Wise Family Magazine September 2011

Inspiring Parents, Motivating Kids,Celebrating Life

www.WiseFamilyMagazine.com

The Wagoner Family

PRICELE$$ September 2011

DaveSays

SimplyFeeding

Baby

The Fine Art of Consignment

Shopping

TechnicallyPolite

LayingDown the Law

2 WISEFamilyMagazine.com • 940.210.1769

Family Album

Midget / Peewee Cheer Camp.Bottom Row from L to R:CambrynRiddles,MaceyMarburger,DustiHornsby,CassieByers,EmilyMcDaniel,KeyleeSutton,LidiaLosoya,JamieWilliford,JourneyBrownMiddle Row from L to R:RebeccaShepard,LexiHood,LuluPulido,AudreyLujan,HannahBuckner,HarliDeaton,KileyBlackwood,PaigeLeal,MacyMcDaniel,CalliGordon,JessicaRicheyTop Row from L to R:CharlieAnnBiggerstaff,HannahAvants,MirandaGarcia,KinlyWalker,ReaganHardee,JessicaByers,EricaMercer,BreannaHughes,CameronBowyer,CharlotteMcGuire.

Cooper Davidson of Chico celebrating his 6th Birthday at the Bridgeport Pool with his friends and family.

Dawson Marshallenjoying the much needed rain in Decatur.

Brooklyn and Bristol Goines cooling off in the pool.

940.210.1769 • WISEFamilyMagazine.com 3

The Family Album

Emma Sustala - flower girl at her Great Uncle Gene’s 30th Wedding Vow Renewal

Ceremony in Las Vegas.

Cousins enjoying time together Brenden Hughes, Drexell Dillinder, Breanna

Hughes, Jessi Bishop, and Leah Davidson

Carson carpenter of Bridgeport about to go back horseback riding in Colorado.


CHOICES

Empowering women tomake life affirming choices

Pregnancy Resource Center

Office: 940-627-6924Español: 940-627-9662

Text: 940-391-7572Fax: 940-627-0793

604 N. Trinity, DecaturP.O. Box 875, Decatur, TX 76234

• Free Pregnancy Tests & Limited Ultrasounds• Post-Abortion Education & Support• Resources for Babies• Community Referrals• Peer Counseling

Happy 1st Birthday Olivia!Love you, Poppy, YaYa, Aunt Taylor and Uncle Blake.


Area LibrariesAlvord Public Library940-427-2842

• W,TH, F 9:00 a m - 5:00 p m • SA 9:00 a m - 12:00 noon

Boyd Public Library940-433-5580

• M, W, F 10:00 a m - 3:00 p m • TU 10:00 a m -7:00 p m • TH 3:00 p m – 7:00 p m

Bridgeport Public Library940-683-3450

• M,W,F 10:00 a m - 6:00 p m • T,TH 10:00 a m - 7:00 p m • SA 10:00 a m - 2:00 p m

Chico Public Library940-644-2330

• M,F 1:00 p m -6:00 p m • T,W,TH 1:00 p m -5:00 p m • SA 9:00 a m -12:00 noon

Decatur Public Library940-627-5512

• M,T,TH 10:00 a m – 8:00 p m• W,F 10:00 a m – 6:00 p m • SA 10:00 a m – 2:00 p m

Newark Public Library817-489-2224

• M,T,Th,F 3:00 p m - 7:00 p m • Sat 9:00 a m - 1:00 p m • Sun & Wed closed

Rhome Public Library817-636-2767

• T-F 1:00 p m - 5:00 p m • Sat 10:30 a m - 2:30 p m

FREE After School Program for Students 5th

Grade and up. For more information please contact the Decatur Public

Library at 940-627-5512.

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When you’re sitting across the desk of your local Farmers agent, you soon realize you’re in the presence of an insurance pro. Here is an agent who can appreciate your unique life situation and help you to craft a plan around it. In fact, here is an agent actually fi nding ways to save you additional money on insurance. Impressed? You should be, I trained them. So please give this Farmers agent a call. You’ll discover how higher learning makes them the best agents.

