bell county family april 2012

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APRIL • 2012

FREE

FAMILY FUN CALENDAR

INSIDE!

Should your Kids have an Allowance?

Autism Awareness Monthsigns your child is at-risk

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14

APRIL 2012contents

special stories11 Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

24 Does My Child Have Autism? How to Know and

wHat to do

26 A Mile in Special Shoes

28 It’s Just a Chapter of Lover a MotHer’s Poetry

monthly faves05 Student Athlete

of the Month

06 New Reviews

12 Hometown Heroes alton “Bo” Brister

16 KB Home Bell County

Family Fun Calendar

29 Marketplace Directory

30 Bell County Real Estate

10 20

columns 08 Dad Blog winner!

10 Mom Blog Quantity and Quality

14 Practical Parenting tacKling Money

20 Teens Today to allow or not to allow: is tHat really tHe Question?

22 Be Together Filing Jointly wHile disJointed?



Wow, what a difference the rain makes! The flowers are in full bloom and beautiful this spring! If you haven’t taken the time to notice, be sure and slow down enough to stop and take in the colors and the smells of this season we’re enjoying…af-ter the drought! And let’s all hope the rain continues before summer comes all too soon…

April is probably one of the prettiest months of the year here in our area of Texas. However, we all know that it’s also tax time, and for some – that’s not a pretty scene. Check out our article “Filing Jointly While Disjointed?” for couples. On the topic of

money, parents often are in a quandary about allowances for kids, how much, how often, as a reward or just a gift, etc. Check out the Teens Today column, and then flip a few pages to read “Tackling Money” for a mom’s perspective on teaching her children the value of a dollar. Read her take on the saying, “Every penny counts!”

As always, we are proud to highlight a hometown hero, and this month is no excep-tion. Read “Granting Everyday Wishes” and consider giving or participating to help those families who are in need. There’s nothing more rewarding than giving, especially if you get the kids involved. It’s a great way to show them, instead of just telling them, how to share what they have.

As you enjoy sunny days and cool breezes, find a pretty spot to chill and read Bell County Family from cover to cover, and then share it with a friend. Thanks for reading!

Marcy Lytle

Editor, Bell County [email protected]

PUBLISHEREDCO MEDIAAmanda [email protected]

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERMiranda [email protected]

EDITORMarcy [email protected]

ART DIRECTORKyle [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES

Miranda Bradley | [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marcy Lytle, Miranda Bradley, Lee Eddins, Georganne Schuch, Crystal Dyer, Dave Ramsey, Tiffany Young, and Amber Holdridge

Bell County Family is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting faith, family and health articles. Views expressed in Bell County Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Bell County Family staff to ensure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be , or is assumed . All Rights Reserved.

Bell County Family319 South 1st StreetTemple, TX 76504254-624-1213 (P) 512.501.6760 (F)

Bell County Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $35 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue.

Volume 1, Issue 9

Editor's Note

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I would like to take the time to introduce you to our new editor Marcy Lytle. Marcy is an ac-complished author and mom. She is from Central Texas and has worked for us for years. We are so happy to have her as part of our team here in Bell County and know that she will bring a perspective and special touch to BCF that will keep you coming back month after month.

Amanda Eddins • Publisher

Hopeyou enjoythe new

Bell CountyFamily

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Available at all area Taco Bells & Chick-fil-Abellcountyfamily.com

Do you know anyathletes that deserve special recognition for

his/her talents, efforts, or sportsmanship?

Fuddruckers has partnered with

Temple Mall and BCF to spotlight our local

student athletes.

Submit Photo and a Brief write-up to:

April’s Star Student Athletechristopher

Name: Christopher Age: 13

Parents: Christopher and Laura Sport: Kung Fu and Golf 4th Degree Black Belt

Years Played: 6 years

School Attending : Liberty Hill Middle School

Grade: 8th

What do you like most about the sport you play? “Learning the art of Kung Fu and compet-ing in competitions while watching the different

styles of martial arts.”

What do you want to be when you grow up? “I want to be an Engineer.”

What are your other hobbies, sports or fa-vorite things to do? “I play golf, video games, read, and work at succeeding in school.”

Finish this sentence: A winner is someone who can fail at something and, no matter what, learn from his mistakes and succeed in the future.

For this eighth grader, it isn’t enough to be successful at his favorite sport, Kung Fu.

Despite earning numerous awards and achiev-ing the rank of fourth degree blackbelt (he tests

for his fifth degree black belt in June), he’s still just as proud of his academic accomplishments.

This star martial arts champion has also made straight A’s his entire eight years in school, and has continually been enrolled in tag classes. For Christopher, who continues to set goals for himself, the future is limitless.



On the Silver Screen:

BOOKS|FILMS|DVD

MIRROR MIRROROpens March 30 Rated PG

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and

win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.

HAPPY FEET TWORelease Date: Out Now Rated G

This fun sequel to Happy Feet, the Academy Award-winning animated smash hit, Happy Feet Two returns family audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D. Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven--a penguin

who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures--from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals -- to put things right.

New on DVD:

CHIMPANZEE Opens April 20 Rated G

Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with Chimpanzee, a new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together,

Oscar’s chimpanzee family — including his mom and the group’s savvy leader — navigates the complex territory of the forest.

The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.

One of the characters is a puffin. Puffins live on the north pole, not the south. However the story describes how the puffin came to be in Antarctica.

TRIVIA FACTS:

MIRROR MIRROR is just one of TWO major Hollywood studio motion pictures featuring the retelling of Snow White's classic fairytale. The other is called SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN.

TRIVIA FACTS:



BOOKS:

This B&N Exclusive Edition includes a fun little mini-magazine featuring Carl Hiaasen interviewing Derek Badger, the reality-TV host from the book.

Wahoo Cray lives in a zoo. His father is an animal wrangler, so he’s grown up with all manner of gators, snakes, parrots, rats, monkeys, snappers, and more in his backyard. The critters he can handle. His father is the unpredictable one. When his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called “Expedition Survival!”, Wahoo figures he’ll have to do a bit of wrangling himself—to keep his dad from killing Derek Badger, the show’s boneheaded star, before the shoot is over. But the job keeps getting more complicated. Derek Badger seems to actually believe his PR and insists on using wild animals for his stunts. And Wahoo’s acquired a shadow named Tuna—a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her old man and needs a place to hide out. They’ve only been on location in the Everglades for a day before Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm. Search parties head out and promptly get lost themselves. And then Tuna’s dad shows up with a gun . . .It’s anyone’s guess who will actually survive “Expedition Survival”

CHOMPAges 10 - 12

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Far away in Bethlingham, a greedy prince starts stealing from the poor. When Robin Good’s men retaliate by robbing from the rich, he refuses to join them. But then the prince captures his friends! Can he overcome his hurt in time to rescue them — and restore the townspeople’s hope? It’s a lesson in looking to God in times of trouble.

NEW!VeggieTales:RobinGood



Lee EddinsLee is a father of fiveand sells constructionmaterials

Dad Blog

Last month, one of the most anticipated movies of all times hit the theaters, The Hunger Games. If you have been living under a rock, or in Mississippi, you may not have heard of it, but the rest of the country eagerly awaited this movie based on the best seller book by author Susan Collins.

So here it is in a nutshell. In the future, the country is divided into 12 districts. The books do not go into detail, but can I only imagine this was a result of some kind of major war or natural disaster. In the book, each one of the districts is responsible for contributing something to the Capital, which is made up of well-to-do, hoity-toity people who live in an alternate universe of lavish luxuri-ous lives, all at the expense of the workers in the districts. Each year they host what is called The Hunger Games, where each of the districts offer up two children between the ages of 12 and 18 called Tributes, through a lottery system, to fight until the death.

