The Journey

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2130 S. 1st Street Lufkin, TX 75901

936.632.0777

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6 / The Journey - January 2011

ContentsJ a n u a r y 2 0 1 1

Stephanie OliverP r e s i d e n t

Beth StokesM a n a g i n g E d i t o r

Michelle BrileyD i r e c t o r o f S a l e s

Kay HendricksA c c o u n t E xe c u t i v e

Michelle HaneyL a y o u t a n d D e s i g n

Courtney ConerlyDaryl SparksG r a p h i c D e s i g n e r

Jimmy WilliamsO p e r a t i o n s

Lisa CrowEv e n t P h o t o g r a p h e r

Jennifer WilliamsC o p y E d i t o r

COntriButOrSYv e t t e A l v e r s o nE l a i n e C a m e r o nS u z y Lo u C h i l d e r sG r e g o r y D e A r m o n d , M . D.D r. G e o r g e F i d o n eK a t h r y n G r e e n eA n n a Le eM e l i s s a Le eS t a c e y Pa i g eK i m Pe m b e r

DiStruButiOnJ a n e t G l ove rL i sa C rowJ a m es Wi l l i a m s

21yourcommunityHot Spot: Kelley Minter Event

Business Spotlight: Hotel Fredonia.Lufkin Chamber of Commerce

Nacogdoches Chamber of CommerceCalendar

Giving Back: Making Someone Else’s Day Special.Inspiring Couples

45yourlifeSuzy Lou Comic

Hall of Fame HubbiesPretty Babies

Stretch Marks: New Year, Same Ol’ MeWeddings

Relationships: A Glance Back, A Look ForwardFeature Teacher: Darla Warden

Finance 101: Investment Ideas for Newlyweds

67yourchildAsk the Doc: Immunizations 101

Child’s Play: The Payne FamilyKids Konnect: What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

Birthday Bash: Alice in Wonderland/Camo PartyTreats and Eats: January is Soup Month

Why I Love Being a Mom: Yvette AlversonReview

Parting Advice

Th e J o u r n eyP O B ox 1 5 0 5 37L u f k i n , Tx 7591 5

93 6 - 6 3 5 -7 3 69a d ve r t i s e @ t j m a g .co m

To Advertise:

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Home Tour: Landmarks: Millard’s Crossing

At Home: Bridal RegistryIn the Kitchen: Select & Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Landscaping: Indoor Blooms

Fashion: Custom Wedding DressesBeauty: Must-Haves for Your Big Day

Fitness: 11 Ways to Live Healthy in 2011Women’s Health: Getting a Grip on GERD

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Cover photo:Haylee Stephenson Belt

Photo taken byAshley Courtney Photography

Ashleycourtneyphotography.com

Injuries & Illnesses

Antibiotics & Shots

On-Site Digital X-Ray

Urgent Asthma & Allergy Treatment

Lacerations & Broken Bones

Urgent On-Site Lab

Lufkin 634-DOCS (3627)

Between Sam’s andTractor Supply

Livingston 888-634-DOCS (3627)

On 190 AcrossFrom Walmart

NacogdochesNow Open

Next toFuddruckers

News


The Journey enjoys sharing good news and celebrations! We have a lot to celebrate this month.

Blithe Boutique Grand Opening. Blithe Boutique opened their doors to the public just in time for Black Friday. The buzz about the store has been great! If you have not been, be sure to put it on your list of things to do. You will not regret it! Blithe Boutique is located on First Street, downtown Lufkin.

TSmall Business of the Year….goes to Laine’s Hallmark! What a tremendous accomplishment to Tammy Welch and her crew. Laine’s is such an asset to East Texas! From left, Nacogdoches County Chamber Chairman 2009-10 Paul Smith III, Tammy Welch and Alvin Stanaland. Photo: Bruce R. Partain

Miss McGillicuddy’s, located inside Lufkin Mall, and owner Mandy Smith celebrated their one year anniversary in December. We are happy for your success and all of your hard work!

This past December, The Very Thing celebrated their FIVE year anniversary under the new ownership of Nancy Winston. Time flies when you are having fun! Congratulations and here is to many more!

Happy 10 year anniversary to Brenda Sullivan and The Garden Gate! Who knew The Garden Gate would have grown into what it is today. Congratulations!

Corner of Loop 287 and Hwy 59 S. • 936-637-2848


Welcome

StepHanie OLiverpresident

WWhat a year! I guess we will start the whole routine all again—crossing off a day at a time, then another month will go by. Before you know it, we will be half way through 2011. Time really flies by! It really seems to fly by after adding children to the mix; time has been in fast forward mode! The days go by so quickly.

Then with the start of a new year is the long lasting debate- to set resolutions or not? I have never been one to make resolutions. I do however, like to look back at the past year and find things I can do better, which all usually revolve around the kids and their schedules. They only have one childhood and I only have one shot at being a mom. As rigid schedules as my husband and I carry- we often forget to sometimes not have a routine and throw the schedule out the window and laugh and play. I think that is what the kids are going to remember more than anything in life—the fun family times. My husband recently, unknowingly, reminded me of that. The last week of school and the week before Christmas there was a lot to get done! I had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things we needed for the next day. When I got back, I came home to very, very dark and quiet house. I thought to myself, “Wow, everyone is in bed already?” I was very impressed! But just as quickly as the thought entered my mind, I was welcomed home by a bullets shot from a Nerf gun. Clay and Brynn were on a team, and Bosten and Brodie were on a team. They had hiding spots and forts all around the house. They all wanted to play the rest of the night, and cried when it was time to tear down the forts and go to bed.

So, as we start another year, with or without resolutions. Remember to pull out the Nerf guns every once in a while and have a little fun!

In 2011, may God’s richest blessings be on you and your family!

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Your Home

Photography by imagesbybecki.com

yourhome |Home Tour


TJeff and Lee Jones have built a beautiful home located in Hudson. They recently opened their home and invited guests from the CASA Tour of Homes. They found their land and took about a year to build their home. The 5,000 square foot home is nestled on fourteen acres with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a study, and game room. The Jones home has a simple, clean décor. Lee’s favorite colors are black and white and she carried the theme throughout the house. Each room has just a splash of color to the black and white. The kitchen has commercial grade appliances, custom drapery throughout the home, along with beautiful wood flooring throughout.

Jeff & Lee Jones

yourhome |Landmarks

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East Texas is blessed to be home to many historical landmarks. Millard’s Crossing historical village is one that offers a variety of activities and services to the community. There are more than fourteen 19th century structures, ranging from log cabins to elaborate Victorian homes, which have been moved from their original location to the property in north Nacogdoches. Each of them has been restored and are open to the public for tours.

The property is named after former U.S. Congressman Albert Thomas and his wife, Lera Millard Thomas. Mrs. Thomas became the first woman from Texas to serve in the U.S. Congress when she was elected to complete her husband’s term following his death in 1966. Soon after her service in Washington, she returned to Nacogdoches to preserve the buildings and antiques that now make up Millard’s Crossing.

If you are planning a wedding, Millard’s Crossing offers accommodations for all of the festivities. From the wedding shower to the ceremony and reception, this charming property provides a beautiful backdrop for your special day. The turn of the century chapel seats up to one hundred people and is both heated and cooled. It was recently painted and includes a working antique pump organ and chapel bell. The Watkins Homestead is a late eighteen hundred Victorian style home that is perfect for wedding receptions. If you are entertaining a smaller number, or hosting a wedding shower, the parsonage will accommodate up to forty people. This cottage is also equipped with full kitchen facilities. Parties are welcome to bring in decorations to add a personal touch to the event.

Millard’s Crossing is open for tours Monday through Saturday. You can enjoy a self-guided walking tour or choose from a variety of specialty tours. Check out all of the details at www.millardscrossing.org.

Millard’s Crossing

[Lera Thomas] returned to

Nacogdoches to preserve the

buildings and antiques that now

make up Millard’s Crossing.

Breakfast with Santa

places and faces

St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School

tjmag.com / 15


yourhome |At Home

EWedding Registry

When selecting items for your first house, always think sensible. Remember what is popular now may not be in a few years; therefore, think traditional on large items and accent with more modern, fun accessories. Start out your registry by thinking of lamps, furniture and bedding. Select accessories that coordinate with the colors and styles of your larger items.

Registering for everyday dishes and china is very popular. Whether or not you register for both is dependent on the amount of storage you have and the lifestyle you live. Couples should decide together on the color and style they want to select. Then, you can start looking at everyday dishes, flatware and glassware that will compliment your selections. Hold the flatware and make sure it is comfortable for you. Consider what you use when registering for everyday dishes. The most popular registry items for everyday dishes are a four piece place setting that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl and mug. You should register for twelve of each place setting, but only for six mugs.

Adding a large platter and salad bowl is also a great idea for entertaining. There are many iced beverage goblets that compliment everyday patterns. Set everything out together and see that all of your selections complement each other.

So many couples debate, “Should I also register for china if I am already registering for twelve settings of everyday dishes?” There are several things to consider. Do you have room to store it? Will you use it? You may not see the advantages to having formal china now, but think about the future. There are many options from white to ivory and gold or platinum rims. Most standard china patterns come in five piece place settings that include a dinner, salad and bread and butter plate and a cup and saucer. Additional serving pieces are available for hosting dinner parties.

It is important that you remember to register for items you would not go out and buy yourself. Try to hit every price range so that all of your guests have choices.

Every bride looks forward to registering for the things that will help make her house a home. Bridal registry expert, Nancy Winston of The Very Thing, offers some specific tips on registering smart.

Waterford Lisette

CASA Tour of Homes

places and faces

tjmag.com / 17

yourhome |In the Kitchen

DSuccessfully Set and Achieve

As the pumpkin pie, holiday cocktail and sugar cookie memories begin to fade, we’re reminded that the time has come to set or “re-set” our goals. Popular New Year’s resolutions — to lose weight and/or stay fit — resurface with a bang year after year.

