The Journey May 2012

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Welcome

I

believe May is my most favorite month of the year. There is so much excitement that happens during the month of May! Of course with four children, it is four times the excitement!

Really, only three times because only three are in school. I will gladly hold off on the true experience of four times the excitement as long as I possibly can. I remember when I was in high school; a friend of mine had a younger sister that should have started kindergarten the following fall. I can still remember to this day her mom telling us that Sarah (the baby of 4 siblings) would not be starting Kindergarten. She told us, “I asked Sarah if she wanted to stay home with mommy one more year and she said yes!” I always remember being so confused by that and never understanding why.

Almost nineteen years later, I COMPLETELY get it! These babies grow up way too fast and she wanted one more precious year to be able to hold on to her. I can see myself doing the same with our fourth.

Of course, I say that prior to the craziness that comes along with the month of May: field day, end of school parties, gifts, meetings, graduation, end of year ceremonies, and the list goes on. So, by the end of the month, I might be trying to enroll all my children in a summer camp far away just so I can

enjoy a break! No, not really. Because another reason I enjoy May is Mother’s Day. All the fun and hustle and bustle is what makes my whole world go round. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

For most, May is definitely a month filled with love, laughter, and tears; some sad tears and a lot of happy tears. But at the end of the day, they should all be tears of joy. We can rest our head knowing how blessed we

are by all God has given us.

Hoping all your days during the month May are filled with tears of joy!

Stephanie oliver

president

Lisa Crow Photography

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CONTENTS | MAY2012 YOURHOME

9

Home Tour: The McDonald’s Home Decor & Design: Fun with Sidewalk Chalk!

In the Kitchen: Veggies Are Fun! Your Pantry: A Week’s Worth of Meal Ideas

10 12 13 14

YOURCOMMUNITY Hot Spot: Dr. Bill Shelton’s Tournament Calendar Did You Know?

Giving Back: Destination Imagination Inspiring Woman: Chasity Gauthier

YOURLIFE Stretch Marks: On Mother’s Day Family Health: Allergy Season Weddings Motherhood Diaries Women’s Health: Incontinence

YOURCHILD Pretty Babies Louis Parent Thoughts: Summer How-To Look at Me Birthday Bash: Legend’s Big Day Why I Love Being a Mom: Ericka Guidry

JOURNEYREVIEW JOURNEYMARKET

12

17 18 20 21 22 24

31 32 35 36 40 44

45 46 47 48 49 50 51

52 53

24

13

Stephanie Oliver President Beth Johnson Managing Editor Kim Iribarren Director of Sales Crystal Capps Sales Assistant Stephanie Johnson Administrative Assistant Macy Haffey Layout and Design Lisa Crow www.lisacrowphotography.com Eve n t P h o to g r a p h e r

Contributors Heather Buchanan Kelly Daniel Kelly Finnerud Ericka Guidry D r. S h e i l a H i l l D r. G r e g H y d e Melissa Lee Amy McLeod Tiffany Shaw Jane Shepherd Elizabeth Simpson Distribution Lisa Crow Janet Glover Jarod Thompson

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Contact Us: Mailing: P O B ox 1 5 0 5 37 L u f k i n , Tex a s 75 9 1 5 P h ys i c a l : 1 1 5 E . S h e p h e rd L u f k i n , Tex a s 75 9 0 1 Cover Photo by Morgan Due

936-634-7188 advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast

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For all your eye care needs: • No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Diagnosis and Management of Eye Diseases • Routine Eye Exams/ Comprehensive Eye Care • Contact Lens Exams and Fittings • In-Office Optical Boutique • Medicare and AAAHC Approved Surgery Center

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Most insurance carriers and major credit cards accepted.

Stephanie M. Davis, O.D.

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Your Home home tour 10 decor & design 12 in the kitchen 13 your pantry 14

YOURHOME | HOME TOUR

the McDonald’s Home

T

ina and Tim McDonald call this two-story Colonial style estate home. The 4000 square foot home is located in Lufkin on a beautiful 1.97 acres. The home features four bedrooms and three baths, along with a triple car garage. The home has been fully remodeled with a gorgeous kitchen to entertain guests. There are many other stunning aspects of the home such as the cathedral ceilings and double pane windows. The colonial home is currently for sale and listed on MLS.

10 / The Journey - May 2012

photographed by Lisa Crow

LIQUIDATION

FINAL DAYS

by Jane Shepherd

YOURHOME | DECOR & DESIGN

Fun with Sidewalk Chalk!

What child doesn’t love sidewalk chalk? Use these great ideas to make a fun gift for your children or their friends.

Make sidewalk chalk paint (see directions below)

Draw frames on the sidewalk and do a painting inside each frame.

Use the bold chalk to create “thought bubbles.”

Snap a picture of your child and his/her thought bubble. Use it as a cute summer party invite or just a message to send to a friend.

Create bolder chalk colors by soaking the whole stick in water for about 10 minutes.

Make a word search for your children to solve.

How to Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint.

1. Break each stick of chalk in half.

2. Put each half in a durable plastic baggie.

3. Pound it with a hammer until it resembles the consistency of sand.

4. Pour it on the sidewalk and add a bit of water.

5. Use a paint brush to spread it around like paint. It will dry on the concrete like chalk.

For more sidewalk chalk ideas, visit www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/sidewalk-chalk-games.htm Jane Shepherd grew up in Diboll. She went to Savannah College of Art and Design and majored in fibers. Shepherd has been teaching for 7 years. She has one daughter, Hazel, who is in 2nd grade.

12 / The Journey - May 2012

IN THE KITCHEN

| YOURHOME

VEGGIES ARE FUN!

W

hile students are enjoying summer break, parents should make certain their children are not taking a vacation from the structured meal schedule and guaranteed physical activity that many benefit from during the school year. Nutrition and education experts warn that, for too many kids, summer is a time when bad eating habits can prevail.

Child nutrition expert and mother Jodie Shield, RD, says, “It can be a struggle to ensure kids are not only having fun, but also getting the nutrients they need during the summer months. There are some things you can do to make it fun to learn about and eat vegetables.”

To help parents meet their children’s recommended two to five cups of fruits and vegetables each day, Shield offers these inventive activities and delicious recipe ideas – all guaranteed to help kids love their veggies.

Hit the Farmers’ Market for a

Scavenger Hunt: Visit your local farmers’ market with the whole family. Divide a list of vegetables that includes family favorites and new additions, and let everyone search for their veggies. Once everyone has returned, use the fresh produce to prepare dinner together.

Cool (Pizza) Down When It Heats

Up: On a hot summer day, let your kids “veg out” with a no-bake pizza. Start with a pre-baked pizza crust and spread on a mixture of equal parts low-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing. Encourage your kids to add their favorite veggies on top – try broccoli florets, bell peppers, portabella mushrooms and diced green onion.

Erect Veggie Totem Poles: Your

kids will have a blast turning vegetable kebobs into totem poles. Help them thread fresh vegetables – such as baby carrots, zucchini chunks, diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes – through a wooden skewer. Using their imagination and a little ranch dressing as “glue,” let them make faces with small pieces of veggies. Use the leftover dressing as a dip.

Vegetable Garden “Dirt” Cups with Ranch Dip Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serves 8 – 10 You’ll Need: 2-4 cups pumpernickel pretzel or dark corn chip crumbs 2 cups Hidden Valley Original Ranch Light Dressing Variety of vegetables for dipping: mini carrots with tops, pea pods, mini sunburst squash, celery sticks, green beans or whatever your child likes to dip Directions: Crush the pumpernickel pretzels or dark corn chips until mixture resembles dirt.

Pour a layer of dirt crumbs into the bottom of a clear container (or for single servings pour into paper cups).

Pour dressing over crumbs then add a thicker layer of dirt crumbs on top.

Place vegetables into dirt cup or serve them on the side to dip.

Visit LoveYourVeggies.com for more fun recipes, tips and activities to help your kids eat right and beat the heat this summer.

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by Amy McLeod, RD, LD

YOURHOME | YOUR PANTRY

A Week’s Worth of Meal Ideas for Busy Moms

W

hether you work in or out of the home – if you are a mom, you are working and putting a meal on the table every night after a full day of school, sports or church activities can be a daunting task. So how can a busy mom do it all?

