Small Town Kids

Small Town Kids East Texas’ Signature Family Magazine

Complimentary Issue

October-November-December 2015

See

02 Welcome to Small Town Kids 04 Cover Mom Get to know the mom on our cover and meet her beautiful family

07 Birthday Page October-December birthdays

08 The Daddy Diaries A lighthearted take on parenting

10 Photographer Guide Check out the talent in East Texas

14 Local.Business A look at the first and only dentist in Bullard

16 Experienced and Expecting One mom’s honest struggle with postpartum depression

20 Special Needs Top 8 apps for special needs parents and kids

22 Giving Guide A look at local charities

24 Local.Mom An untraditional road to motherhood

27 3DUHQWV JXLGH WR WKH ÁX Everything you need to know about: the flu

28 Local.Events See what’s happening around our area

31 East Texas Family Directory

October-November-December 2015

October Letter

I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again. Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s amazing what a drop in temperature can do for your attitude and outlook. Fall usually is a time when people are more social. Yes, the summer is full of actvities, but fall means: football, festivals, holidays, and best of all friends and family.

Speaking of friends, we are growing and gaining new friends and readers with evey issue. So I’d like to re-introduce myself and the magazine for all of those who are new:

Small Town Kids first published in April 2014. I realized there was no central place for information for parents. Information about local business or information about topcis we all face. So I wanted to create a community where parents could go for trusted resources and read stories that they could connect with. So, the idea of Small Town Kids was born. It has not only survived since inception, but thrived. It’s all thanks to our wonderful, faithful readers {that’s you!} and our even better local businesses that help support us and help promote us.

I am a parent just like you. My family and I moved to East Texas five years ago. My life went from trying to find fun, social, young adult activities to do; to fun, social, kid friendly or family friendly activites to do. My children are the driving force behind this magazine. I am fully embracing the blessing of being a parent and I believe this magazine celebrates parenthood. It is not easy, no sir, but if we come together and share our knowledge and our stories, maybe it will help us to feel as though we are not alone on this rollercoaster. I am so glad you picked up a copy and I hope you love it!

Because we are growing, we have added eight pages of content for you in this issue. As our reader base grows, so does the topics and information that you want to read about. So, to better accomodate, we will continue to grow and try to touch on all the topics that have to do with parenthood at some point. We are constantly trying to offer a variety of articles and showcase all the beautifully different families and ideas of parenthood that we each encompass. So hop on over to Facebook and let us know what you want to see or share with us your story, if you have one.

That’s the best part of this magazine; it serving as an outlet for someone to tell their story. That story may touch the live of someone else. That story may help someone going through a similar situation, and best of all that story may inspire someone else to to their story.

It’s a circle, and a rewarding circle at that. I love getting to put together this magazine each quarter for you, and as we end another year and head into the fall, I hope that you can take something away from the stories in this issue.

I know you will all be busy this fall, shuttling kids to and from activities, attending holiday parties and family get togethers. But remember to take time to make memories with your kids. Take this time also to teach your kids about the meanings of the season and holidays. Teach them to be thankful and to give to those less fortunate. Our society needs more kids like this. Teaching your kids about giving starts with you. Lead by example and show them that giving doesn’t always mean giving money. You can give your time, give encouragement, give a card. Time, talents, skills, and health are all tools on loan to us with the expectation that we’ll share them and use them to glorify God. So what are you waiting for? Use this season, this Christmas, to start teaching your kids that they can make a difference in the lives of others.

Blessings,

Connect with us

Meredith

On the Cover

meredith@smalltownkidsmag.com

We’re social Instagram: @smalltownkidsmag Blog: www.smalltownkidsblog.com Facebook: facebook.com/smalltownkids Website: www.smalltownkidsmag.com

Digital Issue www.smalltownkidsmag.com It’s free to subscribe and get this goodness sent straight to your inbox each quarter!

We’d love to help you grow your business 214-549-0501 info@smalltownkidsmag.com The information contained in this magazine is for general guidance on matters of interest only. There may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in information contained within. Accordingly, the information in this magazine is provided with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not herein engaged in rendering legal or medical advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professionals or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional. The words and images posted here and simply advice and tips from other readers or research and are not to be taken as professional advice or consultation.

02 Small Town Kids

Grayson-13, Kylie-8, Bryson-5 Photography: M&M Photography Clothing provided by Lil’Bean Sprouts @lilbeansprouts01 Shop Etsy or Canton Walkway by the Creek booths 52-54 Find Lil Bean Sprouts on Facebook!

Clothing and jewlery for cover mom provided by Apricot Lane Tyler.

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Meet Our Cover Mom

Amy

Souter

Meet Amy, a 33 year old Nurse Practicioner. She lives with her husband, two sons, Grayson and Bryson, and stepdaughter, Kylie in Troup, Texas.

Three words you would use to describe your family:

Blessed, Chaotic, Real Three words you would use to describe yourself:

Multi-tasker, Worrier, Independent Favorite item in your closet: Being 5’11, jeans that fit and are long enough are difficult to find.

Denim skinny jeans are my “go to” item with just about anything.

Words to live by: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11. This scripture truly gives me life. I have looked to these words for comfort during every obstacle and stage of my life. It has given me the strength to move forward. Being a young mother, going to college with an infant, a divorce, graduate school; I kept this verse on repeat in my head. No matter how bad the situation I had to get through, I knew it was right where God needed me to be in order to get to the other side.

Best thing that happened in 2015: Best thing about being a mom: The simplicity of getting to witness their smile, laugh, and joy as they experience different things. Every minute I can spend with them is precious to me. I am so thankful to share any experience with my kids.

04 Small Town Kids

So far, this year has been great. Our youngest started school this fall.

This was a sad, but exciting day for him. We also had a new niece who was born in the spring, and some of our very good friends had twins this summer. Seeing our family and our friends families grow has been exciting.

Tell us about your kids: Grayson (age 13) plays football, basket-

Favorite thing to do with your kids: We love to travel with our

ball, baseball, and runs track. He is very active in Troup FFA where he shows rabbits and a heifer. We travel on weekends in the fall and spring to livestock shows around East Texas, Ft. Worth, and Houston. He loves hunting; especially dove and duck hunting. He is very protective and looks out for the younger kids. Kylie, my stepdaughter, (age 8) has played t-ball, soccer, and now volleyball. She is very helpful in the classroom and at home with her siblings. She loves being outside, hunting with her dad, and playing with friends. Bryson (age 5) has played t-ball. He loves being outside playing with tractors and helping with the cows. He loves the rodeo and everything that entails. He is obsessed with the movie 8 Seconds and anything to do with Lane Frost.

kids. From the beginning that has been important to us; having something to look forward to. We love skiing in Angel Fire, New Mexico. We try to go every year. In the summer we try to visit a beach destination. We dreaded Disney World because we knew it wasn’t going to be a “restful” vacation, but we had the absolute best time with our kids. We believe that our kids probably won’t remember material items they receive at Christmas and birthdays, but they will always remember places we went together and the memories we made in those places.

Best advice for new moms: Do what feels right for your family.

Nobody is perfect. Everyone has advice and secret tricks they will offer you, but do what works for you. It’s okay to be in survival mode. I sometimes live in survival mode.

Best advice for traveling with kids: Make sure you have something to entertain them. Whether on a plane or in the car, have the iPads charged and ready with games and movies to entertain them.

The fighting and picking at each other starts when the boredom sets in. We try to have iPads, games, toys, and activities to occupy them during the idle time. We also bring the grandparents from both sides a lot of the time. We have been lucky that everyone has been able to go the last few trips we’ve taken. The kids love having them there and it provides options for activities with different adults so everyone doesn’t have to do the same thing at the same time.

Best parenting or life advice you have been given: Follow your “gut feeling”. A good friend of mine always told me this as a new nurse, in relationships, or parenting. If you just don’t feel right about a situation or a person follow your instinct. It is usually right.

Hardest part about being a stepmom: The hardest part of being a stepmom for me is just knowing my place. I read a quote one time about being a stepmom that made perfect sense to me “This is my circus, but not my monkeys.” I will always be there to support my husband on whatever decision he makes in raising Kylie, but I know I will never take the lead. My job is to support. I would never want to take the place of her mother. She has a great mom.

