May 2010
Becky Weems
inspiring woman
SUMMER SUN SA F E T Y hom e t o u r Andrew and Holly Middlebrook
5
tips to a happier kitchen!
inspiring young woman
Christie Squiers
2 / The Journey - May 2010
tjmag.com / 3
The perfect place for
every occasion Meetings Reunions
2130 S. 1st Street • Lufkin, TX 75901 • 936.632.0777
co u r t ya rd l u f k i n .co m
Weddings Receptions and M or e .
Image Hospitality
Developing and managing exceptional Hotel Properties 4 / The Journey - May 2010
www.imagehospitality.com
tjmag.com / 5
Contents May 2010 yourhome 11 Home Tour: The Middlebrook Home Landmarks: The Old North Church in Nacogdoches At Home: 5 tips to a Happier Kitchen In the Kitchen: Spring, A Time for Health Homestead: Realtor’s Top 10 Picks for First-Time Buyers
12 14 15 16
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yourcommunity 19 Business Spotlight: Bare Minerals of Lufkin Business Connections: Nacogdoches Memorial Medical Auxiliary Lufkin Chamber of Commerce Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce Calendar Giving Back Hot Spot: Lufkin Expo Anniversary Party Places and Faces Inspiring Young Woman: Christie Squiers Inspiring Woman: Becky Weems
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20 21 22 24 26 28 29 30 36 38
cover photo:
greg patterson studio
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yourlife 41 Hall of Fame Hubbies Pretty Babies Your Wallet Weddings Relationships Education Girls Group
42 43 44 45 46 47 48
yourbody 49 Fitness: Getting Your Body Back after Baby Women’s Health: Heatstroke Fashion: Dressing for Your Body Type Reshaping with SlimLipo TM: Beauty: Hair and Make-up Trends for Summer 2010
50 51 52 54 56
yourchild 57 Ask the Doc: Summer Fun Safety Childs Play: East Texas Cowboy Room Kids Konnect: What is Your Favorite Thing About Your Mom? Treats and Eats Family Support: Got Stress? Why I Love Being a Mom: Joanna Page
58 59
Review Journey Market Parting Advice
64 65 66
Stephanie Oliver President Kasey Van Norman Managing Editor Michelle Briley Director of Sales Kay Hendricks Acco u n t Exe c u t i ve Michelle Haney Layout and Design Kristie Huddleston Graphic Designer Lisa Crow Ev e n t P h o t o g r a p h e r Allyson Langston Copy Editor
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Contributors T i m Sca l l o n M i st i Pe p pa rd Nadeem A. Malhi, MD J oa n n a Pa ge
60 61 62 63
Distrubution Lufkin J a n e t G l ove r Ke l l i e Ro c ka N a co gd o c h es M a t t h ew L aw re n ce L i v i n gsto n C h r i ssy L av i o l e t te
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To Advertise: Th e J o u r n e y P O B ox 1 5 0 5 37 L u f k i n , Tx 75 9 1 5 93 6 - 6 3 5 -7 3 6 9 a d ve r t i s e @ t j m a g . c o m
Peace, Love &
Babies At Memorial Medical Center–Lufkin, we know what really matters–you, your baby and a safe birth.
That’s why all of our nurses are certified in Advanced Fetal Monitoring. And our English and Spanish speaking nurses have a combined 386 years of experience, skills and knowledge to assist every mom with nearly every baby question that arises. It’s our mission to make your delivery exceptional and prepare you and your baby to begin life’s journey. Sure, we have large, secure and comfortable birthing suites equipped with the latest technology, including 4-D Ultrasound and Pediatric Echocardiograms. But it is the love of the birth experience and that new baby smell that moves our team to carefully bundle every newborn and help every mom get started the right way –cradled in our circle of care.
936-634-8111 | Visit us online at memorialhealth.org
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Welcome
W
What a year! I can’t believe another school year is about to be behind us. Where does the time go? Some women are so ready for the break of rush, rush, rush in the mornings and look forward to the summer down time. Then there are the moms that dread having to entertain and find something for the kids to do all summer . . .decisions, decisions. The great thing is we live in a great community that wants to utilize our local resources and offer kids an AWESOME summer. Along with all the hustle and bustle the end of school/beginning of summer brings, May is also a very special month because we celebrateMother’s Day. Regardless of whether we are a full time working mom or a stay at home mom, being a mommy is a full time job that can be very tiring! Mother’s Day can rejuvenate moms for an entire year. The day reminds us why we are thankful for our own mothers and that having a little hand to hold and a body to hug is definitely a priceless gift to cherish. One recent Sunday, my pastor said something that really hit home. He asked, “What is your legacy?” “What is the mark you are making to those around you?” And he was talking generally, about friendships, family, coworkers, and the whole gamit. But, often times the hustle and bustle gets you so distracted from what matters most--the little “sponges” in our lives that soak up “our legacy.” I think back on my childhood and remember things about my friends’ mothers. One was always walking and exercisingwhile she watched her daughter at volleyball practice. I vividly remember another praying and taking the time to have Bible study with a group of friends. Now that I am mother, I realize how hard it was to carve out that time for themselves. I also know the example they showed their daughters as teenagers, and the example their adult daughters are living out today. My hope is that my children can see that I took time to take care of myself, so I could take better care of them. I hope they know that I love the Lord with all my heart and that my life calling is showing them to love and know Jesus. Last but not least, I hope they remember that we love to laugh and have fun any chance we get. This May, as we reflect on our mothers and what it means to be a mother, think about the legacy you are leaving on the most important people in your own lives. It’s not until you are a mother that you see and realize the sacrifices your mother made. It is so easy to take each day for granted and assume we will have tomorrow. I love you, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day. Bosten, Brynn, and Brodie’s Mommy,
Stephanie oliver
president
8 / The Journey - May 2010
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News Welcome Kasey Van Norman! We are excited to add Kasey Van Norman to The Journey team. Kasey will fill the position of Managing Editor. She might be a familiar face to some because she was our November Inspiring Woman. Through a series of events, this door opened and we could not be more thrilled! For those who do not know, Kasey was born and raised in Nacogdoches. She has been married to Justin for seven years and is a mother of two, Emma Grace and Lake. Kasey recently wrote and published her first book, Named by God and is also beginning her teaching ministry called Beautiful Adventures. We are thrilled to have her!
Save the Date!! On June 17th, 2010, we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary. It will be an event you don’t want to miss—An Inspiring Celebration.
Graduation Photos Do you know someone who is graduating? Send their photo to be in the June issue at photos@tjmag.com. We will showcase those sweet memories that only roll around once a year. There is no charge to have your photo printed. Please include name, school, and age.
Facebook Be sure to become a fan! You don’t know what you are missing--lots of great giveaways and fun events are coming up. Join today!
Congratulations to Audiological Services for celebrating 15 years! Michelle Briley and Dr. Sally Muhlbach with a beautiful floral arrangement from Brookshire Brothers
Welcome Home! Gibson Funeral Home is back home. Their building has been restored after the tornado damage last December.
10 / The Journey - May 2010
Kay Hendricks with a beautiful arrangement from Brookshire Brothers.
your
home
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home tour The
Middlebrook Home
home T
The home of Andrew and Holly Middlebrook is nestled amidst the fresh pine trees of the Apple Creek subdivision in Nacogdoches. The traditional-style architecture of the home creates a classic warmth that never changes. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we have deemed the Middlebrook abode as a dream design for the ever-growing, ever-changing family lifestyle. Holly Middlebrook says, “I love my open floor plan because it allows me to integrate instead of segregate! I can keep an eye on the kids and approaching outside guests all at the same time as I cook and clean.” The “filter” of the home, as Holly calls it, is the most flexible part of the house. Equipped with a laundry area and catchall cubbies, this sorting area allows for overflow and sorting. Whether it be a child’s backpack, school project, or a load of groceries, this highly functional area accommodates a busy
12 / The Journey - May 2010
family lifestyle. Warm, neutral paint colors are used throughout the home, and rich, brown colors are used in the bedding. Holly says, “Deep browns are more forgiving of accidents.” The hardwood floors that run throughout the house are made of solid maple, and can withstand a multitude of bumps, drops, and spills! Made of solid maple, the floors can be sanded down and redone throughout the years, and only require a damp mop clean once each month. Holly loves her open kitchen and living area. She chose white cabinetry in an effort to show smudges and dirt left behind from little fingers. “I would much rather see the dirt in order to clean better!” Her large over-the-sink window allows a fresh, open feel to the kitchen, and also allows a protective mom to keep a watchful eye on her children’s outside adventures.
Castleberry’s
Another great feature of the home is the upstairs playroom, completely devoted to the storage of the many toys collected by two rambunctious boys throughout the years. This open area is centered completely around the boys and their toys, and makes a great getaway for the children when their friends come to visit. “I like for the boys bedrooms to be a quiet place for ‘time-outs’ or napping, and not a distracting overflow of toys,” says Holly.
a point in parenting when you need a little “me-time” in an effort to de-stress and reward a hard-working mom for a long day of cooking, cleaning, and carpooling. The Middlebrook’s bathroom is not overflowing with bathroom accessories in an effort to create a clean, uncluttered space to recharge. The warm and airy paint tones, as well as the open window above the bathtub, create a refreshing welcome for mom after a long day.
And last but not least, the mother’s getaway. Every mother knows there comes tjmag.com / 13
landmarks The
Old North Church in Hist oric Nacogdoches
T
The Old North Church,
originally called Union Church because various religious denominations made up the congregation, was organized on May 6, 1838, and is the oldest active missionary Baptist church in Texas. The founder of Old North Church, Mrs. Massey Sparks Millard, who came to Texas in 1832 and settled near the site of a spring where the church is now located, arranged for the Reverend Isaac Reed to preach the first Baptist sermon to a group of settlers beneath the shade of this ancient post-oak tree. Meeting in the first structure on the site, a one-room log house called the Liberty School House, (so named after the Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto), the Reverend Isaac Reed, the Elder R. G. Green, and a group of worshipers organized what is now the Old North Church. The original building, a log structure, was built in 1838 and used until 1852 when the present church was erected on the original foundation stones. In 1933, the church was reoriented to face the historic oak tree. The Old North Church Cemetery, which is part of the original ten acres deeded by Dr. John M. Sparks to the Union Church in 1892, is a chronicle of the early days of Nacogdoches County. Veterans of the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, and some forty-seven Confederate Civil War soldiers are buried here.