You’ve probably heard people say,

“Those who lose weight eventually gain it back.” Don’t give up hope! Many people who successfully maintained a substantial weight loss for more than a year have done it on their own.

Registered dietitian Tara Gidus, also known as the Diet Diva, knows it can be a struggle to set goals and stick to

them. “Prime weight loss season is upon us, and the need for realistic, achievable and tasty ways to make healthy lifestyle changes is as important as ever,” said Gidus. “An exercise and healthy eating focus, along with a positive attitude and the right tools, can lead to a happier and healthier you — a new you.”

Weight Loss ProfilePeople who have successfully achieved long-term weight loss tend to have common characteristics:

Eat breakfast every day Monitor their weight weekly Watch less TV (i.e. less than 10 hours/week)Daily exercise (i.e. 30 to 60 minutes/day)

Your Weight Loss Goals

Think of You. Take “me” time to rest, relax, shop or exercise for stress relief. Stress hormones have been tied to weight gain.

Break It Down. Have an ultimate goal, and then break it into mini goals that are easily achievable. This makes the road to success seem easier and allows you to celebrate along the way.

Flavor It. Calorie moderation doesn’t have to mean boring. Use Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix to add a punch of flavor without compromising calories. It’s especially great to use in dips and other game day snacks.

Keep Track. People who keep track of what they eat can lose up to twice as much weight as people who don’t. Jotting down how much you ate and how you were feeling can also help you connect food to energy and mood.

Get Your Zzz. Snooze your way to weight loss. Getting enough sleep is critical to keep the hormones that control your appetite in check.

Flex Your Muscles. The more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn while you are sleeping. Stay fit by doing strength training twice a week.

Don’t Multitask. Turn off distractions like the TV and computer while eating or you could lose track of how much has gone in. Tune in to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to know when to eat and when to stop.

Help yourself to successfully achieve your weight loss resolution with Gidus’ tips.

Come home to PineCrest

View all floor plans on our website.

Our 55 wooded acres provide a natural setting for a variety of residential choices.

Residential living in our patio homes and atrium apartments offers the perfect space and amenities to suit your lifestyle. We have several entry

options from which to choose as well as month-to-month rental, and our entry fee is refundable.

1302 Tom Temple Drive • Lufkin • 936-634-1054 • pinecrestrc.org AL #000424 HC #000235

tjmag.com / 19

baked chicken tendersPrep Time: 20 minutes, Chill Time: 6 to 24 hours, Cook Time: 16 to 18 minutes

Makes 8 (3-ounce) servings

Ingredients 1 packet (1.1 ounces) Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix, divided 2 cups non-fat Greek yogurt 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk 1 package (20 ounces) fresh 99% fat free chicken tenders 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs 1/3 cup sliced almonds 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper Olive oil cooking spray

Directions1. Combine 1/2 packet Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix with yogurt; refrigerate.2. Combine remaining Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix with buttermilk; refrigerate.3. Rinse chicken and thoroughly pat dry on paper towels.4. Combine chicken and buttermilk mixture together in a food storage zipper bag.5. Refrigerate 6 to 24 hours.6. Heat oven to 425°F.7. In a food processor, combine breadcrumbs, almonds, garlic powder and pepper.8. Coat chicken in breadcrumb mixture.9. Set a wire rack on baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.10. Lay chicken pieces on wire rack and spray with more cooking spray.11. Bake 16 to 18 minutes until no longer pink (internal temp at least 170°F).12. Use yogurt mixture as a dipping sauce.

Original ranch spinach dipPrep Time: 5 to 10 minutes, Chill Time: At least 30 minutes

Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings

Ingredients 1/2 packet Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix (0.5 ounce) 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1 cup light sour cream 1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained 1/3 cup chopped walnuts*

Directions1. Combine Ranch Dips Mix, yogurt, sour cream, spinach, and walnuts.2. Chill 30 minutes or until just before serving.3. Serve with whole wheat crackers and raw vegetables.*Pecans or water chestnuts can be used in place of walnuts.

cheesy ranch pOpcOrnPrep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 3 1/2 minutes

Makes 6 (2-cup) servings

Ingredients 1 bag (3 ounces) reduced-fat, low sodium butter-flavored microwave popcorn 1/4 pack (0.25 ounce) Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix 3 sprays from olive oil mister 3 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Directions1. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl. 2. Spray the popcorn with three sprays from the olive oil mister, toss with Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

J

yourhome |landscaping

January is a time of fresh starts and resolutions for improvements. It can also be a dreary time with Christmas decorations packed away and cold gray weather outside. Planting flowering bulbs indoors is a way to brighten your home and involve the whole family in watching a plant grow and bloom.

Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, with its beautiful six petaled blooms is very easy to grow. Most varieties are hybrids and come in a wide range of colors, and originally it was a native of warm areas. They will grow up to 24” tall and make a dramatic statement when in bloom.During the holiday season, kits are available in local stores that include everything you need. Choose a bulb like you would select an onion, making sure it is firm and not damaged. The pot should be about one-two inches larger than the bulb, because amaryllis does best when it is “pot-bound”. Make sure there are drainage holes and use a compost rich commercial potting mix. Moisten the potting mix with water and mix with your hands and let it stand. The soil should be evenly damp, but not soggy. Cover the drainage holes with a coffee filter and place about two inches of damp potting mix in the pot. Untangle the roots of the bulb and place on the soil, leaving about one-third of the bulb above the rim of the pot and fill pot with soil, firming it gently around the bulb. Place in a sunny spot ,out of drafts where the temperature stays about 70 degrees. Amaryllis prefers soil on the dry side; so, allow soil to dry out before watering again. Take the pot to a sink and water gently until water runs out the drainage holes. Leave it in the sink until the pot is finished draining and then return to its sunny spot.

In about four to six weeks the amaryllis will begin to flower. Move it to a spot that has indirect sunlight. Some bulbs will have up to five or six flowers and may need a small stake to support the stalk. While blooming, keep the soil evenly moist by watering a little every day, being careful not to overwater.

The green strappy foliage feeds the bulb for the next bloom cycle after the flowers fades. Continue watering when soil dries out and allow pot to drain. In September, stop watering and when foliage turns yellow move pot to cool dark area and place on its side. Trim off dead foliage and allow the bulb to rest for eight to twelve weeks. Then you can repot bulb and fertilize with a slow release liquid fertilizer. Move to a sunny location and enjoy a second round of blooms.

with Indoor Bloomsby Elaine Cameron,

Angelina Master Gardener

Brighten January

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Your Community


yourcommunity|Hot Spot

YHis KingdomBuilding

Kelly Minter is an accomplished Christian author, songwriter and performer from Nashville, Tennessee. She leads worship across the country and has written several books, Bible studies and popular songs that encourage and strengthen women in their commitment to God.

The idea to host this event was born in the hearts of the women who attend the Monday night Bible study group at First Methodist. Their leader led them to complete both of Kelly Minter’s Bible studies: No Other Gods and Ruth. In the small group, the ladies seemed to keep returning to the question, “What is God’s will for our lives?” They believe God answered them by leading the group to work through Kelly’s No Other Gods study. “We found Kelly’s approach to searching God’s word both challenging and transformative.” The study helped the ladies to discover how easy it is to let other people, desires or circumstances capture our thoughts and minds to such

You will want to make sure that you attend the Women’s Worship event, Building His Kingdom, at First United Methodist Church in Lufkin on January 30. The evening’s event will feature Kelly Minter performing live music and presenting a message on service, community and actively engaging with one another to build God’s kingdom.

“Kelly’s studies have strengthened our relationships with God, which in turn better equips us to express His love and power in our relationships

with others.”

tjmag.com / 23

a degree that we no longer have room in our hearts and lives for God. Kelly’s humor and transparency points to the reality that sometimes even good things can become idols when we allow them to take priority over our personal relationship with our Creator. Group members say, “Kelly’s studies have strengthened our relationships with God, which in turn better equips us to express His love and power in our relationships with others.”

The ladies of the Bible study look forward to sharing Kelly Minter with you. The event will be held in the Youth and Worship center at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 30 from 6-8p.m. The cost for the event is ten dollars and includes drinks and desserts. Childcare will be provided. Advance ticket sales are available at the church office or by calling 639-3141. Tickets are also available at local area Christian bookstores or online at itickets.net.

The study helped the ladies to discover how easy it is to let other people, desires or circumstances

capture our thoughts and minds to such a degree that we no longer have room in our hearts and lives

for God.

yourcommunity|business spotlight

Hotel Fredonia

B


Built in 1955, The Hotel Fredonia is a boutique hotel located on the historic red brick streets of Nacogdoches. The hotel is home to many special events that take place in Nacogdoches, especially weddings.

As a full service hotel, the property offers many special amenities to its visitors. The Hotel Fredonia houses over one hundred guest rooms, a convention center, banquet rooms and restaurants. Visitors to the hotel can also enjoy a sports bar, coffee bar and outdoor saltwater pool and patio with cabana guest rooms. Guests can relax in the beautifully appointed living room with music from the Frank Sinatra era.

When it comes to hosting weddings, Hotel Fredonia boasts style from the beginning stages of planning to the conclusion of the event. Some brides are looking for a small, intimate

affair, while others seek to plan an elaborate gala. Whatever your choice, they are equipped to provide you with everything you need to comfortably accommodate you and your guests. For over fifty years, the hotel has been honored to cater some of Nacogdoches’ most prestigious events, both large and small.

Many couples choose to return to Hotel Fredonia to celebrate special moments together. Be sure to take advantage of the services unique to Hotel Fredonia. Relax with the in room spa, on-site salon, twenty-four hour banking and overnight dry cleaning. You don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy quality entertainment, but stay to enjoy the live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Hotel chefs prepare gourmet meals and offer an exquisite wine list.

To request more information or to reserve space for your wedding, contact the executive customer service managers at 936-564-1234 or visit the website at www.hotelfredonia.com.

200 North FredoniaNacogdoches, TX 75961

Built in 1955, The Hotel Fredonia is a boutique hotel located on

the historic red brick streets of Nacogdoches.