Advice on blending families: Blending a family is not an easy thing to do. We are most definitely a work in progress. I was raised with one brother. We have different fathers, but have always been raised as though there was no difference. I believe this helped me look at my family like we are the same as any other family. The situation wasn’t what I had planned, but it is what we have to work with now.

We don’t refer to each other as stepsisters or stepbrothers or stepparents; we are a family.

The only time we have to use those words is when we are explaining the situation to other people.

Your family’s favorite meal: I am not a cook. There I said it… domestication is not my strong point. We eat out quite a bit. One of our favorite meals as a family is eating pizza at Sal’s in Henderson.

We go there so much that they know our family and treat us like one of their own. That may be our favorite meal.

Favorite thing about East Texas: I love that my kids grow up on the land my great grandfather lived on.

I love that most people down my county road are family. I love that my kids can go out the backdoor and run to my parent’s house, barefoot, through a pasture. I love that my kids get to go hunting, ride on the tractor, feed the cows, and play outside every day.

I love that they enjoy those things. With my husband working in Dallas, we travel often on the weekends to stay with him. We have a great time in town, but on Sunday it is always nice to drive home to the country and know that this the life that my kids treasure. I love how East Texas still values agriculture, and my kids have the opportunity to learn about it in school and take part in extra-curricular activities promoting skills that can help them later in life. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Tell us about your husband: Kyle is a Registered Nurse at UT Southwestern in Dallas. He works 3 days per week and is home the rest of the time. My husband is a great dad. He is very involved and helpful with the kids. He keeps them at home with him on his off days. He picks them up, takes them to school, practices, or doctor’s appointments. Up until this fall, if he was playing golf or running errands he usually had a child with him.

How do you encourage your kids to get along since there is a significant age gap between your oldest and youngest? I wish I could say my kids were perfect and never fight, but that just isn’t the case. My oldest was an only child until he was eight years old. He was spoiled rotten. In the course of one year he became a big brother and was introduced to Kylie, who would eventually become his stepsister. It was a big adjustment becoming one of three. Kylie also was raised as an only child until she met the boys. We encourage them to try and work things out on their own as much as they can.

We often have to mediate and separate. The kids all support each other at their various activities whether they want to or not.

What made you want to become a Nurse Practitioner? After I became an RN, I worked nights, weekends, and holidays - whenever I was needed in the hospital. I knew these hours would be hard on my family. I also knew I wanted to continue school in order to provide the best life for my kids. I was able to work full time while I acquired my bachelor’s degree and from there went to graduate school and went through the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Texas Tech. Before I finished the program I had become a single mom. I was so thankful I was close to finishing something that would allow me to support my two boys regardless of the situation, and have more family friendly hours. www.smalltownkidsmag.com 05

Give the gift of education

from East Texas author

Marvin S. Mayer

Tyler’s own: A delightful adventure of a 6-year old attending the annual Tyler Rose Festival garden party known as The Queen's Tea. Suitable for children ages 2-6.

This picture book, written in rhyming verse, is suitable for pre-K to 2nd grade. The perfect book for parents and grandparents to read to children.

Case of the Stolen Stash is a fast-paced detective story patterned after the fictional British detective, Sherlock Holmes. An easy reader chapter book for ages 7-12.

These and other titles available at:

www.kidsbooksbymarvin.com The perfect gift for Christmas or any occassion!

Marvin resides in Tyler, Texas

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Look who’s having a BIRTHDAY! ........................ .............................................

October 1 - October 31 Aubree Garner -7- October 1 Lainee Garner -5- October 2 Courtney Chandler -9- October 6 Vadin Songer -3- October 6 Alexander Pollard -2- October 7 Ryleigh Dickerson -2- October 7 Gage Bauer -4- October 8 Jack Everett Tarrant -1- October 9 Nash Acker -9- October 11

Juan Cornelio -11- October 11 Elly Cornelio -8- October 19 Hayden Alexander -7- October 20 Hailee Kendrick -9- October 23 Reed Hollingsworth -2- October 23 Logan Rhyne -3- October 24 Noah Roach -4- October 26 Michael Dickerson -3- October 27 Luke Roach -2- October 29

November 1 - November 30 Mason Cole -5- November 2 Ky Cole -10- November 3 Kinsler McCune -2- November 4 Annie Beathard -11- November 5 Tilden McKnight -2- November 6 Rody Robinson -4- November 6 Weston Cole -2- November 6 JaKayla Hawkins -10- November 7 Audrey McDonald -1- November 10 Brilyn Bateman -9- November 11

-D\FH 0D\ÀHOG 1RYHPEHU Kinley Williams -6- November 16 Kelsey Williams -6- November 16 Karsyn Williams -5- November 16 Reanna Songer -7- November 17 Levi Jacobs -4- November 19 -HUHPLDK 0D\ÀHOG 1RYHPEHU Tucker Goff -11- November 24 Aaron Smith -11- November 29

December 1 - December 31 Javier Tellez -7- December 1 Lilly Armstrong -2- December 2 Izaiah Arredondo -2- December 4 Charley Block -3- December 4 Kathryn Carbert -8- December 4 Alli Kozlovsky -12- December 5

Kadence Marshall -6- December 8 Dalton Couch -13- December 12 Sidney Lea Baker -6- December 16 Dixon Humphries -6- December 20 Ava Eads -9- December 23 Kayanna Maciel -5- December 24

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The Daddy Diaries

by Stoney Stamper

I am the daddy of three adorable daughters. And the husband to one beautiful wife. Where some men yearn all their lives to be surrounded by beautiful women, I have somehow managed to find myself completely swimming in them. Drowning, if you will.

You see, several years ago I was a single man, no children, and a successful career. I traveled often, played a lot of golf and pretty much did as I pleased, where I pleased, and whenever I pleased. It was a good, simple life, and it suited me well. I enjoyed my job, and my house was spotless and organized. Everything had a place, and I knew where everything was. I made dinner for myself every night.

Even though I had an entire set of dishes, I only used one plate, one fork, and one glass. When my dinner was done, I hand washed my plate, fork, and glass, dried them and placed them back in the cabinet on the top of the stack, only to repeat the entire process the next night. My yard was mowed, my leaves were raked and burned, and my truck was immaculate. I really had it all together.

Then April Johnston happened. I had known her all of my life but had lost touch with her over the last fifteen years. She had grown up, gotten married, had two daughters, Abby and Emma, and then gone through a divorce. She was hot. She liked me and I liked her. We fell in love and got married. Then all hell broke loose. My nice, neat, organized existence had just been thrown into a tailspin like Maverick and Goose on Top Gun. There was no warning, and there was no recovery. Of course, I didn’t really know this at thetime. I completely thought I was still driving the ship. With my severe Type A personality, I was used to always being in control. So when my house was overtaken by the Estrogen Brigade, I was, at first, not easy to live with. My first reaction was to go straight into drill sergeant mode.

Pick up your shoes!

Throw that in the trash!

No ice cream on the couch!

For God sakes, where are all these bobby pins coming from?!

(Seriously, where do they all come from?)

Why does your bedroom smell like Doritos and feet?

About a week into our new living arrangements, I was met with my first real lesson in parenting.

1.

Little girls stink, and they are gross. Sugar and Spice, and everything nice? No way, man. Don’t let the nursery rhyme fool you. This is a lesson that has been pounded into my brain over and over and over again. Every day, I find something new one of them has done that makes my skin crawl. I’ve just had to accept that no matter how hard I try, my house will never be as clean as it once was. It’s taken some time, but I’ve made peace with it.

Years have passed , and we have gradually morphed into your regular old run of the mill Partridge Family. They are my daughters. I am their dad. We laugh a lot. We argue. We use sarcasm as a second language. We are loud, and without sounding too boastful, we are fun. We love each other very, very much.

08 Small Town Kids

And many lessons have been learned along the way to where we are today, as a family. For instance,

2. Did you know that the dried Fruity Pebble cereal is actually the world’s strongest compound? It’s true. If a Fruity Pebble dries onto a bowl, plate or spoon, this item should be immediately thrown away.

