Modern Texas Living

Timeless Black & White 

Style Staples 

+ 

PRESSURES 

of being 

a Woman 

Relax 

Restore 

Renew 

with Bath 

Additions 

Front Porch Sittin’ 

TIME OF YEAR

tfnbtx.com 

Tel: 254-840-2836

PUBLISHER 

Ashley Munn 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Rachel McGee 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Michele Graves 

ART DIRECTOR 

Stefanie Kienstra 

ADVERTISING 

Ashley Jessen 

Natalie Galindo 

Moderntexasliving.com 

Single copy free. Multiple copies may 

be available for purchase by contacting 

contact@moderntexasliving.com. 

Modern Texas Living is published by 

Lifestylemag CentralTX, LLC. The cover 

and contents are protected by copyright 

and cannot be reproduced without prior 

written permission. All rights reserved. 

@Lifestylemag CentralTX, LLC. 

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 1

STAY at 

Jimmy Don’s 

Cabin 

Book Now 

www.jdhirondesigns.com 

STYLE, QUALITY & CHARACTER 

HANDMADE IN TEXAS 

CUSTOM DESIGNS • STORE FRONT • SHOW ROOM 

COME VISIT US! 

Monday - Saturday • 9am - 5pm 

9685 Lone Star Parkway 

Valley Mills, TX 76689 

254.486.9150

IN THIS 

ISSUE 

04 

AT HOME 

Front Porch Sittin' 4 

The Monotone Home 10 

DIY Herbal Wreath 22 

Playful Pots 26 

30 

IN THE KITCHEN 

The Perfect Scoop 30 

Host a Backyard BBQ 32 

One Base Many Ways 38 

Not Your Momma’s Cobbler 42 

64 

OF LIFE & STYLE 

Relax Restore & Renew 64 

Black & White Staples 69 

2 Simple Hair Dos 70 

Kids' Memory Books 74 

3 Ways to Take Better Photos 76 

77 

FROM THE HEART 

Love Makes A Family Update 77 

Jessica's Story 78 

47 

IN GOOD HEALTH 

Super Foods 47 

The Pressures of Being a Woman 50 

A Spoonful of Sugar 53 

57 

ON THE ROAD 

10 Reasons to Frequent Fredericksburg 57 


AT HOME 

Photo source: Nicki 

www.cottonwoodandco.com 

IG @cottonwoodandco

It’s the perfect time of year to do a little 

front porch sittin` 

Is there a better time to do 

a little front porch sittin’ as 

summer slowly fades into 

fall? The air is slightly thick 

and still warm as the cool 

breezes roll in. As the days 

get shorter, the sun sets 

over the horizon producing 

a painted sky of wild colors, 

but not before it appears 

like powdered gold over the 

grassy hillside. A rocking 

chair and a refreshing 

glass of sweet tea are just 

the type of slow down the 

soul needs. Join us as we 

tour the gorgeous front 

porches of a few incredibly 

talented bloggers. 


AT HOME 

Photo source: Cami 

www.tidbits-cami.com 

IG @camitidbits

Opposite: Here, blogger Cami creates a cozy 

porch for al fresco dining by layering soft textures 

and throws. 

Right: Chell from Cambridge Home Designs 

neutral color palette of white and grey accented 

with greenery and black touches is perfect for 

the transition of summer into fall. 

Below: Nicki of Cotton Wood and Co welcomes 

her guests with soft garden vibes using lots of 

vegetation and white planters. 

Photo source: Chell 

www.cambridgehomecompany.com 

IG @cambridgehomedesign 

Photo source: Nicki 

www.cottonwoodandco.com 

IG @cottonwoodandco 


AT HOME 

Home of: Ashley Cochran 

IG @the_pleasant_farmhouse 

Photo source: Jennifer Ciani 

IG @ simpleciani 

This swoon worthy porch from the home of Ashley Cochran is so good you might want to spend your entire night out on it. 

The vintage bed turned porch swing is a brilliant way to reuse and repurpose a headboard in the most beautiful way. 

8 

| moderntexasliving.com

Team Up with the Golden Stars in Real Estate 

254.405.6162 

Info@CJRealtors.com | www.camillejohnson.com 

104 Midway Center Waco, TX 76712

AT HOME 

the 

Monotone Home 

We hung out with Meggie from True Lock Designs to chat 

about her design style and how her DIY husband and she are 

adding character to their new construction Texas home. 

A 

neutral color palette in a mix of dark woods 

and blacks with whites and softer raw woods 

creates an intimate and inviting home for 

the Truelock family. Their home might lack 

color, but it certainly doesn’t lack life. Meggie says, 

“Family spaces are important to us. Years from now, 

when I think back on the times we shared in this home, 

I’ll think of the endless Legos caught between my bare 

feet and the floors, or the make believe messes from 

room to room, and the countless paint, markers, and 

crayons that have made their mark on our table.” 

Meggie, Texas native and stay-at-home 

mom, enjoys styling their home and 

planning big do-it-yourself design 

projects to keep her creative juices 

flowing. When we asked what she 

would describe her design style 

as, she feels it is mostly modern 

farmhouse accented with traditional 

elements throughout. “A harmonious 

mix of new and old is timeless to me.” 

10 | moderntexasliving.com

AT HOME 

Above: Meggie and her husband enjoy refurbishing found items. The couple’s most coveted thrift find is this 

giant old church pew, found under a heap of items in Old Town Tomball. Meggie created the Spanish tile artwork 

hanging overhead by using a stencil from Royal Studio. Her husband framed out the board she had painted and 

affixed to the wall as a unique piece of art for the space. 

Opposite: This large, open kitchen works well for the family life Meggie talked about with us. It has that 

industrial feel, but is still welcoming. 


AT HOME 

"A HARMONIOUS MIX 

OF NEW AND OLD 

IS TIMELESS."

Opposite: Modern textiles and a layered mantel give this space a clean aesthetic, while vintage pieces soften the 

overall feel. Here Meggie uses a vintage sewing stand as an end table. 

Above: You can see a mix of modern vintage throughout their home, as well as a monotone color palette. By layering 

neutral hues, Meggie creates a depth to each space that is both aesthetically pleasing and evokes a feeling of calmness. 

Want more from Meggie? You can visit www.truelockdesign.com 

or follow her on Instagram @truelockdesigns 


thefindery.com 

Located downtown in the Silo District: 

THE FINDERY 

501 S. 8th Street / Waco, Texas 

254-235-1777 

Be sure to shop our second location: 

THE FINDERY MARKETPLACE 

910 Webster Avenue / Waco, Texas 

Inspired. Vintage. Unique Finds. 

