Using the concept of Love Languages in your Katy home

My husband and I read Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, early in our marriage.  We found it to be of such importance that I went on and read The Five Love Languages of Children, by Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell.

The premise of both books is that love is understood differently by different people.  If I love my husband with acts of service, he will receive the love more deeply than if I love him with quality time.

I highly recommend the books for anyone who is interested in finding out your love language.  The book lists 5 basic, general love languages: words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, quality time, and gifts.

When life is busy being lived, it isn’t always easy for me to know exactly how to translate the overarching idea of ‘quality time’ into my structured week.  I know my spouse responds to love through gifts, but that doesn’t always mean I know which trinket to grab while I’m grocery shopping. (more…)

July 30th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Healthy Katy |  Email This Post

July 26, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Thunder, a 9U select baseball team, came in 2^nd place in the Mid-South Select Nations National Championship in Spring, TX.  During the week of July 11^th, the Thunder went 11-3, winning 8 games in a row to make it to the championship game!  To begin the championship week, the Thunder took home 1^st place in the “Around the Horn” competition.  The Thunder have only been together since January 2010, and look forward to many more successful tournaments.  www.katythunder.com.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 28th 2010 Posted to Katy News,Sports News |  Email This Post

Healthy rice cereal treats for your Katy cuties!

Mickey Mouse Treats

My family just got back from a stay at Disney World, and my children are all about Mickey and the princesses these days.  So, when it came time to whip up a dessert for a get-together, the decision was easy: Mickey Mouse rice cereal treats.  I was envisioning something like the classic Mickey ice cream sticks covered in chocolate, but I could not find a cookie cutter of the traditional Mickey face anywhere in town.

Instead, I did find a full body cookie cutter of Mickey, looking to the side.  Because our hearts were set on making this dessert, my daughter, age 4, and I decided it was good enough for our purposes.

I made the rice cereal treats and spread them as thin as possible over a jelly roll pan covered in wax paper and cooking spray.  After the treats cooled just enough to be easy to manage but not so much that they were set, I began cutting Mickey’s head out of the side.  Since it was a whole body cookie cutter, I had to form the base of his head once the treat was cut.  With the leftover treats, I rolled small balls and set them aside. (more…)

July 26th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Katy Family Fun |  Email This Post

July 23, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Kitana is a spayed female boxer that went missing from a home in west Katy on July 20, 2010. She was last seen by workers at Tubular Steel. She is brindle with white flashy markings on her face, neck, chest and legs. She also has a scar on her left hip. Her family loves her and misses her! Cara at 832-683-3784 or  832-577-4707.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 23rd 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This Post

July 23, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Cinco Ranch High School Bravo Show Choir is bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to life this fall. This popular show began in 1967 as a 20-minute “pop cantata” for a school Easter concert, and was revived and expanded in the mid-’70s, heading to Broadway in 1982. This lively interpretation tells the story of Joseph’s coat of many colors and has charmed audiences around the world with its excitement, energy, and musical variety. Dates for the show are September 16, 17 and 18, in the PAC of Cinco Ranch High School. Ticket information: In advance: adults  $8, students $6.  At the door:  adults  $10, students $8. Katy ISD Gold Card honored.  For more information, or to reserve tickets, please contact Dorothy Wilson at 281-237-5204 or dorothywilson@katyisd.org.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com

Back Row: Andrea Richardson, Eubie Pabilona, Eric Morgan, Olivia de Gruyter, Jacob Levy, Matthew Nelson. 3rd Row: Alex Barsalou, Amanda Menzie, Kailyn Campbell, Lindsay Bartlett, Melanie Mozer, Victoria Nation. 2nd Row: Bethany Marshall, Julian Peraza, Kale Harris, Chris Deyo, Austin Crosby, Sara Marquis. Front Row: Emily Gunter, Travis Martin, Katie Coolidge. Not pictured: Zane Hill, Lauren Linderman

July 23rd 2010 Posted to Katy News,School News |  Email This Post

July 21, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center, is pleased to announce the long awaited opening of the Katy areas first “green” full service eye care center, located at the corner of Westgreen and Kingsland. The new center will house the Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center’s comprehensive eye care clinic, state-of-the-art LASIK center and Medicare and AAAHC approved outpatient ambulatory surgery center (ASC). To schedule an appointment in our new location, please call 713-580-2500 or 1-800-MY-VISION.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 21st 2010 Posted to Business News,Katy News |  Email This Post

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 Trying a Katy Progressive Dinner on a less-expensive scale

We love the idea of a progressive dinner, whereby we travel to three different restaurants throughout the course of our meal.  Appetizer and drinks, main dish, and dessert are all eaten at different venues, making the night last a bit longer and allowing for some variety within the meal.

