Operation LOVE reunited
www.oplove.org
If you have ever been through a military deployment, there are no words to explain how hard it is to send the father or mother of your children off to some foreign, dangerous land, leaving you all behind…. Alone. It’s indescribable to watch their faces light up as their mother or father comes up the stairs of the airport after months, possibly a year or more, of not hugging each other. Emotions fly through the main lobby, it’s so very good to have them home. Your base’s Family Support Squadron will help you with your deployment. But the last thing on your mind when your wife or husband arrives home after a 4 to 18 month tour, is capturing all this love– on film. Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions they forget to simply point and shoot the camera they are grasping of their child’s first hug, or that single tear of relief from a mother being able to hold her twenty year old son again. With the help of Operation: Love ReUnited and local photographers near your base, you can.
The Operation helps those long months go by a little faster. It’s designed to capture moments that you will never remember. It’s art. It’s love. And it’s all made possible by artists wanting to give something back to those who make the United States what it is, and ask for nothing in return- but to come home.
If you are a member or family member of the United States Military, and are interested in having very special and touching images with a patriotic edge taken of you and/or your family before a deployment or during, and at your reunion, please check our website to locate a photographer in your area: www.oplove.org. You will receive a substantial package as a gift in appreciation for all you have been through as a military member. The package will always include a 4x6 album of pre-deployment images, such as a child’s hand clasped in his parent’s with the faint glimpse of a BDU sleeve, a marine in dress with his family, a salior with his parents right before departure, or a child playing dress up in combat boots and a helmet. The album will be sent to the deployed soldier by the photographer, at no cost to you. Also with your package, all session fees will be waived. Your photographer may have a designated package or other options for Operation: Love ReUnited participants at their discretion with a signed model release.
About Pre-Deployment & Deployment Sessions:
OpLove Pre-Deployment & Deployment sessions help you say goodbye and cope with being away. Anyone who has had to see their husband or wife, son, daughter, sister or brother off to war knows how hard it is to watch them walk away from you. Our photographers are part of the program as volunteers. They feel your pain, many of them being military spouses or family members themselves, they want to listen, they want to help ease your worries, they want to do what they can to help you through this deployment, and we do that with photography. Your initial session will be either with your spouse before he or she deploys dressed in their dress uniform or BDUs for most of the session, or if you find OpLove after your loved one has deployed, your session will be done without your loved one keeping a patriotic theme that could include dress, hats, BDUs, boots and other military gear, but they will still experience all the love & benefits that OpLove has to offer.
About Returning Sessions:
When your loved one comes home from a deployment, the last thought on your mind will be your camera. Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions, they simply forget they are holding it in their hand. Once you find out about the time your loved one is to return from his or her deployment, please let your photographer know. They will want to accompany your family to the welcoming home of your spouse or loved one, and capture that first glimpse, that first embrace, and all the love that surrounds every person who walks off that plane, into their families arms.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Fabulous Fridays at the Fairy Godmother!
We have four themes for Fabulous Fridays at The Fairy Godmother. This Friday is the Royal Ball. This is a DROP AND LEAVE thing (so you can have FUN!). Girls will have a fabulous time with dress-up, dancing, singing, and games. All meals and drinks are provided.
Price: $35/girl
Reservation required: 693-3030
You can pay however you wish (cc or cash) the day of.
Hours: 5PM - 9PM each Friday.
Sibling discount: $5 per girl
Children must be potty trained.
The Royal Ball:
Friday, June 19th 5 PM – 9 PM
Suitable for ages 3-6, as long as potty trained.
Dress up in pearls, gowns, and shoes.
A princess will perform a magical make-over of hair, make-up, and painted nails.
Have a real Tea Party
Princess Crafts and games
Princess story time
Fashion Show for parents at 8:40 PM
Dinner, drinks, and snacks provided.
Friday, June 19th 5 PM – 9 PM
Suitable for ages 3-6, as long as potty trained.
Dress up in pearls, gowns, and shoes.
A princess will perform a magical make-over of hair, make-up, and painted nails.
