Mo's Fall 2011

September – November 2011

Volume 12

Issue No.5

In This Issue: My Vacation- South Florida - CB Concert by L. Ford - A Girl & Her Makeup Back to School - Making the Grades - Buddy Mentor

Family Fall Festival - Pumpkin Carving - Chili Cook-Off

Stepping In the Kitchen - Easy Pasta Recipe - Caramel Dipped Apples - Holiday Christmas Baking

Family Spot Light - Volleyballin ‘Khalyn Brown - In the Zone with DaMani Neal - Family Coaches - More Sports Talk - Making the band: Hope

Mo’s Small Talk Giving Thanks - Thanksgiving by Jada - Natural Disaster; R U Prepared - In Recent News!

Latest Family News, What’s on your Xmas List this year and Birthday Shout Outs

E-version posted on: www.issuu.com/fordan/docs/newsletterfall11_r4

Email Monique @ bubbles4d@yahoo.com

A Special Holiday Message from Me to You It’s a BOY!

It’s been a wonderful year filled with good and bad, but mostly good. As the Christmas holiday draws near and we all gather with family and/or friends let us all remember and celebrate on what Christmas is “truly” about. This year Christmas falls on a Sunday and I will be joined with my family on that Sunday morning in church followed by a fat ole breakfast feast back at home while unwrapping gifts. You all know how greedy I can be….I can’t wait.  BUT…I want to wish you all (my cousins and friends), a very special Christmas this year and may all your wishes come true…well, at least some of them. You know we’re in a recession as my family would say and you can’t have everything.

Here’s a photo of Mya that I had to share…its one of my favorite holiday photos of her this year. I hope you share some of yours so I can post them in my Winter issue.

Congratulations Robby Neal and family Tavon Neal

A Special Thanks I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards helping me put together my 2nd newsletter. My mom and sister for reviewing and adding their inputs as well as the layout, photos, and graphics. Lauren and Jada for their articles and Rachel for the interesting chat about her day in school.

I especially want to thank: My Uncles (Stevie and Johnny), Kevin, and Bip for allowing me to interview them about coaching. Another special thanks goes to Khalyn and DeMani for letting me put them in the family spotlight and talk about their love on football and volleyball.

Love you all!

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

I really appreciated that you all took time out of your day or night to let me interview you. That meant a lot to me that you showed your support in my family newsletter.

Before we fall into the Fall Season of my newsletter, let me tell you about my vacation time in South Florida.

I went with my parents during the month of August. It was really fun. We went to several different beaches and my favorite two were West Palm and Miami (South Beach).

I liked both of them because the water was so clear; it was like looking into a clear glass of drinking water….so clear and beautiful. At both of these beaches we saw lots of glass-fish. My mom even stepped on one.

It was pretty funny to see her reaction. (when we were snorkeling in Miami). I have to say that snorkeling was SO FREAKING AMAZING. Everything was so clear, but at times the water would get into my goggles so I had to keep coming up to dump the water out, which got annoying. We saw a crab and a jellyfish. Dad said my mom was “playing with the jellyfish while he was playing with the crab” LOL. She really wasn’t….she didn’t even realize that she was that close to the jellyfish until she came up for air and Dad told her it was right there beside her. She freaked out and started swimming like she was in a marathon while trying to get away from it. That was soooo funny, Dad and I laughed so hard and so did some of the other people who saw her.

While in Miami , me and mom wanted to go shopping but she didn’t feel like driving so we rented Hybrid bikes. They were so smooth and really comfortable. I think mom was more excited about the bikes then I was. I am glad we rented them though because walking would have been a pain in the butt carrying our stuff/bags back. My favorite place/store was called Wings. I liked that store because the prices were so CHEAP. I brought lots and lots of jewelry, and some clothing (tshirts), but overall I got some bonding time with the both of my parents. So thanks Mom and Dad for the vacation. Looking forward to a BIG Family vacation one day, hopefully next year, but if not let’s go to California. To hear more about our trip and see more photos go to: www.brofordmoore.blogspot.com, my mom’s family blog; she wrote more about our vacation if you ever think about going there.

I went to the Chris Brown concert and let me tell you…..it was awesome. The first performer was Tyga.

I loved the way he came out on stage to open up the show.

Kelly Rowland was the second performer and she did a go-go classic by EU, “Doing The Butt” and rocked the Verizon Center. Then comes out T-Pain and the part of his performance that I enjoyed was when he told his love life story. Lastly…..(drum role please)…..the one and only CHRIS BROWN! He performed songs off of his mix tape, called Boy In Dentition. So you know I was jamming lol (= even though I only knew the songs from his mix tape so just me and Chris brown were singing!

The best part of the concert overall was Chris Brown’s performance on “Take You Down’”. I took pictures during the concert of Chris Brown only because I just love me some Chris Brown; he’s a good performer. I wish you ( Monique) could of came with me and my mom to the concert.

A Girl & Her Makeup My take on too much makeup as a teen and young adult is different than a lot of my friends who wear it. When I was in the sixth grade, I wanted to start wearing make up like some of the girls in school were. I thought it was cool and I thought it would make me look pretty. My parents wouldn’t allow me to wear it and noticed almost every time I had it on.

I just couldn’t get away with wearing it and got in trouble so I stopped.

