PRICELE$$ September 2011
Inspiring Parents, Motivating Kids, Celebrating Life
Technically Polite Laying Down the Law The Wagoner Family
Simply Feeding Baby
Dave Says The Fine Art of Consignment Shopping www.WiseFamilyMagazine.com
Family Album
Cooper Davidson of Chico celebrating his 6th Birthday at the Bridgeport Pool with his friends and family.
Dawson Marshall enjoying the much needed rain in Decatur.
2
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Midget / Peewee Cheer Camp. Bottom Row from L to R: Cambryn Riddles, Macey Marburger, Dusti Hornsby, Cassie Byers, Emily McDaniel, Keylee Sutton, Lidia Losoya, Jamie Williford, Journey Brown Middle Row from L to R: Rebecca Shepard, Lexi Hood, Lulu Pulido, Audrey Lujan, Hannah Buckner, Harli Deaton, Kiley Blackwood, Paige Leal, Macy McDaniel, Calli Gordon, Jessica Richey Top Row from L to R: Charlie Ann Biggerstaff, Hannah Avants, Miranda Garcia, Kinly Walker, Reagan Hardee, Jessica Byers, Erica Mercer, Breanna Hughes, Cameron Bowyer, Charlotte McGuire.
Brooklyn and Bristol Goines cooling off in the pool.
The Family Album
Cousins enjoying time together Brenden Hughes, Drexell Dillinder, Breanna Hughes, Jessi Bishop, and Leah Davidson
Carson carpenter of Bridgeport about to go back horseback riding in Colorado.
Emma Sustala - flower girl at her Great Uncle Gene’s 30th Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony in Las Vegas.
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
3
CHOICES Pregnancy Resource Center • Free Pregnancy Tests & Limited Ultrasounds • Post-Abortion Education & Support • Resources for Babies • Community Referrals • Peer Counseling
Empowering women to make life affirming choices 604 N. Trinity, Decatur P.O. Box 875, Decatur, TX 76234 Office: Español: Text: Fax:
4
940-627-6924 940-627-9662 940-391-7572 940-627-0793
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Happy 1st Birthday Olivia! Love you, Poppy, YaYa, Aunt Taylor and Uncle Blake.
Area Libraries Alvord Public Library 940-427-2842 • W,TH, F . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Boyd Public Library 940-433-5580 • M, W, F . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. • TU . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. • TH . . . . . . . . . . . 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
When you’re sitting across the desk of your local Farmers agent, you soon realize you’re in the presence of an insurance pro. Here is an agent who can appreciate your unique life situation and help you to craft a plan around it. In fact, here is an agent actually finding ways to save you additional money on insurance. Impressed? You should be, I trained them. So please give this Farmers agent a call. You’ll discover how higher learning makes them the best agents.
CHRIS MILLER 940-683-2481
cmiller4@farmersagent.com 1115 HALSELL ST BRIDGEPORT, TX 76426
Insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Coverage not available in all states.
Bridgeport Public Library 940-683-3450 • M,W,F . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. • T,TH . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Chico Public Library 940-644-2330 • M,F . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. • T,W,TH . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Decatur Public Library 940-627-5512 • M,T,TH . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m • W,F . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m Newark Public Library 817-489-2224 • M,T,Th,F . . . . . . . . . 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Sat . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Sun & Wed closed Rhome Public Library 817-636-2767 • T-F . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Sat . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
FREE After School Program for Students 5th Grade and up. For more information please contact the Decatur Public Library at 940-627-5512. 940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
5
On The Cover: September, 2011 In our 7th year of ‘Making A Difference’ P.O. Box 521 • Boyd, Texas 76023
940-210-1769
The Wagoner family from Boyd. Meredith, Kirk, Grant 7, and Griffin 4. Grant is battling brain cancer for a second time, please keep the in your prayers.