Our first progressive dinner date, we did on a bigger scale, budget-wise.  Then, we ate appetizers at Perry’s Steakhouse, dinner at Three Olives, and dessert at Hasta la Pasta.  While it was wonderful, we were curious: can we do it again, this time being more budget-conscience?

We decided to make the entire event hassle free by choosing a location that has it all: La Centerra.  We were able to enjoy three courses at three different locations, all on foot. (more…)

July 20th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Katy Scene |  Email This Post

The First Day of School is Right Around the Corner for Katy ISD Students

Merrell Center - Katy ISD Administration Building

The 2010-1011 school year starts is only a month away, which means school supplies, clothes, and for some of us, registering children in new schools. For students new Katy ISD and returning students, parents need to make sure you’ve got everything ready for the new school year.

According to the Katy ISD registration site at http://www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/Registration.aspx, to register students new to the district, or new to kindergarten, middle, or high school, parents will need the following documents:

• Proof of residence (like a recent utility bill or house/apartment rental agreement)
• Official birth certificate or other  proof of the student’s identity
• Immunization Records
• Report card or transcript from the previous school
• Withdrawal sheet from the previous school
• Social Security card
• Application for Determination of a Minor’s Residence (if the student lives with someone besides a parent) (more…)

July 19th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Katy Parenting |  Email This Post

July 19, 2010 – Katy, Texas - Pigtails and Crewcuts Salon 5131 S. Fry Road #500 Pigtails & Crewcuts, a premier children’s salon, is opening its doors and its barber chairs to the kids of Katy. Debuting in late July 2010, Pigtails & Crewcuts will cater to the locks of the tiniest customers. Meeting the needs of parents and children, this full-service salon offers a bevy of child-friendly products and services. In addition to the amenities at the creative kid’s salon, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers themed parties where children dress up in costumes and have the ultimate themed party in the Playroom. Themes include Ahoy Matey, Pretty Princesses, Howdy Partner, Dolly & Me Have Tea, Darling Diva Doll and Aloha. For more information please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 19th 2010 Posted to Business News,Katy News |  Email This Post

Recipient Sam Luna receives humanitarian service award from Rex Lloyd, who represents the Legion of Honor & Texas Veterans Commission

July 15, 2010 - Katy, Texas – Samuel Luna is the recipient of the “Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award.”  His lifelong humanitarian service has focused on helping veterans in our local community.  Sam was nominated for this prestigious award by Father Rara, a chaplain at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital, for his work with the veterans.  Sam serves as the Veterans Service Officer in Katy for VFW Post 9182, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 723, American Legion Post 164 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 in Houston. 

It’s through a program titled Vets’ Journey Home, where Sam focuses most of his time and has helped hundreds of veterans.  ”When veterans get home they bring back important stories to tell, of adventures and pain, of fear and courage, of lessons learned. But often friends and family do not want to listen or are uncomfortable talking about war. So, if veterans are going to open up at all, they often seek out another veteran to talk with. Unfortunately, when veterans talk together of the war, attempts at sharing the grief and pain often slip into a ‘That ain’t nothing’ or ‘Top this one’ exchange of war stories” as stated at www.vetsjourneyhome.org. Vet’s Journey Home is designed by veterans for veterans. It’s a place where veterans can share their story in a safe environment.  In our area, weekend retreats are available for veterans as well as spouses.  Veterans of all ages have provided testimonials how the experience made a difference in their lives and how it’s helped improve their day to day relationships with others. 

