Cara and Patrick

Cara and Patrick 2
Originally uploaded by Breite.

Cara and Patrick (Swann) enjoy the band banquet, plaid converse tennis shoes and all.

Aunt Margie Visits

Aunt Margie Visits
Originally uploaded by Breite.

Aunt Margie Bennett flew down from Reno to visit her sister Ora. Meanwhile, Alexa hitched a ride with cousin Whitney to visit for an overnight. Lucky us!

More Complete thoughts about Family

We just finished our school year yesterday. Jenna is taking advantage of sleeping in and Cara is back at school for a band section leader meeting. They will have a basketball game later…it doesn’t really ever stop until they are out of school. They will be juniors in September. I can’t believe how quickly their high school years are going by. Here’s an update:

Beautiful Jenna at 6’1”, 16 years old, has a wonderfully dry sense of humor and impeccable timing delivery. She keeps us in stitches. She has such a high work ethic that she just about drove her classmates crazy this year. She expects a lot of herself and just as much from everyone around her. As such, she received the most outstanding Sophomore English student. She hates to be late, is constantly rushing Cara (always a little behind) and is very organized. She makes it look very easy but I know she works very hard at “keeping it all together.”

Jenna just received her tri-athlete honor. She played field hockey, lacrosse and basketball at the varsity level this year. (Field Hockey: Most Valuable defender; Lacrosse: Most Aggressive; Basketball: Most Valuable Post player) All in all, a great year! She also participated in the Bel Canto women’s choir performing in their Madrigal Dinner (a full-fledged medieval feast and show), festivals, concerts and small show choir numbers. As she said, "It got her over her fear of dancing in public." She is also playing for several club basketball teams. Several because she has been finishing up with our old club and trying out some new teams (none of which are fantastic). Anyway, we spend most of our weekends at basketball tournaments throughout the country. Next stops: Oregon, Seattle and Atlanta. She has improved her game tremendously and was one of the lead rebounders in San Diego County last season. She was scouted by a national recruiting agency for Field Hockey but then I informed him that she had a twin and that they both played basketball he shifted to that sport and we haven’t looked back.

Both Jenna and Cara are driving now so it frees me up from the carpool thing. I do miss our opportunities to chat to and from activities. There’s nothing like getting them when they have just finished something. You really get a sense of the reality of things.

Fun-loving Cara is also pushing 6’1” and turned 16 in March. She loves shoes, cars, basketball and band (just about in that order). She spends a lot of time evaluating/designing sport and casual shoes and letting me know which are her latest desires. She can also tell you anything you want to know about cars (models, features, advantages, disadvantages, colors, etc.) She cracks me up but truly if you want to know something she is definitely your resource. She has her eye on a new Tacoma (electric blue) and is chomping at the bit to get a job (yeah, right, in her spare time) so that she can buy one. With this kind of passion she has realized that she will need to earn a generous income to support her habit.

Cara is part of Mt Carmel High School’s Marching Sundevils (have we really been doing “band” for 15 years….yep!) As Sousaphone/tuba section leader this year she will have her hands full. She is also first chair in Wind Ensemble I (top band among 5 at our school) and Orchestra. They are hoping to travel to Indianapolis next spring for an elite competition. They still have to go through the audition process but as the 3rd ranked band program in the country they certainly have an excellent chance. She will march with the band at this year’s Rose Parade. Look for her as Mt. Carmel marches by; she will be the tallest tuba in the center of the band. (I know, they all look alike once they have their uniforms and shakos on). Late summer and fall will be filled with band camp, sectional rehearsals, evening rehearsals, private lessons, uniform fittings and tournaments throughout Southern California (Poway, Westview, Scripps Ranch, Mt. Carmel, Chino, Chula Vista, Vista, Arcadia). Their field shows are always fantastic. They were invited to perform at the Fiesta Bowl last year and ranked 2nd overall (a fine accomplishment).

As it happens, the band and choir both traveled to Hawaii over spring break this year. The girls saw each other once but then were off on their own adventures. Jenna got a great picture of herself underwater while snorkeling…too funny. In fact, all of Jenna’s Hawaii pictures have her in them (here’s Jenna on Diamond Head, here’s Jenna at the Polynesian Cultural Center…etc.) Too funny. Whereas Cara, who I think had her eye on other things, has many scenic pictures and a couple of her running away from the camera…ahhh, individuality. Those “other things” I spoke of are a redheaded, 6’, violin playing senior named, Patrick. No souvenirs came home with this girl except a new boyfriend. This is a first for my girls and certainly a surprise that it was Cara to break that ice. Patrick is very sweat, and they are very cute together. He will be attending SDSU as an engineering major in the fall. They are well suited and we will see how things go. So far, she has been able to stay focused on her priorities and he is very supportive of her efforts. I think it is because he is also very active in San Diego Youth Symphony and Orchestra and he understands the commitment it takes. I love that he challenges her to try new things and they are exploring outdoor activities together (rock climbing, tide pooling, etc.) All in all, it seems to be a good thing.