Wonder woman does not exist, so don’t even go there, but with a little planning and a few shortcuts you can get meals on the table most days. Here is a week of menus to help you during the busiest time of the year and perhaps give you a few ideas to add to your staple recipes.

SUNDAY: Go to www.brookshirebrothers.com to review this week’s spe- MONDAY: Put on your slow cooker meal cials. Clip coupons, check your current food inventory and make a shopping list.

Go to www.crockingirls.com to find one or two slow cooker meals to try out this week. Stick with one dish recipes which easily combine with a tossed salad.

(Salsa Chicken and No Bake Spaghetti are two simple recipes I recommend.)

Purchase Reynolds™ slow cooker liners to speed cleanup. Shop and prep one slow cooker meal. All you will have to do Monday morning is fire up your slow cooker. You will be one step ahead for the start of a busy week!

Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner is inexpensive, fast

and satisfying. Try scrambled eggs mixed with low-fat cheese and salsa. Serve with whole wheat toast and fruit, or try whole wheat waffles with Canadian bacon or lean ham and fruit. After dinner cleanup, prepare for Thursday’s dinner and soak one pound of dried pinto beans overnight. Chop an onion to add to slow cooker in the morning. To save time and cleanup, purchase prepared chopped onion located in the produce section of your local Brookshire Brothers.

before you head out for the day. When you arrive home, serve with tossed salad, garlic bread and chilled fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Leftovers with tossed salad and wheat rolls.

thursday

: Beans and rice. Before you head out for work, add to your slow cooker, pinto beans, onion, two teaspoons garlic powder, one beef bouillon cube, one teaspoon of chili powder and cover with water. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. When you arrive home, prepare either brown or white Minute™ rice. Serve with cornbread or crackers. Dish out low-fat pudding with whipped topping for dessert.

FRIDAY: Serve chicken tacos using wheat or corn tortillas. Combine canned chicken and taco seasoning with leftover beans and rice. Provide frozen fruit bars for dessert.

saturday: Get grilling. Saturdays are a perfect day to fire up the grill and cook up a

few foods to freeze for next week’s meals. Grill burgers, chicken and pork chops, serve burgers and freeze the chicken and pork chops for use later in the week.

Amy McLeod, RD, LD is a registered and licensed dietitian and Healthy Living Spokeswoman for Brookshire Brothers Food and Pharmacy.

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14 / The Journey - May 2012

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16 / The Journey - May 2012

Your Community hot spot 18 calendar 20 did you know 21 giving back 22 inspiring woman 24

Azalea Trail, Nacogdoches tjmag.com / 17

by Heather Buchanan

YOURCOMMUNITY | HOT SPOT

Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure: A Chance For The Whole Family To Help Local Cancer Patients

P

reparations are underway for this year’s Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure. The team tournament is set to take place

Saturday, May 26th at Cassels-Boykin

Park on Lake Sam Rayburn, with thousands of dollars up for grabs. This will be the 19th year for the event, and while most everyone knows that it is a local fishing tournament, many have no idea of the inspiring story that spawned this Lufkin tradition.

Dr. Bill Shelton was a beloved Lufkin oncologist at Arthur Temple Regional Cancer Center who went out of his way to get to know his patients on a personal level. He would listen with compassion to the struggles his patients were going through as they battled cancer. Dr. Shelton’s daughter, Emily Watts, says, “He heard story after story of patients unable to afford all the expenses associated with fighting the terrible disease…stories of patients picking up cans alongside the road just to raise enough gas money to get them to treatment or pay for medication. These stories broke his heart, and he decided something had to be done to help these people.” The most avid of bass fishermen, Dr. Shelton called upon his buddies in his local bass club to help. He also approached Memorial Health System of East Texas, his employer, and the hospital was more than willing to step up to the challenge.

Soon, others in the community heard about this selfless man’s effort to help local cancer patients and started jumping on board. Thus the tournament was born, with proceeds going to the Arthur Temple Regional Cancer Center to help those in need.

Dr. Shelton and his wife, Emily, were the driving force behind the tournament until his passing 5 years ago.

Since that time, the tournament has continued, with Memorial Health System of East Texas carrying the torch in his honor and memory. Thousands of dollars have been raised and countless patients blessed by his efforts. Dr. Shelton’s actions prove that one man can make a lasting difference.

Nineteen years later, this long-standing Lufkin tradition continues to typify the generous spirit found here in our community. It’s so much more than

19th 19th

just who can bring in the five largest bass. It’s local anglers coming together to do something they love to help those in our community who need it most. It’s local businesses donating funds and services to say, “We care and want to help.” This local spirit of giving continues this year, with many new sponsors joining the effort and many new events planned.

Since this year’s tournament is taking place on Memorial Day weekend, the focus has been on planning an event that the whole family can enjoy.

New this year, sponsored by A-1 Party Rental, is the Dr. Bill’s Kidz Zone, featuring bounce houses, snow cones, cotton candy, and face painting.

This allows kids to help local cancer patients, too, by playing while dad fishes the tournament. There will also be BBQ lunches sponsored by Brookshire Brothers, as well as a raffle with some fantastic prizes: the new IPAD3 with the new Apple Air Printer from Best Buy, tickets to Schlitterbahn Galveston & Moody Gardens donated by KSWP, a watch from Lufkin Jewelry on the Square, gold jewelry from Beard’s, two beautiful cedar benches from the Blueberry Bogg, and more.

Registration will take place at Cassels-Boykin Park on Friday, May 25th from 12pm-8pm and on the morning of the tournament from 5am-6am. Scales open at noon with all boats due in by 3pm. The entry fee is $200 for both 1 and 2 man teams. Cash prizes will be awarded, including payout for big bass.

A free dinner, compliment of Chick-fil-A, will be served to all fishermen the Friday night before the tournament. Activities, including the Dr. Bill’s Kidz Zone and the sale of BBQ lunches, will begin at 10am. There will also be t-shirts, caps, koozies, and cups that change colors for sale.

Registration forms are available at Memorial Health System of East Texas, Arthur Temple Regional Cancer Center, Brookshire Brothers, Buchanan Realty in Lufkin and Zavalla, Tri Lakes Tackle, Bass Strike Tackle, and Blueberry Bogg, or online at www.memorialhealth.org. For more information contact Tournament Directors, Jeff and Heather Buchanan, or their assistant Lena Kennard, at (936) 632-7700.

AATeam TeamTournament TournamentThat’s That’sFun Funfor forthe theWhole WholeFamily!

Family!

Benefiting Families in need at The Arthur Temple Regional Benefiting Families in need at Cancer Center in Lufkin

Annual Annual

Registration at Cassels Boykin Registration at •Cassels Boykin Friday, May 25th 12pm-8pm Friday, May 25th • 12pm-8pm Saturday, MayMay 26th • 5am-6am Saturday, 26th • 5am-6am $200 Fee1for 1 and 2 manTeam(s) Team(s) $200 Fee for and 2 man Cash Prizes will be Awarded Cash Prizes will be Awarded Registration Forms Available at: Registration Forms Available at:Realty • Memorial Health Systems • Buchanan Lufkin & Zavalla • Arthur Temple Regional • Memorial Health Systems Cancer Center • Tri Lakes Tackle Arthur Temple Regional Cancer Center • Brookshire Brothers • Blueberry Bogg • Brookshire Brothers • Bass Strike Tackle • Bass Strike Tackle

The Arthur Temple Regional Cancer Center in Lufkin

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012

Cassels-Boykin Park on Lake Sam Rayburn Last Weigh-in at 3pm

NEWS TH I !