Have a real Tea Party
Princess Crafts and games
Princess story time
Fashion Show for parents at 8:40 PM
Dinner, drinks, and snacks provided.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Motivation....by David MaretHouse
Motivation is a variable that I deal with on an hour to hour basis with my clients. I have people convey such motivations as wanting to lose unwanted body fat gained from pregnancy, or yearning to look their best for a nearing class reunion or wedding. Some individuals need a simple stress relief from work or would like to be able to keep up with the endless energy of their children or grandchildren. People are often motivated by what I call “short term” goals, or “superficial” goals, and lose sight of the overall importance of what healthy living really means.
Now above and beyond the “short term” goals, let’s take a look at two of the major beneficial factors of implementing healthy lifestyle choices.
1st - Exercise and healthy eating habits can add ten or more QUALITY years to your life. What is that worth to you? Really……think about that for a second. You can spend more time with your loved ones, see your grandchildren and great grandchildren live and grow, and experience this playground we call earth for a while more.
2nd - Your quality of life increases after the 1st day! Yes, despite what some say, you see immediate results after implementing healthy lifestyle habits. You have more energy, you sleep better and more soundly, your stress level is diminished, your libido increases, your self confidence increases, and your overall outlook on life is improved. Now who in their right mind would not want all of that?!
Many people establish healthy lifestyle habits for “short term” reasons; however, if you focus on the above mentioned long term benefits, then all the short term benefits naturally fall into place.
As you read this, take the time out to think about your own health and wellness. Are you happy with your current state of health? Have you really given thought to how you feel your health will be in five years? We are all in the same predicament of hectic days, getting our kids to and from school, getting to the grocery store and having meals prepared. Make YOU a priority, be a role model for your children and loved ones, and take care of yourself. Find your motivation right now and make plans for tomorrow to start your journey to a better life. If you have already embarked on your journey, let this simply be a reminder of why you should never dock. I wish you all well on your journey to change.
http://marethouse.com/
Now above and beyond the “short term” goals, let’s take a look at two of the major beneficial factors of implementing healthy lifestyle choices.
1st - Exercise and healthy eating habits can add ten or more QUALITY years to your life. What is that worth to you? Really……think about that for a second. You can spend more time with your loved ones, see your grandchildren and great grandchildren live and grow, and experience this playground we call earth for a while more.
2nd - Your quality of life increases after the 1st day! Yes, despite what some say, you see immediate results after implementing healthy lifestyle habits. You have more energy, you sleep better and more soundly, your stress level is diminished, your libido increases, your self confidence increases, and your overall outlook on life is improved. Now who in their right mind would not want all of that?!
Many people establish healthy lifestyle habits for “short term” reasons; however, if you focus on the above mentioned long term benefits, then all the short term benefits naturally fall into place.
As you read this, take the time out to think about your own health and wellness. Are you happy with your current state of health? Have you really given thought to how you feel your health will be in five years? We are all in the same predicament of hectic days, getting our kids to and from school, getting to the grocery store and having meals prepared. Make YOU a priority, be a role model for your children and loved ones, and take care of yourself. Find your motivation right now and make plans for tomorrow to start your journey to a better life. If you have already embarked on your journey, let this simply be a reminder of why you should never dock. I wish you all well on your journey to change.
http://marethouse.com/
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Mom's Corner -- Daddy's Day
by Taylor Coker
Daddy’s Day
Granted, this is supposed to be a Mom’s corner, and yes, I am aware of that. But, with Father’s Day quickly approaching, I simply could not resist the urge to write about and/or for all of the Dads that might be reading. And, with that, I further could not resist the urge to write about the greatest father I know…my husband!
So, let me fill you in on a little about him...By profession, he is an educator. He loves coaching, but because varsity sports consume a great deal of time, the fact that I was still working full-time and going to grad school, that he worked best with a particular group of students, and because he simply desired more time at home with the family, he has found his heart at the middle school level.
I knew him for years before we dated and married, and I pretty much could not stand him for most of that time. He is my foil, and I simply could not accept that anyone could approach things so differently than I. As I reflect now on why I really fell in love with him, it was not because of his stunning good looks, his charming personality, his witty sense of humor, his passion for life, his sense of adventure, his overwhelming spontaneity, his thought-provoking wisdom, his devout loyalty, or his love for his Lord. (I still did not like him despite all of these positive traits!) Rather, I fell in love with the way that he exemplifies, all of these things as a father.