When it comes to hosting weddings, Hotel Fredonia boasts style from the beginning stages of planning

to the conclusion of the event.

Relax with the in room spa, on-site salon, twenty-four hour banking and overnight dry cleaning. You don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy quality entertainment, but stay to enjoy the live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Hotel chefs prepare gourmet meals and offer an exquisite wine list.

NOT FDIC-Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value

Initially HersStationary • Picture Frames

Luggage Tags • Business Card HoldersLetters Sold Separately


Downtown Lufkin Christmas Parade

places and faces

Vietri Tableware, Flatware, Home Décor, and Table Linens

Available at The Very Thing for your Bridal Registry

yourcommunity|Lufkin Chamber of Commerce


Tickets are now on sale for the 91st Annual Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

The annual banquet will be at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 20, 2011, at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center in Lufkin.

The Banquet will feature Speaker, Writer and Radio Personality – Bryan Dodge, a review of 2010 and the presentation of the Angelina Award and the Golden Anvil Award.

Keynote speaker, Bryan Dodge-speaker, author, and radio personality inspires, challenges, and energizes people to reach for the best in their personal and professional lives. This master communicator has dedicated his life to teaching people how to accelerate their personal and professional growth and produce the results they seek. Every appearance and product by Bryan Dodge is fueled by his passion for sharing with others what he has gained in over 20 years as a lifelong, avid student

of success habits and leadership principles -- knowledge he used first to transform his own life.

Sponsors of the 91st Annual Chamber Banquet are: Presenting Sponsor: First Bank & Trust East Texas; Gold Sponsor: Memorial Health System of East Texas; Silver Sponsors: Consolidated Communications, Temple-Inland, Woodland Heights Medical Center and Media Sponsor: KTRE TV-9.

Tickets for the Banquet will be $40 per person or $600 for table sponsorship (reserved table for 8 and corporate identification at table.)

For more information call the chamber at 936-634-6644.

91st Annual Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Banquet to Feature Speaker, Writer

and Radio Personality Bryan Dodge

James White, the newly-elected Texas State Representative for District 12 will be the speaker at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce’s January First Friday Luncheon on Friday, January 14th. It will be held at noon at Crown Colony County Club.

Thank you to our 2011 First Friday Luncheon Presenting Sponsor - Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and Gold Sponsor - Whataburger.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling 936.634.6644 or emailing [email protected]. For more information please contact Lyndee Matthews at 634.6644.

January First Friday Luncheon to Feature Newly-Elected Texas State Representative James White

tjmag.com / 29

Bethany HomeHealth Services celebrated their new location with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 7th. Now located at 4100 S. Medford in the Old Texas

Plaza, Bethany HomeHealth Services specialize in nursing care, as well as other skilled care services like physical and occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services in the comfort of the patient’s home. Pictured are: Jared Massie, Business Development Officer; Lisa Thacker, Community Relations Director and other members of the Bethany HomeHealth Services team. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Diplomats team.

The Disabled Veterans celebrated their new Veterans Benefit Center with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, December 3rd. Sponsored by Disabled American Veterans

Chapter 84, the new center is intended to help veterans by offering services like advice on receiving benefits, peer-to-peer counseling, computer classes and a support network made up of other veterans who understand the struggles veterans endure. Pictured is Tracy McAdams, Teresa Johniken, along with many area Veterans.

Verizon Wireless-MDI celebrated their new Chamber membership with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 2nd. Located at 202 S. First Street next to Beard’s Fine Jewelers,

Verizon Wireless-MDI offers New Service, Phone Upgrades, Pre-Paid Service and refills, Phone book and picture transfers and Dedicated Business Representatives. Stop by and see what they can do for you, give them a call at (936) 634-6894 or go to their website at http://www.mobiledestination.com. Pictured is Randa Lockwood, Store Manager; Maria and Rene Chavarria, Store Owners and Les Bailey, District Manager. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats Team.

Pasados Mexican Café celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 30th. Located off the loop at 3102 S. John Redditt Drive, Posados Café is a

full service family-oriented Mexican restaurant. Come sample the delicious food and enjoy the festive friendly atmosphere! Pictured is Manager Craig Minkner along with his staff and members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

P3 Designs, Inc. celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday, November 29th. Located at 212 E. Burke St. in downtown Lufkin, P3 Designs is an interior design firm that

specializes in “Bringing your Interior Fantasies to Life.” Stop by and visit their showroom and see how they can transform your house. Or give them a call at 936.238.3992. Pictured are Co-Owners Barbara Hassell and Sy Gunter along with their staff and friends. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Diplomats Team.

Buffalo Wild Wings celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Monday, November 15th. Buffalo Wild Wings is Lufkin’s newest restaurant and is being promoted as a family-friendly sports

restaurant, complete with big-screen televisions and wall-to-wall HD TVs. The 5,854-square-feet restaurant, located at 105 Miles Way, seats a total of 329 guests. Pictured is Manager Chris Clifford, city and county officials as well as members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats Team.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

yourcommunity|Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce


Chamber Events

New year brings new Nacogdoches Guide & Chamber Directory and Street Map

The Chamber gets a fresh look for 2011. The official Nacogdoches Guide & Chamber Directory and Street Map are revised and ready for use. Nacogdoches newcomers will find good information for an easier transition to the community. Long-time area residents will find useful information too - we all can benefit from the city and county map tucked in each automobile. Stop by the Chamber, 2516 North St. , and pick up yours today.

Get a fresh look at Nacogdoches online at nacogdoches.org.

4:45 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 12, Ribbon Cutting, Nacogdoches Medical Center - The Imaging Center, 4932 North St. CEO Gary Stokes, 936-462-9909. New equipment and NMC ownership of imaging center. Reception with light refreshments will follow ceremony.

4:45 p.m., Thursday Jan. 13, Ribbon Cutting, Ambit Energy, 2805 North St. , Ste. H. Trish Clayton, 936-615-8614. New Chamber member and new business.

Wednesday – Friday, Jan. 19-21, Operation Thank You! presented by East Texas Professional Credit Union. Chamber Directors and volunteers will personally deliver the 2011 Nacogdoches Guide & Chamber Directory and Street Map to Chamber members and thank them for their Chamber support.

5:30 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, Alive After Five hosted by Utica Square Medical Complex, 3614 N. University Dr., Drs. Wittpenn, Randel & Huggins/Mazer.

11:45 a.m., Friday, Jan. 21, Ribbon Cutting, Waddell & Reed Financial Services, 118 E. Hospital St., Ste. 205. John Grigsby 936-569-6454. New Chamber member.

10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25, Ribbon Cutting, Edward Jones - Gregg Nichols, 2708 N. University Dr., Ste. 102. Financial Advisor Gregg Nichols. New location. Open House 10 - noon.

7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 26, Cram the Coliseum, SFA Ladyjacks vs. Sam Houston in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. Free tickets available from all Chamber members, at the Chamber and online at nacogdoches.org.

4:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27, Ribbon Cutting, Wingstop Restaurant, 4909 North St., Ste. 206 in Marketplace II. Owner Cassandra Stokes, 936-552-7867. Remodel celebration with light refreshments.

Noon – 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28, Fourth Friday Luncheon presented by Tipton Ford at Hotel Fredonia. Focus on Chamber non-profit business members “Home Town Heroes.” Speaker is Training Sergeant Brett Maisel, City Police Dept. Lunch is $16, pre-registration required. From 1 to 2 p.m., non-profit business exhibits open to the public free of charge.

2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29, Cram the Coliseum, SFA Lumberjacks vs. A&M Corpus Christi in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. Free tickets available from all Chamber members, at the Chamber and online at nacogdoches.org.

More information on these and other community events at nacogdoches.org. Post your event on the Chamber’s online Community Event Calendar.

2011Official Guide &

Chamber DireCtOry

nacogdoches.org

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

teXaS

tjmag.com / 31

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

Nacogdoches Farm Bureau Insurance

2302 N.W. Stallings Dr. Agency Manager George Wages, and agents Mark Clark, Daniel Reid, Steve Williams, Elvin Henson and Marty Karns, 936-564-7374. New Chamber member.

Windhill Apartments

1324 Pruitt Hill Dr., www.windhillapartments.20m.com. Manager Carrie Atherton, 936-560-1771. New Chamber member.

Nacogdoches County Senior Center

621 Harris St. Director Tammy Blank, 936-569-6350. New Chamber member celebrating remodel.

Nacogdoches Pulmonary and Sleep Associates, PA

1023 N. Mound St., Ste. H, www.napsweb.com. Dr. Binusha Moitheennazima and Dr. Ahammed Hashim 936-585-4646. New physicians and new Chamber member.

Eastex Tractor & Powersports

11755 U.S. Hwy. 259, www.eastextractor.com. Owner Mark Kaiser and General Manager Rodney Robison, 936-462-1511. New Chamber member.

Urgent Doc - Urgent Care Clinic

4909 North St., Ste. 202 (in Marketplace II), www.urgentdoc.com. Dr. Smyers, Dr. Balakrishna and Senior Clinical Manager Diane Rodriguez, 936-560-9898. New business and new Chamber member.

Sprint Authorized Retailer

4909 North St., #205 (in Marketplace II). Store Manager Melissa Adams, 936-560-9666. New location and new Chamber member.

Toledo Finance Corp.

130 N. University Dr., Ste. 104. Owners Pat, Peggy and Adrienne Buddin and Manager Linda Nichols, 936-564-0208. New location and new Chamber member.

yourcommunity

6Square Dance LessonsBasic Square Dance lessons every Thursday through June 30th. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Lufkin Pine Squares. First 2 lessons are FREE; then $5 per person per lesson. Age 14 and up. Meet at 2801 Valley Drive, Lufkin. Fun for All Ages!

Bob & Marcia Rutherford 936-632-7051

8Lego Club Nacogdoches Public Library

3:00-4:30 p.m. Open to all kids and teens ages 5-17. All Legos are provided. No registration required.