In This Issue: Founder: Kim Tinkham 1957 - 2010
Publisher & Parent Company . . . . . . . . . . . TinkInkPublications.com Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott@tinkinkpublications.com Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Sparrowgrove Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sara@tinkinkpublications.com Sales Guy & Future Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Ponder Distribution Guys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott and Don Tinkham Office Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max and Buddy Our Reason For Doing This . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOU! Advertising Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ads@wisefamilymagazine.com To submit: Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@wisefamilymagazine.com Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pics@wisefamilymagazine.com Wise Family Magazine is published monthly by Tink Ink LLC and distributed free of charge through local merchants. Wise Family Magazine reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publication. Tink Ink LLC assumes no liability or responsibility for any claims made by advertisers in the magazine. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Wise County Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940 627 5971 Severe Weather Updates . . . . . . . . . www.weather.com Emergency Preparedness Info . . . . . www.redcross.org www.MissingKids.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-843-5678 National Child Abuse Hotline . . . . . . . . 1-800-422-4453 National Poison Control Center . . . . . . . 1-800-222-1222 National Substance Abuse Hotline . . . 1-800-662-4357 National Runaway Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-786-2929
You can pick us up from here and take us home… 6
Dear Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Dave Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Women’s Occupational Workshop . . . . . . 10 Wise County Wonderings . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Energy Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 With Love, Naturally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Laying Down the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Life Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Consignment Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Wise Merchants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
BE A PART OF OUR NEXT ISSUE! Proud of your child, team or association? Want to share a picture with the rest of the county? Send your high resolution color picture with caption to
pics@WiseFamilyMagazine.com Find Doright in the magazine (it’s not easy), email us at Contest@wisefamilymagazine.com. You will be entered in a drawing for a prize. Proudly sponsored by our Decatur “Do Right and Fear No Man”
940/627-2519
Wise Family Magazine believes that texting and non-hands free cell use are dangerous to everyone involved. Use your head not your hands!
Grocery stores, Fred’s, Chili’s, Wal-mart, Pizza Hut, Dos Chiles, Starbucks, Plaza Cinema IV Movie Theatre, Wise Regional Hospital, North Texas Community Hospital and many more places throughout our great county! Thank you!
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Pray for Rain... by Scott Tinkham
M
any people find the scent during and immediately after rain pleasant or distinctive. The source of this scent is petrichor, an oil produced by plants, then absorbed by rocks and soil, and later released into the air during rainfall.
Rain
is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth’s surface. On Earth, it is the condensation of atmospheric water vapor into drops of water heavy enough to fall, often making it to the surface. Two processes, possibly acting together, can lead to air becoming saturated leading to rainfall: cooling the air or adding water vapor to the air. Virga is precipitation that begins falling to the earth but evaporates before reaching the surface; it is one of the ways air can become saturated. Precipitation forms via collision with other rain drops or ice crystals within a cloud. Rain drops range in size from oblate, pancake-like shapes for larger drops, to small spheres for smaller drops.
Singing in the Rain
I’m singing in the rain Just singing in the rain What a glorious feelin’ I’m happy again I’m laughing at clouds So dark up above The sun’s in my heart And I’m ready for love Let the stormy clouds chase Everyone from the place Come on with the rain
Related Words for : rain rainfall, rain down, rainwater, pelting
I’ve a smile on my face I walk down the lane With a happy refrain Just singin’, Singin’ in the rain
Songs
Dancin’ in the rain Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah I’m happy again! I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain! I’m dancin’ and singin’ in the rain...
rain [reyn]
noun 1. water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Compare drizzle 2. a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower: We had a light rain this afternoon. 3. rains, the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India. 4. weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall: We had rain most of last summer. 5. a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything: a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation. 6. (of rain) to fall (usually used impersonally with it as subject): It rained all night. 7. to fall like rain: Tears rained from their eyes. 8. to send down rain: The lightning flashed and the sky rained on us in torrents. 9. to send down in great quantities, as small pieces or objects: People on rooftops rained confetti on the parade. 10. to offer, bestow, or give in great quantity: to rain favors upon a person. 11. to deal, hurl, fire, etc., repeatedly: to rain blows on someone’s head. Verb phrase 12. rain out, to cause, by raining, the cancellation or postponement of a sports event, performance, or the like: The double-header was rained out yesterday. Idiom 13. rain cats and dogs, Informal . to rain very heavily or steadily: We canceled our picnic because it rained cats and dogs.
I started singing songs in my head that had just that word, “rain.” A few songs I thought of were “I Love A Rainy Night,” and “Have you ever seen the rain” by CCR. What are some of your favorite songs with the word “rain” in the lyrics? I hope you get stuck singing one song in your head for the rest of the day! Maybe it will increase our chances. Here are some more….. Raindrops keep falling on my head... Its raining men, halleluiah... I wish it would rain... Rain drops on roses... It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring... Southern Rain... Here Comes the Rain Again... Blame It On The Rain... Someone left the cake out in the rain... Bring on the Rain... “When all the world is a hopeless jumble And the raindrops tumble all around Heaven opens a magic lane When all the clouds darken up the skyway There’s a rainbow highway to be found Leading from your windowpane To a place behind the sun Just a step beyond the rain Somewhere, over the rainbow Way up high There’s a land that I dreamed of Once in a lullaby……..” “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” -Henry Wadsworth Long fellow Pray for Rain...
