FR EE K TA EO NE !
An Activity and Resource Guide for Families
Winter
2018-2019
LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Make Money with BPL Kids Eat FREE 3 FREE Sitter Hours Read From Local Authors Non-profit Organizations
ATA S C O C I TA • H U M B L E • K I N G W O O D • H U F F M A N • P O R T E R • R O M A N F O R E S T NEW CANEY • SUMMER CREEK • SPLENDORA
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The Team Winter 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9 Jerri Bankston
CEO/Owner/Publisher/Editor Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to many
Jorge Giovanni Garcia
Graphic Designer & Photographer Father of two
Table of Contents
Front Cover - Mia Garcia & Jace Emerson Golf Tournament.............................................2 Free Babysitting Hours By Trained Nannies.........................................3 Kids Eat Free....................................................6 Local Events.............................................12-13 Jesse Jones Park..............................................14 Free Paint Thursdays for Kids......................15 Helpful Hands..........................................16-17 Power of Play..................................................20 Make money, Save Lives...............................23 I Am A Ramsey Kid......................................30 Back Cover - Main Event
Coverage Map Chelsea Bankstaon
Marketing Manager & Sales Mother of one
Advertise with Us!
On the Cover These little angels are Mia Garcia and Jace Emerson. Jorge Garcia’s daughter and Chelsea Bankston’s son. They were delighted to be in the photo and pose for the magazine cover!
Contact us to reserve your ad in this publication. Jerri Bankston 281-703-7742 jerri42@embarqmail.com Chelsea Bankston 832-795-2379 chelsea.sgc@gmail.com
Jerri’s Corner By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35. Think about this scripture. Do all men know that you are a Christian, a follower of Jesus ? They should. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Galatians 5:22 Do you exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? Are you satisfied with how you show love, longsuffering, gentleness and goodness to those around you? We are entering into a season of giving and sharing with family and friends. Now is the perfect time to ask God to help you truly love, not only your family and friends but all of God’s creation. There are those who are less fortunate that need kindness and gentleness as well as financial help. And what about the animals that are abused and mistreated? We can all be a shining light of God’s love in some way. “Dear Lord, I come to you in my weakness and ask that you love others through me, even the people that I don’t like. Give me a new respect and appreciation for them and forgive me for my failures. In Jesus name” Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Find Us Online! All publications of The Whole Kid and Kaboodle can be viewed on our website: kid-and-kaboodle.com and also on our Facebook Page, The Whole Kid and Kaboodle. To receive the magazine by mail, submit your address to: jerri42@embarqmail.com.
Kid-and-Kaboodle.com facebook.com/WholeKidAndKaboodle/ A TiMMark Publication
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Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcomed and encouraged, but we reserve the right to edit and reject all submissions. Advertisers assume all liability for content in their ad, and Kid and Kaboodle assumes no responsibility for sales or misleading advertisements.
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KIDS EAT FREE! Marsala’s Italian Grill
12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree. Tuesdays, 3-10 PM. Huffman - 24501 FM 2100 E, Huffman, TX 77336 Atascocita - 5324 Atascocita Road, Atascocita, TX 77346
Three B’s Bar and Grill
Kings Crossing - 4590 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood Tuesdays, 3-10 PM - 12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree.
Dickey’s Pit Barbeque Kingwood Sundays
IHop Humble Sunday-Saturday 4-10 pm
The Fish Place Atascocita Sundays 4-close
Fiesta Azteca Kingwood Tuesdays after 5
Zachary’s Cajun Café Kingwood
La Casita, Porter Monday and Tuesday with purchase of adult meal
Denny’s Tuesdays and Saturdays - 4 pm - 10 pm Kingwood - 22671 Eastex Fwy, Kingwood, TX 77339 242 & 59 - 23412 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357
Hectors Mexican Restaurant Sundays and Tuesdays - 10 and under
Saturday 11-4
Huddle House Huffman Smash Burger, 59 & Northpark Tuesdays 5-close with purchase of adult meal
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24110 FM 2100 Suite 100, Huffman, TX 77336 Mondays and Tuesdays
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GLUTEN SENSITIVITY FACT OR FICTION? By Dr. Lewis Clark D.C.
