My Midlothian Texas

Midlothian has a new magazine. It's "green", user friendly and informative. It is an online magazine filled with beautiful images, local information and resources and it highlights people and places in our community. A must read if you enjoy Midlothian!

This month their are several community members featured, our own Honeysuckle Estates neighborhood graces the pages, and several yummy and easy summer recipe's.

http://www.mymidlothiantexas.com/

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Hope you enjoy this post by a fellow blogger. Sheryl sent me a link to her article and permission to share it with you! Thank you for sharing, Sheryl.

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Many families end up scattered across the country these days. Trying to stay connected to parents can be difficult at times. There are those, however, who have not moved far from home. They have managed to purchase or build a home next door to their parents. This type of situation can have many advantages.

1. Babysitting – With the grandparents next door, babysitters are often available at short notice and without much hassle. Having Mom or Dad watch the kids while you run to the store or even do chores around the house, can be very helpful.
2. Security – Parents are going to keep an eye on your home when you’re away. They’ll notice anything out of the ordinary faster than the average neighbor. There won’t be any teenage parties at your home while you’re out of town, if Grandpa and Grandma are watching from next door.
3. Pet sitting – No need to pay for boarding services with parents that close by. Just hand them a key and give a few instructions, and be on your way without any worries.
4. Family gatherings – No long trips for family gatherings. In addition, you can combine your yard space to accommodate larger numbers of people for summer picnics.
5. Recipe shortages – You might hesitate going to a neighbor to borrow a couple of eggs or other ingredients that you need to finish a recipe, but doing the same from your parents wouldn’t cause you any embarrassment at all.
6. Shared rides – When going to visit other relatives or driving to any other destination, you can easily share transportation by riding together, instead of driving separately.
7. No privacy fence – There should be no need for a privacy fence to be built between your two homes, assuming that your relationship with your parents is a good one.
8. No overnight visits – With your parents living right next door, you don’t have to be concerned with them coming to stay at your house for any length of time. You can be assured that they’ll come home to their own beds at the end of any visit.
9. No complaints – You shouldn’t have to worry about your parents complaining about the noise your children make or how early you mow your lawn. Parents generally will give their kids much more leeway than they would other neighbors.
10. Sharing – Having your parents next door can be a convenience for both of you. You may have tools that your dad doesn’t have, or vice versa. If one or the other needs a few extra lawn chairs, it can be easy to share those types of items with one another, without concern for their return.

As long as you get along good with your parents, they can be the best neighbors anyone could hope for. In a day and age when many families are divided by distance, this is a rare privilege.

If you click on the title of this post you will be re-directed to a web page for changeofaddress.com. I found this site useful with tips and resources for anyone who has recently moved. Hope you find it helpful too.

Spring Planning Meeting

Mark your calendar & plan to attend:

Sunday, March 7 @ 2:00 p.m. / 4640 Sunrise Lane


the planning meeting for our neighborhood


Easter Egg hunt & Spring Garage sale.

Honeysuckle Estates is looking to stir up some fun & function for Spring! Neighbors get out and join us and help us make some memories!

Midlothian Calendar Events you may want to make note of are:

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/support/calendars.xml

Also, Midlothian is looking for help perserving a part of history!

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=240

Welcome 2010!

Welcome 2010, I hope it is a wonderful year for each of you!  As each of you make resolutions or just skip the process and pray for change remember to look for the good that exist in your life each day and ways that you can find value and happiness with where you are. 

A few things going on in Midlothian in January are:

Siren Test


Date: January 6, 2010
Description: Test of the outdoor emergency warning sirens by the Fire Department.
Address: Midlothian, TX 76065

Midlothian Area Historical Society Meeting

Date: January 7, 2010
Address: Midlothian, TX 76065
Location: A. H. Meadows Library
923 South 9th Street
Midlothian, TX
Hours: 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 972-775-3469
Email: MAHS E-Mail

Midlothian Band Booster Golf Tournament

Date: January 7, 2010
Description: 18 hole scramble - Golf tournament benefiting the Midlothian Band Booster organization.
Address: 3502 Country Club Drive
Grand Prairie, TX
Location: Grand Oaks Golf Club
Hours: Registration at 10:30 am / Start at 12:00 pm
Contact: 214-334-5352
Email: Justin Wood
Cost: $100 per player or $350 per 4 member team

Also, if you look on the Midlothian City website you will see several volunteer opportunities for various board positions that need filling in 2010.  If you have the time or are interested in becoming more active in your city this might be a great place to start.

