Bell County Family January 2012

Bell County

A Monthly Resource of Life, Family, and Fun

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FREE Januar y 2012

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D e tai l s I nsi d e

Baby's Bedroom on a Budget Jumpstart January..

10 Ways to Kickoff the new year

Hometown Heroes:

Paul Hansen

of Flying Vikings Bell County

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Concert Series FAMILY Bell County

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contents

January 2012

10

06

17

passages 10

Practical Parenting

18

Hometown Heroes

Ditch It

and

Dream Big

Paul Hansen of Flying Vikings

N EW !

columns Dad Blog 06

R R esolute

07

esolutions

Erin’s Cooking A Season

of

Seasonings

mall C hanges Better Health

ake

for

Arrivals 22 New AB N

eautiful

On A Budget

ursery

monthly faves 05 New Reviews 09 Fuddruckers Student

Athlete of the Month

N EW !

12 KB Home Bell County

bell couNty

Family Fun Calendar

ridge

Top Ten 16 Ladies C O

Mom Blog 08

T B he

20 Health M S

hristmas is

Now What?

ver ...

Turn to Pg.9 to find out how you can win a $25 Gift Certificate to Fuddruckers!

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Bell County

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Publisher EDCO MEDIA Amanda Eddins Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com 254-624-1213 Associate Publisher Miranda Bradley Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com 512-924-3911

Editor's Note

2012 is here. It seems like just yesterday we were longing for cooler temperatures and more rain- and it finally happened! In the heat of things it often seems as though we will never experience a reprieve.

However, time marches on, often faster than we’d like for it to, the seasons change, a year comes to an end, and here we go all over again with the start to a brand new year. New beginnings and new resolve. That’s the best part of a new year- the stimulus to begin anew- to reach new goals!

We are more than excited about this issue of BCF- which I hope you’ll read in its entirety. Ever wish you knew more about those people in your area that give of their time and talents, many times for little recognition or treasure, to help those less fortunate? Check out Hometown Heroes to read about a man who does just that.

If you are thinking about putting your kids in sports, make sure you read Fuddruckers Bell County Sports & Athletics page to see Four Questions You Should Ask Before Suiting Up Your Child. You can also learn how to submit your very own child as a Bell County Super Star!

Editor Amanda Eddins Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com Art Director Kyle Akers Kyle@BellCountyFamily.com Advertising Sales Miranda Bradley | 512.924.3911 Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com

Whatever your experience was in 2011, whether your business thrived or barely survived, if you put on a few extra pounds or even lost a few inches, or even if you stumbled in your relationships with others, a new year is here. Sure, January 1, 2012, is a day just like any other. Or is it? You can start again, forget last year, and press forward.

Ricca Keepers | 512.550.6508 Ricca@BellCountyFamily.com Anyce Naegele | 254-534-0951 Anyce@Bellcountyfamily.com Contributing Writers Miranda Bradley, Marcy Lytle, Lee Eddins, Georganne Schuch,Gary Sinclair, Al H. Jones, Paul Tsui, Crystal Dyer, and Erin Osborn Bell County Family is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting faith, family and health articles. Views expressed in Bell County Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Bell County Family staff to ensure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be , or is assumed . All Rights Reserved.

We, here at BCF, wish all of you a Happy and Joyous New Year filled with blessings!

Join our growing online community at www.facebook.com/bellcountyfamily

Amanda Eddins

Editor, Bell County Family Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com

Bell County Family 319 Soutn 1st Street Temple, TX 76504 254-624-1213 (P) 512.501.6760 (F) Bell County Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $35 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue.

Volume 1, Issue 6

4

Bell County

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Beauty & the Beast 3D In Theaters January 13 Walt Disney Pictures' magical animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright and beautiful young woman who's taken prisoner

by a hideous beast in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff -- a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others -- and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast's exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Treasure Buddies

Family DVDs:

Release Date January 31 Disney's irresistible talking puppies are back in an all-new movie that takes them halfway across the world to the ruins of ancient Egypt. With the help of some exotic new friends, this epic adventure is a treasure

trove of pure Buddy fun. In a race against a devious cat, the Buddies and their new friends, Cammy and Babi, must avoid booby traps, solve puzzles and explore a mysterious tomb - all in search of the greatest

treasure known to animalkind.

Packed with action, heart and a wealth of bonus material, "Treasure Buddies" unleashes a celebration of teamwork and friendship your family will enjoy again and again.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Amazon.com $6.97 Greg Heffley is in big trouble.

School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of.

The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise

blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors.

Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

Simplicity Parenting Amazon.com $10.20 Today’s busier, faster society is waging an undeclared war on childhood. With too much stuff, too many choices, and too little time, children can become anxious, have trouble with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Now internationally renowned family www.BellCountyFamily.com

consultant Kim John Payne helps parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that all kids need for their attention to deepen and their individuality to flourish. Simplicity Parenting offers inspiration, ideas, and a blueprint for change

Books:

Family Books & Movies

On the Silver Screen:

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Dad Blog

Resolute Resolutions New Year’s resolutions are like

treadmills in the countless bedrooms, dens, basements and garages all of these United States…you have them, you want them, you need them and you use them for awhile and then they are forgotten about and now serve to only remind you of something you failed at. I wonder how many treadmills in this country were bought in January 2011 to attempt to reach some New Year’s resolution and now just serve as a place on which to hang clothes?

Lee Eddins Lee is a father of five and sells construction materials

You’ve probably experienced, like most of us have, the sudden burst of motivation that comes in early January, as the ham, mashed potatoes, and endless pies and cakes have finally made their way to your waistline. But have no fear, the New Year’s resolutions are here with their promise of a slimmer you, a better you and a full tank of “will power” to fuel through the rest of the year…or at least till Thanksgiving. However, you will quickly realize that your will power fuel tank does not get the kind of mileage you had hoped for and you’re back to the treadmill of life that unfortunately does not help shed any unwanted pounds.

