The girls on the Santa Fe Plaza

Peace Out!

PENA!!!!

What husbands and wives in America are talking about: "Love Again With 100 Days of Sex"

Career-Focused Couple's Radical Attempt to Revive Relationship

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=3233072&page=1

Wal-Mart updating its logo (Will be "Walmart")

BTW ---- Bryn met Ms. Alice Walton this week. She said, "Mom, did you know I got to met the richest woman in the United States today? She was really nice and very normal. She didn't look like the richest woman in America." Bryn was out in Weatherford with her grandparents.

Click below for the Wall Street Journal article on the logo revision and to see the graphic element which is expected to be unveiled next week. The company hopes to update its image with this new branding direction. The article states: "Wal-Mart's new starburst logo mimics the cleaner, brighter sign of competitor Target Corp., with its iconic red-and-white bull's-eye."

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121462040134113143.html?mod=2_1567_topbox

67 degrees in Santa Fe

Mom of five newborns

This new mom works with Brett at GE! Best wishes, Ellen and family!

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6865873&version=7&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Misc. updates

Bella has a swimmer's ear and an ear infection. She is taking lots of meds. No swimming for a few days. Get well soon, sweet pea!

Blaine is a great diver! She showed 'em how it's done at swim team last night.

Bryn is enjoying her week with Gigi and Toppy. I hope she won't be too disappointed when she has to come back home. She is begging to not come alone ~ she has found an 8-week old puppy at the clinic she wants to bring back. She has named him Snickers. That will be hard to resist.

Watch Nightlight tonight with Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, one of my favorite actors, travels to the Congo to raise awareness of the tragedies happening there. Over the last 10 years, four million people have been killed in this African region.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20208936,00.html

Caught my eye

From TCU
"Earn a certificate in the fastest-growing industry in the Metroplex: With the industry boom surrounding gas drilling in the Barnett Shale, land management professionals are in high demand. In the Petroleum Land Practices you’ll learn to identify resources, solve important challenges, build collaboration and negotiate mutual wins."

http://neeley.tcu.edu/default.asp?nodeid=1994

How new media is impacting the AP

From the Wall Street Journal: "New-Media Focus Splits Associated Press Members: As the economic pressure on newspapers intensifies, the Associated Press, a 162-year-old newsgathering cooperative for the industry, is beginning to fracture."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121444598979205887.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

My first celebrity crush

Shaun Cassidy.

He is mentioned in a Newsweek article this week that relates to The Jonas Brothers ~ all the rage with my girls.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/142303

Updated painting

I may turn it into a tree. One artist said it looked like a red wig on a stand. It is supposed to be a bride's bouquet.

Going green

How about a new career you CEOs out there?

"Chief Green Officer" ~ Hey, I like the sound of that. DMN article here:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/0625dnbusgreenguru.2c6b208.html

A swim suit that provides a competitive edge?

New (swim) suit leads to falling records, controversy

SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal

http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/8275174?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

My first painting

This is my first painting that I painted today.

It started off as a Rose of Sharon and turned into a bride's bouquet. I still need to make it more intense/darker.

It is certainly a work in progress.

- Laura

facebook vs. MySpace

According to a mention in the Star-Telegram that appeared in The Washinton Post:

"Facebook may be taking lead over MySpace. Facebook may have started to win the global popularity contest over the rival social network site MySpace, judging from some recent figures. Facebook had 123.9 million unique visitors last month and 50.6 billion page views worldwide, according to the research firm ComScore. MySpace, meanwhile, had 114.6 million unique visitors and 45.4 billion page views. — The Washington Post"

Globing warming: it is now beyond a crisis according to NASA scientist

Scientist says "this is the last chance." Please read this and decide how you can help. Article is from a science writer with the Associated Press.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080623/ap_on_sc/sci_warming_scientist

New tool to measure Web hits to be offered by Google

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121425232721997689.html?mod=2_1567_leftbox

Thank you GFW and Dallas PRSA Members

To my colleagues with Dallas and GFW PRSA ~ Thank you to all of you who took part in the judging for the 2008 SPRF Lantern Awards on behalf of our PR friends in nearby states. You gave up SO MUCH of your Saturday and we are grateful.

Someone's loved one

A family lost a loved one in a Haltom City fire this weekend.

