as the “perfect blend of drama, musical comedy and pageantry” with a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and book by Moss Hart. The story revolves around the unhappy female editor of a fashion magazine. Carpenter Hall l $25-53 Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 972.252.4800

= ADVERTISER

NASH FARM PRESENTS: MAY DAY 10am-12pm. Celebrate May Day at NashFarm! Registration required. All ages. 626 Ball Street, Grapevine SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS: TEXAS HISTORY DAY 10am-2pm. Learn how Six Flags got its name, Learn about the park’s history and how park was developed. Learn more interesting facts spanning over 50 years and take a tour of the park via the Six Flags Railroad! A bit pricey, but worth a mention! $50-70, kids under 2 free.

PIRATE BEACH AT LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Daily through Oct 31. Explore this interactive water playground for kids ages 3–10. Venture onto the shipwrecked pirate vessel, a playground featuring 30 interactive water jets and fountains, squirt cannons and splash down water slides. Be Ready!

Looming at the top of the 20-foot-tall mast is a 50-gallon bucket poised to dump water on guests every few minutes. Also encounter 12 interactive models and a soft play area that include pirates, cannons, treasure chests, palm trees and sand castles. $21 for ages 3 and over. 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy. Grapevine, 469-444-3050

RANGERS VS. ATHLETICS 7:05 game start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com DISCOVER A NEW IRVING PARK! There are currently 43 parks with over 2,000 acres of land maintained

by the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department. Activities available throughout the City include picnicking, hiking/biking trails, sports of all kinds, fishing, swimming, recreation centers, canoeing, and boating. Find one near you at www. cityofirving.org/parks.

SAT 2 SATURDAY SCIENCE: MOBILE PLANETARIUM FROM THE FT. WORTH SCIENCE & HISTORY MUSEUM 1-4pm. See the stars, planets and comets in the middle of the afternoon!

How? When the Ft. Worth Science and History Museum brings its mobile planetarium to the West Library, that’s how. Planetarium programs will be repeated every 20 minutes starting at 1 p.m. and running through 4 p.m. Free, for all ages. No registration required.

West Library Meeting Room, 4444 W. Rochelle Road, Irving.

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE 2-4pm. Enjoy a family movie and light snacks. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669 SATURDAY SCHOOL 4-WILD THINGS: 3-D CERAMIC ANIMALS 2-4pm. In this six-week session students ages 6-10 create amazing animal sculptures with clay using a variety of techniques and ceramic tools.

Instructor: Mixed media artist and educator, Linda Disosway. 2-4pm. l Art Lab l $75; discount for Art Connection members. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062, Irving. 972-252-2787

DAY OF THE CHILD, DAY OF THE BOOK (DIA DE LOS NINOS / DIA DE LOS LIBROS) 2-4:30pm. Experience Book Joy at your new library! Teatro Flor Candela will lead our young people in a series of dramatic skits and exercises in celebration of Day of the Child. We will also commemorate Cinco de Mayo, Mexico’s independence from France. Refreshments will be provided for thirsty actors. We will have a free book giveaway for participants. Parents are encouraged to attend, participate and bring their cameras. This is a bilingual program. South Irving Library , 601 Schulze Dr., Irving. 972-721-2628 ZIP LINE DAY AT THE HEARD MUSEUM 1-4pm. Soar through the treetops of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary as you travel the Ropes Course’s zip line!

Purchase one ticket for each ride. $12 per person. Ages 8+, Must make reservations at ropes@heardmuseum. org Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney 972-562-5566 LITERARY CAFÉ AND SPOKEN WORD EVENING 7-9pm. Irving Black Arts Council presents Joy Lewis with Joy and Company moderating an evening of local authors and literature. Ms. Lewis is a former IBAC member and now has her own talk radio show promoting Christian authors. Suite 200 l $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 972.252.4800 LADY IN THE DARK 8-10pm. & 2:30-4:30pm. Lyric Stage presents a gem from 1941 described

by Life Magazine as the “perfect

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KNOW IT ALL blend of drama, musical comedy and pageantry” with a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and book by Moss Hart. The story revolves around the unhappy female editor of a fashion magazine.

Carpenter Hall l $25-53 Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 972.252.4800

ALLEGRO!!!, NORTH TEXAS SUZUKI ASSOCIATION There will be 2 performances, 4:30 and 6:30pm. Allegro!!! is a group of 15 young violinists between the ages of 11 and 16 based out of Western Springs, Illinois. The group performs an eclectic program of Folk, Pop, Dance, World and classical music which is choreographed to create an entertaining and motivational show which has delighted audiences throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Bermuda and China.