“This is the year,” so the resolution goes, “that I vow to lose 10 pounds and keep it off.” Other common variations include goals to get back to one’s “true” weight, to fit into a size ten, etc. Worthy resolutions, they are. Sadly, New Year’s resolutions are notoriously short-lived, if not completely forgotten by February. The trick to making resolutions work is to follow the same steps required to make any goal work. Below are some tips to help you make your New Year’s resolutions work for you, whatever they are, long after your New Year’s fuel tank is empty.

For all too many resolutions, failure is virtually assured at the offset because the resolutions are not made with serious intent and deliberation. The first trick is to choose the right resolution, for the right reasons. Give some thought to what you really want and why you want it. What direct benefits do you hope to receive? Is a weight-loss resolution meant to improve your self-esteem? Attractiveness? Vitality? Longevity? Identify the “why” and you’ll avoid setting goals for the wrong reasons. Next, decide how difficult it is to make your resolution. Aiming high generally makes people try harder. Optimal performance comes from goals that are difficult, but not so difficult that we don’t believe they can be accomplished. Finally, be specific about your

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resolution and make it official. Being specific means phrasing the goal in words that make it obvious whether or not the goal has been completed by a specific date. A resolution “to lose 15 pounds by April 30th” is much more effective than the ambiguously phrased goal “to lose weight.”

Once you’ve decided on the wording, formally commit. At a minimum, write the goal down on paper and put it some place where you’ll see it regularly. For even more commitment, look yourself in the mirror and state the goal out loud.

This may sound corny, but it works. The important thing to remember is that a resolution is fundamentally a commitment to you. Make the commitment formal. The more ceremonious the better. Most resolutions fail because people stop once they’ve made the resolution. It is crucial to harness New Year’s temporary motivation into something that will carry you through an extended period of required effort.

Upon clarifying the exact goal that you are setting, create a plan for how you intend to accomplish your goal. With any reasonably good plan, you are fairly likely to make significant progress or actually accomplish your goal. Without a plan, you are very unlikely to succeed. The key to constructing a good plan is to identify the exact steps that you will take toward accomplishing your goal, and assigning due dates to those steps. Coming up with a comprehensive list of steps is not easy for everyone. Once the obstacles have been identified, it is fairly easy for anybody to generate a comprehensive to-do list for accomplishing the goal. A recent realization among goal-setting experts is the need to continually modify our approach—sometimes even changing or abandoning a goal altogether. The reason for this is that circumstances beyond our control frequently crop up at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.

We can also expect our short-term and long-term priorities to change. So long as we build flexibility into our expectations, we can simply adjust things as we go. It’s therefore best to periodically reevaluate our goals and plans, perhaps once per quarter for a year-long goal such as a New Year’s resolution. First, make certain that the goal itself still exactly reflects what you want to do. If it’s not, adjust it.

Next, go through your plan and identify any portions that aren’t working well, even if it simply means giving yourself more time to complete a particular task or milestone. Keep in mind that missed due dates do not necessarily indicate a problem with your performance; it might simply mean that your plan was too aggressive, or that your environment has changed in some unexpected fashion. Either way; simply adjust your plan, and continue onward.

Finally, the flip-side of setting difficult resolutions is that you must remember to acknowledge partial success. Losing 15 pounds is cause for celebration, even if your original goal was to lose 20 pounds. If you are just one step closer to your goal, then you are better off than before you began.

Pat yourself on the back and keep on going.

Whether you plan to lose weight, quit smoking, get out of debt or whatever your resolution may be, I challenge you to follow the above steps to a better you, a happier family life, and a wonderful 2012!

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Erin’s Cooking

by Erin Osborn

A Season of Seasonings I could write to you

about New Year’s resolutions and all, but I would like to try and keep it original. I could also give you a top 10 list of foods to avoid in the New Year to attain your weight loss goals, but I figure you can get that anywhere.

After all, with the “How to…” holiday party ideas & recipe overload, what is there to say when you’re decompressing from the holiday hoopla?

This time of year starts the cycle all over again. For some of us there is the need to start off on a better foot than last year. For others, this sounds like monotonous droning on and on because we’ve already found the secret to breaking through the vicious cycle of having to start over again, over and over again. These kinds of secrets, in my experience, have to be self-discovered.

The following recipes were introduced to me over the holiday season. They inspired me to put my words down thematically for this month’s article. Please allow me to linger on this cheesy analogy for just a moment. When you think about it, the process of these recipes starts by mixing a few things together and then, before you know it, the ground is shaking and everything is turning upside down. (This doesn’t end in a natural disaster.) After the tossin’ and turnin’, slippin’ and slidin,’ the product turns out to be pleasantly satisfying.

2011 was a heck of a firecracker for me. I have truly seen the highs and the lows of every possible human emotion, and I can truthfully say that I am thankful for each & every opportunity I have taken advantage of, in becoming the woman God made me to be in this season of life.

Firecrackers

Box of saltines 1 1/3 cup oil 2tsp cayenne 2tsp chili pepper 1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Mix seasonings & oil in small bowl. Pour over saltines in gallon bag or large sealed container. Zip, shake and flip carefully. Let set 15 minutes. Repeat process a few times over the course of an hour.

You may let crackers sit overnight or you may eat right away. Enjoy with cream cheese.

Herb Pretzels

18-22 oz. snack pretzels 1/2 cup oil 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp dill weed 1 pkg dry Ranch dressing Mix seasonings and oil in small bowl.

Pour over pretzels in gallon bag or large sealed container. Zip, shake and flip carefully. Let set 15 minutes.

Repeat process a few times over the course of an hour. Lay out on wax paper to dry for about 1 hour. Enjoy with Ranch dressing dip made with ½ sour cream, ½ plain yogurt.

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Mom Blog

The Bridge In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long Island. However, bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the crazy idea. It wasn’t practical. It just could not be done.

Crystal Dyer International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Military Spouse & Veteran, and Mommy of (soon-to-be) three!

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But Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this beautiful bridge. He thought about it all the time and he was utterly convicted that it could be done. He felt compelled to share his dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up-and-coming engineer, that the bridge could, in fact, be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how a multitude of obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream.

The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was injured and left with enough brain damage to result in him not being able to walk, talk or even move.