YE AR

DR. BILL’S KIDZ ZONE • Bounce House • BBQ Lunch • Obstacle Course • Snow Cones • Face Painting • Cotton Candy

For more information, contact: Jeff or Heather Buchanan, Directors Lena Kennard, Assistant (936)632-7700 SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2012

Cassels-Boykin Park on Lake Sam Rayburn

Take a Journey That Will Change Your Life…

City-Wide Delivery

8am-6:30pm M-F 9am-1pm Sat • Compounding Pharmacy • Jobst Leg Wear • Therapeutic Shoes • Diabetic Supplies • Medical Supplies • Durable Medical Equipment • Mastectomy Fitting Room • Medicare & BCBS Provider • Most Insurance Accepted

Durable Medical Equipment • Lift Chair • Rollator Walker • Manual Wheelchair • Nebulizer • Pediatric Nebulizer

200 Gaslight Blvd.

Lufkin, TX

Israel & Jordan | June 1-11, 2013 You can experience walking the Gospel Trail, the very trail Jesus walked from Nazareth towards the Sea of Galilee. You can sit where He fed the 5,000. You can see where He cried in the Garden of Gethsemane. You can refresh your Baptism in the Jordan River or Renew your Wedding vows at the church in Cana. See Masada and Qumran, swim in the Dead Sea and ride into Petra.

After a trip to the Holy Land you will never be the same.

$3995.00pp

Deposit of $250 will hold your spot!

Call or Email Nancy HOLIDAY TRAVEL 936-634-2277 | holidaytravel@consolidated.net

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something to chirp about CLASS OF 2012

Come see us for the perfect graduation gifts!

314 East Main • Nacogdoches 936-564-4101

Add sizzle to Summer with trial-sizes of: Cream-to-Powder Blush Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara Foundation Primer Plus SPF 15 Energizing Concentrate *Free with the purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products. Cosmetic accessories not included. Offer valid while supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios beginning May 1, 2012. Limit one per customer.

1865 W Frank Ave., Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 632-1525 Amy Jo Looney, owner www.merlenormanstudio.com/mn-4016

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YOURCOMMUNITY | CALENDAR

May 8 Cooking well with Diabetes The Angelina County Extension Office. Every Tuesday in May from 9-11a.m. For more information, contact Christie King at 936.634.6414

11 Mother’s Day Tea Lufkin Parks and Recreation Downtown Center.

Ages 2-12 may participate with their mother.

5:00p.m. – 6:30pm. The cost is $2. Please register early at Parks & Recreation. There will be no registration the week of the event. For more information, call 936.630.0535

12

The Hurt and the Healer Tour Featuring Christian mega-group, Mercy Me, along with Chris August and Moriah Peters at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center form 7:00p.m.-11:00p.m. Tickets as low as $15 are on sale at www.outhousetickets.com

12

Ellen Trout Zoo’s 2nd Annual “Zoo Brew.”

6:30p.m.-9:30p.m. Tickets are $25 for Zoo members and $35 for non-members. Designated driver tickets are available for $15. For more information call 936-633-0399 or email rjwest1031@gmail.com

14

June

Kurth Memorial Library. All ages are invited form 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. to hear a story reading and make a finger-paint craft.

Dinner and Dancing Under the Stars

Bilingual Family Pajama Story Night

16 Coffee&Conversation

2

The Museum of East Texas. The annual fundraising event ill feature live music, dancing and decadent food. Also enjoy the silent and live auctions! For reservation or more information, call 936.699.4434

Kurth Memorial Library. Seniors ages 55+ are invited to play games from 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m.

8

Food Preservation Workshop

19 Summerfest The George H. Henderson, Jr. Expo Center.

Enjoy the music of Robert Earl Keen and many others. Tickets are $15 and available at area Brookshire Brothers and outhousetickets.com.

For more information, visit easttexassummerfest.com or call 936.633.0349

The Angelina County Extension Office. 9:00a.m.

– 2:00p.m. For more information, contact Christie King at 936.634.6414

9

23rd Annual Texas Blueberry Festival Historic downtown Nacogdoches and Festival Plaza. 8:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.

19 Family Movie Kurth Memorial Library from 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m. All ages welcome to watch Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

Weekly

29 – June1

Kurth Memorial Library: All ages are invited every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30am11:30am. Stories and crafts vary. Schools, daycares and homeschoolers always welcome.

Children under the age of 13 may not be left at the library without adult supervision.

Wee Art Museum of East Texas. Each morning from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Three-year-olds and a parent or guardian are invited to discover the world of art through lines, shapes, textures and colors. A snack period with stories is included. Cost is $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members.

For more information, call 936.699.4434

Story Time

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

Happy Mother’s Day! Cheryl Suiter, MD Jana Davis Brazil, WHNP

Pineywoods Obstetrics & Gynecology Friendly Office Environment

936.699.7575

We’ve moved! Our new location is 402 Gaslight Blvd | Lufkin, TX

DID YOU KNOW?

| YOURCOMMUNITY

DID YOU KNOW? Senior Behavioral Healthcare Has Arrived to the Texas Forest Country Audubon Behavioral Healthcare is an inpatient and outpatient hospital that focuses on elder care for people above 55 years of age. There are many signs that may indicate your loved one may require behavioral healthcare from Audubon. As seniors age, it is important to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthy life. Many diseases in seniors may be prevented or slowed down as a result of a healthy lifestyle. Heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia and depression are some of the most common conditions that can be positively modified in seniors through diet, exercise and other simple lifestyle changes.

Audubon Behavioral Healthcare 302 Gobblers Knob Lufkin, TX 75902 Office: (936) 632-2276 audubon@audubonbehavioral.com

Memorial Health System of East Texas Named Among Region’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience

by WomenCertified® WomenCertified®, the collective voice of the female consumer and a trusted referral source for top businesses and brands identified among women, is recognizing Memorial Health System of East Texas as one of the Region’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience based on female patient satisfaction. “Being recognized as a Top Hospital for Patient Experience is truly an honor. As a healthcare facility that focuses on exceptional service and excellent clinical outcomes, this is an honor that truly speaks volumes for our organization,” said Gary Looper, President & CEO, Memorial Health System of East Texas.

Dr. Molly Warthan Has Joined Warthan Dermatology Dr. Molly M. Warthan joined her father, T. Lynn Warthan, also a dermatologist, at Warthan Dermatology in September 2011. Dr. Molly grew up in Nacogdoches and attended college at Southern Methodist University.

Following college, she attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, where she graduated with honors and completed her dermatology residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She completed a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery in Tallahassee, FL, where she completed over 4000 Mohs surgery cases.

Warthan Dermatology Center of Nacogdoches is a comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology practice, staffed by boardcertified dermatologists.

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YOURCOMMUNITY | GIVING BACK

DESTINATION IMAGINATION

D

estination Imagination, DI, is a world-wide program that challenges students to use team work, creative skill and problem-solving to develop skills they will need to be successful in the twenty-first century.

Teams of 4-7 students begin working in early September and meet once a month until regional tournaments in March. Each team chooses one of six challenge categories: scientific, technical, fine arts, structural, improvisational, service learning or noncompetitive. They work on that specific challenge and present their solution at the regional tournament. They are also presented with an instant challenge where they are given 5 minutes to problem-solve and 2 minutes to present their solution. Their combined score from the long form project and instant challenge determines their overall standing.

Many area schools participate in DI, and the students, teachers and parents have a great time being involved. While parents and educators can guide the students in certain areas, each of the projects has to be created solely by the students. This year, 8 area teams advanced to the state competition. St.Cyprians, Brandon Elementary, Lufkin Middle School, Huntington and Zavalla each received the honor of competing. The only local team to advance to the global competition was from Huntington High School.

They will compete in May in Knoxville, TN. Team Next Generation, a group of second graders from St. Cyprians, had the honor of advancing to the state competition. As a second grade team, they had the option to participate noncompetitively, but chose to enter the competition. Their team challenge was “Project Outreach.” They had to start a project or continue an existing one to address a specific need. Parents of the students shared a couple of their favorite projects/organizations that were already in existence, and the students voted on the final decision. They chose to help raise awareness about adopting an animal at the Ellen Trout Zoo. The goal of the outreach project is to teach children the importance of marketing. They had to make a brochure, poster and a multi-media advertisement. The zoo normally does about 10 animal adoptions a year. Team Next Generation was able to arrange 30 animal adoptions in 3 weeks!

22 / The Journey - May 2012

Their campaign was a success, and their efforts landed this secondgrade team a spot at the state tournament.

Another are DI team also had great success with the Project Outreach Challenge. This is a combined group of Huntington and Zavalla high school students. They chose to plan a pre-prom workshop where they provided dance lessons, free prom dresses, hairstyle advice, and a fashion show and princess team. The team realized that many area students do not go to their prom because of financial limitations and the fear of dancing in front of others.