Is it possible for a child to have gluten sensitivity? That’s a good question, but first what is gluten? Gluten is a term used for the wheat proteins. After, over 20 years, of working with children with ADD/ADHD as well as auto immune conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and even other neurologic conditions in children like insomnia and anxiety. I have seen that yes it is possible for children to have a gluten sensitivity. Why is this happening? 1) Deamination of wheat 2) hybridization of wheat. The modern wheat is not the same as the ancient wheat. Dr. Davis, in his book Wheat Belly, points out that the ancient wheat had only 14 chromosomes, the modern wheat has 44. Also wheat is combined with transglutaminase in order to store it longer. The differences have a dramatic effect on the way your body is able to handle gluten. However the most surprising thing about gluten sensitivity in a child or an adult is that most commonly it does not produce digestive symptoms, but rather immune system problems and neurologic symptoms. Gluten sensitivity is a neuro-immune problem, meaning the immune system has become hypersensitive to a food protein and can attack other tissue, even, including the brain. Therefore gluten sensitivity must be ruled out in all neurologic conditions that are unexplained. How do we rule it out you may ask? Well there are two methods; number one is to do the proper testing. This type of testing is done in special laboratories. Unfortunately most testing done today is not reliable. The other option is to do an elimination provocation diet. Eliminating the food for a period of time and then once the symptoms have improved, provoking the body with the protein to see if the symptoms return. Both methods are effective if done properly. The other question in play is what other factors
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are involved with food sensitivity, especially gluten. The number one factor that is involved is a leaky gut, or inflamed gut, leads to an inflamed brain and ultimately a leaky brain causing a breach in the blood brain barrier. This will result in a neurologic effect. This is why some children have cravings, and even an addiction to certain foods. A certain part of the wheat cornel can have an opioid type effect on the brain therefore it can not only get them addicted but also make it difficult to initially get gluten out of the diet. However with persistence, the right coaching and support you can in many cases improve your child’s neurologic conditions by eliminating foods that they may be sensitive to. Until then Live Life Well and God Bless.
Dr. Lewis Clark D.C.
Certified Gluten Practitioner Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner Board Certified Integrative Medicine Church in Humble, Texas in 1995.
Dr. Lewis M. Clark, DC, CCWP, BCIM, CGP is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine and a Certified Gluten Practitioner with extensive studies in: Functional Neurology, Functional Nutrition and Functional Blood Analysis.
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ARE YOU FEELING STRESSED OUT? By Tom Battle
Amid pressures to be "merry" and "happy" many people admit that they actually feel depressed, sad or hopeless over Christmas. Statistics show that many of these low feelings come from relationship and financial difficulties. About 37% of people say they feel lonely during a time traditionally spent with friends and family. Another 30% report that they feel extra stress and anxiety during the holidays. We go on social media or television where we see others with the perfect decorations, gifts and family situations. Ours can seem to fall woefully short of these unrealistic one-sided views of how things are supposed to be. Where can we find hope to combat these feelings of gloom and inadequacy that try to overtake us during the Christmas season? The Christmas season can be a time of hope if we will remember to look to the author and finisher of our faith. Just as Jesus, our Hope, was born in a manger about 2,000 years ago, hope can be born again in us. When Jesus, Heaven’s Perfect Gift, was sent, the world’s clock was reset. It was a new beginning for mankind. Look to Jesus today and let Him reset your hope away from the temporal and futile things that will let you down and toward real hope. What is real hope? Pastor Tom Battle shares the following in his latest book, There is Hope:
“Real hope, biblical hope, does not waver in the face of discouraging circumstances because it is directed by the promises of a faithful God who is all-powerful.”---- “Be encouraged! There is hope for the hopeless. When hope based on physical circumstances fades, real Bible-based hope is still there. “
evangelists and teachers. Along with their son Brandon, they founded The Lord's Glory Church in Humble, Texas in 1995. Tom is also the author of several Christian books.