The people all made their comments: “We told them so!”; “Crazy men and their crazy dreams!”; and “It’s such foolish to chase such wild visions.”

With all of the negative press, everyone felt that the project should be scrapped- especially since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap, Washington was never discouraged and he still had a burning desire to complete the bridge. His body may have been injured, but his mind was still as sharp as ever.

He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. Yet he remained determined not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one solitary finger- and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this one digit, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.

He touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish, but the project was under way again.

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The Busy Mom’s Perspective “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” - Gail Devers For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm until one day the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s invincible spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances beyond his control. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their teamwork, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do.

Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a “never-saydie” attitude that overcomes a terrible setback and achieves a seemingly impossible goal.

We all face challenges- at home and at work. Some are mental, some are emotional, and others may be physical.

But if a man condemned to be motionless and silent in a hospital bed can be directly responsible for the architecture of one of our nation’s most prolific bridges, I imagine that most of our struggles seem rather small in comparison.

As we usher in 2012, should you ever begin to feel overwhelmed by the odds that are stacked against your success, just remember the Brooklyn Bridge. That one structure proves that dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds may be!

May the New Year be filled with determination and hope as we build our own personal bridges!

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Fuddruckers Presents: bell couNty

&ATHLETICS 4 Questions To Ask BEFORE Suiting up Your CHild

If Texas had a State

Fuddruckers is

your team meal head quarters.

Pre-game meals,

post game victories or end of the

season celebrations, bring the team to Fuddruckers.

Know an outstanding student athelete? Submit their photo and a short bio to miranda@bellcountyfamily.com for your chance to win a $25 Fuddrucker’s Gift Certifcate! We feature atheletes ages 4 and up, so send ‘em in to win!

Sport, it would most likely be football.

We recently dipped our toe into the shallow end of the football pool when we allowed our oldest son to participate in flag football at his local YMCA this fall. He loved it, of course, but it didn’t escape me that some of the parents seemed much more invested in this pastime than their own offspring.

So, the question is, in a state like Texas where Football reins supreme and the quarterback is king, how do you know when to draw the line. Well, I’ve come up with a few questions parents should ask themselves before diving headlong into any sport.

Who am I doing this for?

Is your child actually interested in this activity, or are you trying to fulfill your own childhood dream? Parents often let their children dabble in various fields as a way of allowing them to decipher which one is their forte.

But, if your child shows little to no interest or if their attention wanes, then move on to something else. This is a difficult question to ask ones self, as it means

really examining your motives. If your child is fighting you before practice every day, chances are this is not the outlet for them.

careful to weigh the cost of your child’s activity in time and family involvement as well as dollars.

What is my child learning from this?

Sports teach kids all kinds of wonderful life skills such as teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship. It’s harder for people to understand the benefits of something like chess. But each pastime, whether or not it was your particular outlet in school, has its advantages. However, if the cons outweigh the pros and they aren’t coming away with any lessons learned, you might want to re-think your choice of sport.

Are they having fun?

There is usually one underlying reason professional sports stars started in their chosen sport: it was fun! If your child is red faced with tears streaming down their face because they just don’t want to do it any more, then don’t make them. Chances are, they are missing out on an opportunity to blossom in a different activity, even if it’s one you may not be eager about. And forcing them into something they hate will only cause friction within the family, which is more important than any trophy or state title.

Is it worth it?

Parents split up over a little leaguer’s baseball schedule. Households go in debt over personal voice coaches. Mothers spend thousands (yes, thousands) of dollars in travel and wardrobe expenses for their kid’s pageant habit. In the end, what is your family getting out of it? Is it worth it? If you have the next child sports prodigy, then maybe. Be

Remember that, even as children, we all need the chance to learn and grow on our own terms. This doesn’t mean let your child quit at the first frustration. What it does mean, however, is if you are vigilant, you can experience your child’s activities alongside them in a much more meaningful and fruitful way.

Two Bell County Locations KILLEEN

2301 E. Central Texas Expy.

Killeen, tx 76543 254-699-7700

TEMPLE 3111 South 31st. St. temple, tx 76502 254-742-1700

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Practical Parenting

Ditch It…and Dream Big One mom’s resolution The

Georganne Schuch www.blog.coffeedogz.com

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New

Year

is

synonymous with new resolutions.

Some people like to dream big. Like lose 100 pounds or climb Mt. Everest. Most big resolutions kind of sputter out by February. I usually don’t make too many resolutions at once because I know I won’t keep them all. Life always has a way of interfering. I’m not saying don’t make changes where changes are

needed. I totally believe in dreaming big. I’m just thinking, “Why shoot myself in the foot by committing to things I can’t keep?”

Since any resolution I make affects my family, I weigh all my potential changes against how they will affect my husband and kids, and my role as a parent. Super-mom is a myth, after all. Plain-old mom is the dream, here. In fact, the plainer I get, the better mom I become. So, I boil down my resolutions to what will make my family life better.

Life in a large family is always changing. Contemplating life with a teenager and a toddler for too long may lead to a nervous breakdown.

However, there are many resolutions which still can be achieved. I may not be a fitness guru, but how much I exercise and how I eat will set the tone for choices my kids make in the future. I, for one, need more exercise, so I’m going to include my children in a walking/biking weekly workout. While I cook primarily from scratch, I plan to add more vegetables and use less meat in our diet.

My biggest challenge is a teenager who bakes yummy treats.

It’s no secret that stress affects health and relationships. As appealing as it might sound to move to a deserted South Pacific island, it’s not very practical. So, let’s look at a typical stressor for most families, large and small. Money. Some would have you believe that just not spending what you don’t have is the answer. Well, it is, until a kid breaks her arm once (or twice) or a vehicle breaks down. Ever feel like you’ve got a target painted on you?

Yeah, me too.