Follow us on social media @thefinderywaco

CLOTHING • SHOES • ACCESSORIES 

254.732.0575 

— Located in Waco — 

Central Texas Marketplace 

Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm 

Courtneys 

Courtneysboutique

Presents 

BRAZOS COUNTRY ESTATES 

Lots Ranging 

from 0.54-0.80 acres 

Ready to Build, 

Minimum 2200 sq. ft. 

Located in China Spring. Lots and custom home contracts are available ∞ 254-836-1910 

artfully crafted by hand in Waco 

Specializing in custom design...imagine the possibilities! 

254.717.7431 | 1509 AUSTIN AVE. | WACO 


New Location: 210 S 5th St Waco, TX 76701 

254-315-7686 

InteriorGlow.com Find us on 

Gifts 

Home Décor 

Furniture 

Local Art 

Lighting 

Tree Rentals 

Anna Johnson, 

REALTOR 

Phone (254) 717-4548 

AnnaJohnsonRE 


CASEY NYSTROM 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

A Legacy of Service 

SINCE 1867 

254.405.4268 

Woodway 254-753-2466 | Waco 254-399-8111 

HomeAbstract.com 


408 Lake Road 

Belton, TX 76513 

(254) 933-7024 

www.whimsiesboutique.com

AT HOME 

DIY 

Herbal Wreath 

By Amy Williams 

An herb wreath will transition beautifully in your home from summer to fall. It is a great way to 

greet your guests at the front door or welcome them to your kitchen. This wreath can be created 

with real, dried herbs from your garden or with faux greenery to last for years to come. The best 

part is that you can use any of your favorite herbs from sage, thyme, rosemary, basil, lavender or 

eucalyptus. It’s an easy DIY that takes less than 30 minutes to assemble. 


AT HOME 


IT IS A GREAT WAY TO GREET YOUR GUESTS 

AT THE FRONT DOOR OR HANG IN YOUR KITCHEN. 

STEP ONE: Gather your materials. You will need a grapevine 

wreath, wire cutters, floral wire and a variety of herbs. We 

used 9 stems of sage and 2 sprigs of cut eucalyptus. 

STEP TWO: Separate and cut the stems into individual sprigs 

with wire cutters. We left the sage in larger bundles to fill out 

the wreath, but cut the eucalyptus into individual stems. 

STEP THREE: Place the larger bundles of herbs directly 

into the grapevine wreath about 3-4 inches apart, in the same 

direction. Alternate between the inside and outside of the 

wreath so that you get the best coverage. 

STEP FOUR: Place the individual stems sporadically around 

the bundles, alternating between the inside and outside of 

the main greenery. 

STEP FIVE: Use floral wire to secure the middle of the stems 

to the wreath. 

STEP SIX: Fluff the greenery to spread out the leaves and 

evenly cover the wreath. Most faux stems are made from wire 

so it is easy to bend. Your wreath is ready to hang. 

Amy is a home decor and DIY blogger, stager and decorator in Waco, TX. 

Follow her on IG@cutortudor or visit the blog cutortudor.com 


AT HOME 


DIY 

Playful Pots 

by Jill Nelson 

Looking for an inexpensive craft project to do with 

your kids this summer? 

Start by grabbing a few tiny terra-cotta pots and 

succulents from your local garden center or home 

improvement store and some craft paints and brushes from 

Hobby Lobby or Walmart. 

One design idea is to paint the entire pot the color of 

your choice first, allow to dry, and then add a liberal amount 

of your second color only on the bottom inch or so of the 

pot. Flip it upside down, tilt it to the side, and let gravity do 

the rest. 

The eraser end of a pencil makes for perfect polka dots. 

Allow the base color to completely dry before adding the 

dots. Blot the eraser lightly on a paper towel after dipping 

into the polka dot color. Dip and blot again as needed. 

If you have a brown thumb and don't trust yourself not 

to kill the succulents, you can create your own "cactus" with 

rocks. 

Choose three or four different shaped rocks and paint in 

various shades of green. Once dry, use an artist's brush and 

a pencil eraser to make the signature cactus markings with 

white paint. 

Fill your painted pot with sand about three-fourths of the 

way, nestle in the cactus rocks, and fill in with some unpainted 

pebbles. 

Younger kids will naturally need more supervision with this 

project while older ones can really go to town with it and 

come up with their own designs. Perfection isn't the key; it's 

the time spent with your children. And when mishaps occur, 

it's just paint and you can start all over and try again. 

Jill is a mom to two, a decorator, and Waco blogger at justplainjilly.com. 


BELTON | TEMPLE 

2609 S 37TH ST 

TEMPLE, TX 76504 

254.771.3695 

Sunday to Tuesday 

10:30am to 9:30pm 

Wednesday to Thursday 

10:30am to 10pm 

Friday to Saturday 

10:30am to 11pm 

219 S EAST STREET, STE D 

BELTON, TX 76513 

254.613.5007 

Sunday to Tuesday 

10:30am to 9pm 

Wednesday to Thursday 

10:30am to 9:30pm 

Friday to Saturday 

10:30am to 10pm 

CoronasDeOro 

www.CoronasDeOro.com 

254.295.0610 

7348 W. ADAMS #500 • TEMPLE, TX 76502 

Find us on Facebook 


7410 W Adams Avenue, Suite 170 temple, tx . 254.771.2050 

Summer hours: tuesday-saturday 10am-6pm 

We d d i n g E ngagement C hildr e n F amily AshleyMunnPhotography. c om 254. 749. 1 6 7 0 



the 

perfect 

scoop 

What if we told you there was a way to make 

ice cream without the dairy, without the sugar, 

without the heavy ice cream equipment, without 

all the additives, and it wouldn’t taste like 

cardboard? Would you believe it? We almost 

couldn’t either, until we tried it! 

Strawberries N Crème 

Add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen 

strawberries to base.

ICE CREAM BASE 

1 can full fat coconut milk 

6 frozen bananas 

Place both ingredients in food processor or high speed 

blender and pulse until well combined. For different 

variations add other fruits at this point and pulse just a few 

times more. Serve immediately as a soft serve or place in 

freezer 30 minutes up to two hours for a scoop-able texture. 

*Do not place in freezer overnight, it will become too hard. 

This is meant to be made and enjoyed right away! 

Wild Berry 

Vanilla Bean 

Slice one vanilla bean pod in half 

and scrap out seeds into base. 

Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. 

Add 1/4 cup 

fresh or frozen 

blueberries and 

1/4 cup fresh or 

frozen blackberries 

to base. 