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
7
Dave Says
Great theory, but it doesn’t work
Dear Dave, I live in Alaska, and I’m considering using a credit card for the airline miles. This would make it easier and cheaper for me to visit my family in the Lower 48. Is this a good idea? - Adam Dear Adam, What you’re talking about sounds great in theory. The problem is that it doesn’t work out so well in the real world. Did you know that 78 percent of all airline miles are never redeemed? And, if you’re one of the 22 percent who attempt to cash in on them, you’ll find that the airlines make it virtually impossible for you to travel when you want, how you want, or even where you want. Now, let’s look at the credit card side of things. Did you know that studies have shown that you spend more when you use plastic than when you pay with cash? Cash has an emotional element to it. When it leaves your hand, the pain centers in your brain activate. A study at MIT actually proved this to be true. They also found that those pain centers are not activated when you pay with plastic. Here’s the bottom line: With a few very rare exceptions, you’re much better off not chasing airline miles by using a credit card. The vast majority of people who play this game find themselves with nothing but debt at the end of the day. If you’re really interested in airline miles, I’d suggest looking into a debit card program that offers this perk. With a debit card, you’re not borrowing money. You’re spending your own money straight from your own bank account. If this credit card airline miles thing worked so well for the consumer, the card companies would be going out of business. More than anything, it’s a bait and switch. And the bait is attached to a hook that takes money out of your pocket and puts it in theirs! - Dave
Debt settlement companies aren’t magic
Dear Dave, How do you feel about debt management companies? Can they actually help you reduce and get out of debt? - Jake Dear Jake, My advice is to stay away from debt management companies. If you go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website, you’ll find that debt management companies receive more complaints than just about any other type of business. In other words, tons of them are operated poorly to the point of incompetence, or they’re just plain scams. Debt management companies don’t wave a magic wand and make your problems disappear. The only way a creditor will take less than they’re owed is if you’re 8
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
way behind on payments, and they’re afraid they won’t get paid. And, if it comes to a settlement situation, you have to watch your back. Always make sure you get any settlement offers and agreements on your own and in writing—no exceptions. And never allow a creditor to have electronic access to your bank accounts. But the big problem is that you need to fix your behavior when it comes to handling money. You can do that a lot cheaper than any company. But if you don’t get control of your money, start living on a budget, and living on less than you make, your debt problem is going to hang around your neck for the rest of your life! —Dave
Make him earn it!
Dear Dave, I recently received a beneficiary IRA when my mother passed away. I also received a small part of her estate. I’d like to share some of this with my 24-year-old son. He’s a good boy, but he’s pretty impulsive and not good with money. Do you have any suggestions? - Kimberly Dear Kimberly, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. It’s tough enough losing your mom without having to worry about a grown son with money issues. I’m sure he’s a good kid, but I don’t like the idea of just giving him money when you already know he’s impulsive. Over the years, I’ve learned that handing money to someone who’s financially irresponsible is not a good plan. Lots of people think they’d be fine if they just had more money, and that’s generally not the case. You have to ask yourself if you’d really be helping this young man by giving him a bunch of money. More than likely, the answer is no. You’ve got several options. But, at his age, it might be a good idea to attach a few strings to him getting any of the money. Set up some guidelines designed to improve his behaviors in a few areas, and you could give him the money if he meets the requirements. Don’t make him jump through a bunch of hoops for no reason. I’m talking about things that will train and educate him to live a more productive and responsible life in the future—both financially and as a mature, responsible adult in general. I think this is fair to you both, and it’s also a way you can help him help himself. And hey, if he refuses to cooperate or cops an attitude, you can always just keep the money until he finally grows up a little! - Dave
Budget overflow...
Dear Dave, What should I do with any money I have left from various categories in my monthly budget? - Chris
Dave Says
Dear Chris, Some things you’ll carry over from month to month. A good example might be clothing. A lot of people, especially men, don’t buy new clothes every month. We’re usually not as style-conscious as the ladies, so we generally don’t get around to buying new clothes until something is just completely worn out. If you’re consistently over-budgeting in a category like food, you need to simply cut back on the amount you’re designating for groceries. When it comes to miscellaneous items, and if it’s just a few dollars here and there, you’ve got a few options. You might carry it over like with the food money, or you could combine the amounts into an overflow fund. You could even put it toward paying off debt, if you have any, or stash it in your blow money category and have a little bit more to spend on fun stuff. Good question, Chris! - Dave
829 Towne Ct. Saginaw, TX 76179
817-232-9393 www.encoreschoolofdance.com
Now Registering Classes are filling quickly. Register today!
Come in for a FREE trial class! Our schedules can be found online. Bring in this ad for $10 off your fall registration fee
Est. 1995
Now is the best time to renovate your home! Contact us for all of your home renovation needs.
Saving before the mortgage?