About Tom Battle, Author of There Is Hope Tom Battle is a graduate of Georgia Tech (1969) and Lakewood Bible Institute (1988). While he held prominent positions with several oil companies during his business career, a supernatural conversion and deliverance from substance abuse led him to the full-time ministry. He and his wife were ordained in 1990 by Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, where they served for a decade. During that time, they were mentored by Dr. John Osteen and traveled as evangelists and teachers. Along with their son Brandon, they founded The Lord's Glory Church in Humble, Texas in 1995. Tom is also the author of several Christian books.
Celebrate Jesus, the Hope of Christmas at The Lord’s Glory Church
The Bible in Romans 15:13 says: “Now may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This Christmas let Jesus bring a new beginning into your heart and life by spending time in His presence, worshipping Him, and celebrating His birth. Attend a local church during this Christmas season and rediscover the Real Reason for the season – JESUS! a graduate of Georgia Tech (1969) and Lakewood Bible Institute (1988). While he held prominent positions with several oil companies during his business career, a supernatural conversion and deliverance from substance abuse led him to the full-time ministry. He and his wife were ordained in 1990 by Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, where they served for a decade. During that time, they were mentored by Dr. John Osteen and traveled as
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Tom Battle, Pastor
461 Artseian Plaza Dr. Service Times Sundays 10:30am, Wednesdays 7:00pm
www.glorychurch.com
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EVENTS DECEMBER PICTURES WITH SANTA
NATIVITY WALK
Deerbrook Mall: 20131 Highway 59 North, Humble, TX 77338 Toys & Candy On The Park: Saturdays and Sundays 12-4 P.M. 1271 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, Texas 77339
December 2, 2018 2-8 P.M. Deerbrook Baptist Church 400 E Main Street, Humble, Texas 77338
THE NUTCRACKER HOUSTON BALLET Till’ December, 29, 2018 601 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002
ROMAN FOREST CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW December 1, 2018 10:00am to 3:00pm Forestwood Baptist Church, 2431 Roman Forest Boulevard
CITY OF ROMAN FOREST TREE LIGHTING December 1, 2018 10:00am to 3:00pm Roman Forest City Hall, 2430 Roman Forest Boulevard Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10 AM – 6 PM Town Center Park - Kingwood 8 N Main St, Kingwood, Texas 77339
WHERE TO ICE SKATE NEAR US
CIGNA SUNDAY STREETS December 2, 2018 4-8 P.M. 1500 McKinney Houston, Tx 77010
CITY OF HUMBLE PARADE OF LIGHTS December 4, 2018 4-7 P.M. Main St, Humble, TX 77338, United States
HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS The Story Of Christmas Forever Noel December 7, 2018 7 P.M. & December 8, 2018 2 P.M. 19901 Townsen Blvd Humble, TX 77338
HOLIDAY MARKET December 8, 2018 12 -2 P.M. Kingwood Town Center Park 8 North Main Street Kingwood, TX 77339
Ice Rink at the woodlands town center Till’ January 21, 2019 M-t 3-9 Saturday 10-11 Sunday 12-7 Aerodrome Ice skating complex 8220 Willow Place Drive North Houston, TX 77070 Cheap Skate Night at discovery green Buy one get one! December 4 & 11, 2018 and January 8, 2019 1500 McKinney Houston, Tx 77010
INAUGURAL DASHING THROUGH THE GROVES FUN RUN CELEBRATES NEW ROAD OPENING
THE PROPHET FEST
CHRISTMAS ON MAIN FT. SARAH WALDO AND EVERY BLUE MOON
December 1, 2018 7-10 P.M. Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway Humble, TX 77338 Creativity Shell’s Munchkin Market December 1, 2018 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
December 14, 2018 7-9 P.M. Music on Main, 308 Main St
CREATIVITY SHELL 1570 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339
December 2nd Advent begins: Advent is the period preceding the Christmas season. It begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, and covers four Sundays. Because the day it begins changes from year to year, so does the length of each Advent season. December 2nd Hanukkah begins: “Festival of Lights,” starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev at sun down and lasts for eight days and nights. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs--both religious and military--of ancient Jewish heroes.