The Old Cemetery
North
Church
According to legend, the first burial in this cemetery was that of a young girl, whose family, traveling through the area when she died, buried her here before continuing their westward journey. The cemetery historically was divided into two sections. The East side was used for the burials of local slaves, many of whom were members of the church, and it eventually became a separate cemetery. Other burials of interest include those of veterans of the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Texas Revolution. Records indicate that some forty-seven Confederate Civil War soldiers are buried in the Southern portion of the cemetery, and twenty-one Union Soldiers are interred in unmarked graves. Most of the Union veterans were victims of an epidemic of dysentery during the Reconstruction Era. 14 / The Journey - May 2010
at home
5 tips t o a happier kitchen
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When you think of your kitchen, what scene comes to mind? A spacious and organized area filled with the aroma of scented candles, alphabetized cookbooks, and labeled jars of pasta, or, a semifunctional hub of papers, leftover takeout, and countertops stacked so high with ‘stuff,’ the room is often mistaken as the children’s playroom? Depending on the size, layout, and cleanliness of your kitchen, this area of your home can be a pleasant environment to prepare the evening meal, or the dreaded disaster zone reminding you that it’s time to break out the frozen pizza! Whether you are terrified of your kitchen or welcomed by it, these tips will help turn your kitchen into one of the most organized, efficient, and enjoyed rooms of your home.
TIP 1:
In lieu of wall-hung cabinets, use a freestanding piece of furniture to store and display china, pottery, ceramics, bowls, and glassware. The pieces of furniture can easily be discovered at local garage sales or trade markets. Refreshed bookshelves make a great accent piece to display your personalized kitchen collections!
TIP 2: Create clean countertop space.
The key is to pick a place to start and
work your way clockwise around the room. As you do, keep a trashcan nearby for no longer used or needed products, such as old coupons, broken appliances, and unwanted mail.
TIP 3: Organize the inside of your cabinets according to kitchen use. Open each cabinet and determine if the items contained within are not only useful, but are in the best place in terms of convenience. Organize drawers, plastic cookware, pots, pans, utensils, cookbooks, and appliances according to how frequently you use them. TIP 4: Make the kitchen a learning experience for the entire family! Allow little fingers to help prepare meals, unload groceries, and clean up after meals. Begin teaching a good work ethic by offering your younger children a quarter to hand you the dirty dishes, or a dollar to wipe down the countertops. TIP 5:
Always CLEAN AS YOU GO! The number one essential to an efficient and pleasant kitchen is cleanliness. Do not allow dishes to pile up in the sink, papers to stack up on the table, or food to stay past the expiration date in the fridge or pantry. tjmag.com / 15
in the kitchen Spring, A
Time For Health
By Tim Scallon, M.S. R.D. L.D.
leptin, adiponectin, and IGF (insulin-like growth factor) throughout the body. This may account for the increased risk associated with “belly fat.” And this is one of the reasons why we want to achieve our ideal body weight.
F
For most of his life, my dad was a dairy farmer. In his fifties, he sold the dairy and took a desk job. Although he remained active, his daily routine was not as strenuous as his prior years and he gained weight, mostly around his stomach. When he retired in his sixties, his level of activity continued to decline and he started taking blood pressure medication. Not long after that, his blood sugar began to rise. This is a classic picture of what has come to be known as the metabolic syndrome: characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, extra weight around the abdomen, hypertension, and rising blood sugar. As you may know, there is a formula for calculating ideal body weight. It is worth noting how body shapes, or, more specifically, where we store fat, can also affect our health. You may have heard that people with apple body shapes are at higher risk than those with pear body shapes. Women whose waists are larger than 35 inches and men whose waists are larger than 40 inches have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. Cancer risk goes up with being overweight regardless of where it is stored. It used to be thought that stored body fat was relatively inactive, just sitting there waiting to be used as energy the first time we missed a meal. But as reported in Nutrition Action Health Letter, (How Extra Pounds Boost Your Risk, September, 2007), research is learning that some fat, particularly visceral fat – fat surrounding the body’s internal organs – is actively sending trouble making hormones like
16 / The Journey - May 2010
So what can we do to counter this troubling syndrome? A study in the medical journal Circulation, (Magnesium intake and incidence of metabolic syndrome among young adults, Apr 2006), indicates that diets containing magnesium rich foods might reduce insulin resistance – the reason blood sugars rise in metabolic syndrome. So we want to include pumpkin or sunflower seeds, spinach, salmon, halibut, black beans, turnip greens, broccoli, and other magnesium foods in our daily diet. And, we must achieve our ideal body weight especially if we tend to store weight around our middle. Sit-ups and crunches can strengthen abdominal muscles, but they don’t necessarily burn visceral fat. To reduce visceral fat, we have to burn more calories than we consume. This simply means finding time every day to do the active things we like to do while eating moderately. Studies also show that when we don’t get our daily activity, the visceral fat steadily increases as we age. So get your garden tools sharpened. Change the oil in the push mower. Call that friend or family member and start your walking routine. Springtime is here and it is the time of year when we all are glad to live in East Texas. If Dad were here today, he’d probably say, “Let’s go walk the fence line.” And you know, I think I’d enjoy that walk more than I ever did before. From your family at Memorial Health System, here’s wishing you a happy and healthy summer. Want to learn how to cook healthy? Be sure to check out Memorial Cooking Innovations Lufkin cable channel 15, Suddenlink channel 2 in Nacogdoches and Consolidated Communications’ Video on Demand. Additionally, you can view Memorial Cooking Innovations and recipes online at memorialhealth.org.
Tim Scallon, M.S. R.D. L.D Director of the Horace C. Polk Jr. Regional Diabetes Center and Department of Clinical Nutrition at Memorial Health System of East Texas
Tasty Tomato Salad Serving Size: 1 cup Serves: 6
Ingredients 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced 2 sprigs fresh basil, julienne cut ¼ teaspoon salt ground black pepper to taste 9 Roma tomatoes, quartered 1 bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 small avocados, sliced Nutrients per serving: Calories: 197 Calories from fat: 144 Total Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 2g
Directions Combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the vegetables and gently stir to distribute the dressing. Serve in chilled salad bowls. Exchanges per serving: 2 Vegetable, 3 Fat Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 29mg Carbohydrate: 13g Dietary Fiber: 6g Protein: 3g
Mediterranean Tuna on Penne Pasta Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe Serves: 8
Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 5 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 clove garlic, minced ½ cup dry white wine ½ cup frozen green peas 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 5 ounces baby spinach 2 (6 ounce) cans solid white tuna packed in water, drained 1 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of salt and pepper ½ pound penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Nutrients per serving: Calories: 261 Calories from fat: 67 Total Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g
Directions Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and crushed red pepper. Cook until onions are soft. Stir in mushrooms and garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are soft. Turn up the heat to medium high, and add the wine. Cook about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in peas, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Stir in the tuna, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until all ingredients are warmed through. Stir the penne into the tuna mixture. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan. Exchanges per serving: 2 Lean Meat, 1 Starch, 2 Vegetable Cholesterol: 20mg Sodium: 296mg Carbohydrate: 29g Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 17g
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or’s homestead Realt by Misti Peppard
O
Top 10 Picks for First-time Buyers
Owning a home is part of the American dream. It’s what most people look forward to at some point in their life. There is no doubt that this is a huge decision, but one that comes with great reward. If you are thinking that the dream of home ownership is within your reach, read through the following steps to make the process a little easier and hopefully, less stressful.
1. If you haven’t done so already, create a budget. Determine a
payment amount you can afford. From that payment, determine the amount you can borrow, then search in that price range. 2. Visit with a local loan officer. Go to someone you trust. If you aren’t used to dealing with anyone in particular, ask your friends and family for recommendations. Be sure to work with someone who has lots of experience and knowledge in the area of home loans.
3. pre-approval letter to take with you when you begin your search. Fill out the necessary paperwork with your loan officer and get a
4.
Before you begin your search, prepare a list of items you want and don’t want in the home. Compare each home to that list. Visit with a Realtor. Find someone you feel comfortable with who has knowledge and experience and will listen to your wants and needs.
5. and stay within your price range. Try not to schedule too many Schedule a time to view several properties that meet your wish list
Germania Ins
properties in one day, as this can become very overwhelming and the properties begin to run together.
6. on you. Be willing to make a few compromises along the way.
Be realistic! Very rarely is the “perfect home” sitting there waiting
7. Realtor and put together a suitable offer.
Once you find a home that suits your wishes, sit down with your
8. a home inspection. This will enable you to know exactly what
After your offer has been accepted, ask your Realtor to schedule problems, if any, there are with the home.
9. survey. The appraisal will tell you exactly what the home is worth
Visit again with your loan officer and schedule your appraisal and and the survey will show you the boundaries of the land that you are purchasing.
10. Be sure to visit with him/her regarding your final closing costs. Stay in touch with your Realtor as you approach your closing date.
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Obtain a cashier’s check for the final amount needed at closing and attend your closing on time. Sign the papers, accept the keys and celebrate your new home! Misti Peppard, Realtor Charles Pool Real Estate 936-615-1177
your
communit y
tjmag.com / 19
Bare Minerals of Lufkin
business spotlight
A
Alison Smith is a wife, a mom, and the owner of Bare Minerals Cosmetics in Lufkin. Alison graduated from Stephen F. Austin University after majoring in Interior Design, and while in school, fell in love with and married her husband, Jim. The family continues to reside in the East Texas area, and Alison and Jim will be married 20 years this May. Jim and Alison have been blessed with two children, Kendall (16) and McClain (6). Alison says, “I cannot get over God’s richest blessings-children! The daily perks of having little people running around that are a combination of you and your husband never ceases to amaze me!” The Bare Minerals Cosmetics counter is located inside Expressive Images Salon/Day Spa/Photography. They carry BareMinerals by Bare Escentuals, TIGI Bedhead Cosmetics, OPI, and Buckhead Betties totes. Their plans are to continue to add more lines of makeup. They have a brand new, fabulous location in the new Fashion District of Lufkin, located in the Home Depot area called “The Garden District.” Q: How do you balance your business and family? “One of my personal requirements for opening this business was that I would NOT be required to be a workaholic. I am constantly checking my priorities. A topic ALWAYS on my mind is work/life balance. I NEVER want my children to remember how much mom worked. My daily goal is to be finished with work by 5:00 and be finished. Most of the time, that equates to being behind on office work like filing and keeping my desk perfectly organized. I’d much rather have a messy desk than miss my kids’ practice or homework, or just hanging out with them. I am a big fan of boundaries in life. I figure that we have ONE shot at raising our kids, and I don’t want to waste it working.” Q: What is the number one thing you love about your job? “Making women feel good about themselves. Not just on the outside, but on the inside. We are in a natural position to encourage them. I never dread coming to work.” Bare Minerals Cosmetics 1905 Tulane Drive Suite 102 Lufkin TX 75901 phone: 936-632-8800 20 / The Journey - May 2010
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
business connection Nacogdoches
Memorial Hostpit al Auxiliary
Journey Anniversary
Juanita Birdwell (left) and June Jones (right) are the only charter members. They have been serving as volunteers with the Auxiliary for 40 years.