I read the books and I, like millions of people in our coun-try, waited on pins and needles to see the movie. I use the term “people” loosely because Hunger Games has been very closely compared to Twilight, another series I love, and at age 36, I am just not comfortable admitting that I like the same series all of the teens in our country are crazy about. So in my immaturity, at least with my choice

of books and television shows and many other things my wife (the publisher of this magazine) would be happy to tell you about, I am going to give you the reasons I would win The Hunger Games.

Speed - I have lighting speed; just ask my wife. If you ask me to take the trash out, make dinner, or paint a room in the house, I very quickly come up with something else to do or just say, “No.” In fact, ask me to mow the grass, and I’ll completely disappear. I am just that fast.

Skills - All of the toys, the shoes, and the dirty clothes on the floor in our house that on a daily basis I navigate through (even in the dark) somehow has truly made me a master at navigation. Not to brag, but I can navigate through a living room full of toys with a blindfold on, and change a diaper with one hand tied behind my back.

Survival Instincts - A big part of The Hunger Games is sleep deprivation. With countless nights of at least two of our four kids climbing in my bed has given me instincts that would be crucial to my survival in the Hunger Games. I can get half the sleep I used to, if I am lucky, and still find a way to function the next day. And, I can now sleep in any position you put me in. I have awakened in a king-sized bed with arms and legs in positions I did not know they would bend. A big part of The Hunger Games is sleep de-

privation. In the book, the tributes are afraid to sleep for fear that they will miss something or be killed in their sleep. So they force themselves to stay up for very long periods of time. I’ve got news for you Katniss, I don’t need

sleep. Me and sleep, we are just not friends anymore. In fact, up yours, sleep!

Resistance- There is nothing you can bring my way that could torture me more than the talking trucks, the sing-ing Elmos, and the baby toys that I am convinced are possessed by Satan. Bring on the torture, bring on the fireballs, and bring on those little tracker-jackers trying to inject me with that deadly serum. I’ll be singing, “To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump.”

So there they are. These are the reasons I’d win The Hun-ger Games with ease. I would run faster, sleep less, and be more resistant to anything the evil Capital could bring my way…because I am a dad!

Winner!

Me and sleep, we are just not friends anymore. In fact, up yours, sleep!

“

”



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In today’s society, we are pushing individuals to complete more tasks in less time, accomplish greater challenges with fewer resources, and achieve much more early in life. There is certainly noth-ing wrong with having a thirst for excellence and a mindset for accomplishment, but there are a few things to consider when that be-comes the totality of your daily focus. There is proof that sometimes “less is more.” This tale demonstrates that perspective:

An American businessman was standing at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. In-side the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American asked.

“Only a little while,” the Mexican replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American then asked.

“I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs,” the Mexican said.

“But” the American then asked, “What do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said: “I sleep late, fish a

little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, and stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor.”

The American scoffed: “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fish-ing and with the proceeds you could buy a bigger boat and, with the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the con-sumers, eventually opening your own can fac-tory. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would be able to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked: “But señor, how long will this all take?”

To which the American replied: “15-20 years.”

“But what then, señor?”

The American laughed and said: “That’s the best part! When the time is right, you would announce an IPO - an Initial Public Offering - and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”

“Millions, señor? Then what?”

The American said slowly: “Then you would retire! Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos...”

Busy Mom’s Perspective:Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present. -Roger Babson

Know how to live the time that you have. -Dario Fo

Often I see families trying their best to juggle multiple family commitments - work schedules,

school activities, community service, church activities, sports, and other hobbies- all with diligent planning and execution that would make the most senior military officer beam with pride. They scurry from one event to the next ensur-ing that no member of the family “misses out” on a great opportunity.

Yet, recent studies show that adults spend less than two hours a day in engaged conversation with their spouses and less than 60 minutes per day engaged in direct conversation with their children. (And we wonder why divorces are on the rise and parents are so disconnected with their children?) Based on that study, we can spend more time on a great manicure than we do on our marriages. Yikes!

It’s fantastic to be involved, but very difficult to avoid becoming overcommitted. I know. I struggle with the exact same thing.

But in this instance, like the fisherman, less is definitely more.

When it comes to spending time developing sig-nificant relationships (which you’ll hear people refer to as “quality time”), there is a fundamental misperception for most people today that “qual-ity” can replace quantity. When it comes to build-ing significant bonds with others - no matter how fantastic the setting or how fun the activity that you do together may be - the one requirement that can’t be cut short is committed time. As with all things, we get out exactly what we put in.

This week I challenge you to evaluate your cal-endar and your commitments based on the two factors here: quality and quantity. If you can’t easily see that both factors are well represented in your most important relationships, it may be time to pencil-whip that calendar into shape.

Mom Blog

International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Military Spouse & Veteran, and Mommy of three! Translation: A BUSY MOM! www.crystaldyer.com

Crystal Dyer

Quality & Quantity



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Herbal remedies have been used by women and midwives for thousands of years. You can prevent or treat many discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth with the help of herbs. Herbs should be considered medicine, so follow instructions carefully. The herbal remedies sug-gested in this article are traditional and consid-ered safe for most women, but you should check with your care provider or an herbalist if you have any concerns about your specific condition.

Red raspberry leaf, prepared as a tea contains many nutrients and acts as a uterine tonic (strengthens and tones). It is a great herb for pregnancy. However, you should avoid red rasp-berry leaf tea in the first twelve weeks of pregnan-cy if you have a history of miscarriage. Ginger root capsules (3-4 per day) are an excellent help to mothers experiencing morning sickness.

In the second trimester (13-28 weeks) many women suffer from heartburn. Papaya capsules contain enzymes that help your body digest food more quickly. Chew 1-2 capsules before meals. Alfalfa tea or capsules (two per day) can help pre-vent or treat anemia, and is safe for all women. Be sure to get your hemoglobin levels rechecked to be sure it is coming up before your birth. For women who have been diagnosed with and are taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, 4-6 cranberry pills taken throughout the day with 64 ounces of water can help clear the infection faster. The active ingredient makes it difficult for bacteria to cling to the bladder.

After the 37th week of pregnancy, you can use evening primrose oil to soften and ripen your cervix. This will speed the dilation phase of la-bor. You can take 2 capsules orally one day, and then place two capsules near your cervix be-fore bed on the second day. Alternate for one week, take a week off, and then repeat. Many herbs are prepared together to help your uterus work more efficiently during labor, resulting in a faster, less painful labor. My favorite prepa-rations are “Labor Prep”, available at Avanlee

Birth and Maternity Center, and “5-W” available at inhishands.com.

There are many herbal remedies for postpartum period, but my favorite is an herbal bath you can make yourself. You can make this bath with just the herbs around your house, or you can go to a health food store and get the dried herbs as well.

Combine the herbs below in 2 quarts of water. Boil the herbs for 15-30 minutes, and then strain the herbs. Pour the liquid in a bath tub with no more than three inches of water in it. You can use the herbs once more.

Quick and Easy Postpartum Herbal Bath10 sprigs of fresh rosemary (antiseptic)Small handful of dried comfrey leaves (heals tissue)¼ cup kosher or sea salt 2 fresh garlic cloves, chopped (antiseptic/antifungal)¼ cup dried uva ursi leaves (good for the urinary tract)

1-3 T dried lavender flowers (smells nice/soothing)

Herbal remedies are generally considered safe and effective, but be sure to double check dos-ages and uses. Taking charge and learning to care for yourself and your growing family can be very empowering, enjoy the journey.