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December 8, 2018 8-10 A.M. 11810 Madera Run Parkway Atascocita, TX 77346
MERCER BOTANIC GARDENS HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN December 8, 2018 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, Texas 77338
COOKIES WITH SANTA AT WARREN’S SOUTHERN GARDENS December 15, 2018 10 A.M. -1 P.M. Warren’s Southern Gardens 1675 NorthPark Dr. Kingwood, Texas 77339
HARBORSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET Friday, December 21, 2018 4-7 P.M. Kings Harbor 4501 Magnolia Cove Dr. Kingwood, TX 77345
TAVOLA REINDEER RUN December 2, 2018 8 A.M.- 12 P.M. Tavola Recreation Center 23212 Via Principale New Caney, TX US 77357
WREATH DAY Saturday, December 15, 2018 11A.M. Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038
December 24 Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas December 25th Christmas Day, To commemorate the manifestation of the divinity of Jesus. December 26th, 2018 to January 1st 2019 is Kwanzaa, 52nd Annual celebration of Honoring the values of ancient African Cultures.
NEW YEAR, NEW HARBOR December 31, 2018 4-7 P.M. Kings Harbor 4501 Magnolia Ccove Drive Kingwood, TX 77345
KSBJ ROCKIN’ NEW YEAR’S NOON December 31, 2018 10 A.M. – 2P.M. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON 1500 BINZ ST. HOUSTON, TX 77004
NEW YEAR DOWNTOWN December 31, 2018-January 1, 2019 10 P.M. – 12 A.M. Downtown Houston, Houston, TX 77002
JANUARY JANUARY 1, 2019: NEW YEAR’S DAY JANUARY 21, 2019: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 25TH ANNUAL MLK GRANDE PARADE MIDTOWN HOUSTON January 21, 2019 10 A.M. Midtown Houston 1200 Holman Street (San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street) Houston, TX 77004
WINTERTIME BLUES DISCOUNTS AT KEMAH BOARDWALK JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ON FRIDAYS, SATURDAY’S AND SUNDAY’S 215 KIPP AVE KEMAH, TX 77565
FEBRUARY HUMBLE RODEO & BBQ COOK OFF February 1-9 2018 Humble Civic Center SWEETHEARTS FESTIVAL February 2, 2019 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
AT THE HUMBLE MARKET
KINGWOOD TOWN CENTER
2803 FM 1960 E Rd, Humble, Texas 77338 SantaFest - Moonshine HIll Trade Days December 1-2, 2018 10 A.M.
8 North Main Street Kingwood, TX 77339 February 2, 2019 Groundhog Day Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it cannot see its shadow, spring is on the way.
HOLIDAY MADNESS MARKET Dec 8 - Dec 9 10:00 AM
A CANDIED CHRISTMAS December 15-16, 2018 - 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
THE STOCKING STUFFER MARKET 10 A.M. - December 22-23, 2018
KICKIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR MARKET December 29-30 - 10 A.M.
*SPECIAL EVENT* THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN (281) 388-2267 Victory Camp – 1407 Victory Lane, Alvin, TX 77511 Departure Schedule December 7-8 | December 13-15 | December 17-23 Weekdays (6:30-9:30pm) | Fridays & Saturdays (6:00-10pm)
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL February 9th & 16th 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. Kingwood Town Center 8 North Main Street Kingwood, TX 77339
FEBRUARY 14, 2019 VALENTINE’S DAY The holiday’s roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day.
