Small Town Kids

Small Town Kids East Texas’ Signature Family Magazine

Complimentary Issue

January - February - March 2016

See what’s inside 02 Welcome to Small Town Kids 04 Cover Mom

Get to know the mom on our cover and meet her beautiful family

07 Birthday Page January - March birthdays

08 The Daddy Diaries A lighthearted take on parenting

10 Local.Business HeadMasters

12 Special Needs Resources and stories

14 Experienced and Expecting Sharing stories of parenthood

17 Kids in the Kitchen Cooking up healthy, kid-friendly food

18 Legal Matters Protecting your family

20 Local.Mom

Juggling work and motherhood

22 Parents guide to: fever

Everything you need to know about: fever

23 East Texas Family Directory

January - February - March 2016

January Letter Another year in the books! 2015 was good to us and I hope it was to you too. I always like to look back over the year and think about a few things: • What worked?

• What didn’t work?

• Where did I spend my time?

• Where did I spend my money?

• What can I do better on in 2016?

• What do I want out of this coming year?

For some reason, the new year is always exciting to me because in a way, we get a re-do. The past year wasn’t that great? That’s okay, there is always next year! It causes us to pause our busy lives, reflect, and hopefully take steps to better ourselves, our businesses, and our families.

We are thankful for our readers and supporters, 2016 is going to be a great year for Small Town Kids!

This year, 2016, I am ditching the resolutions and going back to a theme I used a few years ago. We did this study with our youth group at church where instead of making a long list of resolutions, you pick a single word to be your motto for the year. My word this year...simplicity or simple. I want to simplify my life. 2015 was full of chaos it felt. So, I am going to actively try to simplify my life and streamline all the elements of my life to work together. I know that I will be a happier mom for it, and in turn my children will reap the benefits. So here’s to 2016!

Meredith

Founder/Owner meredith@smalltownkidsmag.com

Since I am aiming to simplfy, I am going to work to simplify Small Town Kids as well. I want to work to get back to the heart of the magazine and why I do this.

I want to showcase more parents in East Texas. Not to show how perfect their life is, but to show you how real their life is. Parenthood is hard, but focusing on those great, special moments {though they may be brief and far and few between} helps make those hard days do-able. I want to grow this community of moms that support each other and encourage each other. I want to bring you more tear jerking stories and real-life stories that allow you to connect with someone you’ve never met. I want to feature more spotlights on businesses that are truly run by great individuals; most of them parents themselves. So that you when you walk through their door, you feel like you know them.

I hope your beginning to 2016 starts off fabulous! Join me in picking a word, rather than making a list. Show us your word over on our IG account and we can all help keep each other accountable throughout the year. Now is also the time to start thinking about spring break plans. A full week with your kids. Better get prepared!

It will be March before we know it.

Connect with us We’re social

Wendy

Managing Editor

On the Cover

Instagram: @smalltownkidsmag 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

The Steadman Family Mineola, Texas Photography: Jennifer Willard Photography

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Meet Our Cover Mom

Meet Shawna, a 35 year old, Executive Assistant and coach’s wife. She lives with her husband and adorable daughter Maddie in Mineola, Texas.

Three words you would use to describe your family:

Best thing about being a mom:

Blessed , Affectionate, Close

Oh man, I’m not sure I can pick one. If I had to…getting to watch her experience things for the first time. Holidays are really special. Their joy is your joy. Knowing that The Lord picked you to specifically shepherd this child. It’s both daunting and incredible at the same time.

Three words you would use to describe yourself:

Bossy, Stubborn, Loyal Favorite item in your closet: My cowboy boots! Always in style, comfortable and weather proof-you can’t beat them.

Words to live by: Coffee, Coffee, Coffee.

04 Small Town Kids

Best thing that happened in 2015: We took a trip over the summer for my cousin’s wedding to the Riviera Maya. It was really special because my whole family stayed together under one roof, lots of quality family time and some wonderful memories!

Tell us about your daughter: She is 3 and is so much fun! She is a complete joy and blessing to us. Toddler-hood is very challenging, I wasn’t prepared for how tough this season would be. Most people talk about how hard babies are, but the lack of sleep is nothing compared to the patience needed to steward a toddler’s heart!

Favorite thing to do with your daughter: Play! Go to the park, chase each other, watch her and my husband play hide and seek. Snuggle when I can keep her still!

What is your family’s favorite meal?

Keep it simple is my motto. Taco’s are my husband’s favorite, that I make, and thankfully Maddie isn’t a picky eater. She eats pretty much anything.

You’re not from here, what is your favorite thing about East Texas:

The quietness, the stars, big open pastures, lots of trees. Seeing wild life year round and wild flowers in the spring, living in a small town, and most of all no traffic!

Do you have any advice for new moms?

Don’t hold yourself to impossible standards you were never meant to be held too, don’t let people stress you out with conflicting baby theories and why you should do this or that. Do what works for your kid and your family.

How do you juggle working and being a mom?

I don’t very well...you just do it and pray the Lord sustains you through the week. Some weeks are easier than others. Some weeks are really hard! I have a lot of help from my husband and some really awesome women that help us with Maddie when I have an event or my husband has games. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter whether you stay at home or work outside the home; being a mom is the hardest work you’ll ever do!

Tell us about your husband: He’s a coach for Mineola ISD. He loves to deer hunt and hog hunt. When he’s not coaching, he prefers to be in the woods!

He’s really great, I’m so thankful for him. He’s a true partner in parenting and I rely on him a lot.

How did ya’ll meet?

We met in college one of the first few days of class my freshman year. We were paired up together in an elective course.

I was mortified because he was so cute and I had no makeup on! He later went to the freshman girls dorm and looked up my phone number. I guess the no makeup look didn’t scare him off! We’ve been married for twelve years.

Best parenting or life advice you have been given: When she was born I struggled a ton with fear, overwhelming fear actually. After I wrestled with it for quite some time I realized what God was trying to gently teach me, He loves Maddie more than I and my husband ever will, He will never fail her as a parent, and that we will. We will make mistakes. I’m not perfect, my husband’s not perfect and when we mess up, His grace and mercy abounds.

Are there future plans for more kids?