In middle school, I noticed it even more; and a lot all the girls put too much of it on. I started to notice more of the girls who were wearing make up and thought it made them look older. In fact, some of them wore too much of it and it just didn’t look right. I asked a few of them who are friends of mine, why they felt they needed to wear so much makeup.

One of them said, “Make up is my life!”, the others said pretty much the same thing, “I have to have make up on, it makes me feel pretty”. So I then asked them, “If you have a boyfriend that preferred you not to wear it as much or none at all because he likes your natural look what would you do or say?”

Ha Ha….these girls are crazy, they said: “Make up is like my life, I can’t live without it. It hides my acne and it makes me feel beautiful”. I kind of just laughed because that’s just “Kray” as Kanye and JayZ would say in their Paris song….”that’s Kray”. I don’t need make up, but would like to wear some at one point. Mom said to wait until later in high school to wear it and to only apply natural /neutral colors to enhance my look based on my skin tone and that I should really only wear it when I go out or for special events/occasions. Other than that, be natural and love the skin your in with simple lip gloss and some mascara because beauty is far more deeper than what the eyes see and one day I’ll see what she means by that..

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

Schools Back in Session

2011-2012

Man, does time go by fast or what?

This will be my last year in middle school and so far it feels like……well, pretty sweet if you ask me. 1) We are the oldest in the school. 2) We are the coolest in the school and 3) WE GET TO HAVE A DANCE (in which I cant wait for). I think being in eighth grade is WAY better then when I was in the 7th grade. I say that because I wasn’t having as much fun in seventh grade as I am now. I love my classes and most of my teachers. I love how my schedule flows and getting to my classes on time is a PIECE OF CAKE. My favorite teacher is Mr. Aldrich. I think he is the most laid back teacher in the whole school. He’s so funny. He actually makes Civics a fun subject to learn. Another teacher I really enjoy having is Mrs. Davis, my science teacher. She claimed that she can make me love science by the end of this year and so far she’s fulfilling her goal. The labs we do are so fun. We did one where we made chocolate bars out of different morsels. The types of morsels used were; butterscotch, chocolate chip, and white chocolate chip. The chocolate bar itself was pretty tasty, but I think it would have been even better if it had like a little hit of peanut butter morsels like the other classes had. But back to the subject of school, even though I hate getting up around the 6’clock hour every morning…I actually do enjoy going to school. However, I hate having homework as I’m sure a lot of students every where do. Its’ not the best thing in the world, but we have to do it to make the grades and to help us on quizzes and tests. Just think about it, going to school can get us places in life.

Staying in school is important to me and should be to others.

That was the gist of my first few weeks in school as a 8th grader. I asked a few others about their first day/week of school as a first time Kindergartner, or first time entering middle school as a 7th grader or for some 6th graders and even high school freshmen. Starting a new school for the first time can be like a scary nightmare as it was for me.

I was really scared and nervous, I didn’t think I was going to be with any of my friends going into middle school. I got with my youngest cousin, Rachel who’s 5 years old and asked her about her first day in Kindergarten. Her first day of school was described to me as, “Its fun, awesome and I met a girl name Ashley”. She said her favorite class was Art and that she enjoys playing on the computers. She’s actually a little computer whiz; she loves playing on computers and coloring.

Rachel was talking in overload about her days in school that I couldn’t understand too much of what she said. All I know is, she was super excited about being in school because she’s been wanting to go every since her sister Natalie started school last year. Now they both attend Hutchison Elementary together.  My friend , Tatiana Hicks moved to another location and started attending a new school in Gainesville called Patriot High School as a freshman. Her first day was described to me as “ok”. She told me she met a few new friends but she still chills with her other friends from previous years. Some of the elective classes she’s taking are; childcare, a nutrition class and a well living class. She enjoys all of them. I’m sure as I talk with her through the rest of the school year, she’ll be well know by half of the school because she’s out there….

REMEMBER: Stay away from Bullying!

Don’t be a victim and don’t allow others to tolerate it either.

Ignore it or Report it:1-800-78-CRIME

The End of First Quarter and Look Who’s Making the GRADES!        

DaMani Neal (7th) – ALL A’s, Great Job! Monique Ford (8th) – A’s and B’s Lauren Ford (6th) – A’s and B’s Marcus Ford (4th) – A’s and B’s Khalyn Brown (10th) – A’s and B’s Hope Brown (10th) – A’s and B’s Jordan Brown (4th) – A’s, B’s, 1 C+ Jada Brown (3rd), Natalie Moore (2nd) - O’s/ G’s

Congratulations to Mani for all straight A’s. He got a $15 iTunes gift card sent to his home for making the honor roll. He put his school work FIRST. You too can get a random surprise in the mail next quarter if you achieve all A’s. It’s not impossible, it takes dedication to learn and understand as well as preparation and studying. Some of you are almost there.

Understand this kids….your parents want nothing but the BEST for you now and when you become an adult. The Future is YOURS and an excellent education will help you tremendously achieve your desired goals in life. I wish I could turn back the clock and do it all over again and I’m sure one or both of your parents may feel the same way too.

You GOT the clock on your side now…its your time to make it happen and turn those dreams of yours into reality.

Don’t wish to be in someone else’s shoes because you want to be like them. Find out what it takes to get you there, work on it, and “step in your OWN shoes” with a smile that says, “accomplished”.

Make your life and your parents life a little easier around the house. Focus more time on school academics and make those grades speak volumes in what you’re accomplishing.

Keep up the GREAT work kids!!