TEXAS TRADE DAYS February 24, 2019 8-9 A.M. Kingwood Town Center 8 North Main Street Kingwood, TX 77339
THIS SEASON AT THE BENDER Charles Bender Performing Arts Center 611 Higgins St. Humble, Tx. 77338 December 1st -The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe December 8th - An Elvis Christmas December 15th -The Houston Tidelanders
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20634 Kenswick Drive • Humble, Texas 77338 | 281-446-8588 • www.hcp4.net/jones | E-mail at jjp@hcp4.net
Saturday, Dec. 1, 4–7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 1–3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
SECOND SATURDAY SETTLERS: HOMESTEAD
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2–4 p.m. SECOND SUNDAY PICKERS.
Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
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CRITTER’S CHRISTMAS
HOMESTEAD HERITAGE DAY NATURE PHOTO CONTEST. www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Jones/Contes
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. T’AI CHI.
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HELPFUL HANDS Too much to do & not quite enough time on your hands?
In the 1950s, scholars worried that, thanks to technological innovations, Americans wouldn’t know what to do with all of their leisure time. What wishful thinking!! Today, Americans are overworked, putting in more hours than ever. Technology disturbs our leisure time, our family time and even our consiousness. Juggling between work, family and personal needs makes it easy to get sucked into the never-ending list of to-dos and end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
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experience discovery green Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, is designed as an engaging and active place with programming to serve all ages and backgrounds, as well as workers, residents, and visitors alike. Prominent features include a one-acre lake, children’s playground, interactive water features, amphitheater stage and slope, small and large dog runs, public art works, HPL (Houston Public Library) Express, open lawns, and great restaurants. Discovery Green is more than a beautiful green space: it is an experience waiting to be enjoyed. The park comes to life with active programming during its Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. Regularly scheduled music, dance, film and theater, as well as exercise classes, children’s events and an urban market, comprise the backbone of park programming. Park spaces also may be reserved for private and public events. Tree-shaded walks lead to a tranquil pond while grassy slopes offer postcard views of downtown. There are jogging trails and a Model Boat Pond. What about bocce ball or a game of horseshoes? Maybe recapture your title as king of croquet? Discovery Green is your field of play. It starts with a rentable four-wheel golf cart embellished by the talents of two local Art Car artists. The art cart is stocked with just the right equipment for an hour or two of friendly competition. And don’t forget to make time to laugh and splash 18 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com
the Gateway Fountain, an interactive waterscape. Art installations add to the landscape while touring musicians and performing arts groups take the stage for noontime and weekend performances at the park’s amphitheater. Visitors have a variety of dining experiences to choose from within the park: the informal elegance of The Grove restaurant and the fast-casual fare of The Lake House, with both menus comprised of award-winning Chef Robert del Grande’s creations. Kinder Lake, encompassing more than an acre of the park, features water gardens and a model boat area, a shallow pool specifically designed to accommodate remote-controlled watercraft operated by park goers of all ages. The Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Foundation Performance Space hosts a variety of performances, including music, theater, film and dance, and is oriented toward a sloped lawn for audience seating. When the platform is not in use, it is open to all park goers, either as space to work, lounge, or dine near The John P. McGovern Children’s Playground is carved into an existing, tree-shaded hill, which shields youngsters from the surrounding streets and integrates the theme of the major migratory bird flyway over Houston. Individual species are represented in the play sets, and accompanying signage educates visitors.
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Young students interact in Lakeshore Elementary School’s grocery store and puppet theater.
THE POWER OF PLAY By Dr. Elizabeth Fagen
Humble ISD Superintendent of Schools
In education, we continually look for powerful strategies that engage all children, encourage movement, empower every single child to access learning from where they are and move along a continuum to the next phases of their development, and create authentic opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate important skills. Sometimes as teachers we feel like a physician looking for a magic medicine -- one that cures the illness and relieves the symptoms with no side effects at all; and while that may seem impossible in medicine, you might be surprised to learn that it is possible in education through one of the oldest strategies available, play. Play has gotten a bad rap, as it has become known as the opposite of work. However, for younger children (Pre-K through Grade 3), we are learning that play may be the most important strategy available, and that play is not a reward or something extra that happens when we are not learning. Instead, play may be the most powerful early childhood learning strategy available -- particularly when facilitated well by professional educators. First, play is engaging. Motivation matters in learning. Play naturally offers students choices and requires movement -- both key factors in long-term retention of concepts and skills. Next, and even more important, well-constructed play allows all children to fit in, to belong, and to access the learning from where they are. For example, Deerwood Elementary School transformed Pre-K classrooms into pet shops with a variety of stuffed animals as students explored the question, “How do we take care of pets?” Every child’s ideas were important. Every single one could access the learning and were comfortable doing so.