The young man was once someone's baby, someone's child. My heart goes out to the family.

http://www.star-telegram.com/crime_courts/story/715213.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/062308dnmethaltomfire.2d63bcf5.html

The countless first responders, firemen and volunteers from the American Red Cross, who I saw helping the residents and providing hope and comfort, and ultimately food, clothing and shelter, left me continuing to believe in my fellow man (and woman). Our public servants give of their time ~ day in and day out.

We live, work and play among real heroes!

Delaying releasing news in this new Internet world (NYT article)

This is worth reading.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/business/media/23link.html?_r=3&ref=business&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

BFF

For Aunt Ruthe

Weatherford Rodeo 2008

You must be joking

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/715977.html

Per the FWST: "Thousands sign petition to make Texas an open-carry state. Could Texans soon walk around carrying loaded handguns in plain sight?'

Are you kidding me? This is not the Wild West any longer, even though it may feel like it sometimes. Personally, I do not think this will make us a safer country or state. I think innocent children will be injured or killed as a result of this. If you oppose this sort of legislation, make your elected officials aware of your position.

Sometimes I am shocked by the causes and changes advocated by my fellow citizens. This petition is one of them!

$9.4 trillion dollars !!!???????

Our country is $9.4 trillion dollars in debt.

"Ross Perot points out that 9.4 trillion dollar bills placed end-to-end would reach the moon and back 1,900 times." Check out www.perotcharts.com to see what 9.4 trillion really means. Link to Dallas Morning News article is here:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/columnists/chall/stories/062208dnbushall.3096b15.html

Info on health care blogs

"Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report; Blog Watch | Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Feature Highlights Recent Blog Entries"

Click here for the article and links:
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=52874

Fun at the Weatherford Rodeo

Where our family began... the first house the girls lived in

Marquita Avenue, Dallas

Lance and LIVESTRONG

A good read. Interesting.

Part of Lance Armstrong's Foundation, LIVESTRONG

HEADLINE: New online destination provides a
360-degree social conversation on health;
'DARES' users to change their lives,
help themselves and help others

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/lance-armstrong-foundation-and-demand-media-launch-livestrongcom,435074.shtml


livestrong.com

Those in authority crossing the line

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of those in positions of authority (ministers of late) crossing the line and having inappropriate relationships with young girls. (This week it is a pastor in Fort Worth (link below); last month it was a pastor in Plano who was in the news.)

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/708675.html

As a country we have to say this must stop. The volumes of reports involving child pornography and those in powerful positions is sickening to me.

Here are two sites where you can find out who represents you in government. Write to your elected officials and ask for tougher sentences for crimes involving children. Request that more be done to stop the abuse that often starts via the Internet.

http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

The sad thing is that when I went to search for "legislation to stop child pornography" the first links that appeared were inappropriate. Be careful in your searches. Let's work together to make our voices heard, protect our children and ask for harsher punishments for offenders.

Nature

The girls all got really short bob haircuts yesterday. It is fresh cut for the summer and works great with their swim caps. They learned the butterfly stroke yesterday and did super.

Bill Van Hoosier will be riding in the Weatherford Rodeo this weekend so we'll be watching him. The big girls may get to ride in during the entry. They are getting excited.

Hoffman is getting accustomed to all of nature's creatures in Atlanta and Kathleen is battling bugs and snakes in hopes of keeping them OUTSIDE her new house. Brett recommends www.cedarcide.com, a naturally organic pest control product.

Happy Birthday JHM, III !!!

Happy birthday to my little brother, John Hoffman Moore, III. He is a great friend, dad, son and husband. We hope he has a wonderful day in Atlanta.

Mimi visiting

We love sweet Mimi!

Source: PRSA

News stories PR professionals have been talking about over the last week, per PRSA:

http://www.prsa.org/supportfiles/news/viewNews.cfm?pNewsID=842347415

Includes:
blogger demographics
http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006357&src=dp2_home

News Article

From the New York Times

"MySpace Might Have Friends, but It Wants Ad Money"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/business/media/16myspace.html?ref=media

The girls love their Daddy

Happy Father's Day

A father has the potential to make an amazing impact on a child, especially daughters. Today I pay tribute to my own father, my father-in-law, my brother and Brett Van Hoosier... Bryn, Blaine and Bella's "Daddy."

