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4 san angelo lifestyles Contents 54 FROMTEACHER TO SPEAKER A former San Angelo teacher, Julie Schnier, motivates and connects others one relationship at a time. TRAVEL GUIDE This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 46 ON BOARD FOR ADVENTURE TheElkins family set sail living full timeon a sailboat. @sailingbuyingtime 10 SWIMMING FULL CIRCLE Siblings Megan Faris and Matt McLaughlin, were an integral part of the award-winning Central High swim teamcoachedbyDavidHague. WhenHague retired, Faris andMcLaughlin took over, continuing his 41-year legacy of success. 20 CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER Beacon of help and hope. 28 3 SWEET STEWARTS Derek and Miranda Stewart recently welcomed triplets to their family of three. The family shares the joysof raisingchildren in theirhometownandfamily business, Coats Saddlery. 36 MEETMILLIE AQ&Awith Kathy Priest-Smith, author of Millie’s Great Dane Adventures. 50 TEA TIME! Who doesn’t love a tea party? We want our readers to learn more about Tea Time, where it came from and where it can take you! 62 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Take a look at a few of the many area high school graduates. Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes in their future endeavors. 70 Photo by Sixty Sage Photography
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8 san angelo lifestyles San Angelo LifestylesMagazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Living, LLC. hometown-living.com 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED INTHE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Becca Nelson Sankey Sabrina Forse Taylor Grimm Dee Lackey PHOTOGRAPHERS God’s Creation Photography LaRae Russell Photography Sixty Sage Mix It Up Media Melissa Regeon Photography * graduates Ellis Boness * graduates CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS Taylor Grimm Office@hometown-living.com Lindsey Kruger PUBLISHERS Matt&Heather Martin heather@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins DIGITALMARKETING Laurie Blackwell laurie@hometownmedia.group ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks OPERATIONS LEADER Amy Shippy Matt Martin Have you ever felt stuck in a rut and you didn’t know how to get out? Is it possible that the answer could be simplified through one word? It has been my experience that success doesn’t just happen on its own. Success follows growth! There is no substitute for growth and the importance of continuously pursuing it with intentionality. Whether it’s personal, professional, or financial, growth is imperative to achievemaximumresults. James Penny said, “Growth does not happen bymere chance, but only by intentional forces working together.” We are fast at work here at Hometown Media Group/San Aneglo Lifestyles pursuing growth and stress testing our systems for efficiency by looking for ways to improve. Specifically, with the help of our new Digital Branch. Have you ever considered digital or print marketing? Both have proven results we would love to discuss. We are looking to grow our San Angelo Lifestyles team and have openings for Sales Executives in the Concho Valley region. Give us a call to learnmore 325-668-6662. Do you want to see your name in print? As always we want to use local writers and photographers so reach out today to learn more. Focusing on pushing yourself to lean into resistance and pursue the best possible outcome in your circumstance is a great way to ensure your success. I like to think ofmy growthplanas buckets. Eachbucket represents anarea inmy life that is important tome. Things like family, finance, work, physical fitness and spirituality are all “buckets” that I want tomake sure I add to every day! The world is taking fromour buckets all the time through distractions that are inevitable. The only true way to circumvent your bucket from becoming empty is by pouring into each one on a consistent basis. We truly thank you for reading this issue of SAL and thank our advertisers for their contined support. Matt, Heather, Gatlyn (10), Georgia Lee (7) & Guy David (3) Martin Wishing you lots of laughs this summer. Publisher’s Note ON THE COVER Sutton, Stratton, Stryker & Steely Stewart photo by Kim Torress Photography WE ARE HIRING PRINT & DIGITAL SALES REPRESENTIVES IN THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA Please send your resume to: heather@hometown-living.com or call 325-668-6662 to learn more.
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10 san angelo lifestyles Written By SABRINA FORSE Photos Provided by THE ELKINS FAMILY
11 hometown living at its best Sailing BuyingTime OnBoard forAdventure CONCHO VALLEY FAMILY SELLS IT ALL TO SAIL With a 360-degree view of blue water and dolphins for neighbors, the Elkins family is navigating a two-year adventure that most people only dreamabout. Until the fall of 2021, the familyof five lived ina 2,300 square foot homeon31 acresnearChristoval. Justin, Carrie, andkids, 18-year-old Gage, 16-year-old Makya and 13-year-old Trigg are now cruising across the ocean, living inside a Leopard 44 Catamaran sailboat with about 240 square feet of indoor living space.
12 san angelo lifestyles “When Justin initially introduced the idea about nine years ago, I thought he was crazy. The idea of living on a small boat with young kids who had a lot of energy sounded awful to me,” Carrie recalled. That changed in November 2020 when JustingotCOVID, andthe familyhadtoquarantine. “We learnedwewere different,” Carrie said. “Other people were going stir crazy and had cabin fever. We were really content just being home together.” The family started binge watching Sailing Zatara on YouTube. It chronicles a Texas familywho sold everything to buy a sailboat, without prior sailing experience. “It was very comforting to see them have amazing adventures, and be smart and safe while doing it,” Carrie said. Carrie and Justin began imagining what it would be like and how they could afford it. “The kids came home one day and said, ‘Let’s just sell everything and get a sailboat,” Justin said. “I loved
13 hometown living at its best “When Justin initially introduced the idea about nine years ago, I thought he was crazy. The idea of living on a small boat with young kids who had a lot of energy sounded awful to me,” Carrie recalled.
