Love how Ginger Snap Crafts made a cute banner out of these Popsicle Stick Flags. Awesome, right?

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Now this is perfect. Spoonful has created a rad Patri-botic Centerpiece AND a cool utensil holder.

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Have your little ones paint red, white, and blue clothespins to make a DIY Patriotic Clothespin Wreath. Idea courtesy of All You.

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This Star Cookie Cutter Print craft from No Time For Flash Cards is perfect for kids of all ages!

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Love the cuteness of this Vertical Flag Garland. It’s another great idea from Spoonful.

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Nothing screams Independence Day like a firecracker! Check out Stitch, Craft, Create’s Wine Cork Firecracker and several other crafting ideas.

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These Glittery Star Wands from Crafts Unleashed would be a welcome addition to Independence Day celebrations.

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Wouldn’t the food table look awesome with these Patriotic Paper Flowers from Live, Laugh, Rowe?

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Love how this easy 4th of July craft looks like a firecracker. Great idea Christina’s Adventures!

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Love these cute Paper Lanterns…4th of July style…from The Crafting Chicks.

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I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish my list of crafts before Independence Day. It definitely won’t be because of lack of inspiration!

Happy 4th, friends!

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more Independence Day crafting ideas, visit…

Fourth of July Crafts

4th of July Crafting

The post Independence Day Crafting appeared first on DFW Mama.

Recycle Reef needs your artwork to fill it up

The new summer exhibit at the Perot Museum is called Recycle Reef. They have built a kelp forest, a shipwreck and a lot of coral reef out of cardboard and placed them in a room lighted to look like moving water.  Your kids (and you) can choose from a large amount of cardboard pieces, fabric, different scraps of paper and use glue, masking tape, markers and crayons to create a “recycled” masterpiece that will be placed in the Recycle Reef. Not sure what to create? They have some beautiful posters of sea creatures that you can look through to help you make a decision.

Created by a guest artist

My kids and I went to check out Recycle Reef on June 14th during the members-only preview. The Recycle Reef was pretty much empty of artwork at that point, so we could see how it was created out of cardboard. Very Cool. We already recycle in my household, but this experience let the kids take a second look at what they could make out of the things we put in the recycle bin! One word of warning, you might want to make this your first stop in the museum. If you go all the way to the top floor and work your way down, you may be too tired to create art.

Plastiki–a true feat of recycling!

On your way into the museum, be sure to take a few minutes to check out the Plastiki on display. In addition to the ship, the windows have information on how it was built and the different kinds of plastic that were recycled. It also shows the ship’s path from San Francisco to Australia! My kids could not believe that anyone would sail on the ocean so far in such a small plastic ship!

Museum Membership Savings

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Funny!

Easier Reads: The Sisters Grimm Series, by Michael Buckley. I have a friend who reads these books to her 4th grade class, we read them the summer before 3rd grade. Made my son laugh out loud. Definitely boy humor!
 I Survived Series, by Lauren Tarshis. These are pretty short and cover a variety of topics. I haven’t read any of them, but enjoyed discussing the events after he finished.

Longer Series:  Shark Wars Series, by EJ Altbacker. This is the newest series he is reading–bought the first book today around 4 pm and is halfway through it by 8 pm. Already planning to locate the rest of the series.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series and Heroes of Olympus Series, both by Rick Riordan. I read these at the same time that my son did so that we could discuss them. Very well written series (don’t judge it by the first movie, from what I hear! We have not seen it).

Kingdom Keepers, by Ridley Pearson. This series is set in Walt Disney World and involves some of the Disney villains as the bad guys. He has read the first book, and said it got a little slow in the middle, but is on the waiting list right now for the second book.

My son prefers series, so that is what I suggested. He likes to get to know the characters. He also loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and the Big Nate series, but they are graphic novels with less reading and I won’t let him count those towards his reading for the summer programs. If you son doesn’t really enjoy reading, however, those are great books to get them interested.

