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Teen Closet opened it’s doors in the fall of 2007.  So, we just had our first full calendar year, helping area teenagers in foster care.  And the wonderful TC Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited about 2009.

You may be asking… What’s Teen Closet?  When children come into foster care, they are taken away from their homes, their families, the only life they know. Many times this happens with no notice. They may be allowed only the clothes or PJs they are wearing at the time.. sometimes not even that. It must be frightening for them!  Teen Closet is here to help teenaged boys and girls by providing them with some great clothes and products (all free). We want to give them something to be happy about and make life a little easier for them.

It works like this: a case worker identifies a teenager who needs clothes.  That worker fills out a referral on our website.  We contact the foster family and make an appointment. A board member or 2 will meet the client and help him or her shop.  Most leave with bags full of new or nearly new clothes and accessories.

We’ve seen more than 120 kids our first year and expect many more.  We started by just serving Spokane kids. Then, in 2008 we expanded to help foster teenagers in all of Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

Teen Closet has had a great year thanks to wonderful donors and partnerships.  (A Special thanks to major sponsors Terry and TJ Tombari, KXLY, Careful Cleaners, North Idaho Title and Victoria’s Espresso).  We had a load of fun, being involved with the Spokane Shock and were taken on as projects by a number of awesome schools and community groups.  We can’t thank them enough!

Coming in 2009!  Teen Closet is moving! We’re relocating to a bigger building in Spokane Valley (hope to be in in early Feb).  It’ll be easy to get to and we hope this will allow us to serve more teenagers, with more great clothes and accessories for them to choose from.  We’ll also have more opportunities for volunteers to join us. 

To learn more about Teen Closet, check out our website (that’s a bit outdated… we’re working on that www.teencloset.org

I learned a valuable lesson last week, while driving on I-90.  Ya see, I drive a mini-van (which, for the record, I never really wanted.. but, since we have 3 kids and needed an easy way to get them in and out of a vehicle when they were small.. and lug them around.. I got one).

I have been a trooper, until of late, driving on the snowy, icy, slushy roads.  The van, which my kids have named Nimbus 2000 (after Harry Potter’s first broomstick) has had a little trouble on the roads.  My husband, or I have gotten Nimbus stuck on the road in front of our house, in a grocery store parking lot, trying to get a coffee (which I never got.. and you know that spells trouble), and today, in the station parking lot (followed by many foul, unlady-like words).

Well, Chuck thought it would be a good idea to “chain-er up”.  He bought those new cable-type chain-things.  He spent a good long time getting them on correctly and testing them out.  Boy, Nimbus got around nicely.   UNTIL….. I drove her on the freeway which wasn’t snow-covered, at the time.

Hence.. the first thing I didn’t know:  ONLY drive with such chains on, on snowy, slusy, icy roads.. and second… DON’T drive more than, like 25 miles per hour. 

As I was picking up speed on I-90.. Nimbus just didn’t feel right… I was doing, maybe 45 (cars were flying passed me).  I thought, maybe I should get on the side streets.  Just as that thought crossed my mind.. my driver side cable-thingy busted off the tire.  Oh my gosh!  What do I do?  Do I try to stop and get it?  Then… SNAP.. the other busted off.   Lessons learned.

However, one thing I still don’t know the answer to.  Was I supposed to stop, and retrieve them?  I would’ve been creamed and probably caused a crash or 2…  and, telling my husband about it was another thing.  See, I was apparently supposed to already know the first 2 lessons I learned.

One of the things that makes my heart swell, as a mom.. is seeing my children succeed and happy.  This week I had a healthy dose of that.. and it was thanks to Ponderosa Elementary’s 2nd and 3rd grade Christmas program.

Speaking parts for the programs are assigned when a child’s name is picked from a box.  Music teacher, Heather Brown (an amazing teacher) picked my son’s name, Nicholas, for one of the lead roles.  He was “Scoop”.. a part-time newspaper reporter who moonlights as a shepherd.

The newspaper was looking for the big story that would save the paper from going under.  After trials and tribulations, Scoop stumbles on THE story.. angels, 3 wise men, and a baby king (and, yes, this was in a public school!). 

Nicholas had lots of lines.. a whole lot to remember.  He did great.  He spoke clearly and had good timing.. really all the kids did.  It was a great show!

I was so proud…
Watch out Brad Pitt!!!

I have a full-time job (with some pretty high demands), 3 kids in elementary school (one in Girl Scouts, 2 in soccer, one in basketball, one in a math club, one with paino lessons, and there’s homework, spelling tests, school fundraisers, field trips.. oh, I am on the baker’s brigade for the PTSA.  What am I forgetting? ),  I am the co-director and very hands-on with the non-profit “Teen Closet”, I take ballroom dance lessons a couple times a week (I’m in a fundraising show for CYT in March.. get your tickets now:), and I play co-ed rec league soccer.  I really need to workout.. but don’t fit it in like I should.