Instead of spending more time trying to make more money, which reduces quality and quantity family time, how about just reducing the overhead which causes the aforementioned dog-chasing-the-tail syndrome? When I say overhead, I don’t mean the roof, but the stuff under the roof. If I have less stuff, I spend less taking care of it or storing it. Makes sense. I’m going to start

BEYOND KERATIN 2 MONTHS OF SMOOTH, HUMIDITY-PROOF HAIR

simple. How many baking sheets do I really need? Probably not six, like I have now. Once I have the little stuff pared down, then I can move on to bigger waste, like the chest freezer in the garage. We use it, but if I was better organized, we could probably squeeze by with the freezer sections in our two refrigerators. After all, a bigger family does require a certain amount of extra space, but not as much as some think.

Once I’ve stopped needing more money, what do I do with the time I was spending making it? The nice thing about spending time is that it’s virtually free! Unless you have a teenager with a shopping fetish. I plan to use the extra time having fun with my family. Central Texas has tons of stuff to do that only cost a tank of gas. Okay, that’s not necessarily cheap, but it beats the entrance fee to a theme park. Old-fashioned playgrounds for the younger children give you a two-for-one deal. Burn excess energy with lots of laughs. Hike and bike trails with older children serve the same purpose.

For me, this year, it all boils down to this question, “What do I ditch to gain the time I want to be a better parent?” If something doesn’t add value to my family or my role as a parent, is it worth it? No. If it adds financial or mental stress to maintain, I’m not even going to open the door. My family comes first, and my number one New Year’s resolution is to be plain-old mom.

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Bell County

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Marketplace Bell County Family

Children’s Consignment:

Now Open!

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Clothing Come visit Temple’s new Now Open!

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Exchange! Temple, TX 76502 • Baby furniture Children’s and Women’s • Toys (254) 742-0200 Clothing Exchange!• Children’s Thornton • Children’s clothingclothing 28112811 Thornton (South Loop Shopping Ctr, in front of Big Lots) • Women’s clothing Lane • Children’s clothing 2811 clothing Thornton • Women’s Lane www.OtherMotherstemple.com • Baby furniture Temple, TX 76502 • Women’s clothing Lanenew Come visit Temple’s • Baby furniture Temple,(254) TX 742-0200 76502 • Toys • Baby furniture Temple, TX 76502

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www.OtherMotherstemple.com • Children’s clothing 2811 Thornton www.OtherMotherstemple.com • Women’s clothing www.facebook.com/otherermotherstemple Lane www.facebook.com/otherermotherstemple • Baby furniture Temple, TX 76502 www.facebook.com/otherermotherstemple • Toys (254) 742-0200 Bell County

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2-column x 2 inch Ad Sample

Family Fun

FAMILY

(South Loop Shopping Ctr, in front of Big Lots)

FEBRUARY ISSUE: JANUARY 15th

www

Come visit Temple’s new Now Open!

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• Toys

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Find a Printable Copy at BellCountyFamily.com

Bell County

FAMILY FUN January 2012

January 1 Nature In Lights, BLORA – Enjoy the drive through over five-and-a-half miles of holiday inspired scenes. BLORA is once again transformed into a winder wonderland for all to enjoy. 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly, BLORA. Cost: $5 for minvans and pickups; $15 for Limos, RVS and 15-passenger van; $25 for 24-passenger van and $40 for 47-passenger van. For more information, call 254-2872523 or visit www. Hoodmwr.com.

January 2 Continuing: Nature BLORA (January 1)

In

Lights,

Lap Sit – Newborns through 18-month-old babies and their parents are invited to work and play together with a variety of stories, songs and much more! 10 to 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at jmadden@ci.harkerheights.ci.tx.us. Cost: Free.

Soup for the Hungry Soul - For every bowl of soup purchased in January, Chick-fil-A restaurants in Temple, Killeen, Harker Heights and Waco will donate a bowl to the local Salvation Army. Help us feed the hungry!

January 3 Continuing: Nature In Lights, BLORA (January 1,2); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2)

Kids’ Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen – Let us do the cooking for you! Come to Chick-fil-A for family fun and discounts. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/killeen/com.

BREAK THE GLASS CEILING! Would you like a career where drive, ideas and energy are rewarded and there are no limits on how far you can go?

Primerica offers you the opportunity to be your own boss, control your own destiny, and build your dreams as big as you want them. Find out how you can begin your own Primerica business without high start-up fees and without quitting your fulltime job... Join us on Jan 3rd, 6:30 pm at 217 E Avenue D Killeen, TX. To reserve a seat, contact Angela Wright (254) 6996110 or (224) 220-6018.

Knit Fit Registration, Belton - Let’s Have a Knit Fit Want to learn how to knit?

Join our “Let’s Have a Knit Fit” class with Connie Grudzinski and learn the basics of knitting. Classes begin January 10th February 14th. Classes will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Harris Community Center. Registration will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from January 4 through January 10. Cost: $35 for 6 classes. For ages 6 and up. For more information about this event or any other activity with the City of Belton Parks and Recreation visit our website at www.ci.belton. tx.us, give us a call at 933-5861, or send us an email at parksandrec@ci.belton.tx.us.

Family Fun at Chick-fil-A!

Healthy Cooking for Less, Belton - Learn to cook your favorite meals in a healthy way without breaking the bank with instructor Crystal Owens! Sessions begin January 9th – February 8th, Mondays and Wednesday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: $35 for 1 session (discount for all 5 sessions). January 9th & 11th: Cooking for Diabetes ; January 16th & 18th: Gluten-Free Cooking ; January 23rd & 25th: Dairy-Free Cooking ; January 30th & Feb. 1st: Nut-Free Cooking ; February 6th & 8th: Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking. For ages 8 and up . This class requires pre-registration and can be done at the Harris Community Center form 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday now until January 9, 2012. For more information, call 933-5861.

Chisholm Trail Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, Temple - Do you like to Sing? Chisholm Trail Chorus is the place for you. We meet every Thursday 7 -10 p.m. at the Cultural Activities Center, Temple. Chisholm Trail is an A Cappella four-part harmony group that sings barbershop. Join us every week in January to learn more about this craft and sing with us on stage in March. Cost: FREE. For more information, visit www.chisholmtrailchorus.org or contact Kaye StevensPledge at 512-876-9090 or kayestevens3504@comcast.net.

Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights – Join us for a free family activity during Family Nights each Tuesday. 5 – 8 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 201 E. Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights. For more information, visit www.chick-fil-a.com/ harkerheights-tx.

January 6

January 5 Continuing: Nature In Lights, BLORA (January 1,2,3,4); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3) Toddler Time – Special storytime for toddlers involving a variety of stories, songs, dance, puppets, fingerplays and more for children ages 3 and under. 9 to 10 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at jmadden@ ci.harker-heights.ci.tx.us. Cost: Free.

Check here every month for events at your Harker Heights, Killeen & Temple locations!

12 12

Bell County County Bell

FAMILY

Available at at all all area area Taco Taco Bells Bells & & Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A Available

College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple Buy an entrée and get a free medium drink and fry with valid college ID. 5 -10 p.m., N. 31st St, Temple.

Continuing: Nature In Lights, BLORA (January 1,2,3,4,5); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5) Lunch and a Movie, Temple - Come to this fun filled pot luck lunch and watch the classic movie Rebel Without a Cause.

Noon, Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. Open to ages 50 and up. Cost: Free. For more information, contact Brock Boone at 298-5740.

January 7 Continuing: Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6) The Polar Bear Plunge - Join us for the annual Polar Bear Plunge! Come brave the bitter waters of the Summit pool in support of Temple’s Salvation Army. It’s the coolest event around, with plenty of chills, thrills and fun for every-

www.BellCountyFamily.com www.BellCountyFamily.com

Village of Sage Meadows - From the $100s • Temple, Texas one! The charity work associated with the Polar Plunge is famous throughout the globe and we’re bringing it to the Summit in Winter of 2012. Those wishing to take the plunge must qualify by having 10 sponsors on site at the Summit, all accompanied with a canned food donation for Temple’s Salvation Army. Participants and sponsors will be treated to ice cream and cold beverages after the event. Pick up your sponsorship and entry form at the Summit’s customer service desk. 9 a.m., Summit Family Fitness Center, Temple.

Cost: One Donated Canned Good. For more information, contact Dana Shaffer at 298-5430.

Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen –Bring your family to Chick-fil-A at Killeen and enjoy some quality family time!

We will have board games, puzzles, and other fun activities. Ask the cashier about Milkshake Bingo and your chance to win free milkshakes for you and your family. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/killeen/home.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple – Join us for an evening of family fun and dinner specials. 5-10 p.m. 114 N. 31st St., Temple. For more information, visit www. cfarestaurant.com/temple/home.

Harker Heights Farmers Market – Join us for a wonderful event to prepare for the holiday season! 8 a.m. to noon, Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing.

Granny Time, Harker Heights – Ms. Dorothy, Harker Heights Library’s resident grandma charms children and adults with classic storytimes. 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, call 953-5491 or visit www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us .

Christmas Tree Recycling, Killeen – Come by to recycle this year’s Christmas Tree. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Killeen Special Events Center, Killeen. For more information, visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us/ .

January 9 Continuing: Lap Sit (January 2); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7)

January 10 Continuing: Kids’ Night at Chickfil-A, Killeen (see January 3); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9); Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights (January 3) Killeen Aglow Meeting, Killeen The Killeen Aglow Lighthouse will meet for their monthly meeting. We are an intercultural, trans-denominational organization of Christian women who come together to develop meaningful friendships with each other and a deeper walk with Christ. 7 p.m., Residence Inn/Marriott, 400 East Central Texas Expwy, Killeen.

Cost: FREE. For more information contact Gerlinde at 542-5155.

January 12 Continuing: Toddler Time (January 5); College Night, Chick-fil-A, Temple (January 5); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9, 10, 11) College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Thursday Night is College Night! 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Purchase any entree, get a FREE medium fry and drink with valid college ID. Penguin Party, Temple - Join us for a day of winter play! Penguins are known

Village of Sage Meadows

for their black and white “outfit”, so come dressed like a penguin in your black and white clothes. We will play in an igloo and with some snow! After we play some penguin games, we will cool down with a cold treat. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $10. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Country & Western Dance, Temple -Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more information, contact Lisa Potts at 298-5403.

January 14 Continuing: Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple; Granny Time (January 7); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12, 13) Cove Country Opry, Copperas Cove – Join us for an old-fashioned good time! Featuring The Travelers, Courtney Yates and Zach, Rance Norton and Earl Holt. 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Ball Room, FM 2657, Copperas Cove. Cost: $7 p.m. for adults; Children age 12 and under are free. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Music World in Copperas Cove or at the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau. For more information, call 542-5474 or visit www.covecountryopry.net.

Bob Schneider at the Cultural Activities Center, Temple - Texas troubadour with jam-band roots, known in the Austin scene as one of the most versatile songwriters today. His song lyrics are a unique blend of rock, country, folk, blues,

pop and funk. SCHNEIDER has won 24 Austin Music Awards since his 1999 debut, including “Best Singer-Songwriter,” “Best Band,” “Best Vocals” “and “Musician of the Year. Schneider soulfoul melodies, also contributed songs to a variety of movies--including Miss Congeniality, Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back--and to the TV series “Men In Trees.” 7:30 p.m., Cultural Activities Center, 3011 North 3rd Street, Temple. For more information, visit www. cacarts.org or call 773-9926.

The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl - A group of diverse cultural and tourism partners has come together to produce the county-wide Great Bell County Quilt Crawl. The project’s goals are to promote the rich artistic and historic nature of quilts throughout the county, and to promote tourism in Bell County and Central Texas.

The quilt crawl will be held January 14 through February 18, at the following facilities: Cultural Activities Center, Temple; Railroad and Heritage Museum, Temple; Czech Heritage Museum, Temple; UMHB Museum, Belton; Bell County Museum, Belton; Salado Historical Society at the Robertson Plantation, Salado; and Killeen Arts & Activities Center, Killeen.

Other partners are Killeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salado Chamber of Commerce, Village of Salado Tourism Department, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Central Texas Tourism Council, and Temple Convention and Visitors Bureau. Each facility will host a quilt exhibit for six weeks. Each Saturday during the time period, one of the sites will have a special activity that relates to quilts and quilting. Each partner will have its own designated Saturday, except for the Bell County Museum and UMHB Museum, which will be held on the same day.