One of the single biggest detriments to learning is giving a child the perception that they are somehow not as good, or not as capable, as other children. Through play all children have a sense of confidence about what they can offer and this improves their willingness to take a risk and learn something new. Through the pet store, teachers engaged students in deeper learning of important concepts: vocabulary and language development, fine motor skills, collaboration, math skills such as sorting and shape comparison, and science knowledge like habitat selection. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, early childhood education play offers young children an opportunity to learn how to negotiate social relationships in a safe place while the issues are not too complex to navigate and learn from. I think many educators regret how, during the past 15 years, play was taken out of the curriculum to do more of the third grade, tested curriculum earlier and earlier. There has been a real cost to reducing play in early childhood education. The ability to navigate social relationships is a lifelong skill. Navigating social relationships includes the ability to cope with challenges and with disappointment. When we are young, the issues are often simple. They included things like there are only two swings and there are three children who want to swing. This provides an authentic opportunity through play for these young children to negotiate with one another. Learning through play is one of the most robust educational strategies available to us if it is employed at the developmentally appropriate level. Play is powerful.
Dr. Elizabeth Fagen Humble ISD Superintendent of Schools
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A GLOBAL SERVANT SHARING
LOVE By Sylvia Boiling
Twenty-five years ago, Cecilia LeBlanc decided to make the most important choice of her life -- she turned her life over to be used by God. Ever since then, Cecilia began her journey by dedicating her life to serving others in many various ways. Throughout those 20 plus years, Cecilia has been a member at Second Baptist Church where she first had the opportunity to do her life’s desire to become a missionary. Cecilia has been to many places in the world serving vulnerable children, women, and families. She has been to India, Africa, Dominican Republic, and El Salvador to name a few. Cecilia has also had the opportunity to be one of the leaders at Second Baptist Church by implementing bible study groups and events. During her trip to Africa, in Kenya she was honored to work alongside Buckner International serving families and children. She shared God stories with the children, helped prep and cook meals, and donated shoes and supplies. This was one of many highlights of her mission trips she joyfully shares with others. Her presence brings hope and love to many. In building a relationship with Buckner, Cecilia is now teaching bible studies to the Hispanic community at Buckner Family Hope Center at Aldine. Her daughter, Cathy Benitez, is the Center’s Family Coach. The bible study class grows each week and each week new lives are saved. In the past six months, 30 people have accepted Jesus Christ.
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Cecilia always shares that she is living God’s purpose and true calling in life. One of her favorite biblical quotes is
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength”- Philippians 4:13. God has truly blessed her with strength and humility to be His hands and feet in so many countries.
Sylvia Bolling Buckner Community Liaison Buckner Family Hope Center at Aldine 4700 Aldine Mail Rt., Houston, TX 77039 713-459-7640 / www.buckner.org
The Buckner Family Hope Center at Aldine is partnered with schools, churches, businesses, agencies, government officials and talented volunteers to provide such programs as GED, after school and summer, Teen Enrichment Academy, resale shop, job training program, senior programs, counseling, English as a second language, sports, field trips, family activities, programs for youth, and adults on probation, job search and many others. The Center serves over 5000 households annually, empowering youth, healing families and impacting the community.