“The Auxiliary gives me an opportunity to give back; a chance to serve as God would have us serve.� - Juanita Birdwell
I
If you have ever spent time in the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital as a patient, or a family/friend of a patient, then you have most likely been comforted by a kind greeting, a loving embrace, or a warm smile from a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. The eleven men and seventy-seven women that make up the auxiliary wear their white and pink volunteer coats proudly, as they give many thankless hours of service to hospital patients, staffers, and others visiting the hospital. Through acts of service such as making children gift bags, running the hospital gift shop, and assisting at the front desk, GI Lab, and Emergency Room, these men and women contribute their time freely in an effort to comfort and give peace of mind to patients and their families. The mission of the Auxiliary is to assist the administrative staff, the healthcare providers, hospital employees, patients, and their families and friends through services and monetary gifts for medical and other needed equipment. To date, the volunteers working the gift shop have raised over $50,000 for the hospital. Funds raised by the auxiliary go toward scholarships and work study programs, benevolence, and to the East Texas Blood Center. This past month the volunteers were able to raise enough money to purchase much needed IV poles, laundry hampers, and wheelchairs for the hospital.
Journey Anniversary
We congratulate the caring men and women of the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital as they celebrate 40 years of service to the area. We express our humble gratitude for the service you provide to those in need.
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Angelina Count y Chamber of Commerce
The Leadership Tomorrow class completes the Quality of Life session with a group photo at the Red Barn.
13th ANNUAL NECHES RIVER RENDEZVOUS
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The Neches River Rendezvous is Saturday, June 5th at Temple-Inland’s North Boggy Slough. This scenic 10-mile canoe trip has something for everyone. Whether you’re a bird watcher, or just need a relaxing day out of the house, the Neches River Rendezvous is for you! This nature tourism event is designed to promote outdoor wilderness adventure in East Texas by framing a day of paddling with the panoramic Neches River and surrounding forests. The event is scheduled for an 8:00 a.m. start, with free shuttle service available to and from the river. Registration is open! If you know people interested in this nature tourism event who have not yet registered, please have them contact the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce with their contact information. For more information on the Neches River Rendezvous, contact Tony Moline at (936) 634-6644.
Angelina Count y Chamber of Commerce RIBBON CUTTINGS Grandough Baking Company celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 19th. Located at 1705 Feagin Drive, Grandough specializes in cakes and cookies of all kinds. They also ship their cookies to any desired location. Stop by today and pick up a batch of cookies for your office or ship some to a friend. And don’t forget to think about them for your special occasion. They will make any cake to order. Call them at 936.632.1005. Pictured are owners Justin Kezar and his mother Teresa Kezar, their family and staff. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team. A Wild Hair Salon celebrated their partnership with the Chamber with a Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, March 24th. Located at 911 S. Chestnut Dr. Suite 300, A Wild Hair Salon offers haircuts for men, women and children. They also offer coloring, highlights, perms and waxing. Stop by their ultra-stylish salon today! To make an appointment, call 936-632-7500. Pictured are: Michelle Oliver owner and coworker Roy Crager along with their family and friends. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team. Seasons of Hope Center celebrated the completion of their first women’s dorm with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Sunday, March 28th. The dorm will house up to 10 to 12 women at a time and is an integral part of the program which helps abused and addicted women recover mentally, physically and spiritually. The dorm has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. Pictured is Carlene McMullen, Executive Director and members of the Seasons of Hope Center Board. Shuky Deez of Lufkin Homemade Ice Cream celebrated their grand opening with a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, April 9 th. Located at 3006 South First St. next to Angelina College, Shuky Deez serves homemade ice cream that they make themselves. They carry ice cream cakes, sundaes, and other fun treats. Come by and check them out. WIFI is available. Pictured is owner Humberto Perez and Roberto Perez and staff and members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team. tjmag.com / 23
Nacogdoches Count y Chamber of Commerce Online auction closes May 14 – bid today! The East Texas Online Auction is running now through May 14. Go to www. nacogdoches.org and find the link to click, connect and bid! The auction highlights Nacogdoches and other Texas cities. Bidders will find sports and fine arts packages and have ready-made family vacations to San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Lubbock and Dallas . Great items and services donated by local merchants, too. Close to 50 items and packages, ready for you to win!
Texas Blueberry Festival Presented by Brookshire Brothers The tastiest festival in Texas is Saturday, June 12, in historic downtown Nacogdoches from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Posters and shirts are available at the Chamber, 2516 North St., and at the Visitors Center, 200 E. Main St. All the fun favorites will be back including the Deja Blue Classic Car Show, Too Blue Petting Zoo, Blueberry Kids’ Bounce Park, shuttles to the Pick Your Own Blueberries, and much, much more!
Find it online - www.nacogdoches.org Chamber membership directory – find the business, product, or service that you need! The county’s best community event calendar. Check the Hot News daily. Look for the Chamber Member Spotlight. Find links to the Chamber’s Twitter and Facebook pages, Shop Nac First, NacBlog and more! Or visit the Chamber, 2516 North Street , 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 936-560-5533.
Nacogdoches Count y Chamber of Commerce RIBBON CUTTINGS The Vault at Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia St. 936-564-1234, www.hotelfredonia.com. Enjoy coffee, sweet treats and other drinks.
Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. Contact: 936-615-9810, www.schwans. com. Providing catering services and fundraising opportunities as well as trusted home service.
***Fun facts about the first town in Texas The state’s first DISTRICT COURT SESSION was held in the Old Stone Fort.
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Calendar of Event s may 2010
6 Diabetes Support Group 12:00 p.m.-1:00 pm, Memorial Medical Center - Lufkin Community Education Room, $5.00 fee to attend, (936) 639-7585.
6 Livingston Diabetes Support Group 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Memorial Medical Center - Livingston Community Conference Center. (936) 329-8519. 7 Sawmill Supper Texas Forestry Museum; Lufkin Local celebrity chefs will cook and serve their secret family recipes. Laurie Vaughn Email: info@treetexas. com, www.treetexas.com 7 13th annual Blueberry Golf Bash Nacogdoches, 936-560-5533 7 First Friday Cruise Night in Downtown Cruise downtown Nacogdoches and shop till 8:00 p.m. 8 3rd annual Diboll Tamale Festival Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., dibollcivic@ consolidated.net, www.cityofdiboll.com
26 / The Journey - May 2010
8 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Lockheed Martin, City of Lufkin Recycling Center & Angelina Beautiful Clean, Lufkin Middles School parking lot; http://www.angelinabeautifulclean.org 8 Millards Flea Market Nacogdoches; Dawn to Dusk, Hwy. 59 8 Historic Downtown Nacogdoches Walking Tour (May 15, 22, 29) 10:30 a.m.;Tour begins at Visitors Center, tickets are $2.00 9 Millards Flea Market Nacogdoches; Dawn to Dusk, Hwy. 59 12 “I Can Cope” (Cancer Education) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center - Lufkin Community Education Room. Amy Varnado, 936-639-7620 or the American Cancer Society at 936-6342940.
14 Music to Lunch By 12:00 p.m.-1:00p.m. Downtown Nacogdoches, scheduled entertainment-Christie Cook 15 Super Saturday Celebrate Paint Lufkin Museum of East Texas, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 936-639-4434 15-16 Nacogdoches Trade Days dawn to dusk; Loop 224 across from Foretravel 15 Jazz on the patio (May 29) Fredonia Hotel Nacogdoches 7:00 p.m.; Admission is free. 16 Multicultural Festival Downtown Nacogdoches Enjoy AMAZING authentic cuisine from around the world, games, arts and crafts, a great silent auction, and LIVE entertainment! 936-564-7807
12 27th Lufkin Expo Party 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., Expo Center Tickets for the event are $40 per person. Email: lmatthews@lufkintexas.org Phone: 936.634.6644
18 Livingston Women’s Power Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Memorial Medical Center – Livingston Cafeteria Dining Room 936-329-8290 or melissa.wheeler@ memorialhealth.org.
13 Ann Hampton Callaway jazz vocalist & pianist,Lufkin Temple Theater 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., tickets $22 - $30 www.angelinaarts.org
20 Memorial Cooking Innovations 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 pm Memorial Medical Center - Lufkin Community Education Room (936) 639-7585.
20 CPR Health Care Provider Certification, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Memorial Medical Center - Lufkin Medical Staff Meeting Room, $45 registration fee (936) 639-7000. 20 Angelina Photographic Monthly Meeting Lufkin 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., wwwangelinaphoto.org 21 Nacogdoches Naturally Family Outdoor Adventure Day Camping Weekend Tyler State Park Join SFA staff, students and volunteers as we visit Tyler State Park. 936-468-1832 for more information 21 PineKnot Music Co-Op 8:00 p.m.; Enjoy local music! Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, 3020 North Street. FREE, donation appreciated. www. pineknotmusic.com 22 Annual NWTF Women in the Outdoors Event 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Learn new outdoor skills, such as, canoeing, fly fishing, and self defense Kim Brock, 936-422-4843 22 Pet Expo 2010 Nacogdoches Expo Center, 10:00 a.m.4:00p.m. To Benefit the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter. Tickets $6 or 5 for $25.00. Pony rides and petting zoo. Demonstrations by East Texas Working Dogs Association 936-560-5011. 26 Women’s Power Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Topic: “Home Improvements” Memorial Medical Center - Lufkin Medical Staff Meeting Room Melissa Wheeler at 936-631-3099
26 Livingston American Cancer Society Support Group, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Memorial Medical Center - Livingston Community Conference Center Anne Parrish at 936-329-8362.
