Southeast Texas Family by Digital Publisher

Family January 2018

Southeast Texas Get Connected

Port Arthur Smiles Next to Wal-Mart

(409) 548-0685 www.PortArthurSmiles.com

on Twin City Hwy.

Medicaid & CHIP accepted Interest Free Financing Weekend and Evening Hours Dr Mahesh Dholariya | Dr Dhaval Thakkar

$29 X-Rays and Exam for Kids. {$241 value}

FULTSChiropractic FULTSChiropractic $35 Adjustments ~ $19 First Visit

$35 Adjustments ~ $19 First Visit

No X-Ray Required

721 B Nederland Ave.

3939 Dowlen Ste 10 in Beaumont next to Kroger

Nederland

visit us online FultsChiropractic.com

visit us online fultschiropractic.com

409.237.4222

409.892.2770

Now Enrolling Call for an application packet or schedule a tour of our campus! Accepting students from PK3 - 8th Grade 409-892-1755 Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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Orange Family Dental

(409) 330-4252 www.OrangeFamDental.com Next to Wal-Mart Medicaid & CHIP accepted Interest Free Financing Weekend and Evening Hours Dr Yukti Gulati | Dr Dhaval Thakkar

$29 X-Rays and Exam for Kids. {$241 value}

Pg 8

Pg 10

YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE FUTURE

To Advertise Call (512) 567-8068

Pg 18 THE BIG FIVE

31 CROCK POT IDEAS

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PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION O

T E

A S

Proudly Announces Our 2nd Location Serving Hardin County Physical Therapy & Speech Therapy Julia Potter ~ Physical Therapy Newborn to 21 Assisting children with a wide r ange of needs including kids with Spina Bifada.

337 North Main Lumberton 409.833.4115 PediatricRehabTexas@Yahoo.com Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

Most Insurance Accepted Hablamos Espanol www.SETXFamily.com

Lumberton│Kountze│Hardin Jefferson│Silsbee

Specializing in Pediatric Home Health Care Private Duty Nursing Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF TEXAS

Phone: 409-835-0228 Fax: 409-835-0151 epichealthservices.com

To Advertise Call (512) 567-8068

Say, “I saw it in SETX Family”

Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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Would your family like something special? Ask Gina to create it for you. Does your child have a special birthday coming up? Maybe a graduation party? Gina C’s Catering would love to create a special menu for you! • Chicken Pot Pie • Chicken Spaghetti • Spaghetti with Meat Sauce • Corn Casserole Entrée (with beef and rice) • Chicken and Dressing • Creamy Beef Casserole • Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Weddings • Lamar Football Tailgating • Graduation Parties • Company picnics & holiday parties • Family holiday & Birthday dinners • Celebration or Thank You cookie trays

Order Entrées in Quantities of 8 or 16 Side Dishes by the Quart

GINA WILKERSON

Serving Southeast Texas (409) 790-7063 Wilkerson.Gina@yahoo.com

SETXChurch Guide .com Telling the Stories that Bring Southeast Texas Christians & Southeast Texas Churches together.

www.SETXChurchGuide.com Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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MAKE 2018 THE YEAR YOU INVEST IN YOUR CHILDS FUTURE