God turned my ideal plan into His plan and they were very different and I’m thankful for that. Five years of infertility, lots of tests, drugs, IUI’s and one round of IVF gifted us with a precious bundle. I didn’t choose this plan, but His plans are perfect so you accept that and move on. We would love to be “gifted” again with another child, however that may be.

Best marriage advice you’ve received:

You can choose to be either happily married or unhappily married but there’s no unmarried.

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 05

Kids Eat FREE or close to it...

Everyday McAlister’s Deli--Longview ,Tyler, Athens Kids meal $.99 dine in only CiCi’s Pizza--Longview and Tyler Kids under 3 eat free

Monday Deals Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present

Tuesday Deals Applebee’s--Tyler Kids eat free Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased

Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present

Texas Roadhouse--Tyler Kids eat free 4pm-close Ages 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased

Wednesday Deals Luby’s Cafeteria--Tyler & Longview Kids eat free after 4:00pm Children 10 and under. With the purchase of an adult meal.

Traditions--Tyler Kids eat free after 4pm Children 12 and under. One free child’s meal per adult meal purchased, dine-in only, child must be present

Saturday Deals Luby’s Cafeteria--Tyler & Longview Kids eat free after 11:00am Children 10 and under. With the purchase of an adult meal.

Prices and offerings are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm.

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

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 31 Brooklyn Beard -4- January 3 Konner Stephenson -3- January 5 Drew Czajkoski -8- January 6 Ella Roddy -8- January 7 Katilynn Shaver -3- January 9 Devon Gamble -8- January 9 Averie Mullinax -8- January 9 Eli Cantu -10- January 11

Karsen Adams -6- January 13 Hayden Robinson -7- January 18 Parker Cade -5- January 20 Peyton Guidry -3- January 21 Hadleigh Walker -2- January 22 Allyson Hassell -1- January 23 Aubrey Lake -6- January 27 Julian Perez -8- January 30 Sage Gonzalez -12- January 29

FEBRUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 28 Grace Banner -8- February 8 Kinley McDonald -4- February 10 Julio Morales -5- February 12 Brett Lee Bellar -10- February 12 Brody Pate -5- February 15 Nathan Cozart -11- February 17

Blaze Beard -6- February 17 Jaymee Zaehringer -8- February 23 Morgan Brown -8- February 22 Caden White -8- February 24 Xaden Guillen -5- February 25

MARCH 1 - MARCH 31 Avery Hassell -11- March 3 Maggie Ford -4- March 5 .D\OHH $GHOÀR 0DUFK Connor Eubanks -8- March 8 Zoie Goff -7- March 10 Brady Bellar -8- March 12 Kay Lee Tarrant -9- March 14 Karmyn Guillen -2- March 17 Kaden Jones -7- March 19 Asher Eads -1- March 19

Easton Jones -4- March 21 Ramzee Matejka -9- March 22 Rebecca Orr -8- March 24 Ellarie Gray Carter -3- March 27 Carson Dodd -8- March 28 (PPDK $GHOÀR 0DUFK &DOOLH $GHOÀR 0DUFK Emma Daniels -4- March 30 Kennedi Guidry -1- March 31 Westyn Hassell -10- March 31

www.smalltownkidsmag.com 07

The Daddy Diaries

by Stoney Stamper

Once upon a time, I thought I had it all figured out.

Prior to my becoming a parent, I only knew what I could learn from television and what I had heard through stories from my friends and family. I’d watch in silent horror as my nephew would cram refried beans in his hair at a Mexican restaurant. I’d watch in dismay as my friends would try to get their twin daughters fed, bathed, and into bed every night. I’d hear my friends with older children give one excuse after another as to why they couldn’t go out for drinks, or go to dinner, or even hang out for a few minutes in the evening after work. There was always some excuse. The kids had soccer practice, or a parent teacher’s conference, or a baseball game. Slipping in the occasional round of golf on the weekend with my friends took weeks of planning and constant text and phone call reminders to make sure that no one was backing out, even though someone almost always did. I remember being so aggravated because I thought,

What’s the big deal? Take a few hours off! It’s just a few hours!

All I wanted was some “guy time”. I wanted to go play golf, go fishing, drink some beer, or watch some football. Anything, just as long as we could spend time being men, doing manly things. But they were busy doing a million different things that most definitely were not “guy things”. Well, they were certainly not something that I considered “guy things”, anyway. But still, even though I often did so alone, I grasped tightly onto our youth. I spent countless hours at golf courses, sports bars and poker nights, silently cursing my friends for missing out on yet another opportunity for wonderful memories made, all because they couldn’t make the time.

Some folks, namely my wife, may call me arrogant, but I always thought that if I ever were a parent, that I could do a better job.

08 Small Town Kids

I wouldn’t ask my kids to go to bed, I’d tell them to go to bed.

I wouldn’t request that they clean their room, I’d demand they did, and I certainly wouldn’t ask a second time. And if I felt like going to play golf and drink beer with my friends, well, I would.

Just because I had children, that doesn’t mean that I would just stop living.

Am I right?

Wrong. I was so wrong. It’s actually pretty hilarious just how wrong I was.

Although it wasn’t for several more years, I decided to have my own family. And like most everything else I had ever done in my life, I didn’t just tiptoe in. I married a woman that had two daughters, and then we had yet another. I had gone from a single man living alone to married and living with four women in a matter of eighteen months. I had a newborn, a nine year old and a thirteen year old. All daughters, and all busy with soccer, 4-H, FFA, choir recitals, basketball camps, and softball games. April and I were constantly hauling kids in different directions, taking them to different meetings and different events. It was brutal.

It was exhausting. And as the kids got older, our schedule only became more hectic.

And the worst part? My weekly, and sometimes twice a week, round of golf became one round every two weeks. And then eventually once a month. Until I couldn’t remember the last time I had played. My clubs sat in the corner of the laundry room, covered by the mountain of clothes that the girls managed to go through in a week.

My friends would call and invite me on trips, or just for a night out with the boys, but I always had something else going on. I just didn’t have the time. I really wanted to go, but I just couldn’t make it work. I was now where my friends had been just years before. Except now…I understood how and why they couldn’t make it to all the social events we planned.