Send us your events at Calendar@tjmag.com. Submission deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. (May 15th for the June issue) In order for your event to be included please list all ofthe following: Date, Event Name, Brief Description, Event Location, Time, and Contact. tjmag.com / 27
giving back Now
I Lay Me Down t o Sleep
F
For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization.
P
Photographers in the Lufkin area have joined efforts with the nationwide, non-profit organization, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The NILMDTS mission statement is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the gift of professional portraiture. These images serve as an important step in the family’s healing process by honoring their child’s legacy. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is at the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. The service was established by a Colorado mother, Cheryl Haggard, whose child was gravely ill just after birth. NILMDTS now has about 7,000 volunteer photographers in 20 countries. Families in need of the service are never charged and are given professionally retouched prints and a CD to share with those who never got to see their child. Lufkin area photographers who participate include Area Coordinator Donna Quarles(936.240.2992), and Associate Photographers Angela Marcotte and Becki Basham of Lufkin. 28 / The Journey - May 2010
Donna Quarles explains, “I was first introduced to NILMDTS at Texas School of Photography in 2007. I saw the booth and didn’t know much about it at the time. A few months later I went to a seminar about photographing babies and again I saw the booth for this program. Just speaking to the lady at the booth, I started crying. I realized at that moment that God had given me this talent for more than just a way to provide for my family, but to minister to others as well.” “The first call I received was a baby who was scheduled to be induced 2 days later, but the mom noticed no movement that day. The baby had already passed and she still had to go through delivery. That was probably the hardest one for me because it was a perfect little 8 lb baby boy. I cried all the way home while editing the images. A few weeks later, the mother came into my studio to tell me thank you and how much having real portraits made of her angel baby meant to them. At that moment I knew that I was using my talent for some greater good.”
hot spot
Lufkin Expo Anniversary Part y
Tickets Now Available for the 27th Annual Lufkin Expo Party! Wednesday, May 12th The single-night fundraiser held at the Expo will include door prizes, raffles, and silent and live auctions for the 500-600 people that attend the function annually. Tickets for the event are $50 per person. Corporate tables for eight can also be reserved for $500, which includes a food server.
M
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Expo Anniversary Party to be held Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction. The silent auction will continue until 7:30 p.m., when the steak dinner begins.
To donate items for the silent auction, reserve tickets or a corporate table, or to volunteer, call the Chamber at (936) 6346644. The Expo Anniversary Party is an annual event, with proceeds going to the maintenance and upkeep of the Exposition Center. The facility brings in hundreds of people for events each year, which in turn stay in our lodging facilities, eat in our restaurants, and shop locally in our community.
tjmag.com / 29
Yo u r Co m m u n i ty /
Places &
Faces
Mosaic Center Dinner FUMC
30 / The Journey - May 2010
April 15, 2010
Lufkin
Cattle Baron’s Media Kick-off
Outback Steakhouse
April 2, 2010
Lufkin
Battle of the Burgers Red Barn
March 26, 2010
Lufkin
tjmag.com / 31
Bayou Bash
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School April 9
32 / The Journey - May 2010
St. Cyprian’s School, Lufkin
Spring Market Junior League
April 23-24, 2010
Lufkin
A Toast to Hospice Home of Stephen and GG Raley April 23, 2010 Lufkin
tjmag.com / 33
Race for Life March 27, 2010
34 / The Journey - May 2010
Lufkin
Rodeo Angelina County Benefit Rodeo
April 21-24, 2010
Expo Center
Lufkin
Angelina County Benefit Rodeo
Rodeo
April 21-24, 2010
Expo Center
Lufkin
tjmag.com / 35
Photos by Angela Marcotte
Inspiring Young Woman 36 / The Journey - May 2010
M
Squiers
My mom was the first to notice that I had a hearing problem when I was about eight years old. She noticed that if I had my back to her when she called my name, I wouldn’t respond. However, if I could see her face, I would answer. Apparently, I had already started to read lips, which is common when children lose their hearing. We lived in Houston at this time, and the first doctor I went to diagnosed me with hearing loss, but did not know what caused it. My hearing loss was mild at that time and I didn’t need a hearing aid. So, we just made sure that my teachers knew and everything was going along fine. The next year, we moved to St. Louis, MO. I was unpacking my room in our new house when all of a sudden, the room started to spin like I was on a merry-go-round. I screamed for my mom because I couldn’t stand up. I remember telling my mom to make the room stop spinning. We rushed to the emergency room, and for the first time, we were told of Meniere’s Disease. One of the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease is vertigo (dizziness). I had all the other symptoms as well--like ringing in my ears and hearing loss. A specialist in St. Louis confirmed, and we were informed there was nothing more we could do about it. They even told us I might go completely deaf. I was closely monitored for the next few years, during which time we moved to Lufkin. I began to see Dr. Frank Brister in Nacogdoches. He is a speech and hearing professor at SFA and a MIRACLE WORKER with hearing aids. He helped me understand my disease and helped me find a hearing aid
“
that worked just right for me. By this time, my right ear was completely deaf and my left ear was partially deaf. My hearing loss has stabilized now. Dr. Brister thinks that I will have the hearing that I have now for a long, long time. I try not to let my hearing loss affect my life or limit what I can do. All my friends know that they just have to talk louder and repeat themselves--a lot! They are pretty patient with me. They also know that if we’re watching a DVD, I’m going to have to have the subtitles on. I love to dance and that has certainly been a challenge with this disease because, in addition to losing my hearing, I also have balance problems. So, I just have to work a lot harder. I believe that dancing has actually helped me with the whole balance thing. I’m on the dance team at Academy of Gymnastics and Dance and I’m also on Panther Pride. My family, friends and I always try to have a sense of humor about my “deafness”. I make fun of myself sometimes and they play along. But I never feel sorry for myself. I’m so very grateful for the life that God has given me. This is just part of who I am. I know that I have so much more than a lot of people. I honestly don’t even think about it that much. I just try to do my best. God has shown me that life is more about what a person can do instead of what a person can’t do. I believe that God wants me to be the best person I can be. I know he’s there for me at all times. I’m very grateful for what I have, and I’m not going to dwell on something that I don’t have because it’s minor compared to what others are going through.
“
ie inspiring young woman Christ
I’m so very grateful for the life that God has given me. This is just part of who I am.
Christie Squiers is a 17-year old Senior at Lufkin High School. She has been on Panther Pride three years now, and on the dance team at Academy of Gymnastics and Dance. She participates on the debate team and will be going to Regional UIL in Literary Criticism. She is ranked number 16 in her class! Christie has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin for the fall. She will be majoring in Ancient History and Classical Civilizations. She would like to continue her education until she receives her doctorate and then teach on the university level. tjmag.com / 37
Photo by GPatterson Studio
Inspiring Woman Inspiring? The editor called me on a Tuesday afternoon and asked if I would be the Inspiring Woman for this issue. I actually started laughing! If only she knew! Just today, I hit the snooze twice, all four of my kids ate breakfast in the car, my kids were two minutes late to school, our new twins from Haiti took turns throwing fits, I had just changed possibly the worst diaper ever made three minutes ago, and come to think of it, as I hold the phone to my ear, I can still smell some of the remnants on my person somewhere! Not to mention, I did not exercise today, and I ordered fries instead of the salad at lunch. Was she really using the word INSPIRING? Maybe she was saying TIRING?? Now, I definitely fit into this category. Then she says she will need a picture of me. WHAT?! Is there a way to lose baby fat from a delivery eight years ago? HA! Needless to say, I feel far from INSPIRING, but my God, who keeps me going each day, IS INSPIRING! I could not pass up a chance to celebrate what HE is doing in my family’s life. As far as that goes, there is lot to say! 38 / The Journey - May 2010
inspiring woman Becky
I
Weems
I grew up in Nacogdoches in a family that loved God and His word. Was every one perfect? NO! However, it was clear in my home that God was in control. My parents committed their lives to Christ later in life and there was such a passion for God’s Word and applying it. I fell in love with God as a junior high student and slowly began to understand how to change my selfish plans to His. One of God’s perfect plans for my life was Zac Weems. We dated the last month of high school and then for five years of college. Zac made a complete commitment to God while in college, and WOW--how attractive is a man sold out to the Lord! Once we graduated with degrees in teaching, we got married and began working. We loved to travel together and always had our backpacks ready! On our first anniversary, when most couples are eating their frozen wedding cake topper (yuk), we were serving on a mission trip in the prisons of Belize. We would have had it no other way! One day we left the prison and went to do some music and puppet shows for an orphanage nearby. I will never forget the image. Zac had a little girl in a yellow dress on his shoulders, and she looked so happy with a smile from ear to ear as he spun her around. You could tell this big guy meant safety and joy to her. I knew his heart had been touched as well. We both walked out of the orphanage saying to each other that we wanted to adopt some day. In an instant, we knew that God was preparing us both for loving an adopted child. Who knew (other than God) that we would be completing adoption papers for two twin girls, Mia and Carli, from Haiti, eleven years later? After being married for five years, we were blessed with Lexi (now 8) and 18 months later came Max (now 6). These two children bring me such joy! I keep thinking that the phase they were in was my favorite, but as they grow I realize that the “now” phase is my favorite. Perfectly content with our two children, Zac and I began praying separately about adoption and the right timing. We knew that some big changes must happen if we were going to be financially ready for the adoption process. We sold our home, moved into a barn on some property we owned, Zac changed jobs, and we began praying for God’s provision. Of course, God showed up! We were able to submit an application for our adoption process. We had been involved in some mission trips to China and had fallen in love with the children there. We both assumed that we would someday adopt a little girl from China. We had already named her Grace. God had different plans and doors began
Photos by GPatterson Studio
Lexi, Mia, Max, and Carli Weems
