The Journey Magazine April 2013

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T O M

D A Y G I V E A S ’ R W HE I\

AY

Do you have or know an extraordinary Mom that deserves a special recognition this Mother’s Day? Enter her in The Journey’s Mother’s Day Giveaway for a chance to win her some well deserved pampering!

how it works: You will email us some information, including why you think your nomination deserves some recognition this Mother’s Day. We will then choose a first, second & third place winner. First place gets to choose which prize package she’d like. Second place gets to choose from the remaining two packages, and third place gets the last prize package.

how to enter: Email us the following information to contest@tjmag.com by May 1, 2013! 1) Your name, 2) Name of person you’re nominating, 3) Your address, 4) Your phone number, and 5) A few sentences about why your nominee deserves to win big.

prize packages: fierce & fashionable· perfectly pampered · domestic diva $100 Wardrobe

One Hour Massage

from Belk in Lufkin

by Carrie Love @ Expressive Images

Dinner for Two

from Amy Jo Roland (must be redeemed in Lufkin)

Philosophy Gift Bag

at Clear Springs or Auntie Pastas in Nacogdoches

Xtreme Glideliner Eyeliner Pencil

Full Hour Spa Facial by Ashley Conlon @ Studio 319

from Permanent Cosmetics by Lynanne (valued at $29)

Hair Cut & Style

$25 Merle Norman Gift Card

Pearl Necklace & Earring Set from the Pink Leopard Boutique

Apron & Recipe Box Set with Dessert Mix from Miss McGillicuddy’s

from Makeup Junkies

$25 Olive Garden Gift Card

Dinner for Two at Cotton Patch

$30 Posados Gift Card

by Abby Hopkins @ Maricelas Salon & Spa

2 Hours of Cleaning

One Month of Tanning

10 oz Soy Candle

from Solar Image

by Deena & Co. from Quality Bargains

10 oz Soy Candle from Quality Bargains

10 oz Soy Candle from Quality Bargains

* All federal, state & other taxes relating to any prize, & any travel or other expenses relating to any prize, are the sole responsibility of the winners. * Prizes are not transferable, substitutable, or exchangeable for cash.

have questions? 2 THE JOURNEY APR2013 Call us at (936) 634-­7188 or stop by The Journey Office, located at 115 E. Shepherd, Lufkin, TX 75901.

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4 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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6 THE JOURNEY APR2013

WELCOME

t’s East Texas’ favorite event we all look forward to—rodeo season! And if you are one of those who do not own a pair of boots, it is now time to add that to your wardrobe. I h ave to a dmit, I was one of those for the first 27 years of my life. I lived without owning a pair of boots, but after getting involved with the rodeo, “I needed a pair.” Believe it or not, once I had them, they came in very handy! I wear boots all the time. All of this to encourage you to invest in a good pair of boots! We live in Texas; everyone should own a pair!

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hard to give back to Angelina County. The Lufkin Hosts Lion’s Club spends countless hours of work and planning to put on the Angelina County Rodeo for us all to enjoy. T hen, after all the money is counted, they disburse those funds to organizations in the community.

Things to add to your to-do list this month: 1. Buy a pair of boots. 2. Get your rodeo tickets and buy a few truck raffle tickets. (stop by or call our office-we have raffle tickets)

One aspect of the rodeo that we at The Journey are able to be involved with is the 3. Read Jessica’s story! Rodeo Queen. This year, we had GREAT See you at the rodeo! applicants. It was a hard decision, but hands down, everyone chose the same applicant. We are excited to share Jessica’s [\WZa _Q\P aW] ;PM Q[ LMÅVQ\MTa WVM \W More important than the boots is the big watch; her future is so bright! STEPHANIE OLIVER picture b ehind the rodeo. It’s a g roup of PRESIDENT men who roll up their sleeves and work

APRIL 2013

CONTENTS

12

22

28

50

11 YOUR HOME 12 14 16 20

Home Tour: the Wells' Estate Decor & Design: Children's Art Wall Your Pantry: Eat Breakfast In the Kitchen: Meal Exchanges

21 YOUR COMMUNITY 22 24 26 28 30

Giving Back: Gloria Russell Children's Ministry Community Leader: Lynn Hopper Calendar: Upcoming Events Inspiring Woman: Jessica Skipper On the Scene: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

31 YOUR LIFE 32 34 36

Something Abundant: A Bride's Bloomin' Bulbs Relationships: Where's the Gauge on Your Love Tank? Stretch Marks: I've Been to This Rodeo Before.

39 YOUR BODY 40 42 44

Fashion: Spring 2013 Trends Health: March for Babies Life Change: Jessica Williams Mothershed

Cover Photo by Morgan Due

CONTACT US: Mailing: PO B ox 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 7 5915 Physical: 1 15 E . Shepherd | L ufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-7188 | advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag

twitter.com/tjmeast

45 YOUR CHILD 46 47 48 49 50

Pretty Babies Look at Me Parent Thoughts: Shopping Successfully with Your Children Birthday Bash: A Hoedown Birthday! Why I Love Being a Mom: Melanie Rushing-Saldaña

president: Stephanie Oliver managing editor: Beth Johnson | editor@tjmag.com director of sales: Kim Iribarren | kim@tjmag.com administrative assistant: &RUDQ )XTXD _ RIŹFH#WMPDJ FRP layout and design: Macy Haffey event photographer: Lisa Crow | lisacrowphotography@gmail.com event photographer: Morgan Due | www.morgandue.com contributors: Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Kelly Finnerud, Kathryn Greene, Amy McLeod, Angie Nichols, Stephanie Oliver, Melissa Radke distribution: Lisa Crow, Janet Glover, Jarod Thompson

Summer Specials! ;

Special Pricing on Fraxel CO2 Laser Resurfacing

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50% Off Laser Hair Removal Package of Six

; FREE Chemical Peel with a Series of Three Photo Facials for Brown Spots! ; Purchase a Clarisonic Cleansing Brush & Receive a FREE Neocutis Face Wash! ;

10% Off Neocutis Skin Care Products & Revitalash.

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Special Pricing on Restylane, Perlane, & Botox.

T. Lynn Warthan, MD & Molly M. Warthan, MD 1( 6WDOOLQJV 'U 1DFRJGRFKHV 7; ‡ ‡ 1DF'HUP FRP

MAMA TRIED E\ :DQGD :HVFK

$QWLTXHV 'HFRUDWLQJ *LIW ,WHPV

‡ %ULGDO 5HJLVWUDWLRQ ‡ 0RWKHU¡V 'D\ *LIWV ‡ 8QLTXHO\ &KRVHQ $SSDUHO ...And so much more!

Come see us at our NEW location! 6 )LUVW 6WUHHW /XINLQ 7;

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Let Us Help You Get That BIKINI BODY You’ve Been Dreaming of! Huntsville 284  Interstate  45 (936)  295-­0388 Â

Livingston 300  Bypass  Lane  #206 (936)  327-­2565

Lufkin 1121  Ellis  Avenue (936)  699-­4933

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YOUR Â HOME

12  PWUM \W]Z ÂŒ 14  LMKWZ LM[QOV ÂŒ 16  aW]Z XIV\Za ÂŒ 20  in  the  k itchen

Mama  Tried  |  photographed  by  Lisa  Crow

HOME TOUR

the Wells' Estate his beautiful home has been in the works and planned for many, many years. For Joe and Connie Wells, they thought about every corner and empty space and maximized every inch. The 4 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home is close to 8,000 square feet. The home has beautifully handcrafted details throughout, as well as custom rooms and storage designed just for them. Their house has been showcased on the CASA Tour of Homes and was a favorite. This home will certainly be enjoyed by all who enter for years to come.

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12 THE JOURNEY APR2013

Protect Your Greatest Investment

Are You Covered? HOME AUTO LIFE HEALTH BUSINESS $W 'DYLV ,QVXUDQFH ZH·YH got you covered. Protecting your home, your family, your future!

“Experience the Davis Difference” 3110 South First St. Lufkin, Texas 75901 (936) 634-2291 DavisDifference.com

DECOR & DESIGN

by Stephanie Oliver

Children's Art Wall PM WTLMZ Ua JIJa OM\[ 1 ÅVL 1 PI^M UWZM JZMI\PQVO room. More often than not, I am using that time to craft, which tells me I either like to make a mess or I should have been an elementary art teacher! One of my latest projects is [WUM\PQVO 1 PI^M JMMV \ZaQVO \W ÅO]ZM W]\ NWZ Y]Q\M [WUM time. With 3 boys, you can only imagine the balls that are thrown in our hallway. So, the adorable white, glass frames that you often see for art displays would not work in my house. Inevitably, it would be hit by I JITT IVL KZ][PML QV\W I UQTTQWV XQMKM[ \PM ÅZ[\ LIa 1 P]VO Q\ ]X 5a bright idea came after attending my super crafty friend, Suzy Lou’s, paint class. She gave me the courage to not be scared to try something new. Ever since then, I have turned into a painting machine! I decided to paint canvases of different sizes, hot glue my children’s artwork to KIV^I[ IVL ^WQTI 5a KPQTLZMV¼[ IZ\ _ITT PI[ ÅVITTa JMMV KZMI\ML +IV^I[M[ can be hit by a ball, fall to the ground and for the most part, not be bothered. You simply hang it back on the wall. I also placed a few letter B’s in a frame to break it up and add more dimension to the collection. My favorite ‘B’ is from my go to shop, “The Vintage Junk Company” (on facebook). I painted a store bought frame w ith the chalk paint ( Little White L ie) from Yvette A lverson, Beautiful Things.

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This is an easy project that is very inexpensive. W hen you are ready to add a new piece to your wall, you can always g ive the old one as a g ift to g randparents and relatives.