Angie…..

GOOD BUDDY HELPER Once a week, every Thursday I give my time to other students in my school with special needs. This is not something that you get assigned to, a student must volunteer his or her time and it doesn’t count towards community service hours As a good buddy helper we play games, go to the weight room, talk, or whatever the buddy wants to do. Some of the kids have hearing problems, speech issues and some are handicap.

They are really kind , sweet, and very smart students as well. Some other students treat them like they don’t understand anything when they really do.

My two buddies are Spencer and Chelsea. Spencer likes to play basketball. He told me he wanted to play in the NBA one day. Chelsea likes to play Just Dance games on the Wii. They’re great buddies of mine and I hope it continues in when we move on to high school.

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

7 Stepping In the KITCHEN to Cook Easy Pesto Pasta (Easy as 1-2-3) Anyone can make this, it’s so easy and good to eat hot or cold. Add your own ingredients to it to make it “Your Own Pasta”.

1.

Boil Water and add a tablespoon of olive oil and your box of Pasta (I like Bow Tie). Do NOT overcook the pasta; drain and put noodles into a bowl.

2. Add 2-3 Tbsp of Pesto Seasoning and perhaps some salt and pepper for additional seasoning taste.

3. Toss in some Italian dressing OR Low Fat Sun-Dried Tomato dressing and your done!

See, told ya…..easy as 1-2-3 , oh and if you want to (as Mommy would say) embellish it a little add some chopped veggies like; tomatoes and cucumbers.

Caramel Chocolate Covered Apples

1

2

4

5

3

Quick side dish to go along with a turkey/ham sandwich or some chicken nuggets.

Try it out at home.

Get your Holiday Cookie Order In. Every Christmas holiday and I do mean EVERY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, mom loves to bake holiday goodies for the house as well as family and friends. She would bake lots of different cookies and bars all day over the weekend. I think she has given almost every family member some of her holiday baking. I think she’s trying to get both Renee and I into this tradition to bake every year even when she’s long gone. Do I think I’ll do it???

Hmmm! Since I enjoy eating cookies and sweets, I would.

I can see it; I would go over to Renee’s house one year, then she would come over to my house the following year so we can bake with Mya, friends and cousins.  Renee said she’s going to continue with Mommy’s tradition and hopes Mya carries the tradition into her generation as well.

This year we’re baking on the weekend of the 17th and will not be delivery any of the goodies. If you want an order of assorted holiday cookies and bars; email my mom at : anngee4d@yahoo.com. We’re only taking up to 5 orders and you’ll have to stop by after Dec. 17 to pick them up.

6 Ingredients: - Bag of caramels - 2 Tbsp of water - 5-6 Apples (preferably Granny Smith) - Popsicle sticks - Chocolate morsels - Your Favorite Toppings

Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

- The Ford’s R Baking -

7.

Place popsicle sticks into the clean apples.

Put the caramel in a microwave dish, add 2 tbsp of water and then melt the caramel in the microwave for 2 minutes and then stir. May need to microwave for another 30 sec. or so , but keep an eye on it to avoid a mess.

Dip the apples into the hot caramel and turn to coat it.

Place the caramel apple on lightly greased plate (use Pam spray and wipe with paper towel). When done with all, place in the fridge to chill/set.

Melt the chocolate for 2 minutes in the microwave and then stir until thoroughly melted.

Dip the chilled caramel apples in the chocolate and then place on platter or dish to cool (harden) or garnish with your favorite topping. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes and then serve them or wrap them in plastic wrap and store them until ready to eat.

Enjoy!

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

The Ford’s Biennial Family Fall Festival

U M P K I N C A R V I N G

Aunt Debbie and Marcus (cousin)

My family decided to host a fall family get together this year during the month of October before we got into the holidays. We normally go out to the country in Bluemont, Virginia to visit The Great Country Farm during their Fall Harvest Festival. However, this year mommy changed it up and we all stayed local to do a pumpkin carving / chili cook-off festival. I was all for the idea; I thought it was going to be really fun. It was really great to be with some family members that I haven't seen in over a year or more.

The kids couldn’t play the games we had planned due to the rain that we had over the few days leading up to the family gathering. The ground was too wet and mom certainly didn’t want mud tracked in the house. It was a nice day outside though, so they played around in the front of the house where the sun was shining for some warmth. Then we moved around to the back in front of the garage and carved pumpkins. I gave mine to Elijah (Samantha’s son) because he didn’t have one like the other kids did and wanted to take one home to his mom.

Between the five adults, they all managed to help the kids get all 11 pumpkins cleaned out and carved the way the kids wanted it. Those kids had fun cleaning and carving them pumpkins and did a good job cleaning up the mess so I wouldn’t end up doing it later . I loved that part (hee hee), thanks kiddos……

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

HILI COOK-OFF

So while the kids big highlight was the pumpkin carving, the adults highlight was that chili contest (LOL). My highlights were the tasting of the food, watching the kids play and eating that yummy popcorn from Costco. That popcorn is so AMAZING. I could eat it all day everyday if my parents let me. Okay, maybe not, but at least every week. Those Lays or Pringles chips has NOTHING on Angie’s Popcorn (that’s the actual name of it. Its not actually my moms popcorn). You can’t seem to put that bag down once you get started. I swear….it’s that good, you gotta try it.  Anyway , there were 5 chili contestants that made a pot of their best chili. They were; my mom, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Doris , my Granddad, and Aunt Cathy. I knew who made each one because I had to transport some of their chili to the trio crock pot and give them a number. I also added up all the score cards with Renee’s help to determine the winner. Mom spent all night trying to make her chili the best to at least beat granddad’s chili. When Renee and I added up all the scores, Mom ended up winning the contest. The look on everyone’s face was like, yeah okay….you all cheated. OMG…..especially granddad’s and he made it known. But hey, everyone just enjoyed my mom’s chili a little better than the others. I thought it was really good and I WASN’T allowed to vote. Anyway, my mom gave the prize to Aunt Sharon who came in second place just to fair as the hostess. All in all….everyone had a good time. Hope the next big family event is even more funnier next year whoever decides to host one.

