Steagall Houston Family Magazine clips

How to nurture your child's language skills
"MAMA," "DADA," OR "BABA"... go ahead, get excited
about your child's first words. Your excitement will likely
encourage additional language skills in your little one. And,
the more those skills grow, the better your child will speak,
read and comprehend as (s)he matures.
No matter what your child's first words are, speech experts
agree, children begin learning language from the time they
are born. It is one of the most amazing accomplishments of
early childhood.
"Children learn to talk and listen from their interactions
with the adults in their lives," explains Penny Cohen, a speech
pathologist in La Jolla, Calif. and the star of the educational
children's show Tot-A-Doodle-Do. "It is important for parents
and caregivers to model correct speech," says Cohen.
Proper modelling includes speaking clearly and encourag-
ing eye contact, says James Carter, a speech pathologist and
manager of the Speech, Langauge, Learning Clinic at
Houston's Texas Children's Hospital. "Parents need to engage
their child in communication." Doing so can help steer lan-
guage development down the right path.
Stimulating your child's language skills doesn't have to be
complicated. "Interact, talk and read- the best communication
building (approach) is to communicate with others," explains
Liz Corpus, a school speech pathologist in Houston, Texas.
"Interactive communication helps children learn or improve
language skills." It also helps parents monitor their child's lan-
guage and speech development, and head off trouble early.
What to Do
Talk to your child. From babies to teenagers, all children
benefit from conversation. Talk about daily activities, school,
friends, getting dressed, mealtime, bath time and bedtime.
Keep it fun, and expand on your toddler's remarks by offering
more words. "Expansion," says Cohen, "is a non-threatening
way of modeling good speech." If (s)he says, "shoe wet,"
then you say, "Your shoe is wet."
"Ask more than yes and no questions," adds Claudia
Honsberger, director of Sylvan Learning Center in Goodyear,
Ariz. "And, answer in complete sentences when your child
asks a question. The more (s)he understands the better (s)he
will be in school," says Honsberger.
Read to your child. Children acquire vocabulary and
speech sound production gradually. "Capitalize on your child's
12 Houston Family Magazine 1 March 2006
By Shelley Steagall
desire to repeatedly read the same book," says Honsberger.
"The more she hearsthe words and sentences repeated the
more likely she is to retain and use the language,"
Reading should be interactive. Discuss pictures. Let your
child make up his or her own version. Act out the story or cre-
ate a puppet show. Get your child to read out loud.
Play with words. Cultivate phonological awareness with
visual and auditory word games. Nursery rhymes and rhyming
games are great.
"Some children can benefit greatly from labeling," says
Victoria Johnson, a speech pathologist with Cole Therapy
Center in Houston, Texas. "Use objects around the house, pro-
nounce the word for your child, write out the word or have
your child help you write it and then post it to the object."
Sing with your child. Like talking and rhyming, singing
songs reinforce sounds and uses repetitions. Singing also
allows your child to learn while relaxing and having fun.
Play games with your child. Dress-up, rolling a ball or
just playing pretend are all great interactive games to help
stimulate communication. Be creative with your play. Try "20
Questions," or tell circle stories.
Take field trips. The more experiences your child has to
draw upon, the better his or her language and comprehension
will be. Take a museum tour, go to the zoo, or visit a pet store.
This not only builds language, but it builds memories, too.
Listen to your child and help your child become a
good listener. Eliminate distractions, avoid interrupting, make
eye contact, avoid using adult-like idioms and avoid long
explanations or complicated directions, especially when talking
with younger children.
What Not to Do
Don't pretend you understand. Instead of saying "okay"
or "that's right" when you can't understand what your child
says, encourage your child to repeat it. However, don't force the
issue or frustrate your child. When you do understand what (s)he
says letting him/her know will encourage good language use.
Don't allow the television or computers to take away
from communication time. Used correctly both the comput-
er and the television can be good reinforcement tools but they
shouldn't replace conversation or interaction.
Don't over-correct. When your child makes an error either
reading or speaking, first try repeating what (s)he tried to say
Continued on Page 14

Learning a
Second Language
I
ntoday's growing mixed culture society, the benefits of
speaking multiple languages are tremendous. But often
parents are reluctant to push asecond language afraid
it will interfere with their child's English skills.
"We would encourage learning asecond language,"
says Victoria Johnson, speech therapist at Cole Therapy
Center in Houston, Texas. "It could possibly slow the pro-
gression of both languages but only very briefly, if at all.
And, the benefits last well into the future."
When can children begin learning asecond language?
The answer is practically from birth. Many families have
caregivers or family members who don't speak English or
who are bilingual. Language centers like Crossing Borders
in the Woodlands, Texas offers mommy and me classes,
which introduce children to Spanish around 18 months.
Some experts believe children learn language easier
from personal contact or in aclass, which means it would
be helpful (and fun) for parents to learn along with their
child. Tapes, videos, and other media forms are also help-
ful as reinforcement, but typically children don't retain the
information as easily when you go that route.
To avoid confusing your child, stick to certain bound-
aries when each language is used. And, avoid mixing the
two languages when possible.
Continued from Page 12
correctly. Children can learn correct speech by
listening to you talk and read correctly.
Don't pressure your child into talking.
Many young children shy away when asked
to "perform" verbally in front of others.
Milestones
It's not fully understood why some babies
talk earlier than others. Boys tend to focus on
fine motor skills first, while girls focus on lan-
guage. Typically, by age three they've caught
up to one another. According to the experts,
babies begin saying their first words around
12 months of age. By age 4, they know more
than 1,500 words and can tell stories.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association's chart of language development
can be found at www.asha.org. It breaks
down, by age, what letters and sounds your
child should master and the number of words
they should have in their vocabulary. Keep in
mind, the chart is merely a guideline and
shouldn't be interpreted too rigidly.
When 'Wrong' is 'Right'
As children try to master the notoriously
tough English language, don't be surprised if
your child shifts into a pronunciation that is
easier for him. Elephant may be "ef-fant," a
Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy
Cole Therapy Center/
Cole Speech & Language Center, LP
NOW WITH TWO GREAT LOCATIONS!
CALL: 281 -379-4373 16835 Deer Creek Dr., Ste 120 11700 Louetta Rd., Ste A
Email: colespeech@sbcglobal.net Spring, TX 77379 Houston, TX 77070
Therapy available at our centers, inyour home, or at your child'sschool or day care.
Patients served inHouston, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, &NW Houston.
We accept MEDICAID, HMO's, PPO's, and other health insurance plans.
Hablamos Espaiiol • Call 281-379-4373 for your FREE consultation.
Now Offering Academic and IQ Testing!
• Speech/Language Difficulties • Down Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy
• Articulation Errors/Orai-Mocor Issues
Anton, age 3, works on his "K" sound with Spe
Pathologist Penny Cohen.
vitamin, "bitamin, " and a spoon, "boon."
For a while, these mix-ups are normal they
may even be considered cute. But, parents
should monitor their child's vocabulary and
speech progression for mastery.
Speech Delays
"My daughter has always been very verbal
and very articulate. So, I knew there was a
problem with my son (Anton) at 2 years old.
• Frequently complain about being
"bored"?
• Withdraw from you and friends?
• Seem less interested in activities?
• Become more agitated and irritable
over little things?
• Feeding & Swallowing Disorders
• Auditory Processing Disorders
• Reading & Reading Comprehension
• Handwriting (Handwriting Without Ttars)
• Dyslexia Testing & Intervention
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
Now Offering a State of the
Art Gymnasium for:
• Sensory Integration
• Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Congenital
Anomalies, Brachial Plexus Injuries
• ADD/ADHD- (fntrraetivt: M<tronom<)
• Aural Rehab. for Hearing Impairments &
Cochlear Implants
• Foreign Accent Improvement
• Traumatic Brain Injury
If you've answered "yes' to any of.the que~tio~s above, your child
may also be suffering from depress1on. Medication used to treat the
symptoms of ADHD does not always treat symptom~ of depression
and alternative medication may be necessary_It 1s est1mated that one
in every five children with ADHD also suffers from depression. UTMB
is sponsoring a study to compare medications used I? treat the
symptoms associated with both ADHD .and dep~ess1on. Study
participants receive a complete psych1atnc evaluat1on and study
medication at no cost.
• Fine/Gross Motor Training
• Flexibility & Strength Conditioning
• Balance & Coordination
• Gait {walking) Training
• Visual Perceptual Motor Skills
• Durable Medical Equipment Assessment
• Aquatic Therapy
• Posture Intervention
• Tonicollis
• T herapy Mter Fractures, Burns, Strains
& Sprains
For more information, please call:
Toll-free (800) 236-2898
J. .UTMB
/ ,. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
The Universityof Texas Medical Branch
Most clinical trials are free of charge and may provide compensation for
travel and food expenses Medical msurance ts not required.
www. HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