Otherwise, you should just plan on using the item with what appears to be a gross, red booger on it for the rest of all forever. It will never come off. Ever. You just need to come to terms with it.

Here’s another fun fact:

3.

Eye rolling is a completely natural phenomenon in the human female. It starts at birth and progressively gets worse as time goes on.

If it were an Olympic sport, my oldest daughter Abby could bring home the gold for the good ol’ U.S. of A. No one would even stand a chance. The dad part of me wants to ground her for a week when I see her do it, but the competitive part of me says, Wow…she’s really good at it. Not only can they roll their eyes, but they also learn at a very early age to bat their eyelashes, smile and give kisses to manipulate the male into doing anything they want him to do. It’s like voodoo magic…and it works. I don’t know how it works, I only know that I have found myself multiple times standing in The American Girl Store, not knowing how I got there, what my name was, or why I picked up a second mortgage on my house on the way there. All I know is, Emma wanted to go, she batted her eyes and said ‘please’, and then everything went kind of fuzzy.

4. Something else very important that I have learned in the last few years, and let me tell you, it’s been a hard lesson, is that unless you are Warren Buffett, kids are going to put a big, bad dent in your pocketbook. Holy crap, you guys. Miss Me Jeans? Good greif.

North Face jacket?

Countless shoes?

Beats by Dre? $150 backpack?

OH NO YOU AREN’T. No chance…0% chance of it happening.

Guess what?

She got the stupid backpack.

Kids are EXPENSIVE. From talking with friends and family, I knew that parents sometimes had trouble making the bills, but always thought that I would be above that. I’ve got savings. I am fiscally responsible. I have invested over the years and have done fairly well in my career. Having kids should be no big deal…right? WRONG! It’s almost embarrassing how wrong I was. The amount of things that they want and need is shocking. A fairly healthy looking bank account can begin to look a lot like it did when you were in high school working twenty hours a week for $4.25/hr. Things can get tight. And it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times imaginable.

What’s that Abby, you need $200 to buy a show goat for FFA? Well, I’ve got to put in a new hot water heater, and we just put a new back glass in your mom’s truck.

Thankfully, we’ve been blessed, and any time that we’ve needed money for anything, we’ve made it work, in one way or another. Yes, they are pricey. But just as I came to terms with my home looking like we had squatters residing in the back rooms, I learned to accept that children are ridiculously expensive. It is highly unlikely that I will ever live another day where I won’t hear the words, “Stoney, you know what I want? I want a…”

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As time went on and we became even more accustom to being a family a few things began to make sense. The reason they have wreaked havoc in my home, made countless messes in my kitchen and bathroom, and the reason their rooms smell like Doritos and feet, is because they are comfortable here. They are comfortable with me. This is their home and this is where they feel safe.

5. I understand now that the reason they come to me when they need things for school, or FFA, or to do something with their friends, is because they truly know in their heart that if they need anything…anything at all, they have but one phone call to make.

They call me. I fix their problems. They know without fail that their parents will be there to help them, to teach them and to protect them. That makes me feel happy. It makes me feel like I am truly doing the job I promised I would do that day at the altar with their mother.

I didn’t marry one woman. I married three. And I promised them my best, every day. Their acceptance and their love for me makes our imperfect life in our imperfectly clean house run by our imperfect checking account seem, well…pretty darn perfect.

Stoney Stamper is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, he and his family now live in Whitehouse, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net. www.smalltownkidsmag.com 09

„ Guide

East Texas

Photographer

Guide Family Children Newborn Maternity Lifestyle Contact information for each photographer can be found on page 12.

10 Small Town Kids

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 11

„ Contact info

Photographer: Jacqueline-Paige Palestine, TX 903-221-3564 www.facebook.com/PhotographerJPG

13:13 Photography by April Stamper 107 W Duval St. Troup, TX 918.782.8237 www.1313photos.com www.facebook.com/1313photos

Sawyer Trombley Photography Whitehouse, TX 903-539-0323 www.sawyertrombley.com www.facebook.com/sawyertrombleyphoto

Callynth Photography 117 E Erwin (downtown) Tyler, TX 903-279-2511 www.callynthphotography.com www.facebook.com/callynthphotography

Shanna-Kaye Photography Tyler, TX 903-330-2868 www.shanna-kaye.com www.facebook.com/shannakayephotography

Jennifer Willard Photography Palestine, TX 903-724-1529 www.jenniferwillardphotography.com www.facebook.com/jenniferwillardphotography

Twisted Rivers Photography

by Crystal Looney 903-721-1773 twistedriversphoto@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/TwistedRiversPhoto

M&M Photography Rusk, TX 12 Small Town Kids

www.mmphototx.com

www.facebook.com/MM-Photography

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Tips for Stress-Free Shopping With Your Child • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Go when your child is not tired or hungry. You should not be either!

Try not to go at the end of the day.

Go in with realistic expectations about the crowds and the lines.

Start the day with realistic expectations on how long your child will be able to handle shopping.

Bring along a toy to occupy a small child or bring along a notebook and pen for older kids. They can draw or help you cross items off your list.

If you know the trip will be long, pack a snack.

Remind your kids of the rules before you go into the store.

Change into a fresh diaper or pull-up before you enter the store, if you know the trip make take a while.

If they are out of diapers, make your kid use the restroom when you get to the store and before you leave. This will hopefully prevent any mid store potty breaks and allow you to make it home without having to stop again.

When in doubt, get a buggy. Kids will get tired. Or simply see another kid riding in luxury and want to do the same.

Talking to your kid helps to keep them engaged and out of trouble!

Involve them. Let your child help you count out items or make the final choice between two items.

Always have hand sanitizer. It’s busy shopping season, restrooms might not always be stocked with proper hand washing supplies.

Keep a positive attitude. If you will, they will...hopefully.

Make it fun! Sing songs, dance, be silly; remember that they are kids and the last place they want to be in stuck in a store. If you have older kids, doing the afore mentioned, may actually make it worse for you! Use your judgement.

Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes and layers. Big crowds=warm stores.

Commend them on their good behavior, if it happens!

Take everyone for a treat at the end, if ya’ll make it out alive!

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 13

„ Local.Business

Photo Guide

As the first and only dental office in Bullard,

we are excited to serve our community and provide all of our patients with excellent dentistry. Our skilled dentists and dental team, combine the latest advances in dental technology with friendly service for a dental experience you can enjoy.

What made you decide to open an office in Bullard?

My family and I moved to the area in November of 2011 for our children to attend Brook Hill. I wanted another location close to home and there wasn’t a dentist in Bullard. The idea was more attractive too because the lab I use, Centric Dental Lab, is in Bullard.

How long have you been in practice in Athens?

Allen Family Dentistry was founded in July 2005 when I assumed Dr. Richard Campbell’s practice. After less than five years, I decided to relocate and rename the practice to Crestway Park Dental to better serve my patients.

What is your favorite part about being a dentist?

I really enjoy working with people who are unhappy with their smile. We work together to restore it. A pretty, healthy smile is always the best asset and makes people feel better about themselves.

What type of services are offered at each dental office?

Both practices offer the same services which include: routine hygiene care, crowns, dentures, partials, implants, root canals, cosmetic dentistry and temporomandibular joints therapy. With modern, comprehensive dentistry being the focus, Dr. Allen constantly updates the practice with the latest technologies. We strive to provide the highest quality of dentistry in a comfortable environment.

14 Small Town Kids

What is the earliest age Crestway Park Dental and Bullard Family Dentistry examine patients?

Is there one person in your life who has been a mentor or inspiration for you?

We see all ages of patients, but normally parents will bring their children in for their first cleaning and exam at around three years of age.

I have many but if I had to just choose one, it would be Dr. Kevin Seidler. He was my childhood dentist and founder of Serving HIM; a non-profit organization that I am involved in as well.

In one word, describe your two dental offices.

Modern

How do you handle your doctor/owner responsibilities?

I have the best wife and she manages both of my offices for me so that I can concentrate on the practice and continuing education.