The Ford’s Biennial Family Fall Festival

Doris, Granddad, Sharon, Mom, Cathy

How about a game of softball in the park? I saw a few shows where family and friends got together to play some softball and they looked like they were having a ball. I know with a mixture of family we all will too. We should do it around Spring time. If the adults don’t want to join in then it can be children ages: 10 and up. Renee and I are going to coordinate it and will be calling households to see who’s in on the fun so we can form teams by late March for an April or May showdown. If you know you’re already in, hit me up at: bubbles4d@yahoo.com so I can put your name on the list and get your t-shirt size.

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

SPOTLIGHT FAMILY SPORTS

Touch Down, DaMani Neal!!! all time MVFP (most valuable football player) on his team. Mani does it all, running back, quarterback, defensive player, and scores the most TDs on his team. I have to say, I was really impressed when I got the opportunity to watch him in action on the football field. He’s amazing and he’s my cousin as well.

I caught up with Mani this fall and talked to him about his love for football and what drives him in his games. This is how our conversation went down;

2011 Season Stats Rushes: 73 Rushes for 655 yards TDs: 14 Turnovers: 1 Passing: 24-25 Passes for 590 yards Interceptions: 8 Tackles: 56

Monique: Mani:

What gets you pumped for a game?

Well, usually I just think positive and then that makes me want to go out there and give it my all.

Monique: Mani:

Why do you love football and how does it make you feel?

Football is like a way of life for me, and it has always been that way. I love how I am on the field it just makes me feel powerful.

Monique: Mani:

Is there just “one” position you like to play? Or do you just like a variety of them?

Linebacker and Defensive position. They make me feel powerful.

Monique: Mani:

Where do you see yourself in the next 6 to 7 years?

Hmmm! In college. I hope to attend either UVA or Miami.

Monique:

That’s great Mani, I can’t say that a lot of boys your age are focused. l like that, what makes you so focus?

I mean I just focus on what is important. So basically the number 1 thing that keeps me focus is my love for who I have become and the talents I have been blessed with.

Mani:

Monique:

Mani:

I’m actually learning from you because I like to play Basketball and Soccer, but I’m not as focus as you are with your football. So tell me and others who plays sports some good advice to help keep us focused.

Don't get side tracked or forced into smoking, doing drugs etc. You have to stay focused on YOUR life.

Monique:

How about those GIRLSSS? We’re teens now and teens start to notice the opposite attraction…would you date someone if you really like her?

Mani:

Nah not really, I got more important things to focus on, like football.

Monique:

[to myself] hmmm…..we’ll see 

Monique:

Mani:

Do you look up to anyone in particular, like a role model?

My cousin, Tye Neal

Monique: Mani:

Why your cousin Tye? He stays out of trouble and he’s an athlete.

Monique: Mani:

You got any words to say about your coaches?

Yeah, my dad….he yells a lot, but it helps because he pushes me.

Mani has got a lot going for himself; he’s doing well in school with great grades and goes ham when playing football, and so far…..no girlfriends to distract him. I think he will continue to be focused because of his love and passion for football and in addition to that; he has a loving family who supports and pushes him to do his best Stay strong and healthy Mani and continue to shine, I’ll be back out again next year to show my support.

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

S P OSTRIKER, TLIGHT FAMILY SPORTS

#12 Khalyn Brown

Khalyn and I are cousins and we have some crazy times together when we are hanging out and being silly. We have a few things in common, one in particular is sports. She loves to play Volleyball whereas I love to play basketball and Soccer. However, this story isn’t about me…..it’s about my cousin, Khalyn Brown and how she loves to play volleyball.

I got a chance to go out and see Khalyn and her team (Dominion HS) play a game against Flint Hill in Fairfax during the month of October. A few weeks later I got with Khalyn to talk more about why she loves volleyball. She told me that she likes to play [Dominion High School – 2011]

volleyball because it relieves stress and makes her feel good about her self because she understands the game and has the love for it.

Khalyn has several positions she likes to play, but the one that she loves the most is libero because she said it allows her to drive the ball. I had no clue on what a “Libero” was so I researched it. That’s one of the important positions on a volleyball team. The Libero is the person who does a lot of passing in serve receive and she’s responsible for most of the court than her teammates. To me its like being a point guard in basketball. So when Khalyn said she likes to dig (the ball that is), she’s playing in defense mode working hard to keep that ball alive.