So~e o= s orcs .ere n n·e11g10 e He would
sa ·oo 1e or cookie, says Sharon Josepho, a
San D1ego, Calif. psychologist and mother of
o. "We could see his frustration," she adds,
He's now 3-and-a-half, and has been taking
speech therapy for six months."
Rena Barrios, of Baytown, Texas, has three
children ages 3, 5 and 7. She's a firm believer
that environment plays a huge role in speech
disorders. "When my oldest son, Lane, was 3, I
noticed he couldn't say 'f' words correctly. He
would say 'soot' for 'foot,"' says Barrios. "Then,
last year at 4-and-a-half my daughter Mallory
developed the same problems saying 'f.'
During testing, the therapist noticed she had
a lisp. Now all three of my kids have a lisp,"
says Barrios, "I believe they picked it up from
hearing each other."
Some of the other possible reasons for speech
delays are hearing problems; malformation of
lip(s), tongue and jaw; or tongue placement.
"We work on tongue placement and
strengthening by using tongue exercises the
kids can practice at home," says Johnson of
Cole Therapy Center. "We have exercises the
kids can do with bubbles, straws and horns to
strengthen tongue muscles. It looks like fun and
the kids can forget they are getting therapy."
If your child's speech is not clear or if his or
her speech or language is different from that of
similarly aged children, it might be t1me to see a
speech therapist.
Between the ages of 2 and 3, language is
booming. It's typically around this time some
parents may begin to note if their child's lan-
guage skills are lagging. "Any drastic change
in your child's functioning, personalty or
behavior is cause for concern," says Paige
Powell, Ph.D., coordinator of the Neuro
Developmental Disorders Program at the
Learning Support Center for Child Psychology
at Texas Children's Hospital. "When a child
can't focus on words, gets fixated on a partic-
ular object, lacks eye contact and shows no
interest in interacting," they may need to be
tested for autism, says Powell.
If your child talks and acts normal at home
but can't speak in at least one setting, such as
school, for at least a month (s)he may be suffer-
ing from what's known as selective mutism. In
some cases parents may think their child is just
being shy, but if a teacher says they've never
heard your child's voice there could be a prob-
lem. "Selective mutism," says Powell, "is not a
language disorder it is an anxiety disorder."
Language is one of life's most important
tool, and no child is too young to be helped. If
you are in doubt, have your child's language
and speech evaluated. Always err on the side
of caution.
Resources
Here are some helpful resources for speech
and language screening or therapy.
Cole Therapy Center
Houston
281-379-4373
Speech, language, learning Clinic
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston
832-822-3280 (appointments)
The Texas Voice Center
Houston
713-796-2001
Houston Scottish Rile learning Center, Inc.
Houston
713-432-1980
The Center for Hearing and Speech
3636 West Dallas
Houston
713-523-3633
info@centerhearingandspeech.org
Allergy & Asthma
Care of Houston
WINTER PEDIATRIC THERAPY
Speech, physical & occupational therapy.
We see infants, children, teens & families having problems.
SOME REASONS FOR YOU TO CALL:
• Speech/Language problems (Bi-lingual)
• Visual Perceptual/Motor Problems
• Handwriting problems
• Autism, ADD, ADHD
• Your baby was premature or is delayed for their age
• Feeding/swallowing disorders
• Cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury
• Down Syndrome
• Behavioral problems
We are an outpatient clinic that services Houston's
children & families for over 20 years.
We accept PPOs insurance and Medicaid.
Transportation available for qualified families.
f713J 528-3030
41 0 I Greenbriar • Suite 305 • Houston, Texas 77098
www.wearethekey.com
ww. HoustonFamilyMagazine.com
• Nasal & Eye Allergies • Sinusitis
• Asthma • Recurrent Infections
• Eczema • Stinging Insect Allergy
• Food Allergies • Hives & Swelling
Now Accepting New Patients • Children & Adults
Same day or next day appointments available
Joseph R. Perez, M.D.
281.645.6401 ___--l
www.aachou.com
14090 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 101
Sugar land, TX 77478
Houston Family Magazine I March 2006 15

See The Dinosaur Prophecy at the Burke Baker Planetarium. See March I 0.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Notes on Editor's Choice in the Listings
Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. See
Now Exhibiting, Page 44.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. See March 1-19.
Celebrate Dr. Suess' Birthday at the Children's Museum of Houston. See March 2
Rosenberg Railroad Festival at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. See March 4
Go Wild Day at the Houston Zoo. See March 4.
The Dinosaur Prophecy at Burke Baker Planetarium. See March 10.
Celebrate Pokemon's 10th anniversary at Space Center Houston. See March 10
Houston St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Houston. See March 18.
Bayou Bend Family Day at Houston's Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. See March 19.
Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park. See March 24.
11th annual Grand Kids Festival at Galveston's Grand 1894 Opera House. See Looking Ahead Page 49.
See Bareback Riding and more at The
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. See
March 1-19. Photo Courtesy: Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo
Theater performances are listed in "Center Stage"on Page 41. Ongoing exhibits and enrichment facilities are listed in "Now Exhibiting" on Page 44. Occasionally,
an event listed changes vital information after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm details.
Wednesda.,__~
Saddle up for The Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo at
Reliant Park. See the Barnyard
Babies Birth Center, milking demon-
strations, petting zoo and pony rides
in the AGVenture area in Reliant
Center 9 am-9 pm. Cattle and
heifer showing takes place in Reliant
Center and Reliant Arena 10 am-4
pm. The Rodeo carnival opens at 4
pm, and the Peruvian Horse
Exhibition is at 6 pm followed by
RODEOHOUSTON beginning at 6:45
pm. Tonight's entertainer is Trisha
Yearwood. All ages. Daily tickets: $6
www.Houston FamilyMagazine. com
adults, $3 ages 3-11, free ages 2
and younger. RODEOHOUSTON tick-
ets are $16-$77, includes admission
to the Livestock Show and carnival.
One Reliant Park, Houston. 832-
667-1000. www.hlsr.com or
www.rodeohouston.com.
Get hooked during the Houston
Fishing Show at the George R.
Brown Convention Center. Check
out the latest fishing equipment and
fishing boats. Take part in a fishing
clinic, and discover hot fishing vaca-
tion spots. See displays, movies and
demonstrations about fishing.
Noon-9 pm Wed.-Fri, 10 am-9 pm
Sat., 10 am-6 pm Sun., today-March
5. All ages. $7 adults, $2 children 6-
12, free children 5 and younger.
1001 Avenida de las Americas,
Houston. 713-853-8000.
www.houstonfishingshow.com.
Science Station: Kitchen Chemistry
at the Children's Museum of Houston
allows children to explore the chem-
istry behind cooking. Learn why
ketchup does not pour out of a bottle
like water. Find out why you should
shake your salad dressing first.
Discover how to blow up balloons
using items from the kitchen. All ages.
9 am-5 pm. Free with $5 museum
admission. 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-
522-1138. www.cmhouston.org.
Who Eats What?: EcoStation at
the Children's Museum of Houston
teaches children how to tell what an
animal eats based on their teeth.
Learn the difference between herbi-
vores, carnivores and omnivores. Find
out how animals use camouflage
and mimicry to disguise themselves.
All ages. 9 am-5 pm. Free with $5
museum admission. 1500 Binz,
Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Step back in time during Pioneer
Open House at Jesse H. Jones Park
and Nature Center. Enjoy a look
around the Redbud Hill Homestead
and Akokisa Indian Village. All ages.
1-4 pm, every Wed. and Sat. Free.
20634 Kenswick Dr., Humble. 281-
446-8588. www.hcp4.net/jones.