closing for us to adopt from China. God then gave our family this verse, found in Ephesians 3:20: “I can do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine.” God opened doors for Haiti, and He literally did more than we could have imagined by blessing us with two little girls. As we began the process to adopt Mia and Carli from Haiti, we were overjoyed to find that we could visit them, our other two children could visit them, and we could begin being a part of their lives as we waited for them to come home. Zac and I took our first trip to Haiti and God confirmed the adoption for both of us with so much PEACE! So, we came home and asked God what do we need to do to prepare and how do we deal with the heartache of knowing they were in the orphanage there. Mia and Carli had been hospitalized for malnutrition when they entered the orphanage at age one, and we could only imagine the delays and fears that they were experiencing. Often God would wake me in the night and I would read my Bible, journal, and pray. One entry read, “My house smells like construction. Why? We are making room for Mia and Carli from Haiti. I have no idea what they did today. No idea if someone brushed their hair or held them. I have no idea if some one gave them a bath or fed them, but I do know that I am their mom! I am burdened for them, I weep for them, I pray for them, I worry about them, and I even bought a Valentines gift for them today--and I will not even see them till May.” The process was at times a roller coaster. But what amazes me is how faithful MY God is and how He is not surprised by anything! I am learning that joy has nothing to do with circumstances! I have learned that the circumstances might stink, but knowing God is in control during the storm brings unexplainable peace that is quickly followed by joy. For example, on January 12th, 2010 my journal reads: “An earthquake? Really God? Today? Haiti? One month before the girls are supposed to come home? Really? Are you in the middle of all this?” As Zac and our family sat and watched the news of the Haiti earthquake, we were waiting to spot our daughters or see if anyone could tell us if they were tjmag.com / 39
okay. Were they alive? Our hearts hurt! The kind of hurt that makes you want to crawl into bed for weeks! Yet God would not let me sleep that night until I spent time praising Him! Even in the middle of the storm, when I began writing of how big my God was, peace that surpasses all understanding calmed my heart and then I felt JOY in knowing who holds me up! My thoughts: I know MY God-who placed each star exactly where He wanted it--is also placing angels around my daughters in Haiti that are more than capable to protect them. I know MY God--who tells the waves where to start and where to halt--is running my life. I know MY God--who formed me and says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made--has also made Mia and Carli and knows exactly what they need. I know MY God--who knows the beginning and the end--has a good plan for me and it includes being a mommy of two adopted daughters. I know MY God--who cares about the very smallest of sparrows--sees my ache and has me and my children right in the palm of His hand. I know MY God--who knows that I would like to keep crying and kick my feet for days about this earthquake--WILL REQUIRE ME to turn to Him first and PRAISE HIM! He is the only one who can satisfy! He is the only one that has created everything and will orchestrate it all for His Glory in my life! Once you begin seeing it from God’s perspective, we still have human emotions, but we are not shaken. In the storm there is peace! My daughter spoke truth on the way to school the next morning as she prayed. “God, we want Mia and Carli to be safe. Please help them to be safe, help them to be okay…but God, even if they are not-You are still in control! We trust You!” Amen! Now that is Inspiring! On February 1st, Mia and Carli were flown from Haiti to Florida where we received them. We were beaming! How blessed we are to have four beautiful children. Mia and Carli have struggled adjusting to everything new and we see such strength in them. I cannot wait to see how God uses that in their lives for His Glory! Mia is a “daddy’s girl” who loves to dance, play, laugh, and suck her thumb. Carli is
40 / The Journey - May 2010
slow to trust, but once she feels safe, she is whole-heartedly joyful. Lexi and Max had waited and prayed for them for so long (2 1/2 years actually) that they are overjoyed that they are here. Lexi is like a “little mom” and loves to help them. Max loves to wrestle with them, but he has said that this is going to increase the number of “man days” he and dad have. We all agreed! It has been amazing to watch God change, in a matter of two months, Mia and Carli’s mourning to laughter. The giggles from all four kids will melt your heart. So, what has God shown me? Well, at 4:22 a.m. on one of my pajama times with God, I wrote: “God, why me? Why do I get to talk with you like this? Why do you move so evidently in my life? Why when I try to run on my own strength do you pick me up again? Why do you give me the desires of my heart? Why four blessings and not just one? Why bless me when I have not been obedient to exercise regularly, eat right, or..? Surely there are more ‘put together’ people?” Then I pause to be reminded--Becky, it is not about you! It is all about what I AM! I am the one that created you and knows all your weaknesses, and I love you the same. Because I AM on the move and you are listening, because I AM watching your each step, and I AM the lifter of your head. I AM the same today, yesterday, and forever, so even though you falter, my love never fails. I AM the Lord, and no one sets my boundaries. So, why not Haiti? Why not two little girls? Why not you? Again, it is not what you are Becky; it is all about what I AM! Tell others what I am doing and praise ME! So, if INSPIRING is an acronym for I Need Some Peace, I Rely In Nothing but God, then maybe I fit that bill at times!? Even with the odor of a stinky diaper on my person somewhere! Seriously, any mom who is walking with God, taking in HIS Word, and living it out in front of your children or family with joy is INSPIRING! Is that you? We don’t get to live in the “bringing kids home from Haiti” moments very often. Most moments of our lives as moms are living to serve others. Our character is seen in the “the earthquake just hit” moments of life. Is your relationship before him in celebrations
with God one where you can go honesty, lay your daily troubles and in His capable hands, and then move with HIM in peace and joy? If so, count your blessing today! If not, you’re missing the abundant life!
your
life
tjmag.com / 41
hall of fame hubbies Scott Sims
Wes Kilpatrick
Ever-patient, servant-hearted, and sold out for Jesus are just a few of the attributes that make my husband of 18 years, Scott, my meant-to-be. Whether it is arriving home with flowers and a little chocolate when he knows my day has been long, or simply a sweet note of encouragement left on my bedside table, he makes me feel like the most amazing woman in his eyes. As we parent our three boys, it is my joy to see him model to them what sacrificial love looks like on a daily basis. Through all of our “baby years,” his feet were always the first to hit the floor at the sound of a midnight cry. Watching him serve his Savior in good times and bad, hearing him guide our boys to the Lord, and feeling his love each and every day as he walks out the door to provide for our family allows me to have a response of gratitude to God for the blessing of such a fabulous husband. Through the years, as hard times have come, he has never lost faith in the One who created our union. Our trials have grown each of us and our marriage to where it is today. Every day with Scott is sweeter than the day before! Michele Sims
Thank goodness God is in control. He sent me Wes when I was too young and clueless to even realize his great husband and daddy potential. When we met, I just thought he was fun & really cute. That was 10 years ago. We have now been married 6 years and have two wonderful daughters, Bethany, 4 and Autumn, 2. We have so much fun together as a couple & as a family. He is a wonderful, Godly man, husband, and daddy. We all love him so much.
42 / The Journey - May 2010
Laura Kilpatrick
Please submit your Hall of Famer to halloffame@tjmag.com. Be sure to include a photo with 75 words telling us about your husband. Do not forget to list your children or grandchildren’s names if you would like to include them.
Pretty Babies 1.
Abigail Louise Cotten | November 20, 2009 proud Parents: lori & Travis cotten Grandparents: Betty & Kenneth cotten, Ellen & Mike McCreight
2.
Emalyn Rae Gonzalez | January 7, 2009
3.
Noah Rivera | April 2, 2010
4.
Preslee McWilliams | 16 months
proud Parents: USMC CPL Jacob and Meggan Gonzalez Grandparents: Holly & Wade Bridwell Great-Grandparents: Charlene Meadows, BC & Pat Bridwell, Yvonne Walker
proud Parents: Leo Rivera and Jesilyn Ivy-Rivera Grandparents: Danita and Matt Reyes Keith ivy and Lupe and Jesus Rivera Lufkin
1.
5.
2.
proud Parents: Megan & Brandon McWilliams Lufkin
5. Hadley Grace Trotti
| January 28, 2010 proud Parents: Courtney & Devin Trotti Grandparents: Lisa Allen, Layne Allen, Renee Griffith, Scooter Trotti
6. Maddox Cole Frankens
| March 31, 2009 proud parents: Kristin & Scott Frankens Big Brother: Jaxson Frankens Lufkin
6.
3.
7. Peyton Brooke-Louise Askew
| September 25, 2009 proud parents: Michele & Keith Askew grandparents: joan & J. Hayes of Center, JoAnn & Johnny Dodson of Center Center
E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com or mail to PO Box 150537 Lufkin 75915. Please include the information seen above.
7.
4.
We cover everything from top to…you know.
C h o o s e We l l . www.woodlandheights.net
tjmag.com / 43
your wallet
Y
Watch Your Spending
You can never have enough money to buy everything you want. It doesn’t matter if you make $150,000 a year or if you make $35,000 a year. You can still be just as broke. In fact, those with the higher incomes may be even more broke. The simple truth is that it isn’t how much you make, it is how much you spend. If you make $100,000 and spend $120,000, you are just as broke as someone who makes $40,000, but spends $48,000. With easily accessible credit, it has become very easy to overspend and not even know it. Years ago, when you were out of money, you were out of money. But today, you can dig yourself into a big pile of debt. I understand that sometimes events happen that are out of our control. People get ill, lose jobs and face other emergencies. But the majority of people with debt and money problems out there haven’t faced these emergencies. And if they do in the future, they will have very little to fall back on. What you have to learn is how not to spend your money. Not where and when to spend, but how to not spend at all. The more you make, the more you spend. Have you ever noticed that as soon as you get a raise, you have it spent? I know plenty of people that are planning on getting a raise, so they go ahead and buy the new car or bigger home. And it goes beyond the large spending. There is a whole new attitude with a higher income. You think that you can afford the little things now. The grocery bill doubles. You splurge more often. nd it all adds up quickly. Over the years, you get no further ahead. You find yourself struggling even more than you did at twenty. You make more, but you can’t see where all the money has gone. The key to controlling your spending is found in setting goals. When you have a concrete financial goal that you are working towards, you are better equipped to avoid temptation. You may be more willing to drive your older vehicle a few more years, if you know that the money saved will help you retire one year earlier. Not buying that sweater may seem like a little sacrifice next to realizing the goal of remodeling your kitchen. When you are faced with the temptation to splurge, think about your goal. Find other ways to spend your time instead of shopping. If you never go in the store, you won’t spend the money. Remember, each dollar you spend that you don’t have is costing you hundreds of dollars in the long run. And if you count the time it is taking off of building your retirement savings, you are actually losing thousands. Spending is the problem, not the money. The most important thing you can do for your finances is to learn to budget. Take the time to make a budget work for you. A good budget will let you plan for the future, while keeping you aware of exactly how much money you have right now. It will help you see what you are spending your money on and what you could be spending it on. 44 / The Journey - May 2010
Article Source: http://www.articles.narrowisthepath.com
Wedding Bells Hannah Mosley and Chad Wigington Married: February 13th, 2010 Lufkin, Texas
Stephanie Davis Photography www.stephaniedavisweddings.com
Dylan Oliver and Lacy Weisinger Married: August 22, 2009 Diboll, TX.