S T A R T A C O L L E G E S A V I N G S P L A N

Parents have a lot of nightmares. Increasingly, one of them is paying for college. End the nightmares by making your New Years Resolution to start a College Savings Plan in 2018. Paying for college is particularly stressful, because parents know when it’s going to happen. Increasing parents’ pain, they see their window for saving that money closing with each and every day. College costs have skyrocketed and they show no signs of slowing down. A friend of mine with newborn twins was counseled by his financial adviser to invest $2,000 per month beginning immediately and continuing through their college graduation to cover the cost of a state school- and that estimate was per child! I hope and pray that estimate was very, very high, because personally I don’t have $2,000 per month per child to put in a college account. The state of Texas tries to provide realistic cost expectations, and they estimate that costs will rise by 6% per year, indefinitely. What does that mean for Southeast Texas parents? According to the state’s website, www.texascollegesavings.com, it means that parents of a six year old should plan for their child’s four year degree to cost $126,796 at a state school. The State realizes that these costs are alarming for parents and offer a “Texas 529” plan to help parents begin saving. A plan can be started with very little initial investment and you can setup monthly automatic withdrawals to fund the plan. One thing all of the experts agree on is that whether a child is a new born or already in high school, parents need to begin saving immediately. The day when a middleclass parent can pay for college expenses without saving beforehand is gone, almost certain to never return in our lifetimes. This is compounded by the fact that the average high school graduate’s parents are still making monthly house payments, multiple car payments, and are carrying high credit card balances. Every penny you save for your child’s college education will save you stress when it is time for them to enroll. Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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ns from strategies to ng solutions.

investment options and banking solutions.

Do you need help? Schedule a complimentary consultation r financial with Melanie Wheeler, with Edward Jones in Beaumont. She is a Certified Financial Planner. – and a Lumberton mom!

C®

To learn more, call or visit your financial advisor today.

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC Melanie Wheeler, CFP®, CRPC®

Financial Advisor BRT-1941D-A

1425 Wellington Circle Ste B Beaumont, TX 77706 409-860-9995

KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION START SAVING FOR YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE NEEDS NOW!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." ~Nelson Mandela Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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Each year we all make New Year’s resolutions and then race to break them. This year we’re looking at five New Year’s resolutions Southeast Texas families can take seriously 1. Take a family photo. As much as we have become a selfie, Facebook, and Instagram culture it is surprising how much time goes between getting a nice family photo to remember each stage in our family’s growth. If you’re looking around your living room and it looks like it’s been years since your last family photograph, take some time and get a picture that captures your family the way it is now. It doesn’t have to mean a trip to the photographer (though it can – and Southeast Texas has some great ones). With the quality of today’s cell phone cameras, you can really have a friend or neighbor get a picture of your family on your porch or in a neighborhood park that will look beautiful framed and on your wall. If you don’t like a posed photo make a collage of each member doing what they love best – your oldest playing baseball, your youngest catching a fish, your husband manning the grill, and you doing what you love most. Family photos also make great gifts for grandparents! One great local photographer is Korie Rowe – she did the cover for this issue. KorieRowePhotography.com 2. Make a Will. Who is raising your children if something happens to you? If two different family members tell a judge they know you would have wanted them to raise your children what will the judge look to for guidance? Whether you have a bunch of assets to distribute or not, it’s critical to spell out who will raise your children. No one plans to get hit by a drunk driver, but it happens every week in Southeast Texas. You’ll be surprised how affordable having a will drawn up can be and you’ll sleep better knowing it’s done. If you don’t know how to get started, consult a local attorney like Paul Fakuda of the Fakuda Law Firm. (409) 883-HELP. PFakudaLawOffice@Yahoo.com. 10 Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide” www.SETXFamily.com

3. Create a Special Memory. Like a lot of people, I look back on childhood as a series of snapshots. A few highlights, a few bad memories, and very little of the everyday experiences that make up the bulk of our lives. Among the good memories are tubing with my parents at New Braunfels, swimming parties at my grandparents, and horseback riding with my mom. Each year, make sure you are giving your kids opportunities to create those memories- maybe it’s just taking one of your children to a special 1 on 1 dinner. Maybe it’s taking a road trip to a state park or an amusement park. Try: KOA Brookeland, Jumping World USA in Beaumont, or Schlitterbahn Galveston. 4. Address planning for your child’s future. Whether your child will be going to college, joining a trade union, or starting their own business, there are things they’ll need to maximize their chance for success. If they’re college bound, they need savings plan or financial aid in place. If they are headed to LIT or another trade school, they need to understand what will be expected of them, when and how to enroll, and you’ll want them to learn about each school’s job placement program – you’d be surprised how many of our kids underutilize this valuable resource. If they’ll be opening their own business (there are lots of boutiques, businesses, and restaurants in Southeast Texas owned by 20 somethings) you can help them tremendously by making sure they start with firm financial training, a business plan, and a mentor- someone who has done it successfully and can help your child avoid learning everything “the hard way”. If they’re heading for the military, they’ll want to know what they need to do – and not do- to make sure they can get accepted to their desired branch and duty (fyi – all branches are really cracking down on visible tattoos). For most of us, it was hard work figuring out how to get traction in adult life- every day you have an opportunity to make that transition easier for your child. If your child is not sure what they would like to do, schedule visit to Lamar, LIT, Angelina College, and SFA – that should help them start developing some ideas. You can also have them ride along with local business owners you trust or start talking with a military recruiter (my brother did the Coast Guard and it was a great fit for him). 11 Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide” www.SETXFamily.com