Jennifer Bennett is a Licensed Midwife at Avanlee Birth and Maternity Center in Killeen, Texas, she can be reached at www.avanlee.com, or you can find her on www.Facebook.com

Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum



Just a few miles down the road from any point in Central Texas is Fort Hood, home to brave men and women who fight daily for our country. And while the war-zone may be half a world away, daily living for military families can sometimes feel like a bat-tlefield. That’s why Wish For Our Heroes was founded in 2009, to help ease the burden for active military families.

“We realized that there are everyday hardships that our soldiers go through that they can’t take care of financially or otherwise sometimes,” Alton “Bo” Brister, retired Sgt. First Class and Vice President of Wish for Our Heroes, said.

While there are many charities that exist to help military personnel and veterans with par-ticular issues such as bankruptcy, divorce and the like, until Wish for Our Heroes was found-ed, there was nothing in existence to aid in small everyday details.

Brister knows firsthand how beneficial those programs can be. Wounded in action, Brister was forced into early retirement from the mili-tary, and while he appreciates all the help he received, he quickly realized that there was very little to support soldiers facing daily chal-lenges such as car trouble or household repairs

.

“A lot of these soldiers risking their lives don’t get paid much, and they have families,” he said. “Sometimes money is tight or there is a mix up with a paycheck and suddenly, you don’t have money for the little things you need.”

Wish for Our Heroes raises funds to provide ba-sic needs or emergencies such as fulfilling gro-cery lists to assisting with repairs, providing baby supplies and even clothing. Once the immediate needs are met, the organization enthusiastically provides opportunities for extracurricular events for active military families.

“Our 100th wish was for a little girl in Killeen who had half a heart and wasn’t expected to live much longer,” Brister remembers, his voice catching. “Her mother was German and they had never been to Germany to visit the rest of the family. So, we she and her mom a trip to Germany. That was a stand out moment for us.”

The organization’s initial goal was to provide one wish for every deserving military member, any-thing from a new fence to a fun family vacation. There are no requirements to submit a wish, mili-tary members simply have to be on active duty at the time their wish is submitted.

“We didn’t want soldiers and their families to have to jump through hoops,” Brister said. “

So far, Wish for Our Heroes has fulfilled 945 wishes and the list continues to grow. The or-ganization is run primarily by volunteers, and 95 percent of all funds received go directly to wish fulfillment. When someone donates to Wish for Our Heroes, they can go online and track exactly where their money is going.

This month, Old Chicago restaurant and Nation-al Bank have teamed up to sponsor Hackers & Heroes – Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the organization.

“This is the first golf tournament we have put on ourselves, and we are already generating a lot of interest,” said Brister. “We’re almost halfway to our participation goal in just a week of announcing the event.”

An entry fee of $360 ($120 per player) in-cludes green fees, cart and range balls for three teammates plus one retired, veteran or active duty wounded warrior/service member paired at tournament, among other wonderful incentives. Each team will be paired up with a military member to golf alongside, and there’s a good reason for that.

SPC Nitz was honored at a Rolling Thunder Veteran’s ride held at Seminole Harley Davidson. Stephen was presented with a new and improved version of his Harley Sportster, all chopped up, waxed and polished, and ready to ride.

by Miranda N. Bradley

Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes: Alton “Bo” Bristerwith Wish for Our Heroes

Granting Everyday Wishes

James and Cassandra White hold their son, Gavin, who was born with a medical condition. They couldn’t afford the special medical helmet costing $3,800, so they turned to Wish for Our Heroes. Thanks to W4OH and HEB, this military family received the helmet at no cost to them!



The hungry in Central Texas today may surprise you. They are our friends and neighbors, recently laid-off adults, the elderly couple on the next block living on a fixed income. And, of the 48,000 clients we serve every week, more than 1 in 3 are children. Hunger is unacceptable, especially in our own backyard. We can end hunger, but we can’t do it alone.

You can help.Advocate . Donate . Volunteer

austinfoodbank.org . HungerIsUNacceptable.com

This is the surprising face of hunger.

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“People in the community see soldiers out in their uniforms or holding a weapon, and I want the golfers to get to know these men and women as human beings,” Brister said. “These are honor-able people with families. I think it’s a great op-portunity for people to get to know them on a more personal level.”

The tournament is just one of many ways Wish for Our Heroes is helping fund many of the wishes of our very deserving military families. Sponsorships for the tournament are still available.

For the men and women in service, Wish for Our Heroes and the donors who support it are, in their own way, heroic. They are a partner in the hometown foxhole, helping provide for families on the battlefield of life.

To donate or to register for the golf tournament tak-ing place on April 26 at Stone Tree Golf Course in Killeen, visit www.wishforourheroes.org.

Hackers & Heroes Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament April 26, 2012 at Stone Tree

Golf Course, Killeen TX 7 a.m. Registration

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GeorganneSchuch

Practical Parenting

Lots of things in life come and go, with money being one of them. Most people think money does more going than com-ing. If you don’t know how to wisely control the money that passes through your hands, then it will most assuredly leave faster than it arrives. In poverty or prosperity, money has the unique ability to brand its user, for no one ever owns money, for better or worse.

There are various ways to manage money. One is to think only of the day’s needs and wants and to spend the cash you have accordingly, which is usually fast and furious. I know I can always use an extra cup of coffee. Another way is to segregate, or budget, available funds for upcoming bills, unforeseen expenses, and slush, or fun money. A third way is to hold every penny that comes in with a death grip, hoarding it all for one’s self. What a jolly life that person must live.

How adults arrive at their money management philosophy usually has something to do with their parents and early life experiences. Per-sonality also factors into the equation; however, it can be trained to fall in line with the prevail-ing philosophy of friends and family. Hang with a free-spender long enough, and you will become one yourself.

Tackling MoneySince it’s no secret that children grow into adults, and hopefully ones that will hold down a job and become self-supporting, I would rather tackle the subject of money manage-ment head on, than let my children wander aimlessly from one financial crisis to the next. I attack this subject two ways. First, I use an age-appropriate financial curriculum, such as Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Junior, to in-troduce the basics of saving, spending, and giv-ing. Elementary-age children have an uncanny ability to understand these basics…even better than many adults. Second, I reinforce these principles in everyday life. Want a special toy? Save your money from the tooth fairy.

We don’t pay for everyday chores, but I often have extra projects that I let my oldest daughter do and credit money toward something for which she is paying. We could exchange the actual cash, but it would confuse me and probably get lost. Instead, I setup an Excel spreadsheet with the amounts earned and credit it toward what I pay. For younger children, I can see the value of using a container where they can see the actual money going in and out.

As my children approach an age where they can earn money and receive cash for birthdays, then we sit down to discuss goals. They don’t have to pay for basic clothing or room and board, though I have considered it when their rooms repeat-edly violated health standards, but if they want a special pair of shoes or other non-standard adornment, we talk about how to save for the purchase. Funny how many things suddenly become less attractive when the payout comes from their own pocket.

When they get “grandparent” money, or another unexpected windfall earmarked for a special occasion, then I often give them a choice of how to spend the money. For example, if they get money to spend on ice cream while we’re shopping, I show them the difference between buying just one box of drumsticks which might give each of them one or buying a half gallon of ice cream which would give them several servings, both for about the same price. I ex-plain that it’s okay to splurge on the drumsticks or other frozen yumminess, if that’s what they really want, but it’s a one-time treat. Whereas, something bigger, such as a half-gallon of Blue Bell, offers approximately four servings each, thus quadrupling the enjoyment.

