The Journey Magazine April 2013

2 THE JOURNEY APR2013

have questions?

fierce & fashionable· perfectly pampered · domestic diva$100 Wardrobe from Belk in Lufkin

$25 Merle Norman Gift Cardfrom Amy Jo Roland

(must be redeemed in Lufkin)

Xtreme GlidelinerEyeliner Pencil

from Permanent Cosmeticsby Lynanne (valued at $29)

Pearl Necklace & Earring Set from the Pink Leopard Boutique

Apron & Recipe Box Setwith Dessert Mix

from Miss McGillicuddy’s

10 oz Soy Candlefrom Quality Bargains

One Hour Massage by Carrie Love

@ Expressive Images

Philosophy Gift Bag from Makeup Junkies

Full Hour Spa Facial by Ashley Conlon @ Studio 319

Hair Cut & Style by Abby Hopkins

@ Maricelas Salon & Spa

One Month of Tanning from Solar Image


$25 Olive Garden Gift Card

Dinner for Two at Clear Springs or Auntie Pastas

in Nacogdoches

Dinner for Two at Cotton Patch

$30 Posados Gift Card

2 Hours of Cleaning by Deena & Co.


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

her some well deserved pampering!

MOT H ER ’ S D AY G I V E AWAY

* All federal, state & other taxes relating to any prize, & any travel or other expenses relating to any prize, are the soleresponsibility of the winners.

* Prizes are not transferable, substitutable, or exchangeable for cash.

Email us the following information to [email protected] by May 1, 2013!

1) Your name, 2) Name of person you’re nominating, 3) Your address, 4) Your phone number, and5) A few sentences about why your nominee deserves to win big.

Call us at (936) 634-7188 or stop by The Journey Office, located at 115 E. Shepherd, Lufkin, TX 75901.

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

prize packages:prize packages:

how it works:how it works:

how to enter:how to enter:

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5


t’s East Texas’ favorite event we all look forward to—rodeo season! And if you are one of those who do not own a pair of boots, it is now time to add that to your ward-

robe. I have to admit, I was one of those for the first 27 years of my life. I lived without owning a pair of boots, but after getting involved with the rodeo, “I needed a pair.” Believe it or not, once I had them, they came in very handy! I wear boots all the time. All of this to encourage you to invest in a good pair of boots! We live in Texas; everyone should own a pair!

More important than the boots is the big picture behind the rodeo. It’s a group of men who roll up their sleeves and work

hard to give back to Angelina County. The Lufkin Hosts Lion’s Club spends countless hours of work and planning to put on the Angelina County Rodeo for us all to enjoy. Then, after all the money is counted, they disburse those funds to organizations in the community.

One aspect of the rodeo that we at The Journey are able to be involved with is the Rodeo Queen. This year, we had GREAT applicants. It was a hard decision, but hands down, everyone chose the same applicant. We are excited to share Jessica’s

watch; her future is so bright!

Things to add to your to-do list this month:

1. Buy a pair of boots.

2. Get your rodeo tickets and buy a few truck raffle tickets. (stop by or call our office-we have raffle tickets)

3. Read Jessica’s story!

See you at the rodeo!

STEPHANIE OLIVERPRESIDENT

WELCOME

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YOUR HOMEHome Tour: the Wells' EstateDecor & Design: Children's Art WallYour Pantry: Eat BreakfastIn the Kitchen: Meal Exchanges

YOUR COMMUNITYGiving Back: Gloria Russell Children's MinistryCommunity Leader: Lynn HopperCalendar: Upcoming EventsInspiring Woman: Jessica SkipperOn the Scene: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

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

YOUR BODYFashion: Spring 2013 TrendsHealth: March for BabiesLife Change: Jessica Williams Mothershed

YOUR CHILDPretty BabiesLook at MeParent Thoughts: Shopping Successfully with Your ChildrenBirthday Bash: A Hoedown Birthday!Why I Love Being a Mom: Melanie Rushing-Saldaña

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CONTENTS

CONTACT US:Mailing: PO Box 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 75915Physical: 115 E. Shepherd | Lufkin, Texas 75901

936-634-7188 | [email protected] facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast

president: Stephanie Oliver managing editor: Beth Johnson | [email protected] director of sales: Kim Iribarren | [email protected] administrative assistant: layout and design: Macy Haffey

event photographer: Lisa Crow | [email protected] event photographer: Morgan Due | www.morgandue.comcontributors: Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Kelly Finnerud, Kathryn Greene, Amy McLeod,

Angie Nichols, Stephanie Oliver, Melissa Radke distribution: Lisa Crow, Janet Glover, Jarod Thompson

Cover Photo byMorgan Due

APRIL 2013

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YOUR HOME12 14 16 20 in the kitchen

Mama Tried | photographed by Lisa Crow


HOME TOUR

the Wells' Estatehis beautiful home has been in the works and planned for many, many years. For Joe and Connie Wells, they thought about every corner and empty space and maximized every inch. The 4 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home is close to 8,000 square feet. The

home has beautifully handcrafted details throughout, as well as custom rooms and storage designed just for them. Their house has been showcased on the CASA Tour of Homes and was a favorite. This home will certainly be enjoyed by all who enter for years to come.