In the game of many sports there are lots of distractions all around when you’re trying to focus. I was curious as to how Khalyn blocks out

the distraction because during her game that I got to watch there were a lot of boys grouped together, about 30 or so and they were very annoying during the game. I asked Khalyn how did she block them out. She said, “I just ignore the noises and make those groupies look stupid when we score”. That’s the way to do it Khalyn!!!  Okay…so I had to ask her this question, “How do you like them booty, umm..I mean short shorts that you have to wear”? Khalyn responded, ha ha ha…shut up and said that she hates them. I was just wondering because I know I would have been uncomfortable wearing them too, but I guess you’ll eventually get used to it like I’m sure Khalyn <somewhat> has since it is the team uniform and you have to wear it like everyone else does…..that’s called Unity!

Then we talked about college, I asked my cousin if she was hoping to play

volleyball in college or focus on her academics. She said she’s not even sure what college she would end up going to and that she’s looking to become a graphic designer. However, if a scholarship was offered to her she said she’d accept it and play volleyball as well.

To you Khalyn: I think your doing a great job with school and sports and can’t wait to see you play again next year as a Varsity starter. Keep up the great work! Love you!

I encourage more family and friends to come support and check you out next year .

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

our Family Coaches

Taking time out of their schedule to coach

My Uncle Johnny who goes by Coach Brown likes to coach for both football and basketball (boys) He helps out as an assistant coach for a McLean Youth Football Team and also an assistant coach for JEB Stuart High School. This will be his first year with JEB Stuart, prior to that he was at Fairfax HS for the past 7 years. He loves being an assistant because he said “ It’s giving back to the community, keeping the young kids out of the streets and he loves the game(s)”. He sees kids today as tomorrows future and likes to help them develop to be all they can be. He feels that some kids have a disadvantage than others because they don’t get some of the extra training as the more privileged kids do. So he tends to give the disadvantaged, but talented as well a little more guidance and push them hardier.

Winning games puts smiles on every ones faces and he likes to see the kids happy over a victory win. It shows that they worked hard and was paying attention to their coaches. I asked Coach JB, which sport he likes to coach the most. He said that’s a tough one, but would go with Basketball because it takes skill, talent, and heart, but in a way….so does football. Coach JB will back next year on both the football field and the basketball court to assist again, but will eventually give up basketball to support his nieces and nephews at their games when they play at High School.

Coach Kevin Brown has been coaching as an assistant for almost 7 years for his boys (Devin and Darius) football teams and plans to continue coaching next year as well. He got inspired to coach football through Uncle Matt Brown. He also wanted to coach because he wanted to help his boys and the youth understand the game of football. Coach Brown, gets happy when he sees that the boys understand the game and plays because it shows that they were listening.

Kevin, I mean Coach Brown said his style of coaching is about discipline, being fit and physical because it gets them into shape. When it comes to coaching his boys; he tries not to be too hard on them and usually lets the other coaches get on them. He doesn’t show any favoritism towards his boys and in fact feels that they as well as any other player should earn their position and I agree on that in any sport. All in all…Coach Brown enjoys coaching little league football and would do it full time to make them positive young men on and off the field.

On the football field he’s known as Coach B or Mani’s dad but we know him as Bip. Coach B has been coaching football now for a little over 7 years and enjoys every minute of it. He also coached basketball for about 2 years, but found that his love for coaching is in football.

When his son, DaMani started to play football; Bip said he saw how the coaches were coaching his son and said he could do the same and if not, even better. So he decided to take on coaching and started coaching his son’s football teams as the head coach. In the beginning, Bip said it was all about DeMani, but as he was talking more about the other boys….I begin to see that as he got know the boys more and their skills while watching them play it became more about the “team” as a whole. I think that’s kidda normal with any parent who decides to coach their own child in sports. It starts out with a focus on their own child, but then they see some other great talent on the team as well and begin to work more as a team without focusing on that one individual. As they say….there is no “I” in a T-E-A-M sport.

Coach B said he likes to see his players have fun while playing the game and considers himself as a fun and fair coach, but he also says he “has to be tough at a certain point. It’s fun when you win, but its not fun being a loser.” To some extent….he feels he’s more harder on his son than the other players on the team and that’s only because he knows DaMani’s capabilities when it comes to football and he wants him to be the best he can be. It makes him feel good to see the growth and development in his players.

As the head coach of his team I wonder how he finds time to review plays and strategies to run a good offense and defense in between his full-time job and his boys activities. He said when he gets a free break or moment at work he’ll review it a little, but mostly at night when everyone is settled down or in bed sleep.

His thoughts on girls playing football? Doesn’t have a problem with it because some of the girls he saw play are pretty good, but…he’s not sure how they should do it because it’s a very physical sport and not sure how long their body can endure it.

Coach B’s final words on coaching; He loves to coach…loves to watch young boys develop in the game and do well. So when he found out that has MS (multiple sclerosis) he immediately wanted to know if that was going to effect him where he wouldn’t be able to coach anymore. As we all can see….No it did not. He continues to give his extra time into mentoring and coaching and looking for a bright future for his sons .