Merry Christmas!

The countdown is here and the elves are busy checking list, checking them twice & making everything beautiful & nice!

It is looking like a Christmas wonderland in our own little corner of the world. Driving through the neighborhood all the pretty wreaths & lights make everything warm and cheery during these cold gray days. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the season.

Please continue to uplift the Kendall family, 5610 Evening Ln., in your thoughts and prayers. When your doing your Christmas cards a quick note letting them know they are thought about would be a great way to embrace these neighbors during their time of loss. The first holiday without a loved one can be a very difficult time.

Remember we are our first step of defense out here! Keep an eye for any strange cars or trucks that are making random drive through without purpose, if possible jot down license plates. We have had a few thefts in the neighborhood and being so far out I'm sure makes us a bit of a target. Would still like to have a meeting to discuss a neighborhood watch. We have a Dallas police officer that owns a home in the neighborhood and I'm sure he could give us some great tips and advice on how to make our homes and neighborhoods more secure.

Things that can be done in the mean time are....network with the neighbors closest to you. Seek a neighbors help if your going out of town to help with mail & to take the trash cans out on trash day & put them away. Consider timers for lamps to light up various rooms in your home when your away. You want to make it look like members of the home are coming and going so that the house doesn't appear empty.

It also seems we are a prime location for pet drop off! There have been several pets, so far dogs, found in the neighborhood that are obviously house pets that have been abandoned. The Midlothian animal control is great at working to find the owners and/or find new homes for these pets. If you call them they will come and pick them up. We have had two show up in our yard and just a small bowl of water was enough to keep them here long enough to be picked up.

The cold weather has hit so wrapping exposed pipes will save a few headaches come warmer weather and running sprinklers on warmer days will help prevent unneeded repairs. Watering your plants before any hard freezes will help protect the root systems and salvage the loss of any new perennial plants.

On a personal note the Harvey household would like to say that we are truly enjoying our new neighbors and our first Christmas here. May each and every one of you enjoy time with your family and loved ones and enjoy the wonders of Christmas and the blessings to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving is around the corner! Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, etc...a day for good food, family & fun. I hope each of you has a wonderful time enjoying a little down time & fun with your families.

A few things going on around the Metroplex are:

The Ft. Worth Turkey Trot!
http://www.fwtrot.org/

Fun Holiday Plays:

At the Nasher Sculpture Center, check out a "Masterpiece Holiday" through Dec. 31st at 2001 Flora Street in Dallas. For the prim and proper go to afternoon teas and savor classic coffee and tea service, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. Festive Family

Masterpiece Holiday
Neighborhood: Nasher Sculpture CenterDallas, TX 75218
Saturdays include children's art activities, carriage rides, ice-sculpture demonstrations, and music on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late sleepers can take in holiday brunches with a traditional fare and gourmet coffee on Sundays from 11-3. For the young dancer in the family take her to Breakfast With A Ballerina which includes a brunch menu, opportunities for children to meet "Nutcracker" characters, and a reading Dec. 9th and 23rd from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call 214-242-5152 or go to nashersculpturecenter.org

This site also has a list of holiday parades all around Texas!
http://gotexas.about.com/od/festivals/tp/05HolidayParade.htm

Train rides & light shows!

GRAPEVINE: North Pole Express – The Grapevine Vintage Railroad hourlong holiday trip includes carols, stories and an encounter with Santa Claus. Before or after the trip, enjoy the Christmas lights, bounce house and photos with Santa. At the ornament factory, make a decoration for free. Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Departure times vary. Tickets: $16. Children under 2 are free. Remote parking and free shuttles.
817-410-3123 ; http://www.gvrr.com/ (click on "Special Events").


PALESTINE: The Polar Express Train Ride – Journey to the North Pole on the Texas State Railroad's hourlong holiday runs on which riders meet Santa while enjoying caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-15, 17-22, 24 and 26-27. Friday, Saturday and weekday departures are at 5:10, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Sunday trips at 5:10 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets: adults, from $28; ages 2 to 11, $18 or $19. First Class Car service includes cookies served on silver trays and hot chocolate in a collectible mug. Adults, $49.95; ages 2 through 11, $24.95. 1-888-987-2461

Light displays:

FORT WORTH: Chesapeak Energy Parade of Lights – Fort Worth's holiday season starts with a parade of more than 100 illuminated, decorated floats, horses, carriages and marching bands topped off with the lighting of the 56-foot-tall official Fort Worth Christmas tree on Main Street between 3rd and 4th streets. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or two to be collected for needy children. Sundance Square, Nov. 28. Kids' activities begin at 2 p.m.; parade from 6 to 8 p.m. 817-336-2787 ; http://www.fortworthparadeoflights.org/.