14 THE JOURNEY APR2013

Your Complete Floor Covering Center 8QILQLVKHG )XUQLWXUH ‡ /DPLQDWH ‡ &DUSHW ‡ :RRG ‡ &HUDPLF 7LOH

‡ 6 86 +Z\ ‡ /XINLQ 7H[DV 2ZQHUV 0DUN 0DUJLH )HUGHQ

 by  Amy  McLeod,  RD,  LD

YOUR Â PANTRY

EAT BREAKFAST AND REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR CHRONIC DISEASE ZMISNI[\ Q[ Ă…VITTa \ISQVO KMV\MZ [\IOM QV \PM American  diet.  Turns  out  mama  was  right;  breakfast  is  the  most  important  meal  of  the  day,  and  now  we  have  more  research  to  prove  it.  According  to  new  research  released  in  the  American  Journal  of  Clinical  Nutrition,  participants  who  skipped  breakfast  had  a  21%  higher  risk  of  developing  Type  2  Diabetes  than  did  participants  who  ate  breakfast. Â

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to  eat  breakfast.â€?  The  point  is,  breakfast  does  just  what  the  name  [Ia[ ¡ JZMIS[ \PM NI[\ 1V OMVMZIT JZMISNI[\ [PW]TL JM MI\MV within  one  hour  of  waking  to  get  the  metabolism  jump  started.  If  we  don’t  eat  breakfast,  it’s  kind  of  like  trying  to  get  our  car  out  of  the  driveway  without  having  gasoline  in  the  engine.  We  encourage  children  to  eat  breakfast  on  testing  days,  because  we  know  they  will  think  more  clearly  and  perform  better.  As  adults,  are  we  taking  our  own  advice?

)[ I V]\ZQ\QWV ML]KI\WZ 1 Ă…VL \PI\ UIVa XI\QMV\[ [MMSQVO PMTX to  lose  weight  or  manage  their  diabetes  do  not  eat  breakfast.  I’ve  heard  everything  from,  â€œBreakfast  makes  me  nauseated,â€?  or  â€œI’m  not  hungry  in  the  morning,â€?  to,  â€œI  really  don’t  have  time Â

Here  are  a  few  ideas  for  a  healthy  breakfast  with  ingredients  all  found  at  your  neighborhood  Brookshire  Brothers.  A  healthy  JZMISNI[\ [PW]TL QVKT]LM I OWWL [W]ZKM WN PQOP Ă…JMZ KIZJWPaLZI\M _Q\P I\ TMI[\ OZIU[ Ă…JMZ WZ UWZM IVL I\ TMI[\ OZIU[ XZW\MQV

Chobani Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Œ 8TIQV +PWJIVQ� aWO]Z\ _Q\P NZM[P JMZZQM[

ÂŒ *ZMISNI[\ J]ZZQ\W _Q\P [KZIUJTML MOO WVQWV ÂŒ +PWJIVQ +ZIVJMZZa 7I\UMIT *IZ[ [MM and  low-fat  cheddar  cheese  on  a  whole  wheat  ZMKQXM <W JWW[\ Ă…JMZ ILL I NZ]Q\ [MZ^QVO ÂŒ 7I\UMIT \WXXML _Q\P I \IJTM[XWWV MIKP WN tortilla.  Serve  with  sliced  pear.  dried  cranberries  and  almonds. ÂŒ ;UITT _PWTM _PMI\ JIOMT _Q\P <IJTM[XWWV ÂŒ 4QNM_Ia 4W_ NI\ 3MĂ…ZÂ? [UWW\PQM ¡ *TMVL peanut  butter.  ÂŒ -OO _PQ\M WUMTM\ _Q\P JMTT XMXXMZ WVQWV K]X 3MĂ…Z QV \PM LIQZa KI[M _Q\P [TQKML lean  ham  and  low-fat,  cheddar  cheese.  Serve  [\ZI_JMZZQM[ IVL I PITN JIVIVI 3MĂ…Z Q[ I ÂŒ .QJMZ 7VMÂ? JIZ *IZ[ ZIVOM QV Ă…JMZ NZWU with  100%  whole  wheat  toast. cultured  milk  beverage  known  for  its  probiotic  ! OZIU[ Ă…JMZ XMZ [MZ^QVO <W JWW[\ XZW\MQV properties.  Great  choice  for  all  ages  to  keep  add  boiled  egg  or  string  cheese.  tummies  healthy. Â

Chobani Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Ingredients

Step  1

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Preheat  oven  to  325°F.  Lightly  coat  an  11x7-in  Bake  until  edges  are  golden  brown,  30-40  rimmed  baking  sheet  w ith  cooking  spray. minutes.  Cool  completely  and  slice  into  bars.

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Step  2

ÂŒ Ăť K XIKSML JZW_V []OIZ

?PQ[S \WOM\PMZ K ÆW]Z WI\[ JZW_V []OIZ Nutrition  Information:  Calories  120,  cinnamon,  baking  soda  and  salt  in  a  large  bowl. Calories  from  Fat  30,  Total  Fat  4g,  Saturated  Fat  1g,  Trans  Fat  0g,  Cholesterol  5mg,  Sodium  Step  3 45mg,  Total  Carbohydrate  22g,  Dietary  Fiber  In  a  small  bowl,  whisk  together  butter,  canola  1g,  Sugars  14g,  Protein  2g. oil  and  orange  juice.  Add  juice  mixture  to  Ă†W]Z UQ`\]ZM [\QZZQVO ]V\QT KZ]UJTa :M[MZ^M :MKQXM UWLQĂ…ML NZWU ___ +PWJIVQ KWU  c  of  mixture  for  later.  Press  rest  of  mixture  into  pan  and  up  sides,  using  bottom  of   5MSIZa : M\ IT -I\QVO XI\\MZV[ IVL measuring  cup  to  even  out  crust. \aXM LQIJM\M[ ZQ[S QV UMV" JZMISNI[\ WUQ[[QWV MI\QVO NZMY]MVKa IVL [VIKSQVO )UMZQKIV 2W]ZVIT Step  4 WN +TQVQKIT 6]\ZQ\QWV :M\ZQM^ML .MJZ]IZa Whisk  Chobani,  vanilla  extract,  sugar,  2  T  NZWU P\\X" IRKV V]\ZQ\QWV WZO KWV\MV\ ÆW]Z IVL MOO _PQ\M QV I UMLQ]U JW_T ;\QZ MIZTa IRKV ! IJ[\ZIK\ in  cranberries  and  orange  zest.  Spread  over  crust  in  even  layer.  Sprinkle  reserved  oat  mixture  on  top.

ÂŒ Ăť \ OZW]VL KQVVIUWV ÂŒ Ăź \ JISQVO [WLI ÂŒ Ăź \ [IT\ ÂŒ Ăź \[X ^IVQTTI M`\ZIK\ ÂŒ < ]V[IT\ML J]\\MZ UMT\ML ÂŒ < KIVWTI WQT ÂŒ < WZIVOM R]QKM ÂŒ Ăť K []OIZ ÂŒ TIZOM MOO _PQ\M ÂŒ Ăť K LZQML KZIVJMZZQM[ ÂŒ BM[\ WN Ăť WZIVOM

Step  5

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Fun.

Join us for the 9th Annual Women in Red Luncheon. Join Woodland Heights Medical Center in celebrating the anniversary of Healthy Woman, a series of free monthly educational programs and interactive events. A local cardiologist will speak about women and heart disease. Also, Jane Jenkins Herlong will entertain with a funny, inspirational presentation that’s sure to motivate.

Thursday, April 25, 2013 Pitser Garrison Civic Center, Lufkin 11:30 a.m. –1 p.m. ,CPG ,GPMKPU *GTNQPI Ì Û>Ì > Õ À ÃÌ] ƂÜ>À` 7 } - }iÀ]

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Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a reserved table of eight. Limited seating. For ticket info, call 936-637-8688.

Thank you to our partners! The Lufkin News/Charm Magazine The Journey Magazine First Bank and Trust A-1 Party Rentals Artistic Balloons by Glenda Grandough Baking Company Heart Institute of East Texas Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy Get Fit! Consolidated Communications Aesthetic Concepts Images by Becki Heart to Heart Hospice Townsquare Media Kwik Kopy Lufkin Coca-Cola Brookshire Brothers

A W OODLAND H EIGHTS M EDICAL C ENTER R ESOURCE

18 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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IN Â THE Â KITCHEN

MEAL EXCHANGES

-ZQKI +ITTIPIU ;IZIP ;IXX *ZQ\\VMa 2WPV[WV +Za[\IT <PWUI[ /TWZQI 5K,WVITL /IaTM ;QU[ ;][IV :WJMZ\[WV +PIZTW\\M 0]NN[\M\TMZ <IUUQ )`MT[WV n  the  fast  paced  life  we  all  have,  anything  that  saves  us  time  down  the  road  is  a  blessing.  This  g roup  of  women  decided  to  have  a  meal  exchange.  They  each  choose  one  meal  and  cook  enough  for  everyone  in  the  group.  A  few  busy  hours  in  the  kitchen  preparing  a  meal  for  each  group  member  means  countless  hours  saved  during  the  week  preparing  multiple  meals  for  your  own  family.  Once  the  meals  are  prepared  and  ready  to  be  frozen,  the  g roup  then  sets  a  date  to  exchange  meals.  Each  woman  left  w ith  8  meals  ready  to  place  in  their  freezer.  Now,  each  member  has  8  meals  where  all  they  have  to  do  is  thaw,  heat,  and  serve.  Such  a  g reat  idea  for  busy  families  who  still  want  a  home  cooked  meal  in  between  homework,  dance,  baseball,  and  church  nights.

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If  you  are  interested  in  saving  time  in  your  own  kitchen  with  preparing  meals,  gather  seven  friends  and  start  your  own  meal  exchange.  You  can  meet  as  often  as  you  like,  but  most  meet  at  least  once  every  6  weeks.  Do  you  know  someone  in  our  community  who  could  use  a  little  extra  help  preparing  meals?  Maybe  it’s  a  brand-new  mom  w ith  a  little  baby  or  a  family  who  spends  a  lot  of  extra  time  dealing  with  health  problems.  Ask  each  member  of  your  meal  exchange  to  bring  one  additional  meal  and  bless  that  family  with  the  gift  of  multiple  dinners  to  be  used  when  they  most  need  it. Â

Creamy White Chicken & Artichoke Lasagna What  You  Need K]X[ KPWXXML KWWSML KPQKSMV JZMI[\[ OZQTTML KPWXXML  _Q\P NZM[P JI[QT ILL[ I TQ\\TM UWZM ÆI^WZ KIV Wb IZ\QKPWSM PMIZ\[ LZIQVML KPWXXML XSO Wb 3ZIN\ ;PZMLLML 5WbbIZMTTI +PMM[M _Q\P I <W]KP WN  8PQTILMTXPQI LQ^QLML K]X 3ZIN\ /ZI\ML 8IZUM[IV +PMM[M K]X KPWXXML LZIQVML WQT XIKSML []V LZQML \WUI\WM[ XSO Wb MIKP 8PQTILMTXPQI +ZMIU +PMM[M [WN\MVML K]X UQTS \[X OIZTQK XW_LMZ K]X \QOP\Ta XIKSML NZM[P JI[QT KPWXXML LQ^QLML TI[IOVI VWWLTM[ KWWSML

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Make  It Heat  oven  to  350°F.  Combine  chicken,  artichokes,  1  cup   mozzarella,  parmesan  and  tomatoes.  Beat  cream  cheese,  milk  and  garlic  powder  w ith  mixer  until  well  blended;  stir  in  2  Tbsp.  basil.  M ix  half  w ith  the  chicken  mixture. Spread  half  the  remaining  cream  cheese  mixture  onto  bottom  of  13x9-inch  baking  dish;  cover  w ith  3  noodles  and  1/3  of  the  chicken  mixture.  Repeat  layers  of  noodles  and  chicken  mixture  twice.  Top  w ith  remaining  noodles,  cream  cheese  mixture  and  mozzarella;  cover. Bake  25  min.  or  until  heated  through.  Sprinkle  w ith  remaining  basil.  Let  stand  5  min.  before  cutting  to  serve.