nda r
2 0 0 6
Get fit with your baby at
Northshore Park. Strollerfit-Exercise
With Your Baby celebrates its first
anniversary. Enjoy an exercise class and
party. Bring your stroller and your little
one for a 50-minute total body work-
out, using the stroller as a portable fit-
ness machine and enjoy refreshments
after the class. Ages 6 wks to 4 years
with mom. Class: 9:10am, party 10
am-noon. Free. Registration required.
2505 Lake Woodlands Dr., The
Woodlands. 832-722-6836.
Tales for Tots at the Atascocita
Branch Library. Toddlers enjoy story
time. Ages 2-3. 10:30 am. Free.
19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr., Humble.
281-812-2162. www.hcpl.net.
Saddle up for the Houston
.ivestock Show and Rodeo at
Reliant Park. Watch cutting horse
competitions beginning at 8 am in
Reliant Arena. Cattle shows begin at
9 am in Reliant Center. The
AGVenture children's area opens
9 am-9pm. The Rodeo Carnival runs
from 4 pm-midnight. Checkout the
Li'l Rustlers Rodeo in Reliant
Stadium beginning at 5:30 pm.
The Peruvian Horse Exhibition
begins at 6 pm in Reliant Center.
RODEOHOUSTON is at 6:45 pm in
Reliant Stadium. Tonight's entertain-
er is Sheryl Crow. All ages. Daily
tickets: $6 adults, $3 ages 3-11, free
ages 2 and younger. RODEOHOUS-
TON tickets are $16-$77, includes
admission to the Livestock Show and
carnival. One Reliant Park, Houston.
832-667-1000. www.hlsr.com or
Celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday at
the Atascocita Branch Library. Enjoy
stories and crafts. Ages 4 and older.
4 pm. Free. 19520 Pinehurst Trail
Dr., Humble. 281 -812-2162.
www.hcpl.net.
Celebrate the birthday of Dr
Suess at the Children's Museum of
Houston by making cool Cat in the
Hat headwear. All ages. 9:30 am-
4 pm. Free with $5 museum admis-
sion. 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-522-
1138. www.cmhouston.org.
Take the Stage Family Night at the
Children's Museum of Houston
allows children to create storyboards
and design finger puppets. All ages.
5-8 pm. Free Family Night. 1500
Binz, Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Visit Set the Scene: Science Station
at the Children's Museum of Houston
and discover what radio hosts know.
Find how music creates a mood, and
just Visiting
D
iscover abit of history in Northwest Harris
County by visitingtheKlein Historical Museum
and the Wunderlich Farm historical site.
The museum, housed at DoerreIntermediate
School, exhibits documents, artifacts, photos and
records of thecommunity alter immigrantsfrom
Germany settled it during the mid 19th century.
Learn about the earlybeginnings of Klein, Spring
and Tomball.
The Wunderlich Farm complex includes the
farm, the Maria Katherina Wunderlich House and
the Kohrville School. It's areminder of asimpler
Visit the Kl .
em H·
Museum rstorical
Wi and the
Underlich F
cal compl . arm histori.
ex '" Spring.
time when northwest Harris County was arural farming area.
The Wunderlich house remains much like it was when it was built. View the chicken
house, smokehouse, and other outbuildings. The Kohrville School was for African-
American students before the district was integrated in the mid 1960's. It was later
usedas acommunity building and has since beenrestored to its early appearance.
All ages. 11am-3pm the last Sat. of every month except May and Dec. Free. 18218
Theiss Mail Road in theMemorial Northwest subdivision, Spring. 832-249-5800.
By Shelley Steagall
make sound effects. All ages. 9 am-
8 pm Thu., 9 am-5 pm Fri.-Sat., noon-
Spm Sun. 9 am-5 pm Wed. March
2-5 and 7-8. Free with $5 museum
admission. Free Family Night 5-8 pm
Thu. 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-522-
Participate in Story Pals at the
Atascocita Branch Library. Preschoolers
enjoy age-appropriate stories. Ages
3-6. 10 am every Thu. Free. 19520
Pinehurst Trail Dr., Humble. 281 -812-
2162. www.hcpl.net.
Mother Goose story time at the
Atascocita Branch library is an infant
lap-sit program. Birth to age 2.
11 am every Thu. Free. 19520
Pinehurst Trail Dr., Humble. 281-812-
2162. www.hcpl.net.
Houston Fishing Show. See
March 1.
F "day
Reliant Park and Celebrate Black
Heritage Day. Event includes a cutting
horse competition at 8 am.
AGVenture opens 9 am-9 pm. The
Rodeo carnival runs 4 pm-1 am. The
Celebrity Dairy Goat Milking contest
gets underway at 4:30 pm in Reliant
Center followed by the Peruvian
Horse Exhibition at 6 pm. RODEO-
HOUSTON kicks off at 6:45 pm in
Reliant Stadium. Tonight's entertainer
is Maze. The Youth Goat Team Fitting
contest takes place at 7 pm in
Reliant Center. All ages. Daily tick-
ets: $6 adults, $3 ages 3-11, free
Houston Fishing Show. See
March 1.
Reliant Park. The Brahman cattle show
begins at 7:30am in Reliant Center.
The Youth Dairy and Youth Boer Goat
Shows follow at 8 am. The AGVenture
children's area is open 9 am-9 pm.
The Rodeo Carnival runs 10 am-1 am.
RODEOHOUSTON gets underway at
3:45 in Reliant Stadium. Today's enter-
tainer is Martina McBride. Checkout
the Peruvian Horse Exhibition at 7:30
pm in Reliant Center. All ages. Daily
tickets: $6 adults, $3 ages 3-11, free
Head to the Rosenberg Railroad
Festival at the Rosenberg Railroad
Museum. Event includes model rail-
road layouts, miniature train rides,
gift and craft vendors, food ven-
dors, pony rides, petting zoo, shoot-
ing gallery, rock wall, track laying
demonstrations, re-enactments of
train robberies, carnival games, face
painting, children's crafts, art con-
test and a visit to the Railroad
Museum. All ages. 11 am-9 pm.
$5 adults, $3 children 5-14, Free
ages 5 and younger. 1921 Ave. F,
Rosenberg. 281-633-2846.
www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org.
Get ·eady for Go Wild Day at the
Houston Zoo. See sea raccoons and
lions paint, watch a tropical bird
catch bugs in midair, touch animals,
play games, enjoy music, puppets
and an inflatable playground.
All ages. 9 am-6 pm. $8.50 adults,
$5 seniors, $4 children 2-11,
free children under 2. 1513 N.
MacGregor, Houston. 713-533-6500.
www.houstonzoo.org.
Take part in Nature Fest 2006 at
Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature
Center. See live birds of prey, snake
exhibits and a "saltwater touch"
tank. Take a guided tour or ride in a
pontoon boat. Learn about plants
and animals through displays, inter-
active children's activities, and edu-
cational workshops. All ages. 9:30
am-4 pm. Free. 20634 Kenswick
Dr., Humble. 281-446-8588.
www.hcp4.net/jones.
Enjoy March Music Madness on
the Kemah Boardwalk. Wild West
Music Weekend celebrates rodeo
www.Houston FamilyMagazine.com

time with country music, wild west-
ern activities, rope tricks, pie eating
contests. Includes regular ride attrac-
tions like the Century Wheel, Kemah
train, Balloon Wheel, Inverter and
more. Each weekend in March the
theme on the board walk changes
including Blues on the Boardwalk,
Blastsfrom the Past and Bayou
Boardwalk Boogie. All ages. 11 am-
11 pm Sat., 11 am-10 pm Sun.
Weekends in March. Free admission,
fees for rides and other attractions
vary. Bradford and Second St.,
Kemah. 281-334-9880.
www.kemahboardwalk.com.
Enjoy stargazing at the George
Observatory in Brazos Bend State
Park. Check out the celestial won-
ders of the night sky through the
George Observatory's newest tele-
scope, a world-class, 11-inch F/15
refractor. This new telescope is
mounted on the existing 36-inch
Gueymard telescope, one of the
largest in the country available for
public viewing. All age. 3-10 pm
every Sat. Viewing startsat nightfall.
$3 park entrance plus $3 for 36-inch
telescope, $2 for 14-inch and
18-inch telescopes. Free ages 12 and
younger. 21901 FM 762, Needville.
281-242-3055. www.hmns.org.
Create your own pot of gold at
Lakeshore Learning. Enjoy designing
your own treasure trove with this
engaging craft project. Ages 3 and
older. 11 am-3 pm. Free. 2405 Post
Oak. Blvd., Houston. 713-355-1 893.
www.lakeshorelearning.com.
Get in gear for the 2006 Gator
Bike Ride at Goose Creek Stream
Park, which benefits the Baytown
YMCA. Riders choose from the 62-,
'43- and 33-mile rides, or the 12-mile
family ride. All ages. 7:30 am 63-
mile, 8:00 am 33-mile, 8:30 am
43-mile, 9 am 12-mile. Family Ride:
$20 first parent, $10 second parent,
children ride free. Other rides:
$30 registration fee by March 3, $35
ride day. 1300 West Texas Ave.,
Baytown. www.adive.com or
www.gatorride.org.
Houston Fish ng Show. See
March 1.
Step back in time. See March 1.
www. HoustonFamilyMagazine.com
Center Stage
Greater Houston is rich with opportunity to
see family friendly theater performances.
Here's a sampling of what's available this month.
Presentations are for all ages unless otherwise noted.
T
he Roseneath Theatre presents
Danny, King of the Basement at
the Grand 1894 Opera House. This
Children'sSeries performance is the
funny, charming story of bravery in the
face of childhood poverty and home-
lessness. 10 am March 1. $10 adults,
$8 ages 12 and younger. 2020
Postoffice, Galveston. 800-821-1894.
www.thegrand.com.
rsions of
. int-sized ve
EniO"f p favorites atThe
sroadwaY a t--ouse-
694 Grand oper
Applause Theatre Company pres-
ents The Jungle Book, the finale of its
Off BroadwaySeries workshop. 7 pm.
March 2. $8. 6608 F.M. 1960 W.,
Houston. 281-440-4111 .
www.applausetheatre.com.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
Children's Series continues with
Broadway Junior, acondensed ver-
sion of genuine Broadway classics:
Music Man Junior, Into the Woods Jr.
and Dear Edwina Jr. 10 am and 7 pm.
March 2. $10 adults, $8 ages 12 and
younger. 2020 Postoffice, Galveston.
800-821 -1894. www.thegrand.com.
San Jacinto Central College pres-
ents The Wizard of OZ at Slocomb
Auditorium. Travel down the yellow
brick road with Dorothy, Scarecrow,
Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. 7:30 pm
March 3and 4. 8060 Spencer Hwy.,
Pasadena. $15. 281-476-1828.
The Houston Ballet presents anew
version of Swan Lake at the Wortham
Theater Center's BrownTheater. Watch
as the beautiful maiden Odette trans-
forms into aswan byan evil knight. The
Prince swears his eternal lovefor Odette
and tries to free her. Ages 2and older.
7:30 pm March 3, 2pm and 7:30 pm
March 4, 2pm March 5.$17-$132.
501 Texas Ave.,Houston.713·227-
ARTS. www.houstonballet.org.
Main Street Youth Theater pres-
ents Junie B. Jones and Little
Monkey Business. Junie B.Jones,the
world'sfunniest kindergartner, believes
her new baby brother is actually amon-
key. That's what grandma calls him.
Now Junie'sfriends can't wait for her to
bring him to pet day at school. Ages 4
and older (ages 3and younger prohibit-
ed).1and 4pm March 4and 25. $9
children and students,$11 adults. 4617
Montrose Blvd., Houston. 713.524.6706:
www.mainstreettheater.com or
www.ticketweb.com
Fort Bend Theatre presents Han's
Christian Anderson's The Little
Mermaid, an enchanting tale of alittle
mermaid who trades her voice to the sea
witch in order to become human.3pm
Sat. and Sun. March 18-April 9.$7.2815
N.Main (Hwy 90) Stafford.281-208-3333.
The Houston Ballet presents
Dance the World Round at Wortham
Theater Center's BrownTheater. Three of
the world'sleading choreographers cre-
ate aprogram as diverse as it is enter-
taining. Ages 5and older. 7:30 pm
Ivy Castle is junie B. jones in
Junie B. jones and a Little
Monkey Business. Photo courtesy:
VivienneM. St. John
Theatre Under the Stars pres-
ents its version of Beauty and
the Beast.
March 9, 11 and 17; 2pm March 12 and
19; 2and 7:30pm March 18. $16.50-
$72. 501 Texas Ave., Houston. 713 227
ARTS. www.houstonballet.org.
Cirque du Soleil'sDelirium creates
asensory explosion at Toyota Center by
combing an urban tribal beat with visuals,
musicians,singers and dancers.8pm
March 10 and 11.7pm March 12.
$69.50-$125.1510 Polk, Houston. 866-4-
HOUTIX.www.houstontoyotacenter.com.
Theatre Under the Stars presents
Disney'sBeauty and the Beast, the
story of aprince cast into aspell of ugli-
ness and loneliness, at Hobby Center. He
must learn to love aperson for who
(s)he is before amagical rose loses its
petals. Age 4and older. 8pm Tue.-Fri.,
2and 8pm Sat., 2and 7:30pm Sun.
March 14-19 and 21-26. $27-$97. 800
Bagby at Walker, Houston. 713-558-
TUTS or 888-558-3882. www.tuts.com.
Broadway in Houston presents
Riverdance at BrownTheater in The
Wortham Theater Center. Enjoy acelebra-
tion of Irish music,song and dance.Ages
4and older.8pm,Tue.-Fri.,2and 8pm
Sat.,2and 7:30 pm Sun. March 21-26.
$28.45-$77.55. 501 Texas Ave., Houston.
The Missoula Children'sTheatre
presents Robin Hood at the Grand
1894 Opera House. Casting local youth
makes thisatruly original perform-
ance. 7 pm, March 31 , $10. 2020
Postoffice, Galveston. 800-821-1894.
www.thegrand.com.
By Shelley Steagall

