When I worked for GE, one of my responsibilities was to help draft the legalese found in the terms and conditions of credit card agreements. The GE attorneys I worked with were absolutely wonderful, and together we strove to make the terms straight forward and understandable even if it meant some may deem them overly verbose.

Because of this background, I find the fine print of the credit card offers and terms changes that come in the mail fascinating, and I routinely read the junk mail just for fun.

WEIRD. I know.

BT received a CIT (change in terms) for his AmEx card a few weeks ago that left me scratching my head and a bit perturbed:

“To adjust the Minimum Payment Due, we will not exclude late fees and the overlimit amount from (1) nor add 1% of the New Balance in (2). Then, if (2) is the highest (but less than 4% of the New Balance), we will add $15. If we do the adjustment, we will not add 1/24th of the overlimit amount of any new late fees in the Minimum Payment Due.”

HUH?

I know that my light in the attic may be a bit dim and that I’ve been out of the industry for a while, but how the heck is the average Joe Schmoe supposed to decipher that load of malarky?

Shame on you, American Express.

Look what arrived in the mail from Grandpa Hess! As Tad started to open the box, he was ecstatic by all the bubble wrap and foam peanuts. His excitement could hardly be contained as he joyously shouted, “He sent me bubble wrap and peanuts!” But as the first piece of the train was extracted from the box, the mood in the room turned to awe.

I really can’t fathom the amount of time that was invested in the creation of this masterpiece (and he made FIVE of them), but the amount of love that went into it is obvious.

On all sides of the family, my children are blessed with amazing grandparents.

Dear Denton County Appraisal District,
Perhaps it would be easier for everyone involved if you’d just make a note in your database to appraise my property accurately and fairly each year the first time. You may think that I will tire of the “protest” game and just give in like some many people invariably do. And I don’t blame you. It’s a frustrating process (by design?) that I loathe. But I loathe paying higher taxes even more, so I suppose that you and I will be seeing a lot of each other over the coming years.

On a more positive note, I do appreciate the professionalism and relative fairness demonstrated by your staff appraisers. They seem to genuinely listen and attempt to work toward a mutually agreeable resolution; however, the large blonde “gatekeeper” lady is downright scary and abrasive.

Sincerely,
Lori Tolbert

Having just “won” my fifth consecutive dispute, I wish that I had figured out this secret before now–arrive at 7:30 a.m. (1/2 hour before the doors open) to avoid a multi-hour wait. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to bring along a cute little blonde girl in a polka dot dress and pigtails to soften the hearts of even the most crusty employees.

This year’s tax savings directly attributable to protesting: $700 gross, $553.47 net (after factoring in that my appraised value (pre-protest) was capped artificially “low” to begin with because the year-over-year increase exceeded the legal limit of 10%). Therefore, comparing my NEW appraised value (post-protest) with the OLD appraised value (pre-protest, not capped) yields a tax savings of $700, but when you factor in the fact that taxes were originally being assessed on a CAPPED appraised value, I only actually realize $553.47 in savings. Confusing, I know. But I choose to see the glass as half full and will think of myself as $700 richer because of today’s efforts. Not bad for an hour’s worth of work.

Last year, I was asked to speak on Summertime Family Fun at another ward’s Relief Society activity, so I compiled a ton of cheap activities to do around town. Because I have had several people ask me for them again this year, I’ve re-validated and updated the information.  Enjoy!

Please Note: The information below was accurate at the time I compiled it, but be sure to click on the link to check pricing, hours and any small print before you head out on your adventures!

Click HERE for a list of 100+ simple boredom busters that you can do at home.  I put each on a popsicle shape and put them in a glass jar.  Once the kids are done with their responsibilities each day, they can draw out an activity, and I will DO IT WITH THEM.  Too many times, I procrastinate doing things with my kids because of laundry, dishes, or other less noble pursuits.  This fun tradition forces me to refocus my attention on my kids during their summer vacation, even if it’s just for thirty minutes a day.