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15 hometown living at its best the idea, but I told themI didn’t evenwant tohear it unless you’re all on board. Everyone would need to commit to at least two years. About four days later the kids said ‘Let’s sell it all and go.’ I looked at Carrie and she said ‘yeah, lets do it.” The Elkins sold their house, vehicles and donated several items to Goodwill. They left some belongings with family, but did pack a fewmovies, boardgames and personal items to take on the boat. Makya packed art supplies andaukulele. Gagebrought alongnotebooks and sketchpads, while Trigg brought LEGOS. Justin boarded the boat with a guitar and Carrie brought dumbbells. “It will be interesting to see if any of the things we chose to keep are still important to uswhenwe get back,” Carrie said. “Living out here you start to realize you don’t need a lot of material possessions to be happy.” The couple left Texas on October 1, 2021 and rented a condo while working to make their boat seaworthy. “It needed a lot more work than our survey indicated, and everything was much more expensive than we planned for. Iwould saywedoubledour repair budget,” Carrie said. The familyanchored inWestPalmBeach, Floridaand lived there for about six weeks while they took sailing lessons. They tookseveral day tripsandmade theirfirst longsail on Christmas Eve, traveling 14 hours fromWest PalmBeach toKeyBiscayne. They then sailed 12 hours fromFlorida to Bimini, Bahamas onDecember 29. Since then, the family has been exploring the Bahamas and sharing their adventures on YouTube. Via their channel, youcanwatchthe familynavigate lifeat sea fromsnorkeling, surfing and encounteringmarine life, to capturing rainwater for washing clothes. “It was really fun petting the stingrays and even the nurse shark. I thought the shark would be smooth like the stingrays, but it was really rough,” Trigg said. They’ve seen swimming pigs and dived the Thunderball Grotto in Staniel Cay. Makya has enjoyed seeing the dolphins ride the waves in front of the boat and being close to sea turtles. Gage’shighlighthasbeensnorkelingaplanewreck and petting the stingrays while Carrie loved swimming “Living out here you start to realize you don’t need a lot of material possessions to be happy.”
16 san angelo lifestyles with the Loggerhead turtle and getting to pet a Hawksbill turtle. It may seem like the ultimate two-year vacation but it’s not all smooth sailing. Gage and Trigg both battle sea sickness. The boat needs constant maintenance and Justin does all the repairs himself. “You have to constantly pay attention to the weather, especially the wind to make sure you have good protection while at anchorage, Carrie said. “You also have to worry about theanchor settingproperlyandnot dragging intoother boats.”While in theBahamas, the entire familywasassignedlook-out forcoralheadsthat lie just feetunder theboat inshallowwater. “Everyone commentsabouthowcarefreeandrelaxing this life must be but truthfully this ismuchmore stressful than life on land was. The pros outweigh the cons but it’s definitely not an easy lifestyle.” FOLLOWTHE ELKINS FAMILY ON THEIR JOURNEY Sailing Buying Time “The pros outweigh the cons but it s’ definitely not an easy lifestyle.”
17 hometown living at its best The familyhad topurchase adinghyboat touse for trips to land for supplies. “Grocery stores are few and far between. Groceries are three to seven times more expensive,” Carrie said. Fortunately, Justin loves spearfishing and often catches their dinner. The kids are still going to school. Gage and Makya took dual credit online courses at Howard College before leaving Florida, andnowall three are homeschooling. “They’realsolearningaboutaquatic science, and we do a lot of field trips,” Carrie said. “I think their lives have been enriched in many ways that could not have been done inside a classroom.” The siblings were already close, but Carrie believes the trip is further cementing their bond. Carrie, a licensed professional counselor and Justin, a homebuilder, left their jobs to sail. After beginning the journey Carrie started an online fitness and nutrition coaching business. “I am learning that I enjoy the nomadic lifestyle. I had previouslyput averyhighvalueonhaving roots and a safe and comfortable routine but now I get bored withanewplaceveryquickly. I don’t knowifwe’ll be able to return to a normal life. I can definitely see us traveling the country inanRVafter this,” Carrie said. The family will chart their journey to avoid hurricaneseason, but thereare toomanyvariables to plantoofar intothefuture. “Ourgoal istoseeasmuch aswe can in the limitedamount of timewehave and on a very small budget,” Carrie explained. We don’t have any grand intentions of circumnavigating the globe.” They are funding their adventure with their savings. “Sure, the finances will run out but so will timewith our kids,” Justin said. They are budgeting to return to Texas inNovember 2023. “We’re hoping this experience changes us and opens our eyes tonewpossibilities. This experience has taught us that you never knowwhat the future holds,” Carrie said. “Makingdecisions that arebased on the need for safety, security and material things canreallyholdyouback.We’vealready let goof those things to some degreewhich really frees us up to be able to make decisions based on what makes us happy.” †
