Small Town Kids East Texas’ Signature Family Magazine
Complimentary Issue
April-May-June 2016
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See what’s inside 02 Welcome to Small Town Kids 04 Cover Mom Get to know the mom on our cover and meet her beautiful family
07 Birthday Page April-June birthdays
08 The Daddy Diaries A lighthearted take on parenting
10 2016 Education Guide A look at some local school options
13 Finding Fatherhood David Kepley
14 Local.Business Sillybugz
16 Experienced and Expecting Sharing stories of parenthood
17 Special Needs Resources and stories
19 Feeding Solutions Ruth Fadely
22 Feature Article Wendy Jackson
24 Local.Fun What’s in our neck of the woods
25 Local.Mom Happi Deason
28 Kids in the Kitchen Cooking up healthy, kid-friendly food
29 Parents guide to: Hot Cars Everything you need to know about: hot cars and keeping kids safe
30 East Texas Family Directory
April Letter So...we are moms just like you. Or should I say parents (shout out to all the dads out there!) We all love to meet new people and peek into their lives. Admit it! Not in a creepy way, but in a two-year old curious type of way. As moms we enjoy seeing how other women juggle life, how they make their family work, what they like to do for fun. One of the most loved portions of our magazine is when we tell stories of local families or moms. So we’ve decided we want to showcase more of what YOU love. So we invite you to join us every other week over on IG and our blog for the Local.Mom Series. Every other week, we will introduce you to a mom in our area and post her interview on the blog. Then the following day, she will take over our IG account and actually SHOW us a day in her life. So mark you calendars and head on over to our IG account @smalltownkidsmag to keep up with it! {blog: www.smalltownkidsblog.com} Know a mama that is super cool, has a crazy family, and that would make a great mom to feature? Nominate them! Tell them about us, or us about them. We are always looking for new moms to tell their stories not only through our Local.Mom series, but also in the magazine. We are a magazine written BY parents, FOR parents. So that means we rely on you, the reader, to tell us what topics you want to read about, what stories really fire you up, and what information we can bring to your fingertips. So shoot us an email to any of the emails -----> and we will do our best to make everything happen! The weather is getting warmer here in East Texas, which means outdoor fun, family, and festivities. Be sure to stay safe this spring. Check out our Parents Guide To: Hot Cars and Keeping Kids Safe, and brush up on what you can do to help prevent children being left in cars.
Meredith
Founder/Owner meredith@smalltownkidsmag.com
Wendy Managing Editor info@smalltownkidsmag.com
There is so much our beautiful East Texas has to offer if you are looking to get outside with the beautiful weather. Zoos, parks, festivals, and so much more. Take advantage of what your community has going on and support local events and businesses. That is if you are not too busy shuttling kids from one activity to another! We have a busy spring and end of school year around our houses, so we are jumping in with both feet!
Here’s to sunshine and summertime!
Connect with us We’re social
Juli
Special Needs Coordinator specialneeds@smalltownkidsmag.com
On the Cover
Instagram: @smalltownkidsmag Facebook: facebook.com/smalltownkids Website: www.smalltownkidsmag.com
Digital Issue
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The information contained in this magazine is for general guidance on matters of interest only. There may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in information contained within. Accordingly, the information in this magazine is provided with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not herein engaged in rendering legal or medical advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professionals or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional. The words and images posted here and simply advice and tips from other readers or research and are not to be taken as professional advice or consultation.
02 Small Town Kids
Nichole & Noble Turner Photography: Jennifer Willard Photography Clothing: Apricot Lane & Sillybugz
Monogramming Baby Registry Gift Wrap Shop New Summer arrivals!
Located in Gresham Village 16700 FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy)
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Open Tuesday and Thursday 12pm-5pm
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Meet Our Cover Mom
Meet Nichole, a 32 years old, church planter and hair stylist. She lives with her husband, precious daughter Noble, and their soon to be daughter, in Tyler, Texas. Three words to describe your family:
Together, silly , special Three words to describe yourself:
Free-spirited, intuitive, overcomer Favorite item in your closet: Shoes! I am a shoe freak. They are the best accessory.
Words to live by: Life is too short to be led by fear and not know your purpose for being here.
Best thing that has happened so far this year so far: We found out we were expecting another little girl.
Best thing about being a mom: That’s a hard question! You learn so much about yourself and about love. One thing that fascinates me is when I can see a mix of me and my husband in this tiny little person but at the same time she is so unique. I guess it would have to be the privilege to love and nurture this person into who they were created to be. It’s such an honor and adventure to be a part of something so important.
Best part about your job: I think the most important thing and also the best thing about my job is being able to help people realize that they can connect with God for themselves. It's so neat to see how God really moves in someone's life when religion or tradition is replaced with a real experience of a God who is just as mystical and vast now as He was in the bible and it all comes alive! My husband and I have started a church here called House of Faith. 04 Small Town Kids
Tell us about your daughter Noble: My daughter Noble is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. She is the kindest little girl with a silly sense of humor. She loves being outside, loves reggae music, and the girl can eat! If she really likes what’s on her plate then the dance moves come out...It’s too cute.
Best parenting or life advice you have been given:
My favorite thing would definitely have to be singing songs we make up and dancing around!
From the get go, help your child learn how to soothe themselves. It goes a long way and empowers them to feel confident and not fearful. I can see how this advice will be golden even in their adolescent years.
Family’s favorite meal:
How has this pregnancy been different than your first:
Favorite thing to do with your daughter:
I’m not sure there is a single favorite! We love food in our house...
What is your favorite thing about East Texas: My favorite thing about this area is it’s not what you typically think of Texas, as far as being a dessert-like landscape. It’s super pretty and I love that we get a taste of all the seasons!
Advice for new moms:
There will be the tendency to feel like you have to have everything perfect or even be perfect but that’s just not going to happen…and it will be okay. It’s messy and you’re emotional but it’s truly wonderful. I heard so many people say how hard parenthood was so I had some fear, but man it’s so much better than I could have imagined. Just enjoy it and try to live in the moment.
This pregnancy has been a little different because I’m way more relaxed and feel more confident that my body knows what it’s doing. It’s also been a little more taxing though because I have a two year old to chase around.
How did ya’ll choose the name of your second child: W e haven’t yet! We are still deciding… it’s between two names we really love. We simply can’t decide! One of the two names is a Cherokee name because we both have Cherokee in our heritage.
Anything you will do differently with this child than you did with your daughter: Relax more and really enjoy all of it. I was so worried the first time around. I wanted to be the best mom I could be for Noble. I put a lot of pressure on myself to know all the answers and not make any mistakes. Obviously, all that was inevitable and came with the territory of learning my new role as a mother... So all in all, I think I’ve learned to love myself a little more and extend a little grace. This takes that pressure off and hopefully this next round I will allow myself to just be in the moment. Fingers crossed!
How do you juggle life? I definitely do a lot of juggling between work, ministry, being a mom, and a wife but I couldn’t do it without my husband. We keep each other going! And of course routine is important for us to keep most things organized and to make life run a little smoother!
Tell us about your husband and how ya’ll met: My husband’s name is Daniel. We met over 12 years ago in North Carolina through mutual friends. He just stood out to me as his own man which I found super attractive. Long story short we struck up a conversation one night by a fire that lasted hours and I walked away thinking I REALLY like this guy I think he could be it! And he was... we got married a year and half later. He is my best friend and honestly one of the truest people you will ever meet. I could seriously go on for a while, but I won’t!
