The Woodlands is home to a rising star in the medical field – Dr. Beth Zhou – a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility. The Woodlands Mommy caught up with Dr. Zhou this month to get to know the Houston native, Baylor College of Medicine graduate and women’s health advocate.

It's raining, or maybe it's just too doggone hot to be outdoors. Or maybe it's too cold (who knows – it IS Texas, after all). Or - the air quality (pollen) is just too outrageous.

Either way, the Woodlands Mall can be a great alternative to your usual kid-friendly spots around town. After you find a parking space and unload the kids, the rest is golden.

There is plenty for a child ages 2 to 12 years old to explore and enjoy at our mall! And for you, mom, there are nursing lounges, family bathrooms, stroller rentals, and an abundance of stores and goodies to make the visit with kids pleasant for everyone.

The 2023 Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will soon come to life along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park on the weekend of Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 15. As a long-standing springtime tradition for families and local residents for 18 years, the festival is a jewel of the Texas fine arts tour and is ranked among the top arts festivals in the country, and has been voted as the Best Event in The Woodlands.

Here’s a rundown of the top ten things to enjoy and appreciate this year at Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival: 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common disabilities to date, impacting around 1% of the entire population, including many of our WoodlandsMommy.com families.

For many, ASD can create difficulties with communication, learning, and social interactions. With autism being a common diagnosis, it is likely you or someone you know may be impacted. April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness month, a great opportunity to get involved in the community and learn more about autism. Below are some interesting facts you may not know about ASD, presented by BlueSprig Pediatrics: 

Jerry Matheson Park - the fabulous "tire park' located at 1240 Ulrich Rd. in Tomball, is getting a facelift. Wait a minute. Facelift is the wrong word. The park is getting a COMPLETE overhaul! Last year, when I heard that they were re-doing this charming playground, I was disheartened. "What could be better than an awesome park with TIRES GALORE?" I wondered. But then, I stopped at the park this week to check it out, and I was AMAZED! The playground is completely new and it's spectacular! 

I won't spend much time writing out some commentary. I know YOU want to see photos, so here they are:

Here is a look at the many play structures. As you can see, the second one is perfectly sized for younger kids:

A climber's paradise! Jerry Matheson Park has so many structures on which to climb, including these three beauties. We love the monkey bars:

I can't get over the beautiful rope swing that's large enough for several riders. The motion is side-to-side. The park has about 4 regular swings, some baby/tot swings, and several specialty swings They are NOT all picture.

 Imaginative play at its finest! Toddlers and preschoolers can sit and enjoy this little red train for hours! 

Here are a few other favorites! A zip line, teeter totter, and more!

In case you're interested, here's the master plan of how Jerry Matheson Park when the $2.3 million update is complete. There will be a splashpad, pickleball courts, and other new amenities, coming soon.

Meet Lori S., our Spotlight Mom for February 2023!

If you're a mom interested in being in our Mom Spotlight in 2023, please CLICK HERE. 

Please tell us a little about your family:

My husband and I met in 2002 in Conroe, and found out we shared the same birthday among other things we had in common! Needless to say, we hit it off and we’re married in 2004! Since then we've had three beautiful children and I have stayed home with them and homeschool them. Our daughters have been involved in National Youth Theater for several years and love it!

Do you have a business you'd like to share with our readers:

I do! Years ago I started MakeThingsPersonal.com, a blog about connecting and making meaningful relationships in our busy, disconnected world, because relationships have always been important to me. That is a continuing work in progress. Then in 2018 I started my photography business and I absolutely love getting to capture the love, joy, and connections in the families I work with! What a privilege! I also offer Senior Portraits and serve business owners with branding and headshots.

Favorite place to go in The Woodlands area:

I love visiting the parks with my family. Being in nature, taking a relaxed walk, swinging with them for a few carefree moments, those are the moments that fill up my heart. Rob Fleming, North Shore, and Town Green Parks are among my favorites!

Favorite blogs I read:

I love WoodlandsMommy.com for all the local happenings and articles specifically for moms. I also love NotConsumed.com. It’s been fun to watch her grow over the years and I have enjoyed many of the Bible studies and resources she provides!

First job:

Oh goodness! My first job was being a cashier at McDonald’s! Living in a small town the options were limited. I did enjoy it, though. Getting to work with people, serve them with great customer service and mop the floors with excellence! Yes, I was regularly complimented on the floors the next day! LOL

Favorite childhood book or story:

Growing up, my favorite story was The Giving Tree. It was still one of my favorites to read with my children when they were little! Love and Giving is what life is all about!

Favorite meal to prepare at home:

Oh, hard to choose! I make a Mexican Casserole that everyone loves. Basically layers of rice, refried beans, taco meat, onions and peppers, crushed tortilla chips and cheese baked to yummy, melted goodness!

3 Things on my Long-Term To-Do List:

This past year I began one of them -- taking care of my parents as they age, when my father had a stroke. All my life it’s been important to me to be there for them when this time came. It’s not always easy, but I’m glad I can help them.

Another thing on my long-term to-do list is continue my education. I have so many interests, I would like to dive deeper into some of them, and become a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach and maybe a naturopathic dr after that! I’d also love to becoming a parenting coach.

The 3rd thing on my Loooong-Term to-do list— I’d love to buy a house in the Bahamas one day!

How I spend my Friday evenings:

Some of our Fridays are spent taking our daughters to Theater rehearsals, but if we’re not doing that, I may have a photo session, or a date with my husband or a movie night in with the family!

Favorite non-homemade dessert (and where can we find it):

I’m a sucker for a no-sugar added fro-yo at Chiller Bee, but if you’re on the area, Caroline’s in Tomball makes amazing low carb treats as well!

Best way to spend $50:

I love spending time with my family, so I’d spend it eating out with my family, roller skating with them at Rainbow Roller Rink, or some other experience having fun with them!

Something in your purse that has an interesting story behind it:

I have a Visa gift card with 42 cents left on it! My daughter didn’t know what to do with it so she offered it to me! It’s hanging out in my purse for when I find something for exactly 42 cents! LOL

My life:

…is nowhere near perfect, but it’s perfect for me. We’re so blessed and I try to soak up the moments of love, joy, and connection with family and friends; laughing, serving, giving, and growing!

How can our readers find you?

Sure! I’m on Facebook at
Facebook.com/LoriSlottPhotography

And Instagram at
Instagram.com/LoriSlottPhotography