Get family travel tips at January meeting

It's true there's no place like home for the holidays, but after I put away the mistletoe I'm ready to hit the road.
So I start making travel plans.
I'm going to sharing my travel planning tips at the GCS Moms League January meeting - 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 4 at St Martin's of the Field Episcopal Church in Keller. How did I get to be an expert on family travel? It started in 2000 when I was approached by the folks at Family Fun magazine. The magazine, owned by Walt Disney, was putting together a series of regional travel guides spotlighting the best family attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops. They needed someone in the Southwest and a friend suggested me. At the time I was a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and had just written a story "Surviving your Next Family Vacation."
At the time I had just had my third son, but I couldn't resist the challenge or the opportunity so I agreed to trek through six states - Texas, New Mexico, Colorado. Arizona, Nevada and Utah. I loaded up my minivan and we set out on a massive road trip that lasted the better part of a year.

That year we found outselves in strange and wonderful places like White Sands National Park and the International UFO Museum in New Mexico and facing down a bear by Lake Vallecito in Colorado. My family made many memories and I learned that travel is as much a state of mind as it is simply getting from one place to another.
I also learned traveling with kids is no picnic - well maybe it is if you remember to always pack snacks and a cooler. I leanred how to stop sweating the small stuff like the time I obsessed about packing my kids bags and accidentally left my own bag at home in the kitchen. I realized the snafu once we had reached out destination - a UT football game _ and after I had coffee spilled all over me. I managed to assemble a weekend wardrobe thanks to a 24-hour Target.
At this month's meeting I'll share tips for planning your spring break and summer vacation with a list of handy websites to peruse. I hope you'll join me.

- Kathryn Hopper

Christmas is for Children

Remember the Haltom City homes that flooded last spring?

Many of the families in the flood zone need help this holiday season.

Local charity Christmas is for Children is partnering with GCS Moms League to link members with families in need.

http://www.christmasisforchildren.com/

There are still plenty of opportunity to help with this worth cause. Members can e-mai Shelly Pollock at gcsmlsec@yahoo.com
for more information.

If you are't a member, bt still want to help out, simply go to the Christmas is for Children website and download the sponsorship form or check out volunteer opportunities.

Walk for PKD

Polycystic Kidney Disease isn't a familiar name to most of us, but the disease is the second most common genetic disease - only breast cancer affects more people.

On Saturday, Sept. 15 volunteers will Walk for PKD at Southlake Town Square. Top fund raisers will win prizes and they'll be plenty of food and fun for all participants. Visit www.pkdcure.org for more information or to make a donation.

The disease causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, enlarging the kidney, normally the size of a fist, to the size of a football and eventually causing kidney failure.. PKD affects 1 in 500 newborns, children and adults reguardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin.

Common symptoms of ADPKD include high blood pressure, pain in the back, side or stomach, blood in the urine, kidney stones, frequent urinary tract infections, a family history of kidney problems, heart problems or strokes. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should see a doctor.

Here's a great YouTube video about PKD: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XKa6Te3OLTU

Meet moms at our Sept. 7 meeting

Over the last month we've been getting more hits our our website and e-mails from moms looking to join our group so ..

Here's a primer on how to connect with CGS Moms League:

1. Go to our website and download a membership form. http://www.gcsmomsleague.org/

2. Come to our fall kick-off meeting September 7 at St. Martin of the Fields Church in Keller (just off 1709 past Carroll Senior High School) http://www.gcsmomsleague.org/meetinglocation/
The first meeting is a general get-together, but other meetings in the year will feature experts on everything from family travel to kids' safety.

3. Make child care reservations for any children you have over 10 months by e-mailing us at reservations@gcsmomsleague.org.
When making reservations, please include your name, phone number, child(ren)s name(s) and date of birth. Children are placed in rooms based on age and ability. Room assignments are typically as follows: Newborns, Young Walkers, 2-year-olds (one room potty-trained), 3-year-olds, and 4-year plus.
We will make every effort to accommodate any special requests or needs. Please just let us know in advance so that we might be prepared and the check in process runs as smoothly as possible.
Childcare reservations will be taken Wednesday through Friday the week before the meeting. Childcare check-in begins at 9:15 am and closes at 9:45 am. Snacks (such as Goldfish and Cheerios) and water will be provided for children two years and older. If your child has any food allergies, please notify us immediately.

4. Get involved. Here's a list of just a few of the upcoming activities we have planned for September:
* A kids outing at Parr Park in Grapevine
* Ladies Night Out at Coalvines in Southlake
* New member lunch and play at Central Market
* Volunteering at the Tarrant County Food Bank

And just so you know - we welcome moms from all over the area and have members from Trophy Club, Keller and Coppell and yes we also welcome dads!

So don't be shy - come on over!

Celebrate Dog Days of summer

Thanks to GCS Moms League Member April Driggers for tipping us to this cool event:





Doggie Dunk
Bring your favorite four legged canine and enjoy the outdoor pool at Keller Pointe for the last day of summer! The event includes a swim suit, diving and retrieving competitions.

Day/Time: Saturday, September 8th; 9AM-12PM
Fee: $5 per Dog prior to day of event
$7 per Dog at the door day of the event
Location: The Keller Pointe Outdoor Pool
Visit or Call the Customer Service Desk for more information and to register: 817-743-4FUN (4386)

http://www.kellerparksandrec.org/pointe.htm

Check out Just Between Friends sale

If you didn't get all your shopping done during the sales tax free weekend, check out the Just Between Friends event this week.

The Just Between Friends Mid Cites/ N. Richland Hills Consignment Sale will be August 22-25 of 2007 at the Legacy church of Christ, 8801 Midcities Blvd., N. Richland Hills.

If you want to get an early start on shopping, volunteer to work the sale or consign some of your family's gently used clothes, toys and equipment. Saturday is Half-Price day. Items that are not marked with a star are 1/2 price. Doors open at 8:00 a.m.

This sale is for fall and summer items only and accepts Visa, Mastercard, checks and of course cash.

For more information, check out the website http://nrichlandhills.jbfsale.com/

Little Gym opens in Southlake

Get in the swing of the new school year at The newest Little Gym's open house scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, August 25.

The Little Gym is located at 210 Randol Mill Rd. next to the new organic grocery store Sprouts.

"We have a great membership program, give Gym Points for referrals, offer time in the gym for play groups and donate great stuff for charity events," says Donna Lake, spokeswoman for the new location.

Fall classes begin August 20 and the gym offers free trial classes.

For more information, contact Donna at 817-485-5454

or visit their website:

http://www.thelittlegym.com/gym/default.aspx?gymid=95