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Merry Christmas + Happy New Year We face many challenges, but this is truly an exciting time to be alive. The script is not yet written. We do not know what the page will read tomorrow, but for the first time in a long time, what we do know is that the pages will be authored by each of you. You, the American people, will be in charge. Your voice, your desires, your hopes and aspirations, will nerver again fall on deaf ears – the forgotten men and women will not be forgotten anymore. ~ Donald J. Trump
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FINDING TOTAL HEALTH
& KEEPING IT! By Vickie
Everyone has a health journey—a life story that we maybe feel is dictated by the luck of the draw. Do we have a great family history—good genes—lifestyle that would compensate for drawing the short straw? Do we always get the flu or whatever is going around—always feel tired—never have enough time or sleep—never enough money—never get a break? Unfortunately, many of us do not prioritize ourselves on the take care of me list until we have a health crisis. This is often the result of the body’s previous failed attempts to get our attention to stop the hamster wheel—find the brake! Wouldn’t it be nice if our lives were balanced most of the time, so we could be proactive instead of reactive regarding our health? The achievement of health in the truest sense of the word, is found as we examine the following five aspects: spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and financial. Each of these aspects interlink with the others and have a profound impact on the other four if one is lagging. The balance of this multifaceted design of health is imperative for enjoying quality in our quantity of years. No one wants to just live until 90, we want to own 90 and enjoy the journey on the way. Merely existing at 90 is not what dreams are made of for most people. I encourage you to set goals for each health aspect regardless of your present age, for when you are ripe you rot and when you are green you grow! Never stop wanting to learn! Our mental and emotional outlook can cause
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our dreams to hibernate just as much as if we are impacted financially or physically. The power of the human mind is so underestimated! We all have special gifts, abilities, and talents. We can also create the environment conducive to seeing them manifest to their fullest potential. I have always believed that if someone wants something ‘bad enough’, they will find a way to make it happen! What are your health goals for 2019? Close your eyes for a minute. Take and make 5 minutes to quickly jot down what you want 2019 to look like for you and then what is the one daily action step to take towards that goal. Start with simple attainable goals (the vacation home in the Caribbean will be there eventually) Put your list on your refrigerator door or dashboard of your car so you can see it every day. Decide is it ‘one day …. or day one?’ If you want to go back to school or change careers, you need to take the first step. Don’t let the 12th step prevent the first step! Have the faith to move forward one step at a time. At the very least, research, apply or take an aptitude test. Set the date! All progress takes place outside of our defined comfort zone! Spiritually, goals may consist of spending more quiet time or study of the Word every day—start with 5 minutes. Pray for one person a day or bless someone with a kind word or a listening ear.
Even if finances are tight, start a financial plan by saving a dollar a day. Open that savings account! Even if you are physically exhausted, walk up and down the driveway—starting first thing in the morning to the end and back—done! If you are emotionally and mentally exhausted, take a break! Walk around the block, enjoy a soaking bath, or go sit in the library for 20 minutes. Allot the time for yourself to breathe …. slowly and deeply! Everyone needs to have alone time, girlfriend or guy time, husband or wife time, family time, as well as that special time with each child. To have memories, you must take the time to create them! The best part is the most remembered are not usually the most expensive! Evaluate your plan every month. Where did you succeed? It is important to focus on the steps you have accomplished, instead of what you did not. Keep it positive—be your own best friend! To quote McKay Christensen,” Do something today that your FUTURE SELF will THANK YOU for!”
take Vitamin D3 (at least 5,000 iu with dinner), and probiotics. Let go of what is not important and let those who are dear to you know that they are! “Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)
Vickie Mabile NP, ND. Medical and Naturopathic Care The Integrative Health Clinic 2300 Green Oak Dr., Suite 150 Kingwood, TX 77339 281-713-0939 Vickie Mabile NP, ND is a certified Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Naturopathy. She has an extensive background in Family Practice and Women’s Health. She is the owner of The Integrative Health Clinic in Kingwood, offering medical care and naturopathic care.