Cherry Garcia 

Add 1/4 cup dark chocolate 

chips and fresh or frozen 

dark sweet cherries to base. 

TIP: Don’t throw those spotted bananas out! 

Cut into large chunks and toss into a freezer 

storage bag. Always keep a bag in your freezer for 

an on demand healthy ice cream treat! 




HOST A 

backyard barbecue 

Sweet, sweet, summertime. From celebrating our Independence to 

Labor Day, occasions are plenty. However, it’s also the season that needs 

no reason but the sunshine and warm breezes to gather around a grill. 

Whether you’re hanging out with family or hosting a large group, here 

are a few simple spins on the classics that are just as finger-licking good! 



DON’T STRESS ABOUT AN ELABORATE MENU. 

A FEW SPINS ON THE CLASSIC 

SIDES WILL IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS 

AND LEAVE YOU ENJOYING THE PARTY. 

A palette of vibrant colored fruits and veggies will have your guests’ appetites ignited. Set out fresh 

appetizers and sides while you get the grill going. Don’t stress about an elaborate menu. A few spins 

on the classic sides will impress your guests and leave you enjoying the party. Go with an easy-to-prep 

the morning of: cold green bean salad with tangy Dijon dressing. Don’t spend all day chopping. Fill a 

tray with mostly whole veggies and whip up a thick and creamy buttermilk ranch. Mexican street corn 

is a superb way to dress up the old cob. Slathered with mayo, chili powder and cheese, it will leave 

guests saying, butter who? Jazz up your beverages with these cream pop wine coolers and watch your 

friends swoon. Fruit cones for the little ones are a fun way to sneak in some healthy foods and they 

make a beautiful presentation. 

34 




get 

the look 

A table that’s dressed to impress but also eludes casual vibes is as simple as 

an extra-long buffalo check tablecloth. Crockery that is the epitome of Southern 

sophistication will be the talk of your gathering. Add a little softness without going 

overboard on big fancy florals by incorporating ceramic planters filled with baby’s 

breath from the grocery store. Overall, keep it simple with a few statement pieces 

like dishes and textiles that pop. 

WHITE 

STRIPED NAPKINS 

Threshold 

www.target.com 

SERVING DISHES 

Brie Baker, Platter, and Bowl Crockery 

Rag Muffins Co. 

www.rag-muffins.com 

36 

| moderntexasliving.com 

BUFFALO CHECK TABLECLOTH 

Sew Many Linens 

www.etsy.com/shop/sewmanylinens

CLOSED 120 TRANSACTIONS IN 2016. 

“We have worked with Pam for almost a decade, and 

we cannot imagine working with any other realtor 

again. Pam is extremely professional, knowledgeable, 

and she will always work diligently to take care of her 

clients. We highly recommend her!” 

THE NYE FAMILY 

“We were referred to Pam by friends who had recently sold 

their home. Pam was quick to respond, and she had a no 

nonsense, go getter attitude coupled with a marketing plan that 

made us feel comfortable with listing our home. By the end of 

that day, she had facts/comparables for our neighborhood and 

we received a full offer contract. We are now enjoying our new 

home thanks to Pam and her hard work!” 

THE ANGELS 

“Pam Tucker is an amazing realtor and such a 

pleasure to work with. From the sell of our home to 

the purchase of our new home she was with us all 

the way and stayed on top of any concerns. Pam is 

wonderful and we highly recommended her.” 

THE CULPS 

“We were incredibly impressed with Pam as our real estate 

agent. She obtained an above asking price offer on our house 

on the same day as listing it. Pam never left any questions 

unanswered and always responded promptly. She was 

attentive and patient with us as buyers also. Although it took 

some time, we were able to find a home that met all of our 

wish list. We can’t thank her enough.” 

THE COONEY FAMILY 

#5 AGENT IN TEXAS FOR UNITS SOLD OUT OF 2650 

COLDWELL BANKER AGENTS 

*Based on Coldwell Banker stats 01/01/16-12/31/16”, for those stats listed.


ONE BASE 

MANY WAYS 

During summer months most of us would rather not heat up the kitchen with an oven or spend hours 

over a hot stove. We often envision the crock pot to be excellent for soups and stews but those 

are not ideal with 90 degree temps outside. Slow cooker shredded chicken and beef to the rescue! 

Make your crock do all the HOT work for you and use these protein recipes as a base in your weekly 

rotation. Trade in different dishes to top with each week for some variety! 

ITALIAN 

BEEF RAGU 

Add a jar of sauce to the 

recipe for a pasta variation!

ITALIAN BEEF 

SANDWICHES 

For a tangy kick add about 1/2 cup 

(or half of a 16 oz jar) pepperoncini brine. 

Then top with mozzarella cheese 

slices over a toasted hoagie roll. 

ITALIAN BEEF 

2 lbs Beef Roast 

1 Packet Italian Dressing Seasoning 

or 1 ½ tablespoons homemade 

1 ½ cup Beef Broth 

Place all ingredients in slow cooker on low 

for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. When 

you are ready to start dinner shred beef 

with a fork and allow to cook a little longer 

while you prepare the rest of your dish. Use 

on pasta, hoagie rolls, mashed potatoes, or 

rice. The options are endless!! 

TOP MASHED POTATOES WITH THE 

ITALIAN BEEF. NO GRAVY NEEDED 

WITH THIS DISH'S FLAVOR! 



MEXICAN RANCH SHREDDED CHICKEN 

4-5 Chicken Breast 

1 Packet Taco Seasoning 

or ¼ cup homemade 

1 packet Ranch dressing 

seasoning or ¼ cup 

homemade 

1/2 cup chicken broth 

Place all ingredients in slow 

cooker on low for 6-8 hours 

or high for 4-5 hours. When 

you are ready to start dinner 

shred chicken with a fork and 

allow to cook a little longer 

while you prepare the rest 

of your dish. Use in tacos, 

burritos, nachos, rice bowls, 

salad shells, enchiladas, or any 

Mexican dish. The options are 

endless!! 

40 


RICE BOWL WITH CILANTRO 

LIME AVOCADO CR ME 

For the dressing combine with a whisk: 

¼ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup guacamole 

or ½ an avocado, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 

1 tablespoon fresh or dried cilantro. 

FOR A TWIST ON 

YOUR TRADITIONAL 

NACHOS, BAKE IN A 

CAST IRON SKILLET AT 

350 DEGREES UNTIL 

CHEESE IS MELTED.


Photo Source: 

Tracey Ayton 

IG @tracey_ayton 


NOT YOUR MOMMA’S 

cobbler 

Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler is the bee’s knees but it’s filled with refined sugar, eggs, 

tons of butter, and loads of shortening. Not exactly awesome for that summer waistline. 