CONVERSE AND CANVAS CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN RYAN DALGLIESH 18 san angelo lifestyles
Line and shape, light and shadow. Compliment and contrast. Dazzling color. With a rising 13.8K followers on Instagram consisting of collectors across the country, this artist has been spending a lot more time in his studio lately. The confident brushwork of Ryan Dalgliesh brings all these elements together in portraits, landscapes and portrayals of animals in a style that blends Impressionism and Realism. Ryan’s imaginatively beautiful artwork, rendered in acrylics, has been collected by buyers across the country. Like Ryan himself, his art is engaging, often playful, and always heartfelt. Ryan lives just outside of San Angelo with his wife and their two sons. Discover more about Ryan and his work online at ConverseandCanvas.com and on Facebook, Instagram andTikTok. 19 hometown living at its best
20 san angelo lifestyles Full Circle BACKGROUND PHOTO BY UNSPLASH.COM/MINATOR YANG | SWIMMER PHOTO BY 123RF.COM/OMEGAS
21 hometown living at its best Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY Photos provided by THE MCLAUGHLIN FAMILY For several years, siblings Megan Faris and Matt McLaughlin were an integral part of the award-winning Central High School Swim Team coached by David Hague. When Hague retired, Faris and McLaughlin took over as assistant swim coach and head swim coach, continuing his 41-year legacy of success. Matt McLaughlin have been swimming for as long as they can remember, starting intheirownbackyards. The siblings’ love of thewater turned into a passion for competing for the San Angelo Central High School swimteam-where bothset records and won a plethora of awards. As adults this led to careers in coaching for the very team where they got their start. Before Coach David Hague retired in 2019 after 41 years, hebroughtMcLaughlinonboard as his assistant. McLaughlin, who swam at Central from 2005 until he graduated in 2009, had been one of Hague’s star swimmers. When Hague retired, it made sense for McLaughlin to bring on someone who was familiar with the ropes: his sister, also an educator who, in high school, was state qualifier for Central her sophomore throughsenioryears, setfiveschool records there (and graduated with four), was female athlete of the year her junior and senior years, and was first team all-region every year at meets inwhich she competed. Assistant swim coachMegan Faris and her brother, head swim coach MattMcLaughlin.
22 san angelo lifestyles “Having someone with a swim background who knows how the program runs is very important. TOP LEFT: Megan Faris as a child swimming at Central High School’s pool, the very pool she now coaches at. TOP RIGHT: Megan Faris (bottom) and her brother, MattMcLaughlin, at Central High School’s swimming pool when they were children. They grewup taking lessons at the pool and swimming for the swim team in high school. ABOVE: MattMcLaughlin as a teen, when he swam for Central High School’s Swim Team, and his thenHead Coach David Hague, whose positionMcLaughlin took over when the tenured coach retired. RIGHT: Megan Faris and her older brother, Matt McLaughlin, as teens at Central’s swimming pool, where they grewup attending lessons and swimming for the school swim team. ABOVE: MattMcLaughlin andMegan Faris grewup swimming in their family backyard pool.
23 hometown living at its best After graduating, McLaughlin - who qualified for state all his senior year, was male district athlete of the year his junior year, set three school records upon his graduation, and won all-state in all four competitive swimming events his senior year – swam for the University of the IncarnateWord, where he earned a degree inkinesiology.He thencoachedswimming inSan Antonio and Odessa before realizing he longed for the autonomy of working in a smaller city, for a programwith a longstanding reputation for success. “I came in with a lot of pride in the Central High program,” said McLaughlin, who was Hague’s assistant in 2018 before taking the reins a year later and bringing Faris on board to replace himself. “I didn’t want to see at Central, a place that’s near and dear to my heart, the high coaching attrition rate I’d seen elsewhere.” Working together for a program they both love has been easy. “You need people you trust to work with, and there’s not a bevy of swim coaches in San Angelo,” McLaughlin said. “Having someone with a swim background who knows how the program runs is very important.” “We were raised in it, so we know what it takes to run it,” Faris agreed. The San Angelo Independent School District started itsmiddle school swimmingprogramin2007. Thesiblings were already experienced swimmers thanks to their mother, who swam laps for exercise at home, as well as Coach Hague’s Angelo Aquatics summer swim lessons, now known as the SAISD After School Swim Program. WhenMcLaughlinwasaneighth-grader,Hague invited him for extra after-school practices with the varsity team. BELOW: SwimCoaches, Megan Faris and MattMcLaughlin, celebrated a recent UIL district girls swim meet win.