Brett has never missed a moment... he has been there for every single milestone in their lives, even the little ones. He has not missed an awards ceremony, a dance recital, a special day. They adore their Daddy and he is making an amazing difference in their lives. Bryn is nine, and every morning that he is still at home before work, he carries Bryn and Blaine "like a princess" to the breakfast table. They hug, kiss and snuggle with their Daddy. He is their hero! Happy Father's Day to Brett, My Daddy, Bill "Toppy" and John Moore. You men give lots of sound advice and set great examples for fathers everywhere.

Toppy even showed the girls that a 60+ year-old grandfather is still flexible. During a diving lesson yesterday, he did a cartwheel off the diving board into the pool (and made a huge splash with big waves). Brett recalls the time in his 40s when Bill did a round-off, flip to show his kids how it was done and it "was perfect."

Papa came to visit this week (12 hr drive round trip) and brought lots of goodies and got so see the swimmers at their best! He is always sharing books, messages and lessons of importance with us.

I just asked Bryn, "When you think about your dad what do you think? or what kind of dad is your dad?" Bryn said, "He is a nice dad. He knows what we want and knows about us... like our favorite colors and things like that. He loves cooking us breakfast ~ especially his pancakes." Blaine says: "He's a good dad."

John Moore took Hoffman to a great Father/Son camp-out on a Georgia lawn last night. Happy Father's Day to all!

In memory... Tim Russert

Our prayers are with his family. My mom and Momee loved Tim Russert. In fact, the morning Momee passed away Mom said, "Mom... aren't you ready to get up? It is time for "Meet the Press... Don't you want to go see Tim Russert?" They so enjoyed watching that show together.

I heard Tim speak at a PRSA event in the last year or so. He was so enjoyable. He was an incredible journalist. I appreciated what I heard one of his fellow journalists say yesterday... that Tim sought out the truth no matter what and always did his homework and research to be sure he had a balanced story with 100 percent truths. He was not about sensationalism. He was about providing a clear and accurate picture for his audiences so they could make up their own minds politically. He will be missed.

P.S. When Mom and I were in NYC a few years back, she "ran" to Rockefeller Plaza to see the NBC Studios. She was determined to get a "Meet the Press" coffee mug before we left town. It was on this outing that she was pushed to the cement by a busy, in-a-hurry New Yorker.

Photo credit: NBC

Red Hats for Momee!

The girls love playing dress up. It is one of their favorite things to do. Here they are at Mimi's with Momee's hats and scarfs. We think Blaine might be a future fashion designer ~ she adores the show "Project Runway."

Learning to dive

Here's Bella Boo learning to dive at GiGi's. Blaine did, too.

A night at Rassai

The President's Council and the Masters' SIG for the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of PRSA presented a networking and professional development event at Rassai Interactive last night.

Rassai hosted PRSA members and their guests to a lovely reception and tours of the space.

We all got to see many of the cool things Rassai is doing in the world of interactive marketing. These guys started their company in an apartment while they were still students at TCU. Go Frogs! Read more about the founders of Rassai here: http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=5999
Later this year, GFW PRSA members will be visiting other agencies around town to meet the personalities and see the vast ad/PR offerings available in this great city!

APR - set a goal and earn it!

"The most important thing about motivation is goal setting. You should always have a goal."

~ Francie Smith set 36 American track records and represented the United States in five Olympic Games.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am a big believer in setting goals and then working hard to meet those goals.

To my fellow PR practitioners ~ if you want to earn your APR, go for it and do it! You can do this! Map out a plan and make it happen. It will be one of the most rewarding things you do for yourself! The APR Study Guide was so very helpful. Find a "study buddy." I have great respect, admiration and gratitude for my study buddy Reace Alvarenga-Smith, APR. The Starbucks on I-30 in Grand Prairie became our good friend for several Sunday nights while we prepared.

Download the study guide here:
http://www.praccreditation.org/index.html

Good luck to you!

PR Measurement

Angela Jeffrey, APR, a representative from VMS gave an outstanding presentation on PR measurement and share of discussion tools at yesterday's PRSA meeting. Those in attendance seemed very interested in what she had to say. Thanks, VMS!
http://instituteforpr.org/

Family swim

We had so much fun with Aunt Kuhne and Uncle Rog last night. The girls took a long swim and Uncle Rog cooked on the grill. We had a wonderful visit. It was so nice to connect with those we love so much. We told fun, family stories and remembered Momee. Kuhne said, "Momee would not be happy that I just put the ketchup, mayo and mustard on the table in their containers rather than putting them in condiment bowls." I'm sure Momee wouldn't mind a bit. She would have enjoyed the laughter and family time. Thanks to the Rogers!