8-9Millard’s Flea Market Open Dawn to Dusk. 6020 North St Located on Hwy 59. Ph: 936-564-4490

8Farmers Market 8:00 a.m - Shop local produce. 107 Pearl Street. For more information call 936-559-2507 or log on! http://www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com

8Old-Fashioned Sweet Tooth Sugarcane Event Durst Taylor House, 304 N Street Ph: 936-560-5426 for more information. We will press our sugarcane with a late 1800’s sugarcane mill powered by a mule. The cane will be pressed and then boiled into ribbon cane syrup. The Nacogdoches Kiwanas Club will sell pancake plates with all the fixings, including cane syrup. We will have many other demonstrations and hands-on activities including blacksmithing, antique toy demonstrations, crafts, tours of the Durst-Taylor Historic House and live string music. Bring your friends, family or anyone with a love of history or a sweet tooth! The mule will start pressing the sugarcane at 9:00 a.m. Arrive early if you would like to see the cane being pressed.

9Movie MatineeNacogdoches Public Library. Saturdays at noon. Free popcorn and lemonade. Please call the library at 559-2970 or visit the website at http://npl.sfasu.edu to see the movie listings.

13Leadership LufkinSocial Services Day. This day is dedicated to learning about our many social services that are available to residents of Angelina County. Susie Caldwell 936.634.6644

14 Lufkin Chamber First FridayJames White our new State Representative-Elect for District 12. Crown Colony Country Club. Tickets will be $15 and can be reserved by calling 634.6644 or emailing [email protected].

14-16Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Love, Loss and What I Wore”New show by Nora & Delia Ephron! This smart, sassy sometimes sad show brings to stage a cluster of modern women who make us laugh and cry. Each woman tells a witty, intimate story from her past; the story includes, of course, just what she wore and why. Lamp-Lite Theatre is located at Old Tyler Road and Loop 224. Ph: 936-564-8300 http://www.lamplitetheatre.org/ Adults: $15, Seniors $12 Student $8


2091st Annual Chamber BanquetA review of 2010 and the presentation of the Angelina Award and the Golden Anvil Award, along with hearing motivational speaker Bryan Dodge. Tickets are $40 per person or $600 for a table of eight with corporate identification. Event will be held at The Pitser Garrison Civic Center. Call the Chamber at 936.634.6644 to reserve your table today.


Calendar of EventsJanuary 2011

22Glow in the Dark Dinosaur AdventureScience and Art take center stage as a scientist goes on an adventure with his whimsical good-natured dinosaur. They explore the colorful outside world of fascinating creatures that appear luminescent dancing across the blackened stage in brilliant neon-colored lines. A truly unique and innovative theatre experience. 2:30-4:00. Temple Theater- Angelina College campus. For tickets: 633-5454


26Russian National Ballet’s GiselleA beautifully-staged version of the most celebrated ballet of the Romantic era: the intoxicating Giselle, with music by Adolphe Adam. A company of 50 dancers with sumptuous scenery and costumes. Temple Theater- Angelina College campus. For tickets: 633-5454

28Power Networking BreakfastBreakfast and networking with speaker Stacey Paige, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. Her topic will be “Rules of the Road,” where you will learn the most common investing mistakes and how to avoid them, investing strategies to help reach your long-term goals and what you can do to prepare for retirement. For more information, contact Lyndee Matthews, 634.6644


30Kelly MinterAn evening of encouragement and renewal with Kelly Minter, an acclaimed Christian author, songwriter and performer from Nashville, TN. Kelly leads worship across the country and takes part in the Lifeway conferences and their annual Women’s Forum. She has written several books, Bible studies and popular songs that encourage and strengthen women in their commitment to God. 6-8 pm, First United Methodist Church, Lufkin. Tickets are $10 includes coffee/tea & desserts. For more information call, (936) 639-3141

February 4State of the County and CityAn update on our City and County. Speakers will be Mayor Jack Gordon and County Judge Wes Suiter. Crown Colony Country Club. Tickets will be $15 and can be reserved by calling 634.6644 or emailing [email protected].

5Cherryholmes-Dynamic BluegrassFrom gospel to old-time mountain and country tunes, this hugely talented Nashville-based family band has extraordinary charisma and a unique sound that sets it apart. Four Grammy nominations.For tickets call 936-633-5454

4-6Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Nunsense” Lamp-Lite Theatre is located at Old Tyler Road and Loop 224. Ph: 936-564-8300 http://www.lamplitetheatre.org/ Adults: $15, Seniors $12 Student $8

tjmag.com / 33


places and faces

JLL Christmas Celebration

yourcommunity|giving back

So many girls dream about their wedding day and have the entire event planned long before their groom ever makes an entrance into their lives. So often, this day is about catering to the bride’s every need, and if he’s lucky, the groom will get some special attention as well. However, many couples are re-writing tradition and etiquette by choosing to use their big day to make a difference in the lives of

others.

Ben and Sarah Long decided to break out

of the traditional mold when they

were married in May 2009. Sarah knew she did not

like to wear

high heel shoes, and she was determined to be comfortable at her wedding. Her groom was not fond of “renting” his shoes for the evening. Several months before their wedding, they heard about TOMS shoes and the philosophy of the company. For each pair of TOMS shoes that are purchased, one pair is donated to a child in need.

This was the perfect opportunity for Sarah and Ben to begin their journey together by giving to others. “As believers in Jesus Christ, our hearts yearn for people who do not have clothing, shoes, food, etc. Not only am I called as a believer to love on them, but care for their physical and tangible needs also. It is important that we take every opportunity to do so, even at our

wedding.”

The couple decided to give the shoes to their wedding party as a gift. “We were not crazy about giving a gift just because we were supposed to, but this opportunity was bigger than ourselves and our wedding.” They knew their wedding party needed to match; so they chose to give each bridesmaid a white

pair of TOMS and each g r o o m s m a n a black pair.

Each person received something that continues to give. “Everyone needs shoes so when I go to spend forty bucks on a pair, I am going to give my money to the guys that have a purpose beyond sheltering just my feet.”

Photos by Jeremy Gilliam

SpecialMakingSomeone Else’s

Day

For each pair of TOMS shoes that are purchased, one pair is donated to a child in need.

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places and faces

Lufkin Rotary Waffle Bake


Inspiring Couples

R

&Kristen

KyleHay


yourcommunity |Inspiring CouplesRecently, singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson wrote a song about his marriage entitled Dancing

in the Minefields. He chronicles the journey of marriage through the good, the bad, and the seemingly impossible circumstances through which all couples walk. The chorus of the song invites his bride to take his hand and face the challenges of this world with a determination that brings pure delight.

And we’re dancing in the minefields

We’re sailing in the storm

This is harder than we dreamed

But I believe that’s what the promise is for

The following couples have all journeyed through their share of happiness and tears, but each of them has persevered to find an incredible blessing in this dance we call marriage.

Years

Married

10

How did you meet? We met at the Rotary club Waffle Bake when I had just turned 17 and Kyle was 24. My sister, Nicole, and brother-in-law, Chris, who worked with Kyle at the time, introduced us.

When did you know your spouse “was the one?” We were just friends for two and a half years. When I turned 19, Kyle began noticing me in a new way. Before Kyle asked to

court me, the Lord had been working on each of our hearts, and, unbeknownst to both of us, we had each been fervently praying and had gotten confirmation that we were God’s match for each other. Kyle asked my parents for permission to court me and 19 days later, we were engaged. Four months later ,we were married on August 26, 2000.

What have been highlights during the years together? Our first kiss, which we shared on the altar at our wedding.

yourcommunity |Ispiring Couples

tjmag.com / 41

Kyle tried to pick me up while we were walking down the aisle at the wedding, but he got tangled in my nine-foot train and dropped me in the middle of the recessional, in front of everybody at the wedding!

The birth of each of one of our five little blessings from the Lord (Caleb, Morgan, Scarlett, Anna Claire and Francesca) and watching them grow in the Lord; seeing the oldest ones come to know Christ as their personal Savior.

The adventures of moving and renovating new houses six times in seven years!

Taking a special trip to Ireland shortly after we were married and making wonderful memories there.

Seeing our love and commitment grow and deepen through the years.

What have you learned about marriage? Esteem one another above ourselves by always trying to please and out-serve the other.

Dwell on the good qualities of our mate and praise our mate for those things that we appreciate and value, rather than dwelling on the things that irritate us about our mate. A way that is helpful to remember this is to think of our mind as being made up of two separate rooms—one of the rooms is filled with all of the good qualities and things we love about our mate and the other room is filled with all of the negative qualities and irritating things about our mate. Whichever room we choose to spend the most time in will be what we will dwell on and ultimately create our mate to be.

Try to have a positive outlook in situations.

When disagreements arise, refrain from blasting the other person with harsh words, but instead to answer softly, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1” The following scripture is on our bathroom mirror to remind us how to respond in a godly manner. “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those that hear. Ephesians 4:29”

Marriage is a lot of work, but if you are willing to work hard it is very rewarding.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then? Sleep deprivation from having little children (especially newborns) can be very taxing on a marriage. Sleep deprivation can make you do and say things that you really don’t mean; therefore, it is vitally important to get adequate sleep if at all possible! Naps are a crucial part to being a good wife when you have small children.

Before marriage, I wondered if married people ever get bored

with each other, but for us that wasn’t the case. We never get bored with each other and we still feel like newlyweds and look at each other with love and admiration, even though we know each other’s flaws.

I know that it is hard work to put someone else first and to interact in a loving manner with someone that is there with you all the time.

What is the truth about marriage?Marriage is the model of Christian love and a reflection of how Christ loves His church (the Bride of Christ). If we can even begin to approach a love for one another similar to Christ’s love for us, then we will have a happy and fulfilling marriage. If we are selfish and we don’t love our spouse, our marriage will not be very happy or fulfilling.