Photography: Jennifer Willard Photography Nichole’s clothing: Apricot Lane Noble’s clothing: Sillybugz
www.smalltownkidsmag.com 05
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Kaylei Pierce -8- April 3 Liberty Dobrovolny -5- April 6 Drifter McKinney -4- April 9 Gabby Apolskis -7- April 9 Brooklyn Runnels -3- April 11 Alandria Scott -8- April 12
Chloie Devillier -14- April 12 Mason Scott -5- April 15 Haley Sanders -3- April 15 Camdean Rushing -6- April 17 Korbin McCune -5- April 19 Natalie Williams -3- April 21 Nylah Williams -3- April 21
Olivia Cantu -7- April 23 Harlie Leonard -11- April 23 Natalie Rangel -7- April 24 Alec Lee Dixon -6- April 27 Harper Comer -1- April 29 Cienna Devillier -7- April 30
MAY 1 - MAY 31 Barrett Buckley -2- May 2 Kynli Bannister -5- May 3 Kidron Fancher -5- May 4 Nicolas Santana -8- May 5 William Goad -3- May 9 Rylan Pierce -5- May 10 William Alexander -11- May 10 Hayden Thompson -11- May 11
Landon Best -7- May 16 Bellamy Raschke -6- May 20 Avery Orr -4- May 22 Cora Jackson -4- May 22 Ashlan Laney -5- May 23 Paisley Templeton -4- May 23 Hudson Powell -6- May 24 Jinhee Paola -9- May 24
Kate Peacock -7- May 25 Bridger Bingham -8- May 27 Elijah Walker Brown -8- May 27 Preslee Bolton -2- May 28 Noah Ramirez -4- May 29 Peter Adrian Riley -3- May 29 Jazleen Rodriguez -8- May 30
JUNE 1 - JUNE 30 Zach Pierce -6- June 2 Marcus Santana -4- June 3 Emily Vaught -12- June 3 Kash Holman -2- June 4 Neely Kate Sandlin -5- June 5 Haylin Burns -12- June 9 Kali Bannister -7- June 9 Kenadee Chapman -13- June 10 Jayden Isaiah -3- June 10
A’Marlee Rodriguez -3- June 10 Paola Inestroza -3- June 11 Tyler Sanders -3- June 12 Lake Farmer -1- June 13 Cole Jackson -10- June 19 Liam Ramirez -3- June 21 Mason Harris -10- June 24 Rhett Jackson -6- June 26 Stella Bryant -3- June 28 Reese Myers -9- June 29
www.smalltownkidsmag.com 07
The Daddy Diaries by Stoney Stamper
step-Parenting I
f you are a reading this, then there is a very good chance that you are a parent. That being said, there is also a very good chance that many of you are step-parents. Statistics show that one in two marriages end in divorce, and that, currently, there are over 30,000,000 children living in a home with a step-parent, in the USA alone. That’s a lot of families, and a lot of confused little kids, having to learn to live with, and trust, someone who is not their “real” mom or dad. It also makes for, in my case anyway, some VERY confused step-parents. First off, if you are a step-parent, let me tip my hat to you, and say “Thank you”. You freakin’ deserve it. Knowing that there are millions of others out there, LOSING THEIR MINDS, struggling with some of the same “you’re not my dad” issues that I was going through daily, gave me a certain amount of confidence….it’s an if they can do it, I can do it kind of thing. I don’t think I am any better than anyone else, but I don’t think I am necessarily any worse, either. I have two beautiful ‘step’ daughters. That’s what the law calls them. I just call them my daughters. My girls. They are no less my daughters than my biological daughter, Gracee. I love them, and would do anything for either one of them. However, it’s been a helluva long, screwy ride to get where we are, today. My wife April still laughs at how uncomfortably I acted the first day that I met Abby and Emma. I am a very capable person. I can generally handle myself adequately, and with confidence, in nearly any situation. Very few things can make me shake in my boots. But THAT day. That day, I was as nervous as A-Rod taking a drug test. I couldn’t sit still. I was up, and down, walking around. A jittery mess. I was terrified. The gravity of the situation, to me, was crushing. Afterwards, I realized that I was nervous on many different levels. First, apparently this awesome, hot chick, that I really liked a lot, liked me so much that she WANTED me to meet her kids. That, in itself, made me get a little shakey. Oh, and she also the fact she had never introduced a man to her kids before. To me, that SCREAMS commitment, which makes me feel like there’s a cable clamp around my esophagus. But then, I began to think about other things. Like, OK, I really like her. Love her, even (gulp). But what if her kids don’t like me?! Will she still want to date me? That’s HEAVY. Talk about pressure! I’ve had a hard enough time trying to get ONE woman to like me for any extended period of time. Much less three! And, what if I don’t like them??! I know that sounds a little harsh, because they are just little girls, but let’s just be honest, some people are “kid” people, and some just AREN’T. I never have been. Ever. So, the thought of really liking her, and the possibility of these kids JACKING everything up, was a pretty legitimate fear. And even though others may not admit it, I know I am not the only one that has felt that way. Abby and Emma are QUITE different from one another. They couldn’t be more opposite, in fact. First, we’ve got Emma. Oh, Emma. She is a blonde, with bright blue eyes. She is spirited and wild. The next thing that will come out of her mouth, well your guess is just as good as mine. I’d calculate that about 60% of the actual words that come out of her mouth probably make their way onto my page. If you happen to have an itch to write a Daddy Blog, well, Emma is a friggin’ gold mine. I have to write down the funny things she says, because she says them so often, I’ll forget them if I don’t. I save them and put them on my page if I can’t think of anything else to write. She’s also very outgoing, very loving and very easy to get to know. She’ll talk to anyone and she will tell you all about herself in the first ten minutes that you meet her. Not long after we met, she would sit on my lap, give me a hug when I would leave, and when she first told me she loved me, I thought I may pass the freak out. As far as making me feel comfortable, she did great. Then we’ve got Abby. And Abby is a tougher nut to crack. She’s a brunette, with hazel eyes. She has an excellent, very dry, sense of humor. She is quiet, calm, and mature for her age, and extremely laid back. Now, don’t get me wrong. She is completely capable of going off the rails of the crazy train, but hey, she’d just hit her hormonal years. We’ll give her a pass. BUT, she is also very cautious. She and her mom have a very unique relationship, and when I first came along, Abby was scared that I was going to somehow affect that. She wasn’t necessarily mean to me, but she was totally and completely indifferent to my existence. She would act like I wasn’t in the room. She refused to look at me and would only speak to me in muted, one syllable words, and only if her mother made her. She made me SO NERVOUS. 08 Small Town Kids
It became my mission in life to make her like me. Almost everyone likes me. Surely, I can make this ten (at the time) year old girl like me. I CAN make this happen. I tried being sweet. Nope. Not even close. I tried being funny. Nope. She’d go out of her way not to laugh. I tried buying her things, to which she would say thank you, because she has good manners, but nothing seemed to crack through her shell. For months, I tried, and hadn’t seemed to make any progress, whatsoever. It began to really upset me, although I did my best to not let Abby know it. April tried to make me feel better about it, but I was at a loss. She said, “Just ignore her. She’ll come around eventually,” but that was impossible. I couldn’t make myself ignore her. So, I just kept trying…. And then one day, she came and sat down by me on the couch…. And then she told me a story of something funny that happened at school… And then she laughed about it, and said “isn’t that funny?” And then one night she asked me if I’d take her to Sonic to get her some ice cream… And then she probably farted. What I am getting at, is that she began to trust me, a little, finally. She realized that I wasn’t there to steal her mother away from her. Or to steal her things, or kill her dog. She realized that I just genuinely loved her mom, but that I also genuinely loved her. She realized that my attitude towards her wasn’t an act, but was who I really was and how I really felt. I was there because I WANTED to be. Not because I had to be. And, finally, it WORKED!!! So, if you’ve been lucky enough to inherit some children from a previous relationship, if you are slamming your head into a wall or wanting to jump off a bridge, just hang in there. Just keep showing them that you are there for the long haul. Be nice to them; try not to be too awkward or uncomfortable like I did, , because that probably ain’t gonna help a whole lot. But if I could give you one solid piece of advice, the most important thing that you can do, by far; show them that you really love their mother (or father). Once they see that and they believe it, I promise you those kids will fall in line, eventually. I know some of you will have a harder time than others, but perseverance is the key. Now, don’t get me wrong, we are still a work in progress. We have our days that we all want to kill each other. But that’s just regular family….right?
Stoney Stamper is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, he and his family now live in Whitehouse, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net.
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903-617-6623 www.smalltownkidsmag.com 09
Education Guide
A quick reference guide to education and child care facilities available in East Texas Tiny Town Learning Center Ti
Gresham Heights Learning Academy
111 W. 5th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-7505 www.TinyTownLearningCenter.com www
15945 FM 2493 Tyler, Texas 903-581-5141
Tiny Town strives to provide each child with a caring and concerned atmosphere in which to expand, explore, and play. Emphasis is placed on the joy of discovery and learning by doing. Children are encouraged to make choices, to assume responsibility for their actions and to expand and refine their skills in all areas. Working in close cooperation with the parent or guardian, the caring staff works with the child to build a good self-concept and to assist the child to become socially well adjusted and happy. The child’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills are of utmost importance to Tiny Town. Our goal is to provide a place for children to learn and grow with love and acceptance. Our environment is one that is inviting, stimulating, comfortable, and age appropriate.
The Brook Hill School 1051 N Houston St Bullard, TX 75757 (903) 894-5000 www.brookhill.org
Brook Hill offers a unique Christian environment that trains students to be creative leaders in the global community. Students have access to small class sizes and individual attention from caring, knowledgeable faculty. This nurturing environment, paired with championship athletics and award-winning fine arts, prepares students not only for college, but for a fruitful future in God’s Kingdom. Grades PreK-12.
