Free CLEP Prep Classes Online

From mydallasmommy.com

Free College Credit Trial Course!!!


You might want to check out MyEduNation as it's free for readers to check it out! During the month of March, they are giving away free scholarships (a $379 value) to anyone 16 or older who would like to try their online study system. The materials are designed to help those interested in earning college credit by exam through CLEP testing.

Here is how to get your free trial!

Log on to www.myedunation.com

Click on "Free Registration"

Complete the short form and type in the code: freefordallasmommy

Click "Submit"

Choose "My Study Packs" to redeem your choice of free study materials

Sign up between now and March 31 to try the system. There is no obligation to buy; it's just a free trial to spread the word about the product and services.

Asian Throat-singing Concert (hmmm...?!)

3/31
Meadows School of the Arts

6101 Bishop Boulevard Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
214.768.1951
http://www.smu.edu/meadows
Ages: 5-19
Time: 12n
Cost: Free

SMU's Brown Bag series of free lunchtime performances continues with a concert by the award-winning group Alash, whose members are masters of Tuvan throat-singing, a centuries-old Central Asian musical tradition. Located in the Bob Hope Lobby in the Owen Arts Center on campus.

Free Texas Discovery Garden Fair

3/27
Texas Discovery Gardens

3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Dallas, TX
214.428.7476
http://www.texasdiscoverygardens.org/
Ages: All Ages
Time: 11am-3pm
Cost: Free

Families can learn about water conservation and recycling at the fifth annual Conservation in Action community fair, which features giveaways, crafts, games, and hands-on activities. The first 500 visitors receive free t-shirts, tote bags, hot dogs, and popcorn.

Free Teen Art Nite

3/25
Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas, TX
214.821.2522
http://www.dallascontemporary.org/
Ages: 13-17
Time: 6pm-8pm

Cost: FreeTeen Nite empowers students to create their own connections with contemporary art. The free event includes music, teen art tours, drop-in art activities, and pizza.

Young Writers Workshop

March 20
Dallas Museum of Art

1717 North Harwood
Dallas, TX
214.922.1818
http://www.dallasmuseumofart.org/
Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $10
Teens can join writing and design workshop with author John Grandits. Advance registration required.

Free Family Day at SMU Meadows Museum

March 20, 11- 2
Meadows Museum

5900 Bishop Boulevard Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
214.768.4677
http://www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org/


In conjunction with the Royal Splendor in the Enlightenment exhibit, families can enjoy gallery games, hands-on activities, and performances. The event includes free admission to the exhibition.

Drawing from the Masters

Meadows Museum

March, 14
5900 Bishop Boulevard Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
214.768.4677
Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Cost: Free with paid admission ($4 students 13 and up, $8 adults)
http://www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org/
 
Adults and teens ages 15 and up can drop in for informal drawing instruction with artist Ian O'Brien, who leads participants through the museum's permanent collection. Drawing materials are available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchpads and pencils.


Attendance is limited to 20 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Kids Craft Events This Weekend

This Saturday March 13th at 10 a.m. Lowe's Build & Grow is helping you and your child create a Tabletop Basketball Game.


Build and Grow clinics are FREE to participate in and your child will receive an apron, goggles a merit patch and a certificate of completion.

Click HERE to register for these fun and free clinics at your nearest Lowe's.

Michael’s has several FREE events this month, including a Fun with Beads on the 13th and Lady Bug Clay Pot on the 14th! Click here for times and locations!

Thanks, http://www.mydallasmommy.com/

10 Free Irish Song Downloads

Go here for 10 free Celtic songs of Saint Patricks Day.

Thanks, mommyswishlist.blogspot.com

Free Printable Spring Cleaning Guide

Go here for a free spring cleaning guide.

Thanks, mydallasmommy.com

Free Dallas Museum of Art This Saturday

WFAA Family Free Day


Saturday, March 13

Presented by Dallas Museum of Art

Go here for directions and details.

FREE!
Join us for the WFAA Family First Day, presented by WFAA and Medical City Children's Hospital. Meet on-air personalities, create a work of art in the studio, watch a family film, participate in gallery activities, and enjoy vacation-themed family experiences. Meet student artists and learn about their work in the Young Masters exhibition, enjoy activities just for children four and under, and experience storytime with our award-winning storyteller, Ann Marie Newman. Sing along as Gerald Jones and World Champion fiddler Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor play an eclectic mix of music on the fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

Workshop: Preserving Family Treasures

Organizing & Preserving Family Treasures


Friday, March 12 through Saturday, March 13

Presented by African American Museum

$10-$25

Call 214.565.9026 ext 307 to order
For the official website click here.

Archival workshop to teach participants how to take care of family and organizational materials. Topics will include techniques to organize and preserve papers and photos, electronic information and digital photos. The workshop will also touch on preserving furniture, quilts, ceramics and how to conduct oral history projects. Box lunch and materials included in registration cost. Lecturers: Wayne Coleman (Head of Archives, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute) and Rebecca Hankins (Assistant Professor and Archivist, Texas A&M University).

Dates: Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 6:00 pm and Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:00 am

International Dance Classes

International dance classes


Through Friday, July 16

Presented by Dallas International Folk Dancers

$5
Go here for the official website

Find your tribe. Dance to the music of various peoples of the world - Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Israel and more. Instruction provided. No partner necessary.

CSI Family Day

CSI Family Day:  Sixth Floor Museum, Downtown Dallas


March 14, 2010 – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Go here for details.