Elizabeth Smart

She is a brave, smart young woman who says miracles do happen. Her story so touched our family. We try to be meticulous about being sure all doors are locked at all times. It is an oftentimes scary way to live but protecting my girls is a key priority. Read Elizabeth's story here:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20205956,00.html

In memory

The SGP graduate previously mentioned did die from injuries sustained in that boating accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
http://www.dallasnews.com/video/?nvid=253908&shu=1

Also, the family of Meredith Hatch stays in our prayers.

Meredith Hatch 
http://dfw.star-telegram.com/obitsmanager/photos/1213126305Hatch,Meredith.jpg 
Life is precious. Cherish every moment with those you love.

Summer Safety Tips

Very timely and helpful article. A really good one to read. Please note the "water watcher" suggestion. Have a safe summer!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving/family/stories/061107dnlivDN-nh_summer_0612liv.ART.State.Edition1.1f7bdd1.html

Papa to Magnolia

Papa came to visit. Got to see the girls swim. So fun to have him here. The girls made him special gifts. We told funny and sweet stories about his mom, Mary "Mimi" Moore. Had a very nice dinner and visit.

Papa shared with us how until he was eight-years-old he had no electricity or plumbing and Mimi cooked everything on a wood-burning stove including pies ~ namely a meringue pie that Papa ate the entire topping off of. Cherish your family history.

Fun Music!

Check out this group. Family friends. So wonderful and fun. Catchy and uplifting tunes.

http://attblueroom.com/music/mediaplayer.php?cid=181768

http://www.thefragilearmy.blogspot.com/

SGP, American Red Cross

This is very sad. The fact that these SGP high school students (my alma mater) and parents put faith in the those driving the boat and the staffers... and according to reports, the boat workers were the first to jump ship, is a tragedy. Carefully explore and do your homework before going on any sort of sight-seeing cruise anywhere. Be sure you are dealing with people who know what they are doing (credentialed, trained, certified) and will have your safety as the No. 1 priority. Check references and get recommendations from others. This goes for water activities, snow, mountain climbing, etc. Just my two-cents. Article about students gravely injured here:
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/690797.html

Your American Red Cross offers many safety tips, guidelines, suggestions and services for a variety of disasters, situations, etc. Get prepared. Read more here:
http://www.redcross.org/services/0,1103,0_313_,00.html

My work as a volunteer public affairs responder with the American Red Cross is something I plan to do for a lifetime. Are you looking to get involved or learn a new skill or utilize your talents? You can help by simply giving blood. The Red Cross has something for everyone. Learn more here: http://www.redcross.org/donate/volunteer/

Gig 'em

We love Texas A&M!

Rodeo Time

We're getting geared up for the Weatherford Rodeo next week. My, what a difference two years makes. The picture to the right is of the girls at the 2006 rodeo. Time flies when you are having fun. Relish every moment. Advice to self: "Listen more! Talk less."

Tennis

We played tennis as a family last night, which was something I've been wanting to do for a while. I've got just one John McEnroe on my hands. It was very fun, and such a great workout. Brett says we needed a little husband/wife competition. We hope to make it a regular outing.

In our thoughts and prayers

This family lost their mom and wife in GP this weekend. The husband left behind was Brett's Dallas replacement with GE and, small world, the family lives in Mary Elyn's neighborhood in Mansfield. Cannot imagine the tragedy. Please don't drink and drive. It hurts so many people. This mom had done so much for her community. Yes, hard to make sense of it. http://cbs11tv.com/local/Mansfield.Bicyclists.Killed.2.743387.html

How schools are utilizing Second Life

Pretty neat article plus a good bit of helpful definitions for those new to Second Life.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-secondlife_08met.ART.State.Edition2.468256f.html?npc

Economy

"Today is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why they call it a present."
- Kung Fu Panda (movie we saw with the girls last night)

I watched part of "One Fine Day" last night. Such a great movie. That movie totally reminds me of my life when I was working full-time. It was a like a wild juggling act every single day.

Looks like more and more companies are encouraging employees to telecommute. That's good to hear. http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/688592.html

I asked my brother about the economy last night. It is pretty scary. He said it will be choppy for a while and he heard this week that Tom Cruise's pool man had to let his pool man go.