Although I certainly do miss spending time with my friends, I miss being a low handicap golfer, and I miss the good times and the laughs that we used to have every week; I wouldn’t trade all of the crazy hours, the middle of the night feedings, the doctor’s ap pointments, and the soccer and softball practices for anything in the world.

As exhausting as they all are, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.

Being a parent is hard work. It’s not just a full time job. It’s an all the time job. But the pay? It’s the best.

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

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www.smalltownkidsmag.com 09

Local.Business

HeadMasters is a locally owned group of salons in Bullard, Tyler, and Lindale. They are owned and operated by Jeff and Melinda Meler who were born and raised in Tyler. Melinda has been doing hair for 20 years and Jeff is retired Navy, hence the blue and gold logo they use.

What made you want to open your own salon?

It was Jeff ’s idea. After years of hearing me complain about the way other owners ran their salons, Jeff pitched the idea that we use his retirement from the Navy to help open our own salon. The initial idea was for us to open only one salon in Bullard, but within a year the salon had grown and profited so quickly that we decided to open another one in Tyler.

What makes HeadMasters salon different than others?

We are the only salon in the greater East Texas area with a color bar. For those of you who do not know what a color bar is, it is exactly as it sounds. At the center of the salon is a bar where clients can sit and receive their color services. With each salon we opened we learned what worked for us and what didn’t. With Bullard being our first, it does not have a color bar. Having to bounce clients from one station to the next is what gave me the idea. I always felt like I was inconveniencing my color clients by making them move for me to take other clients while their color processed. With the color bar they can sit in one place and relax and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. The dryers and color processors pull down from the ceiling so clients don’t even have to move to go under a dryer. Bullard is set to be remodeled and have a color bar added in the Summer of 2016. HeadMasters also welcomes walk-ins as well as appointments. Clients can also schedule appointments and check in online at HeadMasterstx.com

What is one word that describes your salons?

I would say innovative.

Why did you choose Bullard, Tyler, and Lindale for your locations?

I was working in a Jacksonville salon at the time we decided to open the Bullard salon. I had a rather large client base, with clients from all over the area; Tyler, Rusk, Whitehouse, Jacksonville, Arp, etc.. Bullard was really a good middle point for my clients, so I went with my gut and opened in Bullard. Obviously my gut feeling was right, the Bullard store had gained popularity so quickly that only a year later the owners of a new shopping center being built in South Tyler approached us about opening a second location in their shopping center. A year after opening the Tyler salon history repeated itself, with the owner of a Lindale shopping center approaching us and made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.” So that is how Lindale came to be.

What services are offered?

HeadMasters is a full service family salon. We offer a wide range of color services. Since color is my passion I make sure that my stylists are always up to date on the latest color trends. I provide advanced color classed for my staff once a quarter. We also do cuts for men, women and children as well as a variety of treatment services. In place of the popular, yet extremely damaging blow-outs, HeadMasters provides Keratin treatments. Your hair is our number one priority so I refuse to offer services that are damaging to the hair.

How do you juggle, mom, wife, and business owner?

One of my managers claims I have the ability to stop time. It is a common occurrence for me to be in the salon with two or three color clients at one time, taking walk-in client cuts in the process. This same manager claims I appear to be doing it effortlessly. However it takes a lot of effort on my part. I always try to give each customer my undivided attention. Jeff and I usually spend Sundays together at one of the three locations, me doing paperwork while Jeff maintains the up keep of the salons. You take the quality time where you can find it.

10 Small Town Kids

You made headlines when you donated proceeds to help a local East Texas family. Tell us about that.

Jeff and I are real people who understand the trials and tribulations of life. We did not open this business to get rich. Giving back to the community is very important to use. We opened the Tyler salon one Sunday (we are normally closed on Sunday) and all the stylists from all the stores volunteered to come work for free. 100% of our proceeds were donated, and our stylists voluntarily donated their tips made that day. We are also constantly donating gift cards for school events and veterans benefits. On Veteran’s Day all three HeadMasters locations offer free haircuts to all Veterans. We are in the beginning stages of planning a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going to Challenge Air, a program the takes special needs children on plane rides. You can contact any of our three locations at the first of the year for more info.

Announcing Challenge Air “Fly Day!” Saturday, May 21, 2016 Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 150 Airport Dr. Tyler, TX 75704 Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, a national children’s nonprofit organization, is recruiting volunteers, pilots and special needs children between the ages of 7-30 for its “Fly Day” event. Challenge Air builds self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with specials needs, through the experience of flight. Highlights of the day include: an educational ground school, a 30-minute flight, face painting, clowns, cool static aircraft, lunch, service animals and much more!

To register as a day-of volunteer, volunteer pilot or as a participant (first come, first served and free for all children with special needs) log on to: www.challengeair.org.

For more information contact April Culver at (214) 351-3353 or email us at aculver@challengeair.com.

Register Online at: www.challengeair.org 1-877-FLY-KIDS www.facebook.com/Challengeair

Special Needs A resource guide for special needs in East Texas

Therapy 2000

Spirit of St Louis Riding Center

100 E. Ferguson, Suite 1204 Tyler, Texas 903-509-2040 www.T2000.com THERAPY 2000 provides home-based occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to children (birth-21) with special needs, including disabilities, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders. We love what we do! Our mission is to improve the lives of everyone we work with, including our valuable patients and families as well as the therapists and staff who work within the company.

14531 Hwy 155 South Tyler, Texas 903-534-0127 www.facebook.com/ spiritofstlouisridingcenter

Spirit of St. Louis Therapeutic Riding Center provides therapeutic riding services to children and adults with mental retardation, autism, Down Syndrome, and other physical and mental challenges in the entire Smith County and east Texas area.

Innovative Therapy Group

Epic Health Services

401 E Front Street Suite 123 Tyler, TX 75702 903-531-2581 innovativetherapygroup.com innovativetherapygroup@gmail.com facebook.com/innovativetherapygroup

We provide comprehensive Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy services for children from birth to 21. In the forefront of service provision is parent/caretaker involvement and training. At Innovative Therapy Group the parents are partners in their child’s treatment.

921 Shiloh Rd. Suite C-120 903-509-3742 www.epichealthservices.com www.facebook.com/epic

Providing children and adults with the highest quality home health care is what we do at Epic Health Services. From pediatric skilled nursing, pediatric therapy, and enteral nutrition therapy, to a spectrum of adult care services, we offer superior home health care that meets our patients’ needs as well as improves their quality of life.

East Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center

Tyler Area Ambucs 5380 Old Bullard Rd, Suite 600, No 230 Tyler, Texas 75703 903-312-4925 www.tylerambucs.org www.facebook.com/tylerareaambucs

501 Pinetree Rd #U16 Longview, Texas 75604 1-855-937-2372 www.etxadrc.org The East Texas Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ETxADRC) is highly visible, trusted place where people of all ages, incomes and disabilities can go to get information and one-on-one counseling on a full range of long-term services and supports available in Texas.

Tyler Area Ambucs is a civic club made up of business men and women in the Tyler area who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for those with disabilities. We build wheelchair ramps, provide adapted tricycles to adults and children, engage in community service, and more!

Trinity Mother Frances Special Needs and Respite Care Program www.tmfhs.org facebook.com/Trinity-Mother-Frances-Special-Needs-Respite-Care-Program The Special Needs Program, was established to meet the unique health care needs of medically fragile children in the east Texas area. Trinity Clinic pediatricians and staff provide a comprehensive program to monitor all aspects of care for these children. Services include well child check-ups, nutritional guidance, physical therapy, social work, 24-hour medical availability, parent support group, Respite Care for families and caregivers and a patient advocate to monitor the child’s care.

12 Small Town Kids

Kids with special needs are just that...kids It was December. I was standing in my kitchen waiting for the coffee to finish brewing when I was thinking about the kids in our after school ministry. I started going through the calendar of events before Christmas andI had a simple thought, “I wish I could get bibles for all the kids this Christmas”. It was a good idea, but those of us who lead children’s ministries know good ideas also involve a long list of considerations. Number one on this list: Budget. Purchasing two hundred bibles would use up half a full year’s budget and it was the last month of the year. I filed it away for next year and started my day.

In late January, one of the member’s of our church, Cindy came to see me. She tolf me about a child in our after school program who she met during the week at a local business. Cindy told me about how the little girl with a disability climbed up in her lap and she asked the little one, “What is your favorite thing about school?”

After thinking for a moment the little girl responds, “Mini-Methodists!”

The little girl Cindy visited with that day has been in our program for six years beginning in preschool. I still remember my first encounter with the bundle of energy. I was taking the kids on a hunt of things God created. She ran away from the line causing me to move quicker than I usually do. Four year olds don’t bolt from line very often, and I wondered then if something might be different about her.

I’ve watched her grow over the past few years. She’s not like the others in many ways. You won’t find her playing with a group of friends.

Most of our conversations are composed of me asking questions and her responding. Often times you will find us holding hands as she walks along side of me to do whatever task is necessary at the moment. There are some days she just can’t sit through a bible lesson.

I’ve driven home many times and thought, I’m not sure if I’m meeting her needs. Is she safe and secure? Does she understand any of the lessons? Is she experiencing Jesus in some way?

Maybe the answer to my questions above would be no if I used a test as a form of evaluation. It is true, she probably can’t tell you what baby floated in a basket down the river or who found himself in the belly of a fish for three days. But still, what she told Cindy, reveals to me that in her own way she is experiencing Jesus. That’s all that matters really. She may not hear about His love in the lesson, but she feels His love from those who spend time with her in our program. She feels it in a way that leads her to claim our program on Wednesday as her favorite thing about school which makes me laugh because it is not a part of school at all. And God used her to answer that Christmas wish I had about bibles.

You see, Cindy was touched by my little friend and asked if she could purchase bibles for every child in our program. It was an answer to a prayer I had barely prayed. Boxes of bibles arrived and we gave them out with smiles on our faces and hearts full of gratitude.

It was also one of those life lessons for me: Kids with special needs are just that...kids.

There is no need to wonder if they are getting the message or if we are meeting their needs. When we open the doors up for all God’s children to come, He will supply all that is needed to reach each one. All we have to do is love! It’s a lesson I will not soon forget.

Stacy has three children of her own; 21, 17, and 13 years of age.

Weekly she directs over 150 kids in an after school ministry called Mini-Methodists. She is also the Directory of Children’s Ministry at that church.

Small Town Kids is looking for submissions for our Special Needs section. If you have a story to tell involving your own special needs child, or an experience with a special needs child, we’d love to hear it! info@smalltownkidsmag.com www.smalltownkidsmag.com 13

& Expecting Experienced sharing stories of parenthood very girl dreams of finding the perfect man, perfect house, and E having the perfect family.

But in reality there are so many road blocks and four way stops along the way. The path to that perfect life we once dreamed of was much harder than expected.

In 2007 I met my Prince Charming through some mutual friends.

We fell in love and still are very much in love to this day. We found out in August of 2007 I was pregnant with our first baby.

We were excited to say the least. We were going to be blessed with a sweet baby girl. For Valentine’s Day my husband had bought me a package from Stork Vision. As we arrived for our 4D sonogram, they wanted to know everything before they got started; who my OBGYN was, their contact information, and a lot of other information pertaining to the doctor. I remember thinking to myself, “Why would they need all this?” In my mind, all they needed to know was that I was seven months pregnant and just simply wanted to see my baby’s face. But I would soon find out why… this is where our story begins.

Finding Out As they put the monitor on my belly we all noticed something was…different. Stork Vision only showed us pictures of the baby’s left side, because come to find out, they noticed a deformity on the right side. The visit went great, but I knew something was different about my baby girl. Stork Vision could not legally or medically tell me what the deformity was that we saw, so I would have to wait until an appointment with my doctor to find out. Now I look back and realize that this sonogram present from my husband was a blessing. Had we not gone to Stork Vision and they not contacted my doctor about a possible deformity, we would not have known until birth. So there I was, waiting anxiously to see my doctor. When he walked in, all he said was, “I would like to talk to you about your visit to Stork Vision”. My heart started racing. He informed that they had indeed seen something on the 4D sonogram that he had not seen on our ultrasounds. I laid back on the table for another look at our baby girl. He confirmed it; our baby was going to be born with a cleft lip and palate.

