Breaking News

I have been a freelance reporter for almost three years now. The typical story I am assigned to is several days in advance, and pretty much runs the way I expect it to.

Last week, the editor asked me to cover the Drag Boat Races, out at Lake Nasworthy here in San Angelo. I'd never been out to the Boat Races before, and was looking forward to doing something new.

I went out on Saturday, spoke to sponsors, drivers, and volunteers. Before I knew it, I'd been out there for three hours! I called and left a message for the weekend editor to tell her that the story would be on its way shortly. She called me back soon after, apologizing, and told me that the story was actually for the NEXT day! Not a problem, I figured I would go out and speak to some spectators on the final day of the event.

When I got there, Peggy, the lady driving the golf cart, introduced me to two Marines who had just gotten to San Angelo the day before. They were out enjoying their weekend before they started work/school on Monday.

The event went as I expected, speaking to lots of great people. There was lightening nearby, so I even got to speak to people uninterrupted by the noise of the boats.

After getting all the interviews that I needed, I was trying to leave. I had already been there longer than expected. It was starting to rain. Finally, I got in the golf cart that was going to take me back to my car. As we were getting in, I watched two of the LOUD boats racing each other, both going in speeds in excess of 200 mph. I had just gotten in, when I heard the crowd start groaning. Something had happened.

I was already late leaving, so in my mind, I was thinking, "I need to get home to get this story done." But, fate intervened, as Jenni, the lady I had interviewed moments earlier, said, "move over, we have to go!"

I tried to get out of the cart, but she and Peggy, also in the cart, said, "You're a reporter; this is your story!"

As we ZOOMED, and I mean ZOOMED to the exit ramp where the boats were to be taken from the water, I was amazed at the skill of the driver- one of the Marines I'd met earlier. He got us to the ramp literally minutes before the second ambulance arrived.

Luckily, both drivers were ok. But, I realized when I got there, and saw the lines of people holding hands in support and prayer, that I did indeed have a story. The adrenaline, both from the accident itself and the golf cart ride to the scene, had me jittery to say the least. Then, as I was looking for people to interview, I realized I was rain-soaked, wind-blown, and covered with mud. My glasses had rain on them, but my shirt was too wet/dirty to clean them! From sitting in the back of the golf cart, my legs were muddy from the knees down!

Later, I laughed to myself, thinking what people must have thought when I introduced myself as a writer for the Standard-Times. There were a lot of them, too- I realized that I had to speak to a lot of people to get what was the closest to the real story.

But, it was my first breaking news story! And, luckily another reporter was there to add details that I couldn't get... So, that was my first "joint" story as well.

Here's the link-
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/jun/27/drivers-pulled-from-boats-after-accident/

Waiting for the driver to get out of surgery today, so I can call him to interview him!

Crisis Averted

This week, we almost had a crisis...
On Wednesday, Matthew came home with a letter, saying that he should come to the Glenn awards ceremony. (We never know what the award(s) is for, just that the student is getting something.) The problem: Megan did not get a letter. She has gotten one every year, and has had a good year this year, but for whatever reason, no letter.

While somewhat surprised, I told her that not every child could receive awards. She has been lucky to be recognized in previous years. I suggested that maybe more letters would be given out the next day. "No," she said, "everyone got their letters today."

I have learned not to argue (out loud) with Megan when she thinks she is right. She is too much like me. So, we kind of just left the conversation there.

That night, though, Megan was in a baaaaad mood. She said she was just tired, and she probably was, but I couldn't help but think that part of it was not receiving the letter.

The next day, I picked the kids up from school, asked them how their day was, and if they had any homework. Megan casually slipped in that she got her letter.

"YAY!" I said. In typical Megan-fashion, no extreme emotion was shown.

But, she was in a much happier mood. We'll see what my two little award winners receive on Tuesday.

NJHS Induction

Shaking hands with Principal Stinnett...

Signing the "official" NJHS record... Official NJHS Member!

Last week, Matthew was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS is not easy to get into- the kids have to have an overall 95% GPA, have community service hours, and letters of reference.