24 san angelo lifestyles Faris, for her part, began swimming in Central’s program while in middle school. Five years older, McLaughlin would drive Faris to the pool whenhewas a teacher’s aide so both could fit in extra practice eachmorning. Having seen his sister participate in the middle school swimming program, which introduces Glenn and Lonestar Middle Schools’ sixth- through eighth graders to competitive swimming, McLaughlin knows its benefits. “The majority of the school records have been set post- middle school swimming. They have two extra years of being in the program and knowing what to do instead of starting as a freshman. It’s really helped the programoverall.” McLaughlin and Faris start recruiting sixth graders each spring, then hold tryouts when the kids are inseventhgrade. The seventh- andeighthgrade middle schoolers then practice at Central every afternoon. About 60 kids are currently part of the program. “The Hagues built the foundation, and with themiddle school programcontinuing, that helps us build relationships with the students and swimmers,” Faris said. “They feel safe and have funhere, and they have a really great rapport with oneanother.Wedoput a lot of traininghours in;we call themthedogdays: Theyget tired. Sometimes it gets hard and redundant day in and day out being here for so long, so keeping it fun, joking around, playing games and giving them an extra minute break, they enjoy that.” Three years in as a coaching duo, Faris and McLaughlinhavecontinuedCentral’s longstanding traditionofdevelopingrecord-breakingswimmers. “Theboys, asofJanuary2022,wontheir12thdistrict title ina row- our third ina row,”McLaughlin said. “On the girls’ side, we took back the district title fromMidlandHigh this year afterfinishing second to them the last two seasons.” “Our first year, we won the San Angelo Swimming and Diving Invitational. This year we got first on the boys’ side and second on the girls’ side. We also got our first state qualifier (in February) in the 200 freestyle,” added Faris. ABOVE: Megan Faris with retired Central Head Swim Coach David Hague. BELOW: Megan Faris andMatt McLaughlin consult with Central swimmer Whitney Edinburgh.
25 hometown living at its best The team has also set seven girls records thepast threeyears, withWhitneyEdingburgh earning four and Chloe Edinburgh securing one. Last October, Cody Fentress broke McLaughlin’s200- and500-freestylerecordthat he earned in high school. “I was very proud of Cody, andwe’d jokebeforepractice Iwas gonna punchhimin the leg sohedidn’t get the record, but it was actually bittersweet to coach him to breakmy school record,” McLaughlin said. Teaching your student to break your record is one of those rare, unconventional stories – but so is working alongside your sister in a program you’ve known most of your life. McLaughlin admitted that it can be a bit surreal. “We’re basically here (at the pool) from6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday we’re opening the pool for free swim for kids who want to get extra work. We knew what it entailed, but we embrace the hard work, and it pays off.” It pays off now just as it did a decade ago, when McLaughlin and Faris were young impressionable swimmers themselves. On the surface (no pun intended), they were learning tofly through thewater, chasing awardsunder Hague’s tutelage. Dive a little deeper (another unintended pun), and the two were gleaning life lessons. “This programhas taught us how to work hard and become the successful adults we are today,” McLaughlin said. “Now we’re teaching the next generation of San Angelo swimmers the values of hardwork, being on time, and all the things that helped us. Even if we weren’t swimcoaches, I thinkwe’dstill behardworkers and doing things right to reach our goals because of Coach Hague and Central’s swim program.” † I thinkwe’d still be hardworkers and doing things right to reach our goals because of CoachHague andCentral’s swimprogram.” LEFT: Central Head Swim CoachMatt McLaughlin poses with Cody Fentress after the Central student broke McLaughlin swimming record. BELOW: Megan Faris (far left) and her brother, Matt McLaughlin (far right), cheer at a recent swim meet.
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Children’s Advocacy Center Beacon of Help and Hope Written By Dee Lackey Photos provided courtesy of Justin M. DeLoach of The Children's Advocacy Center 28 san angelo lifestyles
29 hometown living at its best Working diligently to bring those numbers down to zero is the Children’s Advocacy Center of GreaterWest Texas. On hand during a blustery, cold, February dedication day were First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott, Rep. Drew Darby, Sen. Charles Perry, San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter, participating philanthropists and CAC board members and staff. Many generous donors and service providers were essential inmaking this project a reality. First Lady Abbott acknowledged all of the CAC partners, “When we work together to put children first, we see amazing things happen. This new campus is a living example of CAC’s ongoing commitment to ensure everychildhas theopportunity to livea lifeworthyof their promise and potential.” Established in 1991, CAC’s mission—to ensure every child has a safe and nurturing home—has always been at the forefront. Located at 3418 Town & Country Drive in San Angelo, the recently expanded facilities include the remodeled Town & Country Plaza and the newly constructedHopeHouse LeGrand Family facilitywere 34 staffmembers and affiliated personnel work 24/7. LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO BY JOSHUA HIBBERT/UNSPLASH | HAND PRINT IMAGE BY GORDON JOHNSON/PIXABAY “Originallylocatedonthecity’seastsideandinvarious other locales, this latest expansionallows forall servicesof the CAC, including Hope House, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Family Enrichment Services and Outreach & Awareness, to be situated next to each other on one campus,” explained Chief Development Officer, Justin DeLoach, who gave this writer a guided tour. First impressions were warm and welcoming. The colorful and home-like use of space featured privacy whereneeded, andaveryhightech, yetnot overwhelming, atmosphere for an at-risk child or frightened parent. In keeping with CAC’s goals, children are not expected to tell their stories multiple times, thus causing additional trauma, since all coordinating agencies andpersonnel are linked technically and physically. There is a wide array of services available to the 13 counties in the Concho Valley region: Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton & Tom Green. Each focusontheir ownspecificaspect of theadvocacyprocess. BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, MORETHAN 1,225 CHILDREN INTEXASWILL SUFFERFROM ABUSEAND NEGLECT.