When we were at the altar, we made a vow to each other to love, honor, and cherish each other. Today people are always talking about falling in and out of love, but that is not how love works. Love is a choice, and every day we make the choice to love our spouse no matter what. Since we are the example of Christ’s love to the world, we must remember that His love is never failing. When hard times come or whatever comes our way, we must wake up each morning and make the choice to love the one that God has given to us. The Lord will honor that and has honored that by blessing us with a wonderful marriage. We are best friends and always look forward to spending time together even after ten years!


Continuedyourcommunity |Inspiring Couples

How did you meet? We were high school sweethearts. We went on a date when we were 15 and 16 years old. We continue to date off and on through high school and college.

How did you know your spouse was the one?

We always knew from when we first met. We shared the same Christian values and similar interests. “I always told my mom he was the one I would marry,” said Cheryl. Even though we both knew, we wanted it to be God’s timing and God’s will. We both highly recommend to young couples to date other people. We got engaged our senior year of college and married the summer after graduation.

What have you learned about marriage? Marriage is a covenant between you and God. It is a commitment to stay together regardless of how you feel.

Marriage is give and take.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then? It is hard work. You have to find time for each other. Make sacrifices. There may be things you do not want to do, but your spouse does—you make sacrifices.

You don’t need everything at once. Gain material possessions slowly. Do not go into debt to achieve possessions. It took your parents years to get the things they have. It will be a great achievement as a couple to achieve and work hard towards your goals and grow together in your marriage.

What have been highlights in your years together? Looking back even way back when we first met until now- we have shared common interests. We both enjoy working and serving in our churches together.

We have moved several times and at integral stages in our children’s’ lives. That took strength on both of our parts knowing we were making the right decisions. We always enjoyed being involved with our children growing up.

What is your advice to married couples? Need to let the Lord guide your decisions and help raise your family.

Pray over your children!

Laugh often at yourself and each other.

&Cheryl

RobertVan Norman

Married40 Years

tjmag.com / 43

How did you meet? Phillip and I met in Hawaii at a wedding. I was the maid of honor and he was the best man.

We were married on the beach with the couple at our side who introduced us. They celebrated their 20th anniversary this year as well.

When did you know your spouse was the one?

Our second date. He thought I was a little snobby…but I am from the North and we are just a little more reservedJ. After the first date, we spent as much time together as possible.

What have been highlights during the years together? Of course our children, Blake 8 and Zoey 7, have been a major highlight of our marriage.

What have you learned about marriage? It takes commitment.

It requires perseverance.

The rewards are great.

The depth of relationship is unending.

It’s full of laughter and some pain.

It’s consuming.

It’s joyous.

It is challenging.

It is best when you seek to serve.

It requires selflessness.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then? How wonderful commitment is.

How quickly time slips away.

What is the truth about marriage? It is a covenant.

God must be first.

It must be nurtured.

It requires attention and intention.

Happiness and joy in marriage are not contingent upon circumstance.

&Brenda

PhillipBroadway

Years

Married

20


places and faces

JLL Sustainer Tea

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101

Your Life


Brad Davis

yourlife|Hall of Fame Hubbies

Brad Davis and I were married November 21, 2009. He has made it the best year of my life. He is an amazing husband. Brad is super sweet, patient,and thoughtful. He sets goals and acheives them even if it takes years. Brad will be a great dad one day. I just know it. I love him very much! I don’t know where I would be with out him.

Shelley Davis

Brian Hafernick

Brian and I were friends for more than 10 years before we started dating. Through all the years of friendship I never could have imagined that God’s perfect plan was for us to one day be married.

Some might think newlyweds are too naïve to ooh and ahh over how great their spouses are but in just 7 months of marriage I have seen Brian turn into the husband I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with. He is a hard working perfectionist in everything he does and this doesn’t end in our relationship. He makes an effort everyday to show me he loves me and teaches me more than he’ll ever know about humility and living a faithful life for God. So, perhaps I am naive, but I feel blessed to get to love this man as he becomes a father, starts his career, into retirement, and everything in between.

Angela Hafernick

Texas Forestry Museumplaces and faces

Breakfast with Santa

tjmag.com / 49

Kaitlyn Grace lucasBrayden scott lucas | January 8, 2009Proud ParenTs: scoTT & Jean Lucas Proud grandParenTs: rick & Linda Hendry / Frank &

Pam Lucas

tinley Mullins | augusT 31, 2010Proud ParenTs: JosH and caLynn muLLinsProud grandParenTs: coy Lynn and Peggy Ford, danny and Lorenda neTTLes, gregg and mary muLLins, george and Jo grimes, and Howard and ruTH muLLins

caitlin elizaBeth slaBacKmay 24, 2010 Proud ParenTs: Jason and HoLLie sLaback

Proud grandParenTs: randy and susan russeLL

sean ollan hicKMan-craGerProud ParenTs: deLia Hickman-crager & Jason cragerProud grandParenTs: mary & don Hickman and reba &

biLL crager

eMMaline Kate FranKens | augusT 17 2010Proud ParenTs: PHiLiP and rebekaH Frankens HunTingTon, TX

WalKer haden May | sePTember 8TH, 2010Proud ParenTs: Tommy and emiLy may Proud grandParenTs: darreLL and sandra brooks, mary may

1.2.

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4.

1.

3.

4.

2.

E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to [email protected] or mail to PO Box 150537 Lufkin 75915. Please include the information seen above. Submissions are free of charge.

5.

5.

pretty babies

6.6.7.

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&

SM

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49225_WHMC_TT_8_375x3_625c.indd 1 6/7/10 5:14 PM

stretch marksyourlife |

“

O

tjmag.com / 51

by Melissa Lee

New YearOh. My. Word. Is it here again?

Already?

To some the start of a new year is a refreshing time, one for changes, do-overs, new starts and clean slates. To others it’s a time to be reminded that you didn’t give up mayonnaise, you didn’t lose the weight, and you didn’t stick to a budget. This is why I have never been a big fan of the whole “oh-look-its-January-1st-and-I-am-going-to-start-over-and-do-things-right-today-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-my-life-blah-blah-blah” thing, because I see it as a day to remember what we, once again, failed miserably at.

Don’t believe me? Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

Aaaah yes. 2002. The year I decided I was going to finally read To Kill A Mockingbird or, say, my Bible. The year I decided that in order to read important things I was going to have to give up trivial things; the year I decided that I would…..wait for it….wait for it…..stop buying People magazine and US magazine. Would it be hard? Yes. Would it be essential for not only my growth as a person, but also my ability to talk about other things at dinner parties besides hair extensions and Britney’s latest single? Absolutely.

Was I up for the challenge? I was, until…wait for it…wait for it…BENNIFER. If it had not been for the two prettiest people in the world falling in love, I might have a PhD behind my name. You never know. But I chose love, people. And if I hadn’t? If I hadn’t decided to give up my New Year’s resolution, I would have never known: how to combine two hot celebrity

names into one or that Winona Ryder shoplifts, that Eminem can be a serious actor when given a role taken directly from his own life or that there was even a new show on called American Idol and a man named Simon Cowell. I ask you, if it had not been for those things where

would we be as a society? Where?

How can we forget 2001? The year that I started off day one by trying something new and exciting called The Atkins Diet. Within 24 hours, I thought I was in some horrible POW propaganda film where they specialize in torturing you with loaves of bread you can’t touch. 72 hours

later I was hallucinating. One week later, I was enjoying dinner at Olive Garden and cheesecake for dessert. Nine years later, I think my decision to stop this diet was almost as good as my decision to sell The Atkins Revolution book at a garage sale for 75 cents, which went towards my purchase of…wait for it…a loaf of bread.

Now I’m not saying that all New Years’ resolutions are whooey and we should do away with them; I had a friend once who decided that she would go back to her natural hair color (sadly her newfound hair color was grey and we’ve since stopped being seen in public together), one girlfriend successfully decided she was going to stop saying “ya know” at the end of every

sentence and one friend who decided she was going to go an entire year without spending money on getting her nails done. (Note to self: Find more shallow friends; you don’t have nearly enough.) All of those seemed to work out. I think.

To some the start of a new year is a refreshing time, one for changes, do-overs, new starts and clean slates. To others it’s a time to be reminded that you didn’t

give up mayonnaise, you didn’t lose the weight, and you didn’t stick to a budget.”

Continued pg 52

Same Ol’ Me

yourlife|stretch marks

“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.

I don’t really know as I quit talking to them soon after their looks went south and the one I found out had nothing really good to say except for the words “ya know?” Ya know?

Then there was the friend I talked to the other day who told me her New Year’s resolutions from last year took up two pages. Two pages? What has happened to you in your life that you think there are two pages worth of things about you that need changing? See? That’s why I hate resolutions. I feel (in my own little messed up way), that I don’t need them. I am above them. I don’t need to set aside a day for writing down the things that would make me a better person; I can just jot a couple of things down on a Post-It note and throw it in my purse. Then I’ll make the changes as I see fit. Unless of course my daddy tells me (as he often does) “I love you just the way you are.” Then I’ll pull out said Post-It note and cross off one thing that I wasn’t really excited about changing anyway. I’ll say to myself, “See, Melissa, your dad is living proof that no one really wants you to change.” Then I’ll close my purse and feel better about myself. If that’s even possible.

And that, my lovelies, is my resolution for this New Year: jotting a couple of things down on a Post-It note, rolling my eyes at them an hour later, coming to terms with the fact that the world needs me to stay exactly as I am and why would I deprive them of this need and using the Post-It note in the event that my child needs a place to put their gum. You try it, too! You just might find that getting your hair colored while reading a People magazine, meeting up with your girlfriends at Olive Garden for some breadsticks and cheesecake, and then going for a good mani/pedi is just the start you need for a really glorious year.

Ya know?

And that, my lovelies, is my resolution for this New Year: jotting a couple of things down on a Post-It note, rolling my eyes at them an hour later, coming to terms with the fact that the world needs me to stay exactly as I am and why would I deprive them of this need

and using the Post-It note in the event that my child needs a place to put their gum.”