They also made corsages and boutonnières for attendees. Their project was a success at the regional tournament, and they won a spot at the state meet.

Lufkin ISD sent two teams to the state competition.

A team of 6th graders from Lufkin Middle School and a group of 5th graders from Brandon Elementary competed at the meet.

Although they competed in different grade categories, each team chose to present a fine arts/coming attractions project. Students from both teams worked hard to create a movie trailer that involved characters from at least 2 nations. Along the way, they had to design a cinematic special effect as well as create an original sound track that complemented the movie trailer. Brandon coaches Jennie Freeman and Emily Meisel agree this was a rewarding experience for both the students and adults alike. According to them, the Brandon A-team did exceptionally well at the Instant Challenges. They said, “The kids brainstormed together to come up with a cohesive, well-planned solution to the problem and were rewarded with outstanding scores at this event.”

Everyone who is involved in DI can’t say enough good things about it. Angela Duncan, who coaches the Huntington/Zavalla team, says, “I am a huge supporter of the Project Outreach Challenge because it gets the children thinking of how to identify a need within their community and peers and take action.” Majal Minguez, who son is a team member on “Next Generation,” says, “Students don’t normally get to do these things in the classroom, so it is very fun for the kids and creates a great learning journey.”

If you are interested in involving your children in DI, talk to your child’s school administration or visit www.idodi.org.

Garden of Memories Memorial Park

"Avenue of Flags" Memorial Day Program Monday, May 28, 2012 11:00 AM

Guest Speaker Albert J Charanza, Jr. Special Music Essay Contest Winners Announced Free Food and Refreshments Balloon Release at the Conclusion To be held in front of Sunset Mausoleum Be a part of honoring our local veterans.

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tjmag.com / 23

YOURCOMMUNITY | INSPIRING WOMAN

W

hen Chasity Gauthier was just 15 months old, she was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities. Her mother began noticing brown spots that were appearing on Chasity’s skin. After being referred to Texas Children’s Hospital, she was formally diagnosed.

Neurofibromatosis, or NF, is either inherited from a parent or the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation with no family history of NF. Chasity’s diagnosis fell in the latter category. She is the first person in her family to have the disorder.

Chasity lived a relatively normal childhood, but unlike most children, she traveled to Texas Children’s Hospital once a year for a full body scan to check for tumors. Her scans continued to be clear, and at age 11, she moved into the care of a doctor at MD Anderson in Houston. She remembers, “Growing up, I felt like I had always had NF. I don’t remember a time when I was told about it, I just traveled to Houston to get checked. I never feared it, because I didn’t show symptoms during my childhood.”

Upon graduation from Wells High School in 1998, Chasity attended Angelina College and Stephen F. Austin State University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree and received her teaching certificate. She taught at Central and Hudson school for a total of six years.

In 2007, life was in full swing for Chasity. She was teaching school and loving every minute of it. She had fallen in love with a young man named Sundance Gauthier, and she was pretty sure he would be her forever love.

In December of 2007, she noticed a large mass on the left side of her neck. It doubled in size nearly overnight,

24 / The Journey - May 2012

and her doctor removed it immediately. For people who have NF, there is a 7% chance that the tumors will be malignant. In January, pathology reports revealed Chasity’s first tumor fell in that 7%. She was now fighting more than NF; she was facing a fullblown battle with cancer.

During the first few days of the diagnosis, she knew she had to tell Sundance. They had been dating a while, and their relationship was growing. She says, “I just knew he would run. Who would want to be involved with a girl that has cancer?” However, Sundance did quite the opposite. He stood by her every step of the way, making late afternoon trips to Houston to visit her during chemo.

The fight against cancer was also her first experience with an NF tumor. It was a double blow to this vibrant twenty-seven year old lady. The days of treatment were long and excruciating. Chasity says, “I would pray so hard after each treatment that God would let it be my last.” Many days, she had trouble finding the desire to push forward, but somewhere, from the depths of her soul, God would pick her up and let her know she had to press on. Chasity didn’t completely understand why she was holding on, but waiting in the future were 2 people who would need the tender, compassionate heart of a wife and mother.

By June 2008, Chasity was finished with chemo and radiation. She continued teaching school and growing a relationship with Sundance. In March 2009, the couple was engaged. They were married on July 18, 2009. That same year, another tumor was removed from Chasity’s arm. This time, the tumor was benign.

Shortly after their marriage, Chasity’s grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It had metastasized and spread to her liver. She had strength to fight, but it was a grueling battle. She lived with Chasity and Sundance, and during this time Chasity was her main caregiver for her grandmother.

Her doctor had told her that chemo and radiation patients were advised to wait 5 years before getting pregnant. However, 2 years after treatment, Chasity began to fell a tug in the deepest part of her heart; the time was now. She recalls, “I have never felt more at-peace about any other decision I have made than I did when we decided to try to get pregnant.”

by Beth Johnson

Chasity Gauthier

tjmag.com / 25

YOURCOMMUNITY | INSPIRING WOMAN

In May 2011, Chasity’s grandmother was rescued from her battle with cancer, and went on to heaven as a healthy woman. The passing of her grandmother was difficult, but Chasity is so grateful her grandmother got to witness the birth and first few months of Anna Page.

The last six years have been quite a ride for Chasity; a true roller coaster of events. She has battled twelve tumors, 2 of which were malignant, married the love of her life, welcomed her first baby and said good-bye to her grandmother. When Chasity thinks about her life, she chooses to dwell on the positive. Some patients who have NF deal with learning disabilities or optic nerve tumors, but Chasity has not experienced either of these. Most of the time, the tumors will gravitate towards a nerve, resulting in nerve damage.

Chasity has never experienced this. Each one of her tumors has been easily separated from surrounding nerves. She counts her blessing daily and fully believes God is in control of her life.

At the beginning of her journey, she didn’t have the will to fight it, but now she knows why she presses on. Chasity says, “I have a husband and daughter who I love, and they need me.” She finds joy in the small things, like letting her daughter have cookies before bedtime. She looks forward to teaching her daughter how to love the Lord and continue through life with a servant’s heart, to love others and always give more than is expected.

Conquering great struggles requires a deep faith in God and a strong support of family and friends. Chasity is grateful for those who have come along side her to drive her to Houston and raise funds for her medical treatment. Her mom, dad and step-mom, along with her brother and sister have been beside her through it all. Her aunt and cousins spear-headed many fundraising events that helped Chasity survive the financial struggle of illness.

After her pregnancy, Chasity’s doctor removed 5 tumors from her abdomen. This year, she has had four removed from her leg and one from her hand. All but one of them was benign, and the malignant did not require additional chemo and radiation.

Chasity can’t help but hide her smile when she says, “The future with my husband and daughter is bright and beautiful.” Her ability to keep a joyous heart and positive outlook on life is a treasure in this world. She affirms, “If God brings us to is, I know he will bring us through it.”

In May 2010, God agreed it was time to bless Sundance and Chasity, and they became pregnant. The result of a perfect peace was a precious blessing named Anna Page, born in February 2011.

Through a smile as big as her heart, Chasity says, “Anna Page isn’t spoiled, just well-loved.”

Discovering tumors in her body is a normal occurrence for Chasity and something that most of refuse to even imagine. She says, “I used to freak out, but I have sort of mellowed out about it.”

A Tribute to Sundance, from Chasity…

I quickly fell in love with Sundance after meeting him! I knew he was the man God had picked out for me, because not even a year after we started dating, I was diagnosed with cancer at age 27! Shame on me for thinking it would end our relationship. It did just the opposite! We grew closer and closer! He stood strong and never left my side during 3 months of radiation and 3 months of chemo! I was more in love with him than ever! So the following year when he asked me to marry him, I knew in my heart that because he had seen me at my worst, he deserved me at my best! After proving his ability to be the best husband, he has now shown the same strengths in being a father to our baby girl! We are family and I thank God that our family has such a wonderful man to love, protect and care for us!

26 / The Journey - May 2012

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Your Life stretch marks 32 family health 35 weddings 36 motherhood diaries 40 womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health 44

photographed by Lisa Crow tjmag.com / 31

by Melissa Lee

YOURLIFE | STRETCH MARKS

on

MOTHER’S

DAY

Dear Rocco and Remi, Chances are you won’t read this letter any time soon. I have included no pictures of Lightening McQueen or Princess Tiana, therefore it is of no interest to you, I’m sure.

