Bucket List

I am the luckiest person in the World...or at least I think so. My reasoning for this thought is the way I live my life and love my husband. For a little background, my husband is 13 years older than I (I have always been one for the mature looking features!)and he has a long family history of heart disease. Three years ago he underwent open heart surgery at a the age of 48 years old.
So that night while in ICU waiting room I made a Bucket List of things I wanted to do with my husband. A bucket list...things I wanted to do or see or experience before "we" could not enjoy them together.
This past summer we crossed somethings off my list in one trip to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Now I know for some, the idea of a rodeo is not on your radar. However,for me, this was a dream come true. The rodeo action, the tradition of the event, the generosity of the people and the breathtaking beauty of the land was captured in one trip! My trip to CFD was not only a fulfillment of a Bucket List item, but an unforgettable experiencece.
We also visited Estes Park, Colorado. The majestic mountain scenes are truly God's creations. This Texas girl had to battle anxious feelings due to driving along the mountain's edge with no guardrail or the signs warning of beware of the black bears. This Colorado adventure was a grand time.
The most important aspect of this journey, was that every step, every picture, and every new adventure was with my husband. My bucket list gave me so much more than what I expected. I encourage you to make your list and discover what things you will discover that you were not even looking for.
My bucket list continues to grow as we continue to cross things off of it. These long lasting memories is what life is all about. Be sure to make your bucket list today!

Ms Mickey

The following writing was read before friends and family as part of a memorial service for Mrs. Marth Frost. A true Texas treasure.

Good afternoon, am honored to be here to help celebrate the life of a true Steel Magnolia…. Martha Frost…or As I knew her as Ms Mickey. My name is Barbara Magana Robertson…

Ms Mickey has known me my entire life. In fact she has known all by brothers and sisters their entire lives. And not many people can say this but she has known my father Sam Magana since he was 13 years old.

For every Magana birth, graduation, anniversary, and wedding she has shared these moments with my family…as family should.

For years I have had the sheer pleasure of decorating the Christmas tree for Mr and Mrs Frost. As many of you may know, Ms Mickey loved Christmas. Her passion for Christmas is something that my mother, Delia Magana and I shared with Mrs Frost. Decorating the tree was something more than hanging lights and ornaments. Mrs Mickey knew that Christmas time meant she was going to see people she loved…she would see family.

Ms Mickey has an extensive collection of ornaments. Some of the ornaments were of once dolls she and her sister had as children. She has several cross ornaments that Harry Gordan himself gave her as Christmas gifts. But my favorite by far are her extensive collection of hallmark ornaments that she collected throughout the years. These ornaments move, whistle, chirp… they make all kind of noises and best of all light up. But most important…made her happy.

Her adoring son, Ford, a few Christmases ago gave her a special gift that gave her pure joy. This gift was a stuffed reindeer that sat in a wooded rocking chair…and when you turned it “on” it sang that silly song “grandma got run over by a reindeer” . She cherished this reindeer. She would asked me to turn it on, while she watched me decorate the tree….she would giggle like a little girl at certain parts of the song. When she heard enough she would say "ok turn it off". I am not sure if it was the reindeer, the song or the fact that Ford gave it to her that brought her so much joy.

For those of you who know my father, you know that Christmas decorating is not something he does. Give him a horse, a rope, some cattle …but Christmas decorating is not his forte. However when Ms Mickey called a few Christmases ago…. to her beloved Sammy and said “Sammy… I need some hay”…..My father said,"how much"? …she said, "I am not sure I just need some". My Daddy being the forever loyal staple in her life…. wanted to fill her request. So he loaded a bale of hay and went over to their house. When he arrived she raised her hand and said "I need about this much"… only about a hand full. You see, she had been decorating her nativity scene. My father was glad to help her put the finishing touches on her manger.