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yourlife|weddings

&Haylee Stephenson

Brandon BeltMarried December 3, 2010

Providence Baptist Church

The couple will reside in Lufkin, Texas

Photo by Ashley Courtney Photography

&Daena Lynae Yerkes

Daniel Bryant RoweMarried November 20, 2010

First Baptist Church , Belton , TX

54 / The Journey - January 2011Submit your wedding, engagement, or anniversary to [email protected] All submissions are no charge.

tjmag.com / 55

places and facesLufkin Association

of RealtorsFranc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway

Angelina Arts Alliance

yourlife|relationships

W

tjmag.com / 56

by Kathryn Greene

We begin a new decade – 2011! These past 10 years have flown by. The year 2000 begin with a bang for the Greene Family. We moved to a new home after 22 years, our son told us we would be grandparents for the first time (and now there are 8 more!), and my husband and I both turned 50! My how things have changed in 10 years! Just think of the technological changes… iPhones (not just cell phones), bluRay players (not VHS or DVDs!), Skype, Netflix, etc. Think about how each of our family units has changed… new births, new additions by marriage, some divorces, and some deaths. One thing for certain, life doesn’t stay the same – there is always change taking place.

What do we have to look forward to in this next 10 years? I am sure there will be technological changes that will be more than we could ever imagine! There will be family unit changes – some good and some not so good. And… if I am sixty now… well we won’t talk about that! What are our goals for this decade? Where do we want to be as an individual, a spouse, or a parent by 2021? What am I doing to challenge myself to grow in these three areas?

There is a verse of scripture found in Philippians 3:13b that reads, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are before.” One thing that I have realized through the years is that if I am looking back while trying to go forward, I am going to run off the road and probably get stuck in a ditch or hit something that

will cause a lot of damage. To go forward, you have to look forward. That means quit looking back at the past. There are many things in our past that can trip us up and

keep us from reaching our goals. If I want to experience everything I was designed for, I need to keep my eyes on the goal. So, what is my goal and how am I going to get there?

My personal goal is to be all that God created me to be. I love to exhort people to find the place that brings them joy and a sense of fulfillment. Many times people work at a job just because it is a job. There are times that it is necessary, but many do not know or have not found the job that they have a passion for. We were created with gifts and talents that make us unique. I encourage you to go online and take some free tests that will help you identify where you fit. So, one of my goals is to be available to assist people in understanding where they fit; that brings me satisfaction.

A goal that John and I have is to be debt free. That will allow us to give where we are impressed that there is a need, whether

that is a local outreach, or to someone or some ministry across the world. Another goal that we have is enjoy the days that we have here on earth. To be perfectly honest, that is a work in progress. John and I both allow the race of life to get us down rather than us keeping our eyes on the end of the race. We have to work at giving ourselves permission to just relax and enjoy the journey.

A spiritual goal I have for myself is to complete reading the Bible through by September, 2011. I have begun many times, but never finished and I want to finish the entire reading this time, from cover to cover.

I know there will be some challenges in 2011, but they will be opportunities for me to look forward to my ultimate goal of finishing the race well. I don’t want to get off course by looking back; there is so much “stuff” that could pull me down. I want to throw off all excess weight and run my race with endurance!

To go forward, you have to

look forward.That means

quit looking back at the past.

A Glance BackA Look Forward&

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places and facesAn Evening in Old Bethlehem

First United Methodist Church

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yourlife|featured teacher

What made you want to become a teacher?My brother has always been my hero. He is a retired teacher who worked in special education for many years. There is no one I admire more.What do you love most about teaching? I love kids of any shape or variety. They are so much fun. I enjoy creating a lesson and then watching what they do with it. They never fail to make it better than I ever dreamed it could be.What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? Time! There just isn’t enough time in the day. There is always one more idea that I want to tell them as they bound out the door or hear one more great idea that they have to tell me. I am so greedy. I want to make one more memory with them before I let them go.What do you like to do outside of teaching school?There is no outside of teaching school is there? I love rummaging through old bookstores for books my students may like, but when possible, I enjoy visiting with family and talking with friends that all seem to love what I do…teaching!What are some special things that you are doing in your classroom? I don’t think anything I do is more special than what we all do as teachers these days. I tell kids about subjects that I love to talk about hoping that they will love them too. I make certain that each student has an open connection with me and that when I tell them goodbye, they know that it’s from somebody that loves them unconditionally.How do you meet the needs of all learners in your classroom? I spend a great deal of time evaluating each student’s strengths and weaknesses; so that when I deliver material I do so in a way that matches the way that they learn. Initially it is time consuming, but it is worth seeing them feel successful. Each one is like a puzzle that you need as many pieces as possible to see the whole picture. In addition to this, I try to create an atmosphere in the classroom that encourages students to seek out my help if they need it.

Darla Warden

These days, it is very difficult to connect with teenagers and capture their attention. Darla Warden does this every day at Central High School. She has a gift that allows her to engage her students on a level that helps them learn and retain the information she is teaching.

Darla earned her degree at Lamar University and has specializations in English, history, speech and special education. She has been teaching over thirty years, serving the last seven years in Angelina County. Throughout her career, she has taught fifth through twelfth grade.

We recently asked her about teaching and why she loves it so much.

Darla’s students were adamant about letting us know how much they appreciate and love her. Overwhelmingly, each of them commented on how she is “not just a teacher, but a mother figure that really cares about my life.” The students collectively agree, “Hands down, she is the best person I have ever met.” One student explains, “She bombarded my life that first day of freshman year, and my life has never been the same. I wouldn’t change it for anything.” It is very clear that Mrs. Warden inspires her students to be so much more than proficient at English. She demands excellence from each of them, and according to her students, they are honored to rise to her expectations.

Central High School

Photography by Jimmy Williams

yourlife | finance

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Stacey Paige, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones is located at 321 S. First Street in Lufkin. You may call 936-634-6116 or 800-569-9777 to schedule an appointment with Stacey to discuss your financial goals, review your current portfolio or answer any of your financial questions. http://www.edwardjones.com/

Identify your goals. When you start out, you may have short-term goals, such as saving enough for a down payment on a house. As you move through the years, your goals will become longer-term in nature. For example, if you have children, you might set a goal of helping them pay for college. You will need to establish a goal of saving for retirement. Your first step toward achieving all these goals is identifying them.

Commit to regular investing. When you begin your careers, you and your spouse may not have a lot of disposable income, but you still need to commit yourselves to putting aside some money each month — even if it’s only a small amount — for investment purposes. If you each have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan, contribute as much as you can afford.

Reconcile your investment styles. You and your spouse may have different orientations toward investing. By nature, you might be an aggressive investor, while your spouse could be more conservative, or vice versa. This divergence does not have to be a problem, but you should communicate your preferences clearly to each other when choosing investments together. If you and your spouse each compromise a bit, you can come up with a joint portfolio that works for both of you. At the same time, when you each have an account, such as a 401(k), you may not want them to look alike by containing duplicate investments. Instead, consider building portfolios that complement each other and that can help fill in any gaps that exist in your joint investment strategy.

Be co-managers. You probably know many married couples in which one spouse handles all the finances and investments. This isn’t necessarily a good model to follow. You and your spouse will benefit if you both are familiar with your investment situation and capable of making decisions. Nobody knows what the future will hold, and if one spouse suddenly finds himself or herself in charge of the family finances, with no preparation, it can lead to trouble.

investMent iDeas Newlywedsfor

If you’re getting married this year, you have a lot to think about, but after the wedding — well, you’ll have even more to think about. One of those topics should be your investment strategy. In these days of economic uncertainty, it’s important that you and your spouse make investment decisions today that will help you reach your long-term goals.

Of course, the investment process can seem confusing to just one person, so you might think it will be twice as difficult for the two of you. However, that’s not necessarily so. You can launch an investment strategy that can serve you well throughout your lives together by following these few basic steps:

By following these suggestions, you can make long-term investing a rewarding part of your marriage, and the sooner you get started, the greater those rewards can be.

by Stacey Paige

Sign Up Now To Prepare For Cheerleading

And Drill Team Try-Outs.

1604 Tulane Dr.Lufkin, TX637-FLIP

Celebrating 25 Years!!!

places and faces


The NutcrackerAcademy of Gymnastics and Dance

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yourbody|fashion

Any time you ask a bride about her favorite gift or a favorite memory from the day, it is always something that was an heirloom passed down from their great-grandmother’s wedding day or a piece of furniture that was handmade by their father and grandfather.

More than that, is the love poured into the gifts by the artisans that made them knowing they will always be part of a wedding day.

Custom wedding dresses are always a special touch to a brides’ day. Susan Frimpter James had a custom dress hand sewn by her mom and husband’s grandmother. “They both still talk about how much that meant to both of them to be able to share those precious memories making my dress,” says James.

Custom jewelry is always another great idea. There are many jewelers that make custom pieces. Special gifts can be given as bridesmaids’ gifts, groom to the bride, and many more. Meghan Garner with Sophisticate Jewelry Artisian Studio has made many custom wedding pieces. “The most common bridal party order I receive is to produce stacking rings for bridesmaid’s gifts, typically either with each bridesmaid’s birthstone or all with the birthstone of the month the wedding took place. I also had a groom order a custom set of stacking rings as a gift to the bride on the morning of the wedding; this had one stone on each of the three rings: his birthstone, her birthstone, and the birthstone of the month the wedding took place.”

Not all custom additions to a wedding have to be expensive. It can be grandmother’s broach added to a wedding dress. The best part of custom pieces is the creativity and endless possibilities behind them.

Something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new…it is a staple to everyone’s wedding day and today has taken on new meaning. One definite wedding trend right now is custom and handmade pieces.

The best part of custom pieces is the

creativity and endless possibilities behind them.

CustomAdditions

Not all custom additions to a wedding have

to be expensive. It can be grandmother’s broach added to a wedding dress.