171 kids in 6th & 7th grades got inducted (or re-inducted) that night. I estimate that there are 750-800 6th & 7th graders at Glenn, so that percentage is pretty impressive. We are so proud of him!!

Detective Jacob

For several months now, Jacob has been a detective. He takes his job seriously, and has gathered many pieces of his "uniform" that he wears on his belt, in his pockets, etc. While shopping yesterday, he found a tie (a detective tie) that "matched" the shirt he'd already picked out. There's no telling that boy "no" when it comes to his wardrobe; so we've basically given up, knowing that in 10 years he'll be asking us "WHY did you let me wear that???"

A year's worth of info in one post

Ok... So it's been over a year since my last post... No excuses. Busy, yes, but seriously? No posts in a YEAR?? Several months back, I even made this blog my "home page," thinking that would get me in the habit of posting. But even that didn't work.

Now, I am not one to place blame on anyone or anything for my laziness, but if I had to blame someone for my not posting, I would have to say it is Facebook's fault! I try to update my status there at least once a day/every other day. I just love the concept and have reconnected with so.many.friends!

So, just how does one tell everything that happened in a year, without writing a novel?

I think the easiest (most organized?) way is to do each person individually:

John: Since I last posted, John left Foster Communications, where he had been working for 8 years, to become the general manager at Gold's Gym. It was an amicable parting, and a much-needed change for John. The best part about the change~ it gave John an opportunity to work out, almost daily, and get back in shape. (Since his back surgery 2 years ago, a sedentary lifestyle (before and after) caused him to put on some extra weight.) During this past year, he started his own small business, doing voice work for some previous clients.
As of this week, John is back in the sales/marketing world. He left Gold's to work with an advertising agency here in San Angelo. Looks promising, and he's really enjoying it so far!

Megan: Still playing oboe in the band, and a member of the swim team, Megan is currently trying to determine which classes she will be taking next year, in HIGH SCHOOL! Yes, she will be a freshman next year. Aside from that, this year Megan started wearing make-up, and also is choosing clothes that are more fashionable (and may I say girl-y?). Since her personality has blossomed so much this year, it is only fitting that her wardrobe blossom as well.

Matthew: This year, Matthew started middle school. And, for the most part, the transition has been very smooth. Several of his teachers have even pulled me aside to tell me what a great kid he is (but we already knew this). He started playing the trumpet in band, and has been consistently in the top 8 or 9 out of 44 beginning trumpets. Matthew played basketball earlier this year, and is playing baseball now.

Jacob: Our youngest son is by far the most precocious of the three children. Not really a brat, but outgoing, imaginative, and just really his own person. For those of you who don't know yet, Jacob has announced to us that not only is he "married" to the 4 year old sister of one of Megan's friends, but also that he/they also have 2 sons (Drake and Josh). Don't worry about him being married with children at such a young age, though; after about 8-9 months of changing careers (judge, Gold's Gym assistant manager, Lowe's employee, etc.), he has finally settled on a career as a police officer. Depending on the day, his position may change from Detective, to Chief, to Security, but he has been a proud member of the SAPD for several months now.

Me: Part of the reason that I started not posting last year was that I was pregnant! Although I had my typical tired first trimester, the rest of the pregnancy was easy and non-eventful, though rather stressful after having two miscarriages and a still-birth in my last three pregnancies. In January, our family was blessed with the birth of Allyson Rose, who was born healthy and beautiful. I have been doing freelance writing for our local newspaper for the past 2 1/2 years, but in this past year have been writing considerably more. I love it!

Allyson: Our newest little addition, Allyson was born on January 14. She weighed 8 lbs, 4 ounces, and was two weeks early! She was also born with a head full of brown hair. Her eyes are still a beautiful grayish-blue color. Most importantly, she has an adorable, sweet personality. She is at the age where she has started smiling at people who talk to her... SO Cute!!!

Well, while I know that isn't all the details from this past year, it is at least the highlights for each family member... I am going to work hard to post waaaaay more often. And if you don't see me here for a while, look for me on Facebook!

Passover Seder

Woohoo! Matthew found the afikomen!!!