Finally, just because your boy is able to read by himself, he may still want to be read to. I started reading the Harry Potter series to my kids in November, before our trip to Orlando. Even though my oldest had read the first two books, he is really enjoying reading with us. It also gives them lots to talk about as we are now almost finished with the 3rd book and even the oldest doesn’t know what is going to happen! Good reading!

Haven’t signed up for summer reading programs? Check out your local library, Barnes & Nobles, and Half-price Books to start!

The post Books For Boys appeared first on DFW Mama.

We had been to the local Legoland, but it had been a while so I was excited for my almost-five-year old to be reintroduced, especially with the new Star Wars feature!

Experience the epic duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader and watch in awe as the Millennium Falcon rises from the deserts of Tattooine with an interactive exhibit made with Legos and other technology! My son really loved pushing all the buttons to see action happen within the exhibit!

For the special launch he also got the chance to get a little Jedi training – complete with a light sabre and a guy who looked just like Obi-Wan Kenobi. (I mean really, really like Ewan McGregor.) It was precious; but we had to stay away from the Darth Vader member – he would have freaked out.

Anyhow, this time it was like a whole new place so we almost revisited everything, plus the things that had been added since our last visit. I’d suggest if you haven’t been there in a while to check out the map to create a strategy of how to take down Legoland this summer.

Rides & Attractions

• LEGO® Factory
• LEGO® 4D Cinema
• Kingdom Quest
• LEGO® CITY: Forest Ranger Pursuit
• MINILAND®
• Star Wars™ MINILAND Model Display Episode 4
• LEGO® Racers: Build & Test
• Merlin’s Apprentice
• LEGO® City Play Zone & Fire Academy
• The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Shop
• DUPLO® Village
• Earthquake Tables
• LEGO® Girls – Princess Palace
• Café
• Birthday Rooms

Legoland Disovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy
Grapevine, Texas 76051
(877) 818-1677
website

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Looking for More Family Fun from me on Today’s Mama?

WaterTower Theatre Summer Arts Camp for Your Little Actor
Derby, Diamonds and Discounts: Lone Star Park 2013 Season Scores

The post Fly Over to LEGOLAND Discovery Center DFW for New Star Wars Exhibit appeared first on DFW Mama.

Sometimes a Photo Captures So Much More than You Realize or Expect…

If I were to sum up one of my recent visits with little Elijah, his parents and his two handsome brothers, that is how I would describe it. This image capturing his joyful smile is beautiful…but it becomes incredible if you know the story behind it.

More Than A Child Standing

I did not expect him to stand up! Elijah is learning how to walk again after being incredibly sick last fall. Talk about a tearful moment. I photographed this sweet little man a couple of years ago. A lot has changed in two years, but he still has the ability to make my heart SWELL. Such a sweet family…

We never know what tomorrow holds, but God does; He is forever holding Elijah’s hand, and through him is giving his family such joy.

During the part of my session in McKinney with Elijah and these very ‘smile-inspiring’ balloons, we ran into a friend of his.

More Than A Chance Meeting

I started snapping pictures, not knowing at the time that Elijah’s friend was injured while serving our country. Brandon Byers has been faced with his own serious challenges and I ask you to visit his family’s blog titled “I Will Walk Beside You”. And don’t forget to thank him and the next veteran you meet.

You are reading this because he and many others fought for your freedom to do so.

I’m still amazed that I was given the honor of capturing a moment between two brave fighters. Same war, different battle…different battlefields but kindred courage.

It just strikes me every time I see this photo….where would we be without the family that walks with us? And when we cannot walk, who are we without those who are there faithfully to lift us up and carry us to wherever the path may lead?

Author’s Note: The previous post appeared on my portraits blog back in March 2013. I wanted to share it here because I have since found there is even more to this touching story, and I couldn’t have relayed it any better than Brandon’s wife Megan who shared it with me:

“Brandon was injured on October 16 2006. He was in southern Iraq manning a 50 caliber machine gun on top of a humvee when a roadside bomb embedded in a curb exploded.

Doctors were able to salvage his limbs… And we went through years of surgeries to try to repair the damage that had been done. He even went as far as to have his knee replaced when he was just 27 years old.