I keep telling Brett I want to sell all my stocks and tuck away the cash. He says that's the craziest thing to do but you can do whatever you want with your money... I'm riding it out." I'm calling my financial guy tomorrow. Might be making some investment changes. Bryn said this week she does want to learn to sew so she can make her dresses out of flour sacks. Blaine says, "I'm not wearing homemade clothes." (Can you tell I read them some books about the Great Depression?) Those were realities. There are many people who don't think that is possible and many are overreacting. I was up at our golf club last week talking to people telling them how my post office guy told me they normally do $5K in postage sales a week and are down to $2K and I was the only one in there mailing packages." I relayed this and the men at the club (with their expensive golf bags) said "that's crazy. You are listening to the wrong news programs. Everything is fine."

Yeah, right.

"Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been. We have to work together for what still can be...

"Being human, we are imperfect. That’s why we need each other. To catch each other when we falter. To encourage each other when we lose heart. Some may lead; others may follow; but none of us can go it alone. The changes we’re working for are changes that we can only accomplish together. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that belong to each of us as individuals. But our lives, our freedom, our happiness, are best enjoyed, best protected, and best advanced when we do work together."

- Hillary Clinton

June 7, 2008

Washington, D.C.

Saturday morning over coffee

What a beautiful day ! We are getting ready for a neighbor's baby shower. I'm looking across our lawn and the neighbor's hubby is working himself to a sweat cleaning out the garage and getting things perfect. They are to have a baby boy. What a hopeful time. I just love babies. Would take two of three more. Brett is protesting.

I'm having fun with this blog thing. It will be a great way to keep family and friends updated on the girls, family and happenings. No more emailing out photos, etc. I'll simply point you to this site.

Mom is in Michigan with her brother John T. Sounds like they have had a ton of fun. That's what I'm hoping as she has turned off her cell phone!

I've offered to help with a possible run through my hometown, Mt. Vernon, to raise funds for the Catfish Smith scholarship fund. The run idea is just in the beginning stages but this should be a fun way to get re-connected to a very pivotal time and place in my life. John and I still talk about riding our bikes for miles and miles through town and the countless hours of adventures we went on (without our parents) between the ages of 5-10 without a fear or a worry in the world. Too bad things have changed so much that we can't let our kids run free! (Yesterday, I would not even let Bryn go get something out of the car without me watching.)

Speaking of John - his family is now in Atlanta. The kiddos have a big yard to run free and a playroom! Sounds like kids and parents are happy about this! (Check out "Hoffman's mailbox" in this photo.) I gave this to John for Christmas. I found it at an antique store. I have one, too. You may recall that my grandfather and dad ran a dairy in East Texas - My Papa was John Hoffman Moore, Sr. This is an old-time grain/feed scoop for cattle. It says, "Hoffman Dairy." How cool is that? That's Gibson Moore in the background.

Van Hoosier Girls ~ First Swim Meet

All came home with ribbons. Bella swam the entire length of the pool and got a beautiful pink ribbon!

Coach Mike said: "Give me one year with those girls and they will be the fastest in this arena." He thinks they could even be State champions. I've already told them they could go all the way and be on a Wheaties cereal box and earn a gold medal in the Olympics. Dream big, right? Blaine's key question: "Will I get to be in a commercial?" I'm having visions of the American Flag and the National Anthem playing with them on the platform stage.

Set your sights high. Reach for the stars!

Wow! What a great week. The girls have really shined. So very happy, thankful and feeling totally blessed.

Hi. Meet my girls (pictures below). They are the lights of my life! So sweet and adorable. They are really enjoying summer. Swim Time!!!

The older girls actually want to have 1-2 hours of school each day. They both received straight A honor roll for the entire year and, if I may brag for one moment - they were both in the Gifted and Talented Program and received the National Physical Fitness Award from The President.

Yes, that would be George W. His signature is right there on the award certificates that are hanging in their rooms.

The apple photo series was inspired by my grandmother, Lucile Rowntree. She passed away in March and had painted a country setting with a basket of apples. My mom had the idea to take some pictures of my girls eating apples to hang by the painting. So, there they are. My grandmother continues to be an inspiration and I'm now an amateur photographer! (Thanks, Mom and Momee.)

I am going to take a painting class myself and try my hand at a little art.

I hope your summer inspires you to do something fun and creative. Have a safe one.