Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cover Girl

Today was the day our story came out in the Independence Examiner's Jackie magazine. I had no idea what to expect and honestly, I had no idea what direction it would go. To quote Trace: "Not to be rude Mom, but why would they want to do a story on you?" Good question, indeed. Why would they want to do a story on me?

I can understand people's interest in my blog. My kids are characters and I usually put a funny spin on their shenanigans. So it's entertaining and amusing, hopefully, well in my own mind anyway. But to take that part away, what in the world was left?

I couldn't find a link to the article so after much effort and multiple tries I got it scanned and cropped. Below is the article in chunks, if you care to read it. Unfortunately to really read it, you'll have to click on the "photo" to enlarge it, unless you have a magnifying glass handy, in which case never mind. I personally don't have one, although come to think if of it I could have pulled out those drug store reading glasses my optometrist suggested I buy a couple of years ago. Where did those things go...?

So without further ado...

{Edited 4/3/09: I now have a link to this story: http://www.examiner.net/lifestyle/x180624470/Denise-Swank}

The Cover

After an hour of photography attempts, this was the best they could come up with. I think Emma was screaming here. Uncooperative baby models!

This is one half of the first page. It was square. My scanner is rectangular. I didn't do so well in geometry, but well enough to realize this wasn't going to work out so well.

Second half of first page. Makin' ya work for it, huh?

Yep, just a typical day in the life. I like how Ryan and Jenna are blurred in motion. Sometimes, they really look like that!

Second page under the photo.

Last section.

A little side blurb they do on all the cover story people. They use the same questions, I thought I better come up with my own answers.

A big thanks to Adrianne Deweese (adrianne.deweese@examiner.net) for writing such a wonderful article! It was an awesome experience.

39 comments:

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Visiting from SITS, What a beautiful family and article! This is so wonderful.

Brandy said...

I read every word.

~Right now I am so thankful that I nixed wearing mascara this morning.~

mommakin said...

You are having a heckuva week, Miss Denise!

Lovely article!

Congrats!

Denise Grover Swank said...

I know Tammy! Food Network on Monday, SITS featured blog yesterday, article today and Disney on Ice (courtesy of Mom Central) on Friday. I'm extremely blessed!

mommy4life said...

You are truly blessed!

SarahJarnagin said...

Congratulations! So exciting! I think the picture is great - and natural looking. :)
Also, congrats on being featured on SITS!

Kristin said...

What a great article! I just love reading your blog. You are such an inspiration to Moms everywhere. I think that is so special that you were recognized in this way! The pictures are great too!

Melissa said...

Wow! What a week! The article is beautiful. Congratulations! I liked the picture of the blurry kiddos... kids=action=blur!

The Farmers Wife said...

Aww, congrats! I like that your pic looks much realer. The staged photos only make you feel like, "that cant possibly be real" love the article and the pics. That is so very cool.

Angelj052@gmail.com said...

Oh my goodness, This article is written about a very special person! I am so glad to know you, even if only online.
Your little episode in Cosco is priceless,,sounds like me.
I think they got your birthdate wrong..aren't you just an angel?

Mom2Three said...

Awesome!!! You are amazing... I think I'll keep you around.
:-)
Love
from
Cynthia

Kristin said...

I love it!! Such a true glimpse into your real life. And even though I've heard all the stories, I still cried. :-)

Christina - Rant Rave Roll said...

*Cue Applause*

How cool is that! I love the pic, and Emma just appears like she's looking up at you lovingly. What a great week for you... you are blessed and wonderful and should enjoy every moment.

Congrats!

ladybugs and red thread scrap shoppe said...

So proud of you! This is great!

Shannon said...

Awesome tribute! You are a loving and gracious woman. Strong and beautiful. Your children and very lucky.

Sheryl said...

"why would they want to do a story on you"????

because you're amazing. because you have quite a story to tell. because you point others to Jesus.

what a fabulous article. you've had some kind of week!

The Fab 5 said...

What a great article, and to a very deserving momma!! You truly have a beautiful story of building a family.

Unknown said...