CHRIS [email protected] HALSELL ST BRIDGEPORT , TX 76426

September, 2011

In our 7th year of ‘Making A Difference’P.O.Box521•Boyd,Texas76023

940-210-1769

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Wise Family Magazine is published monthly by TinkInk LLC and distributed free of charge through localmerchants.Wise Family Magazine reserves the rightto edit, reject or comment editorially on all materialcontributed.Opinionsexpressedbythecontributorsarenotnecessarily theopinionsof thepublication.Tink InkLLCassumesnoliabilityorresponsibilityforanyclaimsmadebyadvertisers in themagazine.Reproduction inwhole or part without express written consent of thePublisherisprohibited.

In This Issue:DearReaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DaveSays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Women’sOccupationalWorkshop. . . . . . 10

WiseCountyWonderings. . . . . . . . . . . . 11

EnergyWise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

WithLove,Naturally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

LayingDowntheLaw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

LifeSkills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ConsignmentShopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

WiseMerchants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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940/627-2519EMERGENCY NUMBERS:Wise County Sheriff 940 627 5971Severe Weather Updates www weather comEmergency Preparedness Info www redcross orgwww MissingKids com 1-800-843-5678National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222National Substance Abuse Hotline 1-800-662-4357National Runaway Hotline 1-800-786-2929

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Grocery stores, Fred’s, Chili’s, Wal-mart, Pizza Hut, Dos Chiles, Starbucks, Plaza Cinema IV Movie Theatre, Wise Regional Hospital, North Texas Community Hospital and many more places throughout our great county! Thank you!

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On The Cover:TheWagonerfamilyfromBoyd.Meredith,Kirk,Grant7,andGriffin4.Grantisbattlingbraincancerforasecondtime,pleasekeeptheinyourprayers.


Pray for Rain...by Scott Tinkham

Many people find the scent during and immediately after rain

pleasant or distinctive. The source of this scent is petrichor, an oil produced by plants, then absorbed by rocks and soil, and later released into the air during rainfall.

Rainis liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth’s surface. On Earth, it is the condensation of atmospheric water vapor into drops of water heavy enough to fall, often making it to the surface. Two processes, possibly acting together, can lead to air becoming saturated leading to rainfall: cooling the air or adding water vapor to the air. Virga is precipitation that begins falling to the earth but evaporates before reaching the surface; it is one of the ways air can become saturated. Precipitation forms via collision with other rain drops or ice crystals within a cloud. Rain drops range in size from oblate, pancake-like shapes for larger drops, to small spheres for smaller drops.

Singing in the RainI’m singing in the rainJust singing in the rainWhat a glorious feelin’I’m happy againI’m laughing at cloudsSo dark up aboveThe sun’s in my heartAnd I’m ready for loveLet the stormy clouds chaseEveryone from the placeCome on with the rain

I’ve a smile on my faceI walk down the laneWith a happy refrainJust singin’,Singin’ in the rain

Dancin’ in the rainDee-ah dee-ah dee-ahDee-ah dee-ah dee-ahI’m happy again!I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain!I’m dancin’ and singin’ in the rain...

rain [reyn] noun1. water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Compare drizzle 2. a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower: We had a light rain this afternoon.3. rains, the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India.4. weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall: We had rain most of last summer.5. a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything: a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation.6. (of rain) to fall (usually used impersonally with it as subject): It rained all night.7. to fall like rain: Tears rained from their eyes.8. to send down rain: The lightning flashed and the sky rained on us in torrents.9. to send down in great quantities, as small pieces or objects: People on rooftops rained confetti on the parade.10. to offer, bestow, or give in great quantity: to rain favors upon a person.11. to deal, hurl, fire, etc., repeatedly: to rain blows on someone’s head.Verb phrase12. rain out, to cause, by raining, the cancellation or postponement of a sports event, performance, or the like: The double-header was rained out yesterday.Idiom13. rain cats and dogs, Informal . to rain very heavily or steadily: We canceled our picnic because it rained cats and dogs.

Related Words for : rainrainfall, rain down, rainwater, peltingSongsI started singing songs in my head that had just that word, “rain.” A few songs I thought of were “I Love A Rainy Night,” and “Have you ever seen the rain” by CCR. What are some of your favorite songs with the word “rain” in the lyrics? I hope you get stuck singing one song in your head for the rest of the day! Maybe it will increase our chances. Here are some more…..

