Catching Up!

A YEAR IN REVIEW

(OR AT LEAST SINCE MY LAST POST)

Frankie playing the sax in the Christmas parade.

Happy Holidays!! I haven't posted in quite some time, so I thought I would wrap up this year in one last post (well, I may post again before the end of the year -- so this will simply have to qualify for my Christmas letter!!)

Our fall and early winter were quite busy. Joey qualified for the Kit Carson Soccer team, meaning we spent one very cold weekend in Carson City, NV while he and his team played three games. They got off to a slow start (it is hard have defenders when you have a team full of forwards -- you soccer moms and dads will understand what I mean!) and never really hit their stride. Despite losing, Joey had a great time.

After soccer, he went on to participate in the spelling bee. He won the first round, going on to represent the elementary school in round two against the spelling wizards from the Jr. High. Although he did not make it through that round, he did a great job, beating many kids much older than him. I, of course, cannot spell without spell check -- so I know he did not inherit this skill from me!

Frankie has been adjusting to Jr. High and the rest of the family is adjusting to puberty! Yes, boys have mood swings too! Now more than ever he likes girls. This past weekend he attended his first school dance; he even asked a girl to go with him (well, meet him there -- he still can't drive!) After the dance he told me that the girl got mad at him because he danced a slow dance with another girl; he couldn't understand why she was so mad. When I asked him why he danced with the second girl, he exclaimed "mom, don't you get it, the chicks come to me! If I don't dance with them, they get mad." Oh, my little Casanova. I'm not sure I will survive his dating years!

Besides girls and puberty, Frankie has been busy with sports and school. He also played soccer this year and his team won his division. For the first time in his soccer career, he really took to the game. He had a wonderful coach, who made all the difference. He has also become quite the musician, teaching himself songs on his sax and teaching himself the piano. He has a great ear for music (between the Cash gene and Aunt Jane, he certainly has music in his blood) and certainly loves to play. He also has become quite the writer, writing stories about everything from Vietnam to Spiderman. His imagination amazes me.

Both boys have done great in school, making the honor roll and earning the accolades from their teachers. Despite the occasional battles between the two of them, they are great kids.

HALLOWEEN 2008

Halloween 2008 - Hans Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

Not having enough to keep me busy with work, kids, Rotary and life in general, I decided to throw the kids a Halloween party for their friends. And what would a Halloween party be without a haunted house. So, for the two weeks before Halloween, I transformed my garage into a haunted house. Everyone got into the action -- Cathy and Richard helped hang the plywood for the maze and cover the walls with black plastic; my mom and dad helped hang the various ghosts, goblins, skeletons, spiders and other things that screeched and howled. The whole thing was topped off with a fog machine (fyi - a fog machine WILL set off your smoke detector!) By the time Halloween arrived, we were all "spooked" out. The boys and their friends loved everything and demanded that this be an annual tradition (which I'm not so sure of!)

THANKSGIVING 2008

Sunset at Malibu - Thanksgiving 2008

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Malibu, camping at the Malibu RV park. My mom and dad, Cathy and Richard and the boys and I packed up our respective RVs and trekked on down to Malibu. This was my first time driving my RV on the freeway and, if I say so myself, I did a darn good job! The freeway interchanges were challenging, but I found that most of the cars simply got out of the way. I'm not sure if that is because most of the cars in So Cal are so expense or because my personalized plates make clear that a woman is behind the wheel!


The week was very relaxing. The boys helped Richard use his metal detector on the beach, cashing in on some real treasures (a hammer, a few quarters and some fishing weights!) Joey made the biggest find with a gold ring. The night before Thanksgiving we saw the new 007 movie, only to have it break seven minutes before the end. The boys were very disappointed; the grown ups guessed that, once again, Bond lived and got the girl. I still have not seen the whole movie, so don't spoil the ending!


Thanksgiving dinner was enjoyed overlooking the ocean and watching the beautiful sunset. We had all the fixings. It is amazing what you can cook in three RVs! Although two of those RVs have all the creature comforts of home - including a washer and dryer!


On Black Friday, we skipped the shopping crowds and went to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The Library sits up on a hill overlooking the valley. I attended a Rotary conference there last spring, but did not have the time to take the tour. This time we saw it all! The boys loved Air Force One and Marine One and Frankie loved the exhibit about the fall of the Berlin Wall. We even saw the Mule Days belt buckle he received when President. Regardless of what you may think of Ronald Reagan's policies, the museum is very interesting and well worth the trip.

Me, Mom and Cathy with Ronnie; Richard and Cathy before they boarded Air Force One

December is a hectic as ever. The boys and I finally decorated the house this past weekend, just in time as this morning we woke to a blanket of snow. Not enough to close school, but enough to make everything beautiful and driving a mess! The dogs don't quite know what to do with it. Sherry, our Carin Terrier puppy, soon discovered that the snow was nearly as high as she is!

I finally renegotiated my contract with the County and, if all goes well tomorrow, will be returning to my juvenile duties after the 1st. I will be happy to have a little more time to spend with my family. As I expected, this is a very emotional time of year for us -- as kids Christmas was always our favorite time of year and I can't help but be sad. With the help and support of some very good friends, I know we will get through it.

Don't forget to slow down and enjoy this time of year. Memories you make today will last a lifetime.

Merry Christmas and I can't wait for 2009!

Dana

It's Fall - Time for Soccer!!

Joey - after taking one in the leg!

Frankie playing defense!