Holiday Home Tour:

FORT WORTH: Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Holiday Home Tour – Includes five Ryan Place homes built in the early 1900s and listed on the National Register, decorated for the holidays, plus historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Light snacks and refreshments at the church. $20 per person. Dec. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2 to 10 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 to 6 p.m. http://www.historicryanplace.org/.

Through Dec. 21st experience Victorian Christmas at the Heard-Craig House that are set to reflect what the mansion, built in 1900, might have looked like when the family was getting ready for the holidays at 205 W. Hunt Street in McKinney. Tours of the home started Nov. 24th and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. For more details, call 972-569-6909
Holiday Shopping:

CANTON: First Monday Trade Days – This is your last chance before the holidays to shop Texas' foremost flea market for antiques, home decor, arts and crafts, tools, plants and more. Nov. 27-30. 903-567-6556

The Holiday Urban Bazaar at the Market will showcase Dallas Farmers Market Friends and Make Crafting Studio and sale items such as home accessories, furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, art, and photography Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 10th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S. Pearl Street in Dallas. For information, call 214-256-3061

The McKinney Avenue Contemporary presents "The Blue Yule," its annual fundraiser featuring unique handmade holiday ornaments designed by various artists Dec. 9th from 5-7:30 p.m. at 3120 McKinney Avenue in Dallas. For details, call 214-953-1212



And for a lot of free & fun holiday activities you might want to check out

North Park Mall
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!!

Spooktacular Block Party!!

Come join our Spooktacular Block Party this Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4-7...!

We will have hayrides, bounce house, games, food & fun.

Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. It's a great chance to come & mingle with your neighbors.

We are so excited about the response to our first big neighborhood event.

Thank you for all the great help & response from the Neighbors @ Honeysuckle Estates!

Rain, rain & more rain!

I hope everyone enjoyed the peeks of sunshine we finally saw this weekend! I heard and saw many people out working on their yards, walking their animals, playing with their kids. It was so great to see after so many rainy days. Sounds like we are up for another round.


*If you are having problems with your drainage ditch in the front of your property you can call the City of Midlothian. The area is part of the city easement. They can/do help widen, level and improve the drainage for these areas.


*Leaks! If your home was bought "As Is" but you paid for an inspection for your mortgage and the roof was inspected to be in good repair without concern you can contact the Inspector/inspection company. They carry insurance for this type of situation. You may be able to recoup most if not all of the cost for repairs.

*Mud, mud, mud! If your home is like mine and you have kiddo's traipsing in and out, you may find that you are dealing with extra clean up due to muddy shoes. To help limit the clean up & mess I have placed a small wire shoe shelf by both front & back doors to provide a space for the muddy shoes to sit when the kids come in. I also have a container of wet wipes I put beside the shelf so that the kids can help clean up their tracks. If you have any tips for corralling the shoes and muddy issues than please feel free to share!

Have a great week & look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood.

Getting started....

Hoping to find fellow neighbors and friends of Honeysuckle Estates in Midlothian, TX., to build strong relationships through social gatherings, information and idea sharing.

We are loving the neighborhood, excited to watch the changes! It is inspirational to hear the uplifting stories of how home owners have taken on the challenges created by neglect of others, from our neighborhoods interesting history, and turning these homes into great places to live.

My hope is this blog will give us a place to share ideas, review what we have found helpful, share questions or concerns that will help imrpove our neighborhood and strengthen relationships in our community.


Quick & easy dinner idea....
Grilled Chicken, Tortellini Pesto Alfredo dinner

1 pkg frozen grilled chicken
1 pkg tortellini of your choice
1 small jar pesto (makes more than one meals worth)
1 jar alfredo sauce
1/4 c. milk

Cook Tortellini according to package directions for firm pasta, in a skillet heat grilled chicken
once Tortellini is done add to skillet and add alfredo sauce, 1/4 cup pesto and 1/4 cup milk and stir till heated.

Add a salad & garlic bread and your good to go! Happy eating.