Lastly, in preparing for the upcoming season, pace yourself! If you are stressed so is your immune system. Maintain a healthy immunity by getting 8 hours of sleep at a regular time each night, drink 8 glasses of water per day, maintain a healthy diet,
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LAKE HOUSTON AREA
LIBRARIES Atascocita Branch Library 19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr, Atascocita, TX 77346 Hours: Mon. 11a-8p / Tue. 1p-9p / Wed. 10a-6p / Thu. 10a-8p / Fri. 1p-6p / Sat. 10a-5p Phone: (281) 812-2162
Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 S Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77338 Hours: Sunday Closed Mond 1p-7p / Tues 10a - 9p / Wed 10a - 7p / Thurs 10a - 9p / Fri 1p - 6p / Sat 10a - 5p Phone: (832) 927-5500
Kingwood Branch Library 4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, TX 77339 Hours: Sunday Closed Moday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 9pm Phone: (281) 360-6804
Library Services Include: WIFI / Programs for all Ages / Computer Classes / Meeting and Study Rooms For more information please contact your branch library or visit hcpl.net
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I AM A RAMSEY KID By Beth Ann Johnson
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Everywhere you go the stores are pushing the commercialism earlier and earlier to the point of almost overshadowing Thanksgiving completely. Thankfully, my strong roots ground me in the real meaning of many of our year end traditions. For me, this time of year is coupled with such fond memories of growing up in a small village and all the hustle and bustle of a big family during this season. The arrival of the Sears & Roebuck Catalog seemed to jumpstart the excitement around our house. My older sister Carla and I would sit side by side on the couch and in turn, each of us would pick one item on a page we wanted for our wish list. The other could not pick the same item as this was ‘the rule’. Mom had to settle more than one argument with us fussing over this (sometime heated) silliness. Dad worked at the Goodyear Atomic Plant (DOE) and each Christmas they sponsored A VISIT WITH SANTA for their employees and families. Afterward we would walk around and around this huge mountain of unwrapped toys separated by a red velvet rope line. We could pick any one gift-of-ourchoice and a runner would bring it to us. I don’t remember one toy I ever got from this annual event…or even from a classroom, scouts, or Sunday school passing party. But I remember many presents from our own family Christmas mornings. We didn’t have fancy stockings or a fireplace, but each of us would find on a doorknob or piano pull those old red plastic stockings made from netting. A few gum ball type trinkets and peanuts, I think, were par for these. The last Sunday before Christmas, our church gave out brown paper bag treats that I really enjoyed! Peanuts were in the bottom, a few chocolate drops, gum drops, an apple or orange, and a candy cane. This was a highlight! All of us kids participated in the church and school program(s) and choir(s) and, of course, the village parade from the high school, down Jackson Street and to the Fire Department in mid-December. The whole town, it seemed, gather to sing and enjoy each other. Our home and street was always on the
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carolers list and I can still hear Norma Jean’s voice above everyone else in my head. She was a great singer and I’m complementing her here. We had a live tree for most of our growing up years. Those heavy string lights and silver tinsel was the style of the day and decorating with glass bulbs was a family thing…everyone got to help. The big ending for us was putting the angel on top of the tree. Dad would pick one of us up in his arms and pull the center stem down so we could slid it on easily. This was our family tree topper picture here. I ended up with her after another bigger topper was purchased some years later. Funny…as a child she was much bigger in my mind than she actually is; only 5 1/2’’ tall. She’s well worn and has lost most of her luster. With only one wing she hangs proud and high each Christmas here in Texas…and she is still the last and most important ornament on my family tree. Many could boast more in material things… but the life in our home; the people, the sounds, the smells, the laughter, and the love… are unequaled to me. My heart is full and running over because…I am a Ramsey kid! JESUS is still the reason for the season. REJOICE!
Beth Ann Johnson is an Ohio Buckeye transplant that has called Humble, Texas her home for over thirty years. She is a GRAMM to Marissa, Sophie, Keira, Landon, & Baron, a USAF veteran, and a NASA bedrest control subject contract. She has done mission work on four continents and is presently working on two new books; IF and MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE. Questions or comments for Beth Ann? Contact her at aswjeep@hotmail.com
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