I would suggest Buff Orpingtons - I have them and not only are they a larger bird, but they are very family friendly.
Mine are averaging 80% laying an egg a day right now - and increasing as we approach spring.
Oh, Central Texas does get colder in the winter too - they can handle it.
You might be interested in a couple of FR threads on this type of subject, including gardening, chickens, goats, recipes, and lots and lots more...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=1
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?q=1&;page=1
Goats are also on the list. I was raised around goats and it’s sort of the family “thing”. :-)
At least with the goats I’m not starting from scratch!