To make the popsicles, just create a table in word with the cells of the table being approximately 1.5″ x 2.5″ each.  Copy/paste one activity per cell.  Print on colored paper, cut apart, round the corners with a scrapbook punch.  Glue a popsicle stick (you can actually cut them in 1/2 to use fewer) on each.  Decorate a jar (Ikea has cute, cheap ones) and place the popsicles inside.

RESOURCES

• AroundTownKids.com – A great resource for local activities and information. Sign up for their free newsletter by clicking on the link. Credit for much of the information on this page goes to “Around Town Kids,” so be sure to check them out.
• Free Things to do in Dallas
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Map–Whether you are a birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or just ready to discover the wildlife Texas has to offer, click on the link to access a map that makes it easy for you.
• Life’s Better Outside – Explore the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Activity Guide to find 10 ways you and your kids can enjoy nature together, for your family’s health and well-being.
• Frisco Parks & Recreation Dept.
• Little Elm Parks & Recreation Dept.
• Plano Parks & Recreation Dept.
• Dallas Parks & Recreation Dept.
• Fort Worth Parks & Recreation Dept.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS (organized by city)

Frisco:

• KIDS BOWL FREE @ Strikz (Frisco) – Kids receive 2 free games every weekday! – Click link for more details
• Safety Town Family Nights @ Frisco Safety Town (Frisco) – Free Friday Night visits – June – August
• Dive-In Movie’ Nights @ Frisco Athletic Center (Frisco) – June 25 & July 30 – $7/person; Under 2 – free.
• Frisco Trails & Parks (Frisco) – Frisco is home to 43 parks and open spaces. Click link for full details
• FRISCO SPLASH PARKS (Frisco)
  • R Newman Park, 8211 Twin Falls Drive, Frisco
  • Shepherds Glen, 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive, Frisco
  • Bi Centennial Park (Frisco Commons Park), 8000 McKinney Road, Frisco
• The Snow Cone Lady (Frisco) – Hours vary. Click link to see if she’s open.
• Frisco Heritage Museum (Frisco) – $8 Family Admission
• Summer Reading Program (Frisco Library) – Free. Weekly events for children of all ages (Free tickets are required. Seating is limited). A summer reading program for children and adults. Click link to access calendar and to download reading log form.
• Frisco Athletic Center (Frisco) – mini- water park & pool. Daily and annual passes available. Click link for details.
• Frisco Natatorium (Frisco) – $2.50/Adults; $1.50/Children – 3 & under is free
• Frisco Farmer’s Market (Frisco) – Saturdays @ 8am – 1pm – Frisco Square
• Jazz in the Square (Frisco)– FREE Jazz Concerts on Friday Nights-June & July @ Frisco Square
• AMC Summer Movie Camp (Frisco Stonebriar Mall) – Discontinued, but a list of family-friendly, value-priced movies are available.

Little Elm:

• Summer Rhythms by the Lake (Little Elm) – FREE concerts in June at Little Elm Park

The Colony:

• The Colony Aquatics Park – Splash Zone, Indoor Pool & Leisure Lagoon with waterfalls -Public Swim $4/person ages 7 yrs +

Plano:

• Summer Fun Thursdays @ WillowBend Mall (Plano) – Free activities for kids
• Heritage Farmstead (Plano) – Self-guided tours $2/person; 4 & under are free
• The Interurban Railway Museum (Plano) – story times on Fridays – Free. Museum free, too!
• Old downtown Plano (Plano) – Avenue K & 15th Streets area – historic Gazebo at Haggard Park (by the Interurban Railway Museum), a large and shady urban park surrounded by quaint shops, boutiques and theaters.
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano) – Free. A 200-acre park featuring vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity.
• Summer Concert Series by Plano Community Band – Free concerts Monday nights in June & July @ Haggard Park, Plano
• Jack Carter Pool, Plano – $3/person for ages 3 yrs+ – Waterslide, pool & playground
• Plano Farmer’s Market @ Fairview Farms – Daily @ 8am – 9pm; 3314 North Central Expressway, Suite 100, Plano
• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – Only $1/show at the box office or $10/5 shows purchased in advance

Dallas:

• Amon Carter Museum (Dallas) – FREE admission; Storytime each Wednesday (June 8 – July 27, 2011) 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• Crow Collection of Asian Art (Dallas) – FREE admission. Special “Family Days” on Saturday, July 4th, 2011 with various family-friendly activities throughout the day.
• Dallas Museum of Art (Dallas) – FREE admission the first Tuesday of every month, including special family/kid-friendly activities. Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
• Museum Science & Nature (Dallas) – Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
• Arboretum (Dallas) – On Wednesdays through the end of the year, buy 1 adult admission and get 1 admission of equal or lesser value FREE, with coupon (click link). In addition to your coupon, be sure to print a fun “Kid’s Discovery Guide” to take with you.
• Art Walk (Dallas) – FREE self-guided 3.3 mile art walk through arts district, Dallas
• Shakespeare in the Park – Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre (Dallas) – in June & July. Ticket prices vary. Click link for more info.
• M-Line Trolley @ Uptown (Dallas) – FREE – Runs Daily – experience the transportation of yesteryear!
• Dallas Fire Fighters Museum (Dallas) – Open Wed – Sat – $4/adults; $2/children
• Public Tours of the Dallas Arts District (Dallas) – first and third Saturday of each month @ 10am at the ceremonial entrance of the Dallas Museum of Art (Flora and Harwood Streets). Adults $10, Seniors and students $5, Children 12 and under are FREE.
• Latino Cultural Center (Dallas) – FREE admission. The 2nd Saturday of the month features family-friendly activities celebrating Latino arts and culture.
• Meadows Museum (SMU, Dallas) – FREE admission on Thursdays after 5 pm. Art museum on the campus of SMU.
• Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas) – FREE admission on the first Saturday of the month and includes lots of family-friendly activities (art activities, sculpture demos, scavenger hunt, tours, storytime, etc.)
• Dallas Heritage Museum (Dallas) – $7 Adult ($5 in July); $4 Child ($3 in July). A Living history museum portraying life in North Texas from 1840-1910.
• Showtime Saturdays (Dallas Galleria) – FREE weekly family-fun entertainment event held each Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Click the link for weekly entertainment line up.
• Jazz Under the Stars – Free Jazz Concerts in June – Ross Ave Plaza, Dallas
• Dallas Farmer’s Market – 1010 South Pearl Street – Open Daily @ 7am – 6pm
• Half-Price Books – HUGE used bookstore. Showing FREE movies in the parking lot June – August. Click link for details.

Addison:

• July Jazz (Addison) – FREE Saturday night live Jazz, Beckert Park.
• Summer Salsa (Addison)- FREE live Salsa Music in August, Saturday Nights.
• Symphonic Saturdays (Addison)– FREE concerts every Saturday in June.

Fort Worth:

• Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth) – FREE admission to permanent collection; HALF-PRICE admission to special exhibits on Tuesdays (all day) and on Fridays from 5 – 8pm. Be sure to visit the Information Desk to check out a “Family Gallery Guide” for fun facts and discussion questions to enrich your visit.
• Museum of Science and History (Fort Worth) Bank of America account holders get free admission all the time (account holder(s) only; guests not included) through the “Museums on Us” program.
• Modern Art Museum (Fort Worth) – “Wonderful Wednesdays” is a FREE program for families of all ages and is designed as an informal introduction to the Modern’s collection and special exhibitions. Led by a docent, the program focuses on a select number of works in the collection and includes a gallery project designed by the Museum’s education department. Registration is not required. The sign-up sheet is located at the front desk the day of the program. Infants, toddlers, and strollers are allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to the museum is free for participants.
• US Bureau of Printing & Engraving (Fort Worth) – FREE Tours Mon – Fri
• Mrs Baird’s Bakery Tours (Fort Worth) – Free tours available Tues, Wed & Thurs – 2-WEEK NOTICE REQUIRED! Children must be at least 6 years old to participate.
• Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (Fort Worth Stockyards) – Adults $4 (with online $1 off coupon); Kids $3 (ages 4 & under are free!). Honors the men and women who have excelled in the sport and business of rodeo and the western lifestyle.
• Historic Stockyards (Fort Worth) – Admission varies. Experience the Old West as it really was in the age of dust and cattle drives! The Chisholm Trail ends right here in the Stockyards! Visit the museums, eat lunch at the restaurants or let the kids get lost in the maze! (not really – you can guide them from a lookout platform)
• Cattle Drive (Fort Worth Stockyards) – Daily @ 11:30am & 4pm @ Historic Stockyards – FREE!
• Log Cabin Village (Fort Worth) – $3.50/Adults; $3/3-17 yrs; under 3 – free. A living history museum devoted to the preservation of Texas heritage. One Saturday a month, special educational events with extra activities are held. Additional fees may apply.
• National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum (Fort Worth)– FREE Storytime – Saturdays @ 11am – 1pm. Founded to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans in the settlement of the Western American Frontier.
• The Texas Civil War Museum (Fort Worth)– Adults $6, Children 7-12 $3 (6 and under, free). Artifacts relating to the history of the American Civil War and information about the role Texas played in the conflict.
• Fort Worth Zoo – Wednesdays are Half-Price Admission day!