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31 hometown living at its best HOPE HOUSE is an intermediary between the abused child and the investigation process. Amultidisciplinary team collects information inaneutral process and thenoffers support to thechildandnon-offendingcaregiver. This teammay include advocates, lawenforcement,medical personnel suchas a sexual abusenurse examiner, ChildProtective investigators, district attorneys and therapists. COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) work in the courts for the child’s best interests during their time in thewelfare system. Their ultimate goal is to provide each childwith a safe, permanent and nurturing home. FAMILY ENRICHMENT SERVICES provide techniques to build stronger families in Tom Green, Concho and Runnels counties via counseling, mentoring and teaching programs. OUTREACH & AWARENESS offers free trainings, volunteer opportunities and coalitions to educate and engage the community in child abuse prevention efforts. It indeed takes a village to ensure the nurturing and safety of all our children. In its three decades of operation, the CAC has experienced a large growth in the need for services, especially in the past 10yearswherestatistics showa 150% increase. Since 2015 the total number of individual serviceshas risenfrom1,528 to 6,043. Of that number 4,451 were served atHopeHouse and 380were impactedby CASA. Likemanynon-profit organizations, CAC has visions to build upon their existing endowment, hire additional staff and hopefully add more features for children including a therapy garden and playground. CAC annually hosts two fundraisers: a Champagne & Diamonds gala onValentine’s Day and a Champions Advocating 4 Children Golf Classic, in partnershipwith Tres Amigos convenience stores. Leading the chain of generous donors for the $10.1 millioncampus expansionwasSteve&PollyannaStevens, Devin&Liz Bates, Randy&SusanBrooks, Alvin&Shelley New and Lloyd & Sheri Norris. CAC’s new Hope House LeGrand Family facility was underwritten by Dr. Robert & Jean Ann LeGrand and the James B. & Lois R. Archer In its three decades of operation, the CAC has experienced a large growth in the need for services.
32 san angelo lifestyles CharitableFoundation. Additional supporters to the Town & Country Plaza were Cari & Jeff Curry, Sheila & Jorge Velarde, Trudy & Mike Hennings, Jessica & James Skinner and the Junior League of San Angelo. More support for Hope House was received from the San Angelo Health Foundation, M.S. Doss Foundation, J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation, Wisniewski Family, Mary EllenKent Bunyard Foundation and Stickney Grandchildren. Several anonymous donors also participated in both projects. Serving as architects was Citizens HKS of Fort Worth, who donated a portion of their services. Lee Lewis Construction was the general contractor. Creating healthy families and ensuring CAC’s sustainability are continuing goals. Withtheir increasingserviceneedsandrecent expansions, there’s limitless possibilities for this organization. San Angelo and Greater West Texas families will be better served thanks to visionary individuals who believed in the safety and well-being of all children today, and tomorrow. † Creating healthy families and ensuring CAC’s sustainability are continuing goals. With their increasing service needs and recent expansions, there’s limitless possibilities for this organization.
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36 san angelo lifestyles Theymaynot all want to build saddles, but Coats Saddlery will not have any short in riders. San Angelo native and momof4,MirandaStewartandherhusbandDerekmoved back to her hometown to raise children near family, in the same lifestyle she was raised. Now, with a set of triplets, she is especially thankful for her choice. “I think it's beneficial to have your parents close by so you can get a little support and relief when you’re raising children in general, not just multiples,” Stewart said. “We are right next door tomy parents, so it’s nice to easily havemore sets of hands. Currently, we’re kind of in survival mode.” The 8-week early trio, Stratton, Stryker and Steely, must be fed every three hours around the clock. “Right now it takes about an hour and a half to get through a feeding; no sleeping through the night because we’re working to get their weights up,” Stewart said. “The goal is for the babies to gain an ounce a day, which is a lot for babies that just want to sleep.” Their one-month doctor’s appointment revealed all three reached the 5-pound milestone. Stewart said, “It’s been a lot of praying and just trusting God’s plan for us and these babies.” She has seen blessings even before they 3 STEWARTS Sweet Derek andMiranda Stewart recently welcomed triplets to their family of three. The family shares the joys of raising children in their hometown and family business, Coats Saddlery. Written by Taylor Grimm Photos by Kim Torres Photography and provided by Miranda Stewart
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38 san angelo lifestyles were born. “The first miracle is that I stayed in labor for so long,” she said. Going into labor at 30weeks began her 7-week hospital. “They aren’t always able to stop labor as successfully as mine did, and everyone really thought I would have themwithin 48 hours of initially going into labor.” At 34weeks doctors deliveredvia aquick c-section. “The second surprise was how similar theywere in size. At birth two were four pounds two ounces, and one was 4 pounds even,” Stewart said. “Naturally your body will tend to favor one or two, so it was very uncommon that there wasn’t a big gap in the weight.” Twoof the threewere breathing on their ownat birth but baby “B,” Stryker, needed some assistance. “Hewas on aCPAP for almost aweek, and then just graduallybrought down off the oxygen,” Stewart recalled. The babies also needed to self-regulate their temperature, which was checked every 3 hours to make sure they were not too hot, nor not too cold. “The last milestone was actually eating on their own,” Stewart said. “That took the longest because they don’t knowwhat it is to eat; they don’t know how to. I never anticipated that, I was like ‘what do you mean they don’t knowhow to eat?’” The babies were fed via G-tube and gradually offered bottles and nursing. 6-year-old big sister, Sutton, could visit her mombut was not allowed in theNICU. “She came up to the hospital the day they were born and was actually crying because she couldn’t meet them. So the next day, they held up Stratton and Steely to the window so she could see them and that made her whole world,” Stewart said. Since doctors can’t estimate how long the eating process takes to learn, Stewartneverknewhowlong thebabieswouldbe
39 hometown living at its best 6-year-old big sister, Sutton, could visit her mom but was not allowed in the NICU. “She came up to the hospital the day they were born and was actually crying because she couldn’t meet them. So the next day, they held up Stratton and Steely to the window so she could see them and that made her whole world,” Stewart said.