Brittany is amazing not only at juggling our two offices but our family as well. I guess you could say I don’t handle them, she does!

What daily habit or avoidance do you feel is key to healthy teeth and gums?

What is necessary to keep your offices running smoothly?

My greatest asset, by far, is the friendly, caring staff. I can’t do anything without their help and support.

What is the top attribute you look for when hiring associates or other dentists for your offices?

Good communicators and good personalities are a tie. I want people who care about the community in which they work and are passionate about continuing education so that we can continually provide the best dental options available.

There is a reason you always hear dentists say this, it’s because it is true. Brush twice a day, floss daily and maintain regular professional cleanings. That is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Meet the Doctors: Dr. J. Brandon Allen graduated from The Colony High School, Baylor University, and Baylor College of Dentistry. He has been married to his wife, Brittany, since July 2002 and together they enjoy raising their two children— Brynn and Bridger. Besides spending time with the family, Dr. Allen enjoys golfing, fishing, biking, traveling and music.

In 2012 Dr. Allen received his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, a prestigious award given to those who complete 500 hours of continuing education.

Dr. Candice Denison graduated from Ouachita Baptist University. and the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. While in dental school, Dr. Denison was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Periodontics award and the Excellence in Prosthodontics Award. Dr. Denison is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Smith County Dental Society and Greater Houston Dental Society.

Dr. Denison has a passion for mission work and helping those in need. She is married and has a daughter. In her spare time she enjoys sports, reading, spending time with her family and pets as well as playing instruments.

125 E. Main St. Bullard, Texas 903-710-2309 www.bullardfamilydentist.com

208 Crestway Street Athens, TX 903-675-3811 www.crestwayparkdental.com www.smalltownkidsmag.com 15

Experienced & Expecting

Climbing out of the darkness A mom’s honest struggle with postpartum depression

L

et’s rewind to back to how it all happened...

At the time of our daughter Isabella’s birth, we were living in Denver. I had a scheduled induction, as I had been experiencing tachycardia towards the end of the pregnancy.

The labor and delivery went amazingly smooth and quick and there were no complications. However, immediately afterwards our whole world was turned upside down in an instant. I had only a few seconds to revel in the euphoric experience as I brought my baby into this world and heard her first cries. I gushed with an overwhelming sense of relief and love for her and pride in myself that I was able to do it. Tears streamed down my face, just like I imagined they would. Those seconds were perfect.

As I was holding her for the very first time, she coughed up an abnormal amount of amniotic fluid from her mouth and nose. And, then, her eyes rolled back into her head. “What’s wrong with her?! Help her!!” My pure bliss turned to sheer terror and fear. I already loved this baby girl with all of my heart. The nurses took her to the incubator in our room and we knew things weren’t right. They said she was having problems breathing right now, and were going to take her away. I felt shocked and terrified and didn’t know what to do. I told my husband to go with her.

So there I was. Alone.

My legs were shaking uncontrollably with nerves and exhaustion from the incredible task I’d just accomplished. I was left to shake and cry tears alone as the doctor sewed me up. There were few comforting words for me during the process of having to wait--I needed my husband, my mom, someone to hug me and cry with me and tell me she was going to be okay. I thought I was going to lose her. I thought my husband would come back in there with tears on his face and say, “she’s gone.”

But God watched over her and protected her and, after being under an oxygen mask and away from us for several hours, my baby girl was finally brought to me and I was so relieved but still terrified. The explanation that was given to us was just that a lot of babies cough up amniotic fluid and have some trouble adjusting to the new world, or transitioning, especially in Colorado at a higher altitude. As first time parents, we had no idea these kinds of things happened.

We were both shaken up and emotional over the whole experience and I felt robbed of the bonding moment I dreamed of. Perhaps that is selfish, but more than anything it scared me because of the intense love I felt for her as soon as I heard her first cry.

My mind was racing and I couldn’t get my brain to shut off the whole time we were in the hospital. I couldn’t sleep. I thought this was normal.

When we came back home from the hospital to our apartment, I was already overwhelmed. I felt it was hard to breathe, because, logically, my body and lungs and diaphragm were still adjusting, but I thought perhaps I was dying. I had this fear I wouldn’t make it through childbirth, and now, I was worried about everything regarding myself, such as getting a blood clot, and I was subconsciously anxious about Isabella’s health and that we might lose her still. Our families had to go back home to Texas the day after we got back from the hospital, which was difficult. We had a few friends, but it was a time when we really just wanted our family. Denver to Tyler felt light-years away from each other. My husband stayed home the first week, which helped tremendously.

For the next three weeks, I was home. Alone again. Just like in the delivery room. Doing it all by myself. Breastfeeding a demanding baby, I started to feel resentment for her. Yet, I felt such love--so many contradicting feelings that troubled me. One time I watched her as she was sleeping beside me and tears welled up in my eyes and I prayed to God, “If you are going to take her, just take her now.” Meaning I was afraid to give in and completely love her.

Photo credit: Captured Moments by Angela

16 Small Town Kids

I had trouble sleeping because of my anxiety and I was barely eating or drinking--just taking care of the baby. My doctor prescribed me Ambien, which I took occasionally, and then I had two vividly awful nightmares where Bella died. I woke up crying like a baby--I’d never had a dream feel so real. I also had two nightmares that I was about to be raped. I don’t know if it was the medicine, but I’m pretty sure I was able to self-diagnose myself at that point as having postpartum PTSD. I was always worried about myself and how I couldn’t take a full breath in, which was most likely panic, or just my body readjusting.

I went to a family doctor several times and she realized I had anxiety and postpartum depression. She didn’t come out and say the depression part or maybe I just blocked that out; I didn’t want to have that!

So, she prescribed me an anti-depressant, Zoloft, which I blindly took. I took the half pill for the first few days, but then finally took the whole pill on a Sunday evening--the dose she had prescribed.

That’s when the nightmare really began.

I woke up the next morning with the biggest feeling of dread, hopelessness, and feelings of impending doom and gloom. I remember my husband getting ready for work and I felt the sickest feeling in my stomach. After he left, my cheeks felt hot and flushed and my legs and arms started shaking uncontrollably. I thought I was about to die. And I didn’t want to be alone with the baby anymore. I had a fleeting thought of the pills of Ambien that were in the drawer next to me and how I could easily take those. What? Where did that thought come from? It terrified me.

I felt like a zombie or that I was walking around in a dream. She started crying uncontrollably and I knew I could not breastfeed her anymore...she was sucking the life out of me and I felt I was going to collapse. We had formula that we had been dreading to try because we all know “breast is best” or at least I’d been told that or it had been implied by several people, and I knew I’d feel guilt if I used formula and something bad ever happened to her, it would be MY fault. But I didn’t care at that moment. I tried to make the bottle and I couldn’t put the complicated pieces together and then everything fell out of the cabinet. She was screaming in our bedroom, and I collapsed and crawled on the floor and called my husband.

I was wailing and it sounded animalistic--he could barely get out what I was saying, “I...can’t...do...this anymore. Help! Help! Help me!” He came straight home and I had a similar phone conversation with my mom on the phone and she said, “NO! No, don’t say that!

You can do this! Where is Josh? Is he on his way?” Everyone was worried, to say the least, and so was I because I was feeling suicidal, I guess you could say. I’d never had any thoughts like that before in my entire life. My anxiety was through the roof.

Josh came home and I was almost incoherent. We nearly went to the ER, and probably should have in retrospect. I told him to take me because I felt like I was about to die at any moment. It was beyond words and scares me to write about it to this day.

It was obvious I had a bad reaction to the medication. We knew I needed a break and to be by family so I came home to live with my parents in Mineola for what we thought would be just a couple weeks, with our baby, while my husband Josh stayed behind in Denver to work. He would visit on every other weekend. We didn’t know what to do. Instead of me getting better at my parent’s Bed & Breakfast where they lived, I was deteriorating rapidly. I stopped taking Zoloft and thought that was to blame, which it did expedite the process of getting my postpartum depression, but I would have www.smalltownkidsmag.com 17

gotten it anyway. I wanted to deny with my whole being that I had PPD. I would get mad when my family would say they thought that’s what I had. Not me! Why me? It’s just the bad reaction, my hormones are off, my thyroid is off, I don’t have enough Vitamin D, etc. I wanted it to be anything but that. I’d seen others in my life with depression, and I did not want to endure that. I’d never ever had depression, just social and general anxiety. This would ruin everything if I had PPD. But the longer I was off Zoloft, the worse I was getting, and after several blood tests that came back normal, I finally had to come to the hard truth.