Offering a fun and engaging afternoon of whodunit, CSI Family Day is ideal for families with children 8 years and older or anyone who is interested in learning about crime investigation. Examine a mock crime scene and find clues at a variety of evidence stations, including fingerprints, hair, eyewitness testimony and document analysis.

Free with paid admission to the museum, CSI Family Day is made possible through the generous support of Wells Fargo and UNT CSID, and is presented in partnership with the University of North Texas Forensic Science Club and with support from the Dallas Police Department.

Cats at Cedar Valley

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats

Friday, March 12 through Saturday, March 13
Presented by Cedar Valley College Family Music Theater
$5-$10, Call 972.860.2994 to order

Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Go here for more details.

Family Music Theatre (FMT) proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats in the Performance Hall at Cedar Valley College (CVC), 3030 N. Dallas Avenue in Lancaster.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for seniors (age 55+) and $5 for children (ages 4-12) and are available in advance at the CVC Business Office, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 972.860.2994. For more information, please call 972.860.7444, ext. 9302.

Based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, Webber's musical has become one of the world's best known and most loved theatrical productions. A tribe of cats gathers in a junkyard for the Jellicle Ball. The members celebrate their special abilities and unique personalities in the process of selecting one cat to go to the "Heavyside Layer."

Director Dr. Sam Germany interprets themes of identity and redemption amidst all the revelry. Since its 1981 debut, Cats has been produced in more than 20 countries and has been translated into 10 languages

More Free Online Books

To read books free online go to books.google.com.  Last year they boasted 10 million scanned books.  You can read public domain and out-of-print books in entirety.  Newer books have varying amounts you can read.  Many newer books will have almost the whole book available, while others will have only snippets.  For example, my son is about to read Return to Gone Away Lake, and it has every chapter but one.  Their goal is to have every book ever printed, including ancient texts available online.

Tabernacle Experience

March 19 - 28, $5
The Barnard family's church, Inglewood Baptist in Grand Prairie, is hosting the Tabernacle Experience.  You will be able to walk through a life-size replica of the Tabernacle and learn how Christ is symbolized in each part.
Go here to find out details.

Free Carousel Mondays at Parks Mall

Free Carousel Mondays at the Parks Mall in Arlington


Print out this email and bring it in to receive a

Free Carousel Ride any Monday

in March (1,8,15,22,29)!


Plus, get 1/2 off Carousel Birthday Parties (reg $99) when you bring in this email!

Thanks, Carrie Ely!

Free Kids Knitting Workshop

Please join us in the Children’s Center at the Downtown Dallas Library for a 2-day knitting workshop on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19 at 2:00 pm. Join experienced knitter Katy Herrick for a fun and informative program on learning to knit! She will demonstrate the basics and give out directions and patterns to take home. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own knitting needles and yarn. No registration is required, and you are welcome to attend both days of the workshop or either day separately.


This program will probably last about an hour, and will be most appropriate for ages 6 and up.
Please note that this program will take place during DISD Spring Break and is open to homeschoolers as well as school children, and will be held in the Children's Center of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St , Dallas , TX . Please join us for this fun and educational program in our temporary space on the first floor of the Central Library.

Ft. Worth Coupons from Sally Verando

Just in time for Spring Break....


a link for coupons to some Ft. Worth attractions such as Log Cabin Village, IMAX at FW Museum of Science & History, Amon Carter Museum, etc. They expire Mar. 31, 2010.

http://www.fortworth.com/coupons/

Free Book Illustration Class

Please join us in the Children’s Center at the Central Library in downtown Dallas for a 2-day Art Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 16 and 17 at 2:00 pm. Capture the best moments of your favorite story as we use a variety of drawing techniques to do book illustration. Participants need to come with the title of their favorite book. The workshop will be supervised by Jonathan Carr, whose background includes book and comic book illustration. No registration is required, and you are welcome to attend both days of the workshop or either day separately. This class is recommended for ages 8-14.



Please note that this program will take place during DISD Spring Break and is open to homeschoolers as well as school children, and will be held in the Children's Center of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St , Dallas , TX . Please join us for this fun and educational program in our temporary space on the first floor of the Central Library.

Free Audio Books!

Go here to download free audio books. It looks like they offer as many classics as you could read in a lifetime.  Don't be confused by the audiobooks.com ad that mentions a free trial.  This site is definitely free all the time.

Free Popular Science Archives

Go here for a mountain of science supplementals.  It's very easy to search their 137 years of publication.

World Premier of a Family Friendly Movie

Angels Love Donuts premiers on Sat. March 20 at the historic Texas Theatre at 2 pm. Tickets are $10. Website is crosswiseplayers.com. Phone is 214-330-8478.


Part of the proceeds go to support students at GIAL- WyCliffe

Money Management for Kids

At the Downtown Dallas library

Join us on Tuesday, March 23 (that's the fourth Tuesday of this month) at 1:00 for a program focused on money and saving! Presenter Justin Zammit, a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, will start with a segment on money and play a trading game with the kids. He will then cover how to earn money, pay for necessities, and decide between spending now and saving for the future. The final segment will allow the children pick something they want to save for and make a plan to earn income and achieve their goal. This program will probably last about 45 minutes, and will be most appropriate for ages 7-12, though all ages are welcome.


Please note that this Homeschool Program will be held in the Children's Center of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St , Dallas , TX . Please join us for this fun and educational program in our temporary space on the first floor of the Central Library. No advance registration is necessary.