We want our children to develop sensitivity to the needs of others, as well, and money is just one way to help. We pick an organization that is doing something they can relate to and either volunteer time or organize a fund raising project to help. For example, they sang Christmas car-ols at an Alzheimer’s home one year because my mother was a resident there. The next year, after my mother had passed away, they baked cookies and took them by the home on Christ-mas Eve. Another time, my oldest daughter baked cookies for a bake sale and volunteered her time at the booth to raise money for a young boy with cancer. These are just small ways to develop a giving spirit in a child.

No one is born with good money management skills. As parents, it’s our job to make sure our children have the knowledge and experience to do their best with the money they earn or receive from other sources. As my dad says, “Every penny counts,” as he bends over to pick one up from the ground.



Come in this month to see one of our Podiatrists to make your feet happy!

Dr. Craig Marsh, DPM and Edward T. McCaffrey, DPM

ARE YOUR FEET HAPPY?

King’s Daughters Clinic1905 SW Dodgen Loop • Temple, TX • 786502

April is foot health awareness month

Call Us TodayTo Make an

Appointment254-298-2500

Visit our website: www.kdclinic.com

Come in this month to see one of our Podiatrists to make your feet happy!

Dr. Craig Marsh, DPM and Edward T. McCaffrey, DPM

ARE YOUR FEET HAPPY?

King’s Daughters Clinic1905 SW Dodgen Loop • Temple, TX • 786502

April is foot health awareness month

Call Us TodayTo Make an

Appointment254-298-2500

Visit our website: www.kdclinic.com



FAMILYBell County

APRIL 2012FUN

Find a Printable Copy at BellCountyFamily.com

Interested in listing your organization’s monthly event in BCF? E-mail event details to [email protected]

Sunday, April 1What’s in Wilma’s Handbag? -

What’s in Wilma’s Handbag - Every week throughout February, visit facebook.com/templemall for a chance to win weekly gifts from Temple Mall. Simply comment or like Wilma’s post about what is in her handbag.

Sense and Sensibility – Viva Les Arts presents this timeless tale in its state-of-the art venue. 6-7 p.m., Viva Les Arts theater, Temple. For more informa-tion, call Viva Les Arts at 526-9090.

Country and Western Dance - Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sam-mons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. Contact Lisa Potts at 298-5403 for more information.

Monday, April 2Continuing:Great Bell County Quilt

Crawl; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Lap Sit – Newborns through 18-month-old babies and their parents are invited to work and play together with a variety of stories, songs and much more! 10 to 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at [email protected]. Cost: Free.

Preschool Playdate: Build it Big - Make new friends while you play! Enhance their social and physical skills while we “Build It Big” with legos, blocks, and other building materials. 9:30 to 11 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 3 to 5. Cost: $6. For more informa-tion, call Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Tuesday, April 3Continuing; What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

Kids’ Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen – Let us do the cooking for you! Come to Chick-fil-A for family fun and discounts. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Express-way, Killeen.

Job Fair – Looking for a job? Come check out many vendors looking for people with your talents and skills! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Killeen Civic and Confer-ence Center, Killeen. Sponsored by Job Fair Pros, LLC. Call 662-8030 for more information.

Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights – Join us for a free family activ-ity during Family Nights each Tuesday. 5 – 8 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 201 E. Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights. For more information, visit www.chick-fil-a.com/harkerheights-tx.

Wednesday, April 4Kids Kraft: Easter - Come join us

for this Easter Extravaganza! We will decorate Easter eggs, make a bunny basket, and hang out with the Easter Bunny. It’s going to be a morning full of Easter art fun. 10 – 11:30 a.m., West Temple Community Park, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $8. 298-5733.

Creative Cakes - You’ve baked your cake, now what? How can you make your cake the hit of the party? We can help you with that! This class is a 3 part series where you will learn how to decorate 3 holiday themed cakes. For April we will create an Easter basket cake. 6 – 8 p.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 16 and up. Cost: $12. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Thursday, April 5Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

“Gray Hare” Easter EGGstrava-ganza - Grab your Easter baskets and hop on over to Sammons Community Center for an Easter egg hunt – senior style. Gather an abundance of colorful eggs filled with goodies and possibly find one of several prize eggs. The Easter bunny will also be in attendance. 10 to 11 a.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: FREE. For more informa-tion, contact Lisa Potts 298-5403.

Evening of Yoga and Wine – A wonderful full hour plus a wee bit more of an outstanding yoga class that will stretch each part of your body and soul. Unwind the mind, practice restorative poses and receive cosmic goodness. Top it off with a terrific glass of locally made Texas wine accompanied by a happy plate of cheese and fruit. Reser-vations are encouraged. 6:30 to 8 p.m., Salado Wine Seller, 841 N. Main Street, Salado. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Toddler Time – Special storytime for toddlers involving a variety of stories, songs, dance, puppets, fingerplays and more for children ages 3 and under. 9 to 10 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Mad-den at [email protected]. Cost: Free.

College Night at Chick-fil-A, Tem-ple – Buy an entrée and get a free me-dium drink and fry with valid college ID. 5 – 10 p.m., N. 31st St, Temple.

Friday, April 6Continuing: Sense and Sensibil-

ity; What’s in Wilma’s Handbag?

Saturday, April 7 Continuing: Sense and Sensibil-

ity; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Habitat for Humanity Ground-breaking – Habitat is expecting to hold a groundbreaking at the construction site in Temple for home number 64. Call Habitat for more details at 680-4007 or 449-4217.

Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen –Bring your family to Chick-fil-A at Killeen and enjoy some quality family time! We will have board games, puzzles, and other fun activities. Ask the cashier about Milkshake Bingo and your chance to win free milkshakes for you and your family. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestau-rant.com/killeen/home.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Tem-ple – Join us for an evening of family fun and dinner specials. 5-10 p.m. 114 N. 31st St., Temple. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/temple/home.

Harker Heights Farmers Market – Join us for a wonderful event to prepare for the holiday season! 8 a.m. to noon, Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing.

Granny Time, Harker Heights – Ms. Dorothy, Harker Heights Library’s resident grandma charms children and adults with classic storytimes. 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library.



FUNVillage of Sage Meadows - From the $100s • Temple, Texas

Village of Sage MeadowsFrom the $100s· 4 model homes· 21 floor plans to choose from· 1,315-2,561 sq. ft.· 3-5 bedrooms, 2-3.5 baths· ENERGY STAR qualified homes· 15 minutes to Ft. Hood· Walking distance to Lake Belton Middle School· Active-duty military incentive – see sales counselors for details

9011 Lonesome Oak DriveTemple, TX 76502

Driving Directions: From I-35, exit W. Adams Ave./FM-2305 and head

west about 5 miles. Turn left on Cedar, right on Tarver and left on

Tumbleweed Trail.

(254) 780-9037Kbhome.com

Sunday, April 8Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

Tuesday, April 10Continuing: Kids’ Night at Chick-

fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights; Camp Adventure; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Killeen Aglow Meeting, Killeen - The Killeen Aglow Lighthouse will meet for their monthly meeting. We are an in-tercultural, trans-denominational organi-zation of Christian women who come to-gether to develop meaningful friendships with each other and a deeper walk with Christ. 7 p.m., Residence Inn/Marriott, 400 East Central Texas Expwy, Killeen. Cost: FREE. For more information con-tact Gerlinde at 542-5155.

Wednesday, April 11Continuing: Camp Adventure;

What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

Thursday, April 12Continuing: Toddler Time; Col-

lege Night, Chick-fil-A, Temple; Camp Adventure; What’s In Wilma’s Hand-bag?