At each site, visitors can purchase, for $2,

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Bell County County Bell

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13 13

Bell County

FAMILY FUN January 2012

our uniquely shaped magnet. If visitors attend each exhibit and purchase a magnet at each site, they will have a complete 4 x 6 inch quilt magnet in red, white and blue.

For more information, call 933-5243.

Saturday Science at Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater, Killeen -Bring the kids to have fun with science!

Every month, we’ll focus on a different science-related theme! The program will include a two-hour hands-on class followed by a planetarium show. 1 - 4 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of Each Month. Price: $29 per child ($26 for Planetarium members) For ages 5-9.

January 16 Continuing: Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13, 14); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14) Camp Explore, Temple - Save your vacation on teacher workdays and bring your kids to Camp Explore. Participants will experience adventure based outdoor activities such as team building games, hiking and arts & crafts. This camp is free to Zone participants. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple.

Open to ages 5 to 14. Cost: $12 per day.

Contact Peanut Henderson at 298-5740 for more information.

January 17 Continuing: Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11 ,12,13,14,16); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16); Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights (January 3, 10)

January 18 Continuing: Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13 ,14,16, 17); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17) For the Love of Our Children, Temple - “For the Love of Our Children” is a support group for bereaved parents and grandparents. Individuals share their stories and what has helped them cope with their grief. The newly bereaved meet others who have also experienced a loss and how they are learning to have a fulfilling life again. The group has helped

14 14

many realize that they are not alone and gives everyone an opportunity to express their feelings in a non-judgmental environment.

FTLOOC is a non-profit, non-denominational group and does not offer any type of professional counseling services.

The group members share their own journeys of the grief process, giving hope and support to each other. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. 47th Street, Temple. For more information, call 770-0910.

January 19

Cheer Champion Clinic, Temple Your little cheerleader will be introduced to the wonderful world of cheer by the staff from Extreme Cheer and Tumble.

Your child will learn cheer motions, jumps, and how to make basic pyramids.

Participants will learn 1 cheer, 2 chants, and a short dance to perform for their parents at the end of the clinic. Noon to 2 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. Open to ages 4 to 10. Cost: $12. Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733 for more information.

January 23

Continuing: Toddler Time (January 5, 10); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17, 18); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18)

Continuing: Lap Sit (January 2,9,16); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18 ,19,20, 21); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20,21,22)

Country & Western Dance -Live, local Country & Western bands play the 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403.

Cost: $4 at the door.

Continuing: Kids’ Night at Chickfil-A, Temple (January 3, 10, 17); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10, 11,12,13,14,16,17,18, 19, 20, 21, 23); Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights (January 3, 10, 17)

January 24

January 21

January 26

Continuing: Family Night at Chickfil-A, Temple; Granny Time (January 7,14); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,19 ,20); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18,19, 20)

Continued: College Night at Chickfil-A, Temple (January 5,12,19); Toddler Time (January 5,12,19); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,1 1,12,13,14,16,17,18,19,20, 21,23,24,25); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18,19, 20,21,22,23,24); Country and Western Dance (January 20)

Temple Wildcat Band Families Biggest Garage Sale Ever, Temple – Come browse and buy for a good cause!

Cash only! 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Temple High School Band Hall, Temple. For more information, contact Brita McNeill at 718-8221 or e-mail randbmcneill@sbcglobal.net.

Downtown Belton Market Days, Belton - Garage Sale to Upscale, it’s all for sale at Market Days! Sponsored by the Downtown Belton Merchants Association, Belton Market Days is the 3rd Saturday of every month, in Downtown Belton. Vendors sell an assortment of goods, including antiques, collectibles, arts, and crafts. Variety of food vendors. Vendor booths available. For more information, call 254-939-5699 or visit www.downtownbelton.com

January 27 Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,19, 20, 21,23,24,25); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18,19, 20,21,22,23,24, 25, 26) Ice Cream Social, Temple - Do you like ice cream with crazy flavors or are you a simple chocolate/vanilla person?

Maybe your diabetic and can only have

sherbet that is fine too. The last Friday of each month we will have your favorite frozen treats and social time, see you then. 1:30 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. Open to ages 50 and up.

Cost: $1. Contact Brooke Boone at 2985740 for more information.

January 28 Continuing: Granny Time (January 7,14,21); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, 17,19, 20,21,23,24,25,26,27); The Great Bell County Quilt Crawl (January 14, 15, 16,17, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27) Belton Market Days – Garage sale to upscale, it’s all for sale at Market Days.

8 a.m., Historic Downtown Belton, between the parking lot at City Hall (Central and Penelope) to the square on Main Street. For more information, call 9338424. Cost: FREE. Flower Power, Temple - Have you always wondered how professionals can make their arrangements look so perfect?

Now you can learn from the pros. You will learn how to pick the best flowers, keep them alive longer, and make your own arrangements at home. This is a hands on course and you will get to take your arrangement home with you. Flowers will be provided. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. Open to ages 16 and up. Cost: $12. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

January 31 Kids’ Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple (January 3, 10, 17); Soup for the Hungry Soul (January 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10, 11,12,13,14,16,17,18, 19, 20, 21, 23); Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights (January 3, 10, 17, 24)

Want to list your organization’s event?

E-mail details to miranda@bellcountyfamily.com

BellCounty County Bell

FAMILY

Available at at all all area area Taco Taco Bells Bells & & Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A Available

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“Serving Those Who Serve America” Killeen Armed Services YMCA --- 415 N. 8th Street • Killeen, Texas 76541 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday – Main Office 6:00am - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Family Center in Copperas Cove 3:00pm - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Teen Center in Harker Heights

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The Armed Services YMCA offers a variety of family programs ranging from Before and After School Childcare, Teen and Youth Development, Biddy Sports, and support for Soldiers and their Family Members.

The Y supports families in their efforts to eat healthy, play every day, and stay active together in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind, and body. >Free childcare available while you workout. >Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. >Fee assistance available to active duty soldiers and their family members.