Dear Dave, Why do you recommend saving before paying off your mortgage? I’ve always thought of a house as a liability that should be paid off as quickly as possible. - Mark
Residential and Commercial, TRCC #24213 Mobile: 682-429-3011 www.langtoconstruction.com
Dear Mark, You’re off base on this one. The truth is that a house is an asset, and the mortgage is a liability. That’s straight from the pages of Accounting 101. There are folks out there who will try to tell you a house is a liability, because it costs you money. In fact, that house will make you more money than it cost when you sell it, so it’s an asset! I’ve met 70-year-olds with houses that are paid for and no money in the bank. It’s a really sad situation. That’s why I want people to work on having an emergency fund and 15 percent of their income going into retirement first. Then, take everything above that and put it toward paying off the house as fast as possible. But don’t believe all this stuff about a home being a liability. It’s just not true! - Dave ■
Dave Ramsey For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
9
ack to school, carpools, grocery shopping, work schedules, cleaning house, water the plants, cooking meals, laundry, homework…. the list goes on and on. This article is not about those and other pressures faced daily. This is about surviving and moving in a different direction. This is about simplicity. Simplicity means extracting the unnecessary from life. Living a life of simplicity requires the releasing of the pressures that crowd out your thoughts and dreams. It means seeking out a place of comfort and calm within your home, your business and yourself. It means knowing what you will and will not allow in your life. For me, it is the establishing rules for living. Allow me to share… • • • • • • • • • • • • •
I will not feed nor tend to what I do not want to flourish in my life. I will not engage in anger and doubt; I will nurture peace. I will not encourage fatigue; I will comfort and nourish my body, mind and spirit. I will not engage in confusion; I will seek clarity. I will not participate in frustration and drama; I will pursue order. I will not dwell in clutter; I will soar in my freedom. I will not make camp with fear; I will explore my peace. I will not rush through my day; I will take time to look and listen. I will not just talk at people; I will learn to converse WITH people. I will be content each day. I will learn more each day. I will sleep soundly, restfully. I will live simply with joy.
Women’s Occupational Workshop
B
Simplicity must be sought. The demands of your day will steal your peace. Make the decision to release the unnecessary and grab tightly to the potential of your day. To quote Thoreau, “Simplify, simplify!” ■
Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler. Albert Einstein PASS IT ON! Help us build our Wise Family community and increase awareness of what we have to offer! By passing on an issue of Wise Family Magazine, you are joining over 10,000 readers who are getting the word out about Wise Family.
How To Plan The Perfect Party? Call Us! Starting at $75
All you bring is the cake and the kids – we clean the mess!
DECATUR SKATE 1508 N. Bus 81/287 • Decatur, TX 76234
940-627-2614
www.decaturskate.net
Lovette Pediatrics, P.A. Amanda Lovette, M.D.
August Pediatrics, P.A. Anissa August, M.D.
Keitha Story-Stephenson, Ph.D. Keitha Story-Stephenson, Ph.D. owner of BlueSky Wellness Center, provides private consultation for individuals and corporations in Nutritional Wellness, Weight Management, ADD/ADHD Nutritional Management, and other Alternative Health Care; including private, alternative individual behavior therapy. Services are available by appointment in Decatur at 506 West Walnut. Call 817-239-9525 for appointment or visit us at www. BlueSkyWellnessCenter.com for more information. Follow us on our Blog, www.DrKeitha.com or www. MerchantsCircle.com . Also, tune in to Christian Radio, KDKR 91.3fm, on Saturdays at 1:30, for “Feeding the Family-Mind, Body and Spirit” or go to KDKR.org for live streaming of our broadcast. 10
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy school year!
Sick and Well Care
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
2401 S. FM 51 Suite 100 Decatur, Tx 76234
New Patients Welcome – Please Call for Appointment
940-627-8044 Se Habla Espanol
www.LovetteAugustPediatrics.com
Family Album
Too hot for T-Ball! Collin & Kimber Euler, Shyla Largent We are the proud grand parents Clarence And Carolyn Largent of Paradise. Parents of Kimber & Collin Euler are Tom & Brittney Euler Parents of Shyla Largent are Chad & Beth Largent all from Paradise Kolton Jordan, age 6, enjoying his summer in his family pool.
Meeting Facilities For Your Next Corporate Meetings, Baby Showers, Anniversary Party, Family & Class Reunions
CIRCLE S STORES
1210 South FM 51 • Decatur, Texas
Professional event planner on staff
940-627-3637
Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Closed Sundays Grill Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5a.m. - 2 p.m. Deli Box Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8 am. - 6 p.m.
110 South US Hwy. 81/287 Decatur, Texas 76234
940.627.4900
940.627.4902 Fax www.hisdecatur.com
Hamburgers Wednesdays
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Call in Deli Orders For Faster Service
Hot Breakfast & Folger’s Coffee Brewed Daily
MENTION THIS AD for 10% Off One Night Stay
It’s the growing season… and planted
Tables inside and outside for your dining convenience.