Saddle up with The Houston
Reliant Park and Celebrate Go
Tejano Day at the rodeo. The Junior
Market Barrow show begins at
7:30am followed by the Open Texas
Longhorn Cattle show, the Llama
and Alpaca show, and the donkey
and mule show. AGVenture chil-
dren's area opens at 9 am. The
Rodeo carnival runs 10 am-mid-
night RODEOHOUSTON begins
at 6:45 pm. Tonight's entertainers
are Ramon Ayala and Jay Perez.
All ages. Daily tickets: $6 adults,
$3 ages 3-11, free ages 2 and
younger. RODEOHOUSTON tickets
are $16-$77, includes admission to
the Livestock Show and carnival.
March Music Madness. See
March 4.
Explore structures. See March 9.
Learn about the vernal equinox.
See March 9.
Celebrate Pokemon's 10th
anniversary. See March 10.
Take a stroll on the Azalea Trail.
See March 10.
Spring into fun. See March 11.
See flying canines. See March 11.
Monday___
Reliant Park. It's Spring Break
Stampede week. The Junior Market
Barrow show kicks off at 7:30 am.
Watch the Paint Horse Show at
8 am. At 9 am head over to the
AGVenture children's area to see the
petting zoo or watch a milk demon-
stration. The Rodeo carnival runs
2 pm-midnight RODEOHOUSTON
gets underway at 6:45 pm. Tonight's
-~:;- ~·ec sgner is LeAnn Rimes.
- a-;es Ja , • ckets: $6 adults,
$3 ages 3- '·ee ages 2 and
younger. RCJEO OUSTO tickets
are $16-P7 'lC Joes adm ss1on to
the Livestock Show and carn1val.
www. HoustonFam ilyMagazine.com
Twilight Tales. See March 6.
See March 9.
Stampede week. Watch the Paint
Horse Show in Reliant Arena at
8 am. AGVenture children's area
opens at 9 am. Paint Horse Roping
events begin at 1 pm. The Rodeo
carnival runs 2 pm-midnight See the
State FFA Tractor Technician Contest
beginning at 3:30pm. RODEOHOUS-
TON gets underway at 6:45 pm.
Tonight's featured entertainers are
Larry the Cable Guy and Cory
Morrow. All ages. Daily tickets:
$6 adults, $3 ages 3-11, free ages
2 and younger. RODEOHOUSTON
tickets are $16-$77, includes admis-
sion to the Livestock Show and carni-
val. One Reliant Park, Houston. 832-
See March 9.
Spring into fun. See March 11 .
a
Stampede Week. Watch heading,
heeling and calf roping during the
Quarter Horse show beginning at
8 am. The AGVenture children's area
opens from 9 am-9 pm. The Rodeo
carnival runs 2 pm-midnight
RODEOHOUSTON begins at 6:45
pm. Tonight's featured entertainer is
Alan Jackson. All ages. Daily tickets:
$6 adults, $3 ages 3-11, free ages
2 0 0 6
Boredom Busters
B
reakthe boredom this spring by signing kids up
for one of manySpring Break camps in the
Houston area.
Little scientists take part in Spring Break
Xplorations at the Houston Museum of Natural
Science. Go beyond the world of Harry Potter in the
Hogwarts Science Academycamp. Meet the king of
the dinosaurs in The T-RexRoars camp, or dig into
the past and unearth what it takes to be apaleontol-
ogist inThe Lost World camp. Ages 6-7 choose
between Hogwarts Science Academyor T-Rex En·
loy tons of fu
Roars. Ages 8-10 enjoy Hogwarts Science
Academy or Lost World. 10 am-3 pm daily March
13-17. $155-$175. Bring alunch or preorder
and activities dun·crafts
Moad rrng
8 Y Gardens s .
l"eak cam Prrng
p.
one. Before and after camp care is available for
an additional fee. Registration required. One Hermann Circle Dr.,
Houston. 713-639-4625. www.hmns.org.
Animal lovers won't want to miss Spring Break Critter Camp at the Houston
SPCA. Thisdaycamp is filled with crafts, games, activities and animal interactions.
Space is limited to 15 campers, so register quickly! Ages 9-11 .9am-3 pm daily
March 13-17.$200. 900 Partway Dr., Houston.713-869-
7722-ext. 143. www.houstonspca.org.
The Moody Garden Spring Break camps focus on
animals and other creatures. Discover howanimals use
their senses in the Animal Senses camp for ages 5-6.
Learn about unique animal features and see howthey
compare to humans in the Creature Feature camp for
ages 7-9.8am-1:30pm Mar. 13-17. $125/week or
world of
$30/dayfor Animal Senses camp. $155/week or
$35/dayfor Creature Feature camp. Registration
Discover the required. One Hope Blvd., Galveston. 800-582-4673,
science at the m of ext. 4320. www.moodygardens.org.
Houston "'~S:C: The Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center offers
Natural Sci~ camP· daily "pick and choose" camp topics of interest.
Spring Bre Schedule one,two,three or more of the day camps
around your family'sschedule. Bring alunch. Mar. 13 Nutrition
KnowHow, Mar. 14 Our Fine Feathered Friends, Mar. 15 Hop to It!, Mar. 16 To Be or
Not To Be...Naturally Selected, and Mar. 17 Fantastic Frogs. Ages 5and older. 9:30
am-3:30 pm $35-$45 per day. Registration required. 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire. 713-
667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org.
2 and younger. RODEOHOUSTON
tickets are $16-$77, includes admis-
sion to the Livestock Show and car-
nival. One Reliant Park, Houston.
Step back in time. See March 1
Tales for Tots. See March 1.
See March 9.
By Shelley Steagall
SdaY--~
Stampede Week. The Quarter Horse
show: pole bending and barrel rac-
ing gets underway at 8 am. See the
Youth Rabbit show and the Breeding
Rabbit show also at 8 am. The
AGVenture children's area runs
9 am-9 pm. The Rodeo carnival runs
2 pm-1 am. RODEOHOUSTON
begins at 6:45 pm. Tonight's featured
entertainer is Hilary Duff. All ages.

Family F.l_.l._
Brain Injury Study
T
here is a possible treatment on the horizon for children suffer-
ing traumatic brain injury. A unique
clinical trial is underway to gauge the
potential of treating brain injury children with
stem cells derived from their own bone marrow.
The study focuses on safety and the therapeutic
effect of such treatment.
The clinical trial, taking place at The
University of Texas Medical School at
Houston and Memorial Hermann
Children's Hospital, is the first to apply
stem cells to treat traumatic brain
injury. The study does not involve
embryonic stem cells.
The main reason children die from
trauma is brain injury. "Currently
there are no reparative treatments
for brain injury," says principal investi-
gator Charles Cox, M.D. of The Children's Fund, Inc., a dis-
tinguished professor in pediatric surgery and trauma at the medical
school. "All we can do now is try to prevent secondary damage by
relieving pressure on the brain caused by the initial injury."
The brain does not repair itself effectively like other organs.
Studies show between 15 and 25 percent of children suffering severe
traumatic brain injury die, and survivors of even moderate injury
often are devastated for life.
This clinical trial builds on laboratory and animal research, which
indicates that bone marrow derived from stems cells can migrate to an
injured area of the brain and induce brain repair. However, safety trials
involve too few patients to draw broad conclusions about the effective-
ness of treatment. But it does set the stage for larger-scale research.
Even marginal improvement could mean a great deal to someone
who suffers a brain injury. "It could be the difference between being
able to recognize your loved ones and not being able to, or between
doing things for yourself or having to rely on others. " Cox says.
By Shelley Steagall
------' ..::;:/ t
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Four Corners in 3-D
T:
ere's a new adventure in movie viewing for Houston area
movie lovers and it puts audi-
nce members right in the mid-
dle of the action.
The new 4D Special FX Theater at
Moody Gardens combines high-defi-
nition three-dimensional projection
and surround sound with 4D Special
FX seats. These 4D seats feature
neck air, water squirting, leg ticklers
and seat buzzers. Plus, audience
members can be immersed in the
experience with bubbles, smoke,
wind and special FX lighting. The
entire film experience lasts just
Exp ·er1ence SpongeBob .
at Moody Gardens. '" 40
nine minutes but provides viewers with high thrills.
SpongeBob SquarePants 40 is the first film to be featured. Viewers
help SpongeBob as he pursues a runaway pickle in his heartfelt desire
to serve the perfect Krabby Patty. This feature allows the audience to
experience the bubbles of the sea, smell the ocean breeze and see
lightening illuminate the theater.
Moody Gardens is located at One Hope Blvd. in Galveston. Tickets:
$8.95. Call 800-582-4673 for features and show times or visit
www.moodygardens.org.
By Shelley Steagall
Seeing Triple
R
esidents north of Houston may feel like they are seeing triple,
again and again. The Woodlands area is now home to two more
sets of triplets. Shannon Riley gave birth to two daughters and a
son, Megan, Lucy and Peyton, while Becky Phillips had just the opposite,
two boys and a girl, Flavil, Joshua and Sara. Both sets of babies were
delivered at Memorial Hermann
The Woodlands Hospital on the
same day in December 2005.
The Woodlands, Spring,
Huntsville area is no stranger to
multiples, says Kelly Messenger,
President of the Woodlands
Mothers of Multiples group.
"More than 140 families have
multiples including three sets of
quadruplets and more than a
The Woodlands area h
sets of triplets. as two more
dozen sets of triplets. Some families even have
two sets of twins. And, that is just counting families registered with the
Woodlands area group."
Joining a support group can be a great help to moms of multiples.
Most groups offer play dates, buy and sell hand-me down help, commu-
nity connections and a message board or phone list for help with prob-
lems. "When you have multiples, you have to learn to roll with mother-
hood," says Messenger. "Many mothers read all the baby books, then
stress when they can't get the book information to work with their
babies." Messenger also suggests mothers of multiples be willing to
E _::;:; r~ s-.::::
_ 4 •
1
, 6 ..::::; ; --.. accept a helping hand. Even a 15-minute break can do a world of good.
J ' ~ : ~ - J By Shelley Steagall
••••••••••• ~i •••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
www.Houston FamilyMagazine.com Houston Family Magazine I February 2006 7