This recipe is not only low in fat and carbs, it’s also free of grains, refined sugar, 

cholesterol, and gluten. It’s even Paleo and Vegan friendly! 




Healthier Peach 

Cobbler 

PEACH FILLING: 

3 Large Peaches 

1 Tbs of Coconut Sugar 

1 Tbs Coconut Flakes (unsweetened) 

1/2 Tbs Lemon Zest 

1/2 Arrowroot Powder 

1/2 Tsp of Cinnamon 

COBBLER TOPPING: 

1/2 Cup Almond Flour 

1/3 Cup Arrowroot Powder 

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (melted) 

1/2 Cup Almond Milk (unsweetened) 

1 Tsp Baking Powder 

1 Tsp Cinnamon 

1/2 Vanilla Extract 

1/2 tsp Sea Salt 

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Pit and slice your peaches. Lightly 

grease your pie dish with coconut oil. In a bowl, mix together all filling 

ingredients until well combined. Pour filling into pie dish. Using the 

same mixing bowl, stir together all of the cobbler ingredients. Add 

mixture to pie dish by placing large spoonfuls of batter over peaches. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. To ensure 

cobbler topping is done, insert toothpick until it comes out clean. 

Garnish with extra cinnamon if you wish! 


Your dentures should be as 

care free as life. 

A

SUPER 

FOODS 

What they are and why you should be 

eating them every day


KALE 

Now we know this one won’t come as a surprise to you, but let’s 

recap why. Kale is probably the most nutrient dense food you can 

find in terms of nutrients per caloric intake. Cooked kale offers more 

iron per ounce than beef and is far less in calories and contains no 

fat at all. Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. If you aren’t 

a fan of kale, there are a few things you can try, but you should 

really find a way of using it every day. Finely chopped, it can be 

incorporated into soups, casserole dishes, stir fry, and pasta without 

being noticed. If you love fruit smoothies, it’s a great addition. If the 

large leaves and process of stripping the stems is too much for you, 

behold, baby kale! Smaller than spinach leaves, softer, and no prep 

work at all, it makes the perfect nutrient rich salad base! 

48 

| moderntexasliving.com 

MUSHROOMS 

Most people are familiar with the health benefits of mushrooms, 

including the promotion of bone health and nutrient absorption, 

a natural antibiotic, as well as being a high source of protein, iron, 

selenium, fiber, water, and powerful antioxidants that boost the 

immune system. However, most notably is the aid in diabetes 

prevention and management. They are an ideal low energy food for 

diabetics as they have no fats, no cholesterol, low carbohydrates, 

high protein, and are full of vitamins and minerals. They contain a 

natural enzymes that helps break down the sugar or starch in foods. 

They also produce properties that aid in the functioning of the liver, 

pancreas, and other endocrine glands which, as a result, help to 

regulate insulin’s proper formation and regulation throughout the 

body. As it goes, you are either a lover or a hater of mushrooms; 

if you are a lover, great news! If you are a hater, you can increase your 

mushroom intake by pureeing them into pasta and pizza sauces, or 

finely mincing them into stews, chili, and soups. They will be almost 

undetectable even to the pickiest eater! 

WALNUTS 

Along with containing many other minerals and phytonutrients that 

provide cardiovascular benefits, walnuts are brain food! They contain 

a number of neuroprotective compounds such as a special form of 

vitamin E, antioxidants, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, and tryptophan 

which aids in melatonin production when needed. A study conducted 

showed walnut consumption may increase inferential reasoning in 

young adults. It was also found they improved memory, cognition, 

and motor function in test subjects. So make a big tub of trail mix 

with walnuts for your teens to snack on while they do their homework 

or keep some in your desk drawer for when that afternoon salty 

craving hits you like a ton of bricks. 

SEEDS 

Seeds, small but mighty. You wouldn’t think much of these little guys 

by their size, but they are actually quite nutritious. Flax, chia, hemp, 

sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame are great sources of omega 3s, 

antioxidants, protein, fiber, and bone health promoting compounds 

such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and ALA. Flax, chia, 

and hemp are easy to incorporate into meals, sprinkle on salads, in 

a pasta sauce, or smoothies. While sunflower and pumpkin make a 

great snack on their own or in a trail mix. 

AVOCADOS 

You probably know that the avocado is trending right now, but do 

you know why nutritionist and health experts are obsessed with it, 

too? We could really write an entire article on why, but we’ll try to be 

brief and list all of the good things inside this green fruit. Avocados 

are filled with vitamins and minerals including more potassium 

than a banana, heart healthy mono-saturated fatty acids, 27% of 

your daily fiber needs, oleic acid which has been linked to reduced 

inflammation and cancer genes, lower bad cholesterol and increase 

the good, contains healthy fats that can actually increase

your absorption of nutrients and antioxidants from other foods, and 

can even help with a hormonal imbalance. If you or someone you 

know has severe menstrual symptoms, we suggest incorporating 1-2 

ounces of avocado consistently each day, at least 7 days prior to the 

start and all the way through until the end of the cycle. You should 

see an improvement in just 2-3 cycles. 

GREEN TEAS 

If longevity and quality of life are important to you, drinking green 

tea every day is one of the simplest ways you can achieve that. Along 

with being loaded with antioxidants, it is rich in polyphenols that 

have effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. 

It is great for the brain, containing the amino acid L-theanine which 

has anti-anxiety effects. It increases dopamine and the production 

of alpha waves in the brain. It has also been found that the catechin 

compounds in green tea can help protect your brain form long term 

neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 

Many studies have shown that green tea selectively increases the 

burning of fat and boosts the metabolic rate as well. So as you can 

see, including this liquid gold into your diet as a world of health 

benefits on almost every aspect of the human body. 

BLUEBERRIES 

For such a small object, it’s quite incredible the nutritious punch 

these little guys give. Blueberries are jam packed with antioxidants 

and phytonutrients. Antioxidants act as free radical bounty hunters 

that prevent and repair damage, slowing the oxidative process. Both 

antioxidants and phytonutrients aid in preventing diseases. Experts 

say, if you make only one significant change to your diet it should be 

to include blueberries every day. Bring on the cobbler!! 

OATMEAL 

Naturally gluten free, full of protein and packed with fiber, oatmeal 

is by far the super hero of grains. In addition to these qualities oats 

contain some unique components – in particular, the soluble fiber 

beta-glucan and antioxidants. Study after study after study shows 

that increased fiber intake decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. 