I left the doctor’s office and went to visit the pediatrician I was going to use. I wanted to discuss what this meant. She told me that our daughter’s cleft was pretty significant in size and that I needed to consider having her in Dallas because at the time Tyler did not have the capacity to handle this. I was heartbroken. One sonogram changed my world. The following week I went to Dallas to have other tests run to check for Down Syndrome or heart problems. We made the decision to have our baby in Dallas as a precaution. We found out our baby was perfect and healthy other than having the complete right sided cleft lip and palate. As I began to research a cranial facialist, we narrowed it down to three in Dallas. We went to the first two consultations leaving the same way we entered...confused. Then our third consultation was with a doctor at Medical City. As we sat in his office he began to tell us that if we had a baby born with just a cleft lip and palate we had “hit the jackpot”. I was taken aback by that! I was thinking I did not smoke, drink, or take pills during this pregnancy so why on earth something like this would be considered “the jackpot” was beyond me. But he told us everything we needed to know; the reality and the truth. We left our third consultation having all of our questions answered. We appreciated his patience with us, his knowledge, and so we chose him as our specialist.

April 3, 2008 I sat in Jacksonville working in an office and started having contractions. I was thinking just Braxton Hicks because she was not due until the end of the month. I tried to wait until the end of my shift but I simply couldn’t. In fact, I couldn’t even make it to Dallas. By the time I checked in to Jacksonville’s ETMC, I was already dilated to 5cm and my contractions were fast and regular. We started to call my family to start to pray. If they could not get our daughter to feed, then she would need to be flown to Dallas. Our pediatrician had ordered special nipples to be used when feeding, but seeing as she was not due for a few more weeks, the nipples had not arrived. My Aunt had given a scripture to us for our precious baby girl, which was Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. We proclaimed the scripture over our unborn baby.

I had our daughter, Kaylei, at 11:03pm. She came out with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice. Had I waited the two weeks, Kaylei just might not be here. God’s timing may not be ours but he knows exactly what he was doing having her come two weeks early! As we looked at this beautiful baby, with a complete right side cleft lip and palate, all I could see was perfection.

14 Small Town Kids

She was everything I have ever wanted; I would not change anything about her. God chose us to care for her and he called me to be the mother to a baby that would need a little extra care and love. She was beautiful. We were so very blessed.

As the nurse entered the room for feeding time I became nervous.

We just prayed that our child would be able to drink from a bottle.

We tried with a newborn nipple, but were unsuccessful. I started praying because if she would not feed, we would be sent on our way to Dallas. The nurse brought in a preemie nipple and Kaylei was able to drink on the left side of her mouth with that type of nipple. Oh the relief!

We were able to leave the hospital after the typical length of stay.

As we loaded up our baby girl to head home, I was so nervous and somehow at peace that we were going to be okay. After four weeks we made a trip to Dallas to her cranial facialist to find out when her first surgery would take place. He was going to repair her little nose at five months then in one year he would repair her palate. We were told we would need years of speech therapy.

The First Surgery I was dreading her first surgery. We had only four short months to prepare. Those four months flew by and there we were sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to hear what the procedure would be like and how long we would be in the hospital. As I sat in the doctor’s waiting room watching the other kids, I realized why he told me we hit the jackpot with only a cleft lip and palate. There are so many kids born with so much more than a cosmetic problem. Our issue could be fixed with surgery while other children there had lifelong complications and deformities that would ultimately affect their growth and development. I was immediately humbled as I watched the other kids that were being treated by him.

Our name was called and we went back and he told us we would have to get use to her new look and this was an outpatient procedure which means he normally sends his patients home the same day.

We sat in the pre-op room just praying and trusting God with our baby girl. God sent an unexplainable peace over me. I knew we had chosen the right doctor and we were in great hands. As they took Kaylei back, my husband and I cried. The words of our doctor kept repeating in my mind, “You will have to get use to her new look”. I wasn’t sure what he meant.

The first specialist called in was an ENT, we chose to go ahead and have tubes put in her ears because kids with the cleft lip and palate retain fluid in the ear on the same side as the cleft. He reported that everything went well and Kaylei was doing great. About two hours later our doctor finally came out and said the surgery went great and Kaylei did wonderful! My Husband and I walked in the recovery room only to see a beautiful baby girl with a beautiful normal nose.

It was like it was not our baby at all! We did have to get use to her new look just like he said. We stayed in a hotel in Dallas that night just to be safe. We knew she would be sore and may have trouble eating. But in true Kaylei fashion, she did amazing and was able to eat despite the soreness. The next morning, we headed home.

We made it through her first surgery and now had six months to prepare for her palate surgery. She was just like every baby developmentally. Despite those warnings of possible speech problems, she started saying her words clearly. As we prepared for her 1st birthday, www.smalltownkidsmag.com 15

she was reaching all her milestones as expected. By the grace of God, we had zero ear problems as well. Life was great.

The Palate Surgery Then it was time for her palate surgery, probably the most difficult surgery she would have. We made our way back to Dallas knowing we would need to spend two nights in the hospital due to her sensitivity and predicted feeding troubles. Once again as I watched them walk my baby back to surgery I was feeling like my heart was going back into that room too. It wasn’t any easier the second time. Again, Kaylei did wonderful through her surgery.

After our two nights in the hospital we decided it best to spend one more night in Dallas at a hotel. Thank God we did. Early that next morning, she woke up crying because she was hungry, yet I could not get her to eat. We made the decision to go back to the hospital where they trained us on feeding her with a syringe. She would need to be fed through a syringe for the following three weeks. We had to be very patient with her because of how they corrected her palate.

Our doctor had to cut lines in her palate and pull the roof of her mouth together closing it with multiple stitches. It took her the three weeks of syringe feeding and lots of sleepless nights before the pain subsided enough for her to drink from a bottle.

Looking Forward We were past the hardest part but unfortunately our journey isn’t quite over yet. Kaylei will have her fifth surgery when she turns eight. The doctors will take bone from her hip and put it in the top of her palate. So please keep Kaylei in your prayers this summer as we have this operation completed.