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

their son and/or young boys in the game of football.

our Family Coaches

Coach Steve Brown just finished his 3rd year as an assistant coach for the McLean Youth “Mustangs” Football League where his son, Jordan plays as a defensive linebacker. He’s know by his team as Coach Brown or Jordan’s Dad., but Jordan simply calls him by his familiar name, Dad. Stevie took on coaching because he wants his son to remember these moments as he gets older that his dad was along his side guiding and supporting him in sports. As a coach and dad, Stevie feels that Jordan needs to be motivated at times and he’s a little harder on his son than the other boys on the team. I asked him why is that and he said, “Because he’s blood”. He also said Jordan is the type of kid that needs some guidance and needs to be push every now and then to get the best out of him. Being hard on him makes him play out to his full potential. So with that said, I had to wonder what type of coach would he place himself as and he said he’s more of a tough coach. Coach Brown feels that being a tough coach gives the kids discipline and makes them work harder. It helps them develop to be better kids (young boys) and feels that the boys will respect their coaches more; especially when it’s all said and done. As a person who plays sports myself, I know and see how some of these coaches emotions fly when it comes to their team. I asked Coach Brown about his and for the most part he said he tends to get really excited when the team makes plays or scores, but he gets really excited and happy when he sees his son make a great tackle. He gave accolades to the head coach of the team as well; Coach Wallace. He expressed that Coach Wallace really emphasizes the fundamentals to his players.

Now a days girls play football in some leagues and being that Uncle Stevie has a daughter I was curious on his thoughts about girls and football.

Coach Brown; actually…I think it’s best to say the dad in Stevie spoke on this and said “She would not be playing.” “Not to be bias, but it’s a physical sport ….too physical for girls.” However, basketball is where it’s at for Jada at the moment. So before closing, I asked Stevie if he had any additional comments in relation to coaching and he said quote unquote: “One thing I wish I would have done during my younger days was to got more experience with coaching.

There are a lot of things that I don’t know when it come to coaching basketball. I know how to play the game, but coaching it takes more skill because you need to know how talk to the kids to get the best out of them. I should’ve taken some classes, but now I can pull a lot of training and coaching instructions off of the internet. As for coaching football next year; it’s up in the air at the moment because Jordan may want to switch back into Lacrosse. He has played Lacrosse and enjoyed it so he may get to play it again, But we’ll see how that goes next year. “

High School Coach

Matt Brown

High School Coach

Matt Brown

Greg “Pnut” Ellis

Next football season (Fall 2012)

Next football season (Fall 2012)

FALL 2012

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

Greg Ellis

Brothers, Devin and Darius

Old Dominion Soccer League

M

“Play with Dignity, Respect your Opponent”

cLean’s ODSL Travel League has come to an end for the league this fall. My team, Extreme Gold Girls U14 ended our season with 6 wins – 2 losses to rank 2rd place in the league. I am going to miss soccer because I really enjoyed my team-mates and my coach, Yassi. Ha ha, oh Yassi, he doesn’t speak very good English, but he’s a very laid back and chill coach who taught us girls through demonstrations and his talented soccer skills. He actually taught us a lot and speaking for myself….he taught a hell of a lot because I feel that I’ve gotten much better at the game then before when I just played house league. My dribbling skills and foot work has improved and I thank Yassi for helping in those areas.

Both play for the Sterling Youth Football League.

Devin plays for the “A” Steelers Team as their linebacker and Darius plays for the “C” Bears as their running back and his team is a 2-year defending champions.

Playing house league is a joke compared to the travel league. You get a lot of training and more skill work out of travel that you don’t get in house.

The games are more intense with great passes, great teamwork and good sportsmanship. I’m looking forward to playing next Spring and will see how it goes in High School during tryouts.

Welcome back to Virginia, Hope

For those of you who didn’t know, Hope has been back in Virginia now for the past 4 months (since September) and residing with her uncle Kevin and his family. I think that’s great because I’ll get the chance to know my cousin a little more.

Hope is in the 10th grade and goes to Dominion HS with her cousin, Khalyn.

She ‘s into playing instruments and participates and plays in multiple school bands such as: The Jazz Band, Marching Band, The Ensemble , and the Drum-line.

Wow! She certainly is keeping herself busy. I heard she’s really good at it and will have to come check her out one day.

Go Head Hope!

Basketball Season Started

Way to go Devin and Darius!!

I made the McLean Select Team this year. The past two years I played with the Falls Church Travel Team. This year my parents thought it was time to switch over to another team because Falls Church had plenty of guards and they also felt that I needed to start playing with the McLean girls since I want to try-out for Freshman next at McLean High School. I would most likely be playing with a few of the girls from McLean Select and the others will end up at Langley HS. The tryouts was “tough” and the competition was even tougher, but I made the DII Team. YAY! Haha. I am finally getting the chance to play point guard again and I’m looking forward to the challenge and change in position to help me get ready for next year at the High School level which will be another “tough” try-out.

Also playing basketball this season are: -Lauren Ford is playing with the boys and girls club in Upper Marlboro, MD. This will be her 2nd year playing and I’m hoping I’ll be able to come out and see some of her games.

- Jordan Brown made the Falls Church Select Team. I’m glad you’re on the Falls Church Team Jordan because you get to play against that McLean team and you can show them what they are missing out on. Hope I can make that one cause if so, I will be THERE. - Jada Brown will be playing with the Falls Church 5th grade Select Team.

Yes…you read it right…5th GRADE. Jada is in the 3rd grade and will be playing up with the big girls. I am really proud of you kiddo. Keep up the good work and it will pay off in the end, but YOU GO GIRL! Can’t wait to see you on the court again in action.

- Trey Ellis is playing this year for Manassas Park Rec Center. Congrats Trey on making the team. Show em how it’s done son  - DaMani Neal - now that football season is over, Mani dropped the paddeds and cleats to put on some Air Jordan’s. He’s playing travel basketball for his school, River Bend. Hope I can get out to see a game…if not, have fun .