YaYa’s

I Junk On The Square in Silsbee

Your Pintrest and DIY Headquarters Where Shabby Chic meets Southern Charm

Step back in time while you hunt unique collectibles, rustic decor among YaYa's eclectic assortment of treasures. Follow us on Facebook, Pintrest & Instagram to see our latest finds

185 & 195 East Ave. H Silsbee 409.656.5940 12 Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide” www.SETXFamily.com

Pediatric Rehabilitation of Texas Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy

1 on 1 appointments with your child Accepting most insurances

NOW ENROLLING FOR UPCOMING SESSIONS

We assist patients from newborns to age 21 Hablamos Espanol

Ages 12 months — Pre-K 4’s Monday – Friday 8:45 a.m.–1:40 p.m.

3195 Calder Ave. Suite 201 Beaumont Tx (409) 833-4115

1350 N 23rd Street Beaumont

www.SaintAndy.org 409-892-8246

PediatricRehabTexas@yahoo.com

Getting Married?

Tune in 52 weeks a year for:

Hot local wedding trends Southeast Texas Wedding Vendor Recommendations Ideas on how to stay in budget Tips for your bridal shower and bachelorette party Bride approved bachelor party recommendations

Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

We do the research for brides so you can have a stress free dream wedding.

www.SETXFamily.com

January

Calendar

January 1 healing yourself so you can continue to heal First Day Tower Hike – Galveston Island others. Christus Health and Wellness Center State Park would like to help.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 14901 FM 3005 Galveston, TX 77554 (409) 737-1222 Blaze a trail and start your new year off on the right foot....or left foot. Explore the bay side trails for a 1.5 mile hike up to the far observation tower and back. Examine sea creatures, taste edible plants, and discover the beauty of our island paradise on this First Day Hike. Join Ranger Lisa at the Clapper Rail Trail parking lot to begin this mellow but energizing tour.

January 5 Lamar State College – Port Arthur Seahawks Men’s Basketball vs. Panola College

6 p.m. 1800 Lake Shore Port Arthur, TX 77641 (409) 983-4921 Lamar Port Arthur is known for some strong basketball. Enjoy a fast-paced game with the family and support your local Seahawks!

4:30p.m. Montagne Center 4400 S Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Beaumont, TX, United States, 77705 College basketball is special. Make it a FatherSon night out. Do a Mother –Son outing… Put on your red, and support LU! Go Cards!

8:30-9:30 a.m. 3030 North St. Beaumont, Texas 77702 In the aftermath and devastation of Hurricane Harvey, many are trying to simply salvage and pick up the pieces of their home and business. On top of all this, we are juggling work, getting the kids to school and sports, and trying to find a sense of normalcy. All the while, helping family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. It can seem at times overwhelming. We encourage you to start Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Galveston Island State Park 14901 FM 3005 Galveston, Texas (409) 737-1222 fogisp@aol.com Benefitting the Friends of Galveston Island State Park. Work off the holiday sweets and get fit while enjoying the prairies, bay views, and trails of this award-winning state park. You are invited to join the 8th Annual 5K / 10 K / Walk Fun Run presented by the Friends of Galveston Island State Park. Check our website for race information: www.fogisp.wordpress.com