Voted Best Convenience Store 2009 Member FDIC Independent Locally Owned
Woodhaven National Bank 800 Hwy 287, Suite A Rhome • 817.638.5111 Woodhaven National Bank inside every Woodhaven 6750 Bridge Street branch are people who make Fort Worth • 817.496.6700 your banking experience a Mansfield Community Bank pleasure, whether you’re 1700 E. Broad Street growing a business or a family. Mansfield • 817.473.5979 Ridglea Bank We’ve never had to work 3325 Fairfield Ave at Camp Bowie very hard at treating you like Fort Worth • 817.731.3361 an individual — it just comes Woodhaven Bank Northeast naturally. Visit one of our 4607 Colleyville Blvd. branches today. Colleyville • 817.656.7755 Mercantile Bank 2229 A Park Row Arlington • 817.277.2225 Woodhaven Bank 6301 N. Beach Street www.woodhavenbank.com Fort Worth • 817.489.6500
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
11
Casey Tate Chico Senior 2012 Photo by 2 chicks that click.
Rhome Family Practice
Newborn to Geriatrics
Andrew W. Hoover M.D., P.A. Board Certified Family Practice Most Insurance Accepted Now Offering Alkaline IV Therapy and HCG Diet Program
817.636.2018
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8 am - Noon,1 pm -5 pm Friday 8 am - noon
600 S. Main Street, Rhome www.wisewellnesscentertexas.com
12
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
The Family Album
Hunter Holt 1 year and Riggin Fields 18 months.
Ulric Smart, paying close attention.
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com 
13
I
spent some time doing clean up in Joplin, Missouri this summer. In the hours after the tornado, people would leave their wrecked homes to go after food and water, only to not be let back in to the damaged area. This could cause some problems if a baby were waiting for formula! During the months leading up to the potential fallout from Y2K, I had a young baby to take care of. We didn’t know how serious to take the threat, so we kept a bit of food and water on hand. However, I knew I could feed my baby no matter what happened since I was breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the simple way to feed a baby. It’s the normal way humans are meant to be fed. While there are cases when moms must rely on an alternative to feed their babies, with determination and support, almost all mothers are able to provide nourishment simply by bringing baby to breast. Have you seen the variety of baby feeding paraphernalia on the market? Considering keeping all that clean makes me exhausted! Then there are the all-too-common news releases that another formula has been contaminated. Breastfeeding requires few supplies and breast milk has never been recalled! Formula often causes constipation, which can sometimes lead to a formula change, which can lead to more problems (not to mention expense!). Formula offers no protection against infections or other diseases, so breast milk leads to a simpler life with less doctor appointments and trips to the store! Mom’s milk is always ready, warm and comes with the most cuddles! Breastfeeding in our culture is not always easy. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Some of it comes from well-meaning family and even pediatricians. What we are realizing is that the more we mess with the breastfeeding relationship, the more problems we cause, so keep it simple by finding a lactation educator like Traci Wann who is on top of the latest research and believes in keeping it simple. An excellent book every pregnant mom should read is Breastfeeding Made Simple (more info at breastfeedingmadesimple. com). ■ Wendy Fowler Wendy Fowler is a Certified Doula (Professional Childbirth Coach) and Childbirth Educator with a passion for helping young families thrive. She is a Texas Woman’s University graduate with a degree in Family Studies, but she gets most of her experience in the trenches raising five daughters out in the country with her husband Shane. For more information on the services she offers, visit her website at www.doulawendy. com. 14
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
With Love, Naturally
Simply Feeding Baby
DECATUR TIRE STORE & SERVICE CENTER B.W. Stone, owner
A GOOD DEAL ON A GREAT TIRE ®
Convenient Store Hours Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat. 7:30 am - noon 940.627.3657
1201 N. Hwy. 81/287, Decatur
To-Go and Call-Ahead Waiting
940-627-2519
join us on
Follow us on
Decatur Women’s Health Center Who do you TRUST with your OB/GYN care?
Your health and well-being as a woman are our concern. We offer a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care. Our emphasis is on makingYou feel comfortable, confident and reassured.
Douglas Kyle, M.D.
Call today to schedule your next appointment.