Great Safe Website for Kid Games, Websites, and Videos

From Carrie Ely:  I found this web browser on the apple website. It is free and we downloaded it yesterday. It is full of all kinds of teacher tested, kid-friendly websites. It will even send you daily updates of their activity. We are trying it out. Justin loves it. Just an FYI.

Click here for the largest number of games, websites, videos and photos reviewed by parents and teachers anywhere. Kids can find what they need to help with schoolwork, by themselves.


https://www.kidzui.com/parent_admin

5th Annual Homeschool Family Camp

Fifth Annual Homeschool Family Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch, near Winter Park, Colorado

August 15th - 20th

I'll be posting the prices soon.  I can tell you they are very reasonable.  For years, many of you have said you wanted to join us.  Maybe this is the year!

Little Women: The Musical

Presented by Collin Theatre Center in Plano, $10-$15 buy tickets, Call 972.881.5809 to order

For more info on the theatre center, go here.

Based on Louisa May Alcott's own family experiences (and novel), Little Women, follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written.

Now, this wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. This powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope -- the sounds of a young America finding its voice.

This stage adaptation of the American classic novel a classic has become a musical theatre treasure in its own right. Directed by Brad Baker and Mark Mullino (Big River, Li'l Abner), with choreography by Paula Morelan.

Dates:
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 2:15 pm

Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 2:15 pm

Field Trip: Special showing of Lewis and Clark at the Ft. Worth IMAX

Sally Verando is  putting a field trip together for the IMAX movie Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West at the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History on Tues., Apr. 6 at 10 a.m. This is a 40-minute film not currently shown to the public. It is available only for field trips, recommended for grades 4 - 12. We need a minimum of 12 people--adults and children--for our group. Cost is $3.50 per child 3 -12; $5 per adult; free for children under 3.


To visit the museum or planetarium will cost extra at the school rate.

Museum: additional $5 for children (3-12), $10 adults

Planetarium: additional $2.50 children (3-12), $4.50 adults

Planetarium times available are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. These shows book fast so the deadline for the planetarium is Thurs., Mar. 18. Even then, I can't guarantee that it won't already be filled up. Deadline for movie and museum visits is Wed., Mar. 31.

Below is a description of the film and a "clip 'n' mail" form for you to fill out and attach your payment. Please fill out completely and mail the form, especially if you want to go to the planetarium. Address is on form below. I will also have a drop-off envelope at co-op after Spring Break.

Only fully paid reservations will have confirmations.

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West

At dawn of our nation, two courageous captains of the U.S. Army led a mission of 31 explorers from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean and back. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark pushed their Corps of Discovery --which included a heroic Native American woman, Sacagawea, and her infant son -- to the limits of endurance. Theirs was a grueling journey through thick forests and raging rapids, over towering peaks and plunging precipices. It was a treacherous 8,000-mile trek that was survived thanks to the grace and generosity of the Native Americans who inhabited this unmapped land.

Visit the Family Activity Guide here to preview educational content and download the educators guide with activities for use with your kids.

Click here for directions.

Thanks,
Sally Verrando
214-552-0153

Central Library Homeschool Events

Thanks, Sally Verando, for keeping us posted on events at the Central Library in downtown Dallas.  Here are some tentative events:

March: Finance Workshop, where kids can learn about basic saving, bank accounts, investing, and more.


April: Panel discussion of homeschool parents

May: Homeschool Science Fair!

20% off Half-Price Books for this Weekend

Thanks, Lillian Mora for this great coupon.

http://www.halfpricebooks.com/coupon-Booklovers_Weekend.html

Around the World in 90 Minutes

Thanks, Sally Verrando, for this great tip.

Around the World in 90 Minutes comes to Eastfield College


CONTACT: Amy McDonald, Marketing & Advertising Coordinator

972-860-7180 phone, 972-860-8324 fax, amymcdonald@ dcccd.edu

On March 2, award-winning author Marty Essen presents

his high-energy digital slide show, Around the World in 90 Minutes, at

Eastfield College.


Marty’s show features interesting facts, humorous stories, and the best

of thousands of photos he took while traveling the world for his book,

Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents. It's the

type of show where the audience has fun laughing at the stories, oohing

and aahing at the photos, and then, when it's all done, they realize

just how much they've learned.


Around the World in 90 Minutes began as a show Marty presented in

bookstores as part of his first book tour. Later, after numerous

refinements, the show took on a life of its own in colleges, museums,

and nature centers across the United States. In fact, it has been APCA’s

(a major college activities association) #1 booked college lecture for

sixteen months straight.

Highlights of Marty’s show include:

Amazing animal facts

Debunking animal myths

Cuddly wallaroos and spiny walking sticks

Charging elephants and howling wolves

Deadly snakes and friendly penguins

Bizarre creatures and endangered species

Swimming with piranhas

Kayaking in the rainforest

Hiking with the Porcupine caribou migration

Rafting with humpback whales

Surviving a hippo attack in Zimbabwe

Marty Essen has won multiple book awards for travel/essay writing,

including the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Best Books Book Award, and

the National Indie Excellence Award. In addition, he won a first place

award at 2009 Green Book Festival in Los Angeles, and the Minneapolis

Star-Tribune named Cool Creatures, Hot Planet a top-10 “green” book.



Show time: Tuesday, March 2, at 12:30 p.m.