Raindrops keep falling on my head...Its raining men, halleluiah...I wish it would rain...Rain drops on roses...It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring...Southern Rain...Here Comes the Rain Again...Blame It On The Rain...Someone left the cake out in the rain...Bring on the Rain...

“When all the world is a hopeless jumbleAnd the raindrops tumble all aroundHeaven opens a magic laneWhen all the clouds darken up the skywayThere’s a rainbow highway to be foundLeading from your windowpaneTo a place behind the sunJust a step beyond the rain

Somewhere, over the rainbowWay up highThere’s a land that I dreamed ofOnce in a lullaby……..”

“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Pray for Rain...


Great theory, but it doesn’t workDear Dave,I live in Alaska, and I’m considering using a credit card for the airline miles. This would make it easier and cheaper for me to visit my family in the Lower 48. Is this a good idea?- Adam

Dear Adam,What you’re talking about sounds great in theory. The problem is that it doesn’t work out so well in the real world. Did you know that 78 percent of all airline miles are never redeemed? And, if you’re one of the 22 percent who attempt to cash in on them, you’ll find that the airlines make it virtually impossible for you to travel when you want, how you want, or even where you want.Now, let’s look at the credit card side of things. Did you know that studies have shown that you spend more when you use plastic than when you pay with cash? Cash has an emotional element to it. When it leaves your hand, the pain centers in your brain activate. A study at MIT actually proved this to be true. They also found that those pain centers are not activated when you pay with plastic. Here’s the bottom line: With a few very rare exceptions, you’re much better off not chasing airline miles by using a credit card. The vast majority of people who play this game find themselves with nothing but debt at the end of the day. If you’re really interested in airline miles, I’d suggest looking into a debit card program that offers this perk. With a debit card, you’re not borrowing money. You’re spending your own money straight from your own bank account. If this credit card airline miles thing worked so well for the consumer, the card companies would be going out of business. More than anything, it’s a bait and switch. And the bait is attached to a hook that takes money out of your pocket and puts it in theirs!- Dave

Debt settlement companies aren’t magicDear Dave,How do you feel about debt management companies? Can they actually help you reduce and get out of debt?- Jake

Dear Jake,My advice is to stay away from debt management companies. If you go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website, you’ll find that debt management companies receive more complaints than just about any other type of business. In other words, tons of them are operated poorly to the point of incompetence, or they’re just plain scams. Debt management companies don’t wave a magic wand and make your problems disappear. The only way a creditor will take less than they’re owed is if you’re

way behind on payments, and they’re afraid they won’t get paid. And, if it comes to a settlement situation, you have to watch your back. Always make sure you get any settlement offers and agreements on your own and in writing—no exceptions. And never allow a creditor to have electronic access to your bank accounts. But the big problem is that you need to fix your behavior when it comes to handling money. You can do that a lot cheaper than any company. But if you don’t get control of your money, start living on a budget, and living on less than you make, your debt problem is going to hang around your neck for the rest of your life!—Dave

Make him earn it!Dear Dave,I recently received a beneficiary IRA when my mother passed away. I also received a small part of her estate. I’d like to share some of this with my 24-year-old son. He’s a good boy, but he’s pretty impulsive and not good with money. Do you have any suggestions?- Kimberly

Dear Kimberly,I’m sorry to hear about your loss. It’s tough enough losing your mom without having to worry about a grown son with money issues. I’m sure he’s a good kid, but I don’t like the idea of just giving him money when you already know he’s impulsive. Over the years, I’ve learned that handing money to someone who’s financially irresponsible is not a good plan. Lots of people think they’d be fine if they just had more money, and that’s generally not the case. You have to ask yourself if you’d really be helping this young man by giving him a bunch of money. More than likely, the answer is no. You’ve got several options. But, at his age, it might be a good idea to attach a few strings to him getting any of the money. Set up some guidelines designed to improve his behaviors in a few areas, and you could give him the money if he meets the requirements. Don’t make him jump through a bunch of hoops for no reason. I’m talking about things that will train and educate him to live a more productive and responsible life in the future—both financially and as a mature, responsible adult in general. I think this is fair to you both, and it’s also a way you can help him help himself. And hey, if he refuses to cooperate or cops an attitude, you can always just keep the money until he finally grows up a little!- Dave