16 Small Town Kids

Despite all this, we are so blessed. Today, she is seven years old, a straight A student, has no need for speech therapy, and has had no ear troubles. I give all the glory to God! We did not know how it would be having a baby with cleft lip and palate but Kaylei has been a trooper and she is one of the biggest blessings in our life! If anyone you know or you yourself are having a baby with cleft lip and palate, I just want to encourage you. There are trying times but it is worth every minute and they can come out thriving after their surgeries.

Blessings from our family to yours, Robert, Bridget, Kaylei, and Zach Pierce

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

Kids in the Kitchen

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients: • 2 c full-fat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 tsp dried basil • 1/4 tsp dried chives • 1/4 tsp dried dill • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 1/4 tsp ground white pepper (or black if you can’t find white) • 1/2 tsp salt

Supplies: Mixing bowl Rubber spatula measuring spoons (specifically 1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, and 1/4 tsp) 1 cup measuring cup

Instructions: • • • •

Measure out 2 cups of yogurt into mixing bowl. (It’s easiest to use a rubber spatula to do this, and don’t worry about being exact) Measure seasonings and place directly into bowl on top of yogurt.

Gently fold in seasonings until well mixed.

Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving - this lets the flavors “marry” together to create a ranch-like taste!

Get the kids involved: Depending on the age of your aspiring chef, he or she may be able to recognize some of these seasonings based upon sight and smell. If they don’t know the names yet, they may be able to guess which foods they eat regularly which may contain them. For example: have them smell the basil and garlic. These are found in pizza sauce, and marinara (spaghetti sauce)! What about the chives? What vegetable does this smell like? Onions! And can you guess which seasonings are used most often in the culinary world? (Hint: they can usually be found on dining room table) Salt and pepper!

Mixing the dip is perfect for a little one who can measure out the ingredients and gently fold them into the yogurt. An older chef can peel vegetables, and depending on the age, cut them for dipping in the “ranch”.

What will you serve yours with?

Little Red’s

Cooking Classes

Bakery & Take-Home Chef Cooking Parties 339-788-8523 Gourmet Treats www.littleredsbakery.net www.smalltownkidsmag.com 17

You have the family Protecting that family and your assets is arguably one of the most important things you can do. Making your Will is something you think about but never act on. One day you will get around to it. You are young and healthy, it will be a while until you need a Will...right? Wrong. We are shown daily that life can be taken in an instant. Not being around is something no parent wants to sit down and think about. The reality is, you need to. Paula Hartsfield of Hartsfield Law in Tyler answers some common questions and discusses misconceptions about your Will and Estate Plan.

What happens if I die without a Will in Texas?

Do not worry! The state of Texas has a plan just in case you do not get around to making one. Of course, your property may not go to the people you would like for it to go. And the court may select someone you would not choose in a million years to raise your minor children, but at least the state has a plan. Without a will, whatever assets you leave behind that may go to your children will be made available to them when they turn 18. How many 18 year olds do you know who could manage assets well at that age? Also keep in mind that the court will make the decision about who is to manage those assets until the children are 18. Wouldn’t you like to choose the person who will handle your assets for your children rather than leave it up to a court who knows nothing about you or your family?

Without a will, if you are part of a blended family, you might end up owning assets together with your step-children. For example, you and your spouse may have purchased a house together after you were married. If your spouse has children from a previous relationship and dies without a will, you will own ½ of that house and your spouse’s children will own the other ½ interest in the house. Oh, and if those children are minors, the court will appoint someone to manage their ½ interest until they are adults. It is within the realm of possibility that the “someone” they appoint is the children’s other parent. How comfortable would it be dealing with your spouse’s ex regarding the house you live in?

Is it possible in Texas for me to make my own Will without the assistance of a lawyer?

Yes, but is that really the smart way to do it? A lawyer whose practice is focused on estate planning keeps current on the newest laws that may have an effect on your estate. For example, a new law took effect this year that provides for an alternative way to pass real property after death. What do you know about that new law?

Some people believe they will save a lot of money and time if they create their own will online through one of the advertised legal drafting programs. Keep in mind that these companies are not law firms. They neither guarantee that the document generated addresses your specific legal need nor that the document you purchase is even the best document for your situation. Some of these companies advertise they have lawyers “standing by” to advise you. The question is, is that lawyer licensed in the state of Texas? Does that lawyer know enough about Texas law to give you the correct and most up-to-date answers to your questions? Will that lawyer be there for you in court if there ends up being a will contest or other law suit related to the documents you purchased online?

Let me tell you about a client of mine. Her husband died one year ago and his will was offered for probate shortly thereafter. Hoping to save money, he had drafted the Will online using one of those companies who advertise such services. After all, it was just a Will, right?

Well, due to errors inherent with the use of such programs, a will contest soon followed and is still unresolved one year later. Although he had hoped to save money, the costs of the will contest is already over $15,000 and is still ongoing! Oh, and by the way, there are very few assets in his estate!

What is the best way to leave property to my child?

The answer to that question depends on several factors. If your child is a minor, one of the ways to leave assets is through a trust.

There are many kinds of trusts and each one has its own purpose.

18 Small Town Kids

you’ve always dreamt of...now what?

Many parents leave their assets to minor children through an instrument called a Testamentary Trust which is created through the parents’ will. It allows parents to decide who will manage the assets and how they will be distributed throughout the child’s life. Generally, the trustee will make distributions for health, education, maintenance and support of the child while the child is growing up.

Parents may also utilize the trust to decide when and in what percentages a trustee can make outright distributions to the child. For example, the parents may specify that a trustee may make distributions throughout the child’s life for areas indicated above. In addition, the parents may specify that the child will receive an outright distribution of 1/3 of what is remaining in the trust at age 21, a distribution of ½ of the remaining assets at age 25 and a distribution of the balance of the trust at age 30.

The Testamentary Trust allows the parents to make the decisions of when and for what the assets of the trust may be distributed to the child. Without such a trust, any assets left to a minor child will be distributed to the child outright when he or she reaches age 18.

We do not have many assets so why should I bother to make a will to distribute them?

I always tell my clients that circumstances may change overnight. You might be involved in an accident involving an eighteen wheeler and a lawsuit results in the payout of a large sum of money to you (or if the accident results in your death) to your estate. None of us has a way of knowing how many assets we will possess at our death. Isn’t it better to have a plan “just in case?�

Having an estate plan is the best way to show your family how much you love them. The death of a loved one is excruciatingly difficult. Having to deal with the aftermath just makes life immeasurably worse and making decisions at such a time can seem impossible.