Susan Frimpter James in custom wedding dress hand sewn by her mother and grandmother in law.

www.sophistiquejewelry.com

yourbody | beauty

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The correct foundation and powder shades are key. Always take into consideration what your skin color will be on the “big day.” Beauty experts suggest veering slightly darker than your normal skin tone and/or matching your face color to the tone of your shoulder and chest for a seamless effect. Visit Merle Norman Studio in Lufkin to schedule a consultation to find the perfect foundation for your big day. Since the flash photography can make your skin look paler than it really is or emphasizes ruddiness, warm or not yellow-based shades work best to even out your skin tone. (Photographers advise not to use a flash if

it’s really not needed.) Also, be sure that any touch-up products you use are properly matched and blended. Finally, take some test shots prior to the event to fine-tune your look. Then you’ll be ready for your close-up!

Looking for a flawless, even application, and picture perfect

skin? Try bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation. Its silky, soft texture looks like a powder, but it feels like a cream and buffs on

beautifully without settling into fine lines or drying out the skin. It is made with only the purest, highest quality ingredients and has none of the chemicals and preservatives that can irritate skin. It provides

great coverage without “caking” on your makeup. Brides can expect that flawless “glowing” look that they all need and want on their wedding day! It’s a must-have!

For the final touch try bareMinerals Mineral Veil. It is completely sheer and made for all skin tones. The powder gently absorbs oils and minimizes the appearance of lines and pores. It is the perfect finish for your face and will add softness for the camera lens.

f o r Y o u rMust HavesB i g D a y

Beauty experts suggest veering slightly darker than your normal skin tone and/or matching your face color to the tone of your shoulder

and chest for a seamless effect.

Take some test shots prior to the event to fine-tune your look.

There is a lot of prep work that will go in before the “big day.” One of the most important memories that come from the day are the photos. In order for a bride to love and cherish her photos, it is important to ensure her makeup is just right. There are lights, flashes, tears, and a very long day that take place from the initial application of makeup. Here are a few tips and hints to make sure your make up application is perfect.

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Getting a Gripyourbody|Women’s Health

Dr. Gregory DeArmond and Dr. Darry Meyer with Angelina Surgical Associates are the only surgeons in Lufkin to offer this procedure. To learn more on GERD and the TIF procedure, you may contact them at 936-634-8216. For information on our next FREE seminar, call 936-637-8687.

GERDBy Gregory DeArmond, M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Nearly one out of every two adults has had heartburn at

some point. Certain foods,

smoking, alcohol, and

some medications can make the

condition more common.

In addition, increased abdominal

pressure because of obesity or

pregnancy raises the risk for GERD.

on

• Heartburn that feels like sharp or burning chest pain behind the breastbone, which may be worse when you eat, bend over, or lie down

• Tightness in the chest or upper abdomen, especially pain that wakes you in the middle of the night

• Backflow of stomach fluids into the mouth

• Nausea

• A recurring sour or bitter taste

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness, especially in the morning

• Coughing, wheezing, or repeatedly needing to clear the throat

Following are the symptoms of GERD:

Nearly one out of every two adults has had heartburn at some point. This burning sensation behind the breastbone or in the back of the neck or throat is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, the tube between your throat and your stomach. This is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The lining of the esophagus can’t handle these caustic substances. The esophagus becomes inflamed and you feel symptoms of chronic heartburn, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Certain foods, smoking, alcohol, and some medications can make the condition more common. In addition, increased abdominal pressure because of obesity or pregnancy raises the risk for GERD.

Occasional heartburn generally isn’t serious. But chronic GERD can lead to health problems. If left untreated, it can cause or make asthma worse. Stomach acid can cause inflammation in the esophagus, which may lead to bleeding and ulcers in the esophagus. Scar tissue may make swallowing difficult. In fact, some people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus, which eventually may lead to cancer.

In addition to dietary controls, medications like non-prescription antacids, PPIs, and H2 blockers help prevent the acceleration of GERD. Over time, however, these medications may lose their effectiveness requiring increased dosage. Invasive surgical procedures such as the Nissen Fundoplication have long been known to be effective therapy for GERD. The risk of adverse event and the invasive nature of these procedures have made them lose popularity in recent years.

The TIF procedure offers a minutely invasive surgical solution for the treatment of GERD, a clinically proven procedure that is incisionless. It has less risk, reduced recovery time and no visible scar. With so many suffering from daily heartburn and reflux, TIF offers an excellent alternative to treatments that may not be working.

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1/31/11

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yourbody|fitness

Ways to Live Healthy in 2011

Kim Pember has been a personal trainer for ten years. She owns Art of Fitness and holds personal training classes at Crown Colony. She is married to Dr. Merritt Pember and has two children, Sean and Brynn. For more information, contact her at [email protected].

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“66 / The Journey - January 2011

1. Take baby steps.Begin by seeking out a small, independent gym class that doesn’t require a long term contract instead of committing to a full year’s membership at a gym that will require a long term contract; seek out a small independent gym class.

2. Remember small goals equal big gains.

Set small weekly goals. For example, week one, drink eight glasses of water each day. On week two, forego the fast food or switch out fries for a side salad. On week three, walk at least thirty minutes a day. Small changes can make a huge difference.

3. Drink water.Water is an appetite suppressant. It helps your body get rid of waste and sodium that causes that bloating feeling. Add lemon or cucumber slices to it…always have it with you.

4. Set a date.Pick a date three to four weeks away to achieve a certain goal. Try not to make is a weight loss number, but an exercise goal. Begin by trying to walk three miles or stair step for twenty minutes. Once you complete a goal, set another and continue on!

5. Think NUTRITION:Eighty percent of weight loss is nutrition. The hard work and weight loss happens in the kitchen. Take out temptations like cookies, pies, sugar, chips, salt and candy. Replace it with lean protein such as turkey, chicken and lean steak cuts. Don’t forget to add raw veggies and fruit. Protein bars, shakes, almonds, cottage cheese are great snacks to keep on hand.

6. Get your family on board!This is very important! It only helps to have a support system if that support system isn’t chowing down on chips and sweets in front of you. Tell people what you are doing and be proud that you have chosen a better lifestyle. My best clients include their families in their quest to eat clean. If a family member does not like what you prepare, allow them to make their own.

7. Know your numbers. You need to know how many calories you are consuming a day. Take one to two days and write down everything you put in your mouth. The number may shock you!! Once you know this then you can plan on either decreasing your calories or increasing them. Subtracting 500 calories from your daily caloric intake can help you lose up to 1 pound per week.

8. 3500 calories=1 pound. Plain and simple.

9. Read, Read, Read and inform yourself.

Subscribe to a fitness magazine that will support your efforts. You can also find various support groups online. Talk to people in the business. Become educated about what is working and not working in the fitness industry. This will help you decide what might be right for you.

10. SaltSalt is in everything be conscious about it. It is the main culprit when you are feeling bloated and your rings won’t come off. One thousand milligrams a day will maximize your body’s fat burning potential and lower your blood pressure!

11. Be Patient. Most weight gain doesn’t happen overnight; so don’t expect to lose it overnight either. Expect to lose 5-8 pounds rather quickly the first month. Allow this to catapult you to the next month.

** Bonus: Celebrate your victories and don’t dwell on your failures, but learn from them.

Everything is life is a choice. From the moment you wake up and decide what kind of mood you’re in until you go to bed. Evaluate your choices. Ask yourself: What are the consequences of the choice I am making? Will this choice bring happiness in my life and bring me closer to my goals?”

- Jillian Michaels’ Book: Making the Cut

Plain and Simple

by Kim Pember

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Your Child

Photography by Angela Marcotte

The beginning of a new year is a time for updating your calendar, starting New Year’s resolutions, and cleaning out closets. It’s also a good time to check over your child’s immunization record to determine whether or not your child is up-to-date on their vaccines. Each January the American Academy of Pediatrics publishes the new childhood immunization schedule (also found at www.aap.org). This schedule is developed and continuously updated by physicians who specialize in vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines, a critical cornerstone for

health maintenance, affect your child’s immunity and confer protective benefits for the community as well. Over the course of the 20th century vaccines have significantly reduced the incidences of previously crippling and often deadly diseases including polio, rubella, tetanus, measles, diphtheria, meningitis and pertussis (whooping cough). Polio would cause tens of thousands children to be paralyzed. An outbreak of measles would lead to millions of children with birth defects, mental retardation and in some cases lead to death. Diphtheria used to be one of the most common causes of death in school-aged children, and whooping cough would kill thousands of infants. Thus without vaccines, children would be needlessly vulnerable to these and other diseases that would, in past years, decimate kids and adults for generations.

Vaccine success has lead to the virtual disappearance of many infections paradoxically leading parents to question whether vaccines remain necessary. Earlier this year a pertussis outbreak in California spread through unimmunized family members caused a number of newborns to contract the disease and die. Recently there have been pockets of outbreaks of pertussis, measles and mumps in communities across the country due in part to both the under-vaccination rates of children and the anti-vaccine movement. (Despite cries to the contrary, vaccines and their components, especially the controversial preservative Thimersol, have been exhaustively evaluated and have been proven clinically safe.) Thus, every parent needs to be vigilant

about getting their child immunized in order to keep these diseases from re-emerging.

Finally, it is also important to continue vaccinations during adolescence and adulthood. All teens who received the meningitis vaccine (Menactra) will need boosting approximately 5 years after the first immunization. Teens should also be vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine vaccination of the HPV vaccine for girls ages 9 to 12, and for young women ages 13 through 26 who have not already been vaccinated. Although studies have questioned the cost effectiveness of immunizing males, the AAP states

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yourchild|ask the doc

Immunizationsby Dr. George Fidone

Over the course of the 20th century

vaccines have significantly reduced

the incidences of previously crippling

and often deadly diseases including

polio, rubella, tetanus, measles,

diphtheria, meningitis and pertussis

(whooping cough).

Vaccines, a critical cornerstone for health maintenance, affect your child’s immunity and confer

protective benefits for the community as well.

that the HPV vaccine can be given to males ages 9 through 26. Currently, less than half of the teen population is current or up-to-date on their immunizations so it is imperative that you check with your healthcare provider on which vaccines your teen may be lacking.