20 Œ THE  JOURNEY  Œ APR2013

YOUR COMMUNITY

22 OQ^QVO JIKS 24 KWUU]VQ\a TMILMZ 26 KITMVLIZ 28 QV[XQZQVO _WUIV 30 on the scene

)VOMTQVI +W]V\a *MVMÅ\ :WLMW d photographed by Lisa Crow

GIVING BACK

Gloria Russell Children’s Ministry… I KWUU]VQ\a ZM[W]ZKM NWZ KPQTLZMV he mission of Gloria Russell’s Children’s Ministry, I TWKIT VWVXZWÅ\ WZOIVQbI\QWV Q[ \W QV[\QTT KPIZIK\MZ QV\MOZQ\a IVL KWVÅLMVKM Ja \MIKPQVO \PM ?WZL of God on a child’s level. Gloria Russell is a veteran of child evangelism with over 35 years of experience. Her love is evident when you hear her speak and children are drawn to her as she teaches. Statistics are staggering in that 2 out of 3 children, in our own community, have never heard the name of Jesus or about his love for them. The ministry is associated with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), a national organization whose purpose is to teach the Bible to children and encourage children’s involvement in local Christian churches.

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Bible lesson and work in a message to receive Christ. We started our Circle Clubs in public school a few years ago. In 2001, the Supreme Court voted to allow faith-based organization to have equal access to public school settings. Our clubs are active now in Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Diboll, Timpson and Woodville. Elaine Cameron, a new Circle Club Leader said, “I am in awe of how the children give their undivided attention to the story I am sharing for twenty minutes. It seems they pay attention to every word and are very eager to hear stories from God’s Word.”

We have a group of youth called “Homeland Teen Missions” who teach at our camps and do programs for local churches when requested. Special training is available for them to Gloria had a unique experience when she began her ministry. learn how to develop skills to become future church leaders She said, “One day, after moving back to Lufkin, I was in their local churches, as well as help us in teaching younger sitting under the hair dryer at the beauty shop and I read children in our mission. a scripture in a magazine that said, “Walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called.” Immediately, I started Our future success depends on our community helping us crying and feeling overwhelmed, understanding that God spread the message of Christ. We have purchased a campsite was speaking to me. I closed my eyes and prayed that I location in Colmesneil, Texas where we live on site. We now never again wanted to say no to what God wanted me to do Saturday camps that we call Victory Camp. Volunteers do. I got home, my face red from crying, and shared what are needed in many areas, and we provide quality training, had happened with my husband, Clifford. Within a few materials, background checks, and insurance. Our camps days, I received an invitation to attend a four month long, provide a beginning foundation of faith for these children CEF school. I thought that it would be impossible for me who might never receive it anywhere else; we are planting to go, but my husband encouraged me. He reminded me seeds for the future. that I was teaching a few children, but challenged me to think of how many more children I could reach if I We welcome groups or individuals to tour our facility. If attended this school.” From that time on, Clifford and I interested call: (936) 634-2582, Website: www.changinggenhave been partners in the ministry. Clifford’s role now is erations.com, Email: Gloria at grcm@windstream.net, maintaining the camp and property, coordinating events, Mailing Address: Children’s Ministry, 2472 FM 1745N, Colmesneil, Texas 75938. sound system, and our general manager.” Currently, our program includes leader training, youth training, Circle Clubs and Victory Camp. Using CEF current training materials, we will prepare your church volunteers to understand how to reach children, teach a

22 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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103  B  Carriage  Dr.  Lufkin 936-­634-­1617 www.apwhhc.com Serving  51  Counties  in  East  Texas locally  owned  and  operated  since  1992  by  Dr.  Neal  and  Mary  Ann  Naranjo

COMMUNITY LEADER

LYNN HOPPER ynn Hopper is one those people in our community that makes Angelina County such a great place to live.

One very special program that means a lot to Lynn is the Family House. The special needs that many of the residents have don’t always allow for them to travel far. Their needs might require their family to have special access or sleeping quarters just for them to visit. Lynn says, “That is the beauty of the Family House graciously sponsored by Brookshire Brothers. Thanks to the Family House, that close family unit Over and over again, when doesn’t suffer. It promotes that family connection while making an individual, a family, or it feasible and manageable for families.” anyone for that matter is struck with tragedy in our One very time intensive program Lynn oversees is “Santa’s county, or if someone is Workshop.” This is a mail solicitation program requesting fundraising, we see Angelina +PZQ[\UI[ OQN\[ IVL N]TÅTTQVO \PM VMML[ WN \PMQZ ZM[QLMV\[ County at its best. “I think Hopper says, “We have never had a year our needs haven’t if you talk to all the non- been met.” XZWÅ\ WZOIVQbI\QWV[ \PMa would say the same thing; time and time again, our needs are Lynn Hopper goes into work every day to do her job, and because she does, she makes our community a brighter place met,” says Hopper. for so many! Lynn oversees the community relations for the State Supported Living Center where she interacts with her residents and the community. Her main role is to link the two together. The way they do that is through three main events during the year, <PM )VOMTQVI +W]V\a *MVMÅ\ :WLMW IVL \PM :WLMW 0MZW Santa’s Workshop, and the Sunshine Golf Tournament.

L

Lynn has been at the State Supported Living Center since 1999. This will be the 9th year for the Lufkin Lion’s Club to have a rodeo hero. Lynn says, “Working with the Rodeo Hero has been a fun project to be a part of.” She remembers back before there was a rodeo hero. She explains, “As far back as our records show in 1994, the Lion’s club has always given our residents seats to enjoy the rodeo. It was always something they looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. I think enough of the members of the Lion’s Club recognized that and that’s when they came up with the idea of the Rodeo Hero.” Lynn describes her every day job as “opportunities meeting opportunities.” It is what keeps her motivated and excited to love her job after 14 years. She says, “People will come to us and want to put a program together for W]Z ZM[QLMV\[ WZ N]TÅTT a need for a resident, and I am the lucky one who gets to make that happen.”

24 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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CALENDAR

UPCOMING  EVENTS 4/20 Main  Street  Lufkin  Downtown  Hoedown " I U .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV KITT ! WZ ^Q[Q\ ___ UIQV[\ZMM\T]NSQV KWU

4/20 Angelina  County  Heart  Alliance  Annual  Heart  Scoot " I U QV 4]NSQV I\ ,W_V\W_V 2MVVQVO[ ;\I\QWV .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV KITT !

4/24  -­  4/27 $QJHOLQD &RXQW\ %HQHŹW 5RGHR " X U VQOP\Ta

4/27 Spring  Junk  in  the  Trunk  Sale )\ 0IZUWVa 0QTT *IX\Q[\ +P]ZKP JMVMÃ…\\QVO I *ZIbQT 5Q[[QWV <ZQX  :MV\ I XIZSQVO [XW\ NWZ IVL WXMV ]X aW]Z \Z]VS \W [MTT )TT [XW\ ZM[MZ^I\QWV[ KIV JM UILM Ja KWV\IK\QVO :IKPMT I\ ! WZ ZUIPIVVIP(PIZUWVa PQTT WZO

5/3 Relay  for  Life  of  Angelina  County )\ \PM 4]NSQV 5QLLTM ;KPWWT <ZIKS " X U .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV WZ \W ZMOQ[\MZ aW]Z \MIU ^Q[Q\ ___ ZMTIaNWZTQNM WZO IVOMTQVIKW\`

5/4 Dr.  Bill  Shelton’s  Totally  Awesome  Fishing  Adventure )\ +I[[MT[ *WaSQV 8IZS WV 4ISM ;IU :IaJ]ZV :MOQ[\ZI\QWV NWZU[ I^IQTIJTM WVTQVM I\ ___ UMUWZQITPMIT\P WZO .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV  KITT ! !

5/4 3rd  Annual  Zoo  Brew )\ -TTMV <ZW]\ BWW I\ " X U .WZ IL]T\[ IVL WTLMZ .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV KITT ! !!

4/27 2013  Relay  for  Life )\ \PM 6IKWOLWKPM[ -`XW +MV\MZ

To submit your event for the April issue, email your event to calendar@tjmag.com by April 20th.

637-­3547 Home of Champions

Information Meeting Wednesday, May 15th from 8:30-­9:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please call the Studio for more information!

637-­3547 Home of Champions

Information Meeting Wednesday, May 15th from 8:00-­8:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please call the Studio for more information!

Academy of Gymnastics and Dance 7XODQH 'U ‡ /XINLQ 7; ‡ \RUIO KWU ÂŒ 27 Â

INSPIRING WOMAN

photography by Morgan Due

JESSICA SKIPPER essica Skipper is a senior at Diboll High School and this year’s Rodeo Queen. She has set many goals for her future, and her strong-willed personality will push her to achieve them all. Her drive and passion comes with endless hours of hard work, but Jessica is used to that. Her story of determination began at a very young age.