Cost: $6.50-11.50. Dupree Theater, 3333 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving.

4TH ANNUAL MOTHERHOOD MATTERS PREGNANCY EXPO PRESENTED BY WINGS FOR WELLNESS 10-2pm. Great resources for new and expectant moms with 50+ exhibitors - like pregnancy baby photography, pre/postnatal massage, nursery design, mommy jewelry and more! Educational seminars include Infant CPR, Car Seat Safety, Postpartum Depression, and Benefits of Exercise during and after pregnancy, and Coping with an Identity Crisis as a New Mom. Plus door prizes and give-a-ways. Richardson Civic Center, Grand Hall, 411 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson. www. wingsforwellness.org Sponsored by Suburban Parent TARGET FIRST SATURDAY 10am-5pm. Let your kids artistic talents take charge! Enjoy free admission, an art scavenger hunt, yoga in the garden, story time and more. Preschool and elementary ages. FREE 2001 Flora St., Dallas www.nashsculpturecenter.org 214242-5100 RANGERS VS. ATHLETICS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

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VISIT AN IRVING PARK! There are currently 43 parks with over 2,000 acres of land maintained by the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department. Activities available throughout the City include picnicking, hiking/biking trails, sports of all kinds, fishing, swimming, recreation centers, canoeing, and boating. Find one near you at www.cityofirving.org/parks

SUN 3 TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-721-2256.

More info at www.cityofirving.org/ GO TO A GAME! RANGERS VS. ATHLETICS 2:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington.

MON 4 IRVING ISD PREK REGISTRATION 8am-2pm. Registration for the 2015-2016 School Year begins April 6th through May 22nd. Clifton, Kinkeade & Pierce Early Childhood Schools, 2621 W. Airport Freeway, Irving. 972-600-5050 SCREEN-FREE WEEK: SIDEWALK CHALK ART 3-5pm. Decorate the front and patio areas of the Library with your own colorful creations. We provide the chalk, you bring the creativity!

Presented as part of Screen-Free Week. Valley Ranch Library , 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving.

TUE 5 BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11am-12pm. Join this storytime with crafts and puppet shows in English and Spanish. For groups, please call

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KNOW IT ALL 972-721-3722 for details. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving.

972-721-3720

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION 4-5pm. Open to students in grades 4-8. Presented as a youth-centered version of the renowned Toastmaster’s Program, this course is an opportunity to sharpen public speaking skills. Space is limited and registration is recommended by calling 972-721-4669. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving.

972-721-4669

WED 6 DALLAS ZOO PRESENTS: GIANTS OF THE JURASSIC 9am-5pm through Sept.7. Animatronic Dinosaurs – 20 of them! Plus world-renowned, interactive theater puppet experience. Free with Zoo admission!

CONVERSACIONES @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversation tables will be available weekly for English language learners to practice conversational English skills in an informal, friendly environment. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving. 972-721-3722

THU 7 JUMPSTART STORIES AND ART -MOMS ARE MARVELOUS 10am-12. Be inspired by stories of moms and motherhood and create an artful masterpiece to celebrate mom’s special day. All supplies provided. Ages 2 and up. Call 972252-2787 to pre-register groups of 10 or more. Suite 200 l FREE Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 972-252-2787 CONVERSATIONS @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm Conversations @ Your Library provides a regular opportunity for adult English-language learners to pair with bilingual students to practice and improve conversational language skills in an informal, friendly environment.

No registration is required. For

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information about additional table locations, please call 972-721-4612.

Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: TEDDY BEAR PICNIC AND SLEEPOVER 7-8pm Bring your teddy bear or other fuzzy friend to storytime for bear-themed stories, snacks, songs and a craft. When you’re done, you can choose to have your bear spend the night at the Library. If so, follow the activities all through the night on Instagram, then the next day, pick up your bear, photos and a note. Valley Ranch Library , 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving.

FRI 8 HOT LUNCH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS 11:30am-12:3 pm Heritage Senior Center offers a hot lunch program.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for senior citizens in the community. Ineligible participants (under 60) will pay the full price of the meal, $6.75.

Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Irving. 972-721-2496 IRVING CONCERT SERIES 7-8:30pm. Neon Circus playing tonight! Irving’s annual concert series showcases live music performances from a variety of genres, with great musicians from across the state.