Having a plan in place allows your loved ones to know how you want things handled. How many times have you said you would do anything for your family? Prove it by preparing for the time you will no longer be there to help them.

What can I do to make sure my children are taken care of if something happens to me?

If the child’s other parent is still living, then he or she will be responsible for the child. In the case of divorced parents, please keep in mind that the surviving parent will generally be given the responsibility for the child. However, if the non-custodial parent has had his or her rights terminated, or there are other serious factors, the court may appoint someone else to take custody of the child.

In your will, be sure to name several potential guardians in the order in which you would want them to serve. If you name a couple, be sure to consider whether or not you would want only one of those individuals to be guardian in the event of a divorce or death.

Upon the death of the parents, their assets typically go to the children. Minor children (under the age of 18) cannot own property/assets so those assets must be held in trust until the children reach the age of 18. If you do not create a testamentary trust, a trust will be “created� when both parents die. The assets will be held in the trust for the children and the trustee will determine when and how the assets will be used for the health, education, maintenance, and support of the children. However, at age 18, the children will receive anything left in the trust. How many 18 year olds do you know who are capable of handling an inheritance by themselves?

The answer to that problem is a Testamentary Trust. If you create a testamentary trust in your Will, you get to make the decisions about how the assets will be distributed. Although those assets are still to be used for the health, education, maintenance, and support of the child, you have the power to determine at what age distributions are to be made to the child. This prevents the child from “blowing� his or her inheritance while he or she is too young for such responsibility.

Your physical property and assets are not the only important part of a child’s inheritance. It is also important to pass along the values held by you as the parent. At Hartsfield Law, I provide parents with a document to fill out that serves two purposes. In case the unthinkable happens, and your child must be raised by the guardians you have named, it provides those guardians with information about the values you want instilled in your child that were important to you. Even if you are fortunate enough to raise your child to adulthood, it is a wonderful document for that adult child to find after you are gone. It is a connection with you where you are able to share what was important to you.

Show your family how much you love them by making sure they will be taken care of LI WKH XQWKLQNDEOH KDSSHQV )RU VHFXULW\ DQG SHDFH RI PLQG FDOO 3DXOD DW +DUWV͆HOG /DZ 7RJHWKHU ZH FDQ GHYHORS D SODQ WR PHHW WKH VSHFL͆F QHHGV RI \RXU IDPLO\ ZZZ KDUWV͆HOGODZWH[DV FRP 6 %HFNKDP 6XLWH www.smalltownkidsmag.com 19

Local.mom

Meet Jessica Riley, a social worker who lives in Tyler with her husband and 2 year old son, Adrian.

She talks with us about how she juggles the demands of work and motherhood.

What does your morning routine look like?

We always start with a little morning huddle; my husband brings Adrian to our bed and we talk, give hugs and kisses. Then chaos begins. Either I’m chasing Adrian around to get a bath or my husband is…depending on if Adrian had one the night before. Afterwards, one of us is brushing his hair, the other is brushing his teeth and Adrian is flossing. Yes, we do all three at the same time. After all that, my husband dresses him and I may or may not change his clothes again depending on what daddy put on! Adrian is yelling for a ‘nack’ (snack) as I put on my makeup and hubby gets him a bowl of Cheerios. Milk or juice is spilling on the floor as we scramble to get out the door. We work as a team! Sure, there are mornings where we actually wake up on time, our clothes are laid out, good hair/make up days, breakfast/lunches already made…but those are few and far between!

How long of a maternity leave did you take?

I was able to take 8 weeks and my husband took 4 weeks. It was really nice to be able to have time off together!

Was going back to work as hard as you thought?

It actually wasn’t. I thought I’d be a wreck the first day I dropped Adrian off at daycare. He was only 8 weeks old! I cried as soon as I got to the car after dropping him off that first day. But that was the only time. I ran over during my lunch hour and checked on him every day for at least a month. I felt so comfortable leaving him there. The staff are excellent, friendly and practically know every child’s name!

As all daycares are required to do, they have to be certified, up to date and have trainings for everything imaginable. It was reassuring to know that if anything were to happen, they’d know exactly what to do. CPR procedures, how an infant should sleep, etc., changes all the time, so for me, it was easier than leaving him with family.

How do you juggle demands of motherhood and the demands of your job?

At 6PM every weekday, my mind switches from work mode to home. I think you have to. Family is more important than anything. I make sure that the two never intertwine. There are times where I may have to travel out of town for a night or two which is extremely hard. Skype has made it bearable. I just need to see my little family’s faces. Time spent with them is building memories that you have for a lifetime. Sure, I do appreciate and love my job, but at the end of the day, my world is my family.

20 Small Town Kids

What do you use to help keep you organized?

My husband, as funny as that sounds, it’s totally true. In my personal life, I don’t usually write things down, unless it’s a grocery list, or use my calendar in my phone. My husband likes to be efficient so he keeps records of everything. Example, my brothers helped me organize our garage when we moved to our new home. They found his ‘maintenance log’ for our vehicles. When he changed the oil last, type of oil used, mileage, notes, spark plug maintenance, literally the list goes on and on! He’s definitely not that uptight kind of guy. He’s the most laid back person you’ll ever meet. But without him, I’d surely be lost.

Does your job affect the way you parent?

Absolutely! I make sure that Adrian is and will always be grateful for what he has and he will always be respectful. I see so many people that struggle every day with different situations. No job, no food, no family, no support system and/or no home. We teach him to live simple and enjoy the greater things in life. I see the hardships families/children deal with daily. We may not have much, but we are forever thankful for our families, the food on the table and clothes on our backs. You just never know what the next day will bring.

What is the best part of your job?

Every day brings new situations, but it’s always special to uplift spirits and help those in need.

What is the best part of being a mom?

Having the love for YOUR little human being is like no other love in the world. It can’t be explained, unless you’re a mom. I just can’t wait to see what the next day brings. There’s always something new; new word, new phrase, new favorite food. Our little song to Adrian is ‘Beautiful Boy’ by John Lennon. This phrase couldn’t be truer, “I can hardly wait, To see you come of age, But I guess we’ll both Just have to be patient.”