J

Jessica has always loved school. She lived in Houston with her mom and brother until she was in the third grade, and their lives changed forever. Her mom underwent a life-threatening back surgery to remove a blood clot that covered the entire length of her spine. Doctors had to scrape the blood off of each individual nerve, and each of those nerves was permanently damaged. To this day, her mom is paralyzed in the middle section of her body and lives with constant XIQV \PI\ SMMX[ PMZ ÅOP\QVO MIKP UWUMV\ )OIQV[\ ITT odds, her mother pushed herself to walk again. After surgery, Jessica moved with her mom and brother to Diboll so that her grandmother could help take care of her mom and provide for the family. Jessica enrolled in Diboll school and has been excelling in the classroom ever since. Jessica explains, “I have always liked school, but I have to work really hard to make the grade.” When she _I[ I NZM[PUIV IVL \PM ÅZ[\ \ZIV[KZQX\[ _MZM ZMTMI[ML [PM _I[ []ZXZQ[ML \W ÅVL W]\ [PM _I[ ZIVSML QV \PM class. She recalls, “I didn’t ever think I was good enough \W JM J]\ _PMV 1 [I_ \PI\ 1 KPITTMVOML Ua[MTN \W _WZS PIZLMZ UISM JM\\MZ OZILM[ IVL ÅOP\ NWZ V]UJMZ one!” Since her freshman year, she is in constant competition to keep that spot. She and her best friend OW JIKS IVL NWZ\P JM\_MMV \PM ÅZ[\ IVL [MKWVL [XW\[ QV \PM ZIVSQVO J]\ [PM PI[ XTIV[ \W PWTL WV \W \PI\ until graduation. Even though Jessica spends hours studying and XZMXIZQVO NWZ KTI[[ [PM ÅVL[ \QUM \W JM QV^WT^ML QV high school life. If her high school resume is any indication of her future, then Jessica will be a citizen who is determined to give back. For the past two years, she has served as the Drum Major for the Diboll High School Band. She says, “I have enjoyed learning to be a good leader and also learning how to follow.” She is also very active in many facets of 28 THE JOURNEY APR2013

FFA. She is a member of the poultry judging team IVL Q[ K]ZZMV\Ta \PM R]LOM ;PM PI[ IT[W [MZ^ML her community as a Drug-Free All Star and looks forward to continuing community service projects in college. After graduation, Jessica is committed to attend school at Texas A&M University where she plans to attain a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She has visited College Station and the A&M campus several times for various FFA competitions. She says, “I fell in love with the town; the people were so friendly.” After graduating from Texas A&M, she plans to attend medical school. Because of her mom’s surgery and the constant doctor’s appointments and nurse visits, she became very interested in medicine at a very young age. She remembers, “I always liked to watch the health channel.” She is excited to see where this road will lead her. Jessica is very quick to point out that she would have no hope of being where she is today without the support of her mom, brother and grandmother. She says,” My mom never gave up and conquered all of the trials and tribulations that got in her way. She tells me often that I am the driving force behind her and that I give her the reason to keep pushing through. What she doesn’t realize is that she is that same driving force behind me. I have watched her struggle years and years just to get out of bed in the morning and keep going for my sake. I made a promise to myself in middle school that I would never let her down and that I would give my all to whatever I decided to pursue. She has impacted my life in the best way possible and given me everything I need to succeed in life.” Her brother, Jonathan Walsh, still lives close, and although he is grown and gone from the home, he attends all of her competitive events and is extremely supportive WN PMZ ;PM [Ia[ ¹5a JZW\PMZ Q[ TQSM I NI\PMZ ÅO]ZM to me.” Her grandmother has given so much to her family. She says, “My grandmother has lived with us nearly my whole life and taken care of me, my mom and brother.” The future is very bright for Jessica Skipper. She has high expectations for her college experience, but no one doubts she will meet them all. She laughs, “I’m strong-willed. When I put my mind to something, you can’t stop me!”

ON THE SCENE

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Tips for Parents Below are some tips to help parents prevent or detect abuse: *M QV^WT^ML QV aW]Z KPQTLZMV¼[ IK\Q^Q\QM[ 6W\QKM _PMV [WUMWVM [XMVL[ I TW\ WN \QUM _Q\P aW]Z child. Talk with your child about what they do, who else is there, what kind of games they play, etc. *MTQM^M aW]Z KPQTL 4Q[\MV [MZQW][Ta IVL [MV[Q\Q^MTa \W what your child says. <MIKP aW]Z KPQTL \W ¹;Ia VW OM\ I_Ia IVL \W tell s omeone,” i f a nyone t ries t o t ouch h im o r h er inappropriately. <MTT aW]Z KPQTL ¹AW]Z JWLa JMTWVO[ \W aW] º -`XTIQV \W aW]Z KPQTL VW\ \W SMMX [MKZM\[ \PI\ NMMT scary or uncomfortable. /W \PZW]OP Z]TM[ _Q\P aW]Z JIJa[Q\\MZ _PQTM aW]Z child is present.

Also Remember: *IL \PQVO[ [WUM\QUM[ PIXXMV M^MV _PMV _M LW W]Z best to avoid them. ,Q[K][[ IJ][M XZM^MV\QWV QV I KWV[\Z]K\Q^M UIVVMZ just as you would other safety concerns. Fear does not keep children safe. 1N IJ][M WKK]Z[ ZMUMUJMZ \PI\ Q\ Q[ VW\ \PM KPQTL¼[ fault.

The Rainbow Room of Lufkin is a valuable ZM[W]ZKM \PI\ JMVMÅ\[ \PM _PWTM [XMK\Z]U WN families that are served by Child Protective Services. The Rainbow Room is an in-house emergency resource center that distributes new items such as clothing, diapers, and formula to clients of CPS caseworkers. To learn how to donate, get involved, or for more information, contact Lufkin Community Partners at 936.676.2645.

The Facts:

:MXWZ\ \PM IJ][M IVL UISM []ZM \W [MMS UMLQKIT help immediately.

Every year in the United States, up to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence.

4Q[\MV \W _PI\ aW]Z KPQTL PI[ \W [Ia IVL remember to remain calm.

There are nearly 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect made. Every day in the United States, 4 children die as a result of child abuse and neglect. Over three-quarters of these children are under age 4.

30 THE JOURNEY APR2013

YOUR LIFE

32 [WUM\PQVO IJ]VLIV\ 34 ZMTI\QWV[PQX[ 36 stretch marks

photographed by Morgan Due

SOMETHING ABUNDANT

by Angie Nichols

A Bride’s Bloomin’ Bulbs <PQ[ Q[ \W Ua .I\PMZ¼[ OTWZa \PI\ aW] JMIZ U]KP NZ]Q\ 2WPV " will never forget the day our little family of three spent an unseasonably warm winter afternoon digging small holes in the muddy mess in the front ÆW_MZJML[ WN W]Z VM_Ta KWV[\Z]K\ML suburban tract home. A toddling Mycah even helped by dropping bulbs, one at a time, into the designated place, pointed out by her well-intentioned, but ill-informed mother.

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March came in like a lion and April showers arrived as expected. By May, many of the neighbors already enjoyed many weeks of colorful blooms. We had nothing. Sorely disappointed, I wondered if I bought dud bulbs or if we had been hasty in planting them without reading the instructions. My brilliance wasted, Chris and 1 X]ZKPI[ML I NM_ [PZ]J[ IVL I ÆW_MZQVO \ZMM WZ \_W VW\ MVW]OP to accomplish the colorful scene in my mind’s eye for the space, it would be better than nothing. In the middle of summer, I noticed a tender plant beginning to poke through the mud and mulch. I spotted it as I knelt, pulling [\ZIa OZI[[ NZWU \PM NZWV\ ÆW_MZ JML[ /QLLa 1 KZI_TML KTW[MZ \W inspect the new arrival. I called Mycah over to admire it and reminded her of the afternoon we spent tossing crusty bulbs into PWTM[ <PQ[ _I[ ÅVITTa WVM WN \PM J]TJ[ OZW_QVO ?M LMKQLML immediately to water it gently.

house together, I pointed out the plant I so carefully nurtured. I loved how it welcomed our special guest, beckoning us to the front door. Mom inspected it for a moment, even taking its leaves into PMZ ÅVOMZ[ 1V I UWUMV\ [PM TWWSML ZQOP\ I\ UM IVL [XWSM \PM truth in love. ¹7P PWVMa°\PI\¼[ VW\ I J]TJ ÆW_MZ AW]¼^M JMMV \MVLQVO I _MML º “What? No!” I refused to accept her verdict. She wasted not a single second. Kneeling down on one knee over my miracle plant, she tugged on it at the base. “Yes, Angie. This is a spindly, no good weed. And it’s a tough booger.” She continued to rock the base of it back and forth as her bent body pushed and X]TTML 1 TWWSML WV QV PWZZWZ I[ ÅVITTa \PM \PQKS [\ITS ITWVO _Q\P a mature root system, tore out of the dirt. “There!” she said out of breath, holding the poor thing like a dead [VISM ;MMQVO Ua PWZZQÅML M`XZM[[QWV [PM [XWSM QV I KWUNWZ\QVO tone to cover her chuckles, “Awww, don’t worry. You just didn’t know any better.” Hebrews 6:7-8 says, “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.”

This truth in Scripture was certainly true of the state of my heart at the time. Living blissfully unaware of my impending (and perIn just a matter of a few weeks, the plant stood almost as tall as sonal) great and dreadful day of the Lord, I tended weeds where three-year-old Mycah, and the stalk expanded to a couple inches in He intended much fruit. Maturing from a child of God to a bride diameter. Most of the bulbs were a bust, but this one miraculously of Christ isn’t an easy process. We want the abundant fruitful life grew. Mycah and I tried to predict what type and color the bloom the Bible says is found in Jesus. But often we don’t take the time to might be. To save my life, I couldn’t recall what kind of bulbs we ZMIL 0Q[ ?WZL \W SVW_ I _MML NZWU NZ]Q\ 1N _M ÅVL OZW_\P QV W]Z bought, and the labels were long since gone in the trash. The element lives apart from Him, it may look like fruit, but in reality, it isn’t. When we don’t know any better, it is easy to nurture something of surprise made it all the more exciting. that looks like life to us. All the while, it is nothing more than a In a weekly phone conversation with my mom, I told her about VW OWWL _MML \W JM J]ZVML QV \PM ÅZM 1N _M IZM IN\MZ I UI\]ZM the one miracle bulb that survived my gardening ignorance. She relationship with Jesus, we might have to learn some hard lessons--even is an avid lover of nature and always has a beautiful display of letting go of the very things that look like life in order to live the KIZMN]TTa \MVLML XTIV\[ IVL ÆW_MZ[ IZW]VL PMZ 7STIPWUI NIZU- abundant, real life as His bride. house. I described its appearance to her over the phone, thinking she might be able to tell me what type of plant we had. She couldn’t “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that think of what it could be, but she was coming to visit soon. She you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life…” (from Deut. 30:19-20) would look at it and identify it then. I will never forget as long as I live and breathe. On the day of her -`KMZX\ML NZWU ;WUM\PQVO )J]VLIV\" /ZW_QVO NZWU I KPQTL WN /WL \W \PM JZQLM visit, she got out of her car and hugged my neck in the front yard. WN +PZQ[\ Ja )VOQM 6QKPWT[ .WZ UWZM QVNWZUI\QWV ^Q[Q\ ___ [WUM\PQVOIJ]V We exchanged greetings and chatted. As we walked toward the LIV\UQVQ[\ZQM[ WZO

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OFFER EXPIRES 4/30/2013.