All concerts are held outdoors, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for seating. The shows are free and family-friendly, with food and dessert vendors on-site. Come early to enjoy area shopping and sightseeing. The 2015 Concert Series brings the music of popular bands to Irving. Tribute bands representing top groups from multiple genres will bring well-known songs to the stage. Whistlestop Plaza , 123 W. Irving Blvd., Irving.

SAT 9 JACKIE TOWNSELL BEAR CREEK HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUMS 1-4pm. Look into the lives of Irving’s African-American pioneers in this

1st gust 2 u A Â h t June 8

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KNOW IT ALL historic set of buildings. Open on the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 972-7212501. Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center , 3925 Jackson Street, Irving. 972-721-2501

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE 2-4pm. Enjoy a family movie and light snacks. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-7214669 SATURDAY SCHOOL 4-WILD THINGS: 3-D CERAMIC ANIMALS 2-4pm. In this six-week session students ages 6-10 create amazing animal sculptures with clay using a variety of techniques and ceramic tools. Instructor: Mixed media artist and educator, Linda Disosway. 2-4 p.m. l Art Lab l $75; discount for Art Connection members. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062, Irving. 972252-2787 TRACKED LAUNCH PARTY WITH YA AUTHOR JENNY MARTIN 5-6pm. Join us for local author Jenny Martin’s launch party celebrating her debut YA novel Tracked, a gripping sci-fi tale with fast-paced action that will have readers floored and begging for more! Refreshments, book sales, and author signing follow. This program may continue past library hours. South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Dr., Irving.

972-721-262 LAS COLINAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: LINDSAY GARRITSON ON PIANO 8-10pm. Season finale. $16.50-36.50 Irving Arts Center-Carpenter Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving, TX 75062, Irving. 972.252.4800 BIKE FEST 10am-2pm. Kick off Bike to Work Week by attending Irving’s Annual Bicycle Fest at its new location! Join in the activities with a group ride, Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo, visit with vendors that specialize in bicycling information and equipment, receive an “on-the-spot” bike check, and

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see unique cycling groups and more. Performing at the 2015 Bike Fest: Don’t miss Boxcar Bandits, a musical group that melds bluegrass, old-time, western swing and country with the sounds of string band instruments to create their signature Skunkgrass sound. Cost is free.

221 E. Irving Blvd., Irving (at Irving’s old lumberyard area) 221 E. Irving Boulevard. 972-721-2355

SUN 10 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 11am. Treat mom to special Mother’s Day brunch with the whole family! There will be lively entertainment and the scrumptious buffet. Plus, King Henry VIII and other members of the Royal Court will make a special visit to honor all mothers! Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the event itself (space is limited). $20-Adults and $10 Children (512), 4 and under free. 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT 2-4pm. Our annual Mother’s Day Concert with The Women’s Chorus of Dallas will make this special day memorable for the whole family.

Each year, concerts have sold out.

This hour-long concert, concluding with a live butterfly release in the Conservatory, is the perfect way to celebrate with the ones you love on Mother’s Day. TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210 $15-20 TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-721-2256.

More info at www.cityofirving.org/

Childrens Discovery Center

FO EN NO R RO W 20 LL 15 IN -2 G 01 6

First Baptist Church of Irving

CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL ESTABLISHED IN 1977 • Full Day Classes Offered • Before and After School Care Available • Follow IISD Calendar Closely • Three to Six Year Olds • Secured Access

TRADITIONAL MONTESSORI CURRICULUM MONTESSORI CERTIFIED TEACHERS

www.firstirving.org/ministries/childrens-discovery-center/

• Art and Music Classes • Enrichment Classes • Bible and Chapel • Science and Spanish • Motor Development Classes

403 South Main St • Irving TX 75060 214-755-5603 • 972-253-1171 jmays@fbcirving.org

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KNOW IT ALL MON 11 IRVING ISD PREK REGISTRATION 8am-2pm. Registration for the 2015-2016 School Year begins April 6th through May 22nd. Clifton, Kinkeade & Pierce Early Childhood Schools, 2621 W. Airport Freeway, Irving. 972-600-5050; PUPPETEER SANDY SHROUT: THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA 4:30-5:30pm. Kick off the 1KB4K program to inspire early childhood literacy with this performance of the classic fairy tale. East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road, Irving.

RANGERS VS. ROYALS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

TUE 12 BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11am-12pm. Join this storytime with crafts and puppet shows in English and Spanish. For groups, please call 972-721-3722 for details. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving.