I thought about telling you all that it is because of my awesomeness as a wife that my husband is such and incredible father, but, I humbly admit that it is because of his awesomeness as a husband that I am really a better mother.
There is an old cliché that behind every successful man there is a supportive wife, and while I cannot particularly disclaim that, I can offer that the opposite is equally true: Behind every successful woman there is a tremendously supportive husband.
Granted, I may not be all that “successful” to some, but I know with certainty that I would never be half the woman – much less mother - I am without him.
Perhaps I should explain...Some say that I have “issues.” I am extremely OCD, tend not to be graceful in stressful situations, etc. Take, for example, this evening…I turned my back while the kids were in the tub, and the 4-year-old fell not once, but twice, acquiring a black eye, a cut forehead and a gigantic knot on the back of his head. I, of course, overreact and fight the overwhelming urge to cry as guilt consumes me. I bellow for help, he walks in calmly, embraces the little one and me, and assures us both that all is really okay.
He also does all sorts of other things for the children and in support of me that make me a better mother, remind me daily why I fell in love with him, and affirm that he is truly an amazing dad… He always has chocolate milk ready for the little ones when they wake up, rarely grinches when he sorts the never-ending piles of socks, volunteers to make midnight trips to the store, and is solely in charge of cooking a gourmet dinner on a budget each evening. He helps the dramatic scheduling of 4 busy children between assisting with baths, studying spelling words, giving the dreaded “talk” to a 10-year-old, and cleaning the dinner dishes. He will always take time out to play a game of catch with the boys or teach them to tie a lure. He loves to read to the kids and delights in playing “babies” with his little girl. He changes diapers without ever being asked. He chuckles when cold, wet bottoms crawl into bed with us, and has often said his favorite thing about weekend mornings are the pile of kids watching cartoons in our bed.
More, he does all of these things with joy… reminding me by example and supporting me with his actions.
There is an old adage: “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy.” To my husband, a Daddy, and to all of the other incredible men like him, I wish for you the very happiest Father’s Daddy’s Day…We mothers and our/your children love you more than you know!
Daddy’s Day
Granted, this is supposed to be a Mom’s corner, and yes, I am aware of that. But, with Father’s Day quickly approaching, I simply could not resist the urge to write about and/or for all of the Dads that might be reading. And, with that, I further could not resist the urge to write about the greatest father I know…my husband!
So, let me fill you in on a little about him...By profession, he is an educator. He loves coaching, but because varsity sports consume a great deal of time, the fact that I was still working full-time and going to grad school, that he worked best with a particular group of students, and because he simply desired more time at home with the family, he has found his heart at the middle school level.
I knew him for years before we dated and married, and I pretty much could not stand him for most of that time. He is my foil, and I simply could not accept that anyone could approach things so differently than I. As I reflect now on why I really fell in love with him, it was not because of his stunning good looks, his charming personality, his witty sense of humor, his passion for life, his sense of adventure, his overwhelming spontaneity, his thought-provoking wisdom, his devout loyalty, or his love for his Lord. (I still did not like him despite all of these positive traits!) Rather, I fell in love with the way that he exemplifies, all of these things as a father.
I thought about telling you all that it is because of my awesomeness as a wife that my husband is such and incredible father, but, I humbly admit that it is because of his awesomeness as a husband that I am really a better mother.
There is an old cliché that behind every successful man there is a supportive wife, and while I cannot particularly disclaim that, I can offer that the opposite is equally true: Behind every successful woman there is a tremendously supportive husband.
Granted, I may not be all that “successful” to some, but I know with certainty that I would never be half the woman – much less mother - I am without him.
Perhaps I should explain...Some say that I have “issues.” I am extremely OCD, tend not to be graceful in stressful situations, etc. Take, for example, this evening…I turned my back while the kids were in the tub, and the 4-year-old fell not once, but twice, acquiring a black eye, a cut forehead and a gigantic knot on the back of his head. I, of course, overreact and fight the overwhelming urge to cry as guilt consumes me. I bellow for help, he walks in calmly, embraces the little one and me, and assures us both that all is really okay.