College Night at Chick-fil-A, Tem-ple - Every Thursday Night is College Night! 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Purchase any entree, get a FREE medium fry and drink with valid college ID.

Country & Western Dance, Tem-ple -Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more infor-mation, contact Lisa Potts at 298-5403.

Friday, April 13Continuing: Camp Adventure;

What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Camping Kids … Preschool Sleepover - Do you want your pre-schooler’s first camping experience to be successful? Enjoy this fun filled experi-ence where you and your child will set up your own tents and eat real camp food in an indoor setting. We will have lots of games to play and crafts to complete. 6 to 8 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Cen-ter, Temple. For ages 3 to 6. Cost: $19. Contact Peanut Henderson at 298-5740 for more information.

Fashion Show/Luncheon – Cen-tral Texas College presents its annual fashion show/luncheon. Come enjoy delicious food and watch today’s hot-test fashions walk the runway! Noon to 2 p.m., Killeen Civic & Conference Center. For more information, call 526-1472.

Saturday, April 14Continuing: Family Game Night

at Chick-fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple; Granny Time; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?; Camp-ing Kids … Preschool Sleepover

Camp Geek - Bring the kids to have fun with science! Every month, we’ll focus on a different science-relat-ed theme! The program will include a two-hour, hands-on class followed by a

planetarium show. 1 – 4 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater. Cost: $29 per child ($26 for Planetarium members). For ages 5 to 9. For more information, call 526-1586.

Mother – Daughter Tea – Come and join us for tea! 2-4 p.m., Wendland Hall at the Cultural Activities Center, Temple. Cost: $7 per person. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 563-0709.


Handbag?

Round Rock Express Game - It’s Game Time!! Be a sport and join us for an adult day trip to watch a Round Rock Express Game. Transportation will be provided but food and snacks are on your own. Van will leave from the Wil-son Park Recreation Center promptly at 11:30 a.m. Space is limited. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., leaving from Wilson Park Rec-reation Center, Temple. For ages 18 and up. Cost: $20. Contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474 for more information.

Step Competition – Join us for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Step Competitions where local and regional groups will per-form their most impressive step routines. 4 to 7 p.m., Killeen Civic & Conference Center. For more information, call 554-4226.

Grace Bennett Consignments Benefit – Grace Bennett Consignments is holding a consignment sale to benefit the Centex Humane Society. Come get amazing deals on everything from kids clothing to toys and more while helping out a great cause! Centex Humane So-ciety is a no-kill shelter that finds forever

homes for abandoned pets. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Absolute Self Defense and Fit-ness. 5902 E. Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, Killeen. Cost: $2 or donation of a pet item gets you in to shop. Acceptable pet items include a can of dog or cat food, leash, collar dog bowl, or chew toy. Note: This is a cash-only sale. For more information, visit www.gracebennettconsignment.blogspot.com.

Monday, April 16Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

Tuesday, April 17Continuing: Kid’s Night at Chick-

fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Homeschool Day Camp - Come enjoy a day of archery, adventure games, climbing wall challenge and many other great activities. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 5 to 14. Cost: $12. For more information, contact Peanut Hen-derson 298-5740.

Wednesday, April 18Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

For the Love of Our Children, Temple - “For the Love of Our Children” is a support group for bereaved parents and grandparents. Individuals share their stories and what has helped them cope with their grief. The newly bereaved meet others who have also experienced a loss and how they are learning to have a ful-filling life again. The group has helped many realize that they are not alone and gives everyone an opportunity to ex-press their feelings in a non-judgmental



Family Fun at Chick-fil-A!Check here every month for events at your Harker Heights, Killeen & Temple

locations!

FAMILYBell County

APRIL 2012

Find a Printable Copy at BellCountyFamily.com

FUNenvironment. FTLOOC is a non-profit, non-denominational group and does not offer any type of professional counseling services. The group members share their own journeys of the grief process, giving hope and support to each other. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. 47th Street, Temple. For more information, call 770-0910.

Thursday, April 19Continuing: Toddler Time; What’s

In Wilma’s Handbag?

Saturday, April 21Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?; Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen;

Community Garage Sale – One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! So, sell and/or buy either one for your-self! 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Killeen Special Events Center. For more information visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us.

Tuesday, April 24Continuing: What’s in Wilma’s

Handbag?; Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights;

Grace Academy Open House – Join us for a tour of our impressive campus. For selected grades fall 2012 and kindergarten fall 2013. 9:45 – 11:45 a.m., Grace Academy, 225 Grace, Georgetown, TX. RSVP: [email protected]. For more in-formation, please visit http://www.GraceAcademy-gt.org/index.php/admis-sion or call (512) 864-9500.

Downtown Belton Market Days, Belton - Garage Sale to Upscale, it’s all for sale at Market Days! Sponsored by the Downtown Belton Merchants As-sociation, Belton Market Days is the 3rd Saturday of every month, in Downtown Belton. Vendors sell an assortment of

goods, including antiques, collectibles, arts, and crafts. Variety of food vendors. Vendor booths available. For more infor-mation, call 254-939-5699 or visit www.downtownbelton.com

Wednesday, April 25Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?; Military Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights;

Thursday, April 26Continuing: College Night at

Chick-fil-A, Temple; Toddler Time; What’s In Wilma’s Handbag?

Celebrate Killeen Festival Kickoff – Come celebrate what makes Killeen great! Tonight’s events will include free hot dogs, chips and drinks, an antique car show and entertainment by The Funk Factory starting. 6 to 8 p.m., Killeen Arts & Activities Center, Killeen. Stick around for a Midnight Madness softball tourna-ment beginning at 9 p.m. For a full event schedule, visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us.

Friday, April 27Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?

Celebrate Killeen Festival – Come continue the Celebrate Killeen Festival activities with a concert , food vendors and the Midnight Madness Softball Tour-nament. 8 p.m., Killeen Community Cen-ter, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. For a complete Festival schedule, visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us.

Friday Night at the Movies - Make it a date night! Kick back, relax and enjoy Friday night at the movies with us. We’ll present a premier movie on our large, flat screen television for your enjoyment. Freshly-popped popcorn, cold drinks and coffee will be provided. 5:30 -8:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: FREE. Contact Lisa Potts at 298-5403 for more information.

Ice Cream Social - Do you like ice cream with crazy flavors or are you a simple chocolate/vanilla person? Maybe your diabetic and can only have sherbet that is fine too. The last Friday of each month we will have your favorite frozen treats and social time, see you then. 1:30 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 50 and up. Cost: $1. Contact Brock Boone at 298-5740 for more information.

Saturday, April 28Continuing: What’s In Wilma’s

Handbag?; Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen;

Trail Trekkies Adventure Day - Join us as we take a hike in beautiful Pedernales State Park located deep in the Texas hill country. You will experience outdoor living skills, hiking and adventure games while being able to see abundant wildlife and enjoying nature. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pedernales State Park, Temple. For ages 6 to 14. Cost: $10. Contact Peanut Henderson at 298-5740 for more information.

Father-Son Barbecue Cookoff – Attention, Dads! It’s time to show off your skills. Bring your sons out and enjoy a day of grilling competition. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Miller Park, Temple. For more infor-mation, call the Cultural Activities Center at 773-9926.

Celebrate Killeen 5K – You can still register for the Killeen 5K! Check in begins at 7 a.m. and refreshments will be available after the race. Awards will be given to overall male and female winners and top three finishers in each age group. T-shirts will be given to all registered recipients. 7 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. race begins, Killeen Community Center. Cost: $25 up until race day. For more information and a registration form, visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us.