The best part is having the privilege of loving him.

Do you have any inspirational words for women who feel stressed out by the demands of work and motherhood?

Stop and smell the roses every once in a while and take time for yourself. Don’t feel you have to be perfect in everything. Most importantly, be present in your family’s life. I read an article the other day about juggling motherhood with work. One of the main things that stuck out to me was ‘say no’. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do that extra assignment, it just means you’re overloaded. Go watch that baseball/soccer/ recital instead. Go live your happy life!

What do you and your child do on the way to school?

We can’t forget to jam out to ‘Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’ Pandora station on the way to daycare! Every morning Adrian asks, “momma, mickey music?” So we sing for a few minutes, then turn it off to talk about the morning. My mom always made my brothers and I answer these two questions every single morning, 1) “What are you going to do today?” Our reply, “Learn lots of new things!” 2) “With what?” Our response, “An open mind and a smile!” I thought it was nerdy back then and answered sarcastically every time, but I secretly appreciated it. So I always ask Adrian if he’s going to have fun at school. I’m sure my question will evolve to something similar to my mom’s questions as he gets older.

We are always looking for fabulous, local moms & dads tell their story or share a day in their life!

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Parents guide to: fever What is a fever?

A fever is a rise in body temperature that goes above a certain level.

The level that is considered a fever depends on how you take the temperature.

Here are the values that are considered a fever:

What can I do to help my child feel better?

Rectal temperature above 100.4ºF Oral (mouth) temperature above 100ºF Armpit temperature above 99ºF Ear temperature above 100.4ºF Forehead temperature above 100.4ºF

Medications The most effective way to treat fever is to use a medication such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). These treatments can reduce the child’s discomfort and lower the child’s temperature by 2 to 3ºF. Aspirin is not recommended for children under age 18 years due to concerns that it can cause a rare but serious illness known as Reye syndrome.

What is the best way to take my child’s temperature?

The most accurate way is to take a rectal temperature. Armpit, ear, and forehead temperatures are easier to measure than rectal or oral temperatures, but they are not as accurate. Even so, the height of the temperature is less important than how sick your child seems to you. If you think your child has a fever, and he or she seems sick, your doctor or nurse might want you to double-check the temperature with an oral or rectal reading. It is not accurate to measure a child’s temperature by feeling the child’s skin. This is called a tactile temperature, and it is highly dependent upon the temperature of the person who is feeling the child’s skin.

What causes fever?

The most common cause of fever in children is infection. In some cases, children get a fever after getting a vaccine.

Should I take my child to see a doctor or nurse?

You should take your child to a doctor or nurse if he or she is: • Younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4ºF or higher.

Your infant should see a doctor or nurse even if he or she looks normal or seems fine. Do not give fever medicines to an infant younger than 3 months unless a doctor or nurse tells you to.

• Between 3 and 36 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4ºF or higher for more than 3 days. Go right away if your child seems sick or is fussy, clingy, or refuses to drink fluids.

• Between 3 and 36 months old and has a rectal temperature of 102ºF or higher.

Children of any age should also see a doctor or nurse if they have: • • • • • •

Oral, rectal, ear, or forehead temperature of 104ºF or higher Armpit temperature of 103ºF or higher A seizure caused by a fever Have recurrent fevers for more than seven days, even if the fevers last only a few hours A fever as well as an ongoing medical problem, such as heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia A fever as well as a new skin rash

The information contained on this page should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. *Source: Healthychildren.org a division of the American Academy of Pediatrics

22 Small Town Kids

•

•

Acetaminophen may be given every four to six hours as needed, but should not be given more than five times in a 24-hour period. Acetaminophen should not be used in children younger than three months of age without consultation with a healthcare provider. The dose of acetaminophen should be calculated based upon the child’s weight.

Ibuprofen may be given every six hours. Ibuprofen should not be used in children younger than six months of age. The dose of ibuprofen should be calculated based upon the child’s weight.

Giving combinations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen or alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen increases the chance of giving the wrong dose of one or the other of the medications. Fever-reducing medications should only be given as needed, and discontinued once bothersome symptoms have resolved.

Increase fluids Having fever can increase a child’s risk of becoming dehydrated. To reduce this risk, parents should encourage their child to drink an adequate amount of fluids. Children with fever may not feel hungry, and it is not necessary to force them to eat. However, fluids such as milk (cow’s or breast), formula, and water should be offered frequently. Older children may eat flavored gelatin, soup, or frozen popsicles.

If the child is unwilling or unable to drink fluids for more than a few hours, the parent should consult the child’s healthcare provider.

Rest Having a fever causes most children to feel tired and achy. During this time, parents should encourage their child to rest as much as the child wants. It is not necessary to force the child to sleep or rest if he or she begins to feel better. Children may return to school or other activities when the temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

East Texas Family Directory Amusement/Entertainment

Children’s Clothing/Accessories

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark 18814 Interstate 20 Canton, Texas 903-567-0044 www.splashkingdom.com Facebook: Splash Kingdom Waterpark

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

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

Sillybugz 16700 FM 2493 Suite 400 (Old Jacksonville Highway)

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

Baby Registry Children’s Gifts/Toys

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

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

Baby & Child Furniture

Dental Care

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

Bullard Family Dentistry 125 Main Street Bullard, Texas 903-710-2309 www.bullardfamilydentist.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Home Improvement

Wellness/Beauty/Health

Jacksonville Custom Gutters 903-530-4729 www.jacksonvillecustomgutter.com Facebook: Jacksonville Custom Gutters

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

Imaging/Ultrasound Centers

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

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

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

Healthy Figures Weight Loss 1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 104 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0123 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com

Photographers

Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center

Jennifer Willard Photography 111 Devonshire Ln. Palestine, TX. 903-724-1529 www.jenniferwillardphotography.com Facebook: Jennifer Willard Photography

Zeid Women’s Health Center 109 Zeid Blvd.

Henderson, Texas 903-655-8851 www.zeidwhc.com

Southern Gypsy Photography 107 W. Duval Street Troup, TX 903-316-3106 www.southerngypsyphotography.com Faceboook: Southern Gypsy Photography Placenta Encapsulation

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

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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