,Family F.Y.l.
I
I
Move Over Hollywood
C
ombine 200 kids, two cute dogs, a magical bracelet and a band of
bike-riding bullies and you get the movie The Bracelet of Bordeaux,
a children's film, made primarily by kids from Houston and its sur-
rounding areas. But they're more than just the actors - they are the
sound crew, cinematographers, assistant directors and more.
The Bracelet of Bordeaux, a Woodlands based Papillion Productions,
rolls mystery and comedy into one film, targeting 6- to 12-year-old girls.
The film is the brainchild of businessman turned writer/producer, Frank
Eakin. "I believe the business model of community theater, as well as the
passion and volunteerism of community theater, can apply to filmmak-
ing, especially children's films," says Eakin. Thus, he created the
Woodlands Young Moviemakers.
By hosting moviemaking workshops, for a fee, Eakin raises money
to support his independent films. The kids learn everything from
scriptwriting to editing as they create their own short film. The work-
shops conclude with an Oscar-style screening party and an awards pres-
entation for the best productions.
Several participants in the
Woodlands Young Moviemakers
took part in the production of The
Bracelet of Bordeaux. Pre-teen
actors, teen-aged interns and
parents volunteered their time to
work on everything from acting
to set building and costume
tt Ellisoo
hy sco
design. Veteran screenwriter
and director Casey Kelly,hotograP • t o! the
irector of p s for a shoo
0 9),prepare f BordeaUX·
(age Bracelet o
along with Houston-based
professional actors Brian
t of The . 1Wham.
se to courtesY of M1chae Thornton, Michelle Hatmaker
PhD and Yankie Grant. participated in the making of the
film. "I am pleased to be a part of the film. These kids are talented and
the market is hungry for PG- and G-rated films," says Kelly.
The kids working on the movie are a talented bunch. The
D1rector of Photography, Scott Ellison, is only 19 and already considered
an up-and-com1ng filmmaker. Three of the young actors wrote a song
together while hanging out on set. Their song Friends appears as a
music video in the trailer of the film. Sophomore home school student.
Michael Wham, shot a behind-the-scenes documentary during the mak-
ing of the movie.
Wham, one of the winners of the Woodlands Young Moviemakers,
has been traveling to various countries shooting documentaries since he
was in grade school. "The experience is priceless and I've gotten a job as
a result," says Wham. And, 16 year-old actress Hallie Pierce, who plays a
flight attendant in The Bracelet of Bordeaux, has already been cast for a
new role in the upcoming movie Blue Eyes.
The Bracelet of Bordeaux is scheduled for release in the spring or early
summer of 2006. The next Woodlands Young Moviemakers workshop
begins this month. For more information about the movie or about the
Woodlands Young Moviemakers visit www.thebraceletofbordeaux.com.
~·································
Cool Cartoon
R
esponsibility, hard work, and a team effort
- that's the message a new cartoon
series, Coo/ Rules delivers.
Creator, Travis Evans, president of
Tricked Out Toons, Inc. and a father,
wants to give kids a better choice of
entertainment. "We want to promote
that to be cool, popular and accepted,
you don't have to break the rules or
be a rebel. The truly cool abide by the
rules," says Evans of Tomball.
The 3-D animated cartoon, due
out on DVD in December,
revolves around six charac-
ters and their hotrod
cars. The characters
learn about making
mistakes, starting a
business and more.
Travis E
"I want the
series to be
uplifting and
Vans wnew c ants to .
artoon ser; Inspire kid .
inspirational,"
es Coot R s With h'
ules. IS
says Evans. "You've got to get up
and do something ... just start it," says Evans. He
points to Microsoft creator, Bill Gates, who started with a lemon-
ade stand and Amazon.com creator Jeff Bezos, who began his
business in a garage, as examples.
Evans hopes to be the first in Houston history to produce and
distribute a cartoon series. He and his team of animators have
been working 16 hours a day to see this project through .
You can buy a copy of the first episode "Get Your Dream On"
at the Woodlands Mall during December or order online at
www.cool-rules.com.
I. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
www.TXparenting.com Houston Family Magazine I November 2005 7

ndar2 0 0 5
Days of Yore
F
or 31 years, the Texas
Renaissance Festival has
entertained crowds from
far and near. Located north of
Houston in Plantersville, it's
one of the nation's largest,
most acclaimed renaissance
themed parks.
The sights, sounds, taste
and beauty of the 16th cen-
A colorful Knight on his noble mount,
tury come alive when you battles for valor at the Texas
inside the 50-acre kingdom. Renaissance Festival.
From shops to authentic
games of skill like juggling, jousting, and "King of the Log," there is some-
thing for everyone. The festival takes place Saturdays and Sundays, through
Nov. 20, from 9a.m. to dusk. Each weekend has anewtheme.
• Highland Fling, Nov. 5-6. Transport to the highlands as NewMarket
Village honors all that is Scottish with aweekend of dancing and singing.
• Glorias de Espana, Nov. 12-13. The glories of Spain and the New
World are displayed for all to see as NewMarket Village commemorates all
that is Spanish.
• Celtic Christmas, Nov. 19-20. Meet Father Christmas as New Market
Village welcomes in the holiday season with 16th century grandeur.
Tickets are $21 for adults; $10 for children. Order on-line at www.texren
fest.com or by phone 800-458-3435.
By Shelley Steagall
Do you l<now a child who has...
• been involved in a serious accident?
• been assaulted?
• been abused or abandoned?
• witnessed a violent crime?
Traumatic life events such as these may, in some children, trigger a
disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some
signs and symptoms experienced by children with PTSD include:
• trouble sleeping or recurring nightmares
• withdrawal from friends and family
• complaining about physical ailments
• difficulty concentrating
Many children with PTSD may need treatment to help overcome
these symptoms and move on with their lives. The Division of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch
is seeking volunteers for a study of an investigational medication that
may help to relieve the symptoms associated with this disorder. All
study participants receive three sessions of cognitive-behavioral
therapy during the screening process. If you know of a child who is
between the ages 6-17 and experiencing the above symptoms after a
traumatic life event and are interested in learning more about this
study, please call (800) 236-2898.
Participation is free of charge and
all information Is kept confidential.
I. .UTMB
) , .Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
The Uni"'CI"Sity ofTe-<as Medical Brandl
Offices located in Galveston and Clear Lake
32 Houston Family Magazine 1 November 2005
~ Thursday ___
Harvest Family Free Night,
5-8 p.m., The Children's Museum of
Houston, 1500 Binz. It's Harvest time.
Try your hand at creating a przepiorka,
a traditional wreath for the Dozynki
Harvest Festival celebrated in Poland.
Then make a cornucopia or put
together your own paper corn neck-
lace. FREEadmission. 713-522-1 138;
www.cmhouston.org.
4Friday _____
23rd Annual Greek Festival,
5-10 p.m., Galveston Community
Center, 19th and Ball. Galveston may
be on the Texas Coast but now you
can capture the flavor and traditions
of the Greek Island at Galveston's
Greek Festival. Savor Hellenic delicacies
such as pastitisio, souylaki, gyro, bakla-
va and much more. Parents and kids
alike join in as the Olympian Dancers,
costumed in native dress, entertain vis-
Tlia Cllildran·~ Gardan
6 weeks - 6 years
Anne Edwards, Director
EdwardsDanny1 @cs.com
713.529.3354
2144 Kipling • Houston, TX 77098
itors with traditional Greek dances.
General admission is $2. Dinner admis-
sion is $1 0; children age 10 and
younger are free. 409-762-7591;
www.galveston.com.
3rd Annual Junior League Holiday
Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., The
Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel,
1601 Lake Robbins Drive. Dozens of
merchants will be on hand with
everything from children's clothing
and toys to food, seasonal items and
home interiors. All proceeds from the
event will go directly into the com-
munity to support programs spon-
sored by Junior League of North
Harris and Montgomery County.
Admission is $10. For more informa-
tion, call1 -888-746-7455 or visit
www.jlholidaymarket.org.
Brain Teasers: By You City,
1 & 2:30p.m., Museum of Health
and Medical Sciences, 151 5 Hermann
Drive. Come into the "By You City"
for exciting live science theatre and
puppet shows featuring environmen-
tal health topics for young children.
!Afg!'im
Bulheran
c5c.hoof
Building a foundation for life
18 months through 8th grade • Exemplary
Caring Christian Environment • Fully Accredited
Degreed Teachers • Small Studentffeacher Ratio
Extended Care 6:30 am to 6 pm
NOW ENROLLING
Challenging academic program
that nurtures the development
of the whole child.
Convenient Meyer/and location.
Close to Loop 610
8601 Chimney Rock at Beechnut
713-666-3706
HOUSTON
FAMILYAGAZINE
70,000 Magazines distributed
at over 1,600 locations.
Advertise Your Business
with Us...
713-266-1885
www.TXParenting .com

