I am a resident of The Falls development in Anna.  My family relocated here from Iowa nearly 4 years ago.  Unfortunately with my job I did a lot of traveling so have not had much time to meet many people in Anna outside of my soon to be 14 yr old son’s school activities.  My husband and I were blessed with a second son in 2006 and had the ever so stressful task of finding daycare for him.  Any working parent understands that daycare for your child is the most important decision you make.  Touring and talking to a facility director is only part of the process and for me it would have been great to hear from another parent which is why I am writing this.  My son attends Growing Step by Step Christian Daycare which just opened up last month.  For anyone who has lived here, was familiar with or has heard stories of Kids Casa please keep reading.  My son attended Kids Casa as I was blessed with a very flexible schedule and was able check in frequently and keep him home with me when I wasn’t traveling.  Kid’s Casa was an institution, not a daycare and I want to make sure I let everyone that I possibly can know that Growing Step by Step is the complete opposite.

 I was leery as I believe a lot of people were when I first saw the sign that a new daycare was coming to the same facility that was run by people who not only had no business sense but also didn’t have a clue about children.  It was hard getting no notice that Kids Casa was closing and  I know a lot of families were put in a tough position finding a new daycare with no time to look.  This was a blessing in disguise.

 Growing Step by Step has gone above and beyond any expectation I have ever had.  It is NOT an institution setting, it does not employ inexperienced people who have no interest in children, and it is run by a director who is educated and deeply cares about every child and every employee that she puts in place.  This daycare is a true blessing to my family and to the community.  My son who is now 2 1/2 spends his days learning and having fun.  There is no TV in his room with movies continuously playing and only simple toys to play with.  He walks into a fun classroom filled with toys that are not only fun, but also have meaning, and a teacher - who is a certified Montessori school teacher - that loves children.  Each day he learns something new, each Friday he comes home with a bag full of the arts and crafts and worksheets that he has done.  He talks about his day and what he has learned with enthusiasm and pride. 

The greatest thing I did with my oldest son when he was younger was to send him to a 3 year preschool.  It helped prepare him for interacting with other kids and gave him learning that at that time was not present in his daycare.  For my youngest there is no need for me to think about this.  Growing Step by Step is a learning center and I can’t put into words how wonderful it is to walk out the door and know that my son is not only in great hands, but is also learning and having fun at the same time.

The daycare is run on heart, love of children, and an attitude not only by the director but by ALL employees that kids should have fun and can have fun while learning.  If anyone is looking for a quality daycare for their children they should check into this facility.  The staff includes an RN, a Certified Montessori teacher, and educated and experienced women who are smart and love children.  I know that talking to another parent means more than talking to someone who is affiliated with a daycare so please call me if you have any questions, I am happy to share my experiences and answer any questions that I can, 214.831.0965.  The daycare is directed by Krystal Street, 972.924.3435. 

 Sarah Jones

In this week’s issue of The Anna News there’s a column by Ken Gaidziunas about restaurants in Anna. He does a good job of touching on the fine Anna eateries that we all drive by day in and day out as we go about our daily business.

Mr Gaidzunas extols the virtues of My Estrella, Angel Wings, The Malt Shop, Grandys, and the rest — all fine restaurants, to be sure, but one of Anna’s hidden treasures is missing from his list.

I knew there was a little place out on 121 at the edge of town. I had heard people talk about it. I had even met the owner - a charming woman named Mary Valverde. I had not, however, thought to venture out her way — at least until tonight.

The Circle V Country Restaurant played host to KAG’s City Council Candidate Rally where the Valverde family served up an enchilada buffet that was nothing short of fantastic. After only a few bites I was chastising myself for never having been there before.

Each of the several types of enchiladas, the rice, and the phenomenal bean soup were so good they made me want to, as my grandmother was fond of saying, “Jump up and slap my mamma.”*

Looking over the menu I find myself surprised at the variety of cuisine available at Circle V. Their breakfasts include standard American fare such as sausage, eggs, pancakes, and French toast as well as Mexican specialties like chorizo and migas.

Similarly, their lunch and dinner items include a wide cross-cultural variety ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches to fajitas. I’m inclined to try them all.

After dinner or after work you can saddle up to the bar and enjoy an ice cold beer or frosty margarita with friends or peruse the (admittedly somewhat kitsch) items in the country store.

If you’re like me, you may never have ventured out north on 121 to the Valverde family restaurant, but trust me - once you do, your first time won’t be your last.

*Please note: I in no way endorse the slapping of mammas. Or really jumping, for that matter.