On your next visit, please present this coupon when ordering. Coupon does not include cheese, bacon or jalapeĂąos. Offer not good with any other offer. No substitutions. Void where prohibited. Excludes add-ons. Limit 1 per customer. Price and participation may vary. This coupon is void in the event of any sale or transfer. Valid only in Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Mt. Enterprise, Jasper, Timpson, Carthage, Center, Joaquin and Corrigan.

\RUIO KWU ÂŒ 33 Â

RELATIONSHIPS

by Kathryn Greene

Where’s the G auge on Your L ove Tank? verything in our sphere of life centers on “love.” People will do the craziest things in the name of “love.” They will climb high mountains, cross \ZMIKPMZW][ [MI[ \ISM I J]TTM\ [\IZ\ I ÅOP\ IVL even die on a cross! We use the word “love” to describe how we feel about our parents, our spouse, our children, our peers, our friends, or our God. We also use the word “love” to describe the way we feel about our favorite dog, a piece of pie, or a new car. It is somewhat confusing \W LMÅVM \PM _WZL TW^M _PMV Q\ Q[ ][ML \W KWUXIZM \PM _Ia we feel about our spouse as well as a piece of chocolate pie.

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There is a kind of love that is essential to our emotional PMIT\P 8[aKPWTWOQ[\[ PI^M INÅZUML \PI\ \PM UW[\ JI[QK VMML Q[ NWZ TW^M IVL INNMK\QWV · \PM VMML \W NMMT \PI\ WVM JMTWVO[ and is wanted. With an adequate supply of affection, a child will likely develop into a responsible adult. Without that love, they will be emotionally and socially challenged. Several psychologists have used a metaphor of “an emotional love tank” to describe that need in the heart of each person. ?PMV I KPQTL NMMT[ ZMITTa TW^ML PQ[ TW^M \IVS _QTT JM ÅTTML and he will develop normally. But, when the love tank is empty, the child will likely misbehave.

What do you complain about most often? When you say to your spouse, “I don’t think you would ever touch me if I did not initiate it,” you are revealing that Physical Touch is your love language. When your spouse goes on a business trip and you say, “You didn’t bring me anything?” you are indicating that Receiving Gifts is your language. The statement, “We don’t ever spend time together,” indicates the love language of Quality Time. Your complaints reveal your inner desires. 1N aW] PI^M LQNÅK]T\a ZMUMUJMZQVO _PI\ aW] KWUXTIQV IJW]\ most often, ask your spouse. They will know.) What do you request of your spouse most often? If you are saying, “Will you give me a back rub?” you are asking for Physical Touch. “Do you think we could get a weekend away this month?” is a request for Quality Time. “Would it be possible for you to mow the grass this afternoon?” expresses your desire for Acts of Service. (Page 173-174) <W JMOQV ÅTTQVO W]Z [XW][M¼[ TW^M \IVS _M U][\ [PW_ TW^M QV I UMIVQVON]T _Ia 1\ Q[ VI\]ZIT NWZ UM \W _IV\ \W ÅTT Ua husband’s love tank by showing love to him in the way that I want love shown to me, but that is my language of love, not my husband’s. To speak his language of love, I have to know his language. Each of you needs to ask yourself the questions above and then share what you understand to be your love language. When you begin to speak each other’s TW^M TIVO]IOM aW]Z \IVS[ _QTT JMOQV \W ÅTT ]X AW] _QTT JM IJTM \W [M\\TM KWVÆQK\ MI[QMZ IVL IT[W VW\ JM I[ MI[QTa offended or irritated by each other’s words and behavior.

That emotional need for love also follows us into adulthood and marriage. The need to feel loved by one’s spouse is at the heart of marital desires. Many have come to realize that the house, the cars, or the place at the beach doesn’t mean anything if your spouse doesn’t love you. Material things do not replace the need for human, emotional love. Many times QV \PM KW]V[MTQVO WNÅKM 1 PI^M PMIZL Q\ [IQL ¹1¼U VW\ PIXXa I encourage you to love your spouse in a meaningful way Our love is gone. We are just two people living in the same and love your children in a way that they know they are PW][M )TT _M LW Q[ IZO]M · _M LWV¼\ MVRWa JMQVO _Q\P MIKP _IV\ML IVL PI^M I [QOVQÅKIV\ XTIKM QV aW]Z PMIZ\ IVL TQNM other.” Inside these hurting couples is an “emotional love tank” where the gauge registers empty. The harsh words, critical spirit, and emotional withdrawal have led to empty \IVS[ 0W_ KIV aW] ZMÅTT MIKP W\PMZ¼[ \IVS' In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman [PIZM[ \PI\ \PMZM IZM Å^M TIVO]IOM[ QV _PQKP aW] KIV M`XZM[[ TW^M \W aW]Z [XW][M QV I UMIVQVON]T _Ia" ?WZL[ WN )NÅZUI\QWV Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In the book, Chapman discusses three approaches to discovering your love language. First, observe how you most often express love to others. If you are regularly doing acts of service for others, this may be your love language. If you are consistently, verbally INÅZUQVO XMWXTM \PMV ?WZL[ WN )NÅZUI\QWV Q[ TQSMTa aW]Z love language. 34 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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by Melissa Radke

STRETCH MARKS

I’ve Been to This Rodeo Before. don’t have a lot of experiences with rodeos. I lived in Nashville for sixteen years and never attended one rodeo. (Do you “attend” a rodeo? It’s not like it’s a baby shower.) I’ve lived in Lufkin for three years, and I’ve been to three. Which means this town puts a lot of emphasis on all the rodeoing. (“Rodeoing.” Is that a word? Is it a verb?)

of stairs. Rodeoers have little patience with crippled people who get in their sight-line of dirt bike riders. I’m pretty sure someone threw a dill pickle at me. Later in the evening a clown made his way into our s ection. I’m afraid of clowns and spent the rest of the evening looking at my feet. He obviously smelled my fear. After refusing to dance with him for the umpteenth time, I was mocked by my section. I’m telling you, they see For the last three years I have tried to bargain, beg, me coming. plead and g amble my way out of attending the rodeo, but my family won’t hear of it and drags me kicking The second year I went my daughter cried until we and screaming anyway. It’s nothing personal. Rodeos bought her a light-up cowgirl hat. It cost more than just treat different people differently. Like for some my college education. By the end of the evening she people, rodeos treat them good; they go, they have had eaten so much junk she threw up in it on the w ay a good time, they come home, jump in bed and get home. I made her keep it out of principle. some shut-eye. The third year I went my children had outgrown their Rodeos treat me b ad. “cowboy clothes,” so before I even drove on to the parking lot I had spent a small fortune on boots, h ats Real. B ad. and shirts with snaps. I spilt a Coke in my lap, ruined a perfectly good pedicure when an eight year old’s b oot Rodeos see me coming all the way from the parking crushed my foot, and sat beside a man who “ brought lot. T he minute I step out of my vehicle, rodeo clowns, his home-made beef jerky.” cowboys, bulls, b arrel racers and vendors all send out some kind of signal. “She’s here! She’s wearing sandals! Don’t get me wrong. I’m g lad the She just got a pedicure! It’s on!” rodeo comes. I’m g lad clowns get to dance and muttons get busted. I will hear other people talking, “We went to the rodeo And just like everyone else, I buy last night, and it was perfect. T he weather was a breezy 100 tickets to win a truck - even 72 degrees. My child got chosen to go mutton-busting. though I’ve never won a thing in We were the 1 000th c ustomer and got a f ree thing of my life. But this year I’m doing nachos. We sat with two other families we know and things differently. I’m dressing the had the best time!” And I just want to cry. Seriously? kids, I’m signing them up to ride Because the last time I went it was 114 degrees and donkeys or whatever it is, I’m the only place the mosquitoes could get cool was inside buckling them in to the car and my shirt sleeves. My two children sat beside me and I’m going back inside. This year cried for two solid hours that they didn’t get chosen daddy is taking them! Because to go mutton-busting (And no. I didn’t sign them up, this momma can make her own because I don’t know what it is and it sounds perverted). nachos and she already lives I made my family of four split one nacho order, a large with a bunch of clowns. Coke and a cotton candy because all told the total was $573. And I do not ever, under any condition, see one Yee-haw. person I know; which makes me certain that everyone knows something I don’t.

I

The first year I lived here I went to the rodeo on crutches. The Attorney General had reserved some seats in a section where I had to walk down two f lights

Melissa Radke is married to the best looking man in town, whom she affectionately refers to as The Attorney General. They have two children, Remi and Rocco; you have probably seen their picture in the Most Wanted list at your local schools. She loves movie popcorn, telling her friends what to do with their hair and being the center of attention. You can find her anytime at melissa@lufkin.org or Chik-fil-A. You are encouraged to ask for her autograph. In fact, she insists.