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by Stephanie Oliver

Children's Art Wall

room. More often than not, I am using that time to craft, which tells me I either like to make a mess or I should have been an elementary art teacher! One of my latest projects is

time. With 3 boys, you can only imagine the balls that are thrown in our hallway. So, the adorable white, glass frames that you often see for art displays would not work in my house. Inevitably, it would be hit by

bright idea came after attending my super crafty friend, Suzy Lou’s, paint class. She gave me the courage to not be scared to try something new. Ever since then, I have turned into a painting machine! I decided to paint canvases of different sizes, hot glue my children’s artwork to

can be hit by a ball, fall to the ground and for the most part, not be bothered. You simply hang it back on the wall. I also placed a few letter B’s in a frame to break it up and add more dimension to the collection. My favorite ‘B’ is from my go to shop, “The Vintage Junk Company” (on facebook). I painted a store bought frame with the chalk paint (Little White Lie) from Yvette Alverson, Beautiful Things.

This is an easy project that is very inexpensive. When you are ready to add a new piece to your wall, you can always give the old one as a gift to grandparents and relatives.

T

DECOR & DESIGN

Your Complete Floor Covering Center

Ingredients Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly coat an 11x7-in rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step 2

cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together butter, canola oil and orange juice. Add juice mixture to

c of mixture for later. Press rest of mixture into pan and up sides, using bottom of measuring cup to even out crust.

Step 4

Whisk Chobani, vanilla extract, sugar, 2 T

in cranberries and orange zest. Spread over crust in even layer. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture on top.

Step 5

Bake until edges are golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Cool completely and slice into bars.

Nutrition Information: Calories 120, Calories from Fat 30, Total Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 45mg, Total Carbohydrate 22g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 14g, Protein 2g.

YOUR PANTRY

by Amy McLeod, RD, LD

EAT BREAKFAST AND REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR CHRONIC DISEASE

dried cranberries and almonds.

lean ham and low-fat, cheddar cheese. Serve with 100% whole wheat toast.

and low-fat cheddar cheese on a whole wheat tortilla. Serve with sliced pear.

cultured milk beverage known for its probiotic properties. Great choice for all ages to keep tummies healthy.

peanut butter.

add boiled egg or string cheese.

American diet. Turns out mama was right; break-fast is the most important meal of the day, and now we have more research to prove it. According to new research released in the American Journal

of Clinical Nutrition, participants who skipped breakfast had a 21% higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes than did participants who ate breakfast.

to lose weight or manage their diabetes do not eat breakfast. I’ve heard everything from, “Breakfast makes me nauseated,” or “I’m not hungry in the morning,” to, “I really don’t have time

to eat breakfast.” The point is, breakfast does just what the name

within one hour of waking to get the metabolism jump started. If we don’t eat breakfast, it’s kind of like trying to get our car out of the driveway without having gasoline in the engine. We encourage children to eat breakfast on testing days, because we know they will think more clearly and perform better. As adults, are we taking our own advice?

Here are a few ideas for a healthy breakfast with ingredients all found at your neighborhood Brookshire Brothers. A healthy

B

Chobani Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

Chobani Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

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

A WOODLAND HEIGHTS MEDICAL CENTER RESOURCE

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

Thursday, April 25, 2013Pitser Garrison Civic Center, Lufkin11:30 a.m. –1 p.m.

Thank you to our partners! The Lufkin News/Charm MagazineThe Journey MagazineFirst Bank and TrustA-1 Party RentalsArtistic Balloons by GlendaGrandough Baking CompanyHeart Institute of East TexasAbeldt’s Gaslight PharmacyGet Fit!Consolidated CommunicationsAesthetic ConceptsImages by BeckiHeart to Heart HospiceTownsquare MediaKwik KopyLufkin Coca-ColaBrookshire Brothers


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Creamy White Chicken & Artichoke Lasagna

MEAL EXCHANGES

What You Need

Make It

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine chicken, artichokes, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan and tomatoes. Beat cream cheese, milk and garlic powder with mixer until well blended; stir in 2 Tbsp. basil. Mix half with the chicken mixture.

Spread half the remaining cream cheese mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with 3 noodles and 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers of noodles and chicken mixture twice. Top with remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture and mozzarella; cover.

Bake 25 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining basil. Let stand 5 min. before cutting to serve.

IN THE KITCHEN

n the fast paced life we all have, anything that saves us time down the road is a blessing. This group of women decided to have a meal exchange. They each choose one meal and cook enough for

everyone in the group. A few busy hours in the kitchen preparing a meal for each group member means countless hours saved during the week preparing multiple meals for your own family. Once the meals are prepared and ready to be frozen, the group then sets a date to exchange meals. Each woman left with 8 meals ready to place in their freezer. Now, each member has 8 meals where all they have to do is thaw, heat, and serve. Such a great idea for busy families who still want a home cooked meal in between homework, dance, baseball, and church nights.

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

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photographed by Lisa Crow

YOUR COMMUNITY22 24 26 28 30 on the scene


GIVING BACK

he mission of Gloria Russell’s Children’s Ministry,

of God on a child’s level. Gloria Russell is a veteran of child evangelism with over 35 years

of experience. Her love is evident when you hear her speak and children are drawn to her as she teaches. Statistics are staggering in that 2 out of 3 children, in our own community, have never heard the name of Jesus or about his love for them. The ministry is associated with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), a national organization whose purpose is to teach the Bible to children and encourage children’s involvement in local Christian churches.

Gloria had a unique experience when she began her ministry. She said, “One day, after moving back to Lufkin, I was sitting under the hair dryer at the beauty shop and I read a scripture in a magazine that said, “Walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called.” Immediately, I started crying and feeling overwhelmed, understanding that God was speaking to me. I closed my eyes and prayed that I never again wanted to say no to what God wanted me to do. I got home, my face red from crying, and shared what had happened with my husband, Clifford. Within a few days, I received an invitation to attend a four month long, CEF school. I thought that it would be impossible for me to go, but my husband encouraged me. He reminded me that I was teaching a few children, but challenged me to think of how many more children I could reach if I attended this school.” From that time on, Clifford and I have been partners in the ministry. Clifford’s role now is maintaining the camp and property, coordinating events, sound system, and our general manager.”