940-627-4216
1713 S. FM 51, Suite 101 • Decatur, Texas 76234
Laying Down the Law
I
f you take a look at any issue of Wise Family, you will notice a clear theme. Things like “accountability”, “love,” and “patience” have all been past themes. As a writer, the theme gives me a bit of help in tailoring my article. September’s theme could not be more relevant for this issue. If you haven’t noticed, school has started. What’s on your list of daily activities? I am betting it goes something like this(in no particular order): Homework, football, baseball, soccer, or other activity after school, notes from the teacher, school projects, dinner, breakfast, lunch (maybe), work, doctor visits, dentist visits, more shopping, etc.. Oh, and wait, you have new activities, new clothes, new school, new homework, new teachers, new friends, oh my! I have one child in school and I can’t imagine what it will be like with three. How did our lives get so crazy? Is there any way we can simplify things? Anyone will tell you that a schedule or calendar is the first step. Realistically, very few of us can keep up with everything and keep up with the calendar as well. I think, for most working folks, it is a matter of “what do we do today” and not “what do we do two weeks from now.” We all need some kind of schedule, but anything more than this week (unless really important) is hard to maintain. Simplify things, and don’t commit yourself to an extensive calendar
that sounds good, but you can’t keep up with. Don’t frustrate yourself by overextending what you can realistically do. Like most parents, I want my child to be involved activities. But realistically, how many activities can your children fully participate in. I don’t think most kids can play three sports all at the same time and excel at any of them. Same for other activities in school. How many school programs, activities, or clubs can you realistically participate 100% all at the same time? One sport or activity will get less than 100%. Consider limiting to those that you can realistically participate and give your best. Most of all, take time for your family. If it means having ham sandwiches for dinner so you can spend an extra 30 minutes with your kids. Do it. If it means saying no when your kid wants to add three extra activities. Do it. If it takes giving up something(s) to simplify your life. Do it. See you next month. ■ James Stainton Wise County Attorney
If you are reading this, you’re probably not the only one!
Place your ad here and it will get read, too!
940.210.1769 Easy to see ads – delivered to prominent places. Call today and reserve your space in
‘Supporting’ the future by supporting our youth. Your Steel Warehouse, Catering to the Aggregate & Oil Industry Bridgeport Steel & Supply 323 PR 1400 • Bridgeport, Texas
940.683.4940
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
15
The Family Album
Bristol Goines getting her 2 year old pictures made. Fun times. Parents are Sherman and Whitni Goines
Chico 10 & under softball girls. They were UNDEFEATED this spring and remained undefeated through the end-of-year Wise Co.softball tournament to take FIRST place! Front Row L to R: Georgie Tullos, Jules Tullos, Harli Deaton, Macy McDaniel, Sydney Delgado Back Bow L to R: Taylor Wootton, Reagan Hardee, Kinly Walker, Laynee North, Jessica Byers Coaches: Adam Walker and Carl McDaniel
Come join us! The ABWN meets the second Thursday of every month at the Decatur Civic Center. Lunch meetings start promptly at 12:00 noon, with check-in starting at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $10/member and $15/non-member (first-time guests pay the member rate).
www.ABWN.org
16
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
The Family Album
Cousins together for Sunday lunch. Grandsons of c.g.and Lesa skiles: Ulric Smart 6, McCray Smart 16 months and Jax Akiles 4 months.
Raleigh Peters, daughter of Joni and Josh Peters of Bridgeport 15 months
940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com 
17
Life Skills Technically Polite- Part 1
R
emember when conversations were held face-to-face? Two or more people would gather and share thoughts, work out issues, and cement relationships. We enjoyed the benefit of hearing the words another spoke, seeing the gestures and subtle body movements, and profited from the ability to ask questions for clarification and full understanding. Technology has forever shifted how we communicate. Today, we talk, we text, we tweet, and we write on each other’s walls. And, thanks to smart phones and tablets, we can do so anywhere and anytime. Whatever the method of communication may be, one thing remains constant: we must demonstrate behavior that is considerate and polite. Reason for Communicating With so many communication options available, it is important to identify what the purpose is for your interaction. Do you desire to deepen a relationship? Do you have upsetting news? If so, it is best to communicate face-to-face. If that is not possible, then a phone call would be appropriate. Quick notes or comments can easily be sent through a text. Focus on Those Who are Present Where is your focus? Those who constantly check their phone send a clear message that there is something more important than those who are present—never a good message if you desire to enhance relationships. Mobile Phone Tips • Hang up and tend to business. Talking on your phone when you are trying to check out of a store, at the bank, in a public space, or using the restroom is never appropriate. • Watch your volume! People tend to talk louder on their mobile phone. • When placing a call, identify yourself and ask the person you are calling if it is a good time to talk. Be aware that not all people have unlimited minutes. Time is money!