Adding this grain to your daily regimen can lower your blood sugar 

levels, reduce cholesterol, and fight cancer in your gut. It’s a no 

brainer! 

SALMON 

For most people an omega six to omega three ratio of 4:1 is ideal (that’s 

4 mega six’s for every 1 omega three). However, many experts say for 

optimal health you can go further in maintaining a 1:1 ratio or higher in 

omega threes. Most Americans are not getting enough omega threes 

and more than enough omega sixes. Salmon has the highest level of 

omega three with the lowest level of omega six, making it the best 

ratio if you are trying to up your omega three intake. Along with protein 

and omega three fatty acids, it delivers a plethora of health benefits 

including: B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and antioxidants. Because of 

these components, it may actually counteract the cholesterol it contains 

helping to reduce the risk of heart disease as well. 

LEGUMES 

Beans often get a bad rap because when not eaten regularly they 

can be a bit unpleasant on the gut. The majority of Americans are not 

getting enough fiber and this is why. As well as being high in fiber, 

which is so important in our protection against disease and cancer, 

beans contain a wide range of cancer-fighting plant chemicals, 

specifically, isoflavones and phytosterols which are associated with 

reduced cancer risk. Studies have also shown that people who eat 

more legumes have a lower risk of heart disease. Instead of keeping 

beans benched as a side on Taco Tuesdays, bring these disease 

fighting guys into the game and make them the main protein in your 

meal a few times a week. 




The Pressures 

of Being a Woman 

By Julie Hays 

Being a woman in this world is difficult. 

Do you ever look at other people’s 

lives and compare them to your own? 

Does this make you question whether 

you’re smart, fit, or happy enough? 

I know I do. 

The world is tough enough, but you add the title of 

woman and mom and expectations soar. 

I learned this the hard way. I started life in the public 

eye as a naïve, fresh out of college female with a positive 

outlook on pretty much everything until I realized how 

cruel the world can be. 

My days of broadcasting started long before social 

media. I remember old-fashioned mail coming to 

the station with letters from viewers, almost without 

exception females, who didn’t like my outfit that day. 

My hair wasn’t fixed right. My makeup wasn’t perfect. 

And that outfit. Did I get dressed in the dark? 

Then came the targets of one of my greatest 

insecurities: my weight. I went through three pregnancies 

on air, hitting over 200 pounds 2 of the 3 times. 

Imagine how I felt when someone would email the 

newsroom after a few weeks of bad eating and ask if I 

was “pregnant again.” 

Maybe because in a way I had to, but somewhere 

along the way I learned to accept myself. 

It was okay if I had a bad hair day. 

It was okay if I gained weight. 

It was okay if I was the mom who had to pack a 

lunchable because my refrigerator was bare. 

My advice to women today is to find a hobby or 

passion that brings you joy and don’t compare yourself 

to others. 

You are enough. 

Tell yourself that. 

And then, go tell a girlfriend, too. 

You are enough 

Julie Hays is a wife, mother to three and an award winning journalist for KWTX-TV. She also is well known for 

helping with a number of non-profits, including the Boys & Girls Club, American HeartAssociation, 

American Cancer Society and Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue. 

Art by Linen & Cake. To view more of Theresa’s work, go to linenandcake.com 


Poet Colliver 

REALTOR ® ,ABR,MRP, Bentwood Realty 

YOUR HOMETOWN REALTOR 

PoetSellsCentex.House 254.424.6561 PoetColliver PoetSellsCentex 

1401 S 31 St Suite A | Temple, TX 76504 | 254-770-0511 

www.calliesboutique.com 

/CalliesTemple @calliesboutique 

Also find us at The Hub Downtown Temple 

Baby & Childrens Boutique 

Gifts for Women 


sugar 

A spoonful of 

How sweeteners stack up from best to worst 



If you've browsed the baking aisle lately, 

you may have been overwhelmed by 

the amount of sugar and sweetener 

alternatives available. So how are we to 

know which one is best? We've gathered 

research from top physicians and nutritionists 

to compile this comparison so that the next 

time you have coconut sugar in one hand and 

raw cane sugar in the other you can make an 

educated decision. 

1. STEVIA 

Nutritionists agree, if you’re going to use a 

sweetener, Stevia is the best option. Made from 

the stevia leaves, it doesn’t raise blood sugar 

levels the way actual sugar does. In moderation 

it can actually be beneficial because of its antiinflammatory 

properties. 

2. HONEY 

Although high in calories and carbohydrates, 

honey contains anti-microbial and anti-bacterial 

compounds which are what makes it great in 

soothing a sore throat. 

3. COCONUT SUGAR 

Sap from coconut trees is extracted and 

then placed in the heat to dry, making it less 

processed than refined sugar. It also contains 

trace amounts of minerals like magnesium 

and potassium. Its biggest downfall is that is 

causes advanced glycation end-products which 

gradually leads to a breakdown in collagen. 

4. RAW CANE SUGAR 

Cane sugar is also less processed because it 

is extracted from the sugar cane plant. Because 

of this process it isn’t refined and keeps some of 

its nutrients. This ultimately means you consume 

less sugar and calories than with table sugar. 

However, it comes last on our list because other 

than not being overly processed, it has the same 

composition as granulated sugar. 

Refined or granulated sugar, brown sugar, agave nectar, aspartame, and splenda have more cons 

than anything at all and should be avoided as much as possible. 

54 


It should be noted that 

these sweeteners are all still 

sugar delivery vessels which 

should be limited regardless 

of any added health benefits.

Follow us on Instagram @ModernTexasLiving 

Tag us #ModernTexasLiving for a chance to be featured

REASONS TO FREQUENT 

FREDERICKSBURG 

by Amy Williams 

Whether you are 

looking for a place 

to plan your next 

girls’ getaway, family 

trip or a romantic 

weekend for two, 

Fredericksburg is full 

of possibilities. 