Place: Eastfield College, Eastfield College Performance Hall, 3737

Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX

Phone: (972) 860-7186

Price: Free



For more information or an interview, contact Marty Essen at (406)

642-3333 or Marty@MartyEssen. com.



Eastfield College, one of the seven Dallas County Community Colleges,

is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite, just north of I-30.

Free Environmental Film Festival

Saint Marks Academy in Dallas is hosting a free film festival this Saturday.  The movies are all related to the environment.  There is one about the dangers of chemicals in household cleaners and another called Food Inc. which is about the US food industry and processed foods.

http://www.smtexas.org/ftpimages/73/misc/misc_71026.pdf
http://www.smtexas.org/ftpimages/73/misc/misc_71148.pdf

A Poem by Our Own Catherine Wood

A Poem for Mothers in Winter




by Catherine Wood



My house is full of pirates and princesses;

fencing in the hall,

dancing through the kitchen.

My husband calls,

"Avast! Prepare to defend against boarders!"

But we were invaded long ago by the little people.

Sometimes a flotilla of laundry-basket boats lines the living room.

Sometimes there is darkness at noon,

while cowboys sleep in tents on the prairie.

Today, the peasant girls are singing,

carrying cornfeed in their aprons

to feed the indoor chickens.

Just before lunch, Daniel Boone rode into town

with a small bear thrown across his horse,

(a bear that looked a lot like his baby sister

in a panda hat).



It used to be more boring around here.

There used to be a bunch of hollering kids,

pulling all the cushions off my couch,

strewing clothes,

dropping ice and jelly on the floor,

avoiding their schoolwork,

oblivious to law and order.



But then, one day,

I saw the fairies come to play,

and they brought with them

those handsome stagecoach drivers,

ridin' hard to outpace robbers,

hot on the Sundance Trail.



One day, I'm sure they'll all ride off into the sunset,

leaving my living room and kitchen

all in perfect order.

But 'til then,

my house is full of pirates and princesses.

Winter Olympics Unit Studies

For the official site go here.  You'll find schedules, news, and more info on the athletes.
For coloring pages go here.
For puzzles go here.
To hear podcasts of experts discussing the Olympics go here.
For activities that take ten minutes or less, go here.
For downloadable unit studies to purchase, go here.

Lowe's Free Project for Kids

Saturday, February 13, 10 - 11

Kids can learn how to use tools and make their own wooden jewelry organizers to take home. All supplies and safety gear are provided. The event takes place at Lowe's locations throughout the area.  Go here for more info.

Visit the website to register in advance or to find a workshop near you; space fills up quickly.https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Free Valentine's Crafts at Michael's

This weekend :


Feb 6 Valentine's Day Card Making & Box 10am - 2pm

Feb 6 Free Demo: Wilton Valentine Cookie 2pm - 4pm

Coming up in February :

Feb 9 Make It Take It: Valentine's Treat Bag 6pm - 8pm

Feb 13 Make It Take It: Heart Shaped Frame 10am - 1pm

Feb 27 Make It Take It: Family Event Science Fair 10am - 1pm


SOME of these events have small fees. The treat bag is $0.79 cents, the frame is $1 and the Valentines Day box is $4.99. The Wilton demo and the Family science fair are free.

Thanks, http://www.mydallasmommy.com/

Free Tickets to See Sally Ride

Better hurry on this on. Thanks, Carrie Ely, for the heads up!

One of America's most-famous and most-beloved astronauts, Ride became the first American woman in space when she joined the STS-7 crew on June 18, 1983.


At the time, she was also the youngest American (32)—male or female—ever to enter space. Ride flew two Shuttle missions, totaling more than two weeks in space.

In the wake of the 1986 Challenger disaster, Ride was named to the Presidential Commission investigating the accident and authored NASA's first strategic plan. She also served on the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation Board in 2003.

Sally Ride is now a professor of physics at the University of California at San Diego and is president and CEO of Sally Ride Science, which focuses on getting children, especially girls, interested in science.

Ride's lecture is part of the Maverick Speaker's Series and coincides with the 50th Anniversary celebration of UT Arlington's College of Engineering.

Tickets are required, but free. To get yours please go the Maverick Speakers Series site by clicking here.

Free Chocolate Truffle Making Class

The Hampton-Illinois library, which is just a couple of blocks from my house, is hosting a free class on how to make chocolate truffles.  We've attended this class before, and not only did we learn how to make a Valentine treat, but we also got to sample the truffles.  What's more, we got to bring home extra truffles!  My daughter and I hope to attend.

Chocolate Truffle Class
Wednesday, February 10
6:00 PM
Hampton-Illinois Library
Black Box Theater
Click here for a map.

Free Museums This Weekend and Every Month

Free admission to a museum this weekend!


This weekend, Feb 6th and 7th, Bank of America is offering FREE museum admission to every Bank of America card holder! You can choose between: Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Nature and Science, or Ft Worth Museum of Science and History. This is for the first weekend of EVERY month! You will need your Bank of America Card and a picture ID to get in. Click here for more details.

Thanks, http://www.mydallasmommy.com/

Groundhog Day Lesson Plans

Our own Carrie Ely is from the town in Pennsylvania where the official groundhog comes out tomorrow.  She has sent us websites with lesson plans.  Sounds fun!  Be sure to wish Carrie a Happy Groundhog Day.

 http://www.punxsutawneyphil.com/

http://www.groundhog.org/
www.groundhog.org/teachers/lesson-plans/
http://www.groundhog.org/groundhog-day/history/

Latin Music Concert

Music Faculty Concert

Friday, January 29
Presented by UT Dallas - Conference Center
$5
Go here for a schedule of more great art events and a map to the concert.
An evening of Latin music celebrating the 40th anniversary of UT Dallas.