Currently, our program includes leader training, youth training, Circle Clubs and Victory Camp. Using CEF current training materials, we will prepare your church volunteers to understand how to reach children, teach a

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

We have a group of youth called “Homeland Teen Missions” who teach at our camps and do programs for local churches when requested. Special training is available for them to learn how to develop skills to become future church leaders in their local churches, as well as help us in teaching younger children in our mission.

Our future success depends on our community helping us spread the message of Christ. We have purchased a campsite location in Colmesneil, Texas where we live on site. We now do Saturday camps that we call Victory Camp. Volunteers are needed in many areas, and we provide quality training, materials, background checks, and insurance. Our camps provide a beginning foundation of faith for these children who might never receive it anywhere else; we are planting seeds for the future.

We welcome groups or individuals to tour our facility. If interested call: (936) 634-2582, Website: www.changinggen-erations.com, Email: Gloria at [email protected], Mailing Address: Children’s Ministry, 2472 FM 1745N, Colmesneil, Texas 75938.

Gloria Russell Children’s Ministry…

T

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Expect to be Impressed


ynn Hopper is one those people in our commu-nity that makes Angelina County

such a great place to live.

Over and over again, when an individual, a family, or anyone for that matter is struck with tragedy in our county, or if someone is fundraising, we see Angelina County at its best. “I think if you talk to all the non-

would say the same thing; time and time again, our needs are met,” says Hopper.

Lynn oversees the community relations for the State Supported Living Center where she interacts with her residents and the community. Her main role is to link the two together. The way they do that is through three main events during the year,

Santa’s Workshop, and the Sunshine Golf Tournament.

Lynn has been at the State Supported Living Center since 1999. This will be the 9th year for the Lufkin Lion’s Club to have a rodeo hero. Lynn says, “Working with the Rodeo Hero has been a fun project to be a part of.” She remembers back before there was a rodeo hero. She explains, “As far back as our records show in 1994, the Lion’s club has always given our residents seats to enjoy the rodeo. It was always something they looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. I think enough of the members of the Lion’s Club recognized that and that’s when they came up with the idea of the Rodeo Hero.”

Lynn describes her every day job as “opportunities meeting opportunities.” It is what keeps her motivated and excited to love her job after 14 years. She says, “People will come to us and want to put a program together for

a need for a resident, and I am the lucky one who gets to make that happen.”

One very special program that means a lot to Lynn is the Family House. The special needs that many of the residents have don’t always allow for them to travel far. Their needs might require their family to have special access or sleeping quarters just for them to visit. Lynn says, “That is the beauty of the Family House graciously sponsored by Brookshire Brothers. Thanks to the Family House, that close family unit doesn’t suffer. It promotes that family connection while making it feasible and manageable for families.”

One very time intensive program Lynn oversees is “Santa’s Workshop.” This is a mail solicitation program requesting

Hopper says, “We have never had a year our needs haven’t been met.”

Lynn Hopper goes into work every day to do her job, and because she does, she makes our community a brighter place for so many!

L

COMMUNITY LEADER LYNN HOPPER

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College PreparatoryCharter School

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FACEBOOK.COM/TJMAGLIKE US ON

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To submit your event for the April issue, email your event to [email protected] by April 20th.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CALENDAR 4/20

Main Street Lufkin Downtown Hoedown

4/20Angelina County Heart Alliance Annual Heart Scoot

4/24 - 4/27

4/27Spring Junk in the Trunk Sale

4/272013 Relay for Life

5/3Relay for Life of Angelina County

5/4Dr. Bill Shelton’s Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure

5/43rd Annual Zoo Brew

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637-3547Home of Champions

Information Meeting Wednesday, May 15th from 8:30-9:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend, please call the Studio for more information!

637-3547Home of Champions

Information Meeting Wednesday, May 15th from 8:00-8:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend, please call the Studio for more information!

Academy of Gymnastics and Dance


essica Skipper is a senior at Diboll High School and this year’s Rodeo Queen. She has set many goals for her future, and her strong-willed personality will push her to achieve them all. Her drive and passion

comes with endless hours of hard work, but Jessica is used to that. Her story of determination began at a very young age.

Jessica has always loved school. She lived in Houston with her mom and brother until she was in the third grade, and their lives changed forever. Her mom underwent a life-threatening back surgery to remove a blood clot that covered the entire length of her spine. Doctors had to scrape the blood off of each individual nerve, and each of those nerves was permanently damaged. To this day, her mom is paralyzed in the middle section of her body and lives with constant

odds, her mother pushed herself to walk again.

After surgery, Jessica moved with her mom and brother to Diboll so that her grandmother could help take care of her mom and provide for the family. Jessica enrolled in Diboll school and has been excelling in the classroom ever since.

Jessica explains, “I have always liked school, but I have to work really hard to make the grade.” When she

class. She recalls, “I didn’t ever think I was good enough

one!” Since her freshman year, she is in constant competition to keep that spot. She and her best friend

until graduation.

Even though Jessica spends hours studying and

high school life. If her high school resume is any indication of her future, then Jessica will be a citizen who is determined to give back. For the past two years, she has served as the Drum Major for the Diboll High School Band. She says, “I have enjoyed learning to be a good leader and also learning how to follow.” She is also very active in many facets of

FFA. She is a member of the poultry judging team

her community as a Drug-Free All Star and looks forward to continuing community service projects in college.