Fredericksburg 

1. WINE 

Take a wine tour and swirl, sniff, sip the flavor of 

Texas from local wineries 

2. WILDFLOWERS 

Enjoy Wild Seed Farm and scenic drives 

through the Hill Country 

3. SHOPPING 

Over 150 shops, antique stores and art galleries 

on Main Street 

4. DINING 

Over 100 eateries from Tex- Mex at Mamacita’s 

to German food favorites 

5. MOTHER NATURE 

Hike Enchanted Rock, or camp at one of many 

neighboring state parks 

6. ATTRACTIONS 

Peach orchards, pecan groves, and everything from 

peach cobbler to pecan pie 

7. HISTORY 

Pioneer Museum, National Museum of the Pacific 

War, Fort Martin Scott 

8. CULTURAL ARTS 

Festivals, live music, theatre, art walls, and a town 

favorite: Oktoberfest 

9. TEXAS ROYALTY 

Visit the ‘Texas White House’ at the Lyndon B 

Johnson National Historical Park 

10. SLEEP 

From rustic ranch cabins to romantic bed 

and breakfasts 


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254-405-3178 

shellytaylorphotography.net 

The Junior League of Waco is a nonprofit 

organization committed to promoting voluntarism, 

developing the potential of women and improving the 

community through the effective action and 

leadership of trained volunteers. Through more than 

80 years of service, members have given millions of 

volunteer hours to support the League’s mission. The 

League currently focuses its efforts in the area of 

Early Childhood Education & Development for 

children ages 0-3, believing that supporting the 

youngest among us will have an indelible impact on 

Waco. League members support this focus by 

participating in community projects and collaborative 

partnerships. 

The League welcomes new provisional members 

annually. The community is also invited to show their 

support with a “Friend of the League” membership, or 

can contribute through ongoing endowment efforts. 

The League also raises funds through the annual 

Deck the Halls Gift Market, which will take place 

November 1-4. 

For more information please visit jlwaco.org. 


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Relax 

Restore 

Renew 

Create yourself a bath that would rival 

those of Cleopatra with this list 

of our favorite additions. 



Coconut 

Milk 

If you’ve heard of 

milk baths before, 

this won’t be a 

surprise to you. 

Milk leaves your 

skin feeling soft and 

supple. The added 

benefit of using 

coconut milk comes 

from the oil within 

it. It will combat 

dryness and 

promote 

healthy, 

glowing skin. 

Essential Oils 

Bathing with essential oils can relax the mind and body, 

promote circulation, smooth skin, ease muscle aches, diminish 

menstrual cramps, and relieve respiratory ailments. 

Oatmeal 

This one is an oldie but 

a goodie. No wives’ 

tales here. According to 

the American Academy 

of Dermatology, “Itchy, 

dry skin often has a high 

PH level but oatmeal 

can help normalize 

your skin's pH, which 

can relieve itchy, 

uncomfortable skin.” 

Baking Soda 

Baking soda soothes inflamed skin by 

reducing itching and irritation. If you have any 

of these symptoms, or eczema, you may want 

to consider adding it to your soak. 

Rose Petals 

(fresh or dried) 

Roses have been used in skin care 

and body detox since ancient times. 

Roses have therapeutic benefits 

that relax the body, reduce stress 

and promote glowing skin. Rose 

petals contain natural oils and sugars 

that will lock moisture into dry skin cells. 

66 | moderntexasliving.com 

Epsom Salt 

An Epsom salt bath is 

known to ease pain and 

relieve inflammation, 

making it beneficial in the 

treatment of sore muscles, 

bronchial asthma, and 

migraine headaches. If you 

are on your feet all day, 

have an illness, tension in 

your shoulders, or lots of 

stress, add Epsom to your 

soak tonight!

Allyson 

Stanley 

GRI, ABR Realtor 

Camille Johnson, Realtors 

254.717.5795 

Allyson@cjrealtors.com 

www.camillejohnson.com 


BLACK & WHITE 

STAPLES 

By Carrie Malone 

In today’s world of 

juggling multiple 

activities a day, it is nice 

to have some basic 

staples on hand to dress up 

or down any outfit. Keeping 

basic, solid separates in your 

wardrobe lends itself easily for 

taking an outfit from day to 

evening – whether your day is 

“stay-at-home-mom” casual, 

office wear or ballgame attire. 

10 

Essential 

Staples 

Black Blazer 

White Button-up Shirt 

Black Pants 

Black Pencil Skirt 

V-Neck White & Black 

Cami 

White & Black V-Neck Tees 

Boyfriend Blazer 

White Jeans 

White Jean Skirt 

White & Black Shorts 

Photograph by Alex Wolf Photography 

What’s Taina wearing? 

• black short sleeve top w/ ruffle 

sleeves – Courtney’s Boutique 

• white shorts – Gianni Bini – 

Dillard’s 

• nude cross-body – Courtney’s 

Boutique 

• grey slides w/ bows – 

Courtney’s Boutique 

• silver drop-circle necklace/ 

earrings – Sage Hill Market 

(Salado) 

Taina Maya is the Morning News Co-Anchor at KWTX News Ten in Waco, Texas. 

Follow Taina @TXNewsLady. 

Carrie Malone is the owner of Style Around Town. She's known around Central Texas as one 

of the top personal sylists who helps with wardrobe coordinating and closet clean-outs. 

Check her out on Instagram @Instylearound or www.instaylearoundtown.com 



SHAKE UP 

by Magen Reaves 

YOUR STYLE 

WITH 2 SIMPLE HAIR DOS

As a wife, mom of four, entrepreneur, blogger and 

much more, washing my hair every day is just not 

going to happen! If I’m not accessorizing with a 

big hat or hair scarf, I am rocking a high pony or a low braid. 

SKY HIGH PONY 

This high pony is super simple! Start 

by flipping over your head and pulling all 

of your hair to the top of your head. Use 

the thick elastic bands to ensure your hair 

doesn't move. Take a brush and tease it. 

It's Texas, we like big hair. Curl the hair in 

the pony tail with a curling iron to give it a 

more finished look. 

FLIP & TWIST 

Part your hair down the middle, creating two large 

sections. Then take a small elastic band and put each side 

“IT'S TEXAS, 

WE LIKE 

BIG HAIR.” 

in what looks like a low pony tail. From there wrap another 

rubber band about 2 inches down (could vary depending on 

hair length). Here is where the “flip n twist” comes in. With 

the little section in between both bands, you will create a 

“hole” by separating that section in the 

middle. Remember the topsy tail? If so, 

that's the same thing you're doing to your 

hair in smaller sections. Take your hair that 

is not in the rubber bands and flip it inward 

through the hole you created. This is what 

creates the twist and makes your hair 

look braided. Pull on your hair to tighten 

the twist section. If you want the messy 

look, pull on the outside edges. Continue to do this same 

technique all the way down each pony tail. Leave about 2-4 

inches at the end. To wrap up your new do, use hairspray and 

texture spray. 

Make your look complete by topping it off with a big hat! 

Magen is a Texas wife, mom and fashion blogger. To see more of her amazing work follow her on 

Instagram @magenreaves or visit her website www.magenreaves.com. 


in sales each day 

transaction sides 

last year 

amanda.cunningham@coldwellbanker.com



Kids’ Memory 

Books 

Brooke Hanson 

With a new school year around the corner, 

this is a great organizational system for 

your children’s work that puts the fun in 

functional. By creating a binder for each 

child, you will have a place for everything meaningful 

throughout each year! 