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15

Ladies Top Ten

by Marcy Lytle

www.marcylytle.com

Christmas is Over... Now What?

Either you’re sad that all of

the festivities are over, and you feel a bit de-

pressed; or you’re thankful that everything’s back to normal. However, many of us feel a bit lost and have hit the January blues. What to do? Here are my top ten ways to make January not so boring…

1

If you enjoy after-Christmas sales, about mid-January is a good time to hit the mall and just visit each store and see what’s left. Sometimes it’s so exciting to come home with a bag of new stuff for next year.

You may find stocking gifts, office presents, and new home decorations.

4

It’s time to start thinking about that summer vacation. Go out to the bookstore (or spend time online) and take a look at day trips in the Central Texas area, or peruse the shelves for a book about a state you’ve never visited. Sip something while you sit and make a list of places you’d like to go. Make reservations now!

8

2

This is the month that’s usually our coldest of the winter, so why not try a hot beverage and read a good book?

Have you visited www.thechew.com? Check out Carla Hall’s de-stress chai recipe and curl up with a classic, such as Pride and Prejudice.

5

Did you know that January is the best time to buy linens and bed sheets?

Sales abound, so toss those dingy old sheets and towels, and enjoy the feel of new Egyptian cotton, and the softness of a fluffy new bath towel.

6

Putting away all of the Christmas decorations is a huge chore, and not nearly as fun as getting them out and putting them up. This year, label your boxes and organize your goods before you pack them up.

You’ll pat yourself on the back next Christmas, when you see what you’ve done!

3

Perhaps with all of your baking over the holidays, you noticed your spice cabinet and pantry needs a makeover. Make a list of organizers you might need and purchase them. Spend a few hours and completely clean out everything, and sigh with pleasure when you’re finished. Take a picture and post it on Facebook!

While you’re at the bookstore, check out the calendars. They’re usually 50% off in January. There are calendars with stickers, ones for family planning, and many with cool scenes you can’t want to turn and see each month. Purchase two, and start filling out your fun events.

7

Turkey dinners, green bean casseroles, and pecan pies are not sounding so delicious any more, and if you eat one more leftover turkey sandwich, you just might cry. Why not try a new soup recipe in the crockpot? Hit the bargain book aisle at Barnes & Noble and see if you don’t find an inexpensive cookbook for slow cookers. Buy it for yourself, just for fun!

9

Catch up on your movie watching.

Instead of just watching the hit movies, why not try an independent film, a foreign film, or a documentary? Sarah’s Key is a great film, as well as Forks over Knives. Both create great discussions after viewing.

10

Finally, January is a great time to reflect on the good things in your life from the previous year. Take one night to get together with friends or family and remember something fun from each month of 2011. Write down what you share.

Then look forward to more blessings in 2012.

In fact, make a Blessings Jar, with strips of paper inside, for writing down the surprises that await you this coming year!

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Hometown Heroes A Wing and A Prayer: by Miranda N. Bradley Paul Hansen of Flying Vikings This is a first in an on-going series highlighting the work of unsung heroes in our community.

To submit someone you think is a Hometown Hero, e-mail us at Miranda@bellcountyfamily.com.

“I said, ‘I can fly a plane,’” he said.

“And that’s how it started. Suddenly these kids who had been through some pretty tough stuff started opening up, telling me probably more than I should know. That’s when I knew this could be a real ministry.”

Paul Hansen left his high flying career to launch Flying Vikings

Nearly

two

decades

ago,

Paul Hansen had what most Americans dream of:

a well-paying position, plenty of money and lots of power. But, after 17 years as an investment banker in New Jersey, he looked around at his plush surroundings and felt empty. That’s when he walked away and found his wings.

Now living in Temple with his wife, Martha and twin 9-year-old daughters Carolina and Gabriela, Hansen provides flights to disabled and chronically ill children, partnering with such organizations like the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas, Dell Children’s Hospital and Blood Cancer Center. But, instead of simply taking children up in the plane, he lets them have the controls.

“There’s something very freeing to a child in a wheelchair when they are allowed to actually fly the plane,” Hansen said. “They feel free.”

Fly Days, as they are called, require a team of dedicated volunteers to coordinate the event as well as committed sponsors who help with the underwriting. After carefully scheduling the program, up to 35 children are invited to come to a nearby hanger where a dozen planes are waiting to take children up one at a time. First, however, they must complete “Ground School,” where they learn aviation basics from one of the volunteer pilots.

Following Ground School, each child is taken up individually along with family members to experience the miracle of flight. At 2,000 feet, the pilot hands over control of the aircraft to the child and a memory is made.

Once all the flights have taken place, each child takes a keepsake photo and presented with a first flight certificate, making them young “pilots.”

Then, the party really starts. Thanks to generous vendors such as Papa John’s, Chili’s and Home Depot, among others, families are treated to fan-

“I wanted to look back on my life and see that I had done something good with it,” he said. “It was a risk but one that I had to take.”

And although he hasn’t received a salary in years, he’ll tell you he’s richer now than he’s ever been thanks to Flying Vikings, the nonprofit he started and the reason he left corporate America to begin with.

Flying Vikings started when one of Hansen’s former clients asked him to help out with a nonprofit for at-risk youth providing them with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

18

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Hansen poses with his newest batch of “Young Pilots” shortly after landing.

tastic food and fun to make this an event the kids won’t soon forget.

“The biggest kick that we get is the gratitude from these kids’ expressions when they take the controls,” Hansen said. “These kids have had their control taken away in one way or another, whether it’s through a disability or a disease, and in some small way, we’re giving a little control back. “ Currently, Flying Vikings serves only Texas, but

• Our salon and staff are all Smart Tan Certified • We offer 3 levels of UV Tanning • Versa Spa Sunless Skin Care System • HydroMassage Therapy • Military, Student and Teacher discounts.

has plans to expand to Oklahoma and Mississippi.

And, while Hansen says his program is a blessing to him as much as to the kids, each day is a wingand-a-prayer miracle. Hansen relies on continued financial support by donors, 100 percent of which stays in the local community. Supported by mainly private donations, Hansen is confident in what makes his program a success.