Fun-tastic
Children's Festival
K
ids might call it para-
dise, but parents
know it as the
Children'sFestival in The
Woodlands. This giant
annual festival is packed
with children's favorite tele-
vision characters, giant
puppets,crafts, music,
dancing, face painting, sto-
rytelling and food.
Everyone'sfavorite tele-
vision 4-year-old,Calliou,
hosts aspecial party on
Kids can make hats and have their face
painted in the Children's Festival's
Adventure Zone.
stage. Bring your dancing shoes for the Wiggly Woo. And,the loveable Franklin
the Turtle performs afull-length musical with his friends.
This festival isn't just about fun; it is educational, too. But, don't tell that to
the kids. The Mammoth Follies explores the wonders of evolution using giant
dinosaur puppets. Fitness expert and Houstonian Scott Cole shows kids how to
have a"wild" time while getting fit doing yoga and tai chi. The "Singing
Zoologist," Lucas Miller, uses puppets, aguitar and afewwacky hats to teach
kids about wildlife and conservation.
The 11th Annual Children's Festival takes place Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10
a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 from noon-5 p.m. at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion, (2005 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands).Tickets are $5 in advance,
$6 at the door. Call281-363-3300 or log onto www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org
for more information.
dipa lamps, menorahs, Christmas
lights, Lunar New year lanterns, lumi-
naries, kinaras and the crescent
moon light the way. This exhibit
showcases eight religious and cultur-
al celebrations: Diwali, Ramadan,
Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas,
Kwanzaa and the Lunar New Year.
Included with admission, $5. 713-
522-1138; www.cmhouston.org.
11 F.ridav~~~
Disney On Ice Princess Classics,
Nov. 9-13, Reliant Stadium, per-
formance times vary. Relive the
magic of Disney with your children
as all their favorite characters
appear on ice. The performance will
transport you to enchanted castles
and far off lands. See Cinderella,
Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping
Beauty and many more. Tickets
range from $15-$50; parking is $8.
www.TXParenting.com
By Shelley Steagall
Learn more about the performance
at www.disneyonice.com. Get tick-
ets by calling 713-629-3200 or log
on at www.tickmaster.com.
12 saturday
16th Annual Texas Championship
Pow Wow, Traders Village Houston,
7979 N. Eldridge Road. Hundreds of
Native Americans representing
dozens of tribes celebrate their cul-
ture and heritage. See dancers in full
traditional dress perform as artisans,
craftsmen and traders share their tal-
ents and their wares. Kids will also
enjoy the Tipi exhibit. Arts and crafts
tables open at 9 a.m., dances begin
at 11 a.m. with grand entry at noon.
Admission is Free, Parking $2. 281 -
890-5500; www.tradersvillage.com.
Annual Martyn Farm Fall Festival,
Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500
Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena. Step back in
Cole Speech&. Language Center, LP
CALL: 281-379-4373 16835Deer Creek Dr., Ste 120 11700 Louetta Rd., Ste A
Email: colespeech@sbcglobal.net Spring, TX77379 Houston, TX77070
Therapy available at our centers, in your home, or at your child's school or day care.
Patients served in Houston,The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, &NW Houston.
Hablamos Espaiiol• Call 281-379-4373 for your FREE consultation.
• Speech/Language Difficulties
• Articulation Errors/OraJ-Moror Issues
• Feeillng & Swallowing Disorders
• Audirory Processing Disorders
• Handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears)
• Dyslexia Testing & Intervention
• Aurism Spectrum Disorders
Now Offering a State of the
Art Gymnasium for:
• Fine/Gross Mowr Training
• Gait (walking) Training
• Aquatic Therapy
• Torticollis
• Therapy After Fractures, Burns, Strains
& Sprains
• Down Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Congenital
• ADD/ADH D- (Interactive Metronome)
Cochlear Implants
• Foreign Accent Improvement
• Traumatic Brain Injury
St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton
Catholic School
"Honoring
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's
Vision of American
Catholic Education"
'1f Internet Access
'1f Social Service Projects
'1f Science Lab
'1f Accelerated Reader
1f Catholic Traditions
6646 Addicks-Satsuma Road Houston, TX 77084
281..463..1444
www.seascs.org
Houston Family Magazine I Nove mber 2005 35

nda r
2 0 0 6
Rodeo Review
I
t's time forthe Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Pull on
your boots andput on your hat there's lots of fun to be had
for little cowboys and cowgirls.
The Go Texan Parade inConroe begins at 10:15am Feb.
18in downtown Conroe near the courthouse square.Call 936·
344-2415 for more information.
Watch for trail riders arriving in Houston daily up until the
start of the rodeo or see the Top Hands horse show up close at
Reliant Arena. The horse show takes place 8am Feb. 24 and 25.
Clowns, cowboys and.
cowgirls trade in their
boots for sneakers at
the ConocoPhillips
Rodeo Run.
The AQHA Cutting Horse
Competition happens at Reliant
Arena at 8am Feb. 27. General
admissiontickets required for
entry intothehorse shows.
Love BBQ? The World
Championship BBQ Contest is
theplace to be. Bring the kids
out to Reliant Park for ataste of
real Texas cooking. 5·11pm
Feb.23, noon-11 pm Feb. 24
and 9am-11 pm Feb. 25. BBQ
ticket or general admission
ticket required.
Enjoy rides,food,fun and
games at the Rodeo Carnival
at Reliant Park. The carnival
offersfun for all ages 10 am·
11 pm daily Feb. 23-Mar. 19.
Daily admission ticket required for
entry. Carnival value pack tickets cost $10 for 20 ride and food
coupons and $50for 110 ride and food coupons.
Take part inthe 19th annual ConocoPhilips Rodeo Run
in DowntownHouston. Join more than 6,000 participants,
many inwestern attireor rodeo costumes, for a5K fun
run/walkor 10Krace. The run raises scholarship funds for
Texas youth. All ages. Registration is$20 before Feb. 4and
$25after. Free for spectators.The race begins9:30am Feb. 25
at Texas and Smith. For Rodeo Run information visit
www.ConocoPhillipsRodeoRun.com or call 281·293·2447.
The Rodeo Run once again leads the Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo parade. See floats, horses, cowboys, bands
and more. The parade begins at 10am Feb. 25 at thecorner of
Watch barrel racers show off their skills during
RODEOHOUSTON.
44 Houston Family Magazine 1 February 2006
Meet Miss Moo in 'AGventure's' milking area at
the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Texas andSmithindowntown Houston.The Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo gets underway Feb. 28 and runs
through Mar.19. Popular events and exhibits for kids include
AGventure,the petting zoo, pig races,and daily livestock
shows and judging. Here'sapartial list of kid-friendly events.
• AGventure tours, Reliant Center, 9am-4pm Mon.-Fri.
• Barnyard Babies Birthing Center, Reliant Center,
9am-9 pm daily.
• Milking demonstrations, Reliant Center, 10am, 11 am,
noon, 2,3,4,5and 6pm daily.
• Spinning and weaving demonstrations, Reliant Center,
10 am-2 pm Mon.-Fri., 10 am-5pm Sat.-Sun.
• Petting Zoo, Reliant Park,
9:30 am-9 pm daily.
• Pig Races, Reliant Park,daily,
on the hour beginning at
10:30 am until 5:30 pm.
There is no 3:30 pm race.
• Peruvian Horse Exhibit,
Reliant Center, 10 am-
9pm daily.
• Peruvian Horse Exhibition,
Reliant Center, Main Arena,
6pm weekdays,7:30 pm
weekends.
• Project: ShowPride!
Exhibit, lobby of Reliant
Center,9am-9 pm daily.
Don't miss the calf scram-
See the city of Houston
from the Rodeo
Carnival Ferris wheel.
ble,chuck wagon races, barrel racingand more
during RODEOHOUSTON performances. The Rodeo begins at
6:45 pm Mon.-Fri. and 3:45 pm Sat. and Sun. Musical perform-
ances followthe rodeo.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tickets cost $16forall
ages,wich includes one-day admissionto Reliant Stadium,
Reliant Park,Reliant Center,Reliant Arena and the carnival.
Generaladmission tickets are $6 ages 13 and older,$3 ages 3·12,
Free ages 2and younger.General admission tickets allowone-day
entry to livestock and horse shows,the BBQContest,Reliant
Center events, Reliant Arena events,and Reliant Park events as
well as shopping areas.The Houston Livestock Showand Rodeo
raises scholarships for students.For more information call 832·
667·1080 or log onto www.rodeohouston.com or www.hlsr.com.
By Shelley Steagall
the vacation, leisure and outdoor
exhibits. All ages. 2-9 pm today,
10 am-9 pm Sat., 11 am-6 pm
Sun., Feb. 10-12. $8.50 adults,
Free children 12 under. 8400 Kirby
Dr , Houston. 713-629-3700.
www.ticketmaster.com or
www.texashomeandgarden .com.
Experience the family night
adventure "Owl Prowl" at the
Houston Arboretum and Nature
Center. Take a guided walk in
search of owls. Learn where owls
nest, what they eat and why they
can hunt for food so well at night.
See a live owl presentation before
the walk. Dress for the weather and
wear comfortable shoes. All ages.
7-9 pm. $15 adults, $11 children
12 and younger. Preregistration
required by Feb. 3. 4501 Woodway
Dr., Houston. 71 3-681-8433.
www.houstonarboretum.org.
Saturday____.
Fish for white bass at Jesse H.
Jones Park and Nature Center.
Enjoy casting on Spring Creek dur-
ing the white bass spawning run.
Bring fishing tackle and bait. All
ages. 8 am-noon. Free. Reservations
required. 20634 Kenswick Dr.,
Humble. 281-446-8588.
www. hcp4.net/jones.
Enjoy antique archery at Jesse H.
Jones Park and Nature Center. Learn
about archery equipment used by
settlers and "Native Americans" in
the 1800s. Shooting lessons and a
friendly competition to follow.
Ages 8 and older. 1·3 pm. Free.
Reservations required. 20634
Kenswick Dr, Humble. 281-446-
8588. www.hcp4.net/jones.
Head out to the Spring
Fling/Arbor Day Event at
Montgomery College. Enjoy arts,
craftsand a festival-like atmosphere.
All ages. 10 am- 2pm. Free. 3200
College Park Dr., Conroe. Contact
Linda O'Brien-Corbin 936-273-7312.
www.montgomery-college.com.
Take a tour of historic churches
in Galveston. Thirteen churches,
each over 100 years old, and one
historic cemetery are open to visi-
www. HoustanFamilyMagazine.com