Begin by diving in and separating by school year, 

preschool through senior year. It’s never too late to start, 

so don’t worry if your child is already in grade school. 

SUPPLIES: 

• Dividers 

• Clear Pocket Folders 

• Sets of Sheet Protectors 

STEPS: 

• Label the dividers by grade level. 

• Utilize the clear pocket folders to hold small items; ribbons, 

sentimental notes, or cards received that year, etc. 

• Last but not least, the sheet protectors will be used to hold 

artwork, awards, school and sports photos, and special 

papers, etc. 



3 WAYS 

to Take Better Photos 

Michele Graves 

Help! How do I use this thing? Digital cameras are so 

affordable that we purchase that DSLR with a zoom lens and 

expect our photos of our kids to turn out like they are from 

the cover of a sports magazine. Then we see our photos. 

Questions go through our mind – I was ripped off! What’s 

wrong with this thing? Is this lens broken? Why are my pictures 

so dark? Why is everything blurry? 

We did everything right – we held the camera sideways, 

we zoomed, we un-zoomed – we did it all, so why don’t our 

pictures look like the pros? There are some simple solutions 

to leave out some of these common problems. Get ready to 

step out of your comfort zone – that’s right, you’re going to 

have to change some settings on that bad boy. You’re going 

to have to go into uncharted territory – you’re going to take 

it off AUTO! Gasp! I know, I know. . . it’s scary, but I promise, 

you’re going to thank me. 

With some simple changes in your camera’s settings, you 

can get better pictures of the t-ball power play, the soccer 

block, or the softball dramatic catch in outfield. 

1 

2 

3 

Turn the dial from auto to manual. The camera 

thinks for you in auto mode, but it doesn’t know as 

much about the conditions of the shot as you do. 

Make sure your shutter speed is at 1/250 for 

high paced action. If you want that moment 

frozen in time, change that shutter speed. 

Change your ISO. Think of it this way, if it’s darker 

outside, you need a higher number. It’s telling the 

camera to let in more light. 

Just three simple steps can help you take better photos 

of your kids. Enjoy, and happy clicking. 


Update 

In our last issue Christina shared her family’s incredible story of faith as 

they experienced repeated loss, how they were led to adoption, and the 

surprising way they were blessed with their fifth child. 

Fitzgerald Thomas 

5 pounds 8 ounces 

19 inches 

March 1, 2018 

So we know that at the time not many of your friends or 

family knew the bundle you were carrying was through 

embryo adoption. How did they take the news? 

“They were quite surprised and honestly did not believe us 

at first. It took a lot of convincing, but once they realized we 

weren’t joking, everyone just thought how cool!” 

Would you recommend this for other couples that are 

struggling with infertility? 

“Absolutely, even the tiniest lives are priceless. I cannot 

express how much being able to carry a baby inside one 

last time means to me. To hear his heartbeat, to feel his little 

kicks, to welcome him into this world, it has been an amazing 

experience.” 

Do you plan on having any more? 

“As far as pregnancies go, I think the door has closed. 

However, if we can financially handle another adoption like 

our Gracie girl, that is something we are open to. We’ll just 

have to see what the Lord has in store.” 



Jessica ' s Story 

by Jessica Lundin 


I 

was 20 years old. Technically homeless, jobless, and 

spiraling out of control. I had a boyfriend who I had 

only known for one month. I visited him for my birthday 

and did not expect things to last much longer. Little 

did I know that ‘one weekend in San Diego’ would lead to, 

six years later, a marriage and three children. To be honest, 

my story is much more complicated than that. My story is 

open adoption. My situation was no different than thousands 

of other women suddenly enveloped in a ‘crisis pregnancy;’ 

however, my story is unique for a few reasons. I placed my son 

for adoption, married the birth father, and now have two more 

children who are full blood relatives of my first son. CRAZY. 

This was never my plan; I never imagined myself as ‘that 

girl’ that got pregnant, and I 

feel like my story will resonate 

with many because, when 

does life ever go as planned? 

I wanted to marry young, raise 

a family with one man, see my 

children grow into successful 

adults, and then become a 

grandparent myself. But here 

I found myself, pregnant by a 

boy I barely knew with no clear 

future ahead of me. I had so 

many questions, but first I had 

to tell my parents. I may have 

been 20, but the pregnancy 

news showed me that I was unprepared for what lie ahead. 

I was barely raising myself, how could I raise a baby? These 

were thoughts I wrestled with daily. I knew that if I kept the 

baby, neither of our lives would be good. 

At thirteen weeks, I told my parents. I told my dad first 

because he is the easiest to talk to. My mom cried. Even 

though I’m sure this was not the news they wanted to hear, 

they were always loving and supportive. Telling someone 

took some of the weight off my shoulders. I had already gone 

to the adoption agency when I told my parents. While I’m not 

typically a planner, I wanted to be educated and informed 

when making this decision. I wanted my parents to take me 

seriously and I wanted to be informed about the process. 

The adoptive parents actually knew before my own parents 

or the father. At the time I had made many bad decisions, 

and I didn’t want this to be one of them. I did not trust my 

own decision-making, so I asked my dad to help me choose 

the adoptive parents. I made a list of exactly what I wanted in 

an adoptive couple, then I narrowed it down to five couples. 

I sent the prospective list to my dad and asked him to rank 

them 1-5. I already knew which couple I wanted, and when 

my dad chose the same couple, I knew they were the ones 

who would raise my child. When I met the adoptive mom, 

I felt like I had known her all my life. The last month of my 

pregnancy she told me, “If you don’t want to do this, don’t 

do it.” She wanted not only happiness for my child, but for 

me. I had found a new family in the process of giving up my 

own child. 

Let’s talk about my pregnancy. In some ways it made me 

a better person. I held down a job, enrolled in beauty school, 

and felt like I was working towards a clearly defined goal. To 

my surprise (and honestly to his surprise), my boyfriend stuck 

around. Initially, he felt like it was his duty to stay, although 

with time, we grew as a couple. Honestly, our relationship 

was a mess. Those nine months accelerated our maturation 

process from idiocy to 

responsibility. It was a wakeup 

call for both of us individually 

and as a couple. As rocky as 

it was, we made it to what 

we thought was the end of 

the process: labor, birth, 48 

hours in the hospital, and days 

later… placement. That’s right, 

I said 48 hours. That is how 

long our son was ours. I felt the 

time moving and feared how 

quickly time was passing. I felt 

a strange but strong love that I 

did not expect to feel. He was 

my son and I knew I was going to place him into the arms of 

his parents very soon. I hated the feeling of unpreparedness 

and kept telling him how sorry I was that I could not be ready 

for him. This may seem difficult to understand. It is easy to 

question. ‘If I wanted him that badly, why didn’t I decide 

then and there to raise him?’ Believe me, I thought about 

it countless times; my answer is simple. I could not, and I 

should not. If my son ever asks why, I will tell him that I was a 

different person. I was surviving day by day and I didn’t want 

that for him. 