972-721-3720 RANGERS VS. ROYALS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

WED 13 CONVERSACIONES @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversation tables will be available weekly for English language learners to practice conversational English skills in an informal, friendly environment. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving. 972-721-3722 SYMPHONY SPECTACULAR 7-10pm. The Lone Star Youth Orchestra plays Meyerbeer’s Coronation March and Stravinsky’s Finale from Firebird Suite in their last concert of the season. Carpen-

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ter Hall, Adults $13.50, Students $6 Irving Arts Center-Carpenter Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving.

972.252.4800

RANGERS VS. ROYALS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

THU 14 CONVERSATIONS @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversations @ Your Library provides a regular opportunity for adult English-language learners to pair with bilingual students to practice and improve conversational language skills in an informal, friendly environment.

No registration is required. For information about additional table locations, please call 972-721-4612.

Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669 RANGERS VS. ROYALS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

FRI 15 HOT LUNCH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS 11:30am-12:3 pm Heritage Senior Center offers a hot lunch program.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for senior citizens in the community. Ineligible participants (under 60) will pay the full price of the meal, $6.75.

Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Irving. 972-721-2496 Science in 30: Balloon Science 4:30-5pm. Explore the properties of air density and gases in relation to how air balloons stay aloft. Discover the history and recent uses for balloons. Can you design a basket light enough to be lifted by a helium balloon? All materials provided.

South Irving Library Program Room, 601 Schulze Dr., Irving.

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KNOW IT ALL RANGERS VS. INDIANS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. . www. texas.rangers.mlb.com TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-721-2256.

More info at www.cityofirving.org/

SAT 16 TASTE OF IRVING 12-6pm. Restaurants and Craft Marketplace, Culinary Demonstrations, Free Kid Zone and Live Music with Northern National at 12:30pm, Texas Gypsies at 2:30pm and Brave Combo at 4:30pm. Admission and parking are free. Cimarron Park, 100 Cimarron Trail, 972-721-2501, irvingevents.org. See ad in this issue.

SING YOUR WAY HOME 7:30-10pm. The Irving Chorale performs Goin’ Home, We’ll Build Our House, Home on the Range and many more in an evening of hearth and home songs. Carpenter Hall l $10-20; $1.50 children 5 and under. Irving Arts Center-Carpenter Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving.

972.252.4800 GO TO A GAME! RANGERS VS. INDIANS 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

Texas Karate Do

2700 N. O’Connor Rd Ste 132

972-258-8333

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TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-721-2256.

More info at www.cityofirving.org/

MAY 2015 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

SUN 17 FIERCE READS SPRING FLING TOUR 2015 2-5pm. Join us for the final stop of Macmillan’s Fierce Reads Spring Fling 2015 Tour! Authors Katie Finn (Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold), Lynn Matson (Nil Unlocked), Marie Rutkoski (Winner’s Crime) and Lindsey Smith (Skandal) will discuss their latest books. Refreshments, book sales and author signing follow the panel.

South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Dr., Irving, , 972-721-2628 SYMPHONIC SPARKLE 3:30-6:30pm. New Philharmonic Orchestra’s final concert features students of Irving ISD. The program includes works by Georges Bizet, Franz Shubert and a special solo by the annual youth concerto competition winner. 3:30 p.m. l Carpenter Hall l $10-$18 Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving.

972.252.4800 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 8:30am-6pm. Irving residents can enjoy an opportunity to celebrate Asian culture during the annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival at the Las Colinas Urban Center along the shores of Lake Carolyn. Lake Carolyn’s surrounding skies will be filled with colorful kites, while exciting dragon boat races, cultural performances, a lantern festival, traditional Asian cuisine, arts and crafts, and educational activities will be made available for attendees to enjoy.

Cost is free. Lake Carolyn, Las Colinas Urban Center, Irving.

GO TO A GAME! RANGERS VS. INDIANS 2:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water

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KNOW IT ALL fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-7212256. More info at www.cityofirving.org/

MON 18 IRVING ISD PREK REGISTRATION 8am-2pm. Registration for the 2015-2016 School Year begins April 6th through May 22nd. Clifton, Kinkeade & Pierce Early Childhood Schools, 2621 W. Airport Freeway, Irving. 972-600-5050

TUE 19 BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11am-12pm. Join this storytime with crafts and puppet shows in English and Spanish. For groups, please call 972-721-3722 for details. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving.