Through the years I have had many memories with the Frost family…but one of my fondest was this past Christmas. I was over at their home decorating the Christmas tree. Mr frost just had his dinner.This was the first Christmas that Ms Mickey could not sit up and watch me decorate their tree. MS Mickey was already in failing health and bed ridden and she was in her makeshift bed room. Mr Jay decided to he wanted to she his wife that evening. And told his Nurse….”Nurse I at want to see my wife". Now this was not as easy as you would think. But after a little determination Mr frost made his way in his wheelchair to the foot of Ms mickey’s bed. When she realized he was there, in a clear and valid voice she said the following words… I adore you, I adore you, I adore you Jay Frost…and with a steady voice he said I love you to Mrs Frost…good night Baby. Although this was a private moment…I was touched by their love for one another that has endured over the years.

This reminded me of the time I asked Ms Mickey about the first time she saw Mr Jay…in her words…”he was a handsome young man speeding across Galveston waters in a boat I did not know who he was…I just knew he was going fast”. I said, "Ms Mickey how did you finally catch him"…she replied, “I am not sure I guess he slowed down”.
I am glad that he slowed down enough to have his life’s greatest jewel….his baby, Mrs Frost.

On behalf of the Magana Family….I thank you for letting us share these memories with you here today.

The Bullying Business

Article written for the Fort Bend Business Journal by Barbara Magana Robertson

The days of school yard bullying have grown far beyond the playground. With the start of the school year just weeks away, school districts, child care providers and parents are preparing to face this growing issue. Cyber bullying, threatening text messages and sexting are some of the real issues that plague students of all ages. The retaliations due to bullying have made headline news across the nation. There is no community that is left untouched by these modern day terrors. A real need for proper training of our school educators, child care providers and parents is essential to being able to combat bullying and other pestilent concerns. Appelbaum Training Institute, located in Sugar Land, is a pioneer and a true leader in training educators and parents in an array of issues that face today’s youth. Appelbaum Training Institute (ATI) provides the skills and the knowledge to help students of all ages cope with these rising concerns.

The Appelbaum training Institute was founded by Maryln and Marty Appelbaum. Maryln has been a trailblazer in the child care industry for decades. Her vast experience comes from being a teacher, an administrator, a therapist, a consultant and an author. She, along with her son, Marty, have grown their business to reach more than 50,000 parents and educators annually through their seminars, workshops, and books. “We are committed to giving the proper training and really being able to help the children and the teens that may be facing these perils of life,” says Dr. Appelbaum. “That is what we do, we are difference makers.”

The seminars cover a wide range of topics and tackle real issues such as disciplinary concerns while also offering guidance on other matters. Putting a stop to bullying, getting kids to listen and teaching parents and teachers how to achieve respect, balance love and limits, and how to talk to kids so they listen, are just a few of the many topics covered in the seminars. Both Maryln and Marty work together as a team at their events. The harmony that is struck between mother and son is solid and filled with a plethora of information for the participants. Maryln shares, “From infants toddlers, all the way up to high school kids, we teach them the tools that they need to work most effectively to be the best parent or best teacher.” The Appelbaums’ have created an entertaining learning experience including interactive role playing and training videos to enhance their seminars. The intoxicating laugh of Maryln is addicting and is a constant at their seminars. Participants at their seminars not only learn but they find themselves enjoying the experience.

Maryln has shared her knowledge over the years by writing more than 30 “how to” books. Each book has given both parents and educators the foundation to implement into their own personal circumstances. Just buy the book titles you can identify with, something going on in your own life….”How to Handle the Hard to Handle Student”, “No More Biting”, “No More Tattling”. Also as author, Maryln has address social matters such as Autism, Literacy and Child Abuse in several of her books. For several years now Maryln’s book, “How to Talk to Kids So They Will Listen” has been a bestseller. She has written two books on bullying, and this fall she continues her mission to bring awareness to bullying, cyber bullying, and sexting with her pending book release.

According to Maryln, “Bullying has always been around, but it is growing due to today’s kids who are ‘all about me’ kids.” “They are used to getting what they want, and some enjoy hurting other kids.” She advocates that bullying must be addressed, dealt with and stopped. “Parents need to be involved ...one on one time with their children, whether they are pre-k kids to high school students….start with the counselor, go to principal…take it to law enforcement” says Maryln.