I, Lindsey Fears, was sick. I had postpartum depression.

I would wake up each morning feeling hopeless. No desire to do anything. Some days I felt I was losing the will to live. Bella was born on October 18, 2014. The worst of my days were during the holidays.

Everyone was happy but me. This was supposed to be the happiest time of my life, and I couldn’t even attend Thanksgiving because I was crying my eyes out and anxious beyond belief. One of the worst days was Christmas. It was a morning ritual to have a panic attack, and accompanied by my throwing up after hyperventilating and shaking uncontrollably and losing touch with reality. I couldn’t be calmed down. My biggest anxiety was just facing another day and feeling depressed and the thoughts I might have. Some mornings it was panic, others it was depression, other days, “I don’t want to suffer anymore.” But on Christmas, I felt numb. I did feel anger and indifference, like giving up completely, and stoically resigned to it.

I woke up on what is to be the happiest day of the year thinking, “I don’t want to live.” It breaks my heart to write that now and it broke my heart then, because, that is NOT me, nor has it ever been me. I’ve always been a happy, deep person, passionate about life, and a dreamer, and go-getter. Those thoughts were lies. But I thought because I had those thoughts that maybe that was the truth, and maybe that postpartum depression was going to take my life. I had an internal battle all day long trying to convince myself I would get better, but the PPD would always be louder and say, “You are not going to get better. You are always going to be this way. This will just turn into regular depression that you will always have to fight.”

It was a circus watching me. I’d be crying tears that would soak my mom’s clothes, then I’d be in a rage and cussing, which is not me, then shaking and rocking back and forth on the floor like a baby, and then calm as a cat by night. All in a day’s time!

I was searching for help and I found a doctor who prescribed me on a different antidepressant, which I was afraid to take, of course because of my reaction with the previous antidepressant, but I finally gave in and took Lexapro. We started me at a low dose, so it took a long time to work. I was going to do whatever it took to get better. I was going to fight, though I felt I had nothing in me and that at any moment, I was going to float away. I began experiencing better days here and there, but they were few and far between. I saw a psychologist but that wasn’t quite the ticket or what I needed at that particular time.

I would have nightmares of people who have committed suicide, which scared me; why would I dream about it? Through the rough of times, I kept looking at my family and feeling sorry for them because I thought they were going to lose me to this. I felt guilty because I was such a burden on everyone and ruining everyone’s happiness.

18 Small Town Kids

There was so much guilt and shame. I didn’t want anyone to know postpartum depression or any other maternal mental illness to gathabout it because I was embarrassed and I felt like a failure that I had er together and share their stories and inspire one another. gotten it. I also didn’t think I was going to make it. PPD lies to you. It I felt like I went through this for a reason, and maybe it was to form is dreadful, a tormenting monster. this group and to help others. I want to bear flowers. I want to help My daughter brought me great anxiety and I felt afraid of her. I didn’t others climb out of their darkness and see their own blooms and the feel that way the first four weeks after birth, but my confidence was amazing life that is waiting for them. shattered after it had hit me full force. I hate to say those things, but this is my truth. My story. And it hurts. But I felt ambivalence, sometimes pure hatred toward her. Maybe I blamed her a little, which is horrible and wrong and irrational and I hope it doesn’t make me a Lindsey@wings4moms.com monster. I never, ever had thoughts of harming her throughout the whole ordeal, which I am thankful for not having those thoughts. And www.wings4moms.com there were other days I loved her so much I would just cry because the Find us on Facebook: Wings4Moms love was so deep. The fear is still there that I might lose her and that is a hurdle I have to overcome.

Another one of my scary thoughts was waking up thinking, “Oh no, is this the day they are going to take me to the mental hospital?” Which I know helps many people, but I knew for me, to be left alone without my family, it would be detrimental for me.

The Timeline I suffered greatly from late November to the beginning of February.

When I felt all hope was gone, I found a psychiatrist in Dallas and she gave me an add-on to my antidepressant, Abilify. The next morning after taking it was the first that I didn’t have a panic attack, feel anxious, or depressed. I rejoiced! It was a new dawn! There was hope!

The Husband’s Role From there, our life changed dramatically, to say the least. Before our daughter’s birth, we had been living great lives in Denver. My husband had an amazing job, and we enjoyed the hiking and other outdoor activities we were able to do each weekend. We talked and prayed about it--and my husband made the sacrifice to leave his job and the life he was enjoying to move back home where our families live and to get me better and take care of me. And take care of me he did. I’m pretty sure I might not be here or doing as great as I am without him. I love that man so much. He held my hand. He dragged me out of bed.

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He gave me pep talks till he was blue in the face. He gave me tough love and yelled at me when I needed it, and he held me and cried with me. 95% of the time, he said the right things. He even made me go outside one day and rake the leaves into piles until the fog of the depression would lift for the day. He is my hero. He could have left--he could have abandoned me. But our love has only grown stronger. His love for me is fierce. Our passion for life since I have been recovering has grown tenfold, along with our thankfulness to God. And I know I couldn’t have done it without both of our families either.

Climing out of the darkness I’m doing better, and getting better all the time. I still have my days of struggle and my biggest fear is going back to those dark days. When I was going through it, I couldn’t find any postpartum depression support groups in Tyler, so I decided to start my own group and help other mamas who are struggling. The biggest thing is to know you are not alone.

Help is here That’s why I founded Wings4Moms, a PPD support group that meets the 4th Thursday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Shiloh Road Church of Christ (1801 Shiloh Road, Tyler, Texas, 75703).

The meetings are free and just for other mothers going through www.smalltownkidsmag.com 19

Special.Needs

by Juli Cotter

We all have our favorite apps that help make our lives easier. We can schedule, learn, and entertain at the touch of a fingertip. Well, special needs parents and their kids are no different. Looking for a tool to help keep track of all the doctor’s appointmens or therapy sessinons? Looking for an app that your child can control themselves? Looking for something to keep them entertained and teach them at the same time? Take a look below at my Top 8 Apps as well as two trusted websites to find more apps and app reviews. I hope these help you and your family as much as they have helped mine.

Smart Apps for Special Needs

Friendship Circle

This site is specifically dedicated to special needs apps and info. Smart Apps’ reviews are the best in the business. The highest priority for our reviewers is to provide an honest and detailed assessment. Our reviewers have experience with children from birth through high school, including children with special needs, in both professional and parental capacities.

When people really want to know if an app is worth a download, they seek out reviews from Smart Apps For Special Needs.

Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational, social, educational and vocational programming. In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle enriches its vast network of volunteers by enabling them to reap the rewards of selfless giving.

Friendship Circle also provides support to individuals and families struggling with isolation, addiction and other family-related crises.