Come see our outstanding line of award-winning instruments. 1208 S. FM 51 • Suite I-1 Decatur, TX 76234 • 940-626-2120 • www.DecaturMusic.com
18
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
• If your call is dropped, the person who placed the call is the one who should return the call – even if you think the call was dropped by the other person. This avoids the endless calls that go immediately to voice message. Of course, not all people know this; so if the person who placed the call does not call back in a couple minutes, then you probably should call them. • Do not use your phone during public performances such as movies or the theater. Even checking your phone can cause light distractions. • Be aware of background noises. Depending on the sensitivity of your phone, even minor background noises can be very loud to the person on the other end of the call. • Use a hands-free device when driving so you can focus on driving. It is best to let people you are calling know you are in the car and ask them if they can hear you. Note: Your Bluetooth is NOT a fashion accessory. Limit wearing one unless you are using the phone. Texting Tips Most importantly, a text is NOT a conversation! A text is a statement or a question. Think of a text like a Post-it Note. If you have more information to convey than you can fit on a Post-it Note, consider another form of communication. Avoid other activities when texting. Texting while driving is now proven to be more dangerous than drunk driving! And there are plenty of stories of people having accidents while walking and texting. ■ Deborah King, AICI CIP
Deborah King is President of Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. which she founded in 1989 in Seattle. As a certified image professional, with over 30 years of experience, she presents her programs nationally and internationally for youth and corporate clients. She is co-author of “Image Power” and “Executive Etiquette Power” and developer of several education tools. www.finaltouchschool.com.
STRATEGIES FOR GREATER SCHOOL SUCCESS Practical ideas to help your child become more organized.
“Just so you know, mom I’ve got a test on Friday I’m gonna fail.” y sixth-grader is barely through the front door when this escapes his lips. Because he is an excellent student, my head is spinning. Smiling, I remark “What do you mean? You’ve got three more days to study?” But he is already gritting his teeth, scowling as he announces “I can’t do it.” Still calm, I try to appeal to his reason but with no luck. Within seconds, I am shouting “THEN YOU’RE GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!” Sound familiar? Disorganization and Success What my son probably was communicating after school that day was “I feel distressed, mom. I have no idea how to get organized for this test.” Unfortunately, like so many parents, I let myself grow overly emotional and failed to truly listen to his fear and concern. Organizing the Disorganized Child by Martin Kutscher and Marcella Moran provides a helpful guide for explaining in plain English how disorganized habits interfere with school success and create chaos within the home. The following issues addressed in the book were ones in particular I believe are relevant to helping your child develop healthier habits and achieve more. Understand Why They Procrastinate According to Organizing the Disorganized Child, kids often adopt an “I’ll get to it later” habit and put off school projects or studying for several reasons. Sometimes they simply have a poor concept of time. Other kids have poor memory for ways procrastinating has failed them in the past. Still others are too easily sidetracked and unable to resist temptation to do something more appealing. Kutscher and Moran remind parents that most often these issues are “the fault of the undeveloped brain, not the child” and urge parents not to yell or punish. Instead, stay positive, offer support, and help them break larger tasks down into chunks. They offer these tips to get organized: 1. Write down assignments in a planner. 2. Ask the teacher or a buddy to double-check their planner to be sure it is correct. 3. Place all materials touched that day into a take-home section of a folder. 4. Mark a calendar with completion dates for step in preparing for a project. 5. Put completed work in a Take to School section of a folder. 6. Weekly purge the backpack and folders of papers no longer needed.
M
Teach Them to Question Everything The authors of this guide believe in addition to good note-taking and study skills, the key to your child’s education is questioning everything. Teaching your child to ask the following questions will enhance your child’s learning: 1. What did the teacher just say? 2. What did I just read? 3. Why is that so? Is it true? 4. Where have I seen information like this before? 5. How is this different from material I’ve previously learned? 6. How can I summarize this in as few words as possible? 7. How can I visualize this in pictures of flowcharts? 8. What else do I need to learn about this? 9. What questions about this are likely to be on the test? 10. Why is this important to me and the rest of the world? 11. So what? Test Taking Smarts All students can use a refresher for how to best manage time on a test, and the following strategies are recommended by Kutscher and Moran: 1. Turn over the sheet and jot down keywords, dates, formulas, and phrases you memorized. 2. Look over the entire test quickly to anticipate what’s coming up. 3. Read directions carefully. Underline keywords of the directions. 4. Answer easy questions first. 5. Place a question mark next to answers you guess on. 6. Sometimes the answer to one question is contained somewhere on the test. 7. Sometimes you may be able to get help or clues from the teacher i.e. “Can you rephrase the question.” 8. If you have leftover time, check your answers and scan for careless mistakes. Only change an answer when you’re certain the new response is correct. 9. If unsure, guess. In terms of helping your child become a more organized student, the authors remind parents “We can’t completely fix everything overnight. We can, though, expect continued progress over a mountainous terrain toward an ultimately successful future.” Michele Ranard, M.Ed. Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Find her at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.