In regards to Cara and basketball, well, she was listed as a player to watch by the San Diego Union Tribune and was honored as an all-star team member for North County this year. She (and Jenna) both made the varsity team their freshman year but it wasn’t until this year that they really got a lot of playing time and were major contributors on the court. Where Jenna plays Center and a very strong Power Forward (post) position, Cara can play any position on the court. She is learning to play point guard (an unusual position for someone so tall, except for Nicole Powell of Stanford) and is doing very well. She has excellent ball handling skills, can really read the court and, according to her coaches, “has one of the best minds for basketball they have ever coached.” Time will tell. Whereas, Jenna, who has very quick feet, soft, sure hands and great post moves, loves to play very physical ball and you will see her slamming her opponents to the floor without a thought; Cara is more of a finesse player and prefers to use fakes, moves and ball handling to get the job done. Both of the girls were selected to participate in the Adidas/EBO Showcase and Cara was acknowledged as the most outstanding Sophomore player for the year; quite an honor out of all the sophomores in San Diego County. As I said, well see where it all leads and what Cara wants to do with it. They both play on the same club teams and will travel together this summer.

As far as school goes, they are both doing well. Cara has struggled this semester (could it be the boyfriend has affected things?) but she has also had very hard classes (AP European Civilization, Honors Humanities to name two). I can’t believe the amount of material she is held responsible for and she seems to take it in stride. It’s beyond anything I even had in college. Of course, she will get college credit for the AP course if she passed her AP test. That is a good thing for her. She is going to take a break next year from these advanced courses and come back to them her senior year so that the material will be fresh in her head as she heads off to college. Anyway, she has enjoyed Spanish 5-6, Wind Ensemble, Humanities, Algebra II, marching P.E., and European civilization and will come out with at least a 3.4 or better.

Jenna has excelled in her classes this year ending with a 4.0 GPA. As she has a different learning style she has needed to avoid the AP courses (although she misses having the challenge and the interesting material). She concentrated on Spanish 1-2 (had to get a language in somewhere, not her forte), Geometry, Bel Canto choir, World History, English, and Geo-science. She has been lauded by all of her teachers as their best student (some of them in 30 years)…responsible, contributory, conscientious, pleasure to have in class and with unlimited potential. (I don’t make this stuff up, I’m just reporting.)

With all of that going on we still have our upsets and challenges. The girls bicker over who drives when, where and how much. They still argue over the bathroom and shower time. They still need space away from each other as they drive each other crazy. Cara still doesn’t want to have to wear a dress and Jenna likes to wear skirts to school. They still lose papers, don’t get clothes washed that they need “right now,” leave school assignments on the printer at home, forget a schoolbook they need for homework tonight, freak out over their workload, get tired and cranky, lose a sock before a game, forget their lunch money and all of the other things that go along with being a teenager. That said they also are remarkable as they move through their teenage years with fun, humor, laughter, and frustration. I think the biggest thing is the “tone of voice.” They don’t realize how they sound and perhaps don’t mean it the way it comes out. I have taught them to say, “this is what I heard you say, is that what you meant?” and to count to ten before they respond because they really don’t realize how they are coming across. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. What can I say; we are all a “work in progress.”

On to my “force of nature.” Whitney at almost 20 is as Whitney’er as ever. She just completed her sophomore year a CSU Chico. An active theater major she furthered her skills at stage management, costuming, make-up, lighting and sound, in addition to tackling some actual acting classes so that she has a better understanding of what the actors are doing. She excels in every area of this field. More than once I would get a picture on my cell phone and wonder who it was. Lenny Cravits, a raccoon, a classic roman…she tried all of the makeup out on herself and of course sent me a picture. The Lenny one really frightened me as I couldn’t find Whitney in and among all of the bearded stubble and Afro…amazing. Her professors “have plans” for her next year. I think they will be making her stage manager for many of their productions. She has managed to stay on the honor roll for four semesters, which gives her priority class placement (a perk she really enjoys).

She lives in a cute 1920’s home we purchased last year that is three blocks from campus, along with three roommates. It has worked out well and we know that she has a safe, wonderful home for her college years. Although she walks to school, she still needed a car for other small errands, so she bips around in her cute blue Chevy Aveo. Much to my chagrin she has trekked from Chico to San Diego twice now; a long journey for a young woman by herself but she doesn’t seem to understand the dangers (ahhh, youth). She is home now and will be working at the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters as part of their stage crew this summer. It is a great networking opportunity for her and she is wonderful at it. She stays with my sister Nancy and her family when she is up there as they live close by in Irvine.

Whitney’s most recent exploration is to try being a blonde. I’m trying hard not to freak out as she is such a gorgeous brunette but that’s how it is. She is very handy in the kitchen (a good thing since I have ceased cooking all together) and we enjoy her creative efforts when she is home.

Not much to share about Ethan these days. He lives in North Park, a downtown section of San Diego. He has a cute little one bedroom 1930’s home that sits behind another complex. He and his girlfriend, Meredith, just broke up so he is in transition. He has been working at FedEx ground for several years while moonlighting at a print shop. He starts a new job this week for some kind of print shop supplier of sweatshirts, tee shirts, and papers. He seems to be excited about the prospect and for that I am thankful. At 25 (yes, he’s 25), he’s still finding his way. I wish he would go back to school but that is for him to discover at this point.