Free Poetry Workshop for Teens

Moving Words Poetry Workshop


Saturday, February 6

Presented by Dallas Public Library - Mountain Creek
FREE!
Teens will learn the fundamentals of writing poetry.
Dates:
Saturday, February 6, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
Go here to find a map to Mountain Creek Library.

Free Money Workshop For Teens

Money Matters Workshop


Event Type: Teen Center

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010

Start Time: 5:00 PM

Library: North Oak Cliff
Go here for more info.

Description:When it comes to money which spender are you? The one who's just getting by, the Big Spender or the one who get's it? Money Matters is a 60 min workshop to help you figure out how to keep more of the of the money you earn.

Free Writing Workshops for Teens

Date: 2/6/2010

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 3:00 PM

Moving Words is a one hour literacy camp with local writers to assist teens in the art of creative writing. Teens will develop or enhance their ability to express thoughts, feelings and emotions. Teens will focus on writing creative fiction, poetry and playwriting.

Library: Mountain Creek Branch Library

Go here for more info. (I can't promise that the cute boys in the photo will actually be in attendance, girls!)

You and Your Girl

You and Your Girl is a Mother-Daughter day at First Baptist Church Carrolton for moms and girls ages 10 - 18.  It is $30 for mom and $30 for the first daughter.  There will be positive messages, worship, girl time, and break out sessions. The speaker and musicians, Vicki Courtney and Sunflowerz, are nationally recognized.Click here for more details.

Jane Austen Teaching Guide

In anticipation of watching Emma tonight on Channel 13 with my soon-to-be teenager, I discovered this wonderful resource on the pbs website.  Moms of teen girls:  go here for an extensive teachers guide for watching PBS movies based of Jane Austen's novel.

If you missed Emma on TV, you can watch it from your computer during this week whenever is convenient for you.  Pop some popcorn, then here to start the movie.

KidFilm Festival

Go here for the complete schedule and movie description for this weekend's KidFilm Festival at the Angelika in Dallas.  We go every year and there are sometimes fun surprises like actors or directors who talk about the movie afterwards.  Expect to see us belting out Muppet Movie tunes at the sing-along tomorrow (Saturday) at 12:30. 

Free Shakespeare and Stage Combat Workshop

This 5 week advanced workshop will be taught by Master Junior Player Instructors Valarie Hauss-Smith & Kent Williams. The workshop will be focused on Shakespearean text and basic stage combat techniques. The workshop will conclude on March 6th with a culminating exhibition/performance. This is a great opportunity for those wanting to audition for our summer Shakespeare production!


Details:

Age Range: 9th thru 12th Grades

Dates: February 6th thru March 6th (Saturdays Only)

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Sammons Center for the Arts, in Kurth Hall (4th floor)

Address: 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas TX 75219

To register for this workshop or if you have any questions please call Program Director Rosaura Cruz at 214-526-4076.

Great Deal on New Veggie Tales DVDs

Do your kids love Veggie Tales?  Here's a great deal on a new release that I came across on http://www.mydallasmommy.com/


You can get a bundle, each costing $6.25 or $25 for everything!

The bundle includes: Pistachio DVD, Silly Little Thing Called Love DVD, God Made You Special CD and Christian Hit Music CD.

Here’s how to work the deal:

Go HERE to the VeggieTales site.

Click on “Free Shipping Special Offer” on the right hand side. Don’t click the Pistachio movie advertised on the homepage – this won’t get you the same deal.

Then, click on “Pistachio Love” Combo on the right hand side and add it to your cart.
Use coupon code DEALS2BUY at checkout.

You will pay now and it will be arrive on or near February 27th – it’s release date!

Free Pie on National Pie Day

Friends,  Come to my neck of the woods for some unforgetable Norma's Pie.  Norma's is a classic home-cookin' diner that's been around since the 50s.  They are known far and wide for their pie.  Both Norma’s Café locations will offer free slices of pie on National Pie Day, January 22nd!  Look for me eating their peanut butter chocolate chip pie.


North Dallas Location
17721 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75287

Oak Cliff Location
1123 West Davis Street
Dallas, TX 75208

Free Ebook: Thriving On Less

Go here for a Free ebook: Titled – ‘Thriving on Less – Simplifying in a Tough Economy’.

Chapters include:


1. A Simple Lifestyle

2. Focus on the Essentials

3. Thriving on Less, Not Struggling

4. Focusing on Enough, Not More

5. Make Small Financial Changes First

6. Look at Large Expenses for the Long Term

7. Changing Your Spending Habits

8. A Guide to Getting Out of Debt

9. Tools for a Frugal Life

10. Resources

Stock Show Rodeo Coupon

Click here for a coupon to the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo
My husband has done some research and this is the best coupon he can find.

Free Sprinkles Cupcakes!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

4020 Villanova Drive
Dallas, TX 75225

Sprinkles gives away FREE cupcakes every single day if you know the word of the day! The first 50 people to whisper the word of the day, will get free cupcakes...check out their twitter handle or Facebook page!
Go here for Sprinkles locations.  Click this for the word of the day on their Facebook page.