After graduation, Jessica is committed to attend school at Texas A&M University where she plans to attain a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. She has visited College Station and the A&M campus several times for various FFA competitions. She says, “I fell in love with the town; the people were so friendly.” After graduating from Texas A&M, she plans to attend medical school. Because of her mom’s surgery and the constant doctor’s appointments and nurse visits, she became very interested in medicine at a very young age. She remembers, “I always liked to watch the health channel.” She is excited to see where this road will lead her.

Jessica is very quick to point out that she would have no hope of being where she is today without the support of her mom, brother and grandmother. She says,” My mom never gave up and conquered all of the trials and tribulations that got in her way. She tells me often that I am the driving force behind her and that I give her the reason to keep pushing through. What she doesn’t realize is that she is that same driving force behind me. I have watched her struggle years and years just to get out of bed in the morning and keep going for my sake. I made a promise to myself in middle school that I would never let her down and that I would give my all to whatever I decided to pursue. She has impacted my life in the best way possible and given me everything I need to succeed in life.” Her brother, Jonathan Walsh, still lives close, and although he is grown and gone from the home, he attends all of her competitive events and is extremely supportive

to me.” Her grandmother has given so much to her family. She says, “My grandmother has lived with us nearly my whole life and taken care of me, my mom and brother.”

The future is very bright for Jessica Skipper. She has high expectations for her college experience, but no one doubts she will meet them all. She laughs, “I’m strong-willed. When I put my mind to something, you can’t stop me!”

J

INSPIRING WOMAN

photography by Morgan Due

JESSICA SKIPPER


Tips for ParentsBelow are some tips to help parents prevent or detect abuse:

child. Talk with your child about what they do, who else is there, what kind of games they play, etc.

what your child says.

tell someone,” if anyone tries to touch him or her inappropriately.

scary or uncomfortable.

child is present.

Also Remember:

best to avoid them.

just as you would other safety concerns. Fear does not keep children safe.

fault.

help immediately.

remember to remain calm.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

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

There are nearly 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect made.

Every day in the United States, 4 children die as a result of child abuse and neglect.

Over three-quarters of these children are under age 4.

ON THE SCENE

The Rainbow Room of Lufkin is a valuable

families that are served by Child Protective Services. The Rainbow Room is an in-house emergency resource center that distributes new items such as clothing, diapers, and formula to clients of CPS caseworkers. To learn how to donate, get involved, or for more information, contact Lufkin Community Partners at 936.676.2645.

photographed by Morgan Due

YOUR LIFE32 34 36 stretch marks

will never forget the day our little family of three spent an unseasonably warm winter afternoon digging small holes in the muddy mess in the front

suburban tract home. A toddling Mycah even helped by dropping bulbs, one at a time, into the des-ignated place, pointed out by her

well-intentioned, but ill-informed mother.

March came in like a lion and April showers arrived as expected. By May, many of the neighbors already enjoyed many weeks of colorful blooms. We had nothing. Sorely disappointed, I wondered if I bought dud bulbs or if we had been hasty in planting them without reading the instructions. My brilliance wasted, Chris and

to accomplish the colorful scene in my mind’s eye for the space, it would be better than nothing.

In the middle of summer, I noticed a tender plant beginning to poke through the mud and mulch. I spotted it as I knelt, pulling

inspect the new arrival. I called Mycah over to admire it and reminded her of the afternoon we spent tossing crusty bulbs into

immediately to water it gently.

In just a matter of a few weeks, the plant stood almost as tall as three-year-old Mycah, and the stalk expanded to a couple inches in diameter. Most of the bulbs were a bust, but this one miraculously grew. Mycah and I tried to predict what type and color the bloom might be. To save my life, I couldn’t recall what kind of bulbs we bought, and the labels were long since gone in the trash. The element of surprise made it all the more exciting.

In a weekly phone conversation with my mom, I told her about the one miracle bulb that survived my gardening ignorance. She is an avid lover of nature and always has a beautiful display of

-house. I described its appearance to her over the phone, thinking she might be able to tell me what type of plant we had. She couldn’t think of what it could be, but she was coming to visit soon. She would look at it and identify it then.

I will never forget as long as I live and breathe. On the day of her visit, she got out of her car and hugged my neck in the front yard. We exchanged greetings and chatted. As we walked toward the

house together, I pointed out the plant I so carefully nurtured. I loved how it welcomed our special guest, beckoning us to the front door. Mom inspected it for a moment, even taking its leaves into

truth in love.

“What? No!” I refused to accept her verdict.

She wasted not a single second. Kneeling down on one knee over my miracle plant, she tugged on it at the base. “Yes, Angie. This is a spindly, no good weed. And it’s a tough booger.” She continued to rock the base of it back and forth as her bent body pushed and

a mature root system, tore out of the dirt.

“There!” she said out of breath, holding the poor thing like a dead

tone to cover her chuckles, “Awww, don’t worry. You just didn’t know any better.”

Hebrews 6:7-8 says, “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.”

This truth in Scripture was certainly true of the state of my heart at the time. Living blissfully unaware of my impending (and per-sonal) great and dreadful day of the Lord, I tended weeds where He intended much fruit. Maturing from a child of God to a bride of Christ isn’t an easy process. We want the abundant fruitful life the Bible says is found in Jesus. But often we don’t take the time to

lives apart from Him, it may look like fruit, but in reality, it isn’t. When we don’t know any better, it is easy to nurture something that looks like life to us. All the while, it is nothing more than a

relationship with Jesus, we might have to learn some hard lessons--even letting go of the very things that look like life in order to live the abundant, real life as His bride.