Denise, this was a beautifully done story. I am so happy for you! Well done, and it makes you look even hotter.........watch out, those guys from the internet will be checking you out more! LOL.
In all honesty, your story and your family amaze me always, I'm so happy to know you.

jennifersusan said...

That is so cool! I'm so glad you shared the cover and article with us. I've been dying to see it!

Kay Bratt said...

Denise,

I LOVE the cover pic. You are a star! That is so awesome, girl. Keep some good copies for your author kit-- you are going to need it. Also, keep a log of every web link that talks about you.

Kay

Tammy Kling said...

Can I just say you have a fabulous last name??? And a beautiful family to boot! Who WOULDN'T want to do a story on you!??! Thanks for sharing...

Anonymous said...

YAY! I love it! Great article!

Cher said...

what an amazing woman you are...and those kids...just a great story...and I too am glad I ixnayed makeup today...lol...ty for sharing ...God Bless You ALL cher

Lorie said...

What a wonderful portrayal of your family and life. We love you!!!! Great job and article...it's your week girl!!

Tami (Pixeltrash) said...

Wow... I see why they did an article on you. YOu have an amazing story and I loved reading it. YOu are blessed to have such wonderful little ones (and big ones!) I'm off to read some of your previous articles.

Happy SITS day!

Unknown said...

That was a beautiful article. You are a truly amazing mom and lady.

.:.chhour.:. said...

Your blog is amazing and inspiring! This is the first time I've stumbled upon your blog. I found it via SITS because you were queen for a day!

I just wanted to say that it amazing that you have found room in your heart and home to adopt 3 children. I have always dreamed and knew I would be someone who adopts. My husband and I are currently trying for our first biological child. I would like to have one of my own and adopt one later. I am inspired by your ability to raise 3 adopted children in your home and this gives me high hopes for the future!

My husband is Chinese and he was brought to America when he was 6 months old. I hope to be able to do the same for a child in Asia.

Crystal Oh said...

Great article, Denise. It made me teary eyed but I enjoyed hearing more or your's and Darrell's story.

Great picture...you can't even tell Emma is pitching a fit!

The Johnson 5 said...

I'm suppose to be packing and I saw your status on Facebook, so I had to get on the computer and READ IT!!

I loved the story. It was so dead on. And I really love the comments from your momma!

You are AMAZING and you deserve all the admiration you are receiving!!

Love ya girl,
I will talk at you Monday when I get back from Vegas!!

Belinda said...

Denise...Congratulations on the article! You are an inspiration to all of us. I think we are probably neighbors...I live in Independence, and graduated from Blue Springs High back in 1984...(to long ago)!

Anyway, I love your blog!

Belinda

Denise Grover Swank said...

Belinda, I graduated in 1982! How funny! My parents live around 39th Street and Lee's Summit Road, in fact I grew up there.

Small world!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Great article, wonderful photos, good quotes from your mom...and you were so well-spoken. (Not that I'd expect anything less considering what a great writer you are!) A very flattering piece for a deserving mama!

Chandy said...

I'm glad that they featured you on the magazine so more of us can be inspired...

Ooh Baby! said...

You have an inspiring story. When do you find time to blog? LOL...

cupcakefail said...

Amazing! Congratulations!!!

Crayl said...

Hello Denise, nice to meet you! Thanks for commenting, I appreciate that a lot.
Do you know of Simple and Deliberate? ( AKA Lazy D Ranch) She is a mom of six, a 4/2 split similar to yours, and she lost her hubby just over a year ago. http://lazydranch8.blogspot.com/
I look forward to catching up in your story as well.
C

April said...

how cool! i'm off to read right now :-)

Margaret M said...

i am just catching up and read the whole article. they did a wonderful job! i loved reading the story and am anxiously awaiting the book! hugs!

Heather said...

What a great article. Made me cry more then once. I can't wait for the book.

Hugs,
Heather

P.S. Please help me build a house for a needy family in Vietnam. Every $10.00 donation gives you a chance to WIN a double/single stroller ($250 Value). The real gift is the difference you will make in the life of a family in need. Please come take a look and view the videos of their current living conditions: http://wwwjourneytoourdestiny.blogspot.com/2009/03/double-stroller-giveaway.html