My Top 8 Apps

20 Small Town Kids

Autism Xpress’has been created to help promote greater awareness about autism spectrum disorders. It is designed to encourage people with autism to recognizes and express their emotions through its fun and easy to use interface. $ FREE Apple & Android

Me Books. All your favorite books, comics and bedtime stories for kids in one award-winning app. You can even add your own narration and sound effects to create a truly personal library that lives on your mobile device. $ FREE Apple & Android

Connections App is a virtual social worker that provides filtered, relevant local referrals for the families of patients with chronic illnesses. Making it easier to find local services for education, therapy, nutrition, recreation, respite care and medical needs. $ FREE Apple & Android

Teach Me Time is a visually-interactive way to teach special-needs individuals how to tell time with an analog clock. With a simple, distraction-free interface, this app is easily adapted to those with special needs or their typical peers. $1.99 Apple

iDo Hygiene is an innovative and comprehensive application for learning the most common personal hygiene daily activities Watch step by step demonstration videos and picture sequences, and make your own. $ FREE Apple & Android

Niki Talk is an easy to use and highly customizable application for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It can help children with autism, aphasia, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, stroke or any disability that impairs the ability to communicate. $ FREE Apple & Android

All About Me Book. Typically developing young children learning their personal information for the first time and those with developmental delays will benefit from this interactive application. $2.99 Apple & Android

Model Me Kids® videos demonstrate social skills by modeling peer behavior at school, at a birthday party, on the playground, and more. Designed as a teaching tool for children, adolescents, and teenagers with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and developmental delays. $ FREE Apple & Android

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Giving Guide a spotlight on a few of the local charities

that call East Texas home

When a child enters the foster care system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help them. That volunteer is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate®, or CASA. CASA volunteers are screened and highly trained and then appointed by judges to represent and advocate for a child’s best interests in the child protection system. CASA volunteers are each assigned to help one child or set of siblings at a time, so they can focus on giving that child or sibling group the individual ized advocacy and attention they need. CASA volunteers save taxpayers money and children’s futures by helping children find a safe, permanent home as soon as possible. East Texas CASA provides valuable volunteer advocacy for every abused child in this area. CASA volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” for the judge in child welfare cases. This includes researching each child’s situation and making objective recommendations to help them reclaim their childhoods from abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are frequently the only stable presence in these children’s lives as they navigate the foster care system. These volunteers bring three critical qualities to their work: they focus on one case at a time; they bring a unique perspective to the court case; and their sole objective is representing the best interests of the child.

Donations: monetary donations or become a volunteer Phone: (903) 753-8093 Website: www.easttexascasa.org The Crisis Center Children’s Prevention and Education Program fosters a sense of purpose and belonging for residents, pre-school and schoolage children, offering stability, consistency, and anti-victimization skills training on a daily basis. The Children’s program offers after school programming; which provides one-on-one mentoring to school age children, grades K – 12, to address their academic needs. Program activities are offered Monday – Friday, 3:30 – 5:30 pm and include homework assistance, safety education, social enrichment activities and physical education programs. Individual tutoring is offered two days a week by certified school teachers. Summer programming is also provided; which is designed to be innovative, challenging and fun the summer program provides school age children, who have fallen behind academically, the opportunity to catch up during the summer months. Program activities include reading and math camps, physical activities, arts, crafts, games and interactive social enrichment activities.

Donations: monetary or become a volunteer Phone: (903) 509-2526 Website: www.etcc.org

Since 1980 Children’s Village has provided a safe and loving environment for abused, neglected and homeless children of East Texas. Children’s Village is totally privately funded taking no state or federal funds.

Boys and girls that come to live with us learn positive family values, social skills that will help them be successful at home and at school. They grow spiritually by attending church and Sunday school weekly, singing songs and learning the value of prayer and having Jesus in their lives. Our goal is once a child comes to live at Children’s Village they remain with us until they are able to return home to their family or they are adopted into a forever family to call their own. Our first adoption was in 2007 and since that time 35 children have been placed with a loving adoptive family and siblings have always remained together.

Donations: monetary donations, clothing/toy donations, or become a volunteer.

Phone: (903) 592-3421 Website: www.childrensvillageoftexas.org 22 Small Town Kids

Browning Learning Academy, Inc. is a non-profit organization, established in 2012 and is located in Tyler, TX. Browning Learning Academy, Inc., is a multicultural childcare and educational learning center which provides not only basic care but educational and specialized services to meet the needs of all children. Children six weeks to twelve years of age are able to attend BLA, Inc. The Academy accepts all children; particularly those children with different global developmental delays, speech-language delays, learning disabilities and/or medical diagnosis, as well as physical disabilities. We also believe in “total communication” for our nonverbal learners. BLA, Inc. offers a safe and positive environment as well as an innovative and movement-based curriculum implemented by caring, highly-trained and dedicated teachers. Each program and activity is designed to meet the needs of each child and assures that each child can actively participate to the best of their ability. At BLA you will find low student-to-teacher ratios, hands-on learning activities and most importantly opportunity given to each child that attends. Inclusion is our ultimate goal here and we encourage each of our students to help each other and accept each other differences in a positive manner.

Donations: monetary donations Phone: (903) 787-7481 Website: www.blainc.org The idea for the organization came about when Gina Jones and her husband, Brian, brought home their first foster children and could not believe that all of their belongings were in trash bags. Sadness came over her as she emptied the trash bags. In addition to a very difficult childhood and being uprooted from the only way of life they have ever known, the only possessions they had left in the world were thrown into trash bags. Until now, all trash bags ever held were things no one wanted or needed anymore. This made Gina wonder what kind of message was being sent to these poor children. Did seeing all of their personal belongings being thrown into a trash bag have a psychological or emotional effect on them? Did they feel like they had been thrown out with the trash too? She began to wonder, what if a bag could make a difference? That is what drove her to begin Duffels for H.O.P.E. in May of 2012. Donated bags will be given to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County and carried to the homes of children entering the foster care system. Each bag will be stuffed with kid friendly literature about God’s love for them.

Without donated duffels, children have to resort to putting their belongings in trash bags.

Donations: duffle bags, back packs, laundry bags, military bags Phone: (903) 714-6871 Website: www.duffelsofhope.org

Refuge of Light is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a long term safe home that provides physical, mental, and spiritual healing in an effort to overcome the brutalization of modern day slavery, called ‘sex trafficking’ in the lives of victimized girls under the age of 18 years within the United States. The vision of Refuge of Light is to transform the broken life into the brilliant life through individualized plans of restoration. To equip these young girls with confidence and the skills to realize and formulate their own vision for a new, healthy and meaningful life. Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world. Within the United States there is anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 individuals sexually trafficked, yearly (U.S. Department of Justice). Tragically, there are only a handful of shelters with less than 300 total beds in the entire United States for domestic minor victims. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for these victimized minor girls to heal and transition into a new life equipped with the skills to allow them a successful future within society.

Donations: monetary, various items as needed, or become a volunteer Phone: (903) 279-8769 Website: www.refugeoflight.org

This holiday season give to a cause that impacts lives on a daily basis, in East Texas. Consider giving items or money to a local charity or organization in honor of someone special. You can find more information about each of these local charities or organizations, and their donation needs, by visiting their websites. www.smalltownkidsmag.com 23

An untraditional road to motherhood...

24 Small Town Kids

; ; ;

Local.mom

Graduate from college Get married Survive Law School Start a Family

T

hat is when it got hard and I started on a journey I never imagined for myself. The road to motherhood would not go as I planned, as I expected or how I wanted. The first of many difficult pregnancies and heartbreaking miscarriages came when I was in my early twenties. My mom carried and delivered me with no problem. My grandmother had six children. All my aunts had biological children. So facing infertility was not something I expected. When there is a family history of cancer, or heart attacks, you know what to look for. When the harsh reality of being infertile hits, and you can’t explain why, it is difficult to not feel as though you are being punished. What did I do wrong? Am I too selfish? Will I not make a good Mother? Dealing with these questions, the constant stress and heartbreak of miscarriages, one after another led to the demise of my first marriage. Divorce was also not something I ever imagined as a description for myself. Divorced and infertile was almost too much to bear.

Then I met Nick. And for this story, more importantly, I met the most beautiful blue eyed, blonde haired three year old my eyes had ever seen; her name was Dru Peacock. I knew in the months after Nick and I began dating that the road to motherhood for me would be different than most, but I didn’t care because at least I was on the road finally. I loved that little girl from the moment I met her and my love for her has only grown for the past eleven years. Loving Dru has always been easy…being a step-mother has not. Despite my feelings for Dru, I have always recognized and respected that Dru has a mother. A mother that loves her deeply and completely. As I look back over my road to becoming a mom myself, I will be forever grateful to both of Dru’s parents for sharing her with me. She will always be my oldest daughter.

At the ripe old age of 32, I heard the dreaded news that I would need a hysterectomy. The heartbreak I experienced knowing my chance of a biological child was forever gone took me a long time to get over. There are times I still mourn the loss of never having a biological child. As I face turning forty (40!!!!) this year, I am finally comfortable in accepting that loss as a way to appreciate all of the many blessings in my life.