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life…” (from Deut. 30:19-20)

SOMETHING ABUNDANT

by Angie Nichols

IA Bride’s Bloomin’ Bulbs

33

F!" Whataburger®WITH THE PURCHASE OF A WHATABURGER®

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

APRIL JOURNEY OFFER EXPIRES 4/30/2013.

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204 Gobblers Knob Road | Lufkin, TX 75904

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We’re waiting to serve you up right!


by Kathryn Greene

verything in our sphere of life centers on “love.” People will do the craziest things in the name of “love.” They will climb high mountains, cross

even die on a cross! We use the word “love” to describe how we feel about our parents, our spouse, our children, our peers, our friends, or our God. We also use the word “love” to describe the way we feel about our favorite dog, a piece of pie, or a new car. It is somewhat confusing

we feel about our spouse as well as a piece of chocolate pie.

There is a kind of love that is essential to our emotional

and is wanted. With an adequate supply of affection, a child will likely develop into a responsible adult. Without that love, they will be emotionally and socially challenged. Several psychologists have used a metaphor of “an emotional love tank” to describe that need in the heart of each person.

and he will develop normally. But, when the love tank is empty, the child will likely misbehave.

That emotional need for love also follows us into adulthood and marriage. The need to feel loved by one’s spouse is at the heart of marital desires. Many have come to realize that the house, the cars, or the place at the beach doesn’t mean anything if your spouse doesn’t love you. Material things do not replace the need for human, emotional love. Many times

Our love is gone. We are just two people living in the same

other.” Inside these hurting couples is an “emotional love tank” where the gauge registers empty. The harsh words, critical spirit, and emotional withdrawal have led to empty

In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman

Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In the book, Chapman discusses three approaches to discovering your love language.

First, observe how you most often express love to others. If you are regularly doing acts of service for others, this may be your love language. If you are consistently, verbally

love language.

What do you complain about most often? When you say to your spouse, “I don’t think you would ever touch me if I did not initiate it,” you are revealing that Physical Touch is your love language. When your spouse goes on a business trip and you say, “You didn’t bring me anything?” you are indicating that Receiving Gifts is your language. The statement, “We don’t ever spend time together,” indicates the love language of Quality Time. Your complaints reveal your inner desires.

most often, ask your spouse. They will know.)

What do you request of your spouse most often? If you are saying, “Will you give me a back rub?” you are asking for Physical Touch. “Do you think we could get a weekend away this month?” is a request for Quality Time. “Would it be possible for you to mow the grass this afternoon?” expresses your desire for Acts of Service. (Page 173-174)

husband’s love tank by showing love to him in the way that I want love shown to me, but that is my language of love, not my husband’s. To speak his language of love, I have to know his language. Each of you needs to ask yourself the questions above and then share what you understand to be your love language. When you begin to speak each other’s

offended or irritated by each other’s words and behavior.

I encourage you to love your spouse in a meaningful way and love your children in a way that they know they are

Where’s the Gaugeon Your Love Tank?

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by Melissa Radke

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

I’ve Been to This Rodeo Before.

don’t have a lot of experiences with rodeos. I lived in Nashville for sixteen years and never attended one rodeo. (Do you “attend” a rodeo? It’s not like it’s a baby shower.) I’ve lived in Lufkin for three years, and I’ve been to three.

Which means this town puts a lot of emphasis on all the rodeoing. (“Rodeoing.” Is that a word? Is it a verb?)

For the last three years I have tried to bargain, beg, plead and gamble my way out of attending the rodeo, but my family won’t hear of it and drags me kicking and screaming anyway. It’s nothing personal. Rodeos just treat different people differently. Like for some people, rodeos treat them good; they go, they have a good time, they come home, jump in bed and get some shut-eye.

Rodeos treat me bad.

Real. Bad.

Rodeos see me coming all the way from the parking lot. The minute I step out of my vehicle, rodeo clowns, cowboys, bulls, barrel racers and vendors all send out some kind of signal. “She’s here! She’s wearing sandals! She just got a pedicure! It’s on!”

I will hear other people talking, “We went to the rodeo last night, and it was perfect. The weather was a breezy 72 degrees. My child got chosen to go mutton-busting. We were the 1000th customer and got a free thing of nachos. We sat with two other families we know and had the best time!” And I just want to cry. Seriously? Because the last time I went it was 114 degrees and the only place the mosquitoes could get cool was inside my shirt sleeves. My two children sat beside me and cried for two solid hours that they didn’t get chosen to go mutton-busting (And no. I didn’t sign them up, because I don’t know what it is and it sounds perverted). I made my family of four split one nacho order, a large Coke and a cotton candy because all told the total was $573. And I do not ever, under any condition, see one person I know; which makes me certain that everyone knows something I don’t.

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

of stairs. Rodeoers have little patience with crippled people who get in their sight-line of dirt bike riders. I’m pretty sure someone threw a dill pickle at me. Later in the evening a clown made his way into our section. I’m afraid of clowns and spent the rest of the evening looking at my feet. He obviously smelled my fear. After refusing to dance with him for the umpteenth time, I was mocked by my section. I’m telling you, they see me coming.

The second year I went my daughter cried until we bought her a light-up cowgirl hat. It cost more than my college education. By the end of the evening she had eaten so much junk she threw up in it on the way home. I made her keep it out of principle.

The third year I went my children had outgrown their “cowboy clothes,” so before I even drove on to the parking lot I had spent a small fortune on boots, hats and shirts with snaps. I spilt a Coke in my lap, ruined a perfectly good pedicure when an eight year old’s boot crushed my foot, and sat beside a man who “brought his home-made beef jerky.”