But who knows…someday you might pick it up and take a gander. And if you do, I want you both to know something.

Mothering is hard.

Really hard.

Not like getting a spanking is hard or falling down on your roller skates is hard. Harder than that! Being a mom is like being hired for a job for which you are in no way qualified. If Wall Street called me tomorrow and wanted me to internet some stuff to buy Google for monies for golden coins for Japanese stocks needed invest, I would know more how to do that than I know how to do this.

At times, you start to get the hang of it. You’re in a routine. Things are going along pretty good, but then all of a sudden…..Remi, you lose a tooth. And I remember back to the first tooth you ever got and how I had to sit up with you at night and rub your gums.

How you cried, and I cried. How the day that little tooth popped through I took picture after picture. And now that tooth is gone.

The one you and I worked so hard for. Gone.

But life goes on. School continues and lunches are packed. Until one day…Rocco walks in the house without his shirt on. He’s been helping Poppy work in the yard and he’s dirty and sweaty and his ball cap is turned backwards and you aren’t looking at the same face. This one is bigger, longer and more defined. See? That’s what I’m talking about when I say “not qualified.”

Oh, sure, I’m qualified for scrapes and bruises. I can do that in my sleep.

And no one can pack a lunch like this mama: That’s one sandwich (cut diagonal), one bag of chips, bottle of water, one healthy snack, one sinful snack and one anti-itch spray for the mosquitoes from the prior weekend.

What I’m not qualified for are the twists and turns: the decisions and the discipline, the happiness and the hurting. Those things scare me. I’m not ready for broken hearts or broken friendships. I’m not ready for friends that tease you, or worse, bullies who terrorize. And I’m certainly not ready for you to be either of those things. Haven’t I taught you better? Loved you enough?

Scolded you correctly?

You can ask me all day about the birds and the bees. I’ve prepared myself for that one.

What I’m not prepared for is the day you ask me to pray with you beside your bed that Jesus will make your heart clean and live in it forever. When that day comes, this mama will be a puddle on the floor.

I suppose I can continue to study up for this job. Talk to other mamas. Pray. Read. I don’t know, watch Dr. Phil? But some of it can’t be taught – it must be learned along the way. Just like my mom learned with me and her mom learned with her.

So on Mother’s Day when you crawl up in my bed with the pancakes daddy made for me and the gift daddy picked out for me with the card you both signed, (you’re not fooling anyone, kiddos) I want to look both of you in the face for a moment. A long moment. Because moments like that are sure to pass us swiftly and fly right by. And that’s okay. They’re supposed to. But this mama will hold on as long as possible, but not too long. That is one lesson I learned.

One down. A thousand more to go.

Melissa Lee recently moved back to her hometown of Lufkin after living in Nashville for 15 years as a studio session singer. She uses her maiden name as to not mortify her husband on a daily basis. Together they have two kids, Remi and Rocco, who they adore but will admit– are pretty bad. She spends her weekends traveling and speaking to women’s groups, writing or leading in worship at her church.

She is constantly astounded at the sweetness of God, the goodness of her husband and the friendship of her mother. She can’t say “no” to a Channing Tatum movie or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

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Immunotherapy changes the immune system to lessen allergy symptoms. It is more effective than medications to control allergies. Sublingual immunotherapy offers the added benefit of safety, lower overall cost, and convenience. The drops are placed under the tongue on a daily basis at home. Allergy shots in the doctorʼs office are avoided. Pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, and food allergies can be treated.

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FAMILY HEALTH

| YOURLIFE

Dr. Hyde Answers Questions About Allergy Season What are the benefits of sublingual allergy immunotherapy versus other treatments?

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can improve symptoms up to 15%.

However, immunotherapy, which actively suppresses your allergies, can improve symptoms up to 3-4 times more. Sublingual immunotherapy is more convenient since it is done at home on schedule. Injection immunotherapy should be done in a doctor’s office due to the risk of anaphylaxis. No anaphylactic reactions have been reported to date for sublingual immunotherapy.

to help with protein digestion can further help with food allergies.

Immunotherapy can help reduce allergies. Small amounts of your allergens are administered under your tongue or under your skin by injection. This exposure causes your immune system to develop antibodies which block the allergic reaction.

Starting immunotherapy early in childhood has been shown to prevent more severe allergic diseases like asthma and eczema. Properly administered immunotherapy can control allergy symptoms, lessening the number of allergic flairs and the need for medications.

What are the top 5 most common allergies in East Texas?

Allergic sensitivity is different for each person. Some have more problems with seasonal, pollen-related allergies. Others with perennial, year-round allergies like dust mites, animal danders or mold. Still others have more problems with food allergies. To answer this question, I will give what I believe are the worst allergens for each season as well as year-round.

In the spring, the trees bloom and Oak pollen is one of the highest sensitizers. In the summer, grass pollen is a problem with Bermuda and Johnson grass being some of the worst. In the fall, the weeds bloom with Ragweed being the worst. Most areas of the country have no pollens during the winter, but in Texas, we have Cedar pollen from December to February. The most common non-seasonal allergens I see are dust mites, cat dander, and alternaria mold.

Can allergies last all year?

For many people, the answer to this question is yes. Some individuals are allergic to every seasonal pollen: tress, grasses, weeds, and cedar. Because these seasons frequently overlap in East Texas, they have seasonal symptoms all year.

There are also non-seasonal allergens like dust mite, animal danders, molds and foods. These can cause symptoms throughout the year, regardless of the season.

What causes allergies?

This is a very complex question, but I will try to simplify it. The ability to develop allergic sensitivity is usually an inherited trait. Since it is encoded in our DNA, there is no absolute cure. Ultimately, allergies are caused by the over production of an antibody called IgE. IgE antibodies recognize allergic proteins and cause the release of histamine, the substance responsible for the majority of allergy symptoms.

Repetitive exposure to allergic proteins causes increased production of IgE antibodies, worsening allergies over time.

Recent studies have shown that production of the immune cells which make the IgE antibodies can be influenced by having the proper amounts of friendly bacteria in your digestive system. Frequent antibiotics, which destroy these bacteria, can worsen allergies. Use of probiotic supplements, which help restore these bacterial colonies, can help bring balance to the immune system.

How can you all of a sudden suffer from allergies, while never having them before?

First of all, allergies are a chronic problem that may begin at birth, so many people don’t realize they have allergies because they have always felt that way. Many children with allergies will have lessening of their symptoms when then enter adolescence. It is commonly thought that they “out grow” their allergies. Rather, I believe that the hormonal surge that accompanies adolescence causes a masking of their symptoms. When they reach their 30’s, the hormone levels begin to decline and their allergy symptoms usually return. Stress also causes an unmasking of allergies. I have had numerous patients who were doing well until a major stress like a surgery, an accident, loss of a loved one, or pregnancy caused them to unmask their allergies.

Is there any way to prevent allergies?

I recommend first reading my entry, “What causes allergies?” If you have inherited the allergic trait, you can’t change your DNA, but you can control exposure to allergens which cause sensitization.

Allergen levels vary by season, weather pattern, and time of day. Watching daily pollen counts and avoiding outdoor exposure during high count days will help.

Allergens are small particles which will rise when heated. Consequently, outdoor allergens levels are highest during the coolest parts of the day and lowest during the heat of the day. Weather fronts will usually concentrate allergens. Staying in filtered, air conditioned environments is best. If you have animal dander, dust mite, or mold allergies, steps can be taken to reduce or remove these allergens from you indoor environment.

Food allergies are caused by eating the same foods every day. Foods stay in your system 3-4 days after consumption, so exposures stack, causing increased stimulation of the immune system. Eating foods on a rotational basis can help prevent allergy development. We have software that can design your rotational diet and teach you how to organize your pantry and fridge. Use of probiotics and digestive enzymes

What are the best over-the-counter allergy remedies?

The best over-the-counter allergy remedies are the ones that work for you. Medications work differently for each person and have varying degrees of side effects.