Celebrate Killeen Festival Day- Come join us for an entire day of en-tertainment, food, crafts and Barbecue Cook off! Included in the festivities will be hay rides, children’s arts and crafts, car show, bungee trampoline and much much more! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure to stick around for the outdoor movie fea-turing Captain America at 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family! For more information and a complete Festival schedule visit www.ci.killeen.tx.us.


Handbag?

Get REC! HHPRD Showcase - Learn what your Parks & Recreation Dept. has to offer from programs, sports, community and special events for all ages. Demonstrations and tables will be set up with instructors and staff to explain classes and to answer questions at the Rec Center. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 953-5465.

Monday, April 30Preschool Playdate: Terrific

Trains - Make new friends while you play! Your child will get a chance to en-hance their social and physical skills while we play and learn about trains. We will be playing outside so please dress appropriately. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Whistle Stop Playground, Temple. For ages 3 to 6. Cost: $6. For more information, con-tact Terri Landeros at 298-5474.

Download the Bell County Family Fun Calendar monthly

to your SMARTPHONE! Powered by Google and will sync to your

personal smart device!



500 Hour State Approved Massage Program

A New Beginning School of Massage Killeen MS1018

• We accept the GI Bill and MyCAA & Offer Affordable Tuition

• Student Store – Massage Supplies• Student Massages Available $25/Hour

Now Enrolling May 14th

Night Classes June 11th

Mid-Day Classes

1900 E. Elms Road, Suite B-205 • Killeen 254-616-2255www.massageschoolkilleen.com [email protected]

“Serving Those Who Serve America”

Killeen Armed Services YMCA --- 415 N. 8th Street • Killeen, Texas 76541

8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday – Main Office6:00am - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Family Center in Copperas Cove3:00pm - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Teen Center in Harker Heights

WWW.ASYMCA.NET 254-634-5445

The Armed Services YMCA offers a variety of family programs ranging from Before and After School Childcare, Teen and Youth Development, Biddy Sports, and support for Soldiers and their Family Members.

The Y supports families in their efforts to eat healthy, play every day, and stay active together in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind, and body.

>Free childcare available while you workout.>Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. >Fee assistance available to active duty soldiers and their family members.

FUN



Spa & Salon254-699-0019

www.ecobluspa.com201 E. CTE Ste 1280, Harker Heights,

Market Heights Center by Razoo’s Restaurant Holiday Open House Tuesday, November 29th 9a – 8p

events support Global Greengrants Fund and Gulf Restoration Network

Come join us for our Walk for Water - April 22.

Visit our website and facebook page for all of our Earth Month events

Teens Today

www.marcylytle.com

Marcy Lytle

The subject of allowances can spark a debate pretty quickly among parents. Some feel kids don’t need an allowance at all, and if they do receive one, they better darn well earn it. After chores are completed, if grades are high, and when they’ve proven they deserve it – then maybe they get some money as a reward. We might be in a small subset of the population among parents, but we gave our kids allowances just because they were part of the family. They didn’t have to earn it, no work was involved, and it had nothing to do with how well they achieved. They simply got to receive part of the family’s earning, just for being our children. No strings attached. What? I can hear some of you turning the page now, not interested in reading any further. But wait, there was a method to our madness, and we think our kids turned out pretty well adjusted, financially speaking.

Many parents simply cannot afford to give each child a monetary allowance, so if money isn’t available – try giving your kids other “allowances,” such as a free day from chores, their pick of a fun family activity, or time to themselves. But whatever type of allowance you give, consider just giving it…and teaching your kids what to do with it. Teach them to save, give, and spend wisely the money (or time) you give them.

So why did we give an allowance, instead of requiring our kids to earn it?

Kids need to feel secure. Don’t make your kids help pay your bills. Let them enjoy being your chil-dren and the benefits that come from sleeping un-der a roof, in a comfortable bed, and knowing they have food to eat tomorrow. Secure kids grow up to offer security to their children.

Kids need to be kids. Life will hit your kids soon enough. Once the kids start seeing how money saved adds up, money given comes back to you, and money spent brings temporary happiness, they’ll grow up to be adults with grateful hearts.

Kids need to be trusted. When you place a gift into their hand and teach them what to do with it, let it go. Speak your trust to them and if they mess up – offer grace and a chance to try again.

Kids need to have fun. When the kids save up a por-tion of their money to spend on an item they desire, let them enjoy it. They also will have fun giving and saving!

Kids are worthy of your generosity. Shower your kids with compliments, love, affirmation, and a portion of what you earn. Tell them they are receiving their allow-ance because you simply love them.

I hear often that kids nowadays seem to feel “entitled” to having life handed to them on a silver platter, and that they are ungrateful, self-absorbed, and totally inept. I can’t help but think these kids missed out somewhere on the love, the trust, and the security that loving par-ents can offer. It may seem that giving an allowance, instead of requiring kids to earn it, will contribute to this attitude of ingratitude. However, we have found just the opposite to be true. We adults have to earn our liv-ing, but our teens should be living and learning without that burden. How we give freely to our kids teaches them to receive humbly and graciously, and those two attributes make great adults.

To Allow…or Not to AllowIs that Really the Question?



Featuring:MATTHEW WEST • ROYAL TAILOR and LINDSAY McCAUL

Dear Dave, Is there some way to put a block on a credit report prior to sending a kid to college, so that the credit card hustlers can’t get to them? - Trevor

Dear Trevor,

No, there’s not. Unfortunately, in today’s culture that’s part of becoming an adult. When you hand them car keys there’s no way to put a block on how they drive. And when they turn 21, there’s no way to put a block on what they ingest. About the only thing you can do is to teach your kids to the best of your ability, and be a good parent and good example. Teach them why debt is dumb, and show them how it eats away at their ability to save money and build wealth.

And for goodness sake, don’t use credit cards yourself. Kids can smell a hypocrite a mile away! — Dave

Dear Dave, I’m a new doctor, and I drive a car that has over 200,000 miles on it, is 10 years old, and a few dings in the doors. I’ve heard image is everything when you’re a doctor, but I like not having a car payment. Should I just get over being self-conscious about my old car? - Mario

Dear Mario,

I like not having a car note, too. I’d walk, ride a bike, or drive your car with a great, big smile on my face before I picked up a car payment! You need to get out from under student loans before you start thinking about driv-ing something fancy. Save up for a few months then upgrade to a good, reason-ably-priced, used car. You just need to worry about what’s smart for you instead of what other people think! — Dave

Dave Ramsey

Q&A:



It’s April, and you know what that means. Time to file your taxes! For many couples this is the ONLY thing they do jointly when it comes to their finances.

It has taken us years to figure out the money thing. We found ourselves on the verge of bankruptcy about a decade ago. It seemed like the only way out of the mess we created over years of misman-agement. Creditors were calling all hours of the day and we were anxious. Thankfully, our church offered Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Univer-sity. We made a commitment to get a grip on our financial world. (We highly recommend Dave’s strategies, and you can read his Q&A monthly right here in the pages of Bell County Family!

Lots of couples trip up on money issues. If you are disjointed we want to inspire you to realign.

Join Together

Typically in every marriage you’ll find a Spender and a Saver. It can be hard for these two to get along! Savers like to judge Spenders. Spenders often resent Savers. We walk down the aisle with different perspectives on money that we haven’t taken the time to disclose. It’s important to listen to the dreams that lie behind our incongruent views. Ask questions. Listen to each other. Money will be a source of conflict until you agree to work together toward shared goals.