January 6 Mardi Gras Twelfth Night Parade Extravaganza

January 6 Lamar University Men’s Basketball vs. Central Arkansas

January 6 Free Yoga Saturdays at Christus HWC

January 06 Fun Run 5K & 10K

7:00 PM, Doors open at 6:00 PM Admission: $6 in advance, $7 at the door. (Children under 5 are Free) 337-425-8623 Lake Charles Civic Center 900 Lakeshore Drive Lake Charles, LA 70601 Twelfth Night-twelve days after Christmas-is the legendary beginning of the Mardi Gras season prior to Lent. Following tradition, Mardi Gras royalty of last year wave their symbolic good-byes to the thousands who turn out to see the grand fanfare of costumes and to greet the new season. Many of the fabulous costumes will take their places in the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. The Southwest Louisiana version of carnival is unique with its family-oriented mambo and Zydeco, glittering costumes, rollicking parades, spicy gumbo, Cajun cuisine, and genuine Louisiana music and dancing, attracting half a million guests each year. The Lake Charles Twelfth Night is exceptional because it presents the extravagant costumes of more than 60 private krewes to the general public.

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January 7 Reignite Marriage Conference

North End Baptist Church 5 p.m. -7 p.m. (409) 899-1906 info@nebcbeaumont.org 5115 Eastex Freeway Beaumont, Texas 77706 Reignite your marriage with the two hour conference. Make a New Year’s resolution to commit to your relationship in 2018 and have your best year yet!

January 12- 13 Annual Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival

Friday Noon - Midnight; Sat. 9 a.m. – Midnight (337) 250-6322 Downtown Cameron 513 Marshall Street Cameron, LA 70631 The festival caters to all ages and interests featuring parades, a Gumbo Cook-off, pageants, a 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and a carnival complete with amusement rides. Don’t miss the unique contests like duck and goose calling, trap setting, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking, and skeet shooting. The dog trials are always a favorite among hunters! These contests and make this a unique and memorable experience for the whole family and a reason why people keep coming back to Southwest Louisiana’s, “oldest and coldest” festival. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Cameron Parish Junior Livestock Program, as well as a valedictorian scholarship program for Cameron Parish high schools. The festival will be held on the fairgrounds in downtown Cameron, LA (located at the former Pat’s of Cameron, 513 Marshall Street). For more information visit www.lafurandwildlifefestival. com.

January 13 Dinner & Comedy

Triple D Ranch Event Venue & The Paper Plate 4299 CR 4800 Warren, Texas 77664 (409) 377-0048 7 p.m. $30 Per Person Professional Comedian Erik Knowles, Warren, Texas native as seen/heard on YouTube, XM Radio, and soon to be featured on HBO. Buffet Dinner. Grownups night out! 18+ only. Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

January 13 Free Yoga Saturdays at Christus HWC

8:30-9:30 a.m. 3030 North St. Beaumont, Texas 77702

January 13 Drillers Reunion: Spindletop’s 117th Anniversary Celebration

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown Museum 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd Beaumont, TX 77705 (409) 880-1750 CelebratetheanniversaryoftheLucasGusherwith livereenactments,blacksmithingandprintingdemonstrations,crafts,games,music,foodandmore. And,ofcourse,ananniversarycelebrationwould notbecompletewithoutblowingthegusher!

January 13 Geocaching 101

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Galveston Island State Park 14901 FM 3005 Galveston, Texas Lisa Reznicek (409) 737-1222 lisa.reznicek@tpwd.texas.gov High-tech treasure hunting workshop! Learn high-tech treasure hunting basics and discoverclues to your next wild adventure. Learn how to find hidden treasure within the park and around the globe with this short, activity-based program about geocaching. “Geo” = Earth, “cache” = something hidden, like treasure or supplies.