Bonding With Teens 101 940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
19
Family Album
2nd grade cheerleaders
Charlie Phillips on a hot summer day.
Wise Pediatrics
“Providing premier, preschool & school-age services for children 6 weeks – 12 years.” • A warm, nurturing Christian environment • Daily Bible and Praise Time & Weekly Chapel • Experienced Early Childhood Educators • Research-based, themed curriculum in all classrooms • A creative, hands-on approach to learning • Before and/or after school club for school-age children (servicing Rann, Carson, Young, Seven Hills, Prairie View and Boyd Elementary) Homework help & enrichment activities provided! • An exciting summer club for school-age children packed with awesome activities, fun field trips & character-building community projects
940-626-4400 A Specialist for your children as they grow!
Leslie Hollis, MD
Board Certified in Pediatrics since 1999 Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Learn more about our premier program by visiting www.pettitprivateschool.com “Helping you lay the strong foundation upon which the rest of your child’s life will be built!” (Matthew 7:24-25)
940-627-8393 Decatur • 817-489-2318 Aurora
20
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Accepting Most Insurances Call if you have any questions
609 Medical Center Dr., #2300 Decatur, Texas 76234 Attached to Wise Regional Hospital www.WisePediatrics.com
Family Album
Lilly Lowery, Berkley Jones & Lindie Carpenter.
Embry Shay Dillard age 9 mo enjoying chocolate ice cream after a hot day.
Ryan Barnett (age 8) South Padre Island.
The Fine Art of Consignment Shopping by Kara Ferraro
I
am always bewildered when I meet someone who hasn’t been introduced to the fine art of consignment shopping. Years ago when I was working in the “corporate world,” consignment shops were my best kept secret. I always dressed to the nines in top designer outfits, most of them purchased from consignment shops. In fact, many of the items I would purchase were barely worn or still had the original price tag on them! I used to pity the gal who thought I spent thousands on my wardrobe. However, every once in a while I would share my little secret. Now, its thirteen years later and I am a mother of two, and those designer duds have been eagerly exchanged with maternity wear, onesies and now (sigh) clothes for a tween. Consignment shops have been a way of life for me, and I am proud to announce my bargains to all who care to listen. Not only are consignment shops a great source for finding items to purchase, they are a great source of additional income if you want to unload any of those gently used items, games, toys, dvds, clothes and accessories that the kids just “had” to have and then barely touched once they brought them home. For those of you who aren’t familiar with consignment shops and how they work, it’s quite simple. Consignment shops carefully inspect items and accept only those that they think are saleable. They do all of the work, including display, storage, ticketing, sales and merchandising. When your item sells, they pay you a percentage of the sale. It’s that simple. It’s common for you, the consignor, to receive about 40% of the sales price of your item. Not bad, considering all you did was bring it to the shop! If you are thinking of consigning some items, be sure
to call or stop into the shop to find out what sort of items they take and if they have any specific times that they accept items. For shoppers, consignment shops are a bargain hunter’s paradise. Most consignment shops seek out only clean, quality, brand name clothing and items. The best part for me is the thrill of the hunt and the find! Since most stores receive new merchandise daily, you never know what you are going to find. You may find a great Halloween costume one day and a party dress the next; so, it’s smart to frequent them often. If you see something you like, you better grab it quick, because the odds of that fantastic item being available the next day are slim to none. Consignment shopping is now more fashionable than ever. With the “Going Green” movement and the idea that recycling is the only way to go, more and more people from all walks of life, regardless of income levels, are finding the true value in consignment shops. As for me, the excitement of consignment shopping is still about the hunt and the find. I love not knowing what I will discover on my next shopping excursion. I may come up empty handed or find that one item I have been searching for forever. Usually, I come home with something “new” to me that I proudly claim as my new treasure. If for some reason I change my mind about it, as we girls often do, I simply consign it! ■ Kara Ferraro is a publisher and freelance writer with two elementary aged children. She is always looking for clever, budget friendly activities to do with her family and ways to save money. 940.210.1769 • WISE
FamilyMagazine.com
21
Family Album - First Day of School!
Payton Ali Boner’s “Last 1st day of school” at DHS.
22
Jacoby Prince (8) and Autumn Prince (7) First day of School
WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769
Coit and Cortney Clamon 1st day back to school. Coit is in 2nd grade at Boyd Elementary and Cortney is in 4th grade at Boyd Intermediate
•RegisteRed NuRsiNg •Cosmetology •emt •law eNfoRCemeNt aCademy •exteNded geNeRal eduCatioN offeRiNgs
Call us today for more information at
940-627-2690. Join us on faCebook. searCh for Weatherford College Wise County.