GHLA is a Christian based facility located 1/10th of a mile south of Bruno’s. Providing care for children in East Texas since 2002. GHLA believes that keeping class sizes small is the key to giving each child individual attention and enhancing their language and skills. Our hands on, fun filled, curriculum is geared towards infants up to school-aged children. We are staffed with caring individuals who have a passion for teaching children. Now enrolling ages 6 weeks- 12 years of age.
St. Mary’s Early Childhood Learning Center 18221 FM 2493 Flint, TX 903-894-6013 stmaryslearningcenter@yahoo.com
St. Mary’s Early Childhood Learning Center is a faith-based center accepting children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. We offer both full and part time care. We have a highly trained and experienced staff, including certified 3-K and 4-K teachers. Please call for rates and discounts. “Train a child in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” –Proverbs 22:6
Kid’s Klub
Growing Stick Learning Center
2028 E. Rusk Street Jacksonville, Texas 903-589-3957
2700 Willard Dr. Tyler, Texas 903-534-0601
Kid’s Klub strives to provide each child with a caring and concerned atmosphere in which to expand, explore, and play. Emphasis is placed on the joy of discovery and learning by doing. Children are encouraged to make choices, to assume responsibility for their actions and to expand and refine their skills in all areas. Working in close cooperation with the parent or guardian, the caring staff works with the child to build a good self-concept and to assist the child to become socially well adjusted and happy. The child’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills are of utmost importance to Kid’s Klub. Our goal is to provide a place for children to learn and grow with love and acceptance. Our environment is one that is inviting, stimulating, comfortable, and age appropriate. 10 Small Town Kids
At the Growing Stick, we believe each child is a unique individual. Therefore, our programs are based on the individual social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of each child. We believe children are happy and secure when they have plenty of opportunities to succeed each day. Success breeds self-confidence, and self-confident children that approach learning as fun and actively search for information and solutions to problems. As a result, they develop into well-rounded, capable adults. We believe that our developmental early childhood programs, trained staff, and an orientation to the individual child make The Growing Stick uniquely qualified to help support you as you raise your child.
Education Guide Oak Tree Academy
Oak Tree Academy
1525 E. Grande Blvd. Tyler, Texas 903-581-4075 www.oaktreeacademyllc.com
Oak Tree Academy offers small classes, qualified & caring staff, hands on activities, and a rewarding thematic curriculum. Preschool hours are 9:30am-1:00pm, with extended hours available 9:00am-2:30pm. Classes are available MWF, TTH, or M-F. Ages 18 months - Kindergarten.
Half day Kindergarten available. Now Enrolling for Fall 2016! Shiloh Road Learning Center 2101 Shiloh Road Tyler, TX 903-561-1559
Inspiring great minds for a better future. We provide your children with an outstanding early development education to help prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Shiloh Road is committed to teaching with innovative, high quality, developmental appropriate learning materials. This allows the teachers to easily facilitate a creative, integrated, hands-on experience for the children. Our goal is to enhance the development of “readiness” skills, encourage a love for learning and promote family involvement in the learning process. This establishes a strong foundation on which future success in school and life can be built upon.
Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 903-566-1851 www.steppingstonetyler.com
For over 47 years Stepping Stone School has served over 15,000 families in the Tyler and East Texas area and continues to be an exemplary preschool where students love to learn and where a strong emphasis upon a dynamic, rigorous, proven curriculum and character development is taught by outstanding teachers. Stepping Stone offers one continuous program of high educational quality from infants through Pre-K and welcomes students from diverse religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. “Where Every Child is Gifted.”
Bullard Early Education
BULLARD
111 N. Rather Blvd. Bullard, Texas 903-894-7222
EARLY EDUCATION
BEE strives to provide each child with a caring and concerned atmosphere in which to expand, explore, and play. Emphasis is placed on the joy of discovery and learning by doing. Children are encouraged to make choices, to assume responsibility for their actions and to expand and refine their skills in all areas. Working in close cooperation with the parent or guardian, the caring staff works with the child to build a good self-concept and to assist the child to become socially well adjusted and happy. The child’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills are of utmost importance to BEE. Our goal is to provide a place for children to learn and grow with love and acceptance. Our environment is one that is inviting, stimulating, comfortable, and age appropriate.
Kids Eat FREE or close to it... Everyday McAlister’s Deli--Longview ,Tyler, Athens Kids meal $.99 dine in only CiCi’s Pizza--Longview and Tyler Kids under 3 eat free Monday Deals Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm. Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present
Tuesday Deals Applebee’s--Tyler Kids eat free Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased
Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm. Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present
Texas Roadhouse--Tyler Kids eat free 4pm-close. Ages 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased
Wednesday Deals Luby’s Cafeteria--Tyler & Longview Kids eat free after 4:00pm. Children 10 and under. With the purchase of an adult meal.
Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm. Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present
Saturday Deals Luby’s Cafeteria--Tyler & Longview Kids eat free after 11:00am. Children 10 and under. With the purchase of an adult meal.
www.smalltownkidsmag.com 11
Finding Fatherhood: 5 Ways for New Moms to Help New Dads No matter how many baby books you read, nurseries you decorate or informative five point lists you share; nothing prepares you for having a child. The best I can say is that it’s like dumping a bucket of ice water over your head, except the water never stops, and the temperature keeps changing. New mothers I meet sometimes share their concerns about the fathers of their children. Will he be a good dad? Can a man be caring enough to establish a loving bond with their child? It does not matter if a father is blue collar, white collar, northeast, west or southern; all men are capable of that. If anything, this generation of fathers wants to be involved, but doesn’t know where to start in an environment geared towards moms. New dads can be hesitant, but that does not mean they don’t want to learn. Here are five ways for new moms to help new dads. Don’t Crush Them With Lists When you have your first child, neither parent knows what to do. Moms focus that fear of the unknown into an unending pursuit of books, blogs, and Dr. Web MD. Dads hope to come across a parenting video that uses 80’s references and explosions as teaching points. Guys don’t have the same hulking expectations from society, so we get overwhelmed by a bottle-preparation list longer than most car owner’s manuals. Lists are fine, but discussions are better. Champion Their Actions Every dad has to start somewhere. That might be rocking a baby to sleep or cleaning a fecal detonation out of an infant’s hair. Dads don’t deserve a medal for changing one diaper, but encourage their actions on the level they are at. Fatherhood requires consistent engagement, so when you see that, tell them you noticed. Leave Them Alone With the Kids Staying home with your kids by yourself is like getting into a pool; painful and slow if you take it an inch at a time, but shocking and quick if you dive right in. Fathers need to know they can trust themselves and the only way to learn that is to take the plunge. Give Them a Wink The last thing you are thinking about after having a baby is sex. We, on the other hand, have a big red mental-circle around the date six weeks from the birth. I realize that sounds insensitive, but it is a symptom of a greater fear that you will devote your entire attention to our children and put our relationship on hold. While we wait patiently with you, remember, a little flirt goes a long way. Put Your Relationship First Having a child is like dropping a bomb on your relationship. No matter how prepared you are there is nothing like trembling through the first night home knowing that you are responsible. This wonderful child is helpless and you want to give them anything they could possibly need. If you put your kids first, they might be fine. If you put your relationship first, they absolutely will be. New dads are not perfect and they never will be, neither will new moms. New fathers are entering parenthood with more resources and encouragement than ever before. Having a child demands limitless levels of patience, regardless of which parent it is. Working together to reach that goal sounds impossible to achieve, but you’ll be amazed at how a night of projectile vomit can bring two people together. Communication is the key, so talk and be ready to listen. You will see what an awesome dad they are going to be. David Kepley is an at-home dad of two young boys in Waxahachie, TX. While his wife flies the friendly skies, he is a Co-Organizer for Dallas Dads Group and blogs at Just a Dad 247. Photography by: Rocki Hoops/Rockstarr & Co. www.smalltownkidsmag.com 13
Local.Business
Tell us a little bit about who you are…. We are late bloomers in starting a family and relocating to Tyler. After having our daughter we wanted to get out of the Dallas concrete jungle and decided to make East Texas our home. We have been here three years now and really love the pace and people of Tyler. Garry, my husband, works for Medicine Chest Pharmacies as an accountant and I, Elizabeth, own/operate Sillybugz, a children’s boutique.
Where does the name Sillybugz come from?
When our daughter Frances was a tiny baby, we gave her the nickname Sillybug. She was always playing and smiling and happy so it seemed pretty natural to name the store after the love we have for her. Where all can we find Sillybugz? You can stop by and visit our boutique on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12pm-5pm. We just launched our website www.sillybugz.com in February 2016. During the holidays we also participate in Mistletoe and Magic in Tyler. We can be found every month also at Canton First Monday. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly updates on sales, arrivals and exciting things happening around Sillybugz.