Create a Plan

The most important step for us was creating a spending plan. We never say the “b” word. Spend-ing plan is much friendlier. It can be intimidating to take an honest look at where your money is go-ing and then create a plan for telling it where to go. There is no getting around this step! It doesn’t have to take hours of itemizing. We use a simple excel spreadsheet. Find the tool that works for you and build a plan together.

Work the Plan

The plan doesn’t work unless you work it! Prov-erbs 28:19 says, “Work your garden—you’ll end up with plenty of food; play and party—you’ll end up with an empty plate.” (The Message) Early on we scheduled weekly meetings to look over our spending plan and checkbook together. We evalu-ated each allocation and made adjustments. Now that we’ve gotten good at working the plan we meet less frequently.

Learn to Compromise

David is the Spender in our family, which also makes him the visionary. I wouldn’t dream of do-ing the things he thinks of! When we were busy paying down debt, pinching pennies made me happy. Warm summer days rolled around and Da-vid started dreaming about family vacations. How could he even consider that? We still have debt to pay! I had to slow down the debt snowballing and listen. It was important to David that vacations be a part of our family’s culture. Our boys were growing up fast and he didn’t want to miss this pre-cious time with them. We reached a compromise with an off-season get away to Port Aransas. It took us a little longer to get out of debt, but the memories we shared with those little boys are priceless. I know our family would miss out if these decisions were all up to me.

Rework the Plan

Life happens. We get busy and it’s easy to get out of joint again. We relapse into our old habits and separate ways. If you mess up and things get disjointed, simply start over. Rework the plan. Don’t give up! A relapse is only a failure if you refuse to get back up again.

We did it! We were able to avoid bankruptcy and pay off our debt. It built a great sense of accom-plishment in our ability to work together. When a new crisis came into our world, we faced it with confidence. According to IRS there are benefits to a “married filing jointly” status. We know the benefits of joining together reach well beyond our tax return.

TRY THIS:Go and search for a Financial Peace University class near you at www.daveramsey.com/fpu

Grab a hold of that word “jointly.” Sit down together to create a spending plan this month.

For a sample spending plan email [email protected]

Filing Jointly While Disjointed? Be Together

Staff - Shoreline Church

David &Lynn Cherry



It’s a growing issue among families, and a question many parents grapple with: Is my child Autis-tic? The truth is, Autism affects one in 110 chil-dren, and one in 70 boys. So, how do you know if your child has Autism and what are the treatments? Behavior 4 Life in Killeen, TX knows all too well, and they share their expertise with us.

Experts now believe that chil-dren as young as 1 year old can show signs of Autism. The best way to prepare as a parent is to learn developmental milestones and then measure them against your own child’s patterns.

“Red Flag” Indicators: These are strongly suggestive of a child with Autism. If any of these signs are prevalent in your child, ask your pe-diatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:

• Doesn’t babble, point or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age

• Doesn’t speak by 16 months

• Doesn’t combine two words by 2 years old

• Doesn’t respond to name

• Begins to lose their learned language or social skills

Once diagnosed, parents often need guidance as to what to do next. For Amy Dillree, Director of Behavior 4 Life, she understands that feeling completely.

“I have a child with Autism,” she said. “So, as a parent, I can iden-tify with what the parents are going through, and we make it a point to involve them in the therapy.”

To be diagnosed Autism, a child must exhibit several traits regularly:

• Impairments in the child’s social interaction

• Impairments in the child’s communication

• Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of be-havior, interest and activities

If these signs are prevalent, then the experts at Behavior 4 Life are skilled at helping both the par-ent and child develop each area of the child’s life.

Using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills Re-vised and the Verbal Behavior Mile-stones Assessment and Placement Procedure, Behavior 4 Life can pinpoint the severity of the issue. Once that is established, skilled professionals then lead each child through a series of therapies.

“The ABA curriculum we use is usu-ally very structured, but at Behavior 4 Life, we take a holistic approach to therapy,” said Dillree. “We be-lieve the parents are the experts on their own children, so they are very involved in how we manage their child’s therapy.”

Behavior 4 Life’s mission is to ensure that all children with Au-tism Spectrum Disorder and their

Does My Child Have Autism? How to Know and What to Do

by Miranda N. Bradley

Special Story

Through basic language and learning behavior pattern assessments, the skilled experts at Behavior 4 Life can pinpoint the severity of a child’s condition.



U.S. kids are falling further behind the rest of the world every day.In 2000 American students finished 20th out of the top industrialized nations in math. In 2003, they dropped to 24th...in 2006 they slipped to 26th and in 2009, they dropped to 31st (PISA Reports). The Wall Street Journal called this an “economic timebomb.”

In the evolving global economy is your child prepared to compete with the rest of the world for the jobs and opportunities of the future?

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families receive professional, research-based ABA interven-tion and training.

“The best experience for us is when a child says their first word ever,” said Dillree. “That’s a great moment.”

For more information, or to request an assessment, visit w w w . b e h a v i o r 4 l i f e . c o m or call 690-3852.

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Children enjoying playtime and interaction at Behavior 4 Life - Killeen, TX



Whether you are in the grocery store watching a child throwing a tan-trum over an item; happen to do a double take upon passing a child with a physical disability; overhear some kids jokingly call each other “re-tarded” in conversation, or even joyfully brag about your child’s recent amazing accomplish-ments... most likely a million details and/or emo-tions of the person right next to you have inno-cently been overlooked.

It’s okay. I understand. I once walked in your shoes... But now, I am learning a whole new way of life, one I never planned or picked out for my-

self. It’s one that every day I have to struggle to understand. I realize that most people will never comprehend all the details and all the hard work, while I process the well-meaning comments and suggestions of loved ones or even strangers, but secretly hide all the tears inside.

My daughter is five years old. She loves to dress up in princess clothes and paint her fingernails pink, she loves to run, swim, and dance to mu-sic. She knows her colors, is learning her ABC’s, likes to read and loves Barney, but hates her long hair being brushed. In MOST ways, she is a very typical kid with her daddy wrapped

around her finger and one who fights with her older brothers. She also has Down Syndrome. So what looks like a spoiled brat not getting her way may really be a child freaking out because a certain texture touched her skin, or a loud and unfamiliar noise or object is scaring her…or her schedule is off and she needs that consistency and predictability.

Last year alone she had over 200 medical ap-pointments – so maybe that’s why it’s too hard to be in sports/ or dance/ or social groups. The really hard part is watching her cry as she gets her feelings hurt because she is smart enough to know how it feels like to be left out, but can-not understand why or even articulate yet what she wants. Therefore, she gets frustrated and overlooked. Don’t get me wrong, there are many joys and blessings of raising a child with special needs. This little girl has the ability to melt away the stress of the day with her smile, and her hugs and “I wub u” make the rest of the world disap-pear. She has made me a better person, and she is changing the lives of those around her who are willing to take the time to get to know her.

A Mile in Special Shoes by Tiffany Young

Special Story

I realize that most people will never comprehend all the details and all the hard work, while I process the well-meaning comments and suggestions of loved ones oreven strangers, but secretly hide all the tears inside.

“

”



So what do I wish others knew? That it is con-stant, hard, time consuming, and looks different, but we are not sorry she is who she is. That we are forever in a grief cycle, with our good days and bad ones that catch us off guard when we least expect it. That when others jokingly call someone “retarded” when they do something “different,” they ARE making a stab at kids like my little princess and she has the same emo-tions they do. That she DOES have the ability to learn everything the rest of us do, but it may just take her a little longer and require a little more help and compassion.