Budget overflow...Dear Dave,What should I do with any money I have left from various categories in my monthly budget?- Chris

Dav

e Sa

ys


For more financial help,please visit daveramsey.com

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

Dear Chris,Some things you’ll carry over from month to month. A good example might be clothing. A lot of people, especially men, don’t buy new clothes every month. We’re usually not as style-conscious as the ladies, so we generally don’t get around to buying new clothes until something is just completely worn out. If you’re consistently over-budgeting in a category like food, you need to simply cut back on the amount you’re designating for groceries. When it comes to miscellaneous items, and if it’s just a few dollars here and there, you’ve got a few options. You might carry it over like with the food money, or you could combine the amounts into an overflow fund. You could even put it toward paying off debt, if you have any, or stash it in your blow money category and have a little bit more to spend on fun stuff.Good question, Chris!- Dave

Saving before the mortgage?Dear Dave,Why do you recommend saving before paying off your mortgage? I’ve always thought of a house as a liability that should be paid off as quickly as possible.- Mark

Dear Mark,You’re off base on this one. The truth is that a house is an asset, and the mortgage is a liability. That’s straight from the pages of Accounting 101. There are folks out there who will try to tell you a house is a liability, because it costs you money. In fact, that house will make you more money than it cost when you sell it, so it’s an asset! I’ve met 70-year-olds with houses that are paid for and no money in the bank. It’s a really sad situation. That’s why I want people to work on having an emergency fund and 15 percent of their income going into retirement first. Then, take everything above that and put it toward paying off the house as fast as possible. But don’t believe all this stuff about a home being a liability. It’s just not true!- Dave ■

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Keitha Story-Stephenson, Ph.D. owner of BlueSky Wellness Center, provides private consultation for individuals and corporations in Nutritional Wellness, Weight Management, ADD/ADHD Nutritional Management, and other Alternative Health Care; including private, alternative individual behavior therapy. Services are available by appointment in Decatur at 506 West Walnut. Call 817-239-9525 for appointment or visit us at www.BlueSkyWellnessCenter.com for more information. Follow us on our Blog, www.DrKeitha.com or www.MerchantsCircle.com .Also, tune in to Christian Radio, KDKR 91.3fm, on Saturdays at 1:30, for “Feeding the Family-Mind, Body and Spirit” or go to KDKR.org for live streaming of our broadcast.

Wom

en’s Occupational W

orkshop

Back to school, carpools, grocery shopping, work schedules, cleaning house, water the plants,

cooking meals, laundry, homework…. the list goes on and on. This article is not about those and other pressures faced daily. This is about surviving and moving in a different direction. This is about simplicity. Simplicity means extracting the unnecessary from life. Living a life of simplicity requires the releasing of the pressures that crowd out your thoughts and dreams. It means seeking out a place of comfort and calm within your home, your business and yourself. It means knowing what you will and will not allow in your life. For me, it is the establishing rules for living. Allow me to share…

• I will not feed nor tend to what I do not want to flourish in my life. • I will not engage in anger and doubt; I will nurture peace.• I will not encourage fatigue; I will comfort and nourish my body, mind and spirit.• I will not engage in confusion; I will seek clarity.• I will not participate in frustration and drama; I will pursue order.• I will not dwell in clutter; I will soar in my freedom.• I will not make camp with fear; I will explore my peace.• I will not rush through my day; I will take time to look and listen.• I will not just talk at people; I will learn to converse WITH people.• I will be content each day.• I will learn more each day.• I will sleep soundly, restfully.• I will live simply with joy.Simplicity must be sought. The demands of your day will steal your peace. Make the decision to release the unnecessary and grab tightly to the potential of your day. To quote Thoreau, “Simplify, simplify!” ■

Lovette Pediatrics, P.A.Amanda Lovette, M.D.

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New Patients Welcome – Please Call for Appointment

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Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy school year!

August Pediatrics, P.A.Anissa August, M.D.

How To Plan The Perfect Party? Call Us!Starting at $75

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Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler

Albert Einstein

Keitha Story-Stephenson, Ph.D.