972-721-3720

WED 20 CONVERSACIONES @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversation tables will be available weekly for English

story times EAST BRANCH 440 S. Nursery Rd • 972-721-3722 Tue Family Storytime 11am; Bilingual Story Time 4:30pm, all ages

VALLEY RANCH BRANCH 401 Cimarron Trail • 972-721-4669 Mon Mother Goose Story Time, 10:30am, ages 4mo-18mo, registration req.

Tue Family Story Time 7pm, all ages, registration required Wed Family Story Time 10:30am, all ages, registration required

WEST IRVING BRANCH 4444 W. Rochelle Rd • 972-721-2691 Wed Mother Goose Story Time, 10:30am, ages 6mos-18mos Thur Family Story Time 7pm, all ages Fri Family Story Time 11am, all ages

All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes.

Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

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Our Pediatricians Care About You and Your Family Now Serving the Irving Community in Two Locations!

2 Main Locations

6750 N. MacArthur Blvd. • Ste. 206 2021 N. MacArthur Blvd. • Ste. 250

Irving, Texas Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm We Accept All Major Insurance Plans

972-253-4300

www.mscitx.com

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KNOW IT ALL



All Levels taught: beginner to professional



Lessons taught in English or Spanish



Adult Piano Lessons



Gift Certificates Available

language learners to practice conversational English skills in an informal, friendly environment. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving. 972-721-3722

THU 21

Music Services offered for Special Occasions: Corporate, Quinceañeras and Weddings. Also song arranging, composing and publishing.

Studios in Irving and Duncanville

(214) 331-0000 www.figaroacademyofmusic.com

CONVERSATIONS @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Your Library provides a regular opportunity for adult English-language learners to pair with bilingual students to practice and improve conversational language skills in an informal, friendly environment. No registration is required. For information about additional table locations, please call 972-721-4612. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving.

972-721-4669

FRI 22 HOT LUNCH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS 11:30am-12:30pm. Heritage Senior Center offers a hot lunch program.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for senior citizens in the community. Ineligible participants (under 60) will pay the full price of the meal, $6.75.

Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Irving. 972-721-2496 IRVING CONCERT SERIES 7-8:30pm. Buster Brown Band playing tonight! Irving’s annual concert series showcases live music performances from a variety of genres, with great musicians from across the state. All concerts are held outdoors, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for seating. The shows are free and family-friendly, with food and dessert vendors on-site. Come early to enjoy area shopping and sightseeing. The 2015 Concert Series brings the music of popular bands to Irving.

Tribute bands representing top groups from multiple genres will bring well-known songs to the stage. Whistlestop Plaza, 123 W. Irving Blvd., Irving.

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SCHMIDT & JONES AWARDS 2015 7:30-9:30pm. Lyric Stage honors outstanding productions and performers from participating North High Schools. Carpenter Hall l $25.

Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 972.252.4800 TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-721-2256.

More info at www.cityofirving.org/

SAT 23 TRE/THE T SAFARI SHUTTLE SATURDAYS BEGIN Every Saturday through Sept 5, hop on the Trinity Railway Express to the Intermodal Transportation Center at 1001 Jones St and onto the Safari Shuttle to the Fort Worth Zoo. TRE runs from 6:30am-10:30pm; Safari Shuttle runs every half-hour 9:30am-6:30pm. The-T.com 817215-8600; trinityrailwayexpress.org 214-979-1111. See ad in this issue.

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE 2-4pm. Enjoy a family movie and light snacks. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669

MON 25 MOTHER GOOSE STORYTIME 10:30-11am. Lapsit program designed for infants age 4 to 18 months and their caregiver. Space is limited, stop by the Reference desk to pick up a ticket and reserve your spot. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669

TUE 26 BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11am-12pm. Join this storytime with crafts and puppet shows in English and Spanish. For groups, please call

• •

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• •

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KNOW IT ALL

Septiembre 2014 | G R AT I S

chance to Like our page for a !

WIN COOL STUFF dfw

Una publicación para informar, ayudar e inspirar a familias Latinas

Pregúntale... al pediatra

Mes de la Herencia Hispana

¿Cómo lo celebras?

GRATIS la Lléva contigo

¡Vamos a cocinar!

Las confesiones de una mamá

www.facebook.com/dfwfamilia

Comparte tus recetas

familia

972-721-3722 for details. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving.