Too bad there's not ham on the seder plate-

Jacob would fit in perfectly! hmmm... no turkey either :)

SO much fun! Somehow, I got put in charge of our synagogue's congregational Passover Seder... Not complaining, just funny to me... But, I really do enjoy planning/organizing events; it's almost like it gives me a goal that I can actually reach and complete. There were 24 people in attendance this year! All but 2 of them were members of the synagogue (the other 2 were guests from Goodfellow AFB).

I've heard that everyone enjoyed it, so I am hoping to make this an annual event.

Technical Difficulties?

No! Just stupidity~ I haven't been posting all the great pictures/events I've been taking lately, because I couldn't find the cord that connects my camera to my computer... I found it today... IN MY LAPTOP BAG!!! Go figure~ where it was supposed to be... (but I know I looked there first)... Anyway, I'm back in business!

My Book Resolution

Okay, so last year, I made a New Year's resolution to read at least one book a month. And, for the most part, I did. But I realized at the end of the year that I didn't keep track of the books that I read, so I had no "proof". Not that anyone cares except me... But, if a friend of mine read a book that she really enjoyed, I would want to know. On the other hand, if a friend read a book that she didn't like, I'd want to know as well (I might not want to waste my valuable reading time :) ) I have re-signed for the same resolution this year, with the addition of now posting my books to the blog (and probably to Facebook :) )...

Last month, in addition to Marley and Me, which I already posted about, I read an amazing book called Escape. It was written by Carolyn Jessop. She was one of Merril Jessop's wives. Merril Jessop is now one of the "elders" at the FLDS polygamist ranch that is not far from here. The book tells her amazing story of her life while part of the sect, and her escape from the FLDS. I went to a book signing she attended at a bookstore here in town, and she seemed like one of those just awesom people that you want to be friends with- and that was before I read her book.

Last night, I finished reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas... It is an beautiful fiction story about a naive young boy whose father is a Nazi Commandant. They move to a house near Auschwitz (although the name of the camp is never mentioned in the book) so that the father can be closer to his work. The young boy befriends a Jewish boy on the "other side of the fence". Neither one of them can comprehend the other's way of life. Even though it is fiction, this story is such a good teaching tool, and introduction to the Holocaust. I cannot wait for it to come out on DVD (The movie did not make it to San Angelo).

On to my next book...

It's Jacob's World, we're just living in it...

Jacob has always been an early riser. I'm blaming his Daddy for that. ;) For the past several months, we have gotten him trained to come snuggle with us (and get another 1-2 hours of sleep) in the mornings. Yesterday, I was at the computer in our bedroom, and Jacob was playing one of his imaginery games.

All was going well, until I heard him say, "Good job." I have learned that when Jacob says "Good job", it's usually not good. That usually means that Jacob has fixed something (Bob-the Builder/Handy Manny style) that didn't need to be fixed.

I asked Jacob, "What did you fix?" His answer: "The alarm clock".
Me: How did you fix it? Jacob: I turned the lights off. (i.e., he unplugged it.)
Me: Jacob! Now the radio won't work, and we have no clock to tell us what time it is.
Jacob: That's good.
Me: Jacob! Why did you do that? How does turning the lights off fix the alarm clock?
Jacob: Now it won't wake us up in the morning.

How do you argue with that logic?

A Matthew-ism

Very often, Matthew says something, which, in his innocence, just makes us laugh. Today, he was looking at coupons in the phone book, and noticed that many of them required the purchase of fountain drinks. The conversation went like this:

Matthew: "Mom, what's a fountain drink?"

Me: "Well, a long time ago, drinks used to come from what was called a soda fountain. It dispensed all kinds of drinks... Cokes, Root Beer, Sprite. So a fountain drink is anything that comes from a fountain."

Matthew: "So, now, that would be, like, Water?"

I guess my explanation wasn't quite as good as I thought it was!

Back to Our Busy Lives!

Ok.. So I know that I intended to be blogging at least weekly. But when it comes to reality, that is HARD! Weekends, which I planned to use to catch up on this thing, have been becoming busy again... I always forget how crazy the second half of the year gets.