PASS IT ON!Help us build our Wise Family community and increase awareness of what we have to offer! By passing on an issue of Wise Family Magazine, you are joining over 10,000 readers who are getting the word out about Wise Family


Family Album

CIRCLE S STORES1210 South FM 51 • Decatur, Texas

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Woodhaven National Bank800 Hwy 287, Suite ARhome • 817.638.5111Woodhaven National Bank6750 Bridge StreetFort Worth • 817.496.6700Mansfield Community Bank1700 E. Broad StreetMansfield • 817.473.5979Ridglea Bank3325 Fairfield Ave at Camp BowieFort Worth • 817.731.3361Woodhaven Bank Northeast4607 Colleyville Blvd.Colleyville • 817.656.7755Mercantile Bank2229 A Park RowArlington • 817.277.2225Woodhaven Bank6301 N. Beach StreetFort Worth • 817.489.6500

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Kolton Jordan, age 6, enjoying hissummer in his family pool.


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Casey Tate Chico Senior 2012Photo by 2 chicks that click.

The Family Album


Ulric Smart, paying close attention.Hunter Holt 1 year and Riggin Fields 18 months.

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Wendy Fowler is a Certified Doula (Professional Childbirth Coach) and Childbirth Educator with a passion for helping young families thrive. She is a Texas Woman’s University graduate with a degree in Family Studies, but she gets most of her experience in the trenches raising five daughters out in the country with her husband Shane. For more information on the services she offers, visit her website at www.doulawendy.com.

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Simply Feeding BabyI spent some time doing clean up in Joplin,

Missouri this summer. In the hours after the tornado, people would leave their wrecked homes to go after food and water, only to not be let back in to the damaged area. This could cause some problems if a baby were waiting for formula! During the months leading up to the potential fallout from Y2K, I had a young baby to take care of. We didn’t know how serious to take the threat, so we kept a bit of food and water on hand. However, I knew I could feed my baby no matter what happened since I was breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the simple way to feed a baby. It’s the normal way humans are meant to be fed. While there are cases when moms must rely on an alternative to feed their babies, with determination and support, almost all mothers are able to provide nourishment simply by bringing baby to breast. Have you seen the variety of baby feeding paraphernalia on the market? Considering keeping all that clean makes me exhausted! Then there are the all-too-common news releases that another formula has been contaminated. Breastfeeding requires few supplies and breast milk has never been recalled! Formula often causes constipation, which can sometimes lead to a formula change, which can lead to more problems (not to mention expense!). Formula offers no protection against infections or other diseases, so breast milk leads to a simpler life with less doctor appointments and trips to the store! Mom’s milk is always ready, warm and comes with the most cuddles! Breastfeeding in our culture is not always easy. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Some of it comes from well-meaning family and even pediatricians. What we are realizing is that the more we mess with the breastfeeding relationship, the more problems we cause, so keep it simple by finding a lactation educator like Traci Wann who is on top of the latest research and believes in keeping it simple. An excellent book every pregnant mom should read is Breastfeeding Made Simple (more info at breastfeedingmadesimple.com). ■

To-Go and Call-Ahead Waiting

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Laying Down the Law

James StaintonWise County Attorney

If you take a look at any issue of Wise Family, you will notice a clear theme. Things like “accountability”, “love,”

and “patience” have all been past themes. As a writer, the theme gives me a bit of help in tailoring my article. September’s theme could not be more relevant for this issue. If you haven’t noticed, school has started. What’s on your list of daily activities? I am betting it goes something like this(in no particular order): Homework, football, baseball, soccer, or other activity after school, notes from the teacher, school projects, dinner, breakfast, lunch (maybe), work, doctor visits, dentist visits, more shopping, etc.. Oh, and wait, you have new activities, new clothes, new school, new homework, new teachers, new friends, oh my! I have one child in school and I can’t imagine what it will be like with three. How did our lives get so crazy? Is there any way we can simplify things? Anyone will tell you that a schedule or calendar is the first step. Realistically, very few of us can keep up with everything and keep up with the calendar as well. I think, for most working folks, it is a matter of “what do we do today” and not “what do we do two weeks from now.” We all need some kind of schedule, but anything more than this week (unless really important) is hard to maintain. Simplify things, and don’t commit yourself to an extensive calendar

that sounds good, but you can’t keep up with. Don’t frustrate yourself by overextending what you can realistically do. Like most parents, I want my child to be involved activities. But realistically, how many activities can your children fully participate in. I don’t think most kids can play three sports all at the same time and excel at any of them. Same for other activities in school. How many school programs, activities, or clubs can you realistically participate 100% all at the same time? One sport or activity will get less than 100%. Consider limiting to those that you can realistically participate and give your best. Most of all, take time for your family. If it means having ham sandwiches for dinner so you can spend an extra 30 minutes with your kids. Do it. If it means saying no when your kid wants to add three extra activities. Do it. If it takes giving up something(s) to simplify your life. Do it. See you next month. ■