Marty has led the company to being awarded one of the best small companies to work in Houston three times. He and Maryln are a “dynamic duo” leading their company to make a difference. Marty says, “Our goal is to reach every parent and educator we can and give them solid information they can immediately implement so they see immediate results.”

Maryln and Marty have taken their seminars, books, and expertise and turned it into accessible products through the use of social media. Everything they teach can be found on their web site. On-line courses for C.E.U.’s and clock hours, training tools and videos, teacher appreciation gifts and other merchandise are all available at your fingertips. Maryln sends out a daily electronic teaching message to over 50,000 recipients. In her messages she covers a remarkable range of topics and gives a meaningful tip to apply to real life scenarios. Also, ATI and Maryln use both facebook and twitter as platforms to share their techniques. The Appelbaum’s have made it their business to keep up with the latest in State regulations around the Country. Most States accept their books and continuing education courses as clocked study hours. Pending child care legislation in Texas in regards to staffing to child ratio is a heated topic. “More staff, means more money for the parents to pay…we should really focus on proper training” expresses Maryln.

School bells will be ringing soon, and hallways will be filled with kids who will not only be dealing with the stresses of a passing grade but also the struggles of their own generation. Maryln has given simple rules to make the school year go by without discourse “As a parent or teacher, listen, make yourself available, pay attention to the body language of your children, and do your best.” For information on Appelbaum Training Institute visit their website at http://www.atiseminars.org/.

These challenging economic times have many businesses tightening their budgets. School districts are also finding themselves facing cutbacks and possible layoffs. One non-profit organization in Fort Bend County is doing what they can to connect parents and educators to free services that are offered throughout the County. ACHIEVE Fort Bend County is a group of business and community leaders who volunteer their time to promote these services and to prevent a student from dropping out.
This fall two events will highlight ACHIEVE’s mission. On September 11, 2010 a dropout recovery walk will be held in Fort Bend County. Lamar CISD, Stafford MSD, Fort Bend ISD and Needville ISD will all be participating. Volunteers will fan out through various communities to encourage students back to school. Door to door, they will visit student’s homes that have not attended the new school year.
The second event is a Mentoring Conference that will be held on September 29, 2010. The conference is for businesses and residents to learn the basic skills to learn how to be a mentor to a student. It is imperative to mentor a student who may be at risk of dropping out. A mentor can be the difference in a student’s life.
The encouragement a mentor may provide to a teen is life changing. Time that you invest may only be an hour a week, but it last a lifetime. If you are interested in being a volunteer for either of the ACHIEVE events go to www.achievefortbendcounty.org.

Roof Ready

Hurricane Season is upon us. Believe it or not, there are still many of those unsightly blue tarps on many roofs today. They serve as a constant reminder of Hurricane Ike and his fury. But there are some things you can do now to prevent some costly damage.

First, as a homeowner you should check for missing or lifted shingles. Look around the yard for fallen or blown shingles. This could avoid a costly repair now versus later.

Another preventive is to check for leaks inside the home. A leak in the attic, ceilings or along the wall could be a minor repair now that could protect your belongings during a storm.

Also a little lawn care could really help prevent damage. Trim back trees that may be up and overgrown onto the house. Avoid a costly repair on damage due to unmaintained limbs that could fall.
Don't forget Skylines or fireplaces. Check the seals or the caulking. Remember a minor repair now or a little maitenance could save your money. Be sure your insurance policey is updated is current.

Most important…a blue tarp that may be left over from Hurricane Ike is not going to protect your belongings during a Hurricane or strong tropical storm.

Rock of Honor

Commissioner Patterson and other Fort Bend officials were on hand for the installation of a military monument. The rock may be viewed by the public at the Precinct 4 county building located in Sugar Land at 12919 Dairy Ashford road thanks to the efforts of Commissioner James Patterson. Commissioner is thankful for the donation and feels it is a great way to honor our troops and veterans.