January 18 Story Time in Silsbee

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Silsbee Public Library 295 North 4th St. Silsbee, Texas 77656 Winter Theme. Story time will be about 45-60 minutes. Enjoy songs, poems, a little craft, and meet new people. This story time is geared for ages 0-4, siblings and friends are welcome to attend as well.

Happy

New Year www.SETXFamily.com

January 19 & 20 Cinderella

Lutcher Theater Orange, TX 409-886-5535 7:30 PM or 2:00 PM Experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more. There will also be some surprising new twists.

January 20 Lamar State College – Port Arthur Seahawks Men’s Basketball vs. Jacksonville College

4 PM 1800 Lake Shore Port Arthur, TX 77641 (409) 983-4921 Enjoy a basketball game with the family and support your local Seahawks!

January 20 Stargazing 101

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Galveston Island State Park 14901 FM 3005 Galveston, Texas Lisa Reznicek January 19 Wildlife Bingo – Texas Forestry Museum (409) 737-1222 lisa.reznicek@tpwd.texas.gov 6p – 7p The stars at night, are big and bright.... Deep in 1905 Atkinson Drive in Lufkin East Texas families are invited to come out to the the heart of Texas! Do you know your stars? Ranger Lisa can teach you a few or show you Texas Forestry Museum for Bingo and to learn some cool ways to learn them all! Night skies are about our Texas wildlife. fading and natural darkness is disappearing. An estimated 80 percent of Americans have never seen the Milky Way. The culprit: the growing January 20 Free Yoga Saturdays at Christus HWC glow of artificial lights. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has partnered with the McDonald 8:30-9:30 AM Observatory, the International Dark Sky Associa3030 North St. tion and local astronomy groups to promote Beaumont, Texas 77702 stargazing in our state parks. Join Ranger Lisa In the aftermath and devastation of Hurricane on a cool evening night hike and learn about Harvey, many are trying to simply salvage and the importance of the dark and our connection pick up the pieces of their home and business. to the stars overhead. Dress warmly and be On top of all this, we are juggling work, getting the kids to school and sports, and trying to find prepared to be outside. a sense of normalcy. All the while, helping family, January 20 friends, colleagues, and strangers. It can seem January Hard Hat Tour Aboard the at times overwhelming. We encourage you to Battleship TEXAS start healing yourself so you can continue to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM heal others. 3523 Independence Parkway South La Porte, TX 77571 January 20 Lamar Basketball vs. Sam Houston State Barbara Graf (281) 479-2431 x234 2 PM – Women’s barbara.graf@tpwd.texas.gov 4:30 PM – Men’s Go behind the locked gates and see BattleMontange Center ship Texas in a whole new way. Ever wonder 4400 S M L King Jr. Pkwy what’s behind all those locked doors aboard the Beaumont, TX 77705 Watch the Cards battle against the Sam Houston Battleship TEXAS? Find out. There is no regular admission fee charged for the tour. Instead BearKats. #PeckEm a minimum donation of $50.00 per person is asked for this tour. There are six different tour e t a r times to choose from 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM - 10:00 b e Cel AM - 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM and 12:45 PM. Reservations are required. Bring a small pocket

2018

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flashlight, wear comfortable clothes (you may get a little dirty), good walking shoes for climbing numerous stairs/ladders, and a camera if you wish. Hard hats are provided, and water will be available. Start times are strictly observed. See the ship like you have never seen her before and 100% of all funds raised goes to helping us ensure that the TEXAS will be here for future generations to enjoy.

January 24th First Things First

6p – 7p First Baptist Church Buna 1155 TX Highway 62 in Buna FBCBuna.com Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly what a church was all about before you visited a sermon? Pastor Paul Boughan will provide an overview of FBC Buna: beliefs, guiding principles, and their ministries. Is First Baptist Buna the right fit for your family? Come find out!

January 26 Story Time at the Clifton

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Clifton Steamboat Museum Complex 8727 Highway 124 Beaumont, Texas 77705 FREE Southeast Texas Family Event (409) 842-3162 www.cliftonsteamboatmuseum.com You and your child will have the opportunity to enjoy story time, sing songs and make a craft.