In February of this year… Brandon went into the hospital to have his leg amputated above the knee. It was the best medical decision we have made in this aftermath. He felt amazing. The years of chronic pain and inability to heal had left him feeling drained and weak.

Just two weeks ago, Brandon got his first prosthetic…. And he took his very first pain free steps since 2006.

We met the Bullard family through some mutual friends at church. We really became close after their son, Elijah’s medical setback at the end of 2012. Because of everything I had been through caring for my husband… Elijah’s tubes and monitors didn’t seem scary.

Brandon and Elijah met for the first time on New Years. Elijah insisted on Mr. Brandon sitting next to him…. It was precious. They were little kindred spirits.”

It seems to me that on every level God has provided the opportunity for this special friendship so that Brandon and Elijah could encourage one another. But Megan’s words STILL make my breath catch….

“Because of everything I had been through caring for my husband… Elijah’s tubes and monitors didn’t seem scary.”

As a mother I cannot help but continue to feel so strongly about how the gift of Megan’s experience, through her and Brandon’s most difficult moments, made her the perfect companion and encourager for Elijah’s mother. None of this has happened to me personally,  yet I feel so grateful to know the story and how it is turning out. And now, so do you.

Brandon after being fitted for his first prosthetic and ready to take some steps. Image from Brandon’s blog “I Will Walk Beside You” April 16, 2013

Brandon and his son enjoy a walk around the neighborhood. Image from Brandon’s Blog “I Will Walk Beside You”

The post Elijah and Brandon: Same War, Different Battle appeared first on DFW Mama.

(Photo courtesy of cartermuseum.org)

Silly Circles – June 12
Super Squares – June 19
Tremendous Triangles – June 29
Stellar Stars – July 3
Happy Hexagons – July 10
Outgoing Ovals – July 19
Radical Rectangles – July 24
Peppy Polygons – July 31

Light refreshments will also be served.

Shape Storytime
Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth
Wednesdays, June 12-July 31
10:30 am – noon
Free (parking additional cost)
Website

Additionally, parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited once a month on Fridays for a special tour opportunity to explore the museum with little ones in tow. Special allowances include special stroller access and help from the staff. To learn more check out the cartermuseum.org Parent Tour info page.

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Looking for More Family Fun from me on Today’s Mama?

WaterTower Theatre Summer Arts Camp for Your Little Actor
Derby, Diamonds and Discounts: Lone Star Park 2013 Season Scores

The post SHAPE UP this Summer with FREE Shape Storytime at Amon Carter appeared first on DFW Mama.

Celebrate hot rods on June 8 in FW at Glory Days. (Photo courtesy of Camp Bowie District.)

Guests will also enjoy live music by Austin roots rocker Jesse Dayton along with gourmet burgers by Easy Slider Food Truck.

Wondering if the kids can handle a full day of classic cars? Then consider leaving dad and discover Camp Bowie District, which encompasses the 9-mile stretch of the boulevard, which extends from University to 820 in Fort Worth. When visitors choose to discover all 9 miles of the boulevard, they will find unique shops and restaurants in each of the designated segments, which include: “The Bricks”, “Ridglea”, and “Camp Bowie West”. The organization is committed to making Camp Bowie Boulevard a better place for families and businesses. The district’s role includes: driving traffic to businesses, spurring economic development, building on beautification efforts, and hosting a variety of public events including Fresh Off The Boulevard, Camp Bowie Christmas and Glory Days Car Show.

(Photo courtesy of Camp Bowie District.)

Learn more on social media with:  CampBowieDistrict on Facebook, @campbowiedist on Twitter with hashtags  #campbowie, #campbowiedistrict, and  #glorydayscarshow.

3rd Annual Glory Days Car Show
Saturday, June 8, 5 pm – 9 pm
8000 Camp Bowie West (next to Sutherlands) in Fort Worth.
Free
Website

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Looking for More Family Fun from me on Today’s Mama? 

WaterTower Theatre Summer Arts Camp for Your Little Actor
Derby, Diamonds and Discounts: Lone Star Park 2013 Season Scores

The post Roll Into Father’s Day with Free Glory Days Car Show in FW, June 8 appeared first on DFW Mama.