So an untraditional road to motherhood it would be for me. Nick and I made the decision to adopt in order to complete our family.

Should be easy enough right? As a lawyer, I had participated in numerous adoptions. I had supportive family, friends and colleagues…finding a baby to adopt would be no problem. Except that it was. Many agencies didn’t think Nick and I would make a good fit since Nick had a biological child, and I did not. Wait…what? Are they serious? As I reflect on that particular roadblock, I still cannot understand the various agencies’ decisions, but I am grateful for the timing and hurdle. It was all part of the plan.

After exhausting agency options in Texas, we decided to use an adoption facilitator in California. We would be placed in a magazine that potential birthmothers would see, and hopefully we would be matched with one. We sent in the contract with our first payment.

In the meantime, I called a social worker to begin our home study process. After so many years of heartbreak and waiting, I was taking matters into my own hands.

We met with our social worker on a Monday evening. The following Friday she called me with news NONE of us expected. She had been contacted by the family of a young girl who wanted to find the right family to adopt her child. Nick and I dropped everything.

I made a binder full of pictures and stories to show this young woman and we set out to meet her. We waited for what seemed like an eternity. We barely slept. Or ate. The day after the meeting the social worker called and said she LOVED us and wanted us to adopt her baby! Seven, yes SEVEN, days later my daughter was born. I was there to hear her first cry. The hospital was gracious enough to give us our own room at the hospital. I spent the first 48 hours reveling in the joy of being a new mother, yet completely terrified of my new role and the harsh reality that her birthmother could withdraw her decision. I was even complimented by much of the hospital staff for looking so great with a newborn. How about that as a perk to not giving birth? In all seriousness, twelve years of tears, pain, and sadness were wiped away in an instant.

Kate Summers Peacock is my daughter. My baby. As strange as this may sound, the love I have for Kate is made stronger by knowing that Kate’s birth mother loved her deeply and completely enough to give her to me. Let that sink in. I have experienced first hand the true meaning of selflessness. To say I have been blessed by adoption would be the understatement of the century.

I cannot imagine life without either of my daughters. Had I not met Nick and Dru, I would never have known it was possible to love a child, as my own, even though not born from my body.

Now I know the love of not one, but two daughters.

And I get to claim the title of mama, stepmom, adoptive parent. I am the luckiest mom in the world. While this road to motherhood was not traditional, not what I thought I wanted, and not what I thought I needed; it turned out better than I could have ever dreamed. God bless the broken road.

Kelley is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Houston Law Center.

She is married to Nick Peacock, who is also an attorney.

She and her family live in Jacksonville, TX. Kelley served as the first female elected County Attorney in Cherokee County, the first female Judge in Cherokee County and currently practices law in Jacksonville, Texas.

Her favorite job continues to be Mom. www.smalltownkidsmag.com 25

3DUHQWV JXLGH WR WKH ÁX What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza viruses. There are many different influenza viruses that are constantly changing. The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized from flu complications, like pneumonia.

How does the flu spread?

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?

People with the flu may be able to infect others by shedding virus from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. However, children and people with weakened immune systems can shed virus for longer, and might be still contagious past 5 to 7 days of being sick, especially if they still have symptoms.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness. If your child is 5 years and older and does not have other health problems and gets flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

If your child is younger than 5 years or has a long term health conditon and develops flu-like symptoms, they are at risk for serious complications from the flu. Ask a doctor if your child should be examined.

Antiviral drugs can treat flu illness. They can make people feel better and get better sooner and may prevent serious flu complications. These drugs are different from antibiotics, but they also need to be prescribed by a doctor. They work best when started during the first 2 days of illness. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat the flu in people who are very sick or people who are at greater risk of having serious flu complications. Other people with flu illness may also benefit from taking antiviral drugs.

These drugs can be given to children and pregnant women.

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 27

OCTOBER

Local.Events October 1-November 8

October 3

October 9-10

Yesterland Farm Fall Festival Canton www.yesterlandfarm.com

Movies on the Plaza Downtown Longview 7pm, Big Hero 6

$1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler 9:30am, Monkey Kingdom

October 1-November 1

October 3

October 9-11

Calie’s Acre Pumpkin Patch Gilmer www.caliesacre.com

Touch a Truck Feed a Family 11am-3pm Maude Cobb, Longview

Fire Ant Festival Marshall www.boogiewoogiemarshall.com

October 3-October 31

October 3

October 10-October 24

Pumpkin Patch Express Texas State Railroad www.texasstaterr.com

Studio Movie Grill, Tyler Special Needs Screening 11am, Hotel Transylvania 2

October 3-October 31

October 3 and 4

Moore Farm’s Pumpkin Patch Bullard www.moorefarms.com

Phone Book Recycle Day 1Book = 1 admission Caldwell Zoo, Tyler www.caldwellzoo.org

October 3 Lego Block Party 1:30pm, Tyler Public Library

October 3

Cherokee County Scarecrow Trail 9am-3pm, Jacksonville

October 10 Van Oil Festival Van www.vantx.com

October 10 Autumn Stroll Festival Downtown Canton, TX

October 6 Faith, Family, & Fostering 6pm-7pm, Tyler www.azelway.org

Movies in the Park Bergfeld Park, Tyler 7:30pm

October 10 Country Fest 9am, Lindale

October 10 Movies in the Park Bergfeld Park, Tyler 7:30pm

October 12-October 15 $1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler 9:30am, Monkey Kingdom

October 14- October 17 East Texas Yamboree Gilmer www.yamboree.com

October 15-17

Event information is subject to change.

To keep up with the latest events, check out our facebook page!

facebook.com/ smalltownkids 28 Small Town Kids

Grapeland Peanut Festival Grapeland www.peanutfest.com

October 15 Family Entertainment in the Park Bergfeld Park, Tyler 7pm

October 15-18 Texas Rose Festival Various events and times www.texasrosefestival.com

October 17 Book signing by Marvin S. Mayer 11am-1pm, Potpourri House www.kidsbooksbymarvin.com

November 1-January 4

November 15

Texas Outdoor Family 9:30am, Tyler State Park

Santaland, Lindale www.santalandtexas.com

October 17

November 3

Mistletoe & Magic Holly Jolly Christmas Party Willow Brook Country Club 4:30p.m. - 6:30p.m.

Family Movie Matinee Tyler Public Library 10:30am- Cinderella 2:00pm-Avengers-The Age of Ultron

Faith, Family, & Fostering 6pm-7pm, Tyler www.azelway.org

November 5 October 17 Book signing by Marvin S. Mayer The Queen’s Tea 1pm-3pm, Tyler Rose Garden www.kidsbooksbymarvin.com

October 17 Tyler Rose Festival Parade 9am, Rose Stadium

Mistletoe & Magic A Merry Little Family Christmas 6 p.m., Harvey Hall, Tyler

October 24 Book reading and signing Marvin S. Mayer, 11am-1pm Barnes & Noble, Tyler kidsbooksbymarvin.com

October 24 Hot Pepper Festival Palestine

October 29 Fall Family Fun Festival Glass Recreation Center 4pm-7pm, Tyler

October 31 Halloween’s Boo Bash Broadway Square Mall 5pm-7pm, Tyler

October 31

$1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler 9:30am, Ramona and Beezus

November 19-November 22 The Wizard of Oz Longview Community Center

November 6 Mistletoe & Magic Friday Night Christmas Lights 6:30 p.m., Harvey Hall, Tyler

November 7 October 22 Caps for Sale: The Musical 9:30am and 12:30pm Cowan Center, University of Texas at Tyler

November 16-19

Kid’s Free Day at TJC Science Center 10:30am-4:30pm, Tyler www.tjc.edu/cesse

November 7 Red, White, & Blue Festival 10am, Bullard

November 7-8/ 13-15 Shrek the Musical Cherokee County Civic Theatre www.cherokeethreatre.net

November 20-November 21 Holiday in the Pines Nacogdoches Civic Center www.nacjf.org

November 20-December 27 The Polar Express Texas State Railroad www.texasstaterr.com