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PLACES & FACES

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38 THE JOURNEY APR2013

YOUR Â BODY

40  NI[PQWV ÂŒ 42  _WUMV [ PMIT\P ÂŒ 44  l ife  change

photographed  by  Morgan  Due

 by  Jessica  Tinsley  Bridges,  Co-creator  of  joandjessfashionblog.com

FASHION

SPRING Â 2013 Â TRENDS

Spring  is  here  and  the  new  Spring  Trends  are  in  full  bloom.  The  new  gorgeous  Spring  2013  fashion  trends  are  fresh,  feminine  and  will  bring  liveliness  to  any  wardrobe. Black  &  White:  The  black  and  white  combo Â

Pants: ! ! ;SQVVa )VSTM 8IV\[ 7TL 6I^a Heels: ! !! 5W[[QUWÂŽ >QV\I )VSTM ;\ZIX 0MMT[ <IZOM\ Flats: ;\ZQXML *ITTM\ .TI\[ 2+8 Skirt: ?WZ\PQVO\WVÂŽ 8TMI\ML ;SQZ\ 2+8 Dress: Â

!! 5W[[QUWÂŽ +WTWZ *TWKS ,ZM[[ <IZOM\

is  one  of  the  hottest  trends  this  spring  season.   This  color  combo  has  been  around  for  generations.   Black  &  white  is  versatile,  classy,  timeless,  ]VQ^MZ[ITTa ÆI\\MZQVO IVL MI[a \W _MIZ 5WZM than  likely  this  trend  is  already  in  your  closet  without  even  purchasing  any  new  pieces.  The  easiest  way  to  wear  this  combo  is  to  use  the  black  and  white  wardrobe  staples  you  already  own.  Pair  a  white  top  (bonus  if  it’s  striped)  with  a  black  pencil  skirt  or  accessorize  a  white  dress  with  black  pumps. Â

Pastels:  I  have  always  loved  the  femininity Â

Watch: !! @PQTIZI\QWVŽ *ZIKMTM\ ?I\KP <IZOM\ Top:  ! !! 5MZWVIŽ :]NÆM 6MKS XMXT]U \WX <IZOM\ Heels: +ITT 1\ ;XZQVO 8MMX <WM ;TQVOJIKS[ 2+8 Earrings: ! 4QTa +PIVLMTQMZ[ ;\MTTI ,W\ Necklace: 2IKS[WV 6MKSTIKM *TQ\PM *W]\QY]M Pants: !! 5W[[QUWŽ ;SQVVa ,MVQU <IZOM\

Shirt: ! /ZIXPQK +PIUJZIa ;PQZ\ 7TL 6I^a Sunglasses: 8WTSI ,W\ ;]VOTI[[M[ 2+8 Heels: !! ;_MM\PMIZ\ ?MLOM ;TQVO 8IaTM[[ Bag: !! 5MZWVIÂŽ 8WTSI ,W\ <W\M <IZOM\ Dress: )Ta` +QZKTM 8ZQV\ ,ZM[[ 2+8

of  pastels  and  how  they  look  so  springy.  This  spring,  look  for  soft  green  (mint),  lavender,  pink,  yellow,  coral,  peach,  and  light  turquoise.  To  keep  this  trend  from  looking  too  juvenile,  pair  pastels  with  naturals  like  white  pants.  Pastels  aren’t  for  everyone,  but  a  little  color  never  hurts,  and  there  are  small  ways  you  can  make  this  trend  work  for  you.  Try  adding  a  pastel  stateUMV\ VMKSTIKM IVL MIZZQVO[ \W aW]Z W]\Ă…\

Dots:  Polka  dots  are  back  in  a  big  way  and  are  a  great  print  for  spring.  As  with  all  classic  prints,  polka  dots  have  been  around  for  quite  some  time  and  are  so  sophisticated.  There  are  so  many  ways  you  can  incorporate  polka  dots  QV\W aW]Z LIQTa W]\Ă…\[ <PM UW[\ JI[QK IVL simple  way  of  adding  the  polka  dot  print  trend  QV\W aW]Z W]\Ă…\ Q[ _Q\P aW]Z \WX[ 2][\ ILL I polka  dot  sweater,  blouse,  shirt,  or  tank  top  with  a  pair  of  skinny  jeans.  Florals:  <PQ[ [MI[WVÂź[ ÆWZIT[ KWUM QV [WN\

Dress: )Ta` ,ZM[[ 2+8 Clutch: .TWZIT 8ZQV\ +T]\KP *MITTÂź[ Heels: ! !! .QWVQ .TWZIT 8]UX 8IaTM[[ Skirt: !! ;SI\MZ ;SQZ\ <IZOM\ Scarf: !! 5MZWVIÂŽ ;KIZN <IZOM\ Pants: !! 5MZWVIÂŽ )VSTM 8IV\[ <IZOM\

pastel  colors  and  vibrant  hues.  F lowers  radiate  femininity  and  liveliness,  and  they  look  so  pretty.  ) ÆWZIT \WX TWWS[ JMI]\QN]T _Q\P [WTQL KWTWZ JW\\WU[ 1N \PM ÆWZIT XI\\MZV Q[ UWZM WV \PM bright  side,  pair  the  top  with  darker  pants,  jeans  WZ I [SQZ\ 1N aW] IZM PM[Q\IV\ \W \Za \PM ÆWZIT \ZMVL [\IZ\ Ja XIQZQVO I ÆWZIT X]UX WZ [KIZN \W aW]Z W]\Ă…\

Bold  Stripes:  Stripes  are  a  classic  trend  and Â

Dress: ! ! 2MZ[Ma ,ZM[[ 7TL 6I^a Wristlet: !! 5MZWVIÂŽ ;\ZQXML ?ZQ[\TM\ <IZOM\ Heels: ?WZ\PQVO\WVÂŽ <ZQVI ;\ZQXML 8]UX 2+8 Cardigan: ! !! 5W[[QUWÂŽ 4WVO ;TMM^M +IZLQOIV <IZOM\ Skirt: ! !! 8WV\M [\ZQXM [SQZ\ 2+8

are  easy  to  pull  off.  Whether  thin  or  thick,  black  or  white,  horizontal  or  vertical,  stripes  are  here  to  stay.  Pair  stripes  with  solids  or  with  I JZQOP\ ÆWZIT XI\\MZV 1N aW]ÂźZM ]VKMZ\IQV about  stripes,  why  not  try  this  trend  with  a  new  bag  or  bracelets.

Jessica (Jess) is a 28-year old brunette born and raised in Lufkin. She is in love with fashion and wearing high heels, even though she’s 5’10’’. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Fashion Merchandising degree. She and her husband live in Houston with their 2 dogs, Bella and Bentley. She is an assistant buyer for a department store in Houston, Texas. She and her sister-in-law, Jo, have their own fashion blog where they share their love of fashion on a budget.

\RUIO KWU 41

WOMEN'S HEALTH

march for babies

L

ocal business leaders and family teams are working with the March of Dimes to prevent pre-term birth and give more babies a healthy start in life.

This year, Mitchie Kinney has once again taken of the role as the March for Babies Chair. Kenney is also a proud March of Dimes 5Q[[QWV 5WU SVW_QVO ÅZ[\PIVL \PM RW]ZVMa WN PI^QVO I KPQTL _MMS[ early and weighing only 1lb and 14oz. Her commitment to the good health of moms and babies is personal and meaningful. March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2013. More than 4 million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one of them through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. As March for Babies Chair, Kenney will play an integral role in raising I_IZMVM[[ IVL N]VL[ \W IL^IVKM \PM [KQMV\QÅK ZM[MIZKP IVL ML]KI\QWVIT programs at the core of the March of Dimes efforts to prevent preterm birth and birth defects. 3MVVMa [Ia[ ¹5a _WZS _Q\P \PM 5IZKP WN ,QUM[ Q[ I ZMIT PWVWZ · especially during the Foundation’s milestone 75th anniversary year. March for Babies gives everyone in our community the chance to work together for stronger, healthier babies and make a difference in the lives of millions of babies.” She continues, “I can’t think of a more important cause than healthy babies. As a community leader in education, I know that preventing preterm birth can help our bottom line by lowering health care costs.” Kenney explains, “Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. In Angelina County, one in eight babies is born premature, and that’s just not acceptable. It takes leaders in our community working together to ensure moms have healthy pregnancies.” Last year, the Nacogdoches March for Babies raised $55,000. East Texas residents can sign up today at marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family and friends. Last year, more than 500 people attended the event -- which will be held this year on April 27 at Pecan Park in Nacogdoches. If you would like to volunteer or get more information, please contact Mitchie Kenney @ 462-3168 or mitchie1125@ yahoo.com. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. The March for Babies is sponsored locally by Eastex Glass and Mirror, Nacogdoches Dental and PineyWoods Pediatrics.

42 THE JOURNEY APR2013

The Woods family: Rusty, Cooper, Vicki and Rinley. Rinley’s Journey: Rinley Grace Wood was born, September 13, 2011, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. The Woods were told they would have their daughter back in 30 minutes. Minutes turned into hours and that’s when the trouble began. It was reported Rinley’s heart was not functioning properly. She was immediI\MTa IQZ ÆQOP\ML \W <@ +PQTLZMV¼[ 0W[pital in Houston and admitted to a special cardiac ICU for infants. She was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect, Ebstein’s Abnomaly. Other complications set in. Her labored breathing caused her \W J]Z[\ I PWTM QV PMZ ZQOP\ T]VO <PM ÅZ[\ few days were touch and go. She is stable for now but will require an open heart surgery called the Cone procedure or may VMML IV IZ\QÅKQIT PMIZ\ ^IT^M \W KWZZMK\ \PM LMNMK\ :QVTMa _I[ ÅVITTa [\IJTM IVL released to go home. Today she is closely monitored by her wonderful pediatrician Amy Huggins and <@ +PQTLZMV¼[ 0W[XQ\IT KIZLQWTWOQ[\ <PM Woods try to live each day as normal as possible and thank God for the blessings of their two children.

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\RUIO KWU ÂŒ 43 Â

LIFE CHANGE

JESSICA WILLIAMS MOTHERSHED y own personal story of life trials and experiences surrounds struggling with being overweight, dealing with bullying because of my weight and overcoming it all through the mercy and g race of Jesus Christ. Looking from the outside in, you would see a young, happily married woman and successful hairstylist who seems to have it together, but there are major struggles who have made me the person I am today.

M

order to meet new potential clients, I took a part time job at a local restaurant as a waitress. I worked there only a few months, then quit as my planned had worked.