What sizes do you offer? We offer newborn thru 6X for boys and girls.
What brands do you carry? Sillybugz carries many of the brands you love: Mud Pie, Andy & Evan, Funtasia Too, Ruffle Butts, Closet Nine, Frumpy Rumps and Bonnie Jean. We also offer monogramming services and custom hair bows for any occasion. A great selection of baby gifts to choose from!
Why did you want to bring kid’s clothing to Tyler? Originally, we wanted to open an online-only children’s store but quickly realized the value of feedback in meeting with customers face to face. Our store has grown based on that valuable feedback in what customers want and what they need. We are always listening!
Let’s talk hair bows. We heard you had a huge selection! The store actually was born out of the love for making hair bows. I made them for years prior to opening the store and still do. Sillybugs offers hand-made bows and has hundreds of colors and styles of ribbon to choose from. The most popular bows are the solids, monogrammed bows and school spirit bows.
When you are buying clothes for your store, what do you consider? The style of our store can be described as Classic Children’s Clothing. We love our smocked dresses and monograms and ruffles and appliqued clothing for the girls, and seersucker and madras for the boys! When at market, we focus on quality, affordability, and function. If it’s a reversible dress or jon jon- that’s exciting because Mom’s will love buying two outfits for the price of one.
www.sillybugz.com 14 Small Town Kids
What have you learned from being in the clothing industry that you didn’t know before? We pretty much learned everything from the clothing industry from the ground up. I worked retail for years but it’s quite different when you own your own shop. During the Spring of 2015, we learned that the best laid plans don’t always work out! Back up plans are essential in this business. Most of our Spring lines were arriving from overseas and got tied up for weeks on end in Customs during a strike on the West Coast. We are such a small store we didn’t have other items to fill that floor space so it was stressful figuring it all out.
Classes for Wee People (Infants - 2) Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
How do you, as a mom, juggle having a store and a small child?
Classes for Little People (2 - 4) Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
This is a great question because it’s one I have really struggled with over the last year. The short answer is I figured it out along the way. The long answer is many times, I felt torn in trying to balance being a store owner, mother, and wife. This is why Garry and I made the decision over New Year’s weekend to make some changes. Our Tyler store will have limited hours on Tues/Thurs afternoons from 12-5PM and we will also focus on building the online store www. sillybugz.com and offer local pick-up outside business hours when needed. It’s the best of both worlds- I can continue serving the customers we love and also be very active in my family life.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own business? My advice would be to have a rock solid business plan, a huge amount of dedication and determination, and also offer wonderful customer service.
Located in Gresham Village 16700 FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy)
Suite 400
Tyler
These classes are Family Style – so bring the whole group!
Classes for All People (Infants - 5) Mondays or Tuesdays 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. These classes are Family Style – so bring the whole group!
Classes run from June 6th – August 3rd, 2016 No classes the week of July 25th Summer tuition: $130 One -time registration fee for new students: $20
Enroll online at www.kindermusikoftyler.com Questions? Contact Mrs. Sarah: Kindermusikoftyler@gmail.com --- (903) 312-1582
& Expecting Experienced sharing stories of parenthood
It turns out I was running a fever and it was causing both mine and the baby’s heart rates to be really high. They went ahead and admitted me and started pumping me full of fluids and running tests to find the source of the infection. They never found anything in particular so they assumed it must have been a 24 hour bug or something non-threatening. So, we went ahead with the induction as planned for the next day, but they kept me in the hospital to continue the fluids and start IV antibiotics. They started the induction process on Sunday evening with some medication to help ripen my cervix. Around 7:30 Monday morning, the doctor came and broke my water. It was a good thing we went on as planned because there was meconium in the fluid. Fast forward several hours and it’s time for the epidural. I think it was around 2 in the afternoon by now. Labor had gotten fairly intense but I wasn’t progressing very quickly. The plan was to do the epidural and increase the Pitocin so my contractions would get into a better pattern. Fast forward several more hours, around 11:30 pm, and still not progressing. I knew I was having big contractions throughout the day because I would vomit when they got really intense. It was not a fun time and I was so ready for it to be over. We were trying to get a little rest when a nurse came in and said that she needed to get me into a different position because the baby’s heart rate wasn’t good. They had been watching my monitors and saw that my blood pressure had dropped into the 80s/30s and Presley’s heart rate was going down and mine was going up. They got me into a different position to try to get things under control but it didn’t work. They tried for a good hour to get my labor moving in the right direction, but on top of the blood pressure issues, my cervix started swelling so I went from being 6 cm dilated back down to 4. It was at this point that they decided to do an emergency c-section. It was maybe 15 minutes from the time they decided this until I was already being prepped in the operating room. My blood pressure never stabilized and the baby’s health was still being compromised. At this point, Brandon knew the severity of the situation more than I and admits that he hated being in the medical field because he knew too much.
Then came the worst part...after they cut me open and they had
Presley out, my epidural started wearing off on the right side of my belly. They started pumping my epidural line full of meds. They tried more fentanyl, propofol, versed, morphine, and I think one other thing. NONE of it worked. So, I got to feel the second half of my surgery. I just remember lying there crying and screaming in pain. I was thinking that surely I would pass out from the pain at some point, but I never did. I was terrified and on sensory overload with hearing everything going on, and feeling everything. As they were cleaning up the baby, a nurse called out to Brandon to “go check on mama”.
16 Small Town Kids
Photography by: Lemon Drop Photography
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It was Saturday November 22, 2014, the day before my planned induction for our first child. I started feeling super nauseated and my heart rate was really fast. I called my doctor’s office and the doctor suggested I try some things at home (like relaxation and rest; drinking plenty of fluids) but if I didn’t feel better, then go ahead and come in to the hospital. The nausea kept getting worse and worse so my husband and I decided to go on in.
He was so incredibly terrified, and by the grace of God, Brandon thought to bring Presley over to me to help distract me from the pain. She was so beautiful and perfect that it helped just enough to make it through the end of the surgery. He held her up to my face and she started sucking on my cheek. It was the most perfect moment amidst the chaos and pain. I was still in severe pain and started to get “loopy” from the flood of medications administered. I barely remember the trip down the hall back to my room. I was still sobbing uncontrollably and someone in our family said “Oh look how happy she is” but it wasn’t long before someone else chimed in “No, I think she’s in pain!” Once back in my room, they gave me two doses of dilaudid back to back and I finally started to get relief. At this point, Brandon finally felt some relief too. This was by far the worst day of our lives. Brandon thought surely he would be leaving the hospital without one of us but it turned out to be the best day of our lives so far. She was born at 1:06 am on Tuesday morning and she weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces. The next morning one of the doctor’s told me, “You don’t have to get PTSD from this.” She explained that next time, it would be scheduled and they would do a spinal block rather than an epidural and it would be a completely different experience. Most people have wondered if I would ever want to do this again, and I respond with a resounding “Yes!” This experience has shown me how strong I can be for me and my family. It has also shown me that I have the absolute best husband around. To watch his wife and baby girl struggle the way we did, and remain so calm and reassuring, is definitely a gift from God. I am so blessed every day by my little girl and my husband, and I can’t wait to add another to the mix! We thank God continually for bringing us through the battles that it took to get here. From experiencing a miscarriage, to becoming pregnant again so quickly, through the roughest moments of pregnancy, and even through the labor and delivery as traumatic as it was.
We would do it all over again just to receive the blessing of our Little “Pretzel.” by Michelle Lowder
Capturing life's
magical moments
13:13 Photography by April Stamper
107 W. Duval Street Troup, TX
918-782-8237 1313photos.com
" ! " "
Watch Your Love Grow!
$"! ( # #"&(" ( '!( $!% " & ( % #& ( '&$'!(" '! ( " '!&( $!% " & ($' &" " ( ( (%& ( ( # '( # % #& ( % % ' ( #$ ( '& '!( '$'! #&%$#"&(% %# % '( %$( ( '' ( '$( ( % $ !'( " !( #$$ '("&'("&( ( ( " (%& ( $# ( # $ !' (#&(%( !#'& (%$ " '!'( " !('&$#!'( % # ( %&('& " ( Your baby’s heartbeat in an animal!
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Special Needs A resource guide for special needs in East Texas
Therapy 2000
Spirit of St Louis Riding Center
100 E. Ferguson, Suite 1204 Tyler, Texas 903-509-2040 www.T2000.com
THERAPY 2000 provides home-based occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to children (birth-21) with special needs, including disabilities, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders. We love what we do! Our mission is to improve the lives of everyone we work with, including our valuable patients and families as well as the therapists and staff who work within the company.