“My faith led me here,” he said. “And that’s what it takes each day to make it happen. “

Birth Packages Prenatal Care Prenatal Yoga Childbirth Classes Well Woman Care

Authorized Moby Retailer Free Information Sessions Every Monday at 5pm We welcome Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare Ins. Flexible Cash Plans Available.

We Specialize in Waterbirth!

BRING THIS AD TO TEXAS TAN & RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR NEXT TANNING PACKAGE

905 Mountain Lion Circle Suite 700 Harker Heights, TX 76548 Hours: Monday-Friday 7.30a-9p & Saturday 9a-7p • Phone: 254-449-7362 Bell County

www.BellCountyFamily.com

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Health

When it comes to better health, making lifestyle changes can be a family affair. For example, half an hour of moderate physical activity could be a fun hike with the kids.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

When

it

comes

to

health, making positive lifestyle changes is a goal for many people.

But often times no matter how good the intentions, these changes only last a few weeks.

Most people know what they need to do to improve their health — taking steps like making smart food choices and being more active. It’s figuring out how to do these things and fitting these changes into the daily routine that can present the biggest challenges.

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help lower risk for developing a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes. Losing even 10 to 15 pounds — if you weigh 200 pounds — can make a big difference in helping you prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, these same changes can help keep your blood glucose and blood pressure on target to reduce your risk for diabetes complications. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) wants all Americans to know that learning how to make these positive lifestyle changes begins with making a plan to achieve your goals.

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Make a Plan To reach your goal, you need a plan. How do you get started?

Take these steps: n Think about what is important to your health. What are you willing and able to do? n Decide what your goals are. What changes do you want to make?

Choose one goal to work on first. n Decide what steps will help you reach your goal. n Pick one step to try this week.

For example, if one goal is to lose weight, ask yourself these questions to help you shape your plan: n Why haven’t I made this change before? Example: I don’t have time to go to an exercise class or a gym. n How can I work around what gets in the way? Example: I can do something on my own that doesn’t take much time and is low cost or free. n What’s my goal? Example: I want to exercise 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.

n Here’s what I need to get ready: ___________ Example: I need to take walking shoes to work and ask a friend to walk with me. n What might get in the way of making this change? Example: In bad weather, I won’t want to walk outside. I can walk inside instead. n Here’s how I’ll reward myself: ____________ Example: If I stick with my plans this week, I’ll watch a movie.

It is hard work to make and sustain lifestyle changes. The healthy choice isn’t always the easy one, but it is worth it. And with the right plan in place and support from family and friends, you can make healthy changes that will last a lifetime.

When you are ready to create a plan for making changes in your life, visit NDEP’s Diabetes HealthSense (www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/ HealthSense). You also can order or download free resources to help you manage or prevent diabetes by visiting the NDEP website at www.

YourDiabetesInfo.org. - BCF

Coping With Your Feelings If you are living with a chronic disease such as diabetes, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry. If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, you may also be struggling with taking steps to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

The tips below can help you cope: n Recognize that you are not alone. n Find time for yourself even when you are busy. n Connect with others — find support from family and friends. n Find balance in your life. Juggling many roles and responsibilities can leave little time for you. n Ask your health care team for help if you are having difficulty coping with stress and negative feelings.

Bell County

FAMILY

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www.BellCountyFamily.com

Bell County

www.BellCountyFamily.com

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21

New Arrivals

A Beautiful Nursery on a Budget

Nursery décor isn’t what it used to be. And that is great news for those who love interior design and décor! Many parents-tobe are moving away from character themes and the expected pinks and blues and are instead opening their minds to design possibilities.

To help you find the right style for your baby’s nursery, here are some tips from the team behind the Inspired Nursery blog at www.inspirednursery.com:

Invest in Rest The smart move is to invest in a few pieces of high-quality furniture that will grow with your child: Select furniture that complements the look of the rest of your home.

Nursery furniture comes in a wide variety of beautiful finishes. You can browse the images at www. facebook.com/inspirednursery for inspiration.

Look for Lifestyle cribs which easily convert from crib to toddler-, day-, and eventually a full-sized bed, which means they will grow with your child.

Consider other adaptable furniture pieces, including armoires that convert into media centers, and dressers that also serve as changing tables.

Learn more at www.LaJobi.com.

Get Personal Give the nursery its own special look with accessories that are not only attractive, but have special meaning, too.

Celebrate your family’s heritage with treasures from scrapbooks, old family photo albums, textiles and art pieces from your family’s native country.

Personalize baby’s room with handmade art and accessories from local artists or from online sources such as www.Etsy.com.

You don’t need to be a designer to create a beautiful nursery – you just need a little patience and the right inspiration. - BCF

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Bell County

FAMILY

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www.BellCountyFamily.com

A Multi-generational Foster/Adoptive Camp and Retirement Community

Children Need Adoptive & Foster Homes!

We receive calls day and night for children needing a family. There are many children waiting to be adopted and siblings will be separated if we don’t find a family soon. Reimbursement for care is provided.

Adoption is FREE and children receive FREE insurance and FREE college tuition.

At FamilyLink we have placed over 600 children in loving foster families, but we are having to turn away up to 25 children a day!

We have a vision of a place called Legacy Ranch. Here, children who need a family and are hurting will not be turned away and Seniors will be cherished for their wisdom, love and care they seek to give; a beautiful place of healing and hope where children and seniors can minister to and draw strength from each other.

“Life Matters! with Mariah” Tune in and hear stories that will inspire and encourage you to live out your destiny and purpose!

Get advice on everything from relationships, work, parenting and more! www.BellCountyFamily.com

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Bell County

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Kenny Havard, DDS • Travis Hildebrand, DDS • State-of-the-art Care • New Patients Welcome • Convenient Appointments • Parent-Friendly Too! • Insurance Filed & Processed

4402 Williams Dr., Ste. 106 Georgetown, TX 78628

512-869-4100

Ki ds Lo ve It Here!

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GeorgetownPediatricDentistry.com

Bell County

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