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

Step into Mo’s Corner for some Randomness…

This fall I got Progressives. Progressives are glasses that have the extra zoom in the lens to help your eyes perform better. But you can’t see the extra zoom in my glasses. I got the nerdy look and I actually like my glasses, but sometimes I forget to put them on. Haha woops… now that was really random.

Another small talk that is not so random because I talked about it before from a different angle and it’s on Friendship. This topic really “ticks me off” sometimes and maybe because I’m still trying to figure it out or how it works. Hmmmm!, Where do I begin? Lately I have been going through some friendship issues. So I wanted to get a better idea of what the real definition is for a best friend so I’ll know when that person has become one?

According to “Google” and yes, I Googled it, Wikiipedia says: “Someone with whom

“Small Talk”

one shares the strongest possible kind of friendship, often abbreviated to "bestie" .

Another Hmmmm! Because I didn’t like that definition….it really didn’t give the true meaning so I came across Urban dictionary and this one was on point: “Best Friends are very special people in your life. They are the first people you think about when you make plans. They are the first people you go to when you need someone to talk to. You will phone them up just to talk about nothing, or the most important things in your life. When you’re sad they will try their hardest to cheer you up. They give the best hugs in the world! They are the shoulder to cry on, because you know that they truly care about you. In most cases they would take a bullet for you, coz it would be too painful to watch you get hurt.”

Well, maybe not the bullet part. We all say we have a best friend or best friends right? Well I thought I had “best friends” but it seems to me that all my friends have moved on and I am having to learn how to deal with that. At first I didn’t seem to mind it, but now its kind of hard not to. I mean, what am I supposed to do? I don’t understand friends at times. I thought no one would want to end a friendship for nothing or over nothing, but like my parents always told me during elementary and even now; everyone is going to want to be your friend and you’re not going to want to be everyone's friend either for many reasons. So, here’s my new life lesson learned: Friends come and go and one day, that true friend (my ride or die BFF) will appear. So right now, I don’t have any best friends…..and I am okay with that because my best friend lives inside of me and her name is: Monique Brianna Ford (ME)!!!

My parents won’t let me have my cell phone on weekdays. How do I feel about that? Well I absolutely hate it. When my friends say “Hey text me!” I say, “oh I can’t, sorry..I don’t have my phone.”

I just think I should be able to have it when I want because I keep my grades up, I turn it off at a certain time and I can multitask with my social life, school work, and sports. I just think they could at least give me a try at it.

I’m still working on this, to be continued….

Okay…so no one likes

BEKS??

What’s the deal, they got the best smoothies.

And YES, if you’re wondering this was my Halloween costume this year. I was: “CAT GIRL”

I’m still waiting on a winner for the Robek’s giftcard.

Here’s the same “song trivia” that I posted in my last newsletter. If no one gets the answer to me by: Dec. 30th midnight, I’m going straight to Robeks the following day to get me a, Malibu Peach smoothie.

“There’s a fire starting in my heart, reaching a fever pitch and it’s bring me out the dark” Inbox me your answer: Song and name of artist

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

My mother found this article online and thought it would be some good reading material to help get me and other teens thinking more seriously and making good choices about our future. Check it out….I think it goes with my new moto on the opposite page: “Define Who You Are to Become Who You Want to Be.” And no…I have not figured that out just yet, but when I do…you’ll know in one of my newsletters.

--------------------------------------------------YOU ARE PRICELESS.

By Kimberly Sarden

Teenage years can be confusing with so many decisions to make each day. What do I wear? Who will I take to prom? Where will I go to college? Who am I? Getting to know who you are, your values and your goals can take a lot of time. As teens grow older, they become more independent from their families and start making more decisions on their own. Our behavior usually is dependent on our personal values. Values are the beliefs and qualities that are most important to us. They are usually shared by your family, but you soon will become responsible for deciding what is important to you personally. Meeting new people and being exposed to new environments are great ways to begin your self-exploration. As you become more exposed to new things, you will begin to learn more about yourself and what your values are or what they will be in the near future. Values are very personal. No two people have exactly the same set of values. Values are shaped by our experiences and understandings of those experiences through what we’ve learned from our families, cultures, religion, school, media, etc. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you discover a few of your personal values.

• What do you enjoy doing?

• What are you really passionate about?

• What do you dislike the most?

• What difference would you like to make for yourself, your family or your community?

Use these answers to make the best value-based decisions throughout your life. It is important to know that as we grow and change, so do our values. Learn to love and accept yourself. And while it is important to know and appreciate our own values, it is just as important to respect others that may value things that are different.

Words related to “values”  Goals – Make some attainable goals (short and long term)  Respect – Respect your elders and those with different values than what you have.  Short Term – A goal you can reach in the next 2-4 years.  Responsibility - Taking action and being proactive where you take care of and/or handle business  Long term – A goal you can reach in the next 6-10 years. Also known as a milestone.  Experience - In order to learn and grow; you will have to experience obstacles that comes your way.  Life – Live it to the fullest  Qualities – There are so many fine qualities in life…Define them  Friends – They come and go; but a true friend who died for us all is there 24/7 and he’s mighty in all ways.  Parents – Love you unconditionally and wants nothing but the best for their children  Change – It happens and it’s okay. Change can be a very good thing if you embrace it with a positive attitude,  Improvement – Always room to make it better.  Positive – That’s the ONLY way to be…  Excel – Taking it to the next level.