He also does all sorts of other things for the children and in support of me that make me a better mother, remind me daily why I fell in love with him, and affirm that he is truly an amazing dad… He always has chocolate milk ready for the little ones when they wake up, rarely grinches when he sorts the never-ending piles of socks, volunteers to make midnight trips to the store, and is solely in charge of cooking a gourmet dinner on a budget each evening. He helps the dramatic scheduling of 4 busy children between assisting with baths, studying spelling words, giving the dreaded “talk” to a 10-year-old, and cleaning the dinner dishes. He will always take time out to play a game of catch with the boys or teach them to tie a lure. He loves to read to the kids and delights in playing “babies” with his little girl. He changes diapers without ever being asked. He chuckles when cold, wet bottoms crawl into bed with us, and has often said his favorite thing about weekend mornings are the pile of kids watching cartoons in our bed.
More, he does all of these things with joy… reminding me by example and supporting me with his actions.
There is an old adage: “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy.” To my husband, a Daddy, and to all of the other incredible men like him, I wish for you the very happiest Father’s Daddy’s Day…We mothers and our/your children love you more than you know!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Tom's Thumb - June article
Plant for the Heat!
It seems like yesterday I couldn’t wait for the spring garden to bloom. I was excited to see the pansies burst with color, the first blooms of petunias, and the fragrance of roses. Well, spring is over and it’s time to get ready for the heat of summer. Now is the time to get the heat tolerant plants in place for the summer. I have three favorite plants for the hot days of summer.
Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia)
Unlike the cool season snapdragons, these plants love the heat and provide an abundance of flowers. Similar to the winter snapdragons, these plants will bring beauty to the garden throughout the season with colors varying from white to mixed-purple and even pink. These bushy plants, with dark green willow like foliage, range in height from 12 to 20 inches and only need good drainage for continuous growth. Summer snaps are considered an annual in the Brazos Valley and most of the big box stores have them as well as the local nurseries.
Sun Coleus
This is a great accent foliage plant for containers of filler spots in the garden. The sun coleus is relatively new and grows well in the heat and humidity of our area. The plant holds their vibrant leaf colors throughout the summer, and most will double or triple their size by September. One key to continuous growth is to pinch off the blooms to encourage bushier foliage.
Periwinkles (Vinca)
Periwinkles are one honestly one of the “easiest-to-grow” flowers for our area. Once again, they come in a rainbow of colors. I like to plant a flat of one color together in an area for an impact. These plants love the sun and again only require good drainage to grow to about 12 inches tall by midsummer. I like to plant mine about four inches apart for carpet-like continuous color. Periwinkles are annuals but are prolific in their reseeding.
Have a cool summer. Don’t forget to feed the birds!
It seems like yesterday I couldn’t wait for the spring garden to bloom. I was excited to see the pansies burst with color, the first blooms of petunias, and the fragrance of roses. Well, spring is over and it’s time to get ready for the heat of summer. Now is the time to get the heat tolerant plants in place for the summer. I have three favorite plants for the hot days of summer.
Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia)
Unlike the cool season snapdragons, these plants love the heat and provide an abundance of flowers. Similar to the winter snapdragons, these plants will bring beauty to the garden throughout the season with colors varying from white to mixed-purple and even pink. These bushy plants, with dark green willow like foliage, range in height from 12 to 20 inches and only need good drainage for continuous growth. Summer snaps are considered an annual in the Brazos Valley and most of the big box stores have them as well as the local nurseries.
Sun Coleus
This is a great accent foliage plant for containers of filler spots in the garden. The sun coleus is relatively new and grows well in the heat and humidity of our area. The plant holds their vibrant leaf colors throughout the summer, and most will double or triple their size by September. One key to continuous growth is to pinch off the blooms to encourage bushier foliage.
Periwinkles (Vinca)
Periwinkles are one honestly one of the “easiest-to-grow” flowers for our area. Once again, they come in a rainbow of colors. I like to plant a flat of one color together in an area for an impact. These plants love the sun and again only require good drainage to grow to about 12 inches tall by midsummer. I like to plant mine about four inches apart for carpet-like continuous color. Periwinkles are annuals but are prolific in their reseeding.
Have a cool summer. Don’t forget to feed the birds!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June - Letter from the Publisher!
No question about it, summer is here and it is hot. We might get lucky with one or two more “cooler” days before the true dog days are here, but for the most part, we can look forward to sun block and sweat beaded arms when spending time outside. June not only brings the joys of summer, but it also brings Father’s Day. Go ahead and set aside a little extra time for Dad and let him know that you appreciate all that he does.