A few years ago.. ok, more than a few years ago.. 1992 (dang it.. I AM that old), the country group Alabama came out with a song titled “I’m in a Hurry.”  I wish it wasn’t, but I think it is “my song.”  You know.. that song with the lyrics that parallel your life.

It goes a little something like this…  I’ll pick it up toward the end:

“Oh, I hear a voice
That says I’m running behind
Better pick up my pace
It’s a race and there ain’t no room for someone in second place

I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why”

I try.  I really do try to slow down.. smell the flowers, enjoy my kids, my family, my friends.  I do enjoy all of those things, when I can.  But there is something internal that makes me rush.

My best friend quit her job in upper management a couple of years ago.. and after that transition period of “who am I and what the heck did I just do”.. she is the biggest proponent for working on me to slow down.  I appreciate that about her.. and am a bit jealous of her that she’s figuring it out.  I really don’t know how to.

During kxly4 News at 5, we often run “Simple Solutions” about balancing it all, slowing down, relishing what you have, making the best of your time.  I constantly catch myself saying “I’m going to do that”  or “I really OUGHT to try that”.

If you have any suggestions.. I’m all ears… or, if you’re like me, a “Rush-a-holic”, let me know how you’re surviving.

I love to write!  I always have.  I never excelled in Math or History or lots of other subjects; but, writing, I get.  I love grammar and the mechanics of writing.. I love the power of the written and spoken word.. I get it!  Or at least I thought I got.

Yesterday I went to my kids‘ school for a “workshop” for parents to understand the district’s writing curriculum. It was to inform us of what is expected of kids in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades (focusing, of course, on what they’re looking for on the WASL.. which, by the way tests writing in 4th grade.. and mind you, I have a 5th grader). 

First let me say that our writing teacher is top-notch.  There is no doubt that she is an expert in her field.

Then, let me say that one of my kids‘ really struggles in school.. and, sitting in that workshop.. I kind of got why!  I sat there, through nearly an hour of looking at writing examples, and charts and lists of what makes good writing (expository and narrative).  Some of it was “no-duh” kind of stuff.. and then there was all this layering and mapping and organizing and checking for style and voice and word choice and fluency and rewriting and editing and proofreading and… aaahhhhhhhhh!

I sat there, with my “reporter nod of understanding”… and was so excited that another mom said.. “WHAT? I don’t get it!  How am I supposed to help my kid, when I don’t understand.”  THANK YOU! 

I completely understand how my child, who’s as sweet as can be, but is overwhelmed by school.. would shut down when it  comes to writing.  It’s like an avalanche of “to-dos”.  Now, I know they teach them much slower than how we received the information, but still!!!

At least I know, after going to the workshop, what my task is.  Break it down.. simplify it.. and encourage her to FIRST just write.  THEN concentrate on the other points of what’s expected. 

I just wish I would’ve had the opportunity to get to such a workshop before she was in 5th grade, and already succumbed to WASL hell.. well, at least I’m ahead of the game for my 2nd grader and kindergartener.

On Thanksgiving Day, our McKay Allen brought us the story of a family from North Carolina.
The dad, David Kelley was offered a job here.. so, Dad, Mom, 4 kids and 2 dogs loaded into the family van.. leaving their life behind.. to start a new life in Spokane.  Driving for days, more than 3-miles.. 6 people and 2 dogs jammed in the van, the family arrived in Spokane.. only to fnd the job they uprooted their lives for.. fell through.
The Kelleys had nowhere to turn.. no food and no money.  They swallowed their pride, and stood on a street corner in Spokane and begged for help.  They experienced the humiliation of it, the degrading looks and even comments from passers-by.. but, one couple who came upon the Kelleys changed everything.

I am outing his couple, because I am so proud of them.. it was kxly 920’s Mike Fitzsimmons and his wife.
They stopped and  talked to the Kelleys, finding out their story.  The Fitzsimmons were so moved, they helped the Kelleys get a motel room, some meals and even coats for the kids.
I overheard Mike telling a co-worker about his meeting with the Kelleys.. and just knew this was a story we had to share.
And.. was I ever right!
Melissa Luck assigned the story to McKay Allen, who did a wonderful job.  As soon as the story aired, the phones in the newsroom started ringing.. the emails came in.. the outpouring of support for this family was unreal.  
some of the folks wanted to offer meals, money, toys, clothes.. even a couple job opportunities for David.   

This is one family’s story, in these incredibly difficult financial times.  There are so many others.  I just hope the very best for this family, and I am so thankful that God or fate, or something led the Fitzsimmons to the Kelleys that day.. and they are seeing what Spokane is really all about.