Mark Goulston, M.D. author of “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies says it best. “There are hundreds of thousands of veterans living in hell alone, not being able to fully shake off the memories of the horrors of war that they physically survived, but mentally are still tormented by. The only way out of it or at least getting past it is through heart-to-heart conversations with others who have gone through the same. And yet, these legions of tormented warriors will fight the very thing that can offer hope of a better life.  Samuel is in the forefront of helping those healing (more…)

July 19th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This Post

Enjoy the sites and sounds of nature just minutes from Katy, Texas

An American Alligator at Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park, bordering the Brazos River in fort Bend County, boasts 5,000 acres with seven lakes and more than 20 miles of Hike and Bike trails. The Park is a wildlife sanctuary where families can observe egrets and herons, ducks of all kinds, rabbits and raccoons,  turtles, snakes and alligators in their natural habitat. National Geographic Traveler Magazine rated Brazos Bend one of the top ten State Parks in the Nation.

Bring your bikes and your hiking shoes for witnessing the wildlife – and for the exercise and fun. The park sells no food, but has plenty of picnic tables and grills, as well as space for picnic blankets. Even on a busy weekend you can find a spot without being too close to neighboring picnickers, unless you want to be close. So pack up your ice chests with enough food for lunch and dinner and enjoy fine outdoor dining with your kids.

Other activities include pier fishing in any of the seven lakes, a nature center and museum (open every Saturday and Sunday, or weekdays by appointment), camping, and for astronomy buffs, the George Observatory and Challenger Learning Center. The Observatory is open to the public on Saturdays with viewing after dusk. Tickets to view the telescopes in all the three domes go on sale at 5PM and cost $5 per person. Viewing through the telescopes on the deck, though, are free of charge. (more…)

July 14th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Katy Family Fun,Katy Scene,New to Katy |  Email This Post

Colonel (Ret) Michael Mastrangelo (left) receiving the colors from outgoing Commander Colonel (Ret) Peyton Lumpkin (right) during the change of command ceremony.

July 12, 2010 - Katy, Texas  Colonel (Ret) Michael A. Mastrangelo assumed command of VFW Post 9182 from outgoing Commander Colonel (Ret) Peyton Lumpkin during ceremonies that marked the 4th of July observation at the VFW Post in old Katy. Commander Mastrangelo pledged to continue the VFW programs of support to our members and their families, service to the community, educating our young, and advocating the welfare of our military. “Katy is a great veteran town whose support to the VFW, from the City officials to the citizens, have been warm and close” said Mastrangelo.

Lumpkin, coming off of a very successful two years as the Commander, thanked his fellow veterans and dignitaries, to include the Mayor Donald Elder, for their support in making Katy “an All-American Post.” Lumpkin and Mastrangelo are two career military officers, who have worked closely together for the last three years, Lumpkin stressed that he views “Mike Mastrangelo as a close friend and will be eager to assist as the Post takes on major initiatives this upcoming year.”

Justin Perryman presided as Master of Ceremonies, keeping the ceremony professional and interesting for all in attendance. It was a tender moment during the ceremony when Dave Brasell, Senior Vice Commander, introduced surviving World War ll Prisoner Of War (POW) Warren Robertson. POW Robertson, also a Katy VFW member, found himself in the US Army in March of 1942 on the Island of Java when he was captured and held by the Japanese for 3 1/2 years. He was moved to various POW camps in the Japanese empire until he eventually found himself in a POW camp in (more…)

July 13th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This Post

Teresa Toliver, Pat Sebastian, Shirl Hawes, Dianne Hilderbrandt, Elinor Nichols, and Barbara Sherman

June 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Six Members of the Kappa Kappa Chapter attended the Texas State Convention of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for women educators held in Waco at the Convention Center June 17-19.   Attending the convention were Teresa Toliver (incoming president), Pat Sebastian (Treasurer), Shirl Hawes (Parliamentarian), Dianne Hilderbrandt, Elinor Nichols, Barbara Sherman.