14531 Hwy 155 South Tyler, Texas 903-534-0127 www.facebook.com/ spiritofstlouisridingcenter
Spirit of St. Louis Therapeutic Riding Center provides therapeutic riding services to children and adults with mental retardation, autism, Down Syndrome, and other physical and mental challenges in the entire Smith County and east Texas area.
At Home Healthcare Pediatrics
Special Olympics of East Texas 3416 Denman Avenue, #4 Lufkin, TX 75901 936-639-1755 www.sotx.org
serving East Texas 877-959-9093 www.athomehealth.org
At Home Healthcare is passionate about helping children and their families receive necessary care in the comfort of home. Our care plans are tailored to each patient, providing a range of different programs to meet the needs of our pediatric patients.. Our pediatric care helps maintain stability in a child’s life and allows them to receive the individualized care they need in the comfort and safety of home.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Texas Special Children Project
East Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center
513 N. Fredonia Longview, TX 75601 903-236-7300 txspecialchildren.com
501 Pinetree Rd #U16 Longview, Texas 75604 1-855-937-2372 www.etxadrc.org
The East Texas Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ETxADRC) is highly visible, trusted place where people of all ages, incomes and disabilities can go to get information and one-on-one counseling on a full range of long-term services and supports available in Texas.
The mission of Texas Special Children’s Projects, Inc. has always been to provide (at no cost to the participants) entertainment, recreational and activity programs to handicapped and special needs persons. In past projects, we have dealt with mentally disabled (e.g. Downs Syndrome, Autism, Alzheimer’s, etc.). Whether they are 3 or 93, they will always remain children of the Creator; hence the name – Texas Special Children’s Project.
Trinity Mother Frances Special Needs and Respite Care Program www.tmfhs.org facebook.com/Trinity-Mother-Frances-Special-Needs-Respite-Care-Program The Special Needs Program, was established to meet the unique health care needs of medically fragile children in the east Texas area. Trinity Clinic pediatricians and staff provide a comprehensive program to monitor all aspects of care for these children. Services include well child check-ups, nutritional guidance, physical therapy, social work, 24-hour medical availability, parent support group, Respite Care for families and caregivers and a patient advocate to monitor the child’s care. 18 Small Town Kids
Announcing Challenge Air “Fly Day!” Saturday, May 21, 2016 Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 150 Airport Dr. Tyler, TX 75704 Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, a national children’s nonprofit organization, is recruiting volunteers, pilots and special needs children between the ages of 7-30 for its “Fly Day” event. Challenge Air builds self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with specials needs, through the experience of flight. Highlights of the day include: an educational ground school, a 30-minute flight, face painting, clowns, cool static aircraft, lunch, service animals and much more!
To register as a day-of volunteer, volunteer pilot or as a participant (first come, first served and free for all children with special needs) log on to: www.challengeair.org. For more information contact April Culver at (214) 351-3353 or email us at aculver@challengeair.com.
Register Online at: www.challengeair.org 1-877-FLY-KIDS www.facebook.com/Challengeair
Feeding Solutions My Child Just Won’t Eat! Ruth Fadely is certified in Beckman Oral-Motor Intervention as well as Therapeutic Listening. She has a wealth of experience in working with children of all ages. She is experienced in working with children who have a variety of special needs including: Down Syndrome, Apraxia, Autism, chromosomal abnormalities and feeding concerns. Her expertise also includes treatment of articulation (sounds) phonological delays, language and fluency (stuttering).
T
ake Justin, for example, who takes a bottle but refuses any solids. He is resistive to a spoon and refuses all attempts to eat even stage one foods. His family goes to stay with extended family over the holidays and the grandparents are appalled that he is not eating anything from the table-not even the soft foods. Mom is exasperated and Dad just ignores the scene. As a Speech Pathologist, I can look at a host of aspects to find the root problem and build success in eating. Sometimes, it is simply removing the stress around the meal time event, but there is much to consider. First, we need to separate the “picky eater” from the “feeding difficulties”. If children are beginning to lose weight (failure to thrive), perhaps they have been on a feeding tube and are ready to make the transition to table food, but are struggling to do so. Possible feeding difficulties can include: • Delayed feeding development • Fear of putting food in the mouth • Weakness in the muscles of the mouth • Refusal to eat • Selective eating, limited willingness to eat • Sensitivities to temperatures, textures, or aromas (excessive smelling of food) • Hypersensitivity to food or hyposensitivity. (They either don’t want anything in their mouth or they stuff their mouth so full they cannot manage to chew and swallow.) • Most children will go ahead and eat if they get hungry enough, but children with feeding difficulties do not. • Children who have later teeth eruption tend to be later in developing feeding skills. Children with special needs, such as Autism or Down Syndrome, may have greater feeding difficulties. Autism usually results in sensory processing difficulties, which lead to feeding concerns, eating limited foods and needing assistance in social behaviors at mealtime. Children with Down syndrome usually have decreased strength in the majority of oral muscles; for example, they may protrude their tongue while chewing food. A progression is often used for increasing the toleration of a new food, before actually chewing the food and swallowing it. This progression may include: tolerating the food’s aroma, tolerating it on the plate, touching the food, kissing the food, putting the food in the mouth and spitting it out, etc. It is normal for babies to put almost anything in their mouths from 3 months to 18 months. While this is likely a challenge for germs, it is desensitizing the mouth, so that children are willing to put food in their mouths. Children who do not explore objects with their mouths are less likely to accept foods. If children are sensitive to sensory factors, the therapist will look at tastes (salty vs. sweet), temperatures, and consistencies (soft, crunchy, sticky, thin, honey, nectar, pudding, or pureed). All of these concerns can be addressed by a Speech Therapist who is comfortable addressing feeding issues. For additional information contact: Ruth Fadely, MA, CCC-SLP Ruth Fadely, Speech Pathologist on FaceBook 903-881-3191
Speech Language Pathologist
www.empoweringchildren.com
Reference Site: Beckman, DA 2007 Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention Published by Beckman and Associates, Inc. Fraker, Fishbein, Cox and Walbert 2007 Food Chaining: The Proven 6Step Plan to Stop Picky Eating, Solve Feeding Problems, and Expand Your Child’s Diet
20 Small Town Kids
Proud Moments
Karis flying high over Tyler as part of the Challenge Air “Fly Day”.
Brittany’s High School graduation where her classmates gave her a spontaneous standing ovation.
Trent participating in the Equestrian Special Olympics
Teach to your kids to connect safely online You may already have a child that is connected online or be nearing this season of life. Either way, brush up on online safety tips and conversations starters below: •
Only share information with people they know in real life.
•
Be nice and positive online and treat people the way they would like to be treated.
•
Be smart about pictures. Share pictures, even wacky ones, but only share pictures that are appropriate for any and every one to see.
•
Chat carefully. Be careful about the information kids share online.
•
Children should never agree to meet a stranger. If someone asks to meet your child, kids need to tell their parents or guardian right away. Some people are not who they say they are.
•
Monitor children’s use of technology, including cell phones, social media sites, and messaging.
•
Review your child’s contact list on their phone and ask question if you do not recognize a name.
•
Think of technology as another “environment” to explore with your children.
•
Keep electronics in public areas, especially at night.
Learn more at connectsafety.org www.smalltownkidsmag.com 21
1,000 Family Sale
cccsale.com
April 7-9, 2016 Sept. 15-17, 2016 Harvey Convention Center Tyler, Tx
E N E FR IO
S S I ADM
Stepping Stone Summer Camp Come join the fun as we learn and explore. Swimming, gators, movies and more. ONSITE Swimming Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in our Olympic Pool
Sign up by the week!
FUN TRIPS (PEC & SAC) Villages Water Park Piddlin’ Pottery Movies Jumpin’ Jacks
Only pay for the weeks your child attends!
SPECIAL TRIPS: PEC: Build-a-Bear SAC: Splash Kingdom Gator Farm
Field trip costs included in weekly tuition
Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701 903-566-1851
SteppingStoneTyler.com
Register Today! PEC (PreK Explorer’s Club) Designed for those who are 4 or 5 and have completed PreKindergarten this school year. Registration $150 Weekly Tuition: $140 SAC (School Age Care) Designed for those who have completed Kindergarten this school year through age 10. Registration $200 Weekly Tuition $140
Feature Article
Let Them Be Little Boys by Wendy Jackson
Back in May a few years ago, as my two oldest sons’ baseball seasons were deep into late nights and long weekends, I heard something that made me question one of my parental decisions; and I really thought about it for awhile.