972-721-3720

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION 4-5pm. Open to students in grades 4-8. Presented as a youth-centered version of the renowned Toastmaster’s Program, this course is an opportunity to sharpen public speaking skills. Space is limited and registration is recommended by calling 972-7214669. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669

WED 27 MOTHER GOOSE STORYTIME 10:30-10:50am. Lapsit program for ages 6 to 18 months and their care-giver. Enjoy stories, music, rhymes and a time of playful interaction. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Rd, Irving. 972-721-2692 CONVERSACIONES @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversation tables will be available weekly for English language learners to practice conversational English skills in an informal, friendly environment. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving. 972-721-3722

THU 28 HOT LUNCH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS 11:30am-12:30pm. Heritage Senior Center offers a hot lunch program.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for senior citizens

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MAY 2015 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

in the community. At no time will membership to HSC or membership fees be required to participate in the congregate meal program, only a completed client intake form must be on file for a patron to be eligible for this meal program. Eligible persons may contribute a dollar donation or more, it is voluntary. Ineligible participants (under 60) will pay the full price of the meal, $6.75. The lunch program is sponsored by the City of Irving, Dallas Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Aging and Disability Services. Heritage Senior Center, 200 S. Jefferson Street, Irving. 972-721-2496

CONVERSATIONS @ YOUR LIBRARY 6:30-7:30pm. Conversations @ Your Library provides a regular opportunity for adult English-language learners to pair with bilingual students to practice and improve conversational language skills in an informal, friendly environment.

No registration is required. For information about additional table locations, please call 972-721-4612.

Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972-721-4669 RANGERS VS. REDSOX 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

FRI 29 RANGERS VS. REDSOX 7:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington.. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

T E X A S

FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC Comprehensive Treatment of Adult and Pediatric Foot and Ankle Disorders

• Arthritis • Bone Spurs • Bunions • Fractures • Hammertoes • Heel Pain

• Ingrown Nails • Neuromas • Orthotics • Sprains • Warts • Wound Care

Jeffrey M. Radack DPM, FACFAS BEFORE

AFTER

Coppell Foot & Ankle Center 580 S. Denton Tap Rd., Suite 290 Coppell, TX 75019

Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Medical Center of Craig Ranch 8080 Hwy. 121, Suite 200 McKinney, TX 75070

469-742-0406

Same Day Appointments Available • Most Insurance Accepted

www.TexasFootClinic.com

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39

KNOW IT ALL SAT 30 FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE 2-4pm. Enjoy a family movie and light snacks. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving. 972721-4669

3-5 pounds weight loss per week typical!

Safe & Quick

WEIGHT LOSS! Free Support with Registered and Licensed Dietitian NO PROGRAM FEES!

MEDIC ALLY AP ONLINE WEIGHT PROVED LOSS PLAN

Call today to see if this plan is right for you!

214-476-2715

www.mecaldwell.tsfl.com

irving parent

TAKE A WALK IN THE DOG PARK! Sunrise to Sunset. The dog park is a great place to relax and let your dog play. The City provides benches, boulders, large dog play area, shaded shelter, shaded trees, small dog play area, water fountain, and, drum roll please, WiFi Hot Spot! 4140 Valley View Lane Irving, TX 75060, 972-7212256. More info at www.cityofirving.org/

SAT 30

Jump Start Your Weight Loss!

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DALLAS/FORT WORTH ULTIMATE WOMEN’S EXPO 10am-5pm. Explore your own personal style, renew your soul and uncover your passions while you relax and rejuvenate, explore a new interest, purchase a great find, connect with inspiring Keynote Speakers Melisssa Gilbert, Nancy Grace, Tabatha Coffey and re-ignite your inner you. Hundreds of Shopping Pavilions, perfect for unique holiday gift Ideas for every member of your family - and that all important “You”. Indulge yourself with the very best Dallas/ Fort Worth has to offer in shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics and travel. Spend a relaxing day being pampered with spa treatments, massages and retail therapy. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 West Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. $10 admission. 866-618-3434

RANGERS VS. REDSOX 6:15 start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. . www.texas. rangers.mlb.com VISIT AN IRVING PARK! There are currently 43 parks with over 2,000 acres of land maintained by the City of Irving Parks and

MAY 2015 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Recreation Department. Activities available throughout the City include picnicking, hiking/biking trails, sports of all kinds, fishing, swimming, recreation centers, canoeing, and boating. Find one near you at www.cityofirving.org/parks

SUN 31 RANGERS VS. REDSOX 2:05pm start. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www.texas. rangers.mlb.com

SAVE THE DATE JUN 1 SUMMER ON THE HILL BEGINS AT GREENHILL SCHOOL Select from an extraordinary variety of camps for boys and girls, ages 3-18. www.greenhill.org/summer.