The main classes of medication which are beneficial are: antihistamines, decongestants, mucolytics, steroids, and leukotriene inhibitors. The last two classes (steroids and leukotriene inhibitors) are by prescription only.

All antihistamines share a property called “tachyphylaxis”. What this means is that the more you use them, the less well they work. I recommend trying each of the newer antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra) and deciding which gives the best control of symptoms with the least negative side effects. Over time, it will start to lose some of its benefit. When this happens, try one of the other brands. The older antihistamines have more sedating and drying side effects.

Decongestants can be helpful, but also have negative side effects such as increased blood pressure and problems with urination, especially in older individuals.

Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin, can cause permanent damage to the nose if used for prolonged periods (> 3 days).

Allergies frequently cause thick nasal secretions. Staying well hydrated and using mucolytics like guiafenesin (Mucinex) can thin secretions.

Rinsing the nose with a salt/baking soda solution on a daily basis has been shown to be as effective as taking multiple medications. The recipe and instructions are available at our office and on our Patient Portal section of our website.

How do I know when its time to see a Doctor for help with my allergies?

I recommend seeing an Allergy Doctor if your allergies are causing any of the following: • Daily use of allergy medications • Visits to the Emergency Room • Frequent infections of the sinuses, throat, or lungs • The need for steroid shots/pulses more than twice a year We look forward to seeing you at our office.

How do you know the difference between allergies, a cold, or sinusitis?

Allergies, common colds, and sinusitis share many of the same symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drainage, and sneezing. Allergies will also cause itching in the eyes and throat which are uncommon with a cold or sinusitis. Colds are caused by a virus which effects your whole body. Systemic symptoms such as aches, fever, and malaise suggest a cold or virus. Colds usually resolve spontaneously within 5-7 days. Sinusitis should be considered if nasal symptoms persist and progressively worsen for 10 or more days.

Allergies are always related allergen exposure. Allergy testing can identify those allergens which will trigger your symptoms, making the recognition of allergies much easier.

Material presented here is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat active medical problems. It is always best to seek out the advice of your medical doctor. Free medical advice is worth what you pay for it.

YOURLIFE | WEDDINGS

Jessica Wars

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Chris Gilchriest May 19, 2012 36 / The Journey - May 2012

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tjmag.com / 39

YOURLIFE | MOTHERHOOD DIARIES

KELLY DANIEL myself? A main point of my pastor’s sermon was when the attention is taken off the internal, it can move to the external, and as a Christian I am more open to God and His plan.

Kelly Daniel, Barbara Rickel and Anna Laura Daniel.

O

n Sept. 9, 2010, my husband and my daughter’s dad, Darryl Daniel, died. On Sept. 17, 2011, my dad, Chester Rickel, died. During this course of time, my family and I have had the weirdest mix of hope with heartache.

One Sunday, just a few months ago, my Chireno Baptist Church Pastor, Waylon Brown, said in a sermon, “Take a rest from yourself.”

God used him to deliver that message, and it hit me hard. I realized that I had become so focused on my feelings, my day-to-day activity and my thoughts, that I was wearing on myself. Not that I shouldn’t take care of myself - God does give us a physical body to tend - but that I needed to let go of the worry and over-thinking all on the ‘self.’ This made me wonder how much stress could I have avoided in the past if I had just taken a little vacation from

I do find that I often think of the other mothers that are in my life.

My mom, Barbara Rickel, has always been a woman of strength, patience and beauty. I thank God for her as a blessing. My mother-in-law, Neva Holmes, has experienced the pain of losing Darryl, her oldest child, coupled with the passing of her husband, Lynn, who died only three months before Darryl. I cannot comprehend the emotional and physical hurt she endures, but she inspires with her love for her family. My daughter, Anna Laura Daniel, will be a great mom someday. I know this in my heart as I watch her grow in God’s grace. She recently wrote an essay that made me pause, because she summed up so well an answer to one of life’s greatest questions.

Anna Laura wrote, “Why should we have a plan? If we know it may or may not go right, then why even try? Well, that’s the wonderful part, because someone much greater has already made your plans.

From the moment you were born into sin, He made a plan for you.

If you keep your eyes and heart open, little by little, He will reveal His plan for you. So, even if it fails, follow your plan. For God knew your heart and gave it desires to fulfill the plan He made for you.”

Through the hope and heartache, I know moms can find comfort in God’s plan. He speaks to us through His Word, giving us what we need at every point in life. I like the fact that I can take a rest from myself and enjoy the victory and joy that God has ready for me now.

ELIZABETH SIMPSON

N

othing means more to me than my family. Over the past year, my family has encountered some trials that made me fight like never before. I truly learned the meaning of never giving up and giving it all to Him. On my son’s 3rd birthday, I realized that I was going to have to tell my family, all in one sentence, that I was expecting and my doctor needed me to get to the hospital immediately. I knew what was happening, as this wasn’t the first 40 / The Journey - May 2012

pregnancy I had lost. My sister was by my side through it all. She always is, with my parents soon to follow. Little did I know this day would ultimately save my life.

It was most difficult having to call my husband, who was still in Texas, and let him know that Heaven now had more beautiful angels. When I was discharged that night, I knew deep down that something was still wrong. However, I was determined to keep a smile on my face and enjoy what was left of Will’s birthday; even it meant having cake and ice cream at midnight when we made it to my parent’s house. At least the day ended with smiles, and my family was all there to celebrate and help me get through the days and months ahead.

I was saddened by the loss as I’ve always wanted a big family, but I was determined to focus on Will and truly enjoy him as he was already growing up too fast. The summer break flew by and the school year began. Some days it was all I could do to get myself to work as I continued to feel bad. There were many days Will and I were in bed before the sun ever set. On October 8, 2010, my heart was racing, my blood pressure was exceedingly high, my arms tingled and I felt as if my head was going to explode. I took my class to PE, went to the nurse and woke up being put in an ambulance. I was told had I still been pregnant that day, I would have died with all the issues I was having.

God’s good grace is amazing, and it is because of it that I survived.

Having Will made me become more determined to not give up, stay positive and keep a smile on my face. I wanted to set the best example for him. I wanted to do everything in my power to help ensure I got see him grow up. On Friday, May 13, 2011, I was able to have an implant device put in my heart to seal the hole. I will never forget waking up to the doctors telling me I would never have another stroke or seizure again. It is true; if you rely heavily on Him, then you have absolutely nothing to fear.

After a few days, I was released, but I still didn’t have the answers I wanted. I continued to feel bad, but as all parents do, I kept going.

I gave it my all for my class family. In the afternoons, I gave Will all I had left in me. The majority of the weekends were spent in bed. I was referred to Houston, and on March 31 when my doctor, who quickly became my friend, said my name differently, I knew the rest of the conversation would be intense. I was told I had blood clots in my brain, blood clots in my heart and a hole between the atria in my heart. I was also having seizures. Surgery was needed, but I couldn’t have it done until the clotting decreased. I would need injections twice daily to accomplish this.

After the call, I ran into Will’s room, hugged him, began to shake, cry and shake some more. All the emotions I had been holding in since July came out that night. I couldn’t sleep. I knew I could either feel sorry for myself or be strong and trust in God’s plan for me, knowing His plan is always best. I also knew I had to be strong for Will. It was because of him that I got out of bed each morning. When he knew I hurt, he would constantly remind me, “Don’t be afraid, the Lord is always with you.”

M

TIFFANY SHAW otherhood is an experience like no other through life’s journey. Everything else was incomparable to the feelings that came over me when I met my three children for the first time.

On November 16, 2002, I vowed to love, honor and cherish the love of my life. Jerry and I both grew up with influences that taught us the importance of family, and we wanted nothing less!

On February 21, 2005, we proudly welcomed our first son, Jasper Drew. Our hearts were sold the moment we saw him! Only eight short months later, Jasper surprised everyone, as he was Trick-orTreating, by wearing a BIG BROTHER t-shirt. Father’s Day 2006, we welcomed Jaxon Dakota into our world. Once again, my heart fluttered the moment our eyes met.

As we went home, I knew I had a challenge ahead of me! I asked myself, “How was I going to do this?” Unless I was changing a diaper or making bottles, my lap was a constant home for two babies. It was exhausting caring for two under the age of two; however, as they have grown older they have become the best of friends.