Check it Out
Before it's Gone
T
here'sonlyafew days left on these
exhibits,so pack the kids in the car
and get there before they're gone!
JAM: Journey Through Amazing,
Moody Gardens, Discovery Pyramid,
Through Nov. 13. Explore the science behind
your favorite music in awayyou've never
before imagined and see exotic instruments
from all over the world. Adults $8.95; chil-
dren $5.95. 1-800-582-4673; www.moody-
gardens.com.
Tree-rific, daily through Nov. 28, Brushy
Park Lake on Oyster Creek,Sienna
Plantations, Missouri City. Kids will be
amazed bythis tree house wonderland, creat-
ed byHouston architects,artists and engi-
neers.The Houston Museum of Natural
Science, in conjunction with Sierra
The "Spirit of the Tree"
brings the Tree-rifle tree
house exhibit to life.
Plantationsorganized the second annual outdoor exhibit to combine an appreciation for
nature with public art.There are ninewhimsical tree housestoexplore. The exhibit is
free and open to the public. www.sierraplantations.com.
Holiday Lights in Hermann Park.
This month-long lights festival kicks
off the day after Thanksgiving. Take
a horse-drawn carriage ride or glow-
ing pedal boat ride, visit outdoor
cafes and enjoy lots of children's
activities. Admission is free.
www.friendsofhermannpark.org.
Gingerbread Ornament Making,
9:30 a.m.-4:30p.m., The Children's
Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz.
Learn about Christmaswhile creating
a traditional gingerbread ornament to
flang on your tree. Included with
admiSSIOn, $5. 713-522-1138;
ww.v.cmhouston.org.
~6 saturday
Nutcracker Vignette, Kemah
Boardwalk. See the Bay Area Houston
Ballet and Theatre perform a holiday
tradition. www.kemahboardwalk.com.
By Shelley Steagall
~ Sunday______~
MFAH Creation Station: Permanent
Collections, 1-4 p.m., Museum of
Fine Arts, Audrey Beck Jones Building,
5601 Main. Enjoy art-making fun at
this popular drop-in workshop.
Storytime tours at 2 and 3 p.m. 713-
639-7300; www.mfah.org.
2~ Monday_ __
Speed, daily through Dec. 31, Space
Center Houston, 1 Nasa Road, Clear
Lake. How fast is fast? Fasten your
seatbelts for an exciting learning
adventure. Discover both the scientific
and human qualities of speed, illus-
trating the math and physics of accel-
eration, horsepower and friction.
Adults, $17.95; children 4-11, $13.95.
www.spacecenterhouston.org. •
Fall 2005 • 2006 School Year
• Low Student/ Teacher Ratio • 6:30am - 6:30 pm, Mon · Fri
• A Beka Christian Curriculum • Enrolling 18 mos. - First Grade
• Full Day, Half Day &Mother'sDay Out

ndar2 0 0 6
" c elebrating Black History" at the
Heritage Society Museum features 40
works of art reflecting African American
Heritage. The artwork was created by children. All
ages. 10 am-4 pm Tue.-Sat, 1-4 pm Sun. Feb. 1-26.
Free. 1100 Bagby, Houston. 713-655-1912.
www.heritagesociety.org.
"Rodeo Art 2005" at The Arts Alliance Center of
Clear Lake showcases student works in grades K-12
from Clear Lake and Friendswood Independent
School Districts. The exhibition is in conjunction with
the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. All ages. 10
am-6 pm Tue.-Fri., 10 am-2 pm Sat. through Feb. 3.
Free. 2000 NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay. 281-335-
7777. www.taaccl.org.
"Diana, ACelebration!" at the Houston
Museum of Natural Science commemorates the life
of Princess Diana. On display is authentic memora-
bilia and film footage from Diana'schildhood and
adult life. See dresses from her public engagements
including her royal wedding gown and family jewels.
9am-5 pm Mon.-Sat., 11 am-5 pm Sun. through
Feb. 5. $17.50 adults, $14.50 children, $9.50 mem-
bers. One Hermann Circle Dr., Houston. 713-639-
IMAX. www.hmns.org.
"NorthSouthEastWest: A360• View of Climate
Change" at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
focuses on climate changes and it's impact on
human society. This exhibit showcases images from
10 diverse countries, telling the story of climate
change in human terms. It takes viewers across the
globe in search of creative solutions to this critical
Now Exhibiting
problem. Ages 6and older. 9am-5pm
Mon.-Sat., 11 am-5pm Sun. through
Feb. 19. Free. Cullen Grand Entry Hall,
713-639-4629. www.hmns.org.
"Perspectives 150: Robyn
O'Neil" at the Contemporary Arts
Museum is the first solo museum exhi-
bition for Houston artist Robyn O'Neil.
See O'Neil's meticulously rendered
graphite drawings ranging in size from
small squares to monumental triptychs.
All ages. 10 am-5 pm Tue. and Wed.,
10 am-9pm Thu., 10 am-5 pm Fri. and
Sat., noon-5 pm Sun.through Mar 26.
Free. 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston.
713-284-8250. www.camh.org.
"Cowboy CraHs of the American
West" at The Houston Center for
Contemporary Craft showcases the grit
and glamour of the open range through
artist-made cowboy gear and trappings.
See masterful works of art that are also
useful tools for modern ranch life such
as hand-tooled boots and saddles,
engraved spurs, knives and guns, musi-
cal instruments, braided rawhide riatas
See Princess Diana's wedding on display at the
Houston Museum of Natural Science.
and more. All ages. 10 am-5 pm Tue.-Wed., 10 am-
8pm Thu., 10 am-5 pm Fri.-Sat., noon-5 pm Sun.
through Mar. 26. Free. 4848 Main St., Houston.
713-529-4848. www.crafthouston.org.
"Universal language of Children: laughter,
Imagination and Reflection" at the Children's
Museum of Houston is aphotography
exhibit by children for children. See pictures
of children from around the world with their
friends, playing with pets,competing in
sports or spending quiet time alone.The
exhibit, which includes poetry and stories
written by the children, reveals how kids
from all corners of the earth speak the same
language. All ages. 9am-5 pm Tue.-Sat.,
noon-5 pm Sun. through May 1. $5.John P.
McGovern Kid's Hall, 1500 Binz, Houston.
713-522-1138. www.cmhouston.org.
"Glenn ligon: Some Changes" at the
Contemporary Arts Museum examines how the
social and political history of the United States has
shaped America. Ligon uses various text and art
making techniques to express his views. All ages.
10 am-5 pm Tue. and Wed., 10 am-9pm Thu.,
10 am-5 pm Fri. and Sat., noon-5 pm Sun. through
Apr. 2. Free. 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston. 713-
284-8250. www.camh.org.
Walk in "Global Shoes" at the Children's
Museum of Houston. The hands-on, feet-in, multi-
media exhibit uses real shoes to foster an apprecia-
tion and respect for the commonalities, differences
and interdependence between people and cultures.
Explore people and the lives they lead through the
shoes they wear. All ages. 9am-5 pm Tue.-Sat.,
noon-5 pm Sun.through May 7. Free with $5 muse-
um admission. Kaleidoscope Gallery, 1500 Binz,
Houston. 713-522-1138. www.cmhouston.org.
"Access/Ability" at the Children's Museum of
Houston focuses on disability awareness. Learn the
similarities and differences in how people with and
without disabilities goes places, communicates, has
fun and learns. Learn phrases in American sign lan-
guage, type in Braille, try ahand-pedaled bike and
take part in amulti-sensory city walk. All ages.
See the intricate detail and design workings of
"Crafts of the American West."
"Bones: An Exhibit Inside You" at
Moody Gardens Discovery Pyramid
explores the fundamentals of bone biology
in a6,000-square-foot exhibit. Learn the
importance of bone health and how mod-
ern technology helps keep our bones
healthy. Discover how bones have been
used in art, music and literature around the
world. Enjoy hands on activities in the
Home, Fitness, Medical Center and Zoo
areas. All ages. 10 am-1 0pm daily through
May 7. $8.95. One Hope Blvd., Galveston.
800-582-4673. www.moodygardens.com.
9am-5 pm Tue.-Sat., noon-5 pm Sun. through May
14. Free with $5 museum admission. Inspirations
Gallery, 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
By Shelley Steagall
40 Houston Family Magazine 1 February 2006 www.HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