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The Family Album

Bristol Goines getting her 2 year old pictures made. Fun times.Parents are Sherman and Whitni Goines

Come join us!The ABWN meets the second Thursday of every month at the Decatur Civic Center. Lunch meetings start promptly at 12:00 noon, with check-in starting at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $10/member and $15/non-member (first-time guests pay the member rate).

www.ABWN.org

Chico 10 & under softball girls.TheywereUNDEFEATEDthisspringandremainedundefeatedthroughtheend-of-yearWiseCo.softballtournamenttotakeFIRSTplace!FrontRowLtoR:GeorgieTullos,JulesTullos,HarliDeaton,MacyMcDaniel,SydneyDelgadoBackBowLtoR:TaylorWootton,ReaganHardee,KinlyWalk-er,LayneeNorth,JessicaByersCoaches:AdamWalkerandCarlMcDaniel


The Family Album

Raleigh Peters, daughter of Joni and Josh Peters of Bridgeport 15 months

Cousins together for Sunday lunch. Grandsons of c.g.and Lesa skiles: Ulric Smart 6, McCray Smart 16 months and Jax Akiles 4 months.


Deborah King is President of Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. which she founded in 1989 in Seattle. As a certified image professional, with over 30 years of experience, she presents her programs nationally and internationally for youth and corporate clients. She is co-author of “Image Power” and “Executive Etiquette Power” and developer of several education tools. www.finaltouchschool.com.

Life Skills

Deborah King, AICI CIP

Technically Polite- Part 1Remember when conversations were held face-to-face?

Two or more people would gather and share thoughts, work out issues, and cement relationships. We enjoyed the benefit of hearing the words another spoke, seeing the gestures and subtle body movements, and profited from the ability to ask questions for clarification and full understanding. Technology has forever shifted how we communicate. Today, we talk, we text, we tweet, and we write on each other’s walls. And, thanks to smart phones and tablets, we can do so anywhere and anytime.Whatever the method of communication may be, one thing remains constant: we must demonstrate behavior that is considerate and polite. Reason for Communicating With so many communication options available, it is important to identify what the purpose is for your interaction. Do you desire to deepen a relationship? Do you have upsetting news? If so, it is best to communicate face-to-face. If that is not possible, then a phone call would be appropriate. Quick notes or comments can easily be sent through a text. Focus on Those Who are Present Where is your focus? Those who constantly check their phone send a clear message that there is something more important than those who are present—never a good message if you desire to enhance relationships. Mobile Phone Tips• Hang up and tend to business. Talking on your phone when you are trying to check out of a store, at the bank, in a public space, or using the restroom is never appropriate. • Watch your volume! People tend to talk louder on their mobile phone. • When placing a call, identify yourself and ask the person you are calling if it is a good time to talk. Be aware that not all people have unlimited minutes. Time is money!

• If your call is dropped, the person who placed the call is the one who should return the call – even if you think the call was dropped by the other person. This avoids the endless calls that go immediately to voice message. Of course, not all people know this; so if the person who placed the call does not call back in a couple minutes, then you probably should call them. • Do not use your phone during public performances such as movies or the theater. Even checking your phone can cause light distractions. • Be aware of background noises. Depending on the sensitivity of your phone, even minor background noises can be very loud to the person on the other end of the call. • Use a hands-free device when driving so you can focus on driving. It is best to let people you are calling know you are in the car and ask them if they can hear you. Note: Your Bluetooth is NOT a fashion accessory. Limit wearing one unless you are using the phone.Texting Tips Most importantly, a text is NOT a conversation! A text is a statement or a question. Think of a text like a Post-it Note. If you have more information to convey than you can fit on a Post-it Note, consider another form of communication. Avoid other activities when texting. Texting while driving is now proven to be more dangerous than drunk driving! And there are plenty of stories of people having accidents while walking and texting. ■

Come see our outstanding line

of award-winning instruments.