As our babies began to grow, we decided to try for one more. After two years of trying and not succeeding, we decided God must have had a different plan for our lives. Three years later, an “I’m pregnant” feeling came over me. With much debate, I took a pregnancy test from the drawer. To my great surprise, it was positive!

We were ecstatic and excited to share our joy with those close to our hearts. The next question was, is it a girl or a boy? Being the girly-girl that I am, frilly tutus and larger-than-life bows would be fun, but at that point, I prayed for a healthy baby. I knew that tjmag.com / 41

YOURLIFE | MOTHERHOOD DIARIES God had granted me another chance to share my love with someone else.

At the second doctor visit, I was alarmed when the nurse told me an early test had come back abnormal. After further testing, everything came back clear and most importantly, the baby was okay. Throughout the rest of my pregnancy all the routine exams and tests were normal.

But that abnormal test stuck in my mind. I think God was preparing me for the future.

I was so excited to finally know what bundle of joy we would receive next, but worry still lingered in my mind. I counted fingers and toes and closely watched the flutter of the little heart. Everything appeared to be normal. Finally the doctor says, “It’s another boy”. I was so relieved at the moment, and I knew that another little boy was just what we needed in our lives.

After forty long weeks of patiently awaiting his debut, it was time! During labor, my blood pressure bottomed out and the baby’s heart beat slowed immensely. I was then told that the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck. Of course, time seemed to inch by after that. Finally, Jagger Drake arrived at 1:20 p.m. on December 7, 2011. As soon as I saw him, all I could do was cry! It was another one of the best days of my life. Before leaving the hospital, Jagger began showing signs of reflux.

It seemed with every feeding, it became harder and harder for him to digest his milk. His pediatrician prescribed some medication to help control his reflux. My mind immediately began to wonder if this was the “abnormality” I knew was coming from the foreshadowing events that had happened before his arrival.

Coming home was amazing! We have the best Nana and Gammy in the whole wide world! When we arrived at our home, his big brothers were anxiously awaiting the moment when they finally got to put their hands on our new little bundle of joy. They looked as if it were Christmas morning! The excitement in their eyes was a moment I will never forget.

Everything seemed to be going so well, and then when he was two weeks old, I was changing a routine diaper and noticed a red “bump” on his bottom. I gave it a day, and it did not characterize a typical diaper rash. After a visit to the pediatrician, we were sent to Sutton Children’s at Christus-Schumpert in Shreveport. A pediatric surgeon examined Jagger and scheduled a surgery for two days later. The doctor diagnosed him with a fistula-in-ano. The surgery seemed to go well, however we went home with the preparation of a possible second surgery. We made numerous trips back and forth, even spending a night in the ER and being admitted. About four weeks after the initial surgery, Jagger had to endure another surgery. This time we ended up staying for three days. As of today, we are still battling this issue.

When a child is chronically ill, regardless of the medical disease or disability, the whole family feels the pain. My husband and I talk about the guilt and anger we have dealt with and have sheer exhaustion on top of living a normal life. At times, we feel as if we are depriving our first two children, Jasper and Jaxon.

42 / The Journey - May 2012

It is so hard not to ask God, “Why?” but I have to stop myself and be thankful for the blessings that He has given me. On days when I feel like things couldn’t get any worse, I take a step back and realize things with Jagger could be much more difficult. I have a job that allows me to be with him every day, and I have resources that allow me to have everything I need, despite the unanticipated medical bills.

Through this experience, I feel my faith has grown tremendously. I have learned to believe in the power of prayer and go by my motherlyinstincts that I knew nothing about before living this nightmare. I have learned to cherish each moment with my children, and I have realized my family always comes first! When I feel stretched beyond measure, I remind myself that God is so good, and I do not believe that He would throw something our way that we cannot handle; it only makes us stronger!

Children will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankrolls smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.-- Anonymous

PLACESANDFACES

Women in Red

tjmag.com / 43

by Sheila Hill, M.D. – Obstetrician/Gynecologist

YOURLIFE | WOMEN’S HEALTH

Incontinence: What You Need to Know

P

elvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are two common medical conditions that many women face at some point in their life. These conditions are often related to each other. They do not discriminate, but strike women of all socioeconomic classes and ages. Many women are unaware of the treatment options and consequently endure a significant decrease in quality of life. Education is crucial to understanding this condition, and all women should seek out a qualified medical professional who can help them maintain a normal life.

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the bladder, rectum, uterus or vagina falling from its original position within the pelvis. A helpful way to think about it is a “hernia” which occurs in the vagina. These defects can be isolated, such as just the bladder or rectum falling. Total prolapse is a condition where all the pelvic organs are falling. Even women who have undergone a prior hysterectomy can experience pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse can range from a slight pressure sensation or fullness in the vaginal/pelvic area to significant pressure, pain or pulling.

In the most severe cases, a woman may notice something protruding outside the vagina. It may look like a bump or mass.

It may also cause some discomfort when sitting. It is not uncommon for prolapse to lead to urinary or rectal incontinence.

There are many causes of pelvic organ prolapse. Most commonly, childbirth can cause tearing or stretching of the vaginal tissues, which may later lead to prolapse of the pelvic organs. Other causes include obesity, trauma or injury to the pelvic floor and diseases associated with chronic coughing and poor connective tissues.

Incontinence is leaking of the urine from the bladder or stool from the rectum. It can be quite disconcerting to women, as it usu-

ally happens at unwanted times in public places. Incontinence may be caused by a prolapse of the bladder, but it is very important to understand that there are many reasons a woman may become incontinent.

It is important to distinguish the various types of incontinence as they are often treated very different. Most importantly, some types of incontinence are most effectively treated through surgery, while other types are made worse with surgery and can be treated effectively with medications. It is essential to determine the type of incontinence.

The major types of incontinence include stress, urge and neurologic causes. Stress incontinence is associated with leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing or laughing.

Sometimes leakage will occur with changes in position from sitting to standing or when lifting heavy items. Generally, the bladder has either “fallen” or the muscle around the urethra which holds in the urine has weakened. Overall, surgery will usually give the most complete recovery from this type of incontinence. However, it is very important to note that there are nonsurgical treatments, as well. These may include putting in a small rubber or silicone device, known as a pessary, to hold up the bladder. Also, pelvic floor muscle exercises have been shown to increase the strength of the muscles around the bladder, which in turn help hold urine in when coughing or sneezing. Finally, formal physical therapy to the bladder helps by using biofeedback and electrical stimulation to help tighten the muscles around the bladder.

tinence are neurologic. In this case, the nerve fibers which tell the body when the bladder is full or those that help the bladder muscle contract to empty the bladder may not work properly. Thus, the bladder tends to get too full and it “overflows” leading to incontinence. This is the most difficult type of incontinence to treat, but can often be helped with a combination of medications, self-catherizations or surgery.

The good news is that no matter what type of prolapse and/or incontinence that a woman is suffering from, substantial progress has been made in developing new treatments that can result in a significant improvement in comfort and lifestyle. The first step is to understand that there is hope and seek diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information, visit WoodlandHeights.net and click on the Health Resources link. To make an appointment with Dr. Hill, call 936-632-2220.

Urge incontinence is best thought of as bladder spasms which force urine out when a woman is not expecting it. Classically, a woman may notice a sudden urge to go to the bathroom, but before she can get there, she leaks. This type of incontinence can often be helped with medications.

The other common forms of bladder incon-

Dr. Sheila Hill, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Your Child pretty babies 46 louis 47 parent thoughts 48 look at me 49 birthday bash 50 why i love being a mom 51

Hannah Clark of Garrison

YOURCHILD | PRETTY BABIES 3

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1. Makenzie Carbajal. 10/27/11. Proud Parents: Tony Carbajal (Corrigan) & Nicole Gresham (Lufkin). Proud Grandparents: Antonio & Osbelia Carbajal (Corrigan). 2. Landan Karter Harris. 12/30/11. Proud Parents: Jeffrey & Brenda Harris (Hudson, TX). Proud Grandparents: Johnny & Betty Acosta (Nacogdoches, TX) / Bobbie Harris (Nacogdoches, TX). 3. Porter Blake Hendrix. 1/15/09.