Ah, Larry, wonderful Larry. Bless his heart; he has done a great job. After being let go from Advanced Tissue Sciences 8 years ago, he opened his own consulting business, Breite Consulting Associates. I’m so proud of him. He is an expert in his field and sought after throughout the industry. He travels a lot (mostly to the east coast but occasionally to Chicago, Denver and even Puerto Rico). I’m not sure if I can describe what he does, but I’ll have a go. He helps biotech and medical device companies get into compliance with FDA standards of practice. He also does trainings and writes operating procedures for his clients. His easy manner, and ability to state problems in terms that everyone can understand make him a favorite among these companies. His travels and income have allowed our family to do extensive travel ourselves and for that I am very grateful.

When he’s not consulting you will usually find him with a camera in hand. As historian for band, field hockey, lacrosse and basketball he is kept very busy taking pictures, telling the stories, downloading them online, visiting practices, parties, events, games…you name it, he is keeping a wonderful record of the girls and their organizations. And of course, at the end of the season he is creating memorable slide shows. Wow, what a gift to everyone. Jenna uses many of his photos preparing scrapbooks for the graduating seniors, which keeps her mind and hands busy (like she really needs to be “kept off of the street” … ha!)

As for myself, I’m just trying to keep up. The past year and a half has been more difficult. I had a serious fall in April 2004 that has kept me less active. Some days are better than others. I still struggle with depression and have the knees of an eighty year old. Other than that, I’m doing well. Busy with a real estate business and always looking for new and interesting online business ideas. I have a promising one in the works as I write this but am not able to share more at this time.

I definitely should get the “Bleacher Butt Award” for the number of games and tournaments I attend. I think it was something like 263 last summer alone. I take my “lamby” that seems to cushion the old derier a bit. People laugh, but you know what? They really are the best. I saw them in the cupboard, stored away from the girl’s infant-toddler years and thought they would be perfect. They have truly saved me. During the basketball season I keep score/stats for every game. I have books upon books as I have kept score since the girls started in third grade—every game. I started it so that I wouldn’t be yelling during the games…it seems to have worked.

During the lacrosse season I organize and train parents to do the scorekeeping and timing for all of the home games. Once band season rolls around I am the resident announcer for the field show and Mt. Carmel Band Tournament. I enjoy doing that and seem to be well received by the other parents. And of course, the fall wouldn’t be complete without the UCLA Bruins football games and season tickets literally on the 50-yard line with my friend, Bob. We always have a wonderful day. I still sing occasionally after having lost my voice for 18 months. But it’s coming back now and I continually get requests to perform. I’m fairly selective but venture out once in awhile. Other than that I spend time keeping up with the family and our fleet (literally, got the insurance fleet discount) of cars that keep this family mobile.

We still live in the house on Sawtooth Road although I had it remodeled in 2003. Hardwood floors, new fireplace facings, new kitchen, complete landscaping, etc. It feels much better. It has served us well since 1991, close to everything. The rooms have adjusted throughout the years from playrooms, music rooms, conversation nooks, computer rooms, game rooms, offices…you name it we have seen the transformations. But, always at the center is the family. Family game nights, movie nights, arguments, laughter, celebrations, and struggles, they all make up the family.

Athletic Honors Awarded

Jenna received her Letterman's jacket patch for being a Varsity athlete in three (count them...three) sports (Field Hockey, Basketball and Lacrosse) this year. Congratulations Jenna! Go Sundevils!

Cara received her North County All Star patch for being part of the select few girls in all of north county to be on the all-star basketball team. Congratulations Cara!

The Full Picture

Breite Sisters
Originally uploaded by Breite.

Jenna gets silly as Mom tries to get a full picture of the girls. Things of note: Jenna's classy look, Cara's color-coordinated plaid converse tennis shoes and Whitney's outrageous new blonde "do", green bag and myriad of necklaces (she is a "Force of Nature")...everyone had a great time.

Breite Girls Attend Choir Banquet

Up close and personal
Originally uploaded by Breite.

Jenna celebrated with classmates at this year's choir banquet held at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club. It was a beautiful venue and very well coordinated by the band student leaders. Well Done! Jenna received a Certificate of Achievement for her 3 semesters in choir. She will miss being with the group next year as it conflicts with her sports schedule. Well, maybe her Senior year..


The full picture:

Alexa's Birthday Party

Alexa Clayfield celebrated her 9th birthday with friends rock climbing. Uncle Larry took some great pictures that you may enjoy. Use the link above to see more.

Link

Jenna Receives High School Award

Tonight was Mt. Carmel High School's All School Awards Ceremony. Jenna was recognized as the most outstanding English student for the sophomore class. Congratulations! Her english teacher, Mr. Tretter, nominated her said, "he has never, in 30 years of teaching, had a student who is as concientous, always challenging the other students to perform at a higher level."