Today, many people ask why I chose adoption, and seem 

surprised when I have only positive things to say about open 

adoption. The truth is, I picked adoption because I was 

scared. I wanted a way out from my situation, and as a naive 

20-year-old I thought that everything would return to ‘normal’ 

when it was over. What surprised me was that my definition 

of normal changed every step of my adoption process; and it 

still changes today. My parents, counselors, and friends made 

me realize that I truly had three options: abortion, parenting, 

and placement. Every single day of my pregnancy I would 

weigh the consequences of all three options and began to 

realize that there was no ‘easy way out.’ Each option brought 



unique struggles and consequences that only I would have 

to live with forever. Adoption was always my choice. My 

parents made it clear to me that I could not raise a child. 

I was ‘technically homeless and jobless.’ I wanted this 

stranger in my stomach to have a chance at life. I didn’t 

pick adoption; I picked life. If you are reading my story 

and are in a similar situation, please know that you have 

choices and don’t write off adoption. With faith, trust, and 

hard work on both ends, placement can be incredible. 

Recall the mess I mentioned earlier? Turns out that 

phase of our relationship was also just that, a phase. We 

grew in love and slowly found it impossible to be without 

each other. Let me be clear, we stayed together because 

we fell in love, not because we had come too far to turn 

around. Our sole motive for marriage was love. It was 

a long, and at times, painful journey, yet we endured 

because we did not want anyone 

else. At that point, my then fiancé 

finished college and commissioned as 

an officer in the United States Marine 

Corps. We moved across the country 

and, as surprising as the first time, 

I became pregnant. WHAT? If I was 

unprepared for pregnancy at 20, I was 

very unprepared for pregnancy at 23. 

This time I had a husband, a home, 

and we had a steady income. The 

unpreparedness I am talking about 

now was emotional. 

Since placement, I suppressed 

my emotions. A whirlwind of feelings 

surfaced when I found out the gender 

was a boy, and that both my kids had 

the same biological father. I felt angry 

with God because it seemed like an unfair repeat of three 

years earlier, only this time I was in a position to raise my 

son. My husband felt the same. He began to feel like 

we had betrayed our birth son by taking what he should 

have had and giving it to this new boy. I struggled with 

postpartum depression with my son. To the world, I tried 

to look picture perfect. I wanted to be the poster birth 

mom of adoption to show that it is a good option. Know 

this: It is a good option, but a hard choice. 

Getting pregnant with my son brought out my deepest 

emotions and allowed me to initiate the healing process 

I didn’t know I needed. I thought I was ‘healed’ and then 

got pregnant again with my daughter. This pregnancy 

was easier than my second, but I had the epiphany that 

I will always struggle with this. It is the consequence of 

my choice, and with any of those three choices, there 

would be consequences. Today, I am okay with that truth. 

"I SIMPLE CHOSE 

TO GIVE MY BIRTH 

SON A CHANCE 

AT LIFE. I HAVE 

BEEN HUMBLED, 

HEARTBROKEN, 

AND HAVE 

EXPERIENCED SO 

MUCH JOY." 

Enduring the rain brought the rainbow. My children are 

happy, we all love each other, and we are all growing in 

this process. We see our birth son about twice a year. Not 

because of legal constraints, but because of the physical 

distance between us. He knows us as his birth parents. 

He knows his birth story. He knows that he has full blood 

siblings. They love each other like siblings, fight with each 

other like siblings, and miss each other like siblings. 

This is all due to the graciousness of his parents. We 

don’t feel we owe them anything, and they feel the same. 

Our relationship only exists because of a mutual love we 

all feel for our little boy. Much to our initial surprise, our 

time spent together is not tense, awkward, or forced. I am 

grateful for the chance that his parents gave my husband 

and me. They understood that the long-term stability of 

their son’s life was directly tied to the stability of our lives. 

They wanted him to know us and for 

us to know him. They didn’t do us a 

‘favor’ by accepting our son, and we 

never felt forced to place him. We felt 

that they cared as much about us as 

they did about getting a baby. So many 

people ask me, ‘If you knew then what 

you know now, would you still place 

your first son?’ The answer is, ‘I don’t 

know.’ In my opinion, we are where 

we are now because of the journey we 

traveled. We grew and changed and 

learned through a million mistakes, 

but we made it. I don’t think it is fair 

to think that I wouldn’t have placed if 

I knew I was going to get married and 

have a stable life. I believe that without 

our birth son, I would not have married 

my husband because we would not have matured as 

individuals and as a couple. In fact, our relationship would 

have ended with ‘that trip to San Diego’ that started 

this journey. 

I have been told many times that I did a wonderful 

thing. I don’t feel that I did anything substantial. I simply 

chose to give my birth son a chance at life. I have been 

humbled, heartbroken, and have experienced so much 

joy. I chose to make this work, and continue to choose 

that every day. I look for the good as often as I can and 

accept that this story will never be ‘perfect.’ I feel now that 

the good in my story will help someone else with theirs. I 

don’t want you to live my story; I want you to know there 

is hope. If you are in this situation, I want you to know 

that you have options and that you can make beauty from 

the ashes. The quicker you can get support and help, 

the better. 


Photographs by Megan Lawson of Anchor + Pine photography 

@anchor_and_pine 


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Braces or 

FREE Consultation with X-rays 

*Just bring this coupon or show us a photo of it! 

*New patients only. May not be combined with any other offer or discount. 

Some restrictions may apply. 

Modern Texas Living Mag 

Temple 

2113 S W HK Dodgen Loop 

(254) 433-7100 

SmileDoctors.com/templetx 

Waco 

5156 W. Waco Blvd 

(254) 399-9800 

SmileDoctors.com/wacotx 

Harker Heights 

300 Morgan St 

(254) 526-8666 

SmileDoctors.com/harkerheightstx 

Benjamin Karren, DMD 

Joshua Adcox, DDS 

Scott Law, DMD 

Matthew Hall, DMD, MSD 

Same Day Braces • 0% Interest • Se habla Español 

Owned and operated by Scott Law, DMD | Scott Law Ortho P.C.

Modern Texas Living

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