Free Printable Graph Paper

After eight years of teaching math to SALT students and to my own kids, I know many mistakes are made because students have messy papers and can't read their own numerals.  Using graph paper helps kids to slow down and to put the numbers in the right place value spots.  Somehow it helps them want to be neater. Go here for free printable graph paper of all kinds.  You can even chose your color and size of grids.

Homeschooling Through Grief

I came across this article in a website I frequent.  It is written by Julie Bogart, the author of the Brave Writer curriculum.  Maybe you could pass it on to a homeschooler who is experiencing loss.

Grief is such a strange thing. You can be perfectly calm at a memorial service and then burst into tears in the supermarket line. You feel energetic from a good night’s rest, but can’t remember phone numbers. Your brain feels scrambled. Sometimes you’re living under water, all actions slow motion and blurry, hard work, yet the pain is dull not sharp. Then guilt jumps you and you wonder why you can’t pull yourself together to get things done when you’ve already cried your tears and the event that triggered the grief was so long ago (whatever amount of time that is: six hours, four weeks, one year).


Homeschooling under those conditions is grueling. You feel responsible yet unable. It happens to school teachers too. My American Literature teacher in 11th grade lost his fiance in a freak tidal wave on the California coast. It derailed our class for the rest of the year. He spent one session telling us the vivid details of what happened to her, through his tears. From that day on (early fall), he never did get himself together. We limped our way through The Great Gatsby, Steinbeck and Hemingway without much insight or clearly defined writing projects. He missed many classes. Yet we survived. He did too.

One benefit to homeschooling is that you literally are in a house. Taking breaks, napping, crying in the bathroom are more viable than in a school setting. Remember that. Give yourself a break. Additionally, if you’re grieving the loss of someone in the family dear to you (as you are Kelly), chances are your kids are too. They can understand if you say, “I need this morning to just lie down and rest because I’m sad.”

I’ve been through one of the toughest years of my life (2009). My grief was not induced by death, but it’s been a process of loss anyway. I can’t say I survived it well, but I will share with you a few things I know about living with grief and adjusting homeschool to that unhappy rhythm.

“You can’t cheat the dark gods.” If you’re sad, you’re sad. Don’t pretend not to be or it will squirt out in irritability or anger when one of your kids spills the orange juice or giggles too loudly. If you feel blank and unfocused, chances are supporting a rigorous routine will elude you. Then you will heap guilt on your already weary spirit. Start by recognizing that you’re in a process that will take some time to get through. Acknowledge your feelings, in a journal if nothing else, and find ways to slow down the pace of life to accommodate your sadness.

Get a support system. Don’t rely on your kids to talk to you or to help you through the blues. Pick a friend you can call any time of day or night. Then talk to that person. Or if you prefer, create an email dialog with someone who understands your pain. Exchange emails. Don’t keep your emotions in. Find an outlet of support. (Hint: Husband may not be the best person for this if he is going through a similar grieving process.)

Pace yourself. This is when it helps a lot to go back to basics. What aspects of homeschool are most nurturing to all of you? What can you do with your kids that is the lowest stress? I found that reading aloud was a great way to stay on track and to be restful. I also liked using DVDs and the computer for some of our education. I relied more on tutors and group learning (co-op) so that I wasn’t in charge of so much. Remember: you can catch up next year. No need to press too hard this year.

Go vanilla. This is not the year for glitzy memorable unit studies complete with parties and field trips. Think 3 R’s. How can you keep reading, ‘riting and ‘rithematic going? Let history and science slide (if your kids are not in high school). If they are in high school, rely more on self-study and movies, group learning and tutors (if you can). Recognize that sometimes just keeping up with the basics is about all you can muster, but it is enough. Some years, it’s more than enough. Teatimes are one way to keep a routine that is nurturing. See if these can continue to be in your weekly lifestyle without too much stress.

Let them watch some TV and play computer games. I know, I know. That sounds so cynical. Here’s something I know from experience. Kids learn because that’s what they do. I’ve discovered from having been through a rough year myself that my kids have learned stuff I never taught them from Seinfeld episodes, from reality TV, from music (spending big quantities of time listening to and copying lyrics). Your kids need space to recover too, so let them do some of these “lesser forms of learning” without guilt. Remember the summers of your youth when you vegged out all day watching game shows or old movies? It’s okay. They’ll be okay. A little bit of learning combined with a lot of technology and TV for a period of time (a season) may be the easiest way to recover from such a blow as losing your mother. You’ll all get restless and sick of that lifestyle when your energy revives. You will. Trust it.

Deliberately take time for you. Get away from the house, the family, your responsibilities. If you can spend time each week alone at a library or in nature or at a spiritual center, do it. I go to church alone (my kids go to a different church). In warm weather, I take time after church to go to a look out over the Ohio river. I read, journal, sit quietly, and watch coal barges float by. In the cold weather, I ski each week. Be good to you. Restore yourself. Love yourself.

Evaluate your recovery not by days or weeks, but by months and quarters. Change your measurements to longer spans of time. If you get a writing project done per quarter or maybe per semester, be glad. Affirm what you do. Ignore what you don’t do.

Over time, you’ll heal. You’ll know you’re healing because your energy will rebound. As it does, add in some of the missing pieces. But don’t be afraid to throw stuff out or to have a month where you lapse. Grief isn’t linear. It’s cyclical. You can get a lot of energy back and then one visit from family can send you back into the spiral. And of course, if you find that your grief turns into depression, you know (I’m sure!) to get professional help. Therapy has helped me tremendously and sometimes anti-depressants are the difference between drowning and swimming to safety.

