gcs moms league

Get family travel tips at January meeting

2007-12-27T10:31:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-08T13:36:00.001-08:00

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

2007-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

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

Kids can get cooking

2007-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Central Market in Southlake is offering Moms League members a two-for-one deal to sign up for a kids' cooking lesson with Chef Helen DeFrance this Saturday, Aug 11.

DeFrance is co-author of the book "At Home Cafe: Great Food and Fun for Everyone" and is a teacher at the exclusive Blackberry Farm Culinary program, She has dedicated the last ten years to teaching children of all ages how to handle themselves in the kitchen. From creating shopping lists, to assisting with meal preparation, serving and clean up, Helen believes that a sound culinary education is an important part of a well rounded childhood.

Participants will create a perfect summer meal that emphasizes basic techniques that 9- 12 year olds can master in this menu of: Lettuce Wraps; Fruit Brochettes; Summer Salads; and a No-Bake Dessert.

The store is taking reservations on a first-come, first-served basis for the $40 class. Please call 817-310-5610 to make reservations. Be sure to mention you are with the GCS Mom’s League to receive the special two-for-one offer.

Here's more info:

SAT., Aug., 11, 4 – 6 PM
MINI-CHEFS IN THE MAKING
(FOR– AGES 9-12)
Helen DeFrance, Cookbook Author & Culinary Instructor
Central Market-Southlake
Community Room
1425 E. Southlake Blvd.
(On the corner of Carroll Avenueand Southlake Blvd./FM-1709)
Southlake, Texas
For reservations, call 817-310-5610

If you can't get to the class, check out the kid-friendly "recipe of the month" on DeFrance's website

http://www.athomecafe.net/recipe.html

Clean out cluttered closets and help a great cause

2007-07-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Are you running out of storage space for all of your
old things?

Have your kids grown out of their old clothes and
toys, and you don’t know where to put them?

Have you been watching a "Mission Organization" marathon?

Would you like to help out a GREAT cause?

The DFW Center for Autism is organizing a garage sale
that will aid us in purchasing some much needed
classroom furniture and supplies.

The garage sale will take place at the DFW Center for
Autism on August 11th, 2007. The center is located at 303 W
Nash Grapevine, TX 76051, and we will be accepting all
donations at that location on August 9th and 10th.

Tax receipts will be available at drop-off time! If
you have any further questions, please feel free to
contact Becka Honardar at (817) 424-9797.

The center is looking for any of the following gently used
items:

Toys
Children’s clothing
Furniture
Decorative items
DVDs
Electronics

For more information, check out DFW Center for Autism's website at
http://www.dfwcenterforautism.com/

Cool things to do this summer

2007-07-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Summer's already halfway over, but this year's soggy June makes my family feel like it's just beginning - well that and the fact that afternoon temps have yet to top 100 degrees.

So we're just now venturing beyond the sofa and into local museums, libraries and water parks and here are a few of the things on our Summer Part II to-do list:

SummerFest at The Gaylord
This gigantic resort is like going on vacation without leaving town. This summer's festivities include strolling entertainers in the resort's atriums - such as jugglers, face painters, gun fighters, a monkey show, singing cowboys, and trick ropers. [817.778.1000]
Fri-Sun 7/4/07-9/3/07

Star Wars
The Fort Worth Museum of Science is giving kids an up close look inside a galaxy far, far, away at the summer exhibition “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination.” Check out Chewbacca, CP3O and the gang through Sept. 3.
[817.255.9300]
Ages: 3 and up
Daily 3/12/07-9/3/07

Splash around at NRH2O
One of the best places around to chill out, this North Richland Hills water park has something for everyone including the great kids zone Frogstein’s Splashatory. Get a $4 off discount with Dr. Pepper cans Sundays through Thurdays. (One discount per can) On Friday nights, catch the Dive In movies (G and PG-rated) under the stars on a giant screen suspended over the wave pool. Call for movie titles. [817.427.6500; http://www.nrh2o.com]
Daily 6/8/07-9/3/07

Southlake Summer Reading Club
The Southlake Public Library offers weekly puppet shows/performances Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and crafts (Mondays at 2 p.m.) this summer. The lineup includes “Pirate Magic” with Brett Roberts and Jungle Jim’s Bugs of the World.
http://www.cityofsouthlake.com/SouthlakeGovernment/City_Departments/Library/default.asp

Colleyville Library
This year's summer offerings includ a Bonce Time tor ages 3 (complete with books, music and snacks) on Fridays and weekly shows on Thursdays featuring the ever-popular Critterman plus the "family-friendly" vetriloquist Dennis Lee. For older kids, there are Bluebonnet readings and a mother[daughter book club.
http://www.youseemore.com/Colleyville/calendar.asp

Children’s Garden Workshops
For budding gardeners, Tinker Grove Gardens in Colleyville is offering children’s workshops Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on topics such as butterfly gardening. The gardens are located at 6230 Colleyville Blvd. (by Tinker Rd) 817-488-3525
http://www.tinkergrovegardens.com/

Summer Movie Fun
The deal of the summer has to be Harkins' Movie Club where you can get a summer of movies for $5? (Individual films are $2) The films are early (9:45 a.m.) and the line-up is mostly stuff already out of DVD, but still includes popular kids flicks such as Curious George, Over the Hedge, Open Season and Happy Feet Southlake 14 Theater, Highway 114 and Southlake Boulevard (in the Southlake Town Square) Southlake. 800/601-4SMF. www.harkinstheatres.com.

Spidermania
Fort Worth Zoo is offering “Arachnitopia – Amazing Spiders, Man!” through Jul 29. The exhibit features a collection of the largest, most venomous and unique spiders in the world, this exhibit will guide guests through a “mad scientist” lab while they learn about thousands of arachnid species, including spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites and pseudoscorpions. Fun and educational, it also provides guests the opportunity to learn more about the ways arachnids help balance the ecosystem and play an important role in biomedical advancements. $10.50 adults; $8 children; $7 seniors. Admission half-price Wednesdays. 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth. 817/759-7360. www.fortworthzoo.org. 10am-5pm daily

Welcome to the Grapevine Colleyville Southlake Moms League Blog

2007-07-23T11:54:00.001-07:00

Hi,

This is the blog for the Grapevine-Colleyville-Southlake- area Moms League. We're a non-profit organization of about 100 or so moms living in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Area. We meet the first Friday of the Month at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church on the border between Southlake & Keller. It’s fairly easily accessible from any point. We have a large meeting area so it is easy to accommodate all interested members, so our membership is never “full.” Though we meet at a church, we are not affiliated with any particular religious denomination.

Through the League, you will meet so many new and interesting people! People from all over the country (and the world for that matter) have settled in this community, and many have come to the League for friendship and support. We plan many activities to get to know one another. We have Playgroups for kids and moms, Children’s activities, and seasonal parties. We also have activities for Ladies and for Couples without the kids, and we have mini-clubs like Book Club, Bunco, and Craft Club.

We hope this blog will be a source of general information aqbout our group and a resource for moms in the DFW area!

For information about GCS Moms League including membership and upcoming meetings, check out our website at http://gcsmomsleague.org