November 21 The Market Holiday Event 11am-5pm Tyler Rose Garden Center

NOVEMBER

October 17

November 10-January 3 Land of Lights, Athens 6:00pm-10:30pm www.christmasparkathens.com

November 13 Pizza with Santa Broadway Square Mall, Tyler 6pm

November 13-November 14 $1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler 9:30am, Ramona and Beezus

Boot at the Zoo 1pm-4pm, Tyler Caldwell Zoo

November 14

October 31 Spooktacular Bull Bash Jacksonville 6pm

November 14

Heritage Syrup Festival Henderson

Studio Movie Grill, Tyler Special Needs Screening 11am, The Peanuts Movie

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 29

DECEMBER November 24

December 5

Wonderland of Lights Downtown, Marshall visitmarshalltexas.org

Breakfast with Santa 9am-10:30am Longview Museum of Arts

November 26

December 5

Tyler Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run www.tylerturkeytrot.com

Ice Skating in Palestine Downtown Palestine 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

November 27-December 13

December 11-December 12

Yesterland Farm Christmas Playland Canton www.yesterlandfarm.com

$1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler The Polar Express, 9:30am

November 27-December 26

December 12

Up In Lights Tyler www.tylerlights.com

Breakfast with Santa Broadway Square Mall 9am-10am

November 28

December 12

Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

Faith, Family, & Fostering 6pm-7pm, Tyler www.azelway.org

December 14-December 17 $1 Kid’s Movie Time Square Cinema, Tyler 9:30am,The Polar Express

December 4- December 13

December 18

Miracle on 34th Street Tyler Civic Theatre www.tylercivictheatre.com

Christmas in Vienna Belcher Center, Longview 7:30pm

December 5

December 19

December 1

Studio Movie Grill, Tyler Special Needs Screening 11am, The Good Dinosaur

December 5 Christmas Parade of Lights 500 N. Church Street Palestine, starts at dusk

December 5 Breakfast with Santa 8-10 a.m.

Palestine Civic Center

December 5 Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

30 Small Town Kids

Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Weekly Library Activities Tyler Public Library Wednesdays: Toddler Time, 10:30am, Tyler Auditorium Thursdays: Read Aloud Crowd, 10:30am, Story Room

Longview Public Library Tuesdays: Babygarten Storytime, 10:30am, ages 0-2 Wednesdays: Early Learning Journeys, 10:30am, ages 2-5

December 21 Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

December 22 Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

December 23 Santa on Oak Street Pictures with Santa 101 W. Oak Street, Palestine 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesdays: Discovery Kids, 4pm, ages 6 and up

Whitehouse Community Library Mondays: It’s Storytime, 10:30am

Bullard Community Library Thursdays: Storytime, 10:30am

Rusk County Library Wednesdays: Storytime, 10am

Jacksonville Public Library Wednesdays: Storytime, 10:30am

East Texas Family Directory Amusement/Entertainment

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark 18814 Interstate 20 Canton, Texas 903-567-0044 www.splashkingdom.com Facebook: Splash Kingdom Waterpark Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz Pottery Cafe 5380 Old Bullard Road Tyler, Texas 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com Facebook: Pottery Cafe Baby Registry

Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz Baby & Child Furniture

Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment Birth Doula

Ancient Hearts Birth Services Katherine Stanglin CD(DONA), HCHI, HCHD 903-570-6060 www.ancient-hearts.com Facebook: Ancient Hearts Birth Services Birthday Parties/Supplies

Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz

Pottery Cafe 5380 Old Bullard Road Tyler, Texas 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com Facebook: Pottery Cafe

Children’s Gifts/Toys

Childbirth Education

Just Imagine 2210 Three Lakes Parkway Tyler, Texas 903-787-7546 www.youjustimagine.com Facebook: Just Imagine

Ancient Hearts Birth Services Katherine Stanglin CD(DONA), HCHI, HCHD 903-570-6060 www.ancient-hearts.com Facebook: Ancient Hearts Birth Services

Kids Books by Marvin Marvin S. Mayer 903-707-1616 msm@kidsbooksbymarvin.com www.kidsbooksbymarvin.com

Child Care Assistance

Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment

Workforce Solutions East Texas Athens 205 Murchison, Suite 101 903-677-6060 Longview 2430 High Street 903-234-9040 Marshall 4300 East End Blvd.

903-938-2220 Palestine 2800 S. Loop 256, Suite 18 903-723-6297 Tyler 4100 Troup Highway 903-526-1105 Children’s Clothing/Accessories

Lil’ Bean Sprouts (Cover) Canton Walkway by the Creek Booths 52-54 Etsy.com/shop/mylilbeansprouts Facebook.com/mylilbeansprouts Instagram: @lilbeansprouts01

Dental Care

Bullard Family Dentistry 125 Main Street Bullard, Texas 903-710-2309 www.bullardfamilydentist.com Crestway Dental 208 Crestway Street Athens, Texas 903-675-3811 www.crestwayparkdental.com Donald Ritchie, DDS Pediatric Dentist 2301 S. Broadway, Ste B-10 Tyler, Texas 903-531-9000 www.donaldritchiedds.com Embroidery/Monogramming

Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment

Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment

Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400

Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz

(Old Jacksonville Highway)

Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 31

Family Hair Care

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Wellness/Beauty/Health

HeadMasters-Bullard 151 Highway 69 N, Suite 400 Brookshire’s Center Bullard, Texas 903-710-2226 www.headmasterstx.com Facebook: HeadMasters

Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz

Drops of Goodness Young Living Essential Oils Distributor Kristi Dobrovolny 903-258-4679 DropsofGoodness.marketingscents.com Facebook: Drops of Goodness

Outdoor Play Sets

Healthy Figures Day Spa F1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 105 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0170 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Day Spa

HeadMasters-Tyler 1400 WSW Loop 323 Loop & Kinsey Tyler, Texas 903-266-9192 www.headmasterstx.com Facebook: HeadMasters HeadMasters-Lindale 2808 S. Main Street Lindale, Texas 430-235-2017 Hair Bows/Hair Accessories

Mommy & Me 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway) Tyler, Texas 903-581-3990 www.sillybugz.com Facebook: Sillybugz Home Improvement

Jacksonville Custom Gutters 903-530-4729 www.jacksonvillecustomgutter.com Facebook: Jacksonville Custom Gutters Imaging/Ultrasound Centers

Stork Vision of Tyler 410 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 903-531-3555 www.storkvision.com Facebook: StorkVision Tyler

32 Small Town Kids

Beyond Backyards 15994 Old Jacksonville Hwy Tyler, Texas 903-561-3371 www.beyondbackyards.com Photographers

See Page 14 Placenta Encapsulation

Ancient Hearts Birth Services Katherine Stanglin CD(DONA), HCHI, HCHD 903-570-6060 www.ancient-hearts.com Facebook: Ancient Hearts Birth Services 3UHJQDQF\ 3DUHQWLQJ 5HVRXUFHV

Building Blocks 1009 Baxter Street (across from Tyler Junior College) Tyler, Texas 903-593-3522 www.livingalternatives.org School/Childcare/Daycare

Stepping Stone School 3105 University Blvd.

Tyler, Texas 903-566-1851 www.steppingstonetyler.com Specialty Toys/Books

Just Imagine 2210 Three Lakes Parkway Tyler, Texas 903-787-7546 www.youjustimagine.com Facebook: Just Imagine Kids Books by Marvin Marvin S. Mayer 903-707-1616 msm@kidsbooksbymarvin.com www.kidsbooksbymarvin.com

Healthy Figures Weight Loss 303 W. Loop 281, Ste. 120 Longview, Texas 903-663-6100 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center Healthy Figures Weight Loss 1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 104 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0123 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center

Zeid Women’s Health Center 109 Zeid Blvd.

Henderson, Texas 903-655-8851 www.zeidwhc.com Zeid Women’s Health Center 705 E. Marshall Ave. Ste. 3000 Longview, Texas 903-315-2700 www.zeidwhc.com Zeid Women’s Health Center 4519 Troup Highway Tyler, Texas 903-533-0733 www.zeidwhc.com

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