Here’s hoping that each day gets a little better for you, just as the sun’s rays are lengthening a little bit every evening.

Julie

Free Photo Valentine Cards

Right now, you can get 25 free photo cards from SeeHere (by Fujifilm) here, and just pay shipping (around 3 bucks). How you ask?

This is from my friend's blog:  mommyswishlist.blogspot.com
Set up an account here with SeeHere (or login if you already have an account) and then upload and create your photo card for Valentine's Day. Use pictures of your kids, your dog, whatever you'd like. Be sure to save your card in the system on SeeHere when you're done. Then go ahead and put 25 photo cards in your cart and checkout and use coupon code newbaby, and you'll get all 25 free. Just pay shipping. By the way, NEW account members also can get 50 free photo prints too!


FYI: If you've already made your Valentine's Cards, think about 25 free "Thank You" cards! Or "Thinking of You" cards.

Boxtop Progress!

Hello all! It is time to let you know how we are doing in our boxtops campaign. The website has updated our earnings, and I am happy to report that we have been mailed a check for $129.33!!!!! This is great news! This came mostly from families being diligent to clip the boxtops off items already in our homes. The only cost is the time of clipping! I am also excited to report that approximately $5 of this came from marketplace purchases. This was only from two families shopping. I have purchased through there multiple times and I am telling you it is so easy to do. Many times it comes with a coupon code or special offer just through the website.


Thank you to all who have taken the time to contribute to this fundraiser. Our goal for this school year is $500. I believe we can do it. There are 23 families registered at the boxtops website. I am so excited about the potential of this program. I believe that shopping through the website is our biggest untapped earnings potential. If each family made one purchase at the website per month and clipped boxtops we could easily reach our goal. The next deadline is February 28th for the April check. We already have quite a few boxtops building up. Thank you. These go in the basket with the striped lining that is on the tables. Please do not put anything other than boxtops in them.Let me know if you have any questions!

Carrie

Free Ebook

Click here for a free ebook on 100 Free Things to Do With Your Grandkids.  Actually, the activities are great for anyone to do with a kid-- not just grandparents.

Free Audubon Center on 3rd Thursdays

Free Third Thursday


Get an fun look at nature—for free!—with guided hikes, kids crafts, amphibian watches and more.
Where: Trinity River Audubon Center

6500 S. Loop 12
Dallas, TX

When: Jan 21
9am-9pm every third Thu of the month.
Price: Free
Phone: 214/398-8722 
http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org/

Foreign Adoption Meeting

Adoption Information Meeting


A representative of Dillon International will give an overview of the licensed, nonprofit agency's adoption programs in China, Korea, India, Haiti and Hong Kong, plus new opportunities in Ghana and Nepal. A domestic adoption program for Texas families and adoption programs in Ethiopia, Russia and Honduras, available through an affiliation with Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services, will also be discussed.
 
Where: Buckner Children's Home campus


5200 S. Buckner Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75227

When: Jan 21
6-7:30pm
Price: Free
Phone: 214/319-3426
Web: www.dillonadopt.com

Free Craft at American Girl Store

Addy's Paper Lantern Craft


Girls ages 8 and older will make cute paper lanterns just like the one American Girl Addy might have made in 1864.
 
Where: American Girl Boutique and Bistro

13464 Dallas Pkwy.

Dallas, TX

When: Jan 18
11am-1pm.
Price: Free.
Phone: 877/247-5223
Web: www.americangirl.com

KidFilm Festival $3/movie

26th Annual KidFilm presented by the USA Film Festival


Programs will include a tribute to award-winning children's book author and illustrator Mo Willems (who will be there in person!), creator of Leonardo, The Terrible Monster; Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale; and Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! KidFilm will also feature new classics including Jack and the Beanstalk, a 20th Anniversary Tribute to Aardman Animations and special sing-along screenings of The Muppet Movie and The Wizard of Oz! To receive a full program schedule, please contact the USA Film Festival at usafilmfest@aol.com or 214/821-3456.

Where: Angelika Film Center Dallas


5321 E. Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Station

Dallas, TX 75206

When: Jan 23 - Jan 24
12:30pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm
Price: $3 per program
Phone: 214/821-3456
Web: www.usafilmfestival.com

Boat and Fishing Show at Bass Pro

Free Boat Show at Bass Pro


January 16th & 17th Bass Pro Grapevine, 2501 Bass Pro Dr. Grapevine (972) 724-2018 Cost: Free. Join the Tracker Experts for some GREAT deals and GREAT family fun. FREE!!! Boating & Fishing Seminars!

Saturday 1pm - Do-it-yourself Service

Saturday 2pm - Women & Boats - The Essentials

Saturday 3pm - Finding Fish with Electronics

Sunday 1pm - Boating Safety

Sunday 2pm - Organizing Your Boat to Fish

Sunday 3pm - Local Fishing Tips

Come in and meet Pro-Angler Gene Ellison as he will be giving you some Tips, Tricks, Tackle, and More.

FREE Family activities: Build your own boat then have a rain gutter race (while supplies last) Test your casting skills at our casting game FREE Snacks & Refreshments starting at Noon; While supplies last

Model Train Show

Dallas Area Train Show


Model train show with operating layouts, dealer displays, how-to-clinics and videos running both days of the event. Ages 4+. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm in Plano at Plano Centre. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. $7 per person (children 12 and under admitted free). For more info: 817-721-5064, or click here.