How about making pops a snack basket he can’t refuse? Spice it up with these beautiful treat and beverage labels from The Elli Blog.

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I love this writing prompt from Teachers Pay Teachers. It’s a great way to show Dad how much he’s loved!

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Love this Father’s Day token tin from Eighteen 25. It’s a gift that gives for a while!

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The Modern Polkadot has a super cute Father’s Day freebie! Love this subway art that describes a father so perfectly.

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As a photographer, I love photo gifts. This Father’s Day photo by Crafty Texas Girls is awesome!

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Snackpicks has a great idea to make a book of 25 Things We Love About Dad!

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This personalized Man Cave sign from Man Cave Gifts is a perfect idea for my husband. They have a whole assortment to choose from. Love it!

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I love Oh Happy Day’s Father’s Day envelope surprise. It’s a great way for the kids to put some thought into what Dad might enjoy. Plus, it makes the celebrations last longer!

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Roots & Wings Co has a great tutorial on how to make this awesome Hands Down Best Dad canvas using your kid’s arms!

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I love sliders which is maybe why this slider basket and press set from Sur La Table is so appealing to me, for my husband to make sliders, naturally.

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So, do you find buying gifts for men difficult or is it just me?

For more posts written by me, visit my personal blog, I Believe In Love. For more Father’s Day ideas, visit…

Crafts To Make Dad For Father’s Day

Father’s Day Crafting

Father’s Day Crafting

The post Father’s Day Crafts and Gift Ideas appeared first on DFW Mama.

At the Summer Performing Arts Conservatory, kids go beyond the traditional idea of a summer camp with a unique, non-competitive, nurturing program that caters to students who want to immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre arts.

Photo from last year’s Summer Performing Arts Conservatory at Water Tower Theatre. (Photo courtesy of the WT Facebook page.)

Taught by highly skilled professionals, the classes offer an intimate classroom setting – guaranteeing each student receives the individual attention necessary to learn theatre skills as well as life skills: confidence, self-esteem and a love of creativity.

Classes for younger participants include acting, audition technique, dance, voice, and art. Older children will explore techniques in scene study, playwriting, Shakespeare, improvisation, stage make-up, musical theatre, dance, costume design, voice, audition technique, and film.

Each session culminates in a production for family and friends highlighting skills and techniques acquired during classes.

The two-week camp also includes students working on a production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.

Scholarships and payment plans are available to those that qualify.

For more information, please contact Janeth Farnsworth at 972.450.6228 or visit the Watertower Theatre website.

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The post WaterTower Theatre Summer Arts Camp for Your Little Actor appeared first on DFW Mama.

The third-annual event features terrific music from up-and-coming Dallas bands and great activities for kids (and the young at heart), including a petting zoo, obstacle course, pirate ship, arts and crafts, giant slide, local art vendors, as well as several delicious food trucks.

However, the best part of the event is the release of the butterflies by childhood cancer warriors  meant to honor the number of children fighting cancer today and in memory of the children lost to the disease. However, even if you can’t attend the event, for only $15 you can sponsor a butterfly and become a part of this beautiful embodiment of the strength, grace, and hope that these children show in the face of cancer. 100% of your sponsorship and proceeds from the event go directly to funding childhood cancer research at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. (I can’t tell you how much I love this hospital and what it has done for my family!)

Your attendance will help them reach their $100,000 goal.

Peace, Hope & Butterflies Family Fun and Music Festival
Miracle Players Foundation
June 1, 2013  from 2 – 6 pm
Flag Pole Hill
8100 Doran Circle, Dallas, TX 75238
$15 for adults
$10 for children 13 and younger
Each ticket for admission includes performances by four live bands, unlimited access to all of our family friendly activities (petting zoo, giant slide, obstacle course, arts and crafts, pirate ship, and more), and of course, the opportunity to witness the release of 500 butterflies by Dallas area childhood cancer warriors.
Website

Flier from the Miracle Players Facebook page.

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