1208 S. FM 51 • Suite I-1Decatur, TX 76234 • 940-626-2120 • www.DecaturMusic.com


“Just so you know, mom I’ve got a test on Friday I’m gonna fail.”

My sixth-grader is barely through the front door when this escapes his lips. Because he is an excellent student, my

head is spinning. Smiling, I remark “What do you mean? You’ve got three more days to study?” But he is already gritting his teeth, scowling as he announces “I can’t do it.” Still calm, I try to appeal to his reason but with no luck. Within seconds, I am shouting “THEN YOU’RE GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!”Sound familiar?Disorganization and Success What my son probably was communicating after school that day was “I feel distressed, mom. I have no idea how to get organized for this test.” Unfortunately, like so many parents, I let myself grow overly emotional and failed to truly listen to his fear and concern. Organizing the Disorganized Child by Martin Kutscher and Marcella Moran provides a helpful guide for explaining in plain English how disorganized habits interfere with school success and create chaos within the home. The following issues addressed in the book were ones in particular I believe are relevant to helping your child develop healthier habits and achieve more. Understand Why They Procrastinate According to Organizing the Disorganized Child, kids often adopt an “I’ll get to it later” habit and put off school projects or studying for several reasons. Sometimes they simply have a poor concept of time. Other kids have poor memory for ways procrastinating has failed them in the past. Still others are too easily sidetracked and unable to resist temptation to do something more appealing. Kutscher and Moran remind parents that most often these issues are “the fault of the undeveloped brain, not the child” and urge parents not to yell or punish. Instead, stay positive, offer support, and help them break larger tasks down into chunks. They offer these tips to get organized: 1. Write down assignments in a planner.2. Ask the teacher or a buddy to double-check their planner to be sure it is correct.3. Place all materials touched that day into a take-home section of a folder.4. Mark a calendar with completion dates for step in preparing for a project.5. Put completed work in a Take to School section of a folder.6. Weekly purge the backpack and folders of papers no longer needed.

Teach Them to Question Everything The authors of this guide believe in addition to good note-taking and study skills, the key to your child’s education is questioning everything. Teaching your child to ask the following questions will enhance your child’s learning:1. What did the teacher just say?2. What did I just read?3. Why is that so? Is it true?4. Where have I seen information like this before?5. How is this different from material I’ve previously learned?6. How can I summarize this in as few words as possible?7. How can I visualize this in pictures of flowcharts?8. What else do I need to learn about this?9. What questions about this are likely to be on the test?10. Why is this important to me and the rest of the world?11. So what?Test Taking Smarts All students can use a refresher for how to best manage time on a test, and the following strategies are recommended by Kutscher and Moran:1. Turn over the sheet and jot down keywords, dates, formulas, and phrases you memorized.2. Look over the entire test quickly to anticipate what’s coming up.3. Read directions carefully. Underline keywords of the directions.4. Answer easy questions first.5. Place a question mark next to answers you guess on.6. Sometimes the answer to one question is contained somewhere on the test.7. Sometimes you may be able to get help or clues from the teacher i.e. “Can you rephrase the question.”8. If you have leftover time, check your answers and scan for careless mistakes. Only change an answer when you’re certain the new response is correct.9. If unsure, guess. In terms of helping your child become a more organized student, the authors remind parents “We can’t completely fix everything overnight. We can, though, expect continued progress over a mountainous terrain toward an ultimately successful future.”

Michele Ranard, M.Ed.

STRATEGIES FOR GREATER SCHOOL SUCCESSPractical ideas to help your child become more organized.

Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Find her at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hello-lovelyinc.blogspot.com.

Bonding With Teens 101


Family Album

2nd grade cheerleaders

“Providing premier, preschool & school-age services for children 6 weeks – 12 years.”

940-627-8393 Decatur • 817-489-2318 Aurora

“Helping you lay the strong foundation upon which the rest of your child’s life will be built!”