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad the rodeo comes. I’m glad clowns get to dance and muttons get busted. And just like everyone else, I buy 100 tickets to win a truck - even though I’ve never won a thing in my life. But this year I’m doing things differently. I’m dressing the kids, I’m signing them up to ride donkeys or whatever it is, I’m buckling them in to the car and I’m going back inside. This year daddy is taking them! Because this momma can make her own nachos and she already lives with a bunch of clowns.

Yee-haw.

I

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

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

SPRING 2013 TRENDS

Watch:®

Top: ®

Heels:

Earrings: Necklace:

Pants:®

Shirt: Sunglasses: Heels:

Bag:®

Dress:

Dress: Clutch: Heels:

Skirt: Scarf:®

Pants:

®

Dress: Wristlet:®

Heels:®

Cardigan:

®Skirt:

Spring is here and the new Spring Trends are in full bloom. The new gorgeous Spring 2013 fashion trends are fresh, feminine and will bring liveliness to any wardrobe.

Black & White: The black and white combo is one of the hottest trends this spring season. This color combo has been around for genera-tions. Black & white is versatile, classy, timeless,

than likely this trend is already in your closet without even purchasing any new pieces. The easiest way to wear this combo is to use the black and white wardrobe staples you already own. Pair a white top (bonus if it’s striped) with a black pencil skirt or accessorize a white dress with black pumps.

Pastels: I have always loved the femininity of pastels and how they look so springy. This spring, look for soft green (mint), lavender, pink, yellow, coral, peach, and light turquoise. To keep this trend from looking too juvenile, pair pastels with naturals like white pants. Pastels aren’t for everyone, but a little color never hurts, and there are small ways you can make this trend work for you. Try adding a pastel state-

Dots: Polka dots are back in a big way and are a great print for spring. As with all classic prints, polka dots have been around for quite some time and are so sophisticated. There are so many ways you can incorporate polka dots

simple way of adding the polka dot print trend

polka dot sweater, blouse, shirt, or tank top with a pair of skinny jeans.

Florals: pastel colors and vibrant hues. Flowers radiate femininity and liveliness, and they look so pretty.

bright side, pair the top with darker pants, jeans

Bold Stripes: Stripes are a classic trend and are easy to pull off. Whether thin or thick, black or white, horizontal or vertical, stripes are here to stay. Pair stripes with solids or with

about stripes, why not try this trend with a new bag or bracelets.

Pants: Heels:®

Flats: Skirt:®

Dress: ®

41


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

This year, Mitchie Kinney has once again taken of the role as the March for Babies Chair. Kenney is also a proud March of Dimes

early and weighing only 1lb and 14oz. Her commitment to the good health of moms and babies is personal and meaningful.

March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2013. More than 4 million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one of them through research, edu-cation, vaccines and breakthroughs.

As March for Babies Chair, Kenney will play an integral role in raising

programs at the core of the March of Dimes efforts to prevent preterm birth and birth defects.

especially during the Foundation’s milestone 75th anniversary year. March for Babies gives everyone in our community the chance to work together for stronger, healthier babies and make a difference in the lives of millions of babies.” She continues, “I can’t think of a more important cause than healthy babies. As a community leader in education, I know that preventing preterm birth can help our bottom line by lowering health care costs.”

Kenney explains, “Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. In Angelina County, one in eight babies is born premature, and that’s just not acceptable. It takes leaders in our community working together to ensure moms have healthy pregnancies.”

Last year, the Nacogdoches March for Babies raised $55,000.

East Texas residents can sign up today at marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family and friends. Last year, more than 500 people attended the event -- which will be held this year on April 27 at Pecan Park in Nacogdoches. If you would like to volunteer or get more information, please contact Mitchie Kenney @ 462-3168 or [email protected].

For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. The March for Babies is sponsored locally by Eastex Glass and Mirror, Nacogdoches Dental and PineyWoods Pediatrics.

Rinley’s Journey:

Rinley Grace Wood was born, September 13, 2011, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. The Woods were told they would have their daughter back in 30 minutes. Minutes turned into hours and that’s when the trouble began. It was reported Rinley’s heart was not functioning properly. She was immedi-

-pital in Houston and admitted to a special cardiac ICU for infants. She was diag-nosed with a rare congenital heart defect, Ebstein’s Abnomaly. Other complications set in. Her labored breathing caused her

few days were touch and go. She is stable for now but will require an open heart surgery called the Cone procedure or may

released to go home.

Today she is closely monitored by her wonderful pediatrician Amy Huggins and

Woods try to live each day as normal as possible and thank God for the blessings of their two children.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Lmarch for babies

The Woods family: Rusty, Cooper, Vicki and Rinley.

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y own personal story of life trials and experiences surrounds struggling with being overweight, dealing with bullying because of my weight and overcoming it all through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Looking from the outside in, you would see a young, happily married woman and successful hairstylist

who seems to have it together, but there are major struggles who have made me the person I am today.

I have dealt with weight management for as far back as I can remember. Being overweight and growing up in today’s society is not easy. I have always felt that I never measured up, and I just wanted to be normal. Growing up in a family like mine, with all of the love, support, guidance and attention I was given, it would take a lot to break a person. During my elementary school days, I attended my church’s private school. With the classrooms being a lower number of students, everyone pretty much got along. In

encountered bullying because of my weight. I was never really singled out, but with each hurtful word, a seed was planted in my mind. I knew I could choose to ignore it or believe it, but the more these instances happened, the larger my seed grew. I lived a long time believing lies of what others would say about me and not what God says of me. My teenage years were spent doubting myself and unhealthily worrying what others thought of me; this was the most painful and humiliating time in my life.