Fort Worth Stock Show

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo


The Fort Worth Stock Show is more than just a rodeo - a wide array of activities and events will entertain Stock Show guests. The carnival midway thrills the young and not so young while fashions, home furnishings as well as farm and ranch equipment will be offered by more than 200 exhibitors. Food for every taste will be found over the entire Will Rogers Complex. Of course the Stock Show is about "stock" and visitors will have the opportunity to see the best cattle, horses, sheep and many other species on display at one of the best livestock events the nation has to offer. All ages. 1/15-2/7; activities vary. Please check website for schedule. In Fort Worth at Will Rogers Memorial Center. General admission tickets permit access to all livestock events, educational programs, commercial exhibits and carnival/midway: Adults/$8, children 6-16/$4, 5 and under/free. Rodeo tickets are separate but entitle holders to general admission. Click here for more info.

Free Wii Gaming

Wii Gaming


Event Type: Teen Center

Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010

Start Time: 6:00 PM

Library: Mountain Creek

Description: Teens will get a chance to compete against each other on the Wii gaming console.

Age(s): Teen
 
Go here to find a map to Mountain Creek Branch.

Free Photography Workshop for Teens

World N Me Photography


Event Type: Teen Center

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2010

Start Time: 2:00 PM

Library: Polk-Wisdom

Description:Learn all about taking great photographs during this hour long workshop with a professional photographer.

Age(s): Teen
 
Go here for a map.

Yearbook Candids Needed

It's time to start putting the yearbook together and we need pictures!!! I know you have all been taking pictures of your classes (teachers, students and parents, too). We need those pictures!!!


Please email snapshots to me at suesueramsey@gmail.com or if you have a lot of pictures you can copy them to a cd and give them to me that way. Or, if it would be better for you, bring your memory card to SALT and I'll copy it to the computer.

Thank you so much,

Susan Ramsey

Misc. Announcements

Produce - Produce Club Pick-Up day is NEXT Wednesday, January 20th. The price is $20. If you have not signed up, and wish to, email Satin Hamilton at satinhamilton@sbcglobal.net



Yearbook Staff Meeting - NEXT Monday, January 18th, 12:45. We will be looking at the Yearbook website and assigning sections to each staff member. The meeting will last at least 30 minutes, so you might want to bring a snack or lunch. We will meet in the lounge.


Picture Retakes - TOP of Texas will be back NEXT Wednesday, January 20th from 9 am to 1 pm to do retakes. If you return your pictures you have already received, you will not be charged for retakes. If you want to purchase new pictures, that's fine, too. If you missed picture day in November, please have your picture taken, even if you do not want to purchase pictures, as we need everyone's photo in the yearbook.



EXTRAS -

* We still are ordering TAMALES every month - check at the front desk.

* You can still get a SALT t-shirt, long sleeve or short sleeve!

* ID cards are available at the front desk for $5 each.

smramsey@flash.net

Kids Vision Fest

Head to the downtown Dallas libary for a free vision screening for all kids.  Kids who qualify will also get a free eye exam and glasses.  You qualify if you have Medicaid or CHIPS or your income in less than two times the poverty level.  Even if you don't qualify, maybe you know someone who does. 

January 19
http://www.dallaslibrary.org/

Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Presented by Duncanville Recreation Center
201 James Collins Blvd.
Duncanville, TX 75116
972.780.4970
$50/month

Call 214.497.8013

If you want to play the guitar, you're in the right place. You'll find expert instruction at shamelessly affordable prices. All materials are provided for you except a guitar. Explore jazz, world, and classical music through the language of the nylon string guitar with Susan Graham.

Susan Graham is the founder and head of one of the most successful university guitar programs in the United States. Her students tour and teach around the globe, as well as in the U.S.. Ms. Graham has been teaching since 1986. All ages and all levels of playing experience are welcome.

Classes are $50 per month, four 30-minute lessons. Classes are on Monday from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Please call Susan Graham for additional information at 214.497.8013.

Free Gallons of Milk

Next Saturday, January 16th, free gallons of milk will be distributed onsite by local Dallas milk processors Borden Milk Products, Oak Farms and Schepps Dairies as part of the Great Gallon Give initiative.


Saturday, Jan 16th, 2010

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday

American Airlines Center

Attendees also may pose for their own Milk Mustache photo and speak with a local registered dietitian.

Moms of Boys, Take Note!

Act fast!  Just an hour and a half left on this offer!  If you're interested in the Nuclear Cowboyz event coming to Dallas on Jan 23rd, make sure and use the code FAISST in the Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection box...where you will pay kids prices for every seat... just $10. The offer expires on Jan 10th!


American Airlines Center – JAN. 23 – 7:30 p.m.

The Nuclear Cowboyz tour has assembled the world's greatest cast of freestyle motocross riders! For more information, go here!

Give Away Items

Give away item:


Twin size box spring and metal frame. No mattress. (believe me, you don't want it!).

Two children's 1-drawer night stands

Tammy Lee, in Ovilla

972.617.6244

Tammy@leebanjos.com

Free Monet Lecture

Lecture-Easels in Eden: Monet's Gardening and Painting at Giverny

Friday, January 15

Both admission and the lecture are free at the Kimbell in Fort Worth
https://www.kimbellart.org/Calendar/