L
ike so many little boys across the U.S. in the Spring and Summer seasons, our boys play baseball. They are on three teams out of over 200,000 other teams in all 50 states this year who played games (littleague.org). It truly is America’s pastime. Our boys play Fall Ball in September through October, then they play for our town’s Dixie League in the Spring which lasts from March until July including All-Stars. They play weeknight games, weekly tournaments, 2-3 nights a week of practices, attend camps, and team fundraisers. It takes up most of our family’s life during these 5-6 months each year. We also squeeze in basketball season in January and soccer from March-May. My husband and I grew up doing the same thing; team sports and of course baseball were how we spent most of our own childhoods. So the constant traveling, packing gear, buying gear, paying registration fees, and organizing our family’s weekly games and practices for three kids on three different teams, never crossed our minds as being too much. Then came the warm Saturday afternoon in May. While I was explaining our last few weeks of end-of-school events coupled with three baseball tournaments, weeknight games, and hours of late night practices, someone who I look up to very much; perhaps one of the few people in my life who’s advice and guidance is very important to me said , ‘So when do they get to be little boys?’ I paused. Why wasn’t she oowing and ahhing at their recent accomplishments in baseball? Didn’t she hear what I said about Cole’s team winning yet another tournament, and Will hitting a homerun over the fence? My mind started racing trying to come up with a few examples of ‘little boy’ things they had done recently. ‘Sure they play outside and run through the woods all the time,’ I said. Is that what she’s talking about? I thought.‘Well as long as they get plenty of chances to just be little boys,’ she said again. The rest of that day was spent finishing up one son’s tournament and heading into another week of games and practices. But in the back of my mind I was wondering about that question. Do they get to just be little boys? I never said anything to any of my boys. Instead, I just watched them a little closer. I watched for smiles and laughter while they were at practice. I watched for how fast they got dressed in their uniform and headed out the door for yet another game. I watched how they acted at home when they weren’t playing ball. I talked to other moms about what their own sons said about playing and how they act at home before practice and games. Were we making our 8 and 10 year old boys play too much organized sports? I watched and I listened for six weeks. My oldest son’s all-star team played in five tournaments during that time. That one week off he was invited to play in Dallas with another team. We asked him if he wanted to play and before we could finish the question he said ‘YES, I wanna play!’ I watched how he acted and handled all of the pressure. Each tournament was 2-3 days long in the Texas summer heat and humidity. Each tournament I watched my son and his friends on the ball field high five each other, laugh and play ball. Between games and at late night championships, they were hanging with their friends way past their bedtime, eating snow cones and fast food. They sometimes played three games in a row finishing the day covered in sweat and red dirt from head to toe. They battled back from a loss to beat teams they had no business even playing. I watched them encourage each other and yell for one another from the dugout. I watched them help a teammate cool down when he got too hot, and another after he slid too hard into home and struggled back to the dugout. I never heard one kid tell his mom he was bored, wanted to go www.smalltownkidsmag.com 23
home or didn’t want to play. Through all their sports teams, they have learned what it means to depend on others and for others to depend on them. That includes finishing the season. One summer night, a teammate’s family invited all 11 players over for a sleepover. That mom texted me around 11pm saying the boys had been out in the front pasture playing baseball for over two hours and were now asking to set up the Slip n’ Slide. I noticed that. This group of boys gets to play for the state championship in a little over a week. They already took their Regional title with such calm and focus. I was telling my friend the other day that I don’t think as a 9 or 10 year old kid I could’ve kept such focus and determination for one activity for so long. They play their hardest every single game as if it’s the championship game every night. I know they truly love what they’re getting to do when their level of intensity stays the same and their attitude is always fun and energetic. I watched this. My younger son’s team was filled with 7 and 8 year olds just finishing 1st and 2nd grade. The roster had 10 players for 10 positions. No one could quit or get sick or injured. By the end of the season, my son had three new close friends and whenever they went to each other’s house they, too, always ended up playing ball in the yard. By the end of one of those long tournaments, I could always depend on one of my boys having a plan worked out with a teammate to have a sleepover. Those same boys usually ended up playing yard ball the next day with a stick and a wiffle ball. Sure they’d do other fun things like swimming and riding bikes. But if there were more than three of four of them together, they’d always get a game organized.
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I took notice of this. I listened to my own sons as they talked about their games; how they talked about their teammates and their friends; how they took up for them when they knew they had made a mistake. But he’s a great hitter, he just had a bad couple of bats. He’s so fast and never misses a ball. It takes sacrifice from everyone in the family and I took notice of that too. My crew of six has been piled up in a hotel room on July 4th watching movies and anticipating the next day’s big games at the state tournament. My family will stay at a ball field from 7 am until the dark hours past everyone’s bedtime, sticky from the hot air and flying dirt. My daughter has her own bag she takes with her to all her brothers’ ballgames and loves playing with her little friends who are watching their own brother. Being a working mom during the week, my Saturdays and Sundays should be saved for laundry and chores and trips to the grocery store, right? But getting to stay outside all weekend long playing with my daughter and watching my husband and sons do what they love together, is way better than any old momma chore… when else do you get to drop everything and put all of your attention to your children for an entire weekend? That’s also something we have made a priority, is doing all of this together. As hard as it is to pack for six people and for every game and tournament, it is valuable family time. Our kids’ activities all revolve around how my husband and I can work it out to where we’re together for most of it and especially for every night at dinner. I started to notice this, too. The state tournament with my 8 year old’s team and my husband as the coach really reaffirmed my belief that baseball is how my boys get to be little boys.
In between games the boys sat together under canopies, played chase and even found a creek running through the nearby park that had tadpoles in it. When my son ran up to me in his uniform carrying a cup of water with tadpoles swimming around, I noticed that too. Those little boys were doing exactly what they loved to do; play ball and play with their buddies. Those little 7 and 8 year old boys showed such heart and determination. They were all expected to have manners and say yes sir and no sir. In the semifinal state game we were tied in extra innings when our catcher made an over-throw to third allowing the other team to score two runs. My husband walked out there to him, his head hanging low, his helmet still laying on the ground from him throwing it off for the throw. He said it was then, when he saw the look of disappointment on the catcher’s face and the huge crocodile tears streaming down his cheeks, that he knew how far the team had come. I asked him how he meant. I didn’t understand. My husband explained. Only three months earlier that kid had never even put on a glove or swung a bat. Now there he was making the correct gametime decision and knew he had made a bad throw. And he was mad at himself. Of course that one play wasn’t the only game-changer that night. But to that kid; that 8 year old; he knew he had let down his team. After that game ended and that other team went on to win the State title our boys knew what it meant to get so close to something they wanted so bad and to only watch it slip away. They were learning what it meant to struggle and to fight back with grit and determination. They were learning to depend on one another and know it took more than just themselves to win a game. I watched. I saw little boys get tagged out and smile as they watched their teammate run home from third. They understood the meaning of ‘sacrifice’ for the team. At 8, 9 and 10 years old, they knew what it meant to be selfless. No my boys aren’t home every day digging in the dirt or baiting their hooks. Sure they get to do that plenty. But they also get to play a game with their buddies all the time. They’re taught how to respect, show humility, be tough, have manners, stay focused and determined and to work as a team. I love the person who made me think about this. I’m so glad I stood back and considered the idea of too much because it can happen. We have four kids. We will one day have four kids on four different teams. I will not let my family fall apart just so we can run around every night to all kinds of activities. There is such a thing as too much. But I will also do everything in my being to help each of my kids get to do what they love to do. I want each of them to have a passion. I want each of them to have the opportunity to learn the meaning of teamwork, dedication and humility. Whatever their passion ends up being, I will help fuel that and guide them. And I will always watch. Since this was originally written two years ago, I now have three boys playing ball and my daughter is in gymnastics in Tyler. Some people have a rule of ‘one activity at a time.’ And we agree with that. But when you have four children, well that’s easily four teams, four practices and a multitude of games, recitals, tournaments, and meets. As the Spring and Summer seasons get under way, take notice of what your children tend to gravitate toward before you go signing them up for every camp and month-long activity to pass the time. Make sure they love it. Don’t find yourself looking for ways to keep them entertained. More importantly, find their passion and help them grow it. From that one little sport, your child can take with them amazing life lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. How awesome is that?
THE Signature Family Magazine of East Texas Get YOUR business seen by thousands of parents in our area! 214-549-0501 meredith@smalltownkidsmag.com
www.smalltownkidsmag.com www.smalltownkidsmag.com 25
Local.Mom Meet Happi Deason Byrne, mother of two and owner of Kids at Play Fitness. This is her family’s adoption story of one little girl who would change not only their hearts, but Happi’s career.
I
remember it like it was yesterday. Friday, November 14, 2014, I received a box full of baby girl clothes from some friends of ours. Baby clothes we would soon surely need.