Basketball started up for the boys last month, and games started two weeks ago. That means in addition to two practices each during the week, we have one game on Friday night (Jacob's) and one on Saturday afternoon (Matthew). I have been so looking forward to Jacob playing "pee-wee" basketball- they are always so cute, running up and down the court with their arms in the air. But what I didn't factor in to this season was Jacob's personality. We have had to yell across the court to tell him to "Stop dancing!", "Leave your shorts alone!", "Get on the other side of the line!", and many others. And there's only been two games! Luckily/Sadly, there are just 4 more (depending on how you look at it). I think he is finally "getting it", that the object of the game is to get the ball from the other team. He actually tried to steal a ball at the last game, but he had such a cute look on his face, the other team member just dribbled away from him. (It was almost a "please, can I have the ball?" expression). Anyway, we know from experience that as hard as this first year is, in a year or two he will be infinitely better. Thank goodness!

Matthew, on the other hand, is having a great basketball season. Like Megan, he is mainly a defense player. I don't think he's missed a rebound yet this year, and really seems to be understanding the plays. His team has won both games easily.

Matthew also just decided on a Boy Scout troop to join last night. In February is the Cub Scouts' "Blue and Gold" ceremony, where he will officially move up to Boy Scouts. Unlike Girl Scouts, the Boys have an option of which troop to move into. He is excited about his decision.

Today, Matthew is starting his trumpet lessons! He will be playing trumpet in band next year, but really wanted to get a head start on it.

Megan is still on the Middle School Swim Team. She seems to be really good. I think she is the 2nd fastest in her group.

This past weekend, Megan was a part of the All-Region Honors Band. She was second-chair oboe. They practiced for three hours Friday night, then all day Saturday. Then, they had a concert Saturday night. It was great! The band sounded really good, and they had a great experience. The conductor was the retired conductor from the University here in San Angelo. I think he was having as much fun as the kids.

I have been taking lots of pictures, which I promise to post here soon...

The New Monopoly

Matthew got the Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition for his birthday. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to play it with him. I remember the Monopoly marathons we played while I was growing up~the game that would never end. But this version is SO much better. First, it's more interesting- The spaces are all cities from around the world; the "Chance" and "Community Chest" cards are based on real-world events, such as, "You profit 2Million from a fashion show in Hong Kong." Then, underneath each card entry, there is a fact about that specific event, or something having to do with the country it takes place in. Very Cool!!!
The most fun change is that instead of money, each player is given a debit card; every transaction takes place with the "banking unit" in the game. No more patiently waiting for young children to s-l-o-w-l-y count each transaction. The best part about the cards is that if you decide to stop playing and play later, the dollar amounts get stored on the cards! No more keeping the money straight, keeping the game out, etc.
Yet, the game has all the parts that make it Monopoly. Still a GO TO JAIL space. Still collect $$ for passing GO (now it's $2Million!) Same basic premise, just updated. Highly recommended.

1st book of the year~ Marley & Me

I just finished reading the book, "Marley & Me." I cheated and saw the movie first, which is usually a huge mistake. But not this time. The movie, while definitely based on the book, was very different. And even after reading the book, I had a hard time deciding which I liked best. The biggest advantage of the book is getting to read John Grogan's writing. He is a phenomenal writer, able to put his reader in the middle of his life. My recommendation: Read the Book AND See the Movie... Not necessarily in that order.

Our Anniversary Tradition

Yesterday was our 5th anniversary! Every year on our anniversary, we have had a limo pick us up to take us on the Christmas Light Tour along the River. This year was no different, except that we had the limo come after the ASU boys' basketball game! (John announces the games. He was going to have someone else announce the game, but I said I'd like to go!) The lights were beautiful, as always. We had a wonderful time together.

The Boys make breakfast

Today is our 5th anniversary! All week, Matthew has been saying that he wanted to make John and me an Anniversary breakfast. So this morning, John, Matthew, and Jacob went to the store to get the ingredients they would need. No recipe, just bought on a whim. They bought frozen hashbrowns, red potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, breakfast sausage and velveeta cheese. We had to explain to Matthew that there was a certain order to cook everything in, since the sausage and potatoes would take longer to cook than the eggs. They had so much fun doing it! We added some Julio's seasoning to it at the end, and it was delicious!!!