My business took off to a g reat start! While I was thinking I worked at the restaurant to grow my clientele, God had bigger plans for me being there. Working in that restaurant for those few short months had led me to someone who would forever change my life. He was new to town, had moved here for college and just so happens I have dealt with weight management for as far back as I can he needed a hairstylist. A month or so had passed after leaving remember. Being overweight and g rowing up in today’s society is the restaurant, and he contacted me in regards for a haircut. He not easy. I have always felt that I never measured up, and I just soon became a regular client. wanted to be normal. Growing up in a family like mine, with all of the love, support, guidance and attention I was given, it would Just two short years into my career, I took a big step and started take a lot to break a person. During my elementary school days, I working for myself at a local hair salon where I am still working attended my church’s private school. With the classrooms being a today. I have made some g reat friends there and we are like a large lower number of students, everyone pretty much got along. In family. A special friend I work with jokingly told me, “You come R]VQWZ PQOP 1 \ZIV[NMZZML QV\W X]JTQK [KPWWT IVL \PI\ Q[ _PMZM 1 ÅZ[\ to work here, and you will soon get married. Not to mention it will encountered bullying because of my weight. I was never really probably be one of your clients!” I was in no condition to fall in singled out, but with each hurtful word, a seed was planted in my love. I did not like myself; I still had all of the baggage weighing mind. I knew I could choose to ignore it or believe it, but the more me down emotionally and physically, literally. Another friend I these instances happened, the larger my seed grew. I lived a long worked with encouraged me to try Zumba. I made up my mind. I time believing lies of what others would say about me and not what was tired of living like I did and feeling the way I felt. I owed it to God says of me. My teenage years were spent doubting myself and myself to at least try Zumba! That began my weight loss journey. unhealthily worrying what others thought of me; this was the most Through it all, I began to look at myself differently and, most importantly, love myself. The number on the scale continuously painful and humiliating time in my life. went down, and I was able to shop at stores I once could not. I I waited anxiously for high school g raduation. During this time, I noticed people had changed their attitudes towards me when all wondered when it would all end. I went through numerous diets, along it was my attitude towards myself has changed. During this but never stuck to them. I would take diet pills and lose weight but time, I began dating that special client of mine and months later ÅVL Ua[MTN OIQVQVO Q\ JIKS XT][ UWZM ?PMV JIL \PQVO[ _W]TL he asked me to marry him! happen, I would look to food for comfort. I had a toxic relationship with food as I would feel better eating something verses dealing God sent Lance into my life at just the right time. Lance has taught with a problem. It was a vicious cycle. I did not love nor respect me to love myself, he has been the friend I have needed and has myself, so why should others? I treated every relationship in my supported and loved me just the same along the way. I have found peace with my past and have learned where to put my security. I life as people were against me. cannot change my past. I thank God for my past because it has led I g raduated cosmetology school and began working as a hairstylist. me to every part of me that I am today! Our own past experiences Hair just so happened to be something I was g reat at and I found and hurts are for our own growth. In life I believe everything we great satisfaction with making others feel good about themselves. go through is to help build someone else. I am thankful that God 1 _I[V¼\ KWUXTM\MTa KWVÅLMV\ IVL Ua KTQMV\MTM _I[ [UITT [W QV has allowed me to share my story in hoping it will help someone.

44 THE JOURNEY APR2013

YOUR CHILD

46 XZM\\a JIJQM[ 47 TWWS I\ UM 48 parent t houghts 49 JQZ\PLIa JI[P 50 why i love being a mom

photographed by Morgan Due

PRETTY Â BABIES

4

2

3

1 5

7

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1.  Gracelyn  Renay  Acosta.  10/22/12.  Proud  Parents:  Whitney  &  Antonio  Acosta.  2.  Johnae  Elizabeth  Bunton.  11/1/12.   Proud  Parents:  Johnathan  &  Kelli  Bunton.  3.  Emma  Grace  Foshee. 8ZW]L 8IZMV\[" ,IVVa 4IKa .W[PMM 4]NSQV <@ 8ZW]L /ZIVLXIZMV\[" ,I^QL ;IZIP .W[PMM 4WOIV[XWZ\ 4) <MZZQM 5IaĂ…MTL 0W][\WV <@ :IVLa ;ITTa 0WTLMZ 3QTOWZM <@ 4.  Brileigh  Marie  Johnson.  1/18/12.  8ZW]L 8IZMV\" *ZIVLQ 6QKWTM -TLMZ 4]NSQV <@ 8ZW]L /ZIVLXIZMV\[" +PIV\I 4WN\Q[ +][PQVO <@ 8I]T 4WN\Q[ 4WVO^QM_ <@ 5.  Joshua  James  Morales. ! 8ZW]L 8IZMV\[" 2WPV +IUQTTI 5WZITM[ /IT^M[\WV 4]NSQV <@ 8ZW]L /ZIVLXIZMV\[" >QZOQVQI ,I^Q[ 4]NSQV <@ 6.  Reese  Ann  Pressley. 8ZW]L 8IZMV\[" ,][\QV *IZJIZI 8ZM[[TMa 0]L[WV <@ 8ZW]L /ZIVLXIZMV\[" 3MQ\P *ZMVLI )TNWZL +MV\MZ <@ :IVLa ;]bIV 8ZM[[TMa 0]L[WV <@ 7.  William  Scott.  9/26/11.  Proud  Parents:  Alicia  &  Joshua  Scott.  Proud  Grandparents:  Mary  &  Keith  Stripling  /  Bill  &  Kitty  Scott  /  Sergio  &  Cheri  Rodriguez.  8.  Ryan  Bowen  Thomason.  1/28/13.  Proud  Parents:  Kelli  Dunkin  6QKS <PWUI[WV 4]NSQV <@ 8ZW]L /ZIVLXIZMV\[" *W <MZM[I ,]VSQV 4]NSQV <@ ,MM ,MM 3MQ\P <PWUI[WV 0]V\QVO\WV <@ E-­mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com. Please include the information seen above. Submissions are free of charge.

Committed. Great OB physicians. One wonderful place to have your baby. We believe babies and moms should be surrounded by comfort and care. With an average of 20 years of OB experience, our nursing staff knows how to make you feel at home. Amenities include spacious labor/delivery/recovery rooms with Wi-Fi, and a sleep sofa for guests. We even offer an on-staff lactation consultant. These are just a few reasons why we were voted “Best Place to Have a Baby� and “Best Nurse� by Lufkin Daily News readers in 2012. To find a physician or learn more, call 936-699-CARE or visit WoodlandHeights.net.

WoodlandHeights.net WHMC is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

1.  Kati  Ellis,  daughter  of  Dr.  Keven  &  Shelli  Ellis,  and  Madi  Stephens,  daughter  of  Kurt  &  Sonja  Stephens.  2012  National  Honor  Society.  2.  Kati  &  Jake  Ellis  were  Rep.  Trent  Ashby  pages  for  the  day  on  Monday,  April  1st..3.  Ariana  Compean,  a  5th  grader  at  H.  G.  Temple  Intermediate  School  in  ,QJWTT <@ _WV ZL XTIKM QV \PM ?I\MZ -[[Ia +WV\M[\ PMTL Ja \PM <M`I[ ?I\MZ Utilities  Association.  Besides  receiving  a  recognition  letter  for  her  accomplishment,  Ariana  was  also  presented  a  check  for  $50.  4.  Two  5th  grade  students,  Yutzil  Sanchez  and  Bryanna  Lopez,  were  each  presented  with  a  Kindle  Fire  when  their  names  were  drawn  from  the  students  who  had  perfect  attendance  during  the  2nd  nine  week  period  at  H.  G.  Temple  Intermediate  School  QV ,QJWTT <@ 5.  Lufkin  High  School  Students  recognized  as  National  Merit  Scholars.  (L-R)  Barrett  Ochoa,  Casey  Chapman,  Anna  Catherine  Alvis,  Shane  Rowley,  Austin  Hoepfner,  Bailey  Watson,  Kaitlen  Eckmann,  Nelda  Gonzalez,  and  Usman  Nazeer.  6.Mary  Vann,  Caitlyn  Lindsey,  Kati  Ellis,  Katie  Gray,  Mikaela  Neal,  Courtney  Aten  &  Madi  Stephens

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LOOK Â AT Â ME

LOOK Â AT Â ME!

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2 6 5

\RUIO KWU ÂŒ 47 Â

PARENT Â THOUGHTS

 by  Kelly  Finnerud

[PWXXQVO []KKM[[N]TTa _Q\P aW]Z KPQTLZMV ’m  not  a  big  shopper.  I  don’t  get  excited  shopping  for  clothes  or  shoes  or  food.  I  just  don’t  like  to  shop.  Period.  But  since  we  enjoy  eating  at  home,  we  occasionally  have  to  shop  for  groceries. And  here’s  a  secret:  When  I  go  grocery  shopping,  I  usually  enjoy  bringing  my  3  kids.  Usually.  We  make  one  major  grocery  run  each  week  that  takes  about  an  hour  in  the  store.  When  our  kids  were  about  2  years  old,  we  began  letting  our  kids  walk  (out  WN \PM KIZ\ _Q\P ][ WV OZWKMZa \ZQX[ )\ Ă…Z[\ Q\ _I[ W]\ WN VMKM[[Q\a [QVKM Ja \PM \QUM W]Z Ă…Z[\JWZV _I[ \PM [MKWVL KPQTL _I[ [Q\\QVO IJW]\ well  enough  to  ride  in  the  front  seat  of  the  cart.  However,  we  soon  realized  we  enjoyed  it.  The  kids  have  more  fun  getting  to  explore  instead  of  being  cooped  up  in  the  cart.

I

Gasp!  A  2  year  old  helping  you  shop  for  groceries?  Trying  to  buy  food  with  three  young  children  swarming  at  your  feet?  Never!  But  it  can  be  done. First  of  all,  prepare.  I  NEVER  walk  in  without  a  complete  grocery  list.  I  can’t  remember  what  I  need  if  I’m  without  the  kids,  so  it  sure  _WVÂź\ PIXXMV _PMV 1 PI^M PQOP XQ\KPML _WZL[ ÆaQVO I\ UM NZWU M^MZa direction.  If  the  kids  are  old  enough  to  read,  give  them  a  small  list  of  their  own  with  a  pen  so  they  can  check  off  what  they  put  in  the  basket.  If  they’re  not,  tell  them  about  how  many  items  you  expect  to  buy  and  they  can  try  to  count  it. Set  the  expectations  before  you  arrive  at  the  store,  and  BEFORE  you  pull  into  the  parking  lot.  This  goes  for  anytime  you  take  them  out  in  public.  Once  you  get  to  the  parking  lot,  the  excitement  (or  grumbling)  sets  in  and  they  won’t  hear  a  word  you’re  saying.  I’ve  found  it  helps  to  have  the  kids  share  what  they  think  are  good  â€œrulesâ€?  for  where  we’re  going.  And  some  are  quite  amusing.  I  make  sure  ones  like,  â€œLook  with  your  eyes,  not  your  hands,â€?  â€œBe  sure  you  can  always  see  me,â€?  and  š;\Ia WV aW]Z NMM\ 6W KZI_TQVO WV \PM LQZ\a ÆWWZ Âş IZM KW^MZML Getting  out  of  the  car  at  the  store  used  to  be  one  of  the  scariest  things  until  I  realized  the  parking  lot  already  has  these  great  yellow  lines  that  children  can  easily  see  and  stand  on.  All  3  of  my  children  pile  out  of  the  van  and  wait  for  me  on  the  yellow  line.  There  are  also  some  cool  handprint  magnets  you  can  buy  for  your  car  so  the  kids  have  somewhere  to  put  their  hand  while  they  wait  for  you  to  unload,  but  I  personally  don’t  need  any  more  handprints  on  my  car  and  the  yellow  lines  are  cheaper. Inside  the  store,  stick  to  your  list.  I  explain  to  the  kids  ahead  of  time  that  we  are  not  going  to  go  down  any  aisles  in  the  toy  section,  and  since  I’ve  always  stuck  to  that,  they  don’t  ask  again. Make  them  feel  valued  the  whole  time.  When  one  of  my  children  is  making  poor  choices  in  the  store,  it’s  usually  because  he’s  bored,  so  I  give  him  something  to  do.  For  my  non-reader,  I’ll  point  to  the  exact  item  I  need  and  she’ll  get  it  and  put  it  in  the  basket.  For  the  older  kids,  I’ll  tell  them  what  words  to  look  for  and  they  get  to  hunt  for  it.