The Rock Place has donated the monument as a tribute to all military branches. Commissioner James Patterson, JP Jim Richard and Constable Troy Nehls were on hand for the donation. The Rock Place is a business based in Utah and is opening up a location here in the Cypress area in June. The company creates large rock art with different themes sandblasted in to the stone. They owners have a huge commitment to veterans and troops. Many of their partners have huge military connections.

Robert Rusby and Steve Dahle are two Vice Presidends of The Rock Place with their own Military stories. Robert himself is a veteran and served in the Navy. He gets very emotional talking about the company and his personal commitment to the veterans and troops.
Steve grew up in a military family. His father made a career in the Air Force. Steve as a child went to school in Germany while his father served in the military. He has great memories of his father and he himself even being fluent in the German language. Steve signed up for the draft during the Vietnam war but the draft ended before he was selected to go.

The Rock Place also designs fire pits, flagpoles, address stones and other rock art displays. For more information go to www.therockplace.net.

Portland Rosen, One stroke at a time!

From Fort Bend Focus Article by Barbara Magana Robertson


As most High School Seniors are looking forward to Prom and Graduation, one Sugar Land teen is focused on defending her State title. Portland Rosen is taking it to the links to defend her State 5A championship title in golf. The Clements High School senior recently won her third straight district individual title and helped her school team win the district championship title. Now, she is heading into regionals and then on to State. “Defending my title is a goal, and I just want to play my best. My friends are all worried about what dress they will be wearing to the Prom or who they are going with, I am just focusing on my next tournament” says Rosen.

Portland has already committed to playing golf for the University of Virginia this fall semester. She is excited and looking forward to be able to play at the college level. Portland states, “I am thrilled to carry on the family tradition and look forward to getting my degree.” She will be following in the footsteps of her two older sisters, Jorden, a Syracuse graduate and Courtney, a senior at Florida State University. Both Rosen girls played softball at the collegiate level. Younger sister, Darby, is currently playing several sports at Clements High school.

As a junior, Portland had an exceptional year. She went unbeaten on her brilliant path to becoming state champion. Every tournament she entered she won. This year, she continues to impress and demonstrate her phenomenal talents. At the district tournament held in early April, she won by 25 strokes. “I remembered the course from last year and was more comfortable this year. I did not feel nervous. I play better when I am relaxed” admits Rosen. Her dedication to the sport is unfathomable. Portland practices hitting the ball, putting, chipping or driving every day. During the unusual harsh winter we endured, Portland would escape the cold temperatures and rain soaked days by practicing indoors at local facilities.

As a 12 year old, Portland’s father took her to the golf course. There he put a golf club in her hand and said to her to “hit some golf balls.” It was not long before her father saw his daughter’s natural ability. Portland remembers her father saying,” Portland you’re a natural.” She has been dedicated to the sport ever since. “My parents are my biggest supporters. They are at every tournament no matter what” beams Portland. Her mother, Robin Rosen, cheers on her daughter and always has an encouraging word for her. Her father, Rocket Rosen, is often on the golf course practicing her golf game with her. However Portland is quick to give credit to her Coach Paul Marchand, as being a major influence in developing her skill and her swing.

Portland is not your typical teenager. She admits that she misses some of regular high school activities due to her golf game. However she believes the decision she made years ago to be dedicated to golf is the right choice for her. Her goal in life is to be on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. “I really would like to do that, see where golf takes me after college...I am going to try my best and give it all I have to make the LPGA tour” says Rosen. While she enjoys reading books, getting pedicures and playing other sports, her commitment to golf is undeniable. She is a true ambassador of the sport. “I would like to see more kids get involved in golf. It is a sport that both boys and girls can enjoy” says Rosen.

Later this month, beginning May 10th in Austin is the State championships golf tournament. Portland is once again favored to be on the top of the leader board. Good luck to Portland, and bring home the championship.