January 27 Lamar Basketball vs. McNeese

2 p.m. – Women’s 4:30 p.m.- Men’s Montagne Center 4400 S M L King Jr. Pkwy Beaumont, TX 77705 The Cardinals will face our neighbors across the state line. Make it a family outing supporting the Cardinals against the Cowboys.

January 27 Lamar State College – Port Arthur Seahawks Men’s Basketball vs. Blinn College

4 PM 1800 Lake Shore Port Arthur, TX 77641 (409) 983-4921 Enjoy a basketball game with the family and support your local Seahawks. Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

January 27 Free Yoga Saturdays at Christus HWC

8:30-9:30 AM 3030 North St. Beaumont, Texas 77702

January 30 Youth Baseball Registration in Jasper

9AM – 2PM Old Lion’s Club Center Is your family ready for some baseball? Don’t miss this special registration event for Jasper youth

January 31 Full Moon Night Hike, Big Thicket Visitor Center

11 AM Call for time 6102 FM 420 Rd Kountze, Texas 77625 409-951-6700 Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on a guided walk under a full moon. Hike locations and start times vary and space is limited, so please call our visitor to find the hike location and to register. All participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight with a red lens or red filter, as red light doesn’t disrupt night vision the way that white light does.

February 6th Fun in the Forest After Dark

6PM – 8PM Texas Forestry Museum 1905 Atkinson Drive in Lufkin (936) 632-9535 Families are invited to enjoy a night hike, building a camp fire, a weenie roast, and more.

February 8 - 11 Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Downtown Port Arthur

500 Procter Street Port Arthur, TX 77640 (409) 721-8717 $5 - $15 CatchtheexcitementofMardiGrasofSoutheast Texas!Parades,concerts,carnival,artsandcrafts, foodvendors,streetentertainmentandmore.What isMardiGras?MardiGras,“FatTuesday”translated fromFrench,isthelastchancebeforeLentforrevelryandalmostanythinggoes.Admissionranges from$5-$15.Carnivalwristbandsareavailable. Childrenunder12arefree. 17

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31 Ideas for Crock Pot Cooking Life Balance for Southeast Texas Moms Start 2018 off with a 4.3,2,1 That is: Plan, Prep, Plug the Crockpot In, & Go! Mom life is a delicate balance in nurturing tiny people: bathing, dressing, taking care of boo-boos, finding the other shoe, wash-dry-fold, sweepmop, encourage, wipe tears, dispense hugs and kisses. We also have to keep our families alive with life-giving provisions. Food. Everyday. Shop, put away, plan, prep, cook, eat, clean, repeat. This is the area of motherhood that I struggle with most, it is NOT my natural default to enjoy cooking. It is an intentional, cognizant task I must work at. Meal planning is something I have put many hours in because I have had to make it a homework, a study of my home, to provide good, nourishing meals for my growing people. Here is a start for your first 31 days of success in 2018! These recipes are a good fit for our Southeast Texas life style and culture. Plan, prep, and plug-and-go!

classics

Vegetarian

with your 1. Chili (fun fresh venison) 2. pot roast on buns or baked potatoes 3. BBQ Pulled Pork (a Fant family 4. Jambalaya favorite) 5. Red Beans & Sausage 6. Stew enchiladas 7. Shredded Chicken for or chicken tacos 8. Smothered Pork Chops 9. Italian Sausage Soup 10. Taco Soup is GREAT!) 11. Beef Tips with Rice (Venison Butternut Squash 12. Apple Pork Roast orwithSweet Potatoes 13. Chicken & Wild Rice Soup 14.Pinto Beans & Sausage 15. Enchilada Soup 16. Charro Beans

with 17. Black Beans great fried Plaintains 18. White Bean & Herb 19. Vegetable Soup in foil, add 20. Baked Potatoes (wrap a bit water to pot) them for 21. Baked Sweet Potatoes try breakfast 22. Okra & Tomatoes 23. Minestrone Jessica’s favorite 24. Baked Potato Soup