I waited anxiously for high school graduation. During this time, I wondered when it would all end. I went through numerous diets, but never stuck to them. I would take diet pills and lose weight but

happen, I would look to food for comfort. I had a toxic relationship with food as I would feel better eating something verses dealing with a problem. It was a vicious cycle. I did not love nor respect myself, so why should others? I treated every relationship in my life as people were against me.

I graduated cosmetology school and began working as a hairstylist. Hair just so happened to be something I was great at and I found great satisfaction with making others feel good about themselves.

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

My business took off to a great start! While I was thinking I worked at the restaurant to grow my clientele, God had bigger plans for me being there. Working in that restaurant for those few short months had led me to someone who would forever change my life. He was new to town, had moved here for college and just so happens he needed a hairstylist. A month or so had passed after leaving the restaurant, and he contacted me in regards for a haircut. He soon became a regular client.

Just two short years into my career, I took a big step and started working for myself at a local hair salon where I am still working today. I have made some great friends there and we are like a large family. A special friend I work with jokingly told me, “You come to work here, and you will soon get married. Not to mention it will probably be one of your clients!” I was in no condition to fall in love. I did not like myself; I still had all of the baggage weighing me down emotionally and physically, literally. Another friend I worked with encouraged me to try Zumba. I made up my mind. I was tired of living like I did and feeling the way I felt. I owed it to myself to at least try Zumba! That began my weight loss journey. Through it all, I began to look at myself differently and, most importantly, love myself. The number on the scale continuously went down, and I was able to shop at stores I once could not. I noticed people had changed their attitudes towards me when all along it was my attitude towards myself has changed. During this time, I began dating that special client of mine and months later he asked me to marry him!

God sent Lance into my life at just the right time. Lance has taught me to love myself, he has been the friend I have needed and has supported and loved me just the same along the way. I have found peace with my past and have learned where to put my security. I cannot change my past. I thank God for my past because it has led me to every part of me that I am today! Our own past experiences and hurts are for our own growth. In life I believe everything we go through is to help build someone else. I am thankful that God has allowed me to share my story in hoping it will help someone.

JESSICA WILLIAMS MOTHERSHED

M

LIFE CHANGE

YOUR CHILD46 47 48 parent thoughts

49 50 why i love being a mom


E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to [email protected]. Please include the information seen above. Submissions are free of charge.

PRETTY BABIES

1. Gracelyn Renay Acosta. 10/22/12. Proud Parents: Whitney & Antonio Acosta. 2. Johnae Elizabeth Bunton. 11/1/12. Proud Parents: Johnathan & Kelli Bunton. 3. Emma Grace Foshee.

4. Brileigh Marie Johnson. 1/18/12. 5. Joshua

James Morales.6. Reese Ann Pressley.

7. William Scott. 9/26/11. Proud Parents: Alicia & Joshua Scott. Proud Grandparents: Mary & Keith Stripling / Bill & Kitty Scott / Sergio & Cheri Rodriguez. 8. Ryan Bowen Thomason. 1/28/13. Proud Parents: Kelli Dunkin

WoodlandHeights.net

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

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

Committed.

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LOOK AT ME

LOOK AT ME!1. Kati Ellis, daughter of Dr. Keven & Shelli Ellis, and Madi Stephens, daughter of Kurt & Sonja Stephens. 2012 National Honor Society. 2. Kati & Jake Ellis were Rep. Trent Ashby pages for the day on Monday, April 1st..3. Ariana Compean, a 5th grader at H. G. Temple Intermediate School in

Utilities Association. Besides receiving a recognition letter for her accomplish-ment, Ariana was also presented a check for $50. 4. Two 5th grade students, Yutzil Sanchez and Bryanna Lopez, were each presented with a Kindle Fire when their names were drawn from the students who had perfect atten-dance during the 2nd nine week period at H. G. Temple Intermediate School

5. Lufkin High School Students recognized as National Merit Scholars. (L-R) Barrett Ochoa, Casey Chapman, Anna Catherine Alvis, Shane Rowley, Austin Hoepfner, Bailey Watson, Kaitlen Eckmann, Nelda Gonzalez, and Usman Nazeer. 6.Mary Vann, Caitlyn Lindsey, Kati Ellis, Katie Gray, Mikaela Neal, Courtney Aten & Madi Stephens

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PARENT THOUGHTS

by Kelly Finnerud

’m not a big shopper. I don’t get excited shopping for clothes or shoes or food. I just don’t like to shop. Period. But since we enjoy eating at home, we occasionally have to shop for groceries.And here’s a secret: When I go grocery shopping, I usually enjoy bringing my 3 kids. Usually. We make one major grocery run each week that takes about an hour in the store. When

our kids were about 2 years old, we began letting our kids walk (out

well enough to ride in the front seat of the cart. However, we soon realized we enjoyed it. The kids have more fun getting to explore instead of being cooped up in the cart.

Gasp! A 2 year old helping you shop for groceries? Trying to buy food with three young children swarming at your feet? Never! But it can be done.

First of all, prepare. I NEVER walk in without a complete grocery list. I can’t remember what I need if I’m without the kids, so it sure

direction. If the kids are old enough to read, give them a small list of their own with a pen so they can check off what they put in the basket. If they’re not, tell them about how many items you expect to buy and they can try to count it.

Set the expectations before you arrive at the store, and BEFORE you pull into the parking lot. This goes for anytime you take them out in public. Once you get to the parking lot, the excitement (or grumbling) sets in and they won’t hear a word you’re saying. I’ve found it helps to have the kids share what they think are good “rules” for where we’re going. And some are quite amusing. I make sure ones like, “Look with your eyes, not your hands,” “Be sure you can always see me,” and

Getting out of the car at the store used to be one of the scariest things until I realized the parking lot already has these great yellow lines that children can easily see and stand on. All 3 of my children pile out of the van and wait for me on the yellow line. There are also some cool handprint magnets you can buy for your car so the kids have somewhere to put their hand while they wait for you to unload, but I personally don’t need any more handprints on my car and the yellow lines are cheaper.