See ad in this issue.

JUN 8 SUMMER I SESSION BEGINS AT NORTH LAKE COLLEGE Start or advance your career here.

Summer II begins July 13. Register now! www.northlakecollege.edu.

See ad in this issue.

JUN 8-11 JOURNEY OFF THE MAP VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 9am-12pm. Free lunch for all kids who attend. Plymouth Park Baptist Church, 972-986-7729 plymouthpark.org. 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 8-AUG 14

JUN 12-14

IRVING ARTS CENTER’S STEAM POWERED WEEKLY ART ADVENTURE CAMPS Explore the exciting ways that Science, Technology, Engineering, ART and Math collide in 14 camps for ages 4-18. 333 N. MacArthur Blvd. To register, call 972-252-2787 or visit IrvingArtsCenter.com. See ad in this issue.

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE An all new tasting experience that is celebrating the art of the meal for ages 21 and up. Chefs and restaurants from all over North Texas, live kitchen demonstrations, over 150 beer, wine and spirits to sample. Centennial Building at Fair Park. Tickets available only at www.TastetheDifferenceDallas. com. See ad in this issue.

JUN 8-AUG 14 SUMMER SPLASH CAMPS THROUGH THE CITY OF IRVING PARK AND RECREATION Children in grades K-5 during 2014-15 school year are invited to experience a summer full of trips, swimming, gym games, craft, friends and fun. 5 sessions 7am-6pm, $190/ session. See ad in this issue for dates, locations and phone numbers.

JUN 12-14 TASTE OF DALLAS North Texas’ largest event dedicated to food is back at Fair Park, presented

by Ford. Family fun for everyone including games, food challenges, 60 top Dallas restaurants and food trucks, food samples and a new celebration of BBQ. Discount tickets available at Walgreen’s for $9. Kids 10 and under free with parent. www. tasteofdallas.org. See ad in this issue.

JUN 15-19 JOURNEY OFF THE MAP VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 9am-12pm. For children who completed kindergarten through completion of 5th grade. First United Methodist Church, 211 W. Third St, Irving 972-253-3531. Register online at www.fumcirving.org. See ad in this issue.

JUL 4 2015 IRVING INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Parade 9am-noon, Heritage Park, 217 Main St, Irving. Concerts and Fireworks 6-10pm, Lake Carolyn, Las Colinas Urban District.

Parade entry deadline is Friday June 12. For a parade application, visit IrvingEvents.org. See ad in this issue.

Haircuts MOHAWKS

Designs

FADES

BEARDS

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.

MON/THUR/FRI: 9am - 7pm TUE/WED: 9am - 6pm SAT: 8am - 6pm

469.586.5051

106 N. MacArthur Blvd. • Irving

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41

Get Listed in Our

Camp Guide

summer camp ABOVE AND BEYOND CENTER FOR CHILDREN 972-870-9282 See ad on p. 37

CAMP INVENTION 800-968-4332 • www.campinvention.org See ad on p. 32

CITY OF IRVING www.cityofirving.org See ad on p. 28

GREENHILL SCHOOL/SUMMER ON THE HILL www.greenhill.org/summer See ad on p. 36

IRVING ARTS CENTER 972-252-2787 • www.irvingartscenter.com See ad on p.21

Just an Added

BONUS

Advertise your camp in Suburban Parent and get your Camp listed in our 2015 Summer Camp Guide!

CALL TO ADVERTISE YOUR CAMP! Tailored pricing available to meet every budget!

www.suburbanparent.com

972.887.7779

IRVING GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION 972-721-2344 • www.irvinggymnastics.net See ad on p. 27

KINWEST MONTESSORI ACADEMY 972-401-8311 • www.kinwestmontessori.com See ad on p. 18

MISS BLOOMINGDALE’S ACADEMY 972-869-9145 • www.missbloomingdales.com See ad on p. 3

OAK CREST PRIVATE SCHOOL 214-483-5400 • www.oakcrestschool.org See ad on p. 21

TEXAS KARATE DO 972-258-8333 • www.texaskaratedo.com See ad on p. 30 & 32

UTD CHESS CAMP 972-883-4899 • www.utdallas.edu/chess See ad on p. 26 SEE FULL CAMP LISTING ONLINE: www.suburbanparent.com

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MAY 2015 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

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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.