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Dairy Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free, Egg Free Tips: Substitute almond, coconut, or pea milks for dairy milk or just leave out dairy ingredients altogether. Choose stocks that are soy free, gluten free. Check labels on sausages for trace ingredients. Use chives, chopped crispy bacon, cilantro, or nuts for toppings for texture and flavor bursts instead of high calorie, high sugar toppings. Streamline meals: Cook a huge pot of black beans for dinner #1, use leftover beans for your taco soup in dinner #2. Cook lots of baked potatoes for dinner #1, turn leftovers into Potato Soup for dinner #2. Use dinner #1 of White Beans & Herb recipe for your base in dinner #2 of Italian Sausage Soup!

yummy ideas

delicious are a 25. Overnight Oats nuts tasty addition! 26. Hash Brown Casserole 27. Egg, Cheese, & Ham Casserole 28. Stuffed Apples 29. Hot Cider 30. Hot Chocolate 31. Dinner Rolls

Freeze leftovers or share with a neighbor! Find recipes links and inspiration on our social media – Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter see QR code on front cover!

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KOA Brookeland

KOA Brookeland is popular with Golden Triangle families visiting Lake Sam Rayburn.

The campground has lake access through Mill Creek and is close to popular destinations like Rayburn Country Club, Mill Creek State Park, Jasper, and more. On a recent visit, our Southeast Texas Family experienced a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Upon arrival, we were given a tour by a very friendly and accommodating staff, eager to share their KOA with visitors from around Texas – and around the world. On this visit, our neighbors were from England and kids and adults alike enjoyed getting to know each other better. Our cabin was spacious, attractive, and super comfortable. There were two queen sized bed, a sturdy wooden bunk bed, and a full size loft bed the kids took turns sleeping in. We had a refrigerator and microwave, but we were happy to do most of our cooking on the fire ring outside. There was a nice size bathroom, and everything was super clean. Within minutes of unpacking, our youngest had caught a three-pound bass in the pond that was located only a few steps from our front porch. Over the course of our visit, the kids would catch perch, catfish, and bass.

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We did cook some enjoyable meals on the campfire: grilled fresh fish, chicken, pork chops, and Zummos. We also enjoyed some great local restaurants: • The Stump has long been one of my favorites. Several years ago after duck hunting, the cook took our duck breasts and made a delicious meal for us. The food was as good as ever. We enjoyed chicken fried steaks, burgers, fish tacos, fried fish, and chicken fingers. • Rayburn Country Club offers a refined touch to any visit. We enjoyed fresh guacamole, burgers, and fish tacos. • The Cedar Tree in Jasper has been around a long time, and it is now housed in an attractive new building. They have a popular lunch buffet, and on the weekend they have a nice seafood buffet. Don’t miss the desserts. • Hamburger Depot in Jasper. You may have been to one in Mid County, Lumberton, or Beaumont – Jasper is the original location. Come taste where it all began! We’re a fishing family, so we enjoyed catching big bass on Lake Sam Rayburn (you can launch your boat at Mill Creek State Park or catch big bass right from the bank), fishing for big catfish below the dam, and we had a close encounter with a big striped bass (bring heavy tackle if they are your quarry). Sam Rayburn is also great for trotlines, jug lines, limb lines and “noodles”. Other popular activities for our family and friends were exploring the hiking trails, riding bikes (Brookeland KOA has a number of cool children’s bikes available), talking with other families, and of course making s’mores. Canoeing in Mill Creek was a highlight. In addition to great exercise and exploring, the kids took breaks to swim. In the clear water, you’ll see lots of fish and there are lots of great birding opportunities. KOA Brookeland has something for everyone. You can camp by tent, RV, or go “glamping” in one of their great luxury cabins. They even have upscale tent camping with water and electricity (we’ve seen families with AC units in their tents). KOA Brookeland is pet friendly, and there is a 45 stall horse barn. Don’t miss the crawfish boil on Memorial Day! This is the perfect introduction to this great Southeast Texas family getaway. Minutes into our trip, we knew our kids would want to come back over and over. Yours will too. Enjoy! KOA Brookeland 505 County Road 212. Brookeland, TX. 75931 (409) 698-3422 or (800) 562-1612 Koa.com/campgrounds/brookeland Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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SETX Aerobic & Septic Conventional Sewer Sytems | Aerobic System Design & Installation | Irrigation | Dirt Work