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

I’m starting to see why people give back to their communities or help others in need. A lot of us teens are now doing it because of our school. We have to have a certain number of hours doing community service in order to graduate from high school, but now in middle school it has become a part of my Civics grade as well. Parents think it’s GREAT that we’re doing these community services.

Me personally, I enjoy giving back.. It’s a way of saying “thanks” for all you done “ plus it’s a way of showing people that you care about them in their time of need.

Me , my mom, and my cousin Jada were talking about Thanksgiving and being thankful for so many things this year. We were thinking of something we were REALLY thankful for. I am REALLY thankful for my family because without them I wouldn’t be anything. I am especially thankful for my parents. Even though I can be a pain in the butt; they love and support me though the good times and bad.

Jada too said she’s thankful for a lot of things and wanted to write on her what Thanksgiving meant to her. This is how she feels about Thanksgiving at the age of 8 and why we should give thanks:

Thanksgiving is about Giving Thanks By: Jada Brown, age: 8 What I think Thanksgiving is about is eating thanksgiving turkey and giving thanks, but most important, giving thanks to the Lord. I love giving thanks to the Lord because I always think of him the most precious giver in the world in which he is.

We have to be very thankful because others don’t have lots of things we have. So they are not as much blessed as us. So just remember that always. ALWAYS give thanks to the wonderful Lord.

NEWS…….What’s Been Happening In and Around Us! Economy and Job Market: Still not doing to well.

2012 Presidential Election: Herman Cain in and now he’s out. And why is that….as usual ; some kind of scandal stuff.

Beyonce is pregnant: She and Jay-Z are having their 1st baby. Rumor has it …it’s a girl, Dallas Cowboys: beat the Redskins twice this year during the regular season. Can they make it into the playoffs??

Wildfires in Texas: From high winds and drought.

I hear people say that Washington DC is NOT prepared for a natural disaster.

After that earthquake this summer that I slept through and felt nothing until my books above my bed hit my head and woke me up. We all should get ourselves prepared cause we really never know when a disaster may hit our area.

Co-founder of Apple died: Steve Jobs

Check out www.ready.gov/ and review what they recommend for every house to have. I posted a few below from the website:

Earthquake in Turkey: 7.2 magnitude

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit: A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:  Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation  Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food  Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both  Flashlight and extra batteries  First aid kit  Whistle to signal for help  Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place  Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation  Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities  Manual can opener for food  Local maps  Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Hip Hop mogul: Heavy D died. Even though I didn’t know him, I respect his music and know he will be missed by loved ones and fans.

Kim Kardashian: Got married and a 72 days later she filed for divorce and now claiming he's gay. Something is wrong with that chick.

NBA Basket Ball Lockout: So we have all heard about the lockout situation . Me? I personally though it was stupid; like all the canceling out crap. I was mad about that because I was going to go see a Boston Celtics game for my birthday. Many people complained about the long decision making and I was certainly one of them. BUT…when I finally heard it was over, I couldn’t stop dancing. Season starts Dec. 25th. Tune in to see your teams play!

Penn State Asst. Coach Arrested: Jerry Sandusky was accused and arrested for child sex offenses with minor boys.

Monique’s Fall Newsletter - Issue 5 – November 2011

Deliver To:

Tis the Season to start “Wishing BIG”, you just might get what you ask for.

Angie Ford - Zoom Lens

Karen Brown - Toe Socks (really?)

Lauren Ford - Call of Duty MW3

Cathy Brown - Kirkland Gift Card

Steve Brown, Sr. - A Million Dollars

Candice Ford -

Aretha Moore - Nikon Digital Camera

Marcus Ford -New Video Games

Melanie Ford - Car (new or used)

Debbie Ford - Car

Rachel Moore - Bike

Renee Ford -Chris Paul (ha)

Hope Brown - Stud earrings

John Brown - Pair of pillows (really??)

Jada Brown - American Girl Doll

Jordan Brown -Madden 12 Wii

Robert Johnson - iPad 3

Khalyn Brown - Necklace

Natalie Moore - Bike

Betty Brown -24” Gold Necklace

Carolyn Johnson opens a Daycare Carolyn opened her new daycare, Happy Home Daycare on October 17. If you know of anyone that’s looking for or in need of a childcare provider in the Sterling area, please pass on Carolyn’s information; 703-421-0478 or website: www.happyhomedaycare.com . Congratulations Carolyn !

Birthday Shout Outs To Family & Friends September No-one

October 3 – Cathy Brown 5 – Robin Neal 24 – Lydia Erickson (friend) 29 – Uncle Bobby Neal 30 – Ernesto Sorto (friend)

November 4 – Melanie Ford 14 – Grandma Ford 20 – ME (Monique Ford) 21- Mimi Soliman (friend) 21 – Brandi Smith (friend) 27 – Matthew Brown 27 – Darnell Ford 29 – Kelly Jenkins-Brown 29 – Jordan Brown

November 14th was my grandmother’s birthday (on my dad’s side). She would’ve been 68 years old this year. She died from breast cancer. I didn’t get the chance to know her because I was just a toddler when she died. I wish I did because everyone said how nice and loving she was . If only I got the chance to get her kisses and her hugs I think I would feel the same void as my Dad and his siblings does. It’s sad that she left so soon.

DaMani Neal - Motorcycle