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41 hometown living at its best there. She said, “Steely was a little bit behind the boys, but within two days something clicked and before I knew it they were talking about going home.” Leaving April 11th, the babies came home sooner than expected. “A common goal is to be out by the baby’s due date, theywere due April 28. I was like ‘wait you’re sending me home with themnow? Are we ready?’” She rememberedwith a laugh. Despite the challenges faced, Stewart said she wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. “Derek and I were in a little bit of shock at first. We weren’t looking at having triplets, so I think God sometimes laughs at uswhenwemake our ownplans.” On the other hand, Stewart describesher family’s responseas ‘beyondexcited!’ Not onlydo they live in close proximity, but work is there as well. “My husband has worked withmy dad, Larry, for nearly 10 years, sohe is able towalk towork and we canwalk tomy parent’s house,” Stewart said. The family home and business complex is equally as convenient for the Stewart children. Sutton can easily request the school bus drops her off at Grannie’s, or she canwalk over to see dad at work after checking on the babies. Despite the challenges faced, Stewart said she wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. “Derek and I were in a little bit of shock at first. We weren’t looking at having triplets, so I think God sometimes laughs at us when we make our own plans.
42 san angelo lifestyles “Being able to go hang out at the saddle shop after school keeps her from coming inside and watching TV,” Stewardsaid. Sheunderstandswell howgrowingup in the country will shape Sutton, Stryker, Stratton, and Steely. “Being around agriculture, and the responsibilities of taking care of animals teaches very valuable life lessons,” Miranda said. “Sutton goes all by herself to feed her goat, Cinnamon.We hope to raise all of our kids the sameway.” Stewart’s fatherandCoatsSaddleryowner, LarryCoats is tickled to have somany grandchildren, and so close by. He said watching the third generation grow up around the saddle shop is the greatest feeling he’s ever had. “I’ve had opportunities to sell it, but now I never will,” Coats said. “I can’t wait to watch them grow up, and hopefully into the business.” Coats credits long hours at the saddle shop and trade shows for the close relationshipwith his son Myles, and son-in-law Derek—who is beginning to manage the saddle shopunderLarry’s supervision. “Derek is really doing a great job running the shop,” Coats said. “He still comes to me for advice, but he’s getting good at making the calls when I’m not around.” Coats said he’s most excited to watch the triplets develop different or similar interests, andultimately he hopes theywill enjoy the saddle business and western way of life. The entire family agrees. “I think you always hope your children will want to follow the lifestyle that you have brought them into; that they would appreciate it andwant to choose the same path,” Stewart said. “I hope they all stay close by and we would be thrilled if one of our daughter’s husbands wanted to work in the saddle shop; it doesn’t have to just be a son. It could be one big family business, ya never know!” † The entire family agrees. “I think you always hope your children will want to follow the lifestyle that you have brought them into; that they would appreciate it and want to choose the same path,” Stewart said.