The boys both resumed their soccer careers this year and boy have they improved. Frankie's team plays like they really know what is going on!! These boys really understand the game and it is so much fun watching them play. Last week they played a practice game after school that ended about 6:45 p.m. It was so dark that none of the "old eyes" (i.e. parents) could see the ball. Unfortunately, none of us could see that our goalie got hurt, which might explain the last two goals! Apparently he broke a bone in his hand during the last quarter. What a tough player.

Joey's team is just a little less together. Some of the players are really starting to get the game and every once in a while they make a play that is spectacular. Joey has turned into a really good player. He was selected as an alternate for the Kit Carson Team, which is quite an accomplishment.

Now that it is starting to get cold, I am happy that the season is almost over. Next up, basketball. At least that is played inside!!

Happy Fall!

Dana

MOM'S RV IN MAMMOTH

After too many days without a break, the boys and I decided to take advantage of California Indian Day to enjoy some time in Mammoth. We piled in the RV and landed around 8:30 p.m. Finding our spot was a little difficult in the dark. The boys had to run from empty spot to empty spot with flashlights in hand looking for Spot M. Backing the RV into the spot was even more fun - no lights and no rear view mirror. We made it without hitting anything, or anyone.

Since we only stayed for two nights, we skipped taking a car and employed two wheel transportation. Mammoth has a wonderful bike path system. We rode through the woods to Shady Rest park where the boys enjoyed the playground. Joey and I rode to the Bass outlet (I couldn't resist a little shopping.) After a few movies and a nap, we ended the day with a very nice dinner at Chart House. Unfortunately, we have to leave early Saturday morning so Frankie can make it to his soccer game!

Trials and Tribulations

Well, I survived my felony trial! After two days of jury selection, two days of testimony, a half of day of closing arguments, two hours of instructions, two days of deliberations and three different judges, my felony trial finally came to an end. Although my client was found guilty, it was actually a victory given that we (my co-counsel Victoria Campbell) avoided a strike!! This is huge for my client, who is looking at a few less years in state prison. Hey, we have to find victory where ever we can!!

The process is always fascinating. I am always amazed what jurors focus on and what they apparently don't. After a little rest, I am ready for the next one!!

Dana

Goodbye Summer!

Joey with his very large brown! Frankie pondering why he can't catch anything.

Summer is over and school has started. But before we get too far into the new school year, I thought I would highlight the fun we managed to have this past summer. Although our RV trip to South Dakota was cancelled, we were able to enjoy our new motor home (a 2002 29' Fleetwood Tioga). Our favorite spot was a mere 20 miles from home just above Tom's Place at a campground called French Camp. We found a great spot where we could roast marshmallows, bar-b-que and fish. But the best part was the fact that we were only minutes away from Rock Creek Resort and it's famous pies!!! Yum, Yum. I have become quite the RVer. I have become quite adept at driving, parking and setting it up. It is so easy to drive, I hope to camp throughout the year.

We also got in a little fishing. The photos are of the boys fishing mom's favorite lake, North Lake. If you can stand the drive (the one-way dirt road runs along a very steep cliff), the views are spectacular! We went with our friend Carole and her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Joey out-fished us all, catching the only fish of the day. The native brown was beautiful, just not quite enough for dinner.

This past weekend we celebrated the Tri-County Fair. All of us entered something -- Joey baked an apple pie (coming in 4th); I entered some photos (earning a 2nd, 3rd and two honorable mentions) and baked a pie (getting zip!) and Frankie entered his D-Day diorama he made last year as part of a book report (earning a 2nd). All in all, we did quite well and had fun in the process. The boys enjoyed the rides with their dad Saturday night (guess who got sick on the rides -- hint, not the boys!!). On Sunday we watched what I commonly refer to as "the ultimate red-neck event" -- the destruction derby!!! There is nothing more fun than watching grown men (and women) crash cars into each other. At least I am not alone, the event sells out every year, which is why we have to camp overnight at the fairgrounds to get good seats (no, I am not kidding -- but it's like a big tailgate party). Now you know why I moved back home!!!

Although we really did not get a vacation, we sometimes have to remember that we live where most others vacation. So this summer we enjoyed our own backyard, which is quite spectacular!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Dana

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

Welcome!

After enjoying others blogs, I decided that I might want to make my time in front of the computer more productive. So, I started the Crom/Harvey family blog. And, just who is the Crom/Harvey family, you say. Well, it is me, Dana (that's the Crom part) and Frankie and Joey (the Harvey part). I will spare you the details of how we became a party of three. If you already know us, you know the story. If you are reading this out of shear boredom, your imagination is probably better than reality, so just go with that.

Although it is just mid-August, our summer is ending and the boys are getting ready to go back to school. With temperatures over the 100 degree mark, they will not be wearing their new fall fashions for quite some time. Frankie starts Jr. High (6th grade); Joey will be in 5th grade. Both of them are too smart for their own good! I will try to keep everyone up with their antics as the year progresses.

I recently moved from juvenile public defender work to adult. The work is interesting but very busy. The move is only temporary, though. I should be back to my kids, as I call them, by the end of the year.

This past year has been very rough on our family. My brother's passing in June made a pretty bad year, the worst year ever. I am hoping that as we move ahead my posts will not only provide an outlet but remind me that life will go on and our family will endure this pain -- even though that is so hard to imagine right now. Larry would not want it any other way.

So, join me as our family moves forward. I cannot promise my posts will be regular or often, but almost guarantee that our antics will make you smile, if not even laugh!

Dana