My husband Todd and I had been chosen! Chosen by a birth mom in Houston, TX to love and care for the baby she was scheduled to deliver on December 5, 2014. We had met her face to face at a restaurant in late October and the three of us all had an immediate connection. We knew before our meal arrived that we were all the perfect fit. After all, how many people drive around with a fishing pole in the backseat just in case they “find a good spot”? Well, now I know of two…Todd and our birth mom! Yes, November 14th was a very memorable day for me. Not only did we get chosen but it also, unknowingly, would be my last day to teach at Clarkston Elementary. I taught Physical Education and loved my job and students. I loved the excitement in the student’s eyes as they walked up the stairs to see what game we were playing that day. As much as I loved my job, my love for wanting to have a baby was greater. Yet, my desire to instill the importance of physical activity in young children would not come to an end with the adoption of Suzie Ruth. Todd and I are both in our 40’s. I never had children of my own, but I did gain a son when Todd and I married 5 years ago. November 15th we took Peyton, our son, to breakfast to tell him we had been chosen by a birth mom and that he would be getting a baby sister. He was shocked and excited all at the same time. The following morning we proceeded as normal with our Sunday schedule. Todd and I were getting ready for church when the phone rang. It was our birth mom in Houston saying that our baby was going to be born today! I immediately went into “pack the entire house” mode. Todd was so calm and stayed on the phone to breathe with her! We woke up Peyton with a conversation that went something like, “Hey, remember the baby we told you about yesterday? Well, she will be born today!” We were all up and ready to go in a matter of minutes. As Todd and I drove, we could hardly believe today was the day! He would be a daddy again and I would be a sweet little girl’s mommy. We arrived as they were wheeling our baby to the nursery. Once I was checked in I was allowed to be in the nursery with our little Suzie Ruth. I was able to give her the first bottle and bath. She grabbed my finger and from that moment, I was hooked!
A few weeks prior when we met with our birth mom for the first time, we mentioned to her our idea about our soon-to-be-baby’s name. Todd and I both felt strongly about using both of our mom’s middle names-Susie and Ruth. However, it wasn’t until we were eating lunch in the hospital that we decided to change the spelling of Susie. While on the phone with my mom, Todd mentioned that it would be neat to change the “s” in Susie to a “z”. It was perfect! Our birth mom loved the name from the moment she heard it. Todd was able to take pictures of everything through the glass window. Once we were assigned a room, he was able to hold our precious baby. She was so small and delicate and had that precious baby smell. We were able to spend the rest of the day with Suzie Ruth, but had to leave her in the nursery over night. The next morning we were able to have breakfast with our birth mom in her room. She was still in so much pain from the delivery but our conversation was sweet. We both are so thankful for her sacrifice and love for our daughter. She was able to hold and love on Suzie Ruth before our final moments together. Our departure was bittersweet. I had been told that it would be difficult but had no idea what it would truly be like. We were all aware of the selfless act that was happening at that very moment. Todd and I were so humbled by our birth mom’s physical and mental strength. On one hand, we didn’t want to rush the departure. However, on the other hand, we didn’t want to drag out something that was such a difficult moment for our sweet birth mom. What do you say to someone who is giving you their most precious gift from God? A simple thank you just doesn’t seem like enough. Thoughts of sadness, betrayal, happiness and thankfulness swirled all around me as we all rode down the elevator together. Exciting thoughts of “we are taking our baby home” were followed by “we are taking her baby” filled my mind. As they wheeled Suzie Ruth and our birth mom to the car pick up, she kissed Suzie Ruth and whispered something that only those two will ever know. As we drove away, Todd and I were engulfed by emotions.
We cried as we started home to Tyler. 26 Small Town Kids
Remember how I said earlier that I unknowingly knew it was my last day to teach‌ well here is why. On our way home from Houston, I spoke numerous times with my principal. She too had adopted a baby several years ago. Therefore, she was very aware of what we were going through emotionally and was very supportive during the entire process. After bringing Suzie Ruth home, I informed her that I would not return to teaching. Todd and I felt that God had been weighing on our hearts for me to stay home with this precious gift he had given us. Once we got through our first 6 months of adjusting to Suzie Ruth and her needs, we decided to alter our course a little. I felt comfortable with motherhood and the idea of going back to work. I had always thought it would be fun to start an after school program for children to come play structured games and get more of their wiggles out. It was amazing how doors started to open for this dream business to happen. Approximately 2 years ago, I started attending a workout program with Reagan Harris at COR-FIT Gym. Little did I know at that point, God was setting the stage at CORFIT for something that I had only dreamed about. Reagan approached me that spring to teach a summer children’s fitness workshop. I had a blast and so did the children! With the interest that I had and the experience I have in teaching physical education, I Kids at Play Fitness is a program designed with a structured 45-90 minute class for children to come play together either once or twice a week. I manage the classes similar to my PE classes that I taught at Clarkston. With obesity on the rise and structured PE classes being replaced by more classroom time, children are in desperate need to move for exercise. At the elementary and early middle school ages, exercise should be fun! My goal is to keep the fun in exercise while obtaining an aerobic activity level through play, team games, dance and basic gymnastics. Research shows a link between positive brain development with exposure at any age to music, rhythm and physical movement. Kids at Play Fitness incorporates all of these topics. Our program is designed for children in Kindergarten-6th grade. I have also had interest from home schooling parents who would love to have an organized and structured PE class during the week. I am so excited to see a positive response from the community and I love being able to teach again. I am blessed that I get to take Suzie Ruth to work with me when I have classes. If it weren’t for God’s plan happening how it did, I might not be where I am today. Suzie Ruth has taught me so much about motherhood. She makes me want to be a better person and remain healthy. I want her and Peyton to be healthy as well, and enjoy physical activities. They are my driving force behind Kids at Play Fitness. Having my kids changed my life for the better. I get the best of both worlds. I get to be a mom and teach. I get to set my own path and Suzie Ruth gets to see her mommy start a business from scratch and have fun doing it.
On that day in November of 2014, our life changed forever. At the time, we could never have realized the impact. But today, we % n 5 ' ! n ' / % ' ) ) ) 9 ')n%) / ) ) n !) !% +' )) % &+5 $+) <
If you would like more information, you can check out our website
wwwkidsatplayfitness.com We would love to have you! www.smalltownkidsmag.com 27
Registration begins March 15.
HURRY! Space is limited.
REGISTER NOW for Rose City Summer Camps! 8 weeks of camp = 8 weeks of FUN! Register for 1 individual camp, or register for them ALL!
JUNE 13 AUGUST 5
Discover the fun!
2 LOCATIONS IN TYLER (Limited Space) 6/13-7/8 @ Rice Elementary & Griffin Elementary 7/11-8/5 @ Douglas Elementary & Dixie Elementary Transportation is available.
WEEKLY CAMPS Mon - Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
SAFE
AGES: Completed
Indoor/Outdoor Games & Sports
Kindergarten thru Completed 5th grade Everyday is an ADVENTURE!
This place is AWESOME!
SENSATIONAL Singing, Dancing & Cheers Summer friends are BEST!
AMAZING Arts & Crafts
AWESOME
Math & Reading Time
EXCITING Bible Study
Affordable Cost
Register today!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE (Includes daily breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks) Please contact us for more information.
Register online TODAY! 504 W 32nd St. Tyler TX 7570
www.rosecitysummercamps.com or call 903-593-9211
SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 15.
Cugini Marinara
Kids in the Kitchen
The Cugini family has passed this recipe along many generations. The recipe immigrated from Northern Italy to Boston, MA, to Tyler, TX by way of Noni, my grandmother. When she was taught by her mother, not only were there no exact measurements, but there was a language barrier! Nona, my great-grandmother, was born and raised in Italy, and Noni was born and raised in America. Note: When quizzing my brother and mother on how they make the sauce - they each have their own opinions on measurements: my brother measures olive oil in “glugs” (you know the noise it makes coming out of the bottle) and my mother just says “drizzle generously” as though that indicates an exact amount. Even though we all make the same “sauce” in our family, there are distinct differences in taste between my mother’s, mine, and Uncle Peter’s sauce! The moral of the story is - use these as guidelines, and play with it to suit your family’s taste!