The chapter won the following awards during the convention: 

• 5-Star Newsletter
• Exemplary Yearbook
• Scholarship Honors
• Completing “Hundred for Headquarters” campaign

The theme for the 2009-2011 biennium of Texas State President, Dr. Vicki Davis, retired Provost at Texas A&M-Commerce, is Advance the Society…Believe, Engage, Learn, Lead.  Highlights of the convention included presentations by outstanding speakers such as Mr. Mark Hoog, Executive Director of the Children’s Leadership Institute and author whose topic was Conscious Leadership.    A presentation by motivational speaker Amanda Gore delivered the Secret Skills of Leadership, and the Magic of Marketing was presented by Helaine Jesse Morres, vice president of development and external affairs at Western Nevada College.  A Birthday Luncheon celebrated the 81st birthday of Delta Kappa Gamma, founded in Texas by Dr. Annie Webb Blanton and eleven other educators, and honored all members present who had been members of the society 50 years or more.  This occasion, always festive, featured area author Lisa Wingate who spoke on the topic, The Writer’s Teacher.  Dr. Pat Wallace, recently retired from Baylor University, was the guest speaker at the Texas Forum where her topic was Brain Fever: Women’s Struggle to Get in the School Door. (more…)

July 12th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This Post

A trip to ancient China is only minutes away from Katy

Have you ever wanted to check out some Ancient Chinese Artifacts or learn a little about Chinese history? You don’t have to go all the way to China to find it. Forbidden Garden is a 40 Acre Museum of Chinese history right in our own backyard.

Here you and your family can learn about China from its beginnings under Emperor Qin (pronounced Chin). Miniature dioramas relate the life of the Forbidden City where Chinese Emperors lived with their families. Other exhibits recount the building of the Great Wall, show building construction techniques, and display weapons and armor used by Chinese warriors in their battles against the Mongols. (more…)

July 07th 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Katy Family Fun,Katy Scene,New to Katy |  Email This Post

July 2, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Texas Children’s Hospital announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Partners in OB/GYN Care, a prominent private obstetrics and gynecology practice based in Houston.  As the construction of Texas Children’s new 15-story maternity center progresses, this acquisition is a strategic cornerstone of the hospital’s expansion into a new era —caring for women prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and after delivery. For more information on the new maternity center, see: http://bit.ly/MaternityCenter

Partners in OB/GYN Care is staffed by five physicians including Bart Putterman, M.D.; Lynn Hoffman, M.D.; Samuel Law, II M.D.; Ava Erin Manning, M.D.; and Susan Shi, M.D.  The practice provides a full range of obstetric and gynecological services and currently delivers about 600 babies each year.  The discussion of the acquisition was initiated by Dr. Putterman, one of the group’s founding partners.  The group’s interest in joining Texas Children’s was sparked after hearing of plans for the new maternity center in 2006 and again in 2008 when they learned of  Texas Children’s acquisition of Women’s Specialists of Houston, another respected OB/GYN practice. The acquisition will have little effect on current patients, as the group plans to remain in their current location in Scurlock Tower. 

Expanding upon its premier reputation in fetal and neonatal medicine, the addition of maternity

services is enabling Texas Children’s Hospital to provide a full continuum of care to mothers and their babies, beginning before conception and continuing after birth. The maternity center is expected to open in late 2011.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 02nd 2010 Posted to Business News,Katy News |  Email This Post

July 1, 2010- Katy, Texas

A 2008 graduate of Taylor High School, Taylor Featherston made Katy proud with his performance in the College World Series. Featherston, an infielder for TCU, helped lead TCU to victory in its first CWS, making history for the Horned Frogs. Also on TCU’s outstanding team is a 2009 Katy High School graduate, Jarred Fancher. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 01st 2010 Posted to Katy News,Sports News |  Email This Post

Spreading Love to the Katy Community

As a child, I enjoyed tossing rocks into the water and watching the ripples that emerged from the displacement of water.  I marveled at the widespread impact of a small pebble.  Small ripples became larger ripples that spread further and further away from the center.  I have often imagined that we, like pebbles, can have a significant impact on those around us.  The pebble analogy has been a reminder of the impact of my words and actions on others.  

This past weekend, while attending a seminar, I learned additional information about water ripples.  The ripples of water that come back to the pebble are much stronger than the ripples that go out.  If our lives are indeed like a pebble in water, that which we emit will eventually come back to us with added strength.  As I sat pondering this scientific property, I was sobered by the thought of it.  What had I emitted to others?  Was I spreading happiness, positive emotion and goodwill, or was I spreading ill-will and negativity?  (more…)

July 01st 2010 Posted to Community Blog,Healthy Katy,Katy Parenting,Katy Scene |  Email This Post