CALL OR EMAIL TODAY

editor@suburbanparent.com 972.887.7779

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

TEACHER: WHAT IS THE SHORTEST MONTH?

WHAT HAS A SINGLE EYE BUT CANNOT SEE?

STUDENT: MAY, IT ONLY HAS THREE LETTERS

A NEEDLE

WHAT IS A LIGHT AS A FEATHER, YET THE STRONGEST MAN CAN’T HOLD FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES? YOUR BREATH

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.

My Mother taught me

— MARTHA WASHINGTON

ABOUT MARRIAGE. “How do you think you got here?”

...

LOGIC. “If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”

MEDICINE. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.”

TO THINK AHEAD. “If you don’t pass your spelling test, you’ll never get a good job!”

ESP. “Put your sweater on; don’t you think that I know when you’re cold?”

HUMOR. “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.

GENETICS. “You are just like your father!”

Source: www.brainyquote.com

ROOTS. “Do you think you were born in a barn?”

WISDOM OF AGE. “When you get to be my age, you will understand.”

ANTICIPATION. “Just wait until your father gets home.”

LOL WITH JAMES ESTES!

ABOUT RECEIVING. “You are going to get it when we get home.”

And my all time favorite thing, JUSTICE. “One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU... then you’ll see what it’s like.”

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM My husband was helping our son (1st grade) with his science fair project (lighting a light bulb from the acid in a lemon.) While my husband struggled through faulty trial runs which produced no light, I helped my son document the steps. I asked, “What is dad doing now?” He answered, “Putting a copper wire into the lemon.” Then I asked, “And what else is he doing?” He answered, “Having a really hard time with it.”

JACKIE, MOM OF ONE SMART SON

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

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BACKTALK { BY KEN SWARNER }

WAS I EVEN THERE?

F

or years, my wife and I have been conducting meaningful, deep and informative conversations; only, I swear I was not

She’s not ready to acknowledge that sometimes when she’s driving home from work, or weeding the garden, or trying to find my hiding

present at all of them.

I can’t prove it, but I am certain that some of these tete-a-tetes

take place in my wife’s head. And for the record, I’m not telepathic.

My wife will readily admit that her mind is often working overtime

spot from the kids, she thinks of the things she wants me to do and then convinces herself that I was actually part of that talk. She’ll claim that I was there when she told me to take out the trash, or to pick up

– she’s a high intensive person. She’ll also confirm that she practices

our daughter at track practice, or to be home early because her mother

conversations before she has them. She will not, however, concede that

was stopping by for coffee and I needed to get the unidentified hand

my answers are sometimes figments of her imagination.

prints off the couch cushions (or at least flip them). She never told me

“I swear I am talking to a wall half the time,” my wife told me the other day, blowing out a long steady, frustrated stream of breath in my direction. “Are those walls padded?” I asked. She wasn’t amused.

I’d be lying if I said that I pay attention to everything she says. Lord

her mother was on the way. I wouldn’t have forgotten that. I would have been in my hiding place.

My wife will even recite back comments and answers I supposedly gave during her mythical talk times. It usually begins with a statement

knows I tend to drift when the conversation turns to housework or her

from me, like: “You never told me to change the baby’s diaper.” “Yes

side of the family. But, I am always the first to admit when I have been

I did,” she’d counter, without a hint of indecision in her tone. “In fact,”

daydreaming and missed an important piece of information...like last

she’d continue, “you flat out told me that you’d ‘change the ‘dookie

week when my wife told me to pick up toilet paper on my way home

diaper’ during the next commercial.”

from work. I bought coffee filters. We hosted PTA that night.

“I’m sorry,” I said, apologizing for my error. “I was probably thinking of last night’s baseball game this morning and not listening to you. I wonder if putting coffee filters in the bathroom will startle anyone?”

See? I admitted I wasn’t listening. And,

46

But it’s a losing battle when you bring imaginary husbands into the mix.

irving parent

“Now wait one darn minute,” I retorted. “I used the word ‘dookie?’” “Yes, and I distinctly remember feeling queasy about it.”

Unfortunately, I can’t prove I wasn’t there.

It’s bad enough that I occasionally make mistakes and drop the ball in the real world, but I can’t even get things

she appreciates

right in the land of make-

it when I do that.

believe. (sigh)

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SP