I wish that instead of jumping to make sug-gestions on how I could do things better or cut things out of my life to reduce stress, that others would instead just simply ask how to help, or just observe and be willing to learn about her and what makes our world go around. I would prefer to be asked a question rather than be stared at.

It is all about education. I am learning to walk a lifetime caring for someone who will walk with special shoes. Thanks for taking the time to spend a minute walking in mine.

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Wynter Young



If I read the best parenting book, attend the best seminar, and listen to the best mother’s advice but do not love my family, I am nothing. If I keep my home perfectly clean, decorate it to look like a spread from South-ern Living, look like a super model, and cook gourmet, organic meals but do not love my family, I am nothing. If I disciple college students, teach a women’s bible study, and pursue creative hobbies but do not love my family, I am nothing.

I asked one mom who had three babies back to back what she did when they were babies (in other words how did she survive), and she told me, very calmly, “I don’t remember a thing...” I just had to laugh. I can’t imagine how crazy it will be in the beginning, but an-other friend of mine said something very wise today who is thinking about having her fourth. “We can’t think only short term when we are considering more children because busy seasons come and go. We have to think long term about what we want our families to look like and what kind of legacy we get to leave behind.” It made me feel blessed that God has entrusted

us with three children so quickly. It is easy to lose sight of the big picture while you have crying kiddos, a messy home, and a tired mama. But in this moment, right now, I am thankful...and sometimes God gives me glimpses in the middle of our busy life to the kind of people that are being built right before my eyes.

I am reading a book right now (actually second time to read it because it is so good!), A Mother’s Heart by Jean Fleming, who wrote 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chap-ter) from a mother’s perspective. I thought I would share it (an excerpt) with you, with some changes from my own experience...

It ’s Just a Chapter of LoveWords from a mom expecting her third child… with a 2-year old and 8-month old already in tow…

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and sings the same song over and over again. Love is kind even when my child spills my coffee all over the floor. Love is kind even when I am tired and frazzled. Love is not jealous of others who have fewer children, more free time to pursue their own interests, or have family in town to help. Love doesn’t try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother and wife. Love doesn’t scream at the kids or disrespect my husband. Love doesn’t feel cheated because I didn’t get to do what I wanted to do today...read, craft, take a nap, call a friend, or exercise. Love doesn’t lose my temper easily. Love doesn’t assume the worst about my family even when they make mistakes. Love doesn’t rejoice when other children misbehave making my children look good. Love is genuinely happy when others do right. Love bears even the worst temper tantrum, endures every sleepless night, & hopes for the most abundant and fruitful life for my family.

Special Story by Amber Holdridge



Now Open!Come visit Temple’s new Children’s and Women’s

Clothing Exchange!

www.OtherMotherstemple.com

www.facebook.com/otherermotherstemple

• Children’s clothing• Women’s clothing• Baby furniture• Toys

2811 Thornton Lane

Temple, TX 76502(254) 742-0200

(South Loop Shopping Ctr,in front of Big Lots)


Clothing Exchange!




2811 Thornton Lane

Temple, TX 76502(254) 742-0200



Clothing Exchange!




2811 Thornton Lane

Temple, TX 76502(254) 742-0200



Clothing Exchange!




2811 Thornton Lane

Temple, TX 76502(254) 742-0200



Clothing Exchange!




2811 Thornton Lane

Temple, TX 76502(254) 742-0200


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Bell County Family Real EstateFOR SALE • $112,370

NEW FEATURED LISTING!

4513 JANELLE • KILLEEN $109,000 MLS# 170728

Very open floor plan perfect for family time and enter-taining. Spacious Family Room offers wood laminate flooring and amazing wall space for ease of furniture placement. Eat-in Kitchen is separated from Family Room by breakfast bar and features a pantry, smooth-top stove, center island, bay window and good counter & cabinet space. The large owner’s retreat offers a bath with his & hers closets, a linen closet, tile flooring and a long vanity with cabinet storage. The split plan affords more privacy. Other amenities include garage door opener, security system and convenient location near schools, shopping, Ft. Hood and Metroplex Hospital.

Great location & price!!!

615 Frontier • Harker Heights, TXThis 3 BR, 2 BA provides upgrades at affordable price. BAs have granite counter tops, new vanities, & tile tub surrounds. Features a welcoming LR w/fireplace for cool Texas nights &french doors leading to the fully fenced backyard. The kitchen opens to the living and dining rooms. There is tile throughout except the bedrooms. The master bath features a jetted tub and the master suit offers a good size walk-in closet. This home is conveniently located within minutes of HEB, Market Heights, parks, etc.

Kathy Ruiz - Licensed AgentERA Colonial Real EstateOffice: (254) 698-4300Cell: (254) 681-2112Toll Free: (800) 445-2414

3908 SALT FORK • KILLEEN $194,900 MLS# 169986

Stone brick combo w/brick skirting has beautiful curb appeal. Lrg open flr-plan makes is great. Ceramic Tile all areas except BRs. Spacious Fam Rm feat step ceil-ing, mouldings, recessed lighting, opens to breakfast area w/row of windows looking out to Texas-Size cvrd patio w/stone columns. Lrg Kitch w/tile splash, granite-cntrs, center-island, desk area, pantry, corner sink w/backyard view, double oven, stainless steel applianc-es, great cntr-space. Spacious owner’s retreat features Lrg BA w/corner jetted tub, his/hers vanities, separate shower, and great walk-in closet. Note the size of the secondary BRs--two with tall ceilings. Utility Rm offers

great cbnt-space w/sink. Must see to appreciate!!

605 CHEETAH • H.HEIGHTS $199,999 MLS# 168433

Delano custom home on landscaped corner lot in Country Trails. Tiled entry w/coat closet leads you to spacious Fam Rm flooded w/light from back door w/row of wndws and wood-lmnte flrs, vaulted ceilings and brick raised hearth fireplc. Formal DR, updtd Kitch w/tile flrs, center island, granite cntrs, updtd applianc-es, breakfast area w/bay window. Cvrd patio, Lrg Deck. Lndscpd yard w/brick-wrought iron fence around most of yard. Owner’s retreat(note size!)boasts step ceiling, bay wndw, and spacious bath with a garden tub, sep-arate shower, Lrg dual sink vanity, and walk-in closet w/cbnts and shelving. Lrg secondary BRs. Lrg utility rm w/tile flr, cbnts and space for freezer. side load garage

506 PROSPECTOR H.HEIGHTS • $189,900

This 4 BR, 2.25 BA (Cobalt Plan) offers an open, airy feel while maintaining elegance w/vaulted ceil-ings, soaring arches, w/updated features. Lrg foyer is flanked by formal LR and DR; offers chair railing and picture mouldings. The chef’s dream kitchen boasts custom splash & cabinets, center island w/sink, pan-try, smooth-top stove, & amazing wrap-around bar w/open arches looking into spacious FamRm w/center fireplace flanked by windows. Breakfast area, cvrd patio and beautifully landscaped yard. Master Suite has 9FT ceiling and generous-sized bath w/garden tub, walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, separate shower & linen. Great location, sprinkler and security system;

garage door opener. You will love this home!!!

MLS# 170728

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• State-of-the-art Care• New Patients Welcome• Convenient Appointments• Parent-Friendly Too!• Insurance Filed & Processed

4402 Williams Dr., Ste. 106Georgetown, TX 78628 512-869-4100

GeorgetownPediatricDentistry.com

Kenny Havard, DDS • Travis Hildebrand, DDS

KidsLove ItHere!

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