Allen:

• Connemara Conservancy (Plano/Allen border) – FREE (donations accepted). Scheduled nature walks on select Saturdays. Click link for schedule.
• The Edge @ Allen Station Park (Allen) – includes free concrete skate park, two roller-hockey rinks, BMX track
• Celebration Park (Allen) – sprinkler park with large adjoining park & bathrooms
• Summer Sounds Free Concert Series (Allen) – FREE Monday Nights May – June @ Joe Farmer Recreation Center Amphitheater, Allen
• Live on the Green at Watters Creek (Allen) – FREE Concerts – Thurs, Fri & Sat – Village Green @ Watters Creek, Allen
• Rodenbaugh Natatorium (Allen) – indoor pool, mini-water park – $4/Adults; $3/Kids; Under 2 is free

Carrollton:

• A.W. Perry Homestead Museum (Carrollton) – Free tours & admission. Offers a glimpse of life as it was in north central Texas at the turn of the 20th Century.
• Historic Downtown Main Street (Carrollton) – Experience the Old West as you stroll around this historic town square.

McKinney:

• Chestnut Square Historic Village (McKinney) Tours @ 11am Tues, Thurs & Sat, Recommended Donations – $7/Adults, $5/children. Several fun events during the summer. Click link for more info.
• Collin County Farm Museum (McKinney) Walk-ins $1/person, under six are free.
• The Heard Natural Science Museum (McKinney) – Adults $9, Kids $6 (ages 3-17). Wildlife sanctuary, nature trails & new Ice Age Mammals exhibit.
• Historic Square (McKinney) – old “downtown” McKinney including the old courthouse. Great old architecture plus lots of unique shops. Virginia & Tennessee Streets, close to the downtown library. Special events held throughout the year. Click link to see calendar.
• Jammin’ in June (McKinney) – Free Thursday night July concerts @ Towne Lake Park, McKinney
• McKinney Farmer’s Market (McKinney) – Chestnut Square – Saturdays @ 8am – noon or Adriatica Farmer’s Market – Thurs & Sun @ 1-5pm

Richardson:

• Owens Spring Creek Farm (Richardson) – $5/person (children under two years are FREE). Tours through the end of June.

Grapevine:

• Grapevine Summer Blast (Grapevine) – Free entertainment/activities on Saturday evenings in July
• Friday Night Fireworks (Grapevine) – Free fireworks over Lake Grapevine every Friday night in summer.
• Summer Nights at the Gazebo (Grapevine) – Family Fun Friday nights in July – Historic District in downtown Grapevine
• Nash Farm (Grapevine) – Take Free Tours*
• Downtown Grapevine (Grapevine) – Main & Ball streets – A fun place to stroll the many boutiques and take a rest under the shady gazebo and surrounding small park with an ice cream cone!
• Grapevine Opry (Grapevine) – The Grapevine Opry, Texas’ Premier Country Music Variety Showcase 7:30 PM every Saturday night – special theme shows every month.