Proud Parents: Jared & Tara Hendrix (Lockhart, TX). Proud Grandparents: Phillip & Sharon Hendrix (Lufkin, TX) / Bo & Vercie McMullen (Lufkin, TX). 4. Gracie Katelyn Moore. 11/8/11. Proud Parents: Keith & Hannah Moore (Lufkin, TX). Proud Grandparents: Allen & Lesa Kendrick (Lufkin) / James & Patricia Moore (Broaddus, TX). 5. Kaelee Yam Raines. 10/23/2011. Proud Parents: Charles & Yam Raines. Proud Grandparents: Charles & Betty Chambliss. 6. Kiarra LeeAnne Scott. 7/25/11. Proud Parents: Lee & Kimberli Scott (Lufkin). Proud Grandparents: Carol & Jerry Foley / Michelle Scott / Calvin Scott, Sr. (Lufkin). 7. Breylan Kace Stanbery.

6/30/2011. Proud Parents: Jake & Emily Stanbery. Proud Grandparents: John & Holly Stanbery (Huntington, TX) / Juanita Hardy & Donnie Carrell (Huntington, TX) / Randy Hardy (Broaddus, TX). 8. Trevor Cinch Williams (7/28/10) and Sydney Bree Williams (1/27/06). Proud Parents: Jeffrey & Nicole Williams. Proud Grandparents: John & Kathy Williams / James & Darlene Whittlesey.

E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com. Please include the information seen above. Submissions are free of charge.

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HAPPY GRADUATION!

Louis, Now that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve graduated kindergarten, the sky is the limit!

You can do anything you set your mind to do!

Yes, Louis! You can be a doctor, a lawyer, an artist anything!

You said ANYTHING! Does that mean I can stay up late and eat whatever I want?

ANYTHING?!

LOUIS!!!

tjmag.com / 47

by Kelly Finnerud

YOURCHILD | PARENT THOUGHTS

summer HOW-TO

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am just one of the many parents who panic at the thought of being home with their beloved children for 2 ½ entire months. I’ve started wondering, “What will we do, when will I feed them, and how long can I legally lock them outdoors?” For our family, summers were pretty easy while the kids were in their preschool years. Probably because I was used to staying home with them anyway, and, let’s be real, they were still used to staying home with ME. Now that ⅔ of them are in school every day, summers have become harder on all of us. This year at the end of school, I’ll present them with a “Welcome to Summer” packet. They’ll each get a blank journal, pencils, a school-type workbook, and stickers. I’ll also re-introduce them to their daily summer schedule. I realized last summer that a schedule would help cut out the questions like, “When is snack/video game time, and do we have to get dressed today?”

here’s what our summer schedule looks like: 9:30 am Be dressed and turn TV off, then some chores* 10:00 am Snack, then outside play** Noon Lunch then Journal for 10 minutes 1:00-2:00 pm Rest *** 2:00-3:00 pm Video Games 3:00 pm Snack, then outside play** 6:00 pm Dinner 8:00 pm Bedtime *They get themselves cereal when they wake up - long before 9:30 am. **One snack each day is designated “Healthy Snack” ***This is Nap/Read/Quiet play time AKA Mommy’s Reprieve.

This schedule is more of a guideline for daily routine than a strict rule. But for us, just having a daily routine written out helps keep some kind of sanity to our summer.

Or at least makes it easier to pretend we’re sane.

Even with the (sometimes-not-so) sweet harmony in our home, it helps to know what activities are available around town each day. There’s so much more to do besides the splash pads, playgrounds, and walking trails in our area!

For example, last summer both Lufkin theaters showed weekly $1 kids’ movies on different days, and there were $3 movies at the SFA Movie Theater. The Lufkin and Nacogdoches libraries each offered weekly fun and engaging free events for kids. Add a cleaning/laundry day and a few play dates, and you’ve got your weeks made!

Nearly every day during the summer there are free or low-cost children’s activities happening around the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area, and there’s a local online resource called Parentthoughts.com to help you stay informed! Add it to your RSS feed or get updates directly on your Facebook newsfeed by “liking” facebook.com/ parentthoughts. You can also find a list of Vacation Bible Schools and summer day camps at www.parentthoughts. com and www.angelinacoalition.org.

Enjoy your summer!

Kelly Finnerud and husband, Ryan, have 3 energetic kids, Aidan (7), Trace (5) and Emmy (3). They have been married 10 years. Ryan is a worship pastor at Grace Bible Church in Nacogdoches, and Kelly has a music education degree and has been a band director in the area until staying home with young children. Kelly writes for ParenThoughts.com, an online resource sharing local activities, parenting stories and anything else kid-related in our area.

LOOK AT ME

| YOURCHILD

Lauren Glass & Wade Penn were the Citizen of the Year at Hudson Middle School.

Lily Reed graduating kindergarten at Peavy Primary.

Kaylei Dykes enjoying nature.

Zavalla,TX

Lily Reed: Softball in Hudson- The Wild Ones

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mia Martinez-Tamez!

Julia Glass at the State Archery Tournament.

Send a photo of your child and information to photos@tjmag.com.

Submissions are free of charge. tjmag.com / 49

YOURCHILD | BIRTHDAY BASH

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LEGEND’S BIG DAY

aegan and Kelly Williamson wanted to celebrate cowboy style for their son, Legend Kell’s first birthday. Legend is already a “Lil’ Cowboy” according to his mom so the Cowboy theme party was perfect. The party was held at the 3W Coral. The day was filled with cowboy hats, bandanna’s, and sheriff badges for all the little guests.

Their “saddle bags” were filled with candy from the candy buffet before they left. Guests could also try out their roping skills. Of course all the work on the ranch makes lil ones hungry. The cowboys and cowgirls enjoyed cowboy pie, chuck-wagon chili and prairie dogs and washed it all down at the “watering hole.” The day was definitely one to remember, especially with his very own miniature pony as his gift.

50 / The Journey - May 2012

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WHY I LOVE BEING A MOM

| YOURCHILD

ericka guidry “Mom, mom,” I’ve almost forgotten that ‘mom’ hasn’t always been my name. Somewhere through the years, I’ve lost my birth name, Ericka, and taken on a whole new name and identity. I’m known as Ericka to my husband, mom, family, friends and parishioners of Mt.Carmel, but to the Guidry kids, I’m ‘mom, ‘and I wouldn’t changed it for anything!

My husband, Mardy, is the pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church here in Lufkin. We have five wonderful children: Marlee 19, Morgan 17, Joshua 16, Eric 14 and Micah 12. Yes, we have 4 teenagers in the house. Needless to say, we are very busy in this season of our lives, but at the end of any day, it’s worth it all!

I’m thankful that the God of the universe would entrust me and Mardy to train up and teach these blessings. Such a calling made me feel so inadequate; though I’m sure the disciples felt the same at times. I’m thankful God chose an ordinary vessel like me to be used as a source of His amazing love so our children might see Him through us. “Wow.” In the middle of juggling school, homework, church activity, sports, family, and friends, we do have lots of fun together. We laugh, share, encourage and spend lots of time with each other. Our greatest

times are gathering around the dinner table and tucking them to bed at night. You find out lots of “things.” They are relaxed and want to talk! We aren’t a perfect family by any means, but a work in progress.

I homeschooled my children for many years, but our move to Lufkin 3 ½ years ago caused me to make a decision. I chose to enroll them in Hudson schools. It was hard for me. I treasure those special times I had with them. They were some of our greatest times. I’m so proud of the young men and women they are becoming. They have made their share of mistakes, and will make more, but that’s where God’s love, mercy and grace come in like a flood to teach them and myself of God’s great love and forgiveness. I’ve only been able to show them that great love by being a student of God’s word myself.

He gives me the strength to be the mother I am to my children.

I used to think the children needed things.

Having stuff is fine, but they need us! They need to know we’re there. They need to feel the love and security that only a parent can give. The name “mom” took on a whole new meaning to me and my family when I realized it is a calling, a privilege and an honor.

I love being a mom to Marlee, Morgan, Joshua, Eric and Micah. I thank God for a wonderful husband of twenty-one years. He is a great father to our children. I thank God for His transforming power and that He never gives up on us. For all you moms, keep on keeping on! It’s a journey worth the while.

Psalm 100:5

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