Ingredients: • 2-28 oz cans crushed tomatoes • 1 small can of tomato paste • 3/4 cup water (more if you find your sauce is too thick) • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 - 3 garlic cloves, halved
• • • •
Salt and pepper Olive Oil: this is the ultimate guesswork...three glugs or drizzles, or about 1/3 cup. 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in crock pot or stock pot and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 3 hours. Add more water if needed. Veggie “Noodles” Ingredients: • 2 zucchini • 2 yellow squash • 4 carrots • 1 tsp olive oil
• • • •
1/4 tsp oregano small garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp salt & pepper 1 T fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions: Using a mandolin, parents only, julienne the squash, zucchini, and carrots. I personally blanch my carrots first because they are very tough to julienne completely raw! If you do not have a mandolin, have no fear! To “julienne” is to cut like a matchstick - short and thin. In a non-stick pan, sauté olive oil, garlic & oregano, you want the garlic to be soft, but not brown. Add julienne vegetables, salt and pepper; cook until slightly wilted. Toss with parsley. Combine sauce and noodles, then enjoy! Get the kids involved: You can actually buy matchstick carrots, which is the safest idea for the littlest chefs! Parents, let your chef cut the vegetables down to short wide sticks, and you can thin them out from there! Use this time to let them join you in the kitchen by helping gather the supplies, measure out ingredients, and wash vegetables.
Little Red’s
Cooking Classes
Bakery & Take-Home Chef Cooking Parties 339-788-8523 Gourmet Treats www.littleredsbakery.net www.smalltownkidsmag.com 29
Parents guide to: hot cars and keeping kids safe A child left in a hot car can die of heat stroke very quickly. But this tragedy can be prevented. Here are some facts about hot cars and keeping kids safe. Facts about Child Heat Stroke in Cars • • • • • • • •
Heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15. Heat stroke can happen when the body is not able to cool itself quickly enough. A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s does. When left in a hot car, a child’s major organs begin to shut down when his temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F). A child can die when his temperature reaches 107 degrees F. Cars heat up quickly! In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up 20 degrees F. Cracking a window and/or air conditioning does little to keep it cool once the car is turned off. Heat stroke can happen when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees F.
Set Reminders! Any parent or caregiver, even a very loving and attentive one, can forget a child is in the back seat. Being especially busy or distracted or having a change from the usual routine increases the risk. Here are some things you can do to prevent the unthinkable from happening to your child: • • • • • •
Always check the back seat and make sure all children are out of the car before locking it and walking away. Avoid distractions while driving, especially cell phone use. Be extra alert when there is a change in your routine, like when someone else is driving your child or you take a different route to work or child care. Have your child care provider call if your child is more than 10 minutes late. Put your cell phone, bag, or purse in the back seat, so you check the back seat when you arrive at your destination. If someone else is driving your child, always check to make sure he has arrived safely.
Lock your car! Keep your car locked when it is parked to prevent a curious child from entering when no one is around. Many hot car deaths have occurred when a child mistakenly locks himself inside. Here are some reminders for parents and caregivers: • • • •
Make sure children do not have easy access to your car keys. Store them out of a child’s reach. Teach children that cars are not safe places to play. Keep rear fold-down seats closed to prevent a child from crawling into the trunk from inside the car. Remind children that cars, especially car trunks, should not be used for games like hide-and-seek. Important Tip: If a child is missing, always check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk!
Take Action if You See a Child Alone in a Car! Protecting children is everyone’s business! If you see an unattended child in a car and are concerned, you should immediately call 911. If the child is not responsive or is in pain, immediately: • • •
Call 911. Get the child out of the car. Spray the child with cool water (not in an ice bath).
If the child is responsive: • Stay with the child until help arrives. • Have someone else search for the driver or ask the facility to page them.
Credit: American Academy of Pediatrisc 2015, Healthychildren.org 30 Small Town Kids
East Texas Family Directory Amusement/Entertainment-Family
Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark 18814 Interstate 20 Canton, Texas 903-567-0044 www.splashkingdom.com Facebook: Splash Kingdom Waterpark The WaterPark @ The Villages 18270 Singing Wood Lane Flint, Texas 903-534-6016 silverleafresortswaterpark.com Facebook: The WaterPark at The Villages
Child Care Assistance
Longview 2430 High Street 903-234-9040 Marshall 4300 East End Blvd. 903-938-2220 Palestine 2800 S. Loop 256, Suite 18 903-723-6297 Tyler 4100 Troup Highway 903-526-1105
Amusement/Entertainment-Infant & Child Children’s Clothing/Accessories
Kindermusk of Tyler 230 W. Rusk Tyler, Texas 903-312-1582 www.kindermusikoftyler.com Facebook: Kindermusik of Tyler
CCC Sale Harvey Convention Center April 7-9 September 15-17 www.cccsale.com
Baby Registry
Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400
Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz
(Old Jacksonville Highway)
Birthday Parties/Supplies
CCC Sale Harvey Convention Center April 7-9 September 15-17 www.cccsale.com
Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark 18814 Interstate 20 Canton, Texas 903-567-0044 www.splashkingdom.com Facebook: Splash Kingdom Waterpark The WaterPark @ The Villages 18270 Singing Wood Lane Flint, Texas 903-534-6016 silverleafresortswaterpark.com Facebook: The WaterPark at The Villages Child Care Assistance
Workforce Solutions East Texas Athens 205 Murchison, Suite 101 903-677-6060
Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz Children’s Furniture/Toys
Dental Care
Bullard Family Dentistry 125 Main Street Bullard, Texas 903-710-2309 www.bullardfamilydentist.com Crestway Dental 208 Crestway Street Athens, Texas 903-675-3811 www.crestwayparkdental.com
Tyler Pediatric Dentisty Donald Ritchie, DDS 2301 S. Broadway, Ste B-10 Tyler, Texas 903-531-9000 www.donaldritchiedds.com Educational Enrichment
Kindermusk of Tyler 230 W. Rusk Tyler, Texas 903-312-1582 www.kindermusikoftyler.com Facebook: Kindermusik of Tyler Embroidery/Monogramming
Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz Family Law
Hartsfield Law Serving East Texas 1324 S. Beckham, Suite 203 Tyler, Texas 903-533-1651 www.hartsfieldlawtexas.com Gender Reveal Parties
Stork Vision of Tyler 410 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 903-531-3555 www.storkvision.com Facebook: StorkVision Tyler Hair Bows/Hair Accessories
Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz
www.smalltownkidsmag.com 31
Infant/Mommy & Me Time
Kindermusk of Tyler 230 W. Rusk Tyler, Texas 903-312-1582 www.kindermusikoftyler.com Facebook: Kindermusik of Tyler Home Improvement
Jacksonville Custom Gutters 903-530-4729 www.jacksonvillecustomgutter.com Facebook: Jacksonville Custom Gutters Imaging/Ultrasound Centers
Stork Vision of Tyler 410 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 903-531-3555 www.storkvision.com Facebook: StorkVision Tyler Music Programs/Lessons
Guitars ETC. 4605 Troup Highway Tyler, Texas 903-617-6623 www.guitarsetctyler.com Kindermusk of Tyler 230 W. Rusk Tyler, Texas 903-312-1582 www.kindermusikoftyler.com Facebook: Kindermusik of Tyler Outdoor Play Sets
Beyond Backyards 15994 Old Jacksonville Hwy Tyler, Texas 903-561-3371 www.beyondbackyards.com Photographers
13:13 Photography 107 W. Duval Street Troup, TX 918-782-8237 www.1313photos.com Facebook: 13:13 Photography
Erica Mae Photography 903-920-6943 Brownsboro, Tx 75756 www.ericamaephotography.com Facebook: Erica Mae Photography Jennifer Willard Photography 111 Devonshire Ln. Palestine, TX. 903-724-1529 www.jenniferwillardphotography.com Facebook: Jennifer Willard Photography Southern Gypsy Photography 107 W. Duval Street Troup, TX 903-316-3106 www.southerngypsyphotography.com Faceboook: Southern Gypsy Photography School/Childcare/Daycare
Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 903-566-1851 www.steppingstonetyler.com For more see pages 12-13 Summer Camps
Rose City Summer Camps www.rosecitysummercamps.com 903-593-9211 Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 903-566-1851 www.steppingstonetyler.com Wellness/Beauty/Health
Healthy Figures Day Spa F1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 105 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0170 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Day Spa Healthy Figures Weight Loss 303 W. Loop 281, Ste. 120 Longview, Texas 903-663-6100 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center www.zeidwhc.com
32 Small Town Kids
Healthy Figures Weight Loss 1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 104 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0123 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center
Zeid Women’s Health Center 109 Zeid Blvd. Henderson, Texas 903-655-8851 Zeid Women’s Health Center 705 E. Marshall Ave. Ste. 3000 Longview, Texas 903-315-2700 www.zeidwhc.com Zeid Women’s Health Center 4519 Troup Highway Tyler, Texas 903-533-0733 www.zeidwhc.com
Who will care for your children if the unthinkable happens? Call me today for security and peace of mind. Together, we can develop a plan.