Denton:

• University of North Texas SkyTheater (Denton) – Spend some quality time with your family, or feed your thirst for knowledge by coming to a show and experiencing our full-color, HD projection system. It can make you feel like you are traveling to nearby stars, taking a celestial roller coaster, or winding through a field of electrons within an atom. Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children $3.

Arlington:

• University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium (Arlington) – Adults $5-6, Seniors and Children $4. Family-friendly educational films shown in a 60-ft dome animation theater

FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES BEYOND DFW:

• Eisenhower Birthplace (Denison) – $4/Adults; Ages 6-18/Students
• Dr. Pepper Museum & Bottling Plant (Dublin)
• Homestead Heritage (Elm Mott) – A 510-acre homesteading community and traditional crafts village. Visit the shops of the crafts village, watch the craftsmen work, even attend classes to learn craft skills.
• FESTIVALS:
  • Sulfur Springs Homemade Ice Cream Festival, June 12th (Held every year the 2nd Saturday in June). All-you-can-eat ice cream $3.
  • Weatherford Peach Pedal Bike Race and Peach Festival Saturday, July 9, 2011. Peach Festival Admission, $5 Adults; Children 12 and under are FREE.
  • Westfest, Czech/Polka festival held each Labor Day weekend in the town of West, Texas.
• GAINESVILLE:
  • Frank Buck Zoo (Gainsville) – $4/Children ages 1-12yrs; $5/Senior Citizen & Military; $6/Ages 13 yrs +; 9 am – 5 pm daily –Click HERE for a money saving coupon! (Aroundtownkids.com)
  • Leonard Park -includes an awesome playground and hosts the Frank Buck Zoo. The park features the Frankie Schmitz Express Miniature Train Ride. The Frankie Schmitz Express is a 1/4-size replica of an 1800s steam engine train. Open daily @ 10am – 5pm.
• ORCHARDS & FARMS (Pick your own Fruit, Veggies or Flowers):
  • The Merry Berry Farm (Balch Springs) – Pick your own blackberries. Click link for hours and contact info.
  • Quarry Flower Farm (Celina) – Pick your own flowers. Click link for hours and contact info.
  • RJR Farms (Farmersville) – Pick your own vegetables. Click link for hours and contact info.
  • Red River Peach Orchard (Gainsville)– Pick your own peaches. Click link for hours and contact info.
  • Lavender Ridge Farms (Gainsville) – Pick your own flowers, herbs & vegetables. Click link for hours and contact info.
  • Duck Creek Blackberry Farm (Sanger) – Pick your own blackberries. Click link for hours and contact info.

KIDS SUMMER MOVIES:

• AMC Summer Movie Camp (Frisco Stonebriar Mall) – Discontinued for 2011
• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – Only $1/show at the box office or $10/5 shows purchased in advance
• Regal Cinema’s Free Family Film Festival – Selected G or PG movies @ 10am every Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited. Theaters in Dallas, Fort Worth & Grand Prairie. Check website for participating theatres – regmovies.com
• Studio Movie Grill kids summer movies – 11 a.m. Monday – Thursday $1/kids; $2/adults
• Stars under the Stars @ Sundance Square (Fort Worth) – FREE Movies every Thursday evening June through July 1. Pack a picnic & bring a blanket.

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS:

(STORE-SPONSORED–For library-sponsored programs, see specific city information above)

• Half Price Books – all kids 14 and younger can earn a FREE $3 gift card by reading for 15 minutes a day.
• Borders Books – Kids 12 & under can take part in Borders Kids “Take the Dare” Summer reading program! Go to Borders.com, download the form, read 10 books, and then turn it in for a free book coupon.
• Barnes and Noble – for kids in grades 1-6.Kids read 8 books over the summer, then eligible to choose a free book from Barnes and Noble. May 25 – September 7.
• Reading with Ringling – Kids can earn a FREE circus ticket to any Dallas/Fort Worth Ringling Bros. performance in July and August by simply doing their library reading! Enroll with the librarian to get started. Click link for a list of participating libraries.