What  happens  when  they  do  misbehave?  Because  they  will.  It’s  the  same  thing  that  happens  at  home  when  they  disobey.  I  won’t  leave  the  store  right  then,  because  that’s  probably  what  they  want.  We  are  shopping  for  the  family,  and  they  are  all  expected  to  help  by  being  respectful.  If  it’s  something  minor  like  my  son  having  trouble  keeping  hands  off  the  groceries  (or  off  his  siblings),I  have  him  hold  onto  the  basket  until  I  see  he’s  regained  control  of  himself,  which  means  he  walks  with  us  and  stops  with  us  but  doesn’t  quite  get  the  freedom  the  other  2  get.  If  it’s  a  more  serious  offense,  I  take  the  children  to  a  restroom  stall  and  correct  the  behavior  as  we  would  at  home.  I  remember  one  time  my  \PMV aMIZ WTL \PZM_ IV ITT W]\ Ă…\ WV \PM ÆWWZ QV ?IT 5IZ\ 0M _I[ TaQVO WV \PM ÆWWZ WV PQ[ [\WUIKP _Q\P PQ[ JIKS IZKPML IVL PMIL IVL legs  high  in  the  air  and  his  voice  grunting  and  screaming.  I  ignored  the  behavior  till  he  stopped  (boy  were  people  staring  by  then!),  then  we  went  to  the  restroom  to  talk  about  it. Be  familiar  with  Code  Adam.  You’ve  probably  seen  the  big  blue  stickers  on  the  entrances  to  buildings.  Code  Adam  is  a  â€œmissing  childâ€?  safety  program  in  which  employees  are  trained  to  follow  6  steps  when  a  child  is  missing  in  a  store.  When  you’ve  got  a  few  small  children  tailing  you  in  a  busy  store,  it’s  possible  for  them  to  lose  sight  of  you.  I  remember  a  scary  day  in  Wal-Mart  when  my  middle  child  followed  a  different  cart  out  of  the  produce  section.  He  was  gone  many  minutes.  I  had  enough  time  to  tell  a  bakery  worker,  walk  the  entire  grocery  department  twice,  and  go  to  the  front  Customer  Service  booth  and  back  to  produce  before  someone  found  him.  When  I  explained  what  my  son  looked  like  to  the  worker  at  the  front  of  the  store,  he  said  he’d  just  keep  an  eye  out.  Only  when  I  got  back  to  the  produce  section  where  a  friendly  UW\PMZ _I[ _I\KPQVO Ua W\PMZ KPQTLZMV LQL \PMa Ă…VL Ua [WV QV \PM clothing  department.  The  store  should  have  immediately  locked  the  exterior  doors,  and  I  should’ve  known  to  insist. I’m  pretty  sure  my  kids  most  look  forward  to  playing  with  the  small  toys  in  the  checkout  lines. They’ve  been  good,  and  they’ve  done  their  jobs,  so  I  usually  give  them  a  choice  to  either  play  with  those  little  trinkets  or  go  sit  on  the  bench  if  there’s  one  nearby.  By  now  in  the  checkout  line  we’re  all  tired,  so  I  usually  pick  up  a  small  pack  of  gum.  That’s  why  my  kids  look  happy  when  we  leave  the  store. Your  job  doesn’t  end  when  you  get  into  the  car,  and  neither  should  theirs.  Let  the  children  know  ahead  of  time  that  they  need  to  help  the  family  by  unloading  the  grocery  bags.  As  I  pull  the  bags  out  of  the  car  at  home,  I  set  the  lighter  ones  to  the  side  for  the  youngest  child  to  bring  in.  She  can  make  her  own  trips  in  and  out  and  I  don’t  have  to  wait  on  PMZ MIKP \QUM )VL Ă…VITTa \PIVS \PMU 1 _WZS NWZ XZIQ[M IVL Ua SQL[ do,  too.  If  they  get  a  special  hug  and  recognition  in  front  of  Dad  for  being  good  in  the  store,  they’ll  do  it  again  and  again. Happy  shopping! Â

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hat child doesn’t like to play in a little dirt every once in a while? For this rodeo party, all the children enjoyed having a yippee ki yay good time!

BIRTHDAY BASH

A Hoedown Birthday!

\RUIO KWU 49

WHY I LOVE BEING A MOM

MELANIE RUSHING-­SALDAÑA or stirred the brownies with their toes. My boys bring out the best in me. They bring out the best in us, which brings me to a very important point. I am so fortunate to have a husband that goes above and beyond to also be a wonderful dad. I am so thankful to him and to Miss Maggie Carlin, Sladen and Sloan’s “other mom” while I am at work. I could not do my Monday through Wednesday gig if it was not for her. And as far as being a good mom is concerned, I had a wonderful role Jerry and I were very happy as newlyweds and young profes- UWLMT Ua[MTN 1 IU _PW 1 IU \WLIa JMKI][M WN \PM [IKZQÅKM[ sionals in Lufkin. We could and would leave in a moment’s my mom (and dad) made for me. VW\QKM \W PWX I ÆQOP\ \W UMM\ ]X _Q\P NZQMVL[ ?M _W]TL [TMMX until noon on Saturday mornings and still may never leave the Thanks to God for a fascinating husband, two wonderful kids, house. Sometimes the hardest decision that we had to make and this opportunity to be called “mommy!” There is no place was where we would go for dinner. Little did we know how that I would rather be right now than where I am. Like I said much our lives would change (for the better) with the birth of earlier, I love my boys—all three of them. Sladen in January 2009. hen I married my husband, Jerry, eight years ago, we both knew that we wanted children. We didn’t really know when, but he knew he wanted four and me, well, two. However, after several visits and dinners with my best friend who has three kids, he quickly decided that two wasn’t such a bad number after all.

W

Wow! The love that I had for that baby is indescribable. How can someone love someone so much in such a short amount WN \QUM' ;]ZM 1 _I[ VMZ^W][ IVL Y]M[\QWV[ []LLMVTa ÆWWLML my mind: Could I do it? Could I be a good mom and still keep my work schedule of four days per week? Could I show my baby just how much I loved him after 5:30 during the week and on the weekends? Would I be a good wife and mother? )LUQ\\MLTa \PM ÅZ[\ NM_ UWV\P[ _MZM ZW]OP 1 _I[ [KIZML WN M^MZa\PQVO 1 TQSM UW[\ ÅZ[\ \QUM UWU[ TIQL I_ISM I\ VQOP\ listening to my baby breathe. I had to hold him just right, feed him as close to a schedule as I could, and let him sleep in his own bed (beside me) without any blankets just as Dr. Fidone had asked me to do. Doing all of this while hardly closing my eyes throughout the day or night. (Hey, nobody ever told me about all of that!) This is someone who thrived on 10 hours of sleep each night. I was slightly overwhelmed to say the least. )[ 1 ZMÆMK\ WV \PQ[ \QUM 1 ZMITQbM \PI\ 1 _W]TL VW\ PI^M UILM it without a few of my close friends, family, and coworkers. When Sloan came in October 2011, things were so much more natural for me. Now, that is something that I do recall hearing: “Things are so much easier with the second one”. I suppose with a newborn and a 2 year old, I was too tired to lay awake at night and listen to every breath sound. And so what if the XIKQÅMZ PQ\ \PM ÆWWZ 1 _W]TL _QXM Q\ WNN WV Ua \ [PQZ\ IVL UW^M on. And, hey, if Sloan actually tee-teed twice in his diaper instead of once, he lived. I learned to “let go” a little, and I think that it allowed me to be a better mom to both of my children. (Oh, and no, I will never know just how easy that third “girl” would be!) I love every minute that I have with my boys. I look forward to the morning hugs and giggles, and I eagerly anticipate the afternoon kisses. I would not trade in my taste-testers in the kitchen for anything. Besides, the people that I am baking for never even know that my kids have double-dipped the beaters 50 THE JOURNEY APR2013

photographed by G. Patterson Studio & Gallery http://www.gregpatterson.com/

DFD <;L:8KFI :FDDLE@KP MFCLEK<<I allysonlangston.com EARLY VOTING April 29th DXp .th C@J; 8[d`e`jkiXk`fe 9l`c[`e^ 101 Cotton Square

ELECTION DAY DXp ((th Dfk_\i f] k_i\\ Z_`c[i\e# X^\j ) k_ifl^_ (( K\XZ_`e^ \og\i`\eZ\ `e ^iX[\j , k_ifl^_ () Xe[ Xk Jk\g_\e =% 8ljk`e JkXk\ Le`m\ij`kp J\im\[ Xj 8jj`jkXek ?\X[ f] JZ_ffc# Jk% :pgi`XeËj <g`jZfgXc JZ_ffc 9XZ_\cfi f] JZ`\eZ\ `e J\Zfe[Xip <[lZXk`fe# <e^c`j_ Xe[ =i\eZ_ ZfeZ\ekiXk`fej# 9Xpcfi Le`m\ij`kp (00+ DXjk\i f] 8ikj `e <e^c`j_# Jk\g_\e =% 8ljk`e JkXk\ Le`m\ij`kp (00. DXjk\i f] <[lZXk`fe `e <[lZXk`feXc C\X[\ij_`g# Jk\g_\e =% 8ljk`e JkXk\ Le`m\ij`kp )'''

\RUIO KWU 51

52 THE JOURNEY APR2013

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