Fun-tostic
Children's Festival
K
ids might call it para-
dise. but parents
know it as the
Children'sFestival in The
Woodlands. This giant
annual festival is packed
with children'sfavorite tele-
vision characters, giant
puppets,crafts, music,
dancing,face painting, sto-
rytelling and food. Kids can make hats and have their face
painted in the Children's Festival's
Everyone's favorite tele- Adventure Zone.
vision 4-year-old, Calliou,
hosts aspecial party on
stage. Bring your dancing shoes for the Wiggly Woo.And,the loveable Franklin
the Turtle performs afull-length musical with his friends.
This festival isn't just about fun; it is educational,too. But, don't tell that to
the kids.The Mammoth Follies explores the wonders of evolution using giant
dinosaur puppets. Fitness expert and Houstonian Scott Cole shows kids how to
have a"wild" time while getting fit doing yoga and tai chi. The "Singing
Zoologist," Lucas Miller, uses puppets, aguitar and afewwacky hats to teach
kids about wildlife and conservation.
The 11th Annual Children'sFestival takes place Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10
a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 from noon-5 p.m. at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion, (2005 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands). Tickets are $5 in advance,
$6 at the door. Call 281-363-3300 or log onto www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org
for more information.
dipa lamps, menorahs, Christmas
lights, Lunar New year lanterns, lumi-
naries, kinaras and the crescent
moon light the way. This exhibit
showcases eight religious and cultur-
a celebrations: Diwali, Ramadan,
Haruk ah, Las Posadas, Christmas,
Kwanzaa and the Lunar New Year.
Included w1 h adm1ssion, $5. 713-
522-1138; www.cmhouston.org.
11Fr' a
Disney On Ice Princess Classics,
Nov. 9-13, Reliant Stadium, per-
formance times vary. Relive the
magic of Disney with your children
as all their favorite characters
appear on ice. The performance will
transport you to enchanted castles
and far off lands. See Cinderella,
Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping
Beauty and many more. Tickets
range from $15-$50; parking is $8.
www.TXParenting .com
By Shelley Steagall
Learn more about the performance
at www.disneyonice.com. Get tick-
ets by calling 713-629-3200 or log
on at www.tickmaster.com.
~2 Saturday___
16th Annual Texas Championship
Pow Wow, Traders Village Houston,
7979 N. Eldridge Road. Hundreds of
Native Americans representing
dozens of tribes celebrate their cul-
ture and heritage. See dancers in full
traditional dress perform as artisans,
craftsmen and traders share their tal-
ents and their wares. Kids will also
enjoy the Tipi exhibit. Arts and crafts
tables open at 9 a.m., dances begin
at 11 a.m. with grand entry at noon.
Admission is Free, Parking $2. 281-
890-5500; www.tradersvillage.com.
Annual Martyn Farm Fall Festival,
Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500
Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena. Step back in
Cole Speech & Language Center, LP
CALL: 281-379-4373 16835 Deer Creek Dr., Ste120 11700 Louetla Rd.,Ste A
Email: colespeech@sbcglobal.net Spring, TX 77379 Houston, TX77070
Therapy available at our centers, inyour home, or at your child's school or day care.
Patients served in Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland,& NW Houston.
Hablamos Espaiiol • Call 281-379-4373 for your FREE consultation.
• Speech/ Language Difficulties
• Articulation Errors/Oral-Motor Issues
• Feeding & Swallowing Disorders
• Auditory Processing Disorders
• Down Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bilida, Congenital
• ADD/ADHD- (Interactive Metronome)
• Handwriting (Handwriting Without Tears)
Cochlear Implants
• Dyslexia Testing & Intervention • Foreign Accent Improvement
• Autism Spectrum Disorders • Traumatic Brain Injury
Now Offering aState of the
Art Gymnasium for:
• Fine/Gross Motor Training
• Gait (walking) Training
• Aquatic Therapy
• Torticollis
• Therapy After Fracrures, Burns, Strains
& Sprains
St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton
Catholic School
uHonoring
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's
Vision of American
Catholic Education"
1f Internet Access
1f Social Service Projects
1f Science Lab
1f Accelerated Reader
1f Catholic Traditions
6646 Addicks-Satsuma Road Houston, TX 77084
281..463..1444
www.seascs.org
Houston Family Magazine I November 2005 35

Texas Heritage Day Festival at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center. See Highlight, Page 42.
Learn about Groundhog Day. See Feb. 2.
Learn about bird banding at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center. See Feb. 4.
Celebrate the Harlem Globetrotters 80th anniversary at Toyota Center. See Feb. 10.
Experience the family night adventure uowl Prowl" at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
See Feb. 10.
Celebrate Abraham Lincoln's Birthday at the Children's Museum of Houston See Feb. 12.
Discover the ZOOM Engineering: Science Station at the Children's Museum of Houston. See Feb. 16.
Get Teddy a makeover during the Teddy Bear Repair Clinic at th~ Houston Zoo. See Feb. 25
Experience a Pioneer Campfire at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center See Feb. 25.
Urban Nature Series Race to Recycle at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. See Feb. 26.
See Herbert Lang and the rest of the
Globetrotters at Toyota Center. See Feb.
10.
Theater performances are listed in "Center Stage" on Page 39. Ongoing exhibits and enrichment facilities are listed in "Now Exhibiting" on Page 40. Occasionally,
an event listed changes vital information after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm details.
1Wednesday
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at
the Children's Museum of Houston.
Make pretend firecrackers using
red ribbon and craft sticks. Create
a dragon hat and pretend to lead
the Dragon Dance for Lunar New
Year. Design a zodiac autograph
book. All ages. 9 am-5 pm. Free
with $5 museum admission. 1500
Binz, Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Explore air at the Air Rules!
Science Station at the Children's
Museum of Houston. Participate in
www.HoustonFam ilyMagazi ne .com
hands-on experiments, and learn
about air pressure. Solve the mys-
tery of how balloons float in the air,
and launch a soft-foam rocket using
the power of air. All ages. 9 am-
5 pm. Free with $5 museum admis-
sion. 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-522-
Learn about Cycles in Nature in
the EcoStation at the Children's
Museum of Houston. Create your
own animal life cycle model, and
learn the importance of cycles in
nature. Discover the phases of the
moon, and find out how water
moves through the environment by
playing the Water Cycle Game.
All ages. 9 am-5 pm. Free with $5
museum admission. 1500 Binz,
Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Head to Tot*Spot for play and
learn time at the Children's Museum
of Houston. Listen to stories, enjoy
finger play and sing songs. Birth to 3
years with an adult 10:15 am today
and Feb. 15. Free with $5 museum
admission. 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-
522-1138. www.cmhouston.org
Make Chinese New Year greet-
ing cards at the Children's Museum
of Houston. An Early Childhood
Educator leads this play and learn
activity. Activities use everyday
materials. Ages 2-6. 1:30 pm. Free
with $5 museum admission. 1500
Binz, Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Take part in Magnificent Math
Moments at the Children's Museum
of Houston. Museum guides lead
kids on a hands-on math explo-
ration. Learn how math is a part of
everyday activities. All ages. 2-5 pm
today, 2-8 pm Thu., 2-5 pm Fri.,
10 am-5pm Sat, noon-5 pm Sun.,
2-5 pm Tue.-Wed. Feb. 2-8. Free
with $5 museum admission (5-8 pm
Thu. Free Family Night). 1500 Binz,
Houston. 713-522-1138.
www.cmhouston.org.
Houston Family Magazine I February 2006 37

I
What/s in a Name?
read somewhere recently that a name is
just a name and I guess, to some degree
that is true. After all, does your child
care what you call their favorite toy?
Does the name brand mean a thing to
them? No, it's the way they feel when they play
with it that matters. Here at Houston Family
Magazine, we can't agree with that philosophy
more.
Speaking of name recognition, who doesn't know that it is Rodeo time in
Houston? We can call this event anything we want to, but one thing is certain,
when the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) comes to town, all other
events seems to pale in comparison! Is it the rodeo, the performers, the carnival
or just the sheer excitement of participating in an event that was established in
Houston in 1931! Whether this is your first time or your 40th, you are bound to
see something that you have never seen before! Be sure to read our article this
month to find out the latest in family fun at the HLSR.
Speaking of family fun, believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about the
activities for this summer! Yes, I know it's only February, but whether you're
thinking about sending the kids off to camp for the first time this summer or
planning that much needed family vacation, we have tips for you in this issue!
We are also holding our 1Oth annual Camp Fair at Memorial City Mall on Feb.
25th . This year's Camp Fair is sponsored by the YMCA and our partners over at
PBS and Radio Disney. Be sure to come out to meet and greet camps from all
over Texas to see which one suits your child the best! It's free, and you'll receive
goodies and discounts from many of the camps for early enrollment' So come
join us for a great afternoon of fun!
Family fun is what we want you to think of when you think of Houston
Family Magazine. As you may or may not know, I had the pleasure of coming
back after a year's hiatus to take over the reins here at Houston Family Magazine
AGAIN as publisher and now as an owner. I have a renewed sense of purpose
and enthusiasm for what we do here. We contemplated the idea of changing the
name of the publication, but decided to keep it based on the feedback from our
loyal readers and advertisers. It was the consensus that the four former owners
built a strong foundation over the past 15 years, which we stand on today. It is
from this point that we will continue to improve the look, editorial content and
direction of this publication as the needs of our wonderful city dictates.
A name may just be a name, but it is our name that you have come to know
and trust. This is a tradition that we take very seriously and plan on continuing
for many generations to come.
Warm regards,
Kimberly Davis
Publisher
6 Houston Family Magazine 1 February 2006
HOUSTON
FAMILYMAGAZINE
10400 Westoffice, Suite 111
Houston, TX 77042
713-266-1885; Fax: 713-266-1915
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Davis
GENERAL MANAGER
Yvette Fidelus
EDITOR
Lynda Exley
lynda.exley@txparenting.com
CALENDAR EDITOR
Shelley Steagall
srsteagall@sbcglobal.net
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Cheriese Chambers
Faith Boninger, Ph.D.
Christa Burlakoff-Lawcock
PRODUCTION
Percy Zamora, Art Director
Alisa Murray, Photographer
studio@alisamurray.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Joy Schafer
Dana Donovan
Doris leal
DISTRIBUTION
Houston Family Magazine
PRINTING
Southwest Lithographics Inc.
Advertising Information:
kimberly.davis@txparenting.com
HOUSTON FAMILY MAGAZINE
is published monthly by TCF Publishing, LLC
(EIN 73-1692745) and is copyright 2005 by
TCF Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part without
written permission is prohibited.
Editorial submissions are welcome;
however, we cannot guarantee return of materials. For
back issues, please send a self-addressed 1O"x13"
envelope with $3 postage and handling. Address all
material to
Houston Family Magazine,
10400 Westoffice, Suite 111
Houston, TX 77042
www.HoustonFamilyMagazine.com

Steagall Houston Family Magazine clips

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (19)

Similar to Steagall Houston Family Magazine clips

Similar to Steagall Houston Family Magazine clips (20)

Steagall Houston Family Magazine clips