Parents of the bride are Daved “Buddy� Weisinger and Kevin and Sabrina Lumpkin all of Lufkin. Parents of the groom are Billy & Darlene Oliver of Winnie, TX. The couple now resides in Winnie, TX.
Tabatha Anderson & Kevin Bowdoin Married: April 17, 2010 First Church of the Nazarene Nacogdoches, Texas
Do you have an engagement, bridal, or wedding photo you would like to share with The Journey? Email your photo to weddings@tjmag.com tjmag.com / 45
/ YOUR L I F E relationships
Grieving t he Loss of a Mot her
by Kasey Van Norman
H
“Hey honey, how are you doing today?” I could not believe she was actually thinking about me at a time like this! “I’m fine mom. Don’t worry about me! How are you? Are you in any pain?” As the words left my lips, I felt my throat clamp down upon itself. As I clasped my mother’s cold hand and leaned over her pale face, I realized I was intentionally holding my eyelids open in an effort to not blink. As the fire within seemed to be burning a hole in my heart, I looked down once more into the face of my beautiful mother. As I did, a calm and gentle smile spread across her cheeks. And with a gentle squeeze of her hand, my shaking subsided, and I felt her eyes say to me, “It’s okay my girl. I love you. It’s going to be okay.” And those were the last words my mother spoke to me. This Mother’s Day, I do not celebrate the death, but the life of my mom. I celebrate her love, her faith, her laughter, and the many lessons she has taught me. For my readers who are spending this Mother’s Day without the physical presence of your mom, my heart goes out to you beyond the words of this article. There is no loss quite like that of a mother. Regardless of how close you were or were not to your mother, I believe it is a pain felt beyond all past disagreements and lengths of time. My challenge to those of you mourning the loss of a mother this Mother’s Day is this; BE EVERYTHING SHE WANTED TO BE! You see, our mothers were human. They made mistakes. But deep within their heart they desired a life of purpose, joy, and peace. It is the journey which bonds us all. And regardless of the choices your mother made, allow her life to be an instrument in yours. What did she teach you? What do you wish she would have taught you? Allow her life to radiate through yours as you begin to see her dreams, her desires, and her regrets as a legacy overflowing into your life, the next generation, and beyond.
46 / The Journey - May 2010
If you are one who is plagued by the “why” questions of grief, make a conscience choice to believe God’s plan and not your own. Quite often in life, we must choose to leave the unknown alone. Do not suppress your feelings, but talk about them with your Creator; begin to communicate with the all-knowing Counselor. Pursue the Scripture on a daily basis. And as you do, you will learn the goodness of God and will find deep comfort in the truth of His Word. “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV)
education
Peggy Fedun and Jonna McDonald
P
Peggy and Jonna are two vibrant and loving teachers who consider it their honor to teach the Kindergarten students of Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy in Nacogdoches. Each day, these ladies find joy in loving and guiding these young hearts and minds on an academic, as well as a spiritual level. Peggy is married to Chris and has two children, Michael and Rebecca. She received her bachelor’s from Texas A&M, and a masters from Stephen F. Austin. She has been teaching 14 years and says, “My favorite thing about teaching is being able to teach at a Christian school. I love being able to freely talk to the children about God and to have a daily Bible story with them.” Jonna is married to Mark and has two boys, Trent (4) and Joshua (18 months). She received her Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood from SFASU. Jonna taught for 13 years in the Grand Prairie school district. This is her first year teaching in private education.
Q: Why teaching? “I have always enjoyed working with children. I felt led to the teaching profession because of my love of children and the desire to make a difference in their lives.” - Peggy “I love teaching Kindergarten because it is a year of celebrating ‘firsts’. I get to watch students learn to write, read, tell time, count money, add, subtract, lose their first tooth, and much more. It is a joy to get to share their successes with their parents.” – Jonna Q: How does your motherly instinct play into your role as a teacher? “I feel that motherly instinct to protect them and want the best for them. I regularly pray for them and their needs.” – Peggy “I became a teacher long before I became a mother. I remember a veteran teacher admonishing me to mentally repeat the following phrase before I ever picked up the phone to call a parent,’I want to talk about your most precious, adorable, treasured gift in life--yes, your child!’ It put me in the mindset of seeing the child from the parent’s perspective. Today, I strive to treat each child in the same manner I would want my own children to be treated.” – Jonna Q: What has God taught you through your calling to be a teacher? “God has taught me that I need to be more patient with children and to show each one of them His love. He has reminded me that each one of these children are His, and they are precious to Him.” – Peggy “We live in a culture that is intentional about pulling our focus and our children away from God. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to build the academic skills and talents of the children in my classroom . It is important to be purposeful in passing on a spiritual heritage of faith in Jesus Christ to the next generation.” – Jonna tjmag.com / 47
girls group Cat tle YWOO NE
Baron’s Gala
A
C AT
LA
10
T
GA
PI
DS
After losing her mother to cervical cancer two years ago this June, Terri Self is passionate about cancer awareness and research. Self is chairman of an incredible group effort to bring assistance and LE B A R O N’ S needed money into the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area for cancer patients, the Cattle Baron’s Gala. “It is not a matter of IF we will get it, but WHEN,” explains Self. “Someone in your family or close to you will be touched by this disease.” 20
This busy committee is volunteering their time and energy to partner with the American Cancer Society as they plan the Cattle Baron’s Gala scheduled for October 9th. Every penny raised will go directly back into cancer research at hospitals such as MD Anderson and UTMB Galveston. The money raised also goes to special services such as, “Road To Recovery ,” which provides gas cards, transportation, and volunteer services for local cancer patients unable to get to scheduled treatments on their own. Another special service is “Look Good-Feel Better;” a service for cancer patients, offering wigs and a professional cosmetology consult to help raise esteem in their appearance during and after cancer treatments. A bulk of the proceeds from this event will go directly back into our community, serving the immediate cancer needs right here at home! The Cattle Baron’s Gala offers you an opportunity to give to this worthy cause affecting so many families in the Nacogdoches/Lufkin area. The Cattle Baron’s Gala originated over thirty years ago in Dallas and is a fun night of games, silent and live auctions, and much more! Self hopes that you will make plans to attend this area’s 1st Annual Catle Baron’s Gala. She explains, “Although it may seem like a bad time to plan this event with the economy the way that it is, cancer doesn’t only come in good economic times. It comes at the worst and most inconvenient for some.”
“Although it may seem like a bad time to plan this event with the economy the way that it is, cancer doesn’t only come in good economic times. It comes at the worst and most inconvenient for some.” – Terri Self Tickets for the event are on sale NOW, and you can purchase them at www.pineywoodscattlebaronsgala.org. Ticket prices, details for the event, and contacts can be found on the website 48 / The Journey - May 2010
your
body
tjmag.com / 49
ting fitness Get
Your Body Back after Baby six to eight weeks.
The key to seeing the reappearance of pre-baby body is dedication and patience in whatever you do! Along with walking, the following exercises are recommended:
Y
You have carried a child for nine months and watched your body change before your very eyes. As the numbers on the scale continue to rise, you anxiously anticipate the joyous arrival of your precious baby; and for many women, the return to their pre-pregnancy state. But as weeks and months begin to pass, you realize, these pounds don’t seem to come OFF as easily as they came ON! You pass a People magazine in the checkout line, and depressingly stare at the cover photo of some celebrity mom who seemed to jump straight from labor to the treadmill. If these images have left you feeling behind the curve in your postbaby weight loss, here is some realistic and professional advice to safely get your body back after baby. “The worst thing a woman can do is try too hard to do too much too soon. If you do, you’re likely to find yourself exhausted and discouraged, and less likely to continue. You’ll just wind up carrying that baby weight a lot longer,” says fitness trainer Sue Fleming and creator of the workout Buff New Moms. So, what is the best way to begin? Experts agree, walking is the best way to start! No matter how eager you are to lose weight, experts caution against any activities that put major stress on your joints-such as jogging, jumping, or running--for at least
50 / The Journey - May 2010
Yoga - Gentle yoga poses can be a great way to get your blood flowing while reducing stress. You may need to avoid some poses (like inversions), but basic moves like supported bridge, warrior I and pelvic tilts are a great place to start.
Pilates - With some modifications, you may also be able to do basic Pilates exercises to strengthen the core and increase your flexibility.
Pelvic Tilts
- Lie down on the floor with your legs bent, feet resting on the floor. Slowly tighten your abdominals and roll your pelvis towards you. Breathe evenly and try to initiate the movement with your abs instead of squeezing the glutes too much. Don’t forget to tighten the pelvic floor when doing pelvic tilts, since they may place pressure on it and stretch it further.