It’s been more than a week since we celebrated one of my favorite days of the year “National Adoption Day”.  When I received a recent email with an attached picture, it made me realize just how special it is.

This is the Andresick family.  They allowed us to video them, when they were at the Spokane County Courthouse finalizing the adoption of little Payton (who I’m holding in the picture).  Two years ago, they adopted his sister.. their biological son, Forest is shown, here too (what a polite young man!).

They talked to us about their journey in adopting the youngest children, and a bit about their plans for the future. 

What a joy to see a good family sharing their compassion and love.. they are a gift to those children as much as the children are a blessing for them.

Thanks for sharing your special day with us, Andresicks!

One of the reason I love working at kxly is that we have an open policy of  discussion and debate on what we cover and how we report it.  I respect my bosses’ opinions and more often than not, agree with them.

But, after reading Melissa Luck’s blog, I feel compelled to publically disagree about the Van Lierop case.

Coach Don Van Lierop was falsely accused of raping a teenager.  A horrible accusation.  The story was fabricated, apparently by the girl’s MOTHER.  It was made up.. it was a lie.

So, while we name the coach, talk about the charges against him and show his picture.. his accuser gets to remain annonymous. 

Do I think the girl should be named.. absolutely not!  Do I think she should face charges, no.  But, her mother should.  It came from the mother’s mouth… words that ruined a man’s reputation.  What recourse does Van Lierop have?  Well, a civil trial, I suppose.  But, in the long run will that even help him rebuild what was torn down?

Like Melissa, I, too, trust the Spokane Police Department.. and I don’t think charging the girl will do any good.  I know there is concern if charges are filed, that it would deter actual victims from coming forward.  But, you have to understand that the police give the victim or accuser the benefit of the doubt (I know, I married a cop). 

But, the girl’s mother should pay!  What infuriates me, is the precedent that’s set.  Now, what’s to stop you or me from accusing someone of a sex crime?  Or worse…  what’s to stop someone from accusing you, your husband or your child of a horrible crime?  Nothing.. because, if the Van Lierop case is any indication, nothing will happen to us, right?

I am patriotic!  I am proud to be an American!  I love our flag and I get chills saying the pledge of allegiance (especially when I hear children say it)… and I get weepy nearly everytime I hear or sing the National Anthem.

I say “nearly” because people can be so rude.  My family and I went to the WSU Cougar basketball game last Saturday night (Go COUGS!).. and, during the Star Spangled Banner, a few rows in front of us… a couple of young women talked and cut-up through the entire song.  GRRRRrrrrr!  Then.. during the last line of the song… (you know, the one… “Land of the Free and Home of the BRAVE”)  the student section shouted “Cougs” instead of singing “Brave” .  This has happened at every sporting event I’ve gone to in the last few years… the Chief’s fans scream “Chiefs,” the Shock fans scream “Shock”… and I wish they’d all knock it off! 

I’m not a stick in the mud, by any means.. but, I think some things are sacred.. and our National Anthem is one of them. 

… wait a minute!  Maybe they just don’t know!  Maybe they’ve actually forgotten what the real words to the Star Spangled Banner are…  I’m here to help… here they are.. enjoy.. and remember.. we live in the “Land of the Free and the Home of the BRAVE”

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro’ the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov’d homes and the war’s desolation;
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserv’d us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I have been anchoring the news in Spokane for a long time.  I sometimes forget that there a lot of people who don’t really know me, though; who I am and what I’m all about. 

So.. here’s a peek.  I am a mom, with 3 kids in elementary school and an adult stepdaughter.  I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. 

I am passionate about children, especially those who aren’t given a fair shake… children who are mistreated, abused, neglected, bullied.  I care deeply for children in the foster care system.  I report on such children on a weekly basis during kxly4 HD News at 6:30, in a segment called Wednesday’s Child.  These kids desperately want to be adopted.  Because of some of those children, I created Teen Closet with the help of Linda Rogers, a Foster Parent recruiter (and many other wonderful people..).  It is a non-profit.. a fabulous boutique for teenagers in foster care.  They get to shop at our place twice a year, completely free of charge.  (They leave with bags and bags full of great clothing and other fun “stuff”.) 

I have a sister who’s a chemist, a brother who’s a Lt. Col. (and an F-15 fighter pilot) in the Air Force.  We grew up in a small town in the midwest.  My husband used to be a police officer and is now a sales manager.

I like to ski, camp and read.  I really like my co-workers and my neighbors.  I love to dance and can’t live without coffee.  I don’t like to worry, but I do. I don’t like to have guilt.. but I do.  (Isn’t that part of being a mom?)

 That’s a glimpse at who I am.  So, what is all of this?  This is my blog.  In it, I plan to focus on many of the topics I just wrote about… but, you know, we’ll talk about a lot of others.  I hope you’ll check in and share your thoughts, too.