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45 hometown living at its best
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50 san angelo lifestyles tackling hug from a Great Dane wasn’t exactly what Kathy Priest-Smith’s husband had in mind after driving across the state to adopt one. The 126-pound dog nearly knocked him over, calling to attention behavioral issues every dog owner will experience at some point. Despite the need for obedience training, Kathy was not willing to give up on Millie. In fact, she loved her so much that she wrote an entire children’s book about her: Millie’s Great Dane Adventures. The San Angelo author is now well into a 10-book series chronicling the tales of their furry family members. What gave you the idea for this book? I took care of my daughter’s Great Dane, and when she left I missed her so much I contacted the breeder about getting one. She told us about Millie, a 15-month old in need of a new home. I think really, we needed each other because my mom was diagnosed with cancer and Millie had to leave her home because of cancer. I call that a ‘God thing.’ God brought us together for a reason. I started making notes about everything that happened to Millie. When I read my notes, I had so many emotions and thought about what a great story it would make. I wanted to share our story and shed some light on the rehoming issues many large dogs face. Meet Millie Written By TAYLOR GRIMM Photos provided by KATHY PRIEST-SMITH A Q&A with Kathy Priest-Smith, author of Millie’s Great Dane Adventures
What made you feel like this type of story needs to be told? I buy a lot of kids books for my grandchildren, and there’s not a lot of just good, plain, fun- loving books. I wanted them to be able to share an experience, and just relax. It can also open a conversation between an adult and a child about dogs and ownership and responsibilities. I want all my books based on facts, relatable to families. I want the kids to be able to draw some conclusions about having a dog, or not. Books are for entertaining, but also for inspiring new, positive thoughts and ideas that children can relate to. What do you hope young readers will take away from this story? Mainly I want children and their parents to spend time together reading my book, and learning about Great Danes. I hope they see that with every drawback of owning any dog there is a silver lining. Millie finds the best time to lick you or shake her head launching slobber into the air. She sheds some but will also sit side-by-side with you on the couch and watch television and snuggle. If you own a dog, enjoy the good and the bad. That being said, not all pets in families work out. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out, with the timing or the people. I want them to know that getting a puppy isn’t the only option, there are a lot of great rescues that have dogs of all ages. The family really needs to sit down and carefully consider the factors in getting a dog. I also want the reader to be excited about my book and the events in the book. I hope they come away with new thoughts, ideas and reading skills. I have used large words in my book to challenge the young readers and to give them a chance to pick up a big word they can use often. There are lots of words in my book, but I want the reader to read up and read past their expectations. Kathy is proud to announce a portion of revenue from each book will be donated to a rescue benefitting either Great Danes or German Shorthair Pointers. You can find your copy at various San Angelo locations such as: • Eggemeyers Country Store • Cactus Bookstore • College Hills Animal Hospital • Pure Hearts Pets Great Danes are known as “GENTLE GIANTS” that are calm, friendly and loyal. Great Danes are couch potatoes and love to snuggle. 51 hometown living at its best Famous Great Danes include Scooby Doo, Marmaduke, and Astro from the Jetsons.
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55 hometown living at its best W When you see Julie Schniers speak on stage you see an intelligent, beautiful woman who exudes confidence. However, that wasn’t always the case. The motivational speaker refers to her teen years as a ‘hot mess.’ “I was 5’6bythe5thgradeandfelt likeahugeoutcast,” Schniers said. “I was called every name in the book—lady long-legs, octopus, jolly green giant, flamingo. By high school I was still trying tofit inuntil I joinedspeech, debate and theatre. My debate teacher at Seminole High School had enough confidence for the both of us. He found what I was good at and pushed me into that space.”This formeroutcastwould go on to becomeMiss Lubbock USA in 2005. Schniers graduated from Texas Tech in 2007, and was hired as the Speech and Debate Coach at SanAngelo ISDCentral High School. The classroom was like a mirror of her past. “Alfredo Antu was a sophomore who walked intotheclassroomwithhisheadpointedtothe floor and hair in his eyes. He never spoke to me,” Schniers recalled. “I had the students do an improv exercise to figure out their talents and he was incredible. He went on to become a National Speech and Debate Champion and he’s doing voice overwork formovies now. He later toldme that he knewhe could do it once he knew I was invested in him.” Like the teachers that hadmentored her, Schniers decided that investing in students— and putting relationships first—was the best way to teach them. Her students still testify to the efficiency of that philosophy. 2015-2018 Central High Speech and Debate Alumni, James Mayville, credits Schniers for helping develop his skill sets, “I owe so much of my professional communication and personal skills to the standards she set for us. For example, we had towear a coat and tie and if From Teacher to Speaker: Julie Schniers is leaning into relationships. A FORMER SANANGELO TEACHERMOTIVATES AND CONNECTS OTHERS ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME. Written By SABRINA FORSE Photography Provided By JULIE SCHNIERS; LARAE RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY, SIXTY SAGE, & MIX IT UP MEDIA
56 san angelo lifestyles youdidn’t have one or couldn’t affordone, she found one for you.” Though Schniers keeps in touch with hundreds of former students, she realizes thatmaking those connections is not easy for everyone. “Teachers naturally want to make a difference, yet I’ve heard a teacher say that the job isnot about building relationships but was about teachinghis content, Schniers said. “That’s not the case for most teachers but it was eye-opening, and I thought maybe I have something to share.” Schniers formerstudentsagreed. “Several students toldme that I should share what we did in the classroomwith theworld,” she said. At the end of the 2020 school year, Schniers decided to retire from teaching after thirteen years. “A former student of mine reached out andwas interested in becoming a speech and debate coach, and I knew the time was right.” Revealing the news to her students was a tearful one. “I probably cried a full fifteen minutes before telling the kids and forty-five minutes after,” Schniers said. “Wewere still on lockdown, so I had to tell themon Zoom.” Schniers polled her former students whenforming themessage that shewoulduse to motivate others. “I developed the keynote using LEAN IN which stands for Legacy, Eye Contact, Ask and Answer Questions, Notes and Quotes, Influence and Nurture. Building relationships may be harder for some people thanothers, butpeoplearethemost important piece whether you’re in the classroomor the Though Schniers keeps in touch with hundreds of former students, she realizes that making those connections is not easy for everyone.