(Matthew 7:24-25)

Learn more about our premier program by visiting

www.pettitprivateschool.com

• Awarm,nurturingChristianenvironment• DailyBibleandPraiseTime&WeeklyChapel• ExperiencedEarlyChildhoodEducators• Research-based,themedcurriculuminallclassrooms• Acreative,hands-onapproachtolearning• Beforeand/orafterschoolclubforschool-agechildren(servicingRann,Carson,Young,SevenHills,PrairieViewandBoydElementary)

Homework help & enrichment activities provided!• Anexcitingsummerclubforschool-agechildrenpackedwithawesomeactivities,funfieldtrips&character-buildingcommunityprojects

Wise PediatricsA Specialist for your children as they grow!

940-626-4400

Accepting Most InsurancesCall if you have any questions

Leslie Hollis, MDBoard Certified in

Pediatrics since 1999Fellow of the

American Academy of Pediatrics

609 Medical Center Dr., #2300Decatur, Texas 76234

Attached to Wise Regional Hospitalwww.WisePediatrics.com

Charlie Phillips on a hot summer day.


Lilly Lowery, Berkley Jones& Lindie Carpenter.

The Fine Art of Consignment Shoppingby Kara Ferraro

I am always bewildered when I meet someone who hasn’t been introduced to the fine art of consignment shopping. Years

ago when I was working in the “corporate world,” consignment shops were my best kept secret. I always dressed to the nines in top designer outfits, most of them purchased from consignment shops. In fact, many of the items I would purchase were barely worn or still had the original price tag on them! I used to pity the gal who thought I spent thousands on my wardrobe. However, every once in a while I would share my little secret. Now, its thirteen years later and I am a mother of two, and those designer duds have been eagerly exchanged with maternity wear, onesies and now (sigh) clothes for a tween. Consignment shops have been a way of life for me, and I am proud to announce my bargains to all who care to listen. Not only are consignment shops a great source for finding items to purchase, they are a great source of additional income if you want to unload any of those gently used items, games, toys, dvds, clothes and accessories that the kids just “had” to have and then barely touched once they brought them home. For those of you who aren’t familiar with consignment shops and how they work, it’s quite simple. Consignment shops carefully inspect items and accept only those that they think are saleable. They do all of the work, including display, storage, ticketing, sales and merchandising. When your item sells, they pay you a percentage of the sale. It’s that simple. It’s common for you, the consignor, to receive about 40% of the sales price of your item. Not bad, considering all you did was bring it to the shop! If you are thinking of consigning some items, be sure

to call or stop into the shop to find out what sort of items they take and if they have any specific times that they accept items. For shoppers, consignment shops are a bargain hunter’s paradise. Most consignment shops seek out only clean, quality, brand name clothing and items. The best part for me is the thrill of the hunt and the find! Since most stores receive new merchandise daily, you never know what you are going to find. You may find a great Halloween costume one day and a party dress the next; so, it’s smart to frequent them often. If you see something you like, you better grab it quick, because the odds of that fantastic item being available the next day are slim to none. Consignment shopping is now more fashionable than ever. With the “Going Green” movement and the idea that recycling is the only way to go, more and more people from all walks of life, regardless of income levels, are finding the true value in consignment shops. As for me, the excitement of consignment shopping is still about the hunt and the find. I love not knowing what I will discover on my next shopping excursion. I may come up empty handed or find that one item I have been searching for forever. Usually, I come home with something “new” to me that I proudly claim as my new treasure. If for some reason I change my mind about it, as we girls often do, I simply consign it! ■

Kara Ferraro is a publisher and freelance writer with two elementary aged children. She is always looking for clever, budget friendly activities to do with her family and ways to save money.

Family Album

Embry Shay Dillard age 9 mo enjoying chocolate ice cream after a hot day.

Ryan Barnett (age 8)South Padre Island.


Family Album - First Day of School!

Payton Ali Boner’s“Last 1st day of school” at DHS.

Jacoby Prince (8) and Autumn Prince (7) First day of School

Coit and Cortney Clamon1st day back to school. Coit is in 2nd grade at Boyd Elementary and Cortney is in 4th

grade at Boyd Intermediate

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Call us today for more information at 940-627-2690.Join us on faCebook. searCh for Weatherford College Wise County.

Documents

Wise Family Magazine September 2011