These summer months can also bring an array of personal and family plans. Travel, vacation, school, or even a new house! If you are contemplating making a move, be sure to check out Sherry Perry’s Home Sweet Home, it will prove to be a useful guide. The warm weather also means more time spent at area pools, waterparks, lakes, rivers, and oceans. That means bathing suit weather, and if you are like me, you might want to shape up a little before hitting the scene. It is funny to think that “bathing suit time” is what we think of when looking for motivation to get into shape. In reality, we should be thinking about all the benefits of living a more healthy lifestyle.
Dave Marethouse points out some simple yet very important factors of healthy living. With the 4th of July right around the corner, why not brush off those vocal chords by singing patriotic songs in preparation for next month’s celebrations. These tunes are always fun to sing, and you can take it a step further by learning the history behind some of the songs! In this issue of AYC, Mr. Sterling Allen has shared with us a wonderful look at some of our Nation’s favorite songs and how they came to be!
Over the last few months, we have been receiving inquiries about incorporating our US Troops somehow in AYC. We think that this is a great idea and one that is close to our heart as we have a brother that recently returned from Iraq. We are definitely not alone, there are numerous families in the College Station and Brazos Valley area that have family and friends currently serving, or recently serving in our military forces. Father’s Day provided us a wonderful and unique platform for this effort. Our cover photograph, as well as our feature photograph this month are of Alex Tran and his family. Captain Tran recently returned home to the Brazos Valley after a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan. A loving husband and father of three, Captain Tran has spent 13 years in the Army, including a 12 month tour in Iraq in addition to his service in Afghanistan. We were lucky to capture some of the elated emotion upon his arrival, the experience was one of a kind, and we are honored to share it with you. If you have not had a chance to welcome the Troops home at an airport, I strongly encourage you to do so – whatever your views on the war may be. As a father and a husband, I can only imagine the feeling of holding your little girl, hugging your son, and kissing your wife after traveling half a world for serving our wonderful Country. Our hats are off for you Captain Tran, and Thank you.
Thank you so much for reading, please visit some of our great supporters you see in our pages, spend quality family time and soak up some summer sun!
These summer months can also bring an array of personal and family plans. Travel, vacation, school, or even a new house! If you are contemplating making a move, be sure to check out Sherry Perry’s Home Sweet Home, it will prove to be a useful guide. The warm weather also means more time spent at area pools, waterparks, lakes, rivers, and oceans. That means bathing suit weather, and if you are like me, you might want to shape up a little before hitting the scene. It is funny to think that “bathing suit time” is what we think of when looking for motivation to get into shape. In reality, we should be thinking about all the benefits of living a more healthy lifestyle.
Dave Marethouse points out some simple yet very important factors of healthy living. With the 4th of July right around the corner, why not brush off those vocal chords by singing patriotic songs in preparation for next month’s celebrations. These tunes are always fun to sing, and you can take it a step further by learning the history behind some of the songs! In this issue of AYC, Mr. Sterling Allen has shared with us a wonderful look at some of our Nation’s favorite songs and how they came to be!
Over the last few months, we have been receiving inquiries about incorporating our US Troops somehow in AYC. We think that this is a great idea and one that is close to our heart as we have a brother that recently returned from Iraq. We are definitely not alone, there are numerous families in the College Station and Brazos Valley area that have family and friends currently serving, or recently serving in our military forces. Father’s Day provided us a wonderful and unique platform for this effort. Our cover photograph, as well as our feature photograph this month are of Alex Tran and his family. Captain Tran recently returned home to the Brazos Valley after a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan. A loving husband and father of three, Captain Tran has spent 13 years in the Army, including a 12 month tour in Iraq in addition to his service in Afghanistan. We were lucky to capture some of the elated emotion upon his arrival, the experience was one of a kind, and we are honored to share it with you. If you have not had a chance to welcome the Troops home at an airport, I strongly encourage you to do so – whatever your views on the war may be. As a father and a husband, I can only imagine the feeling of holding your little girl, hugging your son, and kissing your wife after traveling half a world for serving our wonderful Country. Our hats are off for you Captain Tran, and Thank you.
Thank you so much for reading, please visit some of our great supporters you see in our pages, spend quality family time and soak up some summer sun!
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