Mommy Musings - Things Learned In Time

Oprah was right. I recognize this is a pretty ambiguous way to open a column, but it truly is that simple. Considering she is a woman who made her opinions on many things public, I will indeed elaborate. In this instance the topic I am speaking to is aging and life getting better as you get older. Now midway through my 44th year on this planet, I'm coming to learn this more and more each ...

Mommy Musings - Up At Bat

I've always been fascinated by human behavior. It's interesting to watch two people or a group of people interact with one another. The body language, facial expressions, even words chosen.

Mommy Musings - Travels To The Big City

I recently returned from a trip to New York City. It was an amazing experience, an opportunity I could not pass up. I was invited to be one of the chaperones on the Oakdale High School Drama trip to NYC.

Mustangs Take Manhattan - OHS Drama Students Enjoy Slice Of New York City

As many contemplated Memorial Day plans and graduation parties during the last week of May, one select group of Oakdale High students and a handful of adults had 'Big City' plans.

Mommy Musings - All Hands on Deck

We're in it now… Swim season. For those who may have missed it, a few weeks ago I shared my eye opening experience as a new 'swim mom.' Now in our second season as Oakdale Gators, I must admit I'm really enjoying myself. The reward of course is the look on my son's face when he emerges from the pool following a practice or event at a swim meet. Earning one heat finisher ribbon last ...

Mommy Musings - Living By Our Words

I recently came upon this quote from President John F. Kennedy, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

Mommy Musings - Releasing Of Our Mustangs

Here we are again… our graduation issue. Time has taught me that the majority of our readers will not see these words until maybe May 27. This is the day when everyone seems to be coming back up for air and recovering from all that represents the final week of May in our town of 20,000. To say it's a packed week, is a gross understatement. From the preschooler to the high schooler, graduations and ...

Mommy Musings - Count Ten and Breathe

Happy Mother's Day. This is a somewhat random way to start this week's column, however each year the Wednesday before this date seems to sneak up on me. By that I mean, each year (for the past seven years of Mommy Musings) I start to think of my column topic. Then without fail, I realize it's the Wednesday before Mother's Day and quickly alter my thinking to fit the issue. So, considering a fair share ...

Mommy Musings - Finding Pause Time

If you are the parent of a school aged child, chances are you are … back to it. The 'it' of course being the day in and day out routine we all succumb to as part of every day life. Schools are back in session, extra curriculars are in full swing and everyone has returned to work. This of course would not imply that the majority of our readers were off from working during the ...

Mommy Musings - Lady At The Paper

I cannot say for certain, but I have a small hunch that I have just about worn out the 'Welcome' on the welcome mat outside of the Editor's door. At the very least, she may have my messages blocked from text reception (if there is such a feature). This thought crossed my mind most recently as I read an e-mail from a friend wondering "if the Leader had ...

Mommy Musings - Books And Binds

I love to read. So this is a pretty broad statement. Considering it is appearing in a newspaper, I might venture to guess that many who have stumbled here enjoy reading also. But, I must confess I'm still not a solid fan of e-reading. While I am aware that many like text messaging, smart phones and 'instant' everything - I'm still not totally on board. Admittedly I am a proud owner of the First Generation ...

Mommy Musings - Making The List

I ran a Half Marathon. Well, if I'm being completely precise and honest I've run two so far in the 2012 year. The first (run in January) was a 'virtual' Half Marathon. The brainchild of genius company Nike. Runners from around the world were able to chart their own 13.1 mile course and sync their run through an App to the Nike+ website. Completion of the 13.1 distance on the designated day resulted in a ...

Mommy Musings - A Quiet Warrior

Typically speaking words for my columns just come to me. Majority of the time I do little thinking, I just type.

Mommy Musings - Roles In Friendship

I love learning. That's a pretty broad opening sentence, but it sums up much of what I have been feeling as of late. Through some pretty amazing family members and friends I have begun learning a little more about food, medicine and the human body. There are many, varying opinions on each of these topics and (since I love to learn) I appreciate hearing all sides to the argument. ...

Mommy Musings - Legends And Legacy

Describing myself as a 'sports fan' would be a stretch. It is much more accurate to say I am a fan of athletes.

Mommy Musings - A Relayer’s Return And Hope

My column is a week late.

Mommy Musings - Explaining The Unexplainable

I'm still recovering from Boston.

Mommy Musings - Horse Trailers And High Heels

And so it goes … another Rodeo Week has been put to rest in the Chapter Book which encompasses my Oakdale life.

Reporter’s Notebook – A Tainted Finish

Monday, April 15 did not start for me as it did my friend and running teammate Cathy McClelland or Oakdaleans Vanessa Walton and Tom Burchell, or Jesse Santana of Riverbank. I did not board a motor coach in my sneakers with a race bib pinned to the front of my shirt in anticipation of running the 117th Boston Marathon.

Mommy Musings – Empowering Adjectives

Transitioning from my Reporter role at the Oakdale Leader was necessary in my life for a number of reasons. The one most at the core were my children. I knew I needed to work full-time. I knew I needed to stay local, but I desperately needed flexibility.

Mommy Musings - Pint Size Therapy

There are some days I think I'm wiser than others, when it comes to parenting.

Mommy Musings – A Moment Captured

Mommy Musings – So They Grow

They're growing up.

Mommy Musings – Guilt Free Mommy

There are a number of things I thoroughly enjoy about being a parent. Many of them I have the pleasure of being able to share here, with our readers. Among my 'favorite' things in the way of living with children, would be their innate ability to point things out which adults may give little thought to. I am of the belief that children not only pay attention, but understand ...

Mommy Musings – Proper Usage of Tools

Generally speaking, I'm an analytical type. More simply put, I think too much. Personally, I think it's inherent with becoming a mommy; however I have many male friends who struggle with the same topic. It's a two part problem for me, as I wake at 3 a.m. to recount what day it is and what I need to remember to stuff in my children's backpacks to which activity or ...

Mommy Musings – No ‘ing’ In Sportsmanship

It's barely February and yet here I find myself, penning yet another 'sports related' column. Truth be told there was a time when new sports reporters passed through our office on a routine basis. During that period I thought it might be fun to maybe 'switch it up' and actually approached Editor Marg Jackson with a proposal of possibly getting my feet wet in the Sports section. Much to ...

Mommy Musings - Holidays At The DMV

My month of December was not dissimilar from most of our readers. It was packed full of parties, shopping, holiday tradition and even a little quality family time.

Mommy Musings – What Awaits You

It's been a few weeks since I've forced my mind to share some thoughts. Truthfully we all need a reprieve on occasion and as the only staffer who does this weekly, there does come a point where I too must take a break.

Mommy Musings - We Made It

We survived. If you're reading this, then the world indeed did not end. Or perhaps it did and now you and I are left with the cockroaches to figure out what's next. Chances are, however, both are highly unlikely, not to mention improbable. I am no scientist, but after living through the let down of the Y2K hype I consider myself 'experienced' in such silliness. Of ...

Mommy Musings - More Than A Small ‘Cow’ Town

Another season has been wrapped up. This year marks one that dreams are made of, for many of this town's young men and their families. The 2012 Oakdale Mustang football season will now live on in the history books as well as the memories of all who will say 'I remember when.'