Isometric
Contractions - This is a move you can do with your baby, if you like. Lie down with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, placing the baby on your belly. Inhale and, as you do so, squeeze the abs, pulling them in like a sponge and lift the baby up. Exhale and lower the baby back down. Repeat for 10 to 16 reps.
women’s health Heat st roke:
A
Causes and Treat ment s by Nadeem A. Malhi, MD
As summer approaches, many people plan to spend time young and healthy. Any person taking medication with side effects outdoors in the warm weather. While millions are exposed each may also be vulnerable to heatstroke. Because heatstroke is a year to the danger of intense outdoor heat, some are unprepared potentially life-threatening condition, it is important to treat an for the risk of a heatstroke. Generally, the human body can control individual for heatstroke upon the first onset of symptoms. its own temperature by producing sweat, which then evaporates To treat the symptoms of heatstroke, seek medical attention as and cools the skin. However, heat from internal metabolism, soon as possible and begin intervention to lower the patient’s outdoor temperatures and intense physical activity can sometimes body temperature. Move the patient to a cool area, such as in the overwhelm the body’s internal temperature control, leading shade or an air-conditioned building. Spray the individual with to heatstroke. A very serious and cold water or remove their clothing. sometimes fatal illness, heatstroke Symptons of Heat Stroke: Place ice packs under their armpits and can be treated or avoided with proper near the groin areas, and fan the patient. preparations and knowledge of the High body temperature Check the individual’s temperature risks. to ensure that it drops to around 101
Rapid pulse
Although heatstroke is rarely fatal, it degrees Fahrenheit or below. Immediate Difficulty breathing is uncomfortable and can be avoided treatment of heatstroke is important Strange behavior or hallucinations by taking precautions. It occurs as a to avoid the results of organ damage result of abnormally elevated body such as the kidneys, nervous system Confusion, disorientation or collapse temperature, or hyperthermia, when breakdown, brain damage or even Seizure the body’s internal temperature reaches death. Consult a medical professional Dry mouth 104 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. if symptoms appear and persist. A The body’s internal temperature is physician will confirm heatstroke, Agitation likely to reach this level during intense initiate treatment and monitor for Tender, cramped muscles physical exertion in extreme heat, permanent damage.The best approach especially when dehydrated. Without to heatstroke is to avoid experiencing it, adequate fluids, a person will not sweat enough to cool down. if possible. To prevent heatstroke, consume plenty of water and The elderly, young children, individuals who are obese, and those sports drinks to keep the body hydrated, replace lost energy and with compounding medical conditions are most likely to suffer maintain a normal body temperature. Avoid drinks that contain from a heatstroke. Those with medical conditions such as heart alcohol or caffeine, such as tea, coffee and soda, as caffeine and disease, lung disease or kidney disease are at the highest risk for alcohol can cause dehydration. Take frequent water breaks and experiencing heatstroke. Older individuals who are inactive and wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Schedule outdoor have other complicating health factors often suffer from classic activities during the morning and evening hours and protect your heatstroke, because they may not sweat as much as necessary to body from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or an umbrella. With regulate their body temperature. In contrast, another form of knowledge and intervention, heatstroke and its dangerous effects the condition, called exertional heatstroke, affects those who can be avoided altogether. physically exert themselves under the sun, usually athletes. They visibly sweat while participating in activities and tend to be active,
Dr. Nadeem A. Malhi is the Medical Director of Woodland Heights Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
tjmag.com / 51
fashionDressing
for Your Body Type
K
Knowing your body type is the first step to finding clothes that flatter you. There are 5 body types; Apple, Pear, Rectangle, Hourglass, and Circle/Round. The key is to emphasize the positive and down play the negatives of each type.
Apple
Pear
Apple bodies have a wide torso including a full bust, waist and upper back. They also have broad shoulders. They may have slim arms, legs, and hips. Weight gain will normally go towards the waist line.
Pear bodies are noticeably smaller on top than they are on bottom. This body type may have a slender neck with narrow shoulders. Pears will always have a curvy bottom.
Apple Tops-Avoid tops with puffy sleeves or tops that are
Choose shirts that have wide necklines like a boat neckline or a scoop neck.
baggy. Try a tunic style top that skims around the waist.
Apple Bottoms-Avoid skinny legged pants in most cases. Try wide-legged or flare pants and wide-legged capris to showcase slim ankles.
Pear Tops-You want to draw attention to your shoulders.
Pear Bottoms-Go with waistlines that rest slightly below your natural waistline. Flatter your defined waist and small backside with wide-legged pants and deep dark colors.
Rectangle Rectangle bodies have small frames and are considered athletic or slim. Weight gain would deposit evenly throughout the body.
Rectangle Tops-Try tops with necklines that fall below the collarbone. Find flowing “blousy� shirts to help soften your shoulders and arms. Rectangle Bottoms- Choose boot-cut and wider-legged styles that will flatter your muscular legs.
52 / The Journey - May 2010
Hourglass Hourglass - Hourglass bodies have well defined waists with hips and shoulders that are well balanced. Weight gain distributes evenly throughout the body with this body type as well.
Hourglass Tops- Choose semi-fitted clothes instead of a too tight or too oversized styles that will overpower your frame. Hourglass Bottoms- Wear pants that have defined waistlines with belts or contoured waistbands.
Circle Circle/Round - Many women fall into this category due to weight
gain or natural changes in the body with age. Shoulders and hips appear narrow. Weight gain would deposit around the waist with this body type.
Circle Tops- You want your clothes to skim your body. Avoid horizontal and diagonal stripes, and opt instead for vertical strips that can make you appear slimmer.
Circle Bottoms- Skirts and pants with a straight style look best. Avoid tapered, pleated, and cargo pants as these will give you an even fuller figure.
tjmag.com / 53
body image Reshaping
with SlimLipoTM
E
Everyone has a trouble area on their body that defies exercise. It just won’t go away! Perhaps it’s the “pooch” on your tummy, those pesky “love handles,” or that double chin. If only you could lose that trouble zone, your exercise program would be a success. An advanced new laser technology is now available and FDAapproved which instantly melts that fat away. Lufkin surgeon Dr. Brian Humphreys is the first to introduce the SlimLipo laser to East Texas. The new laser is not yet available even in Houston, so don’t look there . It promises to be a genuine solution to those body areas which simply seem to accumulate fat and are impossible to reduce with exercise and diet. “I’ve done more than 20,000 laser surgeries since 1981,” Dr. Humphreys said. “The new SlimLipo laser is the closest thing to the Holy Grail of lasers I have seen for melting of fat and tightening of excess skin.” Using a local anesthetic, the minimally invasive SlimLipo laser is introduced into the fatty subcutaneous layer of the skin via tiny punctures. The fatty layer, once anesthetized, is treated with laser light and is instantly melted. The liquefied fat is then gently washed away with a body-jet, which is a mild water-assisted lipectomy device.
Healing time is therefore much shorter than standard liposuction. The SlimLipo laser is approved for use on all those troublesome areas that plague would-be dieters: double-chins, loose fat under the arms, fat rolls around the side and back bra lines, “love handles,” “tummy pooch,” “saddle-bags,” medial thighs, waist, flanks, and more. It is approved for both men and women. Dr. Humphreys has been performing the surgery since May 2009. “The SlimLipo laser is not an obesity treatment,” stresses Humphreys. “It is for reshaping trouble zones and body resculpting. It should be used to jump-start a healthy dieting and exercising program.” Dr. Humphreys encourages all his SlimLipo patients to change their eating and aerobic lifestyle to change their overall body image. “This combination gives patients the breathtaking results they’re looking for. It’s not just the number on the scale, it’s the image in the mirror.”
Before
After
In addition to melting the fat, the laser produces a second frequency effect which has been shown to tighten the overlying skin. “You certainly don’t want to lose your fat but then be left with a saggy skin apron,” Humphreys said. “The laser achieves fat melting and skin tightening in one treatment, with a result superior to traditional liposuction.” It is done in-office with local anesthesia. There is faster healing with minimized down-time and a rapid return to normal daily activity. Post-treatment pain and bruising are much reduced.
“It’s not the number on the scale…It’s the image in the mirror.”
54 / The Journey - May 2010
Reshape your body with
body-jet & SlimLipo ®
™
The most advanced technology for melting fat and sculpting your body. • Produces smoother, tighter skin than traditional liposuction • In-office procedure uses local anesthesia • Gently dislodges and removes melted fat • Faster healing with less downtime; return to daily activities quicker • Small incision means less bruising, reduced pain and swelling
It’s not the number on the scale... it’s the image in the mirror.
BEFORE
AFTER
Cosmetic Surgeon 121 Gaslight Medical Parkway, Ste. 100 • Lufkin • (936) 699-3141 www.brianhumphreysmd.com tjmag.com / 55
/ YOUR BO DY
Journey Anniversary
beauty Hair
and Make-up Trends For Summer 2010 Braids
Whether a full-out French braid or a dainty, headband braid near the crown of your head, any and all braided hair is in for this summer!
Gloss This summer, avoid dark matte lipstick and go for the gloss! A light and shimmery gloss is the perfect way to say hello to summer.
Wave
If you are one with natural curl or wave to your hair, embrace it this summer. Give the straightening iron a break and enjoy a fuller, voluminous look in your hair.
Coral
Journey Anniversary
The new RED is CORAL for lip-shade this summer. With red and pink being on the extreme, make-up artists say that coral is a great balance between the two, and a natural pick for the summer. Coral looks great on freshly sun-kissed skin.
Bronzer
Want that sun-kissed look without the damaging UVH rays? This summer, instead of compromising the health of your skin, opt for the daily use of a moisturizer enhanced with natural bronzer. And for a night out on the town, use a powder bronze wisped lightly over your already completed make-up.
Natural
As with every summer season, you should embrace your natural beauty. Avoid dark shadow palettes such as black, navy, plums, and heavy greens. Instead, try lightning your eyes with shades like creams, light greens, silvers, and soft blues. Avoid a dark, defining eyeliner and use a soft edge to brush on shadow around your eyes.
56 / The Journey - May 2010
your Photo by Weston Griffin
child
tjmag.com / 57
ask the doc Summer
Sun Safet y
Y
Your child’s skin is young, sensitive, and can burn easily in
(5 hours). Be sure to put sunscreen all over your body. This
the sun. It is important to take the following precautions with
includes some places you might not think of, like the tops of
your children during the hot summer months. Always heed
your ears, the back of your neck, the part in your hair, your
these three steps for summer sun safety:
face, and the tops of your feet.
Wear sunscreen. Take frequent breaks from the sun by going indoors or moving into the shade. Drink plenty of water!
Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it’s hot outside. When you’re sweating, you lose water that your body needs to work properly. And if you’re playing a sport or running around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you sweat that much more. So, drink up and don’t wait until you’re thirsty - drinking before you feel
These steps are especially important between 10:00 in the morning
thirsty helps keep the water level in your body from dropping
and 4:00 in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
too low when it’s hot or you’re sweating a lot with exercise. If
Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Put on
you forget and suddenly feel thirsty, start drinking then.
sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun. If you are fair skinned, you should use a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating such as SPF 30. The letters SPF stand for sun protection factor, and the number rating tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. So if you normally burn after 20 minutes and you put on a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15, this sunscreen may give you 15 times the protection. That’s 15 times 20 minutes, or 300 minutes 58 / The Journey - May 2010
Kate M. Cronan, MD Medical Editor, KidsHealth Associate Professor of Pediatrics Jefferson Medical College Philadelphia, PA
child’s play
Quint Middlebrook
F
For Quint Middlebrook, the soon-to-be five year old son of George and Amy Middlebrook of Nacogdoches, life on the ranch starts each morning as he wakes up in his very own “bunk house!” Quint’s dream of one day being a real cowboy is not too far out of reach as his own western-theme room reminds him of the cowboy within.
Dad and mom designed and created this room personally by installing cedar plank boards throughout and sealing them to give it that shiny, protective coat. The bunk-beds, with western bedding, provide a great compact and transitional piece. Equipped with a bookshelf and a desk, this piece of furniture will grow with Quint into his teen years, and allows for more open floor space in the room. An eye-catching cowhide rug and western accent pieces finish out the western theme and make this room one of our favorite child cowboy rooms!
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kids konnect What
is your favorite thing about your mom?
“that i can pick flowers for her.” joey corning, pre-kindergaren, nacogdoches
“that she loves me!” maddy stout, 2nd grade, nacogdoches
“that she loves me!” clayton ray, 3rd grade, nacogdoches
“that she takes me shopping and watches movies with me!.” brooke hargis, 5th grade, nacogdoches
“that she takes me out to eat.” Aaron Claudle, 6th grade, nacogdoches
“She’s caring and helps me out a lot and pays for a lot of things for me!.” sarah shaw, 6th grade, lufkin
“she’s nice and she goes to my tournaments and cheers for me.” julio Flores, 2nd grade, lufkin
“She cares for me and somtimes she buys me video games.” joseph santiago, 4th grade, lufkin
Does your child have a craft, hobby, or interest that they would like to share with other kids their age? Tell us about it by emailing us at editor@ tjmag.com.Your child might be featured in a future issue of The Journey! 60 / The Journey - May 2010
treats and eats
Cool Cake for Mom
D
Dad and company can make this creamy, foolproof confection on their own -- no oven (and no Mom) required! That’s because this cake “cooks” in the refrigerator. All you do is prepare a few ingredients.
Ingredients 1 (10 3/4-ounce) pound cake 1 (3 1/8-ounce) box of instant pudding 1 cup whipped topping Fruit (we used 2 bananas and 4 large strawberries) Mint sprigs (optional) Chilled chocolate syrup
Instructions •
Slice the pound cake into several horizontal slices about an inch thick.
•
Prepare the pudding according to package directions. Mix the pudding with the whipped topping.
•
Chop up the fresh fruit you’ve chosen.
•
Layer the cake, fruit, and a little less than half of the pudding mixture in a loaf pan. Then top the cake with the remaining pudding.
•
Put the cake in the fridge for a couple of hours. When it’s chilled, decorate it; we topped ours with trimmed strawberries and mint sprigs.
•
Squeeze on a greeting with chilled chocolate syrup. Then serve Mom a sweet treat on her special day.
tjmag.com / 61
family support
W
Got St ress?
Whether you are a stay-at-home mother of three, a mom balancing the demands of home and work, or a single mom struggling to fulfill the role of both dad and mom, the word STRESS is most likely commonly used in your vocabulary Stress is normal and can either be healthy or destructive. Good stress motivates us to work hard, rise to a special challenge or save our lives in an emergency. However, bad stress can be overwhelming. A constant low-level stress can leave us feeling exhausted, weaken our immune systems, and cause other illnesses such as depression. Learning to manage stress is a challenging life skill. Be mindful of what works best for you to minimize unnecessary stress, and be responsible in managing your most precious resource, time.
6 Causes of Unhealthy Stress Busyness
Prioritize
your
commitments
by
categorizing them into what you have to do compared with what you like to do. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are unique and can do a limited number of things well. Be selective when making commitments. Saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. Exhaustion
Lack of exercise
Regular exercise is a proven stress reducer, and it will physically benefit your body, relieve tension, counteract bad stress, help you relax and even help you sleep better. Go for a walk, ride your bike — just start moving! Perfectionism
Too much stress can make falling or staying asleep difficult. If this describes you, talk to a health-care provider, a counselor, or other trusted adult.
Work hard to do your best, and be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. Expecting perfection creates stress for everyone, destroying you and the relationships you care about.
Let’s be honest: Junk food tastes
Keep all areas of life neat and orderly. Organization takes time and energy, but it will save you from unnecessary stress.
Unhealthy eating
good, and it’s relatively cheap and convenient. But good nutrition helps alleviate stress because you feel better 62 / The Journey - May 2010
and have more energy. You wouldn’t fill a car’s gas tank with junk and expect it to run normally. Your body responds the same way to junk food!
Disorganization
why i love being a mom
Joanna Page
“
Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are your parents, with your quivers full of children!”
Joanna’s family; Chuck (husband), Jacob (11), Jonathan (9), Georgeanna (7), Jane’Aubrey (6), and Jaron Charles (Charlie) (2).
P
People often ask me if I planned on having five children. After being an only child, I knew I would love to have a big family, so my answer is yes! My husband and I often look at one another and ask, “Do we really have five kids!?” When my first two boys were three and two years old and my daughter was born, my husband’s best friend said, “Just you wait--those boys are going to harass their sister!” I thought, “My kids? Fight with one another?” I was shocked and caught off guard by the comment. I was completely ignorant of sibling rivalry, but now I find myself grabbing books on the subject. Despite the sibling rivalry, I would not trade my children! I love the sweet rewards, like the kisses I get when I’m not expecting them, or the hugs with words like, “Do you know how much I love you?” Yes, I have my chaotic days when we can’t make it on time anywhere, and my son says, “But mom-we have five children!” I say back, “We are not using one another as an excuse!”
I love watching my kids. I never dreamed I would be so blessed, and whenever people remark, “You’ve got your hands full,” I never wanted my kids to hear that as negative. With a smile, I respond, “But it’s a great handful!”
Psalm 127:3-4 (MSG)
and say as parents can change our children’s lives, which can be scary. I can’t parent without the strength and power of the Holy Spirit living in me and giving me the strength and encouragement. Knowing that I desperately need to equip my kids for the purpose that God has for them keeps me going. Our children are gifts loaned to us.
“Don’t major on minors.” My husband always says, “Don’t major on minors. Instead of ‘doing,’ concentrate on just ‘being!’ We are human beings, not human doings!” The investment is rewarding, and you have to look at the everyday seeds you are planting. I can get so caught up in the tyranny of the urgent. We are all in different seasons of mothering. I receive the “be still” voice often, and know that when the temptation comes to beat on myself or feel guilty for not getting much accomplished, I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I would like to tell every mother to love and enjoy those precious kids, because in life they are treasures to store--not just here, but in heaven! Mothering our children is an eternal investment.
As a mom, I’m learning so many things, and I often think, “So that’s why my mom did or said that!” I think what we do
“...love and enjoy those precious kids, because in life those are treasures to store-not just here, but in heaven!”
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tjmag.com / 63
The Review
M
May is a busy month to find perfect gifts for Mother’s Day, graduation, and end of year teacher gifts. Here are some great ideas to get you started:
Bling Cup
The perfect gift for teachers— personalized bling cup. This cup comes in many patterns and colors. Finish off the personalized name by adding a few pieces of bling to their name. To order call Mari Rocks It at 936.414.0717
Wraps Perfect for any one on your list, wraps will be perfect for the summer months. The wraps come in a lot of fun colors and patterns. Available at Miss McGuillicuddy’s inside Lufkin Mall.
The Very Thing Wreath
Teacher’s Ruler Jazz up your everyday boring ruler with one from Lauren Lake Gifts. A definite must have for every class room. www.laurenlakegifts.com
64 / The Journey - May 2010
Absolutely a d o r a b l e addition to any home or classroom- this wreath will be loved by anyone on your gift list. The wreaths come in two colors: sage or khaki, personalized with a name, and finished with a beautiful custom bow. www.laurenlakegifts.com
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Parting Advice What do you know now that you wished you knew then? Enjoy the children - they don’t have to be perfect! It is okay for them to get dirty - everything is washable; to wear something that may be worn - but it is their favorite; to ask 1,001 questions because that is how they are learning; to make-up their own bed even though it is not perfectly straight, but they are learning; and don’t everything for them, but teach them how to be independent. They grow up so fast and you realize you missed some precious opportunities to pour into their lives because of your own agenda and busyness with things that really don’t matter today. Take time to read them a book, go to the zoo, swing them outside, and “explore the toys” at the local toy store. Of course, those are also grandparents’ things! I wish I had taken time to not only look at the flowers along the way, but to also smell them. Kathryn Greene Lufkin Becoming the parents of precious babies and raising them to be wonderful people is probably the most challenging job we are ever blessed to try to do. The job of raising children comes with no instructions other than “some” good advice from relatives and friends and books we read hoping to grasp good ideas that have helped others. First and foremost, you can’t imagine how fast 18 years fly by so enjoy the good times and endure the bad ones and love them with all your heart. My advice for the teen years is to always listen when they want to talk to you. These times don’t come around near as often as when they were younger, so always be open to listening to them. Dropping them off at college is maybe the most heart-wrenching thing you will ever do. I truly felt like it would have been easier to have lost a limb than to drive away waving goodbye. Now our four children are great, responsible adults-maybe because of some of our correct parenting and probably in spite of some incorrect parenting. It’s wonderful how the circle of life evolves. As we now see them raising their own children, we can sometimes help if they want advice and sometimes our children come up with pretty amazing child-rearing ideas of their own. Ann Caskey Lufkin I know now that I didn’t know anything “then.” Don’t stop reading and learning what to expect about your child when you have the terrible two’s under your belt. Keep educating yourself on what to say, when to say it and how to say it from 2 to 22 and beyond. Susan Childers Lufkin 66 / The Journey - May 2010
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68 / The Journey - May 2010