Family Pic

This past Thursday was Jacob's school performance... It was so adorable! Afterward, we were taking pictures of Jacob w/ the poinsettias, and the music teacher, Mrs. Ochoa, offered to take a picture of all of us. So sweet! (even though were weren't dressed to have our pictures taken :) ) Too bad I didn't realize that all we could see is Jake's head~ Oh well... His little head looks cute over the poinsettias.

How cute is SHE???

Megan got her hair cut this week~ She got about 6 inches cut off! I think she looks adorable... and of course, SO much older :)

We're Trying!

As often as possible, I try to have make "Shabbat Dinner" Friday nights, complete with candles and challah. Last Friday night, we turned off the lights and took this picture. With everyone's schedules, it's not always possible, but it sure is special when we can!

Boy Scout Camp

Okay, so I am waaaay behind on updating this thing. But, well, to say the least, it has been a busy couple of months. And, like the economy, I fear it's going to get worse before it gets better (except mine are all *happy* events!) This month alone, in the next two weeks, actually, we have: Our Anniversary, Hanukka, Christmas, and Matthew's birthday. Nope, never a dull moment in December ~ even more so than normal ;)

Below are pictures from Boy Scout Family Camp in October. ~The VERY NEXT WEEKEND after Girl Scout camp. We had so much fun! It was a little sad, as this is Matthew's last Family Camp, since he moves up to Boy Scouts next year. (Family Camp is for Cub Scouts.) An added bonus to this weekend was that Meme came with us! She was trying to find a weekend to come spend with the kids, and this particular weekend just seemed to work well. She had a great time. No, really she did! And we had a blast with her.

We made a yummy breakfast on Saturday~ Pancakes, Turkey Bacon, and Eggs! We used Kelli Sudduth's (Matthew's teacher) new grill! Pancakes taste so much better when they are cooked outside!

One of the skills that the kids work on at Family Camp is Archery. M & M have gotten pretty good! i.e., they don't have to go running past the targets to collect their arrows! A couple of them even make it close to the bullseye!

The Boys (and Megan) clowning around before getting on the paddleboats. Aren't they sweet? (actually, they are :))

The Mud Pit. Need I say more?
(Except that John brought Jacob later in the afternoon, so that he could play for a little while, then camp with us that night.)

BS Pack 374. Someone donated the flags to each den at this campout.

Matthew is standing under the Bear flag (even though he's a Webelos).They got more organized at the flag ceremony!

Me, Magan, Meme (yes Meme!) and Kelli on the paddleboat

The Webelos cooked dinner for for us on the last night of camp (mmmm... mango-stuffed tilapia)

Both mornings, because it was so stinkin' cold, we woke up to a beauiful mist on the river. I took the one above; Matthew took the one below. (He is quite the little photographer.)

Girl Scout Trip

Megan and her tent-mate and good friend, Jondalynn, poking their heads out of their tents. They were in the same kindergarten class, and have been in the same Girl Scout troop for three years. They usually hang out together at Boy Scout Family Camp, too!

So I have officially survived my first camping trip of the year, and the first of TWO this month! Our Girl Scout troop and our sister troop took a trip to the Lubbock Corn Maze, at the suggestion of one of my Girl Scouts. It was FABULOUS!! The girls (and the leaders) had so much fun!

We went through the corn maze, which was a-maze-ing, ;)

then took a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.

There, the girls each picked a little pumpkin.

They also shot corn husks out of a corn cannon,

and rode in a tractor-pulled cow train!

All 10 girls from both troops outside the Texas Tech Art Museum. This was the first time some of them had been to an art museum, and the first trip to a planetarium for many of them!

Then, we went to the Texas Tech Art Museum, which was just- in a word- great~ Anthony Quinn's Art Collection was on display there. It included works of art that he collected throughout his life, as well of his own pieces of art. We also went to the Museum's Planetarium, which was unexpectedly more interesting than I thought it would be (I didn't get the nap I usually get to take in planetariums :) ).