More information on vaccines as well as the most current immunization schedule can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics website, www.aap.org.

Every parent needs to be vigilant about getting their child immunized in order to keep these

diseases from re-emerging.

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Dr. George Fidone has been practicing in Lufkin for 20 years. He is the founding partner of the Children’s Clinic of Lufkin. He received his medical training at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas and completed a clinical fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. George and his wife, Terra, have three grown children. - The Children’s Clinic, 205 Gene Samford, Drive, 936-634-2214

Other helpful tips and information regarding immunizations include:

Avoid repeated immunizations by going to your

established medical home for checkups and vaccinations.

Today, all vaccines given to children in Texas are entered on

a statewide website, Immtrac. Even so, keep a copy of your child’s updated immunization record

in your files in the event of vaccination discrepancies. A

copy of your child’s immunization record can be obtained

from your medical provider.

Usually, if a vaccine series has been started and some time

has elapsed between dosages, the series does not need to be restarted. Your medical provider will get

your child caught up in the series and let you know how many

weeks or months before the next shot can be given.

OOne of the best ways to get inspired for your own rooms in the house is looking through catalogs and magazines. Gather the ideas and find pieces to recreate the look want. Emily Payne, mom to Fallon, created an adorable room that is very livable for the two year old, but is also something she can grow into. It all started with the letters on the wall. According to Emily, “I am so not crafty, but I did the letters!” The chest is an old piece of furniture her mom was going to get rid of. The changing table is not a changing table at all. Payne turned it into a changing table, but she also chose the piece because it can be reused for toys as Fallon gets older. The storage shelf was a piece she saw in a high end children’s catalog. She purchased the chrome shelf then had the pink drape made to fit the shelf. The drape can be tied back or closed. The piece is great to store odds and ends like socks, pj’s, and toys. All in all, according to Payne the room was created at a very reasonable price and everything was easy to find locally.


yourchild|child’s playThe Payne Family

Brad Fults, 9

Lily Choi, 8

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What is your New Year’s resolution?

Does your child have a craft, hobby, or interest that they would like to share with other kids their age? Tell us about it by emailing us at [email protected]. Your child might be featured in a future issue of The Journey!

yourchild | kids konnect

“I will be nice to my brother!”

Lauren Bowers

“Well, I should probably be more responsible for my stuff!”

Ryan Bowers

“I want to be principal.”

“I want to graduate.”


yourchild|birthday bashGirl’s Party

Alice in WonderlandWhat four year old does not have a wonderland

imagination? Marissa DeArmond’s mom, Claudia and family friend Miranda Varkados, took party guests into Alice’s Wonderland. The party details were phenomenal treats. There were three crafts guests were able to make. The first was a party bag with glitter and gems to decorate the bag.

The second was a magic pinwheel the kids colored, then tied with ribbon. The final craft was cookie with many different candy toppers. All around the room was candy, cupcakes, cookies, ribbon, tea cups, and top hats, everything from Alice in Wonderland.

Marrissa dearmond

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yourchild | birthday bashBoy’s Party

Camo PartyBeing a boy’s boy, Grant’s mom wanted to give him

a birthday in the woods! It was the perfect season for everything camo and a hunting party. His mom and dad, Trent and Nickie, set up a deer hunter’s dream in their neighborhood park. Nickie printed wildlife targets of all

different sizes and mounted them throughout the grass and trees. As the children attending the party arrived, they had their faced painted and received a Nerf gun. They were all immediately off to the woods for their hunt. It was a sixth birthday to remember!

grant ashby

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yourchild|treats and eatsJanuary is

Ingredients1/2 cup butter

1 onion, chopped

1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli

4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 (1 pound) Velveeta, cubed

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon garlic powder

2/3 cup cornstarch

1 cup water

Directions1. In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.

3. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

Bacon, Cheese and Potato Chowder

Ingredients:3 cups fat-free milk

1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of potato soup

2 cups frozen Southern-style hash browns

1 cup 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions:Mix milk and soup in large saucepan. Stir in hash browns. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring occasionally; simmer on medium-low 10 min., stirring frequently. Serve topped with cheese, bacon and onions.

by Anna Lee

During the cold winter months, everyone loves to curl up to a really warm bowl of soup and crackers or cornbread. Did you know soup has been so popular throughout time that it’s actually considered one of the first “fast foods?”

A few soupie facts:

• There is documentation that as early as 600 B.C., the Greeks sold soup as a fast food on the street, using peas, beans and lentils as main ingredients.

• Before there was soup, there was broth, which people used to pour over a piece of bread in a bowl. That bread was known as sop, and from sop came the word “soup.”

• The most recognized soup company in the world is Campbell’s Soup Company.

Anna Lee is married to Justin Lee, owner of Boles Feed Co. in Nacogdoches, and together they have a beautiful baby girl named, Jacie. Anna and her family live in Center, where she is a loan officer at Shelby Savings Bank. Anna received her bachelor’s degree from SFA in Family and Consumer Sciences and her master’s degree from TWU in Family Studies. Besides spending time with her

family, one of Anna’s biggest passions is food and cooking.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Makes 6, 1 cup servings

National Soup Month

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yourchild | why I love being a mom

Nothing compares to the unspeakable joy of holding your baby girl in your arms for the first time… until she gets to marry the man of her dreams.

Parents dream of the day their sons and daughters will get married. Some look forward to it with excitement, while others, like my husband, become tearful at the mere mention of the word wedding. I assumed he was crying at the thought of losing three daughters, but maybe it was the vision of money flying out of the bank account.

I’ve had a “wedding file” from the time our girls were very young. Decorating and event planning are my passion; so, a wedding was the icing on the cake. In April, after years of torn magazine pages and pictures printed off websites, I was about to get my chance. Our oldest daughter, Tyler, was asked to be Clayton Pavlic’s bride, and it was time to pull the files and start planning this event! Wise words from a friend rang

in my head, “Enjoy this time with your daughter.” I prayed we would keep our focus on the important things. The first task was throwing out the wedding file. Being 20 years old, most of the things in it were too cute or outdated. If you pull a magazine picture when your child is 14, it might not be what she’ll want at 25.

Many episodes of Platinum Weddings educated us about what the cost of weddings could be. Tyler had ideas about what she wanted, and I knew my job was to achieve it without breaking the bank. When I told a friend that we were going to do a Platinum Wedding on a Garage Sale budget, she dubbed it “The Aluminum Wedding.”

A month after the engagement, I was diagnosed with DCIS, a Stage 0 breast cancer, and LCIS which put me at higher risk of cancer in both breasts. Although not life threatening and diagnosed early, the result was still major surgery. Also, the two oldest girls were opening

their store, Blithe Boutique. We were overwhelmed, but trusted God’s timing, which was perfect. Tyler, Jessica and Tori worked as a team to care for me, finish the wedding plans and get the store finished. I watched in awe as the Alverson Trifecta accomplished the impossible.

Ultimately, we were able to create the wedding Tyler dreamed of. Our relationship matured as I reminded myself that it wasn’t my wedding; it was hers. She needed to do it her way, regardless what the “rules” were, and I think she broke most of them. The result was a wedding that was beautiful, centered on God, and full of celebration. To think we get to experience this twice more! I can hear Clay quietly sobbing in the background as I write this.

I’ve been told the next part is even more fun- when I’ll get to add “grand” to the title of mom. I can’t wait!

Nothing compares to the unspeakable joy of holding your baby girl in your arms for the first time… until she gets to marry the man of her dreams.


The ReviewLooking for the perfect wedding gift? Here are a few ideas to point you in the right

direction.

“In a world of mass production, handmade is the true luxury,” Beatriz Ball. Every piece of the Beatriz Ball collection is beautiful. Any new bride would be happy to add this to her personal collection. Available at The Very Thing in Lufkin.

Relive all the memories by your mother and grandmother with the gift of FIESTA. The trend began when the designs were first introduced in to the public in 1935. The brand retired the dinnerware line in 1972. Because of the interests and popularity of regaining childhood memories, FIESTA was reintroduced in 1986. Today, it is still a “want” on many bridal registries.

A piece of Jon Hart luggage will definitely be a treasured piece. These personalized, hand crafted pieces are great quality gifts for any bride or groom. There are many styles and pieces to choose from that fit the lifestyle of the couple. Available at The Very Thing in Lufkin and Adair Boutique in Nacogdoches.

Wedding Style by Carole Hamilton makes a wonderful engagement or shower gift. The book offers hundreds of styles and tips on planning the big day. Available at Macy May.

Remember to have FUN and enjoy your one-on-one time with your daughter and also the bridal party. In the rush of the planning, don’t forget to relax, enjoy and make those precious memories. All the planning and decision making will be over in what seems like a blink of an eye as the wedding day gets underway. It’s almost like one minute you are helping your daughter get into her wedding gown and the next minute she is driving away as a married woman with her new husband. Budget, budget, budget and stick with it. You think its ok to fudge a little and go over and then another or you decide to add something extra. Before long, the well planned budget is out the door. With wedding planning/decorations it is so easy to spend extra, so be careful.

Paula Bailey, Lufkin

tjmag.com / 77

“What is your advice to other mother’s planning a wedding?”

“Take as many pictures as possible before the wedding. Walk around in your new shoes before the wedding day. I didn’t, ouch! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. A great coordnator helps…thanks, Jo! Most of all have fun.”

Janice Belt – a recent mother of the groom

parting advice


The Market

117 West Shepherd • Downtown Lufkin

936.632.2228 www.sugarcookieconfections.com

Dawn Cooley, Owner

Jo’s AlterationsNew Location

7496 Hwy 94 – Hudson(5 miles outside the loop on right)

936-366-8498Monday-Friday

7:30am-11amNoon-5:30pm

Elegantly Crafted Silk Bridal Albums Photo Albums, Guest Books, Bridal Books

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William D. Strinden, M.D.

Lufkin Plastic Surgery

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The Journey