Photo by Sixty Sage Photography
58 san angelo lifestyles boardroom. I want to help others make the hard parts your heart parts.” Mayville describes Schnier’s keynote as inspirational. “She’s taking what she poured into eachof us, and themodel, andcultureof thedebate team and sharing it with people everywhere,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see that message and approach to people be used in businesses and organizations. Theywill be better off ten-fold.” Schniers is now certi f ied with the International Coaching Federation, and will soon earn her master’s degree in Executive Coaching and Consulting. Schniers is motivating everyone from educators, business leaders and employees to adolescents. “I recently spoke at the Shannon Leadership Institute,” Schniers said. “I am so thankful forhometownpeoplewhohave givenme the opportunity to show and shine in this space.” Building up others and helping them focus is what Schniers enjoys most. “I am doing business consulting now. I was doing virtual sessions with two business managers in California who hated each other,” Schniers said. “These two guys were struggling because of a lack of relationship.” Schniers explained how the framework used to resolve some of their issues can be used across business types and industries. “People are still people nomatter the profession. If you can’t work withother people, you’ll never see theproductivity that you could see. Ifwe are not growing, we’re not thriving.” Schniers’ newest program is a small group workshop for female junior and high school students and young adults. The idea evolved from a group of girls she spoke to about confidence. “Sometimes we forget to teach our kids communication skills and tricks to be more Photo byMix It UpMedia
59 hometown living at its best confident as they deal with those really important and toughmoments,” Schnier said. As a mom and wife, Schniers admits that she sometimes struggles with relationships and confidence herself. “No one is perfect, and as we comeout of isolationandrejoinbusinesses, people are struggling with relationships more than ever. I have a lot of businesses that say their employees don’t know how to talk to each other anymore. That’s where your circle of influence comes in.” Schniers advises building your circle with people that make a positive impact on you. “When I’m having a really hard day, I pull from my circle of influence... I’ve kept every single message from former students and feedback from speeches. I utilize those to build my own confidence and continue to grow.” On the days that Schniers misses the classroom, shefocusesontheBibleverse, Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you. “There’s nothing I loved more than seeing a student grow andbecome thebest versionof themselves. I didn’t realizehowmuch Iwould lovegetting toworkwith a groupof leaders or help redevelop a focus phrase for a business. My plans always continue to grow and change but they’re not really my plans, are they? They’re HIS.” † As a mom and wife, Schniers admits that she sometimes struggles with relationships and confidence herself. “No one is perfect, and as we come out of isolation and rejoin businesses, people are struggling with relationships more than ever. www.julieschniers.com Photo by LaRae Russell Photography
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62 san angelo lifestyles very little girl loves tea time! This is a chance to set your dolls and stuffed animals in chairs, play dress up, and sip fromyour best china (even though at age 5, it may be plastic). Dress up and yummy treats are the best part. Most of us would agree, pretending to be an adult ismuch more glamorous than the real thing. It’s a time for parents to step back and use their imagination to help entertain their little ones. This sweet timeless treat is a favorite for mothers and daughters of all ages. Tea Time History InEngland, tea time is amidafternoonmeal completewith tea and small cakes or cookies. For centuries this has been a wonderful excuse to take a break from the bustle of the day and relax. It is also a social time to invite friends over to discuss the happenings of the day. The popularity of tea time began in the nineteenth century and Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is credited for its increased status. She complained of a ‘sinking feeling’ around late afternoon. During that era many people only ate two meals a day and dinner was not served until close to eight o’clock. The Duchess began inviting friends to take tea with her from two to four in the afternoon, preceding the fashionable time to walk in Hyde Park, and before long all of London was following suit. Who doesn't love a tea party? We want our readers to learn more about Tea Time, where it came from and where it can take you! Written By REBECCA RISTER Photos by RHONDA ELDER & HMG
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64 san angelo lifestyles A menu for tea might include finger sandwiches, scones served with preserves, other homemade cakes and breaded pastries, and of course a variety of hot tea with milk and sugar. Sandwiches would vary from cucumber, egg mayonnaise with cress – although the American substitutionwould be something closer resembling egg salad, and a chicken salad or tuna fish. Texans daily enjoy a different kind of tea time. It too is amidday break, but the tea almost always contains sugar and a lot of ice to ward off the Texas heat! I’ve been guilty of the misconception that High Tea is a fancy ordeal, when in actuality AfternoonTea was for the upper class. High Tea was taken by the working class and is much more casual and practical than the latter. It involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese, and meat if they were fortunate enough to have any, variations included potatoes and pies. Did you know tea is the second most popular drink in the world, second only to water? The first recorded consumption of the drink was in China, as early as 10th century BC. It spread from there across Asia. Portuguese exploration and trade discovered the Asian tea. England’s King, Charles II, was married to a Catherine of Braganza Portuguese, making her the queen consort of England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is said she introduced tea to the UK in the sixteenth century. I’ve often wondered why we do not honor a tea time as strictly as our English cousins. It could be that the Boston Tea Party ended our tea time privileges as a nation. Today tea time is a special occasion; something we do as mothers and daughters, or something we play at as children. Regardless of the timing – it really is fun. So, whether your tea time is served with scones or a more southern version of peach cobbler and sweet iced tea, we should all try and fit a little more whimsy into our daily schedules.
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