Inside the store, stick to your list. I explain to the kids ahead of time that we are not going to go down any aisles in the toy section, and since I’ve always stuck to that, they don’t ask again.

Make them feel valued the whole time. When one of my children is making poor choices in the store, it’s usually because he’s bored, so I give him something to do. For my non-reader, I’ll point to the exact item I need and she’ll get it and put it in the basket. For the older kids, I’ll tell them what words to look for and they get to hunt for it.

What happens when they do misbehave? Because they will. It’s the same thing that happens at home when they disobey. I won’t leave the store right then, because that’s probably what they want. We are shopping for the family, and they are all expected to help by being respectful. If it’s something minor like my son having trouble keeping hands off the groceries (or off his siblings),I have him hold onto the basket until I see he’s regained control of himself, which means he walks with us and stops with us but doesn’t quite get the freedom the other 2 get. If it’s a more serious offense, I take the children to a restroom stall and correct the behavior as we would at home. I remember one time my

legs high in the air and his voice grunting and screaming. I ignored the behavior till he stopped (boy were people staring by then!), then we went to the restroom to talk about it.

Be familiar with Code Adam. You’ve probably seen the big blue stickers on the entrances to buildings. Code Adam is a “missing child” safety program in which employees are trained to follow 6 steps when a child is missing in a store. When you’ve got a few small children tailing you in a busy store, it’s possible for them to lose sight of you. I remember a scary day in Wal-Mart when my middle child followed a different cart out of the produce section. He was gone many minutes. I had enough time to tell a bakery worker, walk the entire grocery department twice, and go to the front Customer Service booth and back to produce before someone found him. When I explained what my son looked like to the worker at the front of the store, he said he’d just keep an eye out. Only when I got back to the produce section where a friendly

clothing department. The store should have immediately locked the exterior doors, and I should’ve known to insist.

I’m pretty sure my kids most look forward to playing with the small toys in the checkout lines.

They’ve been good, and they’ve done their jobs, so I usually give them a choice to either play with those little trinkets or go sit on the bench if there’s one nearby. By now in the checkout line we’re all tired, so I usually pick up a small pack of gum. That’s why my kids look happy when we leave the store.

Your job doesn’t end when you get into the car, and neither should theirs. Let the children know ahead of time that they need to help the family by unloading the grocery bags. As I pull the bags out of the car at home, I set the lighter ones to the side for the youngest child to bring in. She can make her own trips in and out and I don’t have to wait on

do, too. If they get a special hug and recognition in front of Dad for being good in the store, they’ll do it again and again.

Happy shopping!

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

A Hoedown Birthday!

BIRTHDAY BASH


WHY I LOVE BEING A MOM

hen I married my husband, Jerry, eight years ago, we both knew that we wanted children. We didn’t really know when, but he knew he wanted four and me, well, two. However, after several visits and dinners with my best

friend who has three kids, he quickly decided that two wasn’t such a bad number after all.

Jerry and I were very happy as newlyweds and young profes-sionals in Lufkin. We could and would leave in a moment’s

until noon on Saturday mornings and still may never leave the house. Sometimes the hardest decision that we had to make was where we would go for dinner. Little did we know how much our lives would change (for the better) with the birth of Sladen in January 2009.

Wow! The love that I had for that baby is indescribable. How can someone love someone so much in such a short amount

my mind: Could I do it? Could I be a good mom and still keep my work schedule of four days per week? Could I show my baby just how much I loved him after 5:30 during the week and on the weekends? Would I be a good wife and mother?

listening to my baby breathe. I had to hold him just right, feed him as close to a schedule as I could, and let him sleep in his own bed (beside me) without any blankets just as Dr. Fidone had asked me to do. Doing all of this while hardly closing my eyes throughout the day or night. (Hey, nobody ever told me about all of that!) This is someone who thrived on 10 hours of sleep each night. I was slightly overwhelmed to say the least.

it without a few of my close friends, family, and coworkers.

When Sloan came in October 2011, things were so much more natural for me. Now, that is something that I do recall hearing: “Things are so much easier with the second one”. I suppose with a newborn and a 2 year old, I was too tired to lay awake at night and listen to every breath sound. And so what if the

on. And, hey, if Sloan actually tee-teed twice in his diaper in-stead of once, he lived. I learned to “let go” a little, and I think that it allowed me to be a better mom to both of my children. (Oh, and no, I will never know just how easy that third “girl” would be!)

I love every minute that I have with my boys. I look forward to the morning hugs and giggles, and I eagerly anticipate the afternoon kisses. I would not trade in my taste-testers in the kitchen for anything. Besides, the people that I am baking for never even know that my kids have double-dipped the beaters

or stirred the brownies with their toes. My boys bring out the best in me. They bring out the best in us, which brings me to a very important point. I am so fortunate to have a husband that goes above and beyond to also be a wonderful dad. I am so thankful to him and to Miss Maggie Carlin, Sladen and Sloan’s “other mom” while I am at work. I could not do my Monday through Wednesday gig if it was not for her. And as far as being a good mom is concerned, I had a wonderful role

my mom (and dad) made for me.

Thanks to God for a fascinating husband, two wonderful kids, and this opportunity to be called “mommy!” There is no place that I would rather be right now than where I am. Like I said earlier, I love my boys—all three of them.

MELANIE RUSHING-SALDAÑA

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

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The Journey Magazine April 2013