(409) 656-1974 | JKSheffield@sbcglobal.net Say, “I saw it in SETX Family Guide”

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ANNIVERSARY

117

Lucas Gusher Reenactment Saturday, January 13 10:00-5:00 Admission: Donations Only

Lucas Gusher At 10:30 And 4:00

Skits│Demonstrations│Crafts│Games│Food & Fun 23 www.Spindletop.Org Say, “I saw it in SETX Family”

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Jumping World. Have your kids been watching a lot of TV? Is it too rainy to make them play outside? Head to Jumping World. They can play and laugh – and get some exercise. Jumping World is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Let the kids jump while you catch up with friends, your Bible study group, or other homeschool moms. They also offer a great value for birthday parties. JumpingWorldUSA.com

Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Southeast Texas is a lot of things, but underneath it all (literally), we run on oil. This family friendly museum, on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont, gives your kids a taste of how it all began. They have a general store, post office, print shop, blacksmith, and more. They even blow the gusher most Saturdays – now it blows water instead of oil. Even better, they have several special events each year that feature an educational component, period games, snacks, and more. Check out their website for their next big event. Spindletop.org

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Crabbing. Kids love marine life – seeing it, catching it, and eating it. Crabbing is a great introduction to all three. You can start as easily as buying a package of chicken necks for a couple of bucks and bringing a roll of string. You’ll want a crab net or fishing net to scoop them up. Simply tie the chicken neck to the string and pitch it out at “chicken bridge” in Sabine Pass or near the Rainbow Bridge between Bridge City and Port Arthur. Gently bring in the string every few minutes and scoop another crab up. Dump it in your bucket or cooler and have a friendly crab boil when you get home. Crabbing is very social, so feel free to ask for advice from other families the first few times. They will be happy to help you.

Museum of the Gulf Coast. If the history of Southeast Texas is a puzzle, The Museum of the Gulf Coast has all of the pieces together in one place. You can learn about all aspects of our history: •

Local Native American Groups

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Early Timber History

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Petroleum Industry

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Famous Local Musicians: Janis Joplin, Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt, George Jones, Percy Sledge, ZZ Top, UGK

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Sports Stars: Jamaal Charles, Stephen Jackson, Jimmy Johnson, Bum Phillips, and Babe Zaharias

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Artifacts from Military History

They also have lots of special events, summer camps, art contests, and other cool activities for kids and families.

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Battleship Texas. Any opportunity to bring history to life can help our children engage with their lessons. The Battleship Texas was a major player in World War I and World War II. The famous warship participated in the most famous battles of World War II – D-Day in Europe and Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific. You can schedule a tour for your family, homeschool group, private school, or public school. Make a day out of it and picnic or grill at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site (where Texas defeated Santa Anna). Tpwd.Texas.gov/state-parks/Battleship-Texas

The Giving Field. Is your family a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll? Many Southeast Texas kids help in the family garden, bail hay, and are responsible for the family chicken or goats. If you have city kids though, The Giving Field is a great way to give them a taste of farm life. Your family can volunteer to work in this lovely community garden. The Giving Field produce supports the soup kitchens at Some Other Place and The Hospitality Center. You just might find that your kid has a green thumb. Facebook: The Giving Field on Liberty St.

We hope you have enjoyed today’s feature – and that we have helped you find some new activities to enjoy with your family. To Advertise Call (512) 567-8068

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