I took Ashley and Logan to Kings Island on Friday. It has been an annual tradition for the past 4 years or so. I choose KI over Cedar Point because it was such a fond part of my childhood from when we went on our annual family outings there. Also, as a teenager and young adult it was a fundamental lesson in job skills; but more importantly a foundation where I made life long friends as I worked in the Entertainment Department starting out as an "Usherette". Quite a fraternal honor, that, by the way, happened accidentally. I applied to work in rides originally. Each year I think to myself "the more this place changes, the more it stays the same" and I get the same excitement walking through the front gates as I did when I was a kid, as now my family and I plan what attractions we're going to hit first. This time Susie & Drew joined us. It is so much fun to experience with friends.
My first dose of reality was paying $10 for parking. Ugh! Then we had to walk to the ticket windows. I don't ever remember walking to or from the car as a kid. There were always trams to pick us up from whatever HB character themed row we parked in. Not anymore evidently. Then I got to the ticket window with my $15 off per person coupon and STILL paid $100 to get in. A far cry from my days as an employee (or when Paramount took over, a more p.c. "associate", if you will) where I just swiped my badge on my days off to get in for free. A major difference was getting my bag searched by security on the way in. Sad post 9/11 necessity. When I worked there I was, however, used to getting my purse searched on the way out to make sure I didn't sneak a souvenir mug or other novelty from a gift shop. Once in the front gate, the sound of the International Street fountains had a familiar comfort. I did, however, miss the characters greeting us. On to kiddie land, now known as "Planet Snoopy" (Hanna Barberra Land in my day)...
I have to say, I was kind of dreading the change from Nickelodeon characters to Peanuts characters since the Cedar Fair acquisition this year (been through that before with the change from HB to Nick). My kids are not as familiar with Snoopy and the gang, and they were looking forward to seeing SpongeBob and Patrick. BUT I was pleasantly surprised! Maintenance was busy over the winter painting rides and the themes were really cute. The kids had no idea who Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Sally, Linus, and the guy who plays the piano was (which, obviously, neither do I), so there was not an overwhelming excitement when we saw them. I think that might be a familiar trend with other kids too because the characters did not get mobbed like I recall HB and Nick characters getting. But I still talked Ash into getting into a pic. with me. Logan was not interested.
The Beastie will always be the Beastie. Nuf said. They can paint it whatever color they want and put fancy stickers on it but it will always be the Beastie in my heart. It is Ashley's favorite ride. And let me just tell ya, those ride folks take their jobs pretty seriously. The train before us got an emergency stop right as it pulled out because someone had their phone out texting, etc. There is one problem we didn't have when I worked there. Hard to imagine life without the cell phone.
After getting a few kiddie rides in I really enjoyed exploring the rest of the park with Susie & Drew. Susie said they never wonder out of kiddie land (by the way, they have season passes and get to go all the time - another early high school memory from those first few summers we lived in Cincinnati). We ventured onto the log ride, which Drew was not quite sure of, but, of course, loved. We got a little splash to cool us down from the 90 degree temp. We walked through Rivertown (is it still called that?) and then over towards Coney Mall (or the former), where I thought I had my kids talked into getting onto Shake Rattle and Roll. Mmm, NO! They saw that sucker in action and when the gate opened to let us on they ran to the exit with Susie. So Drew (a four year old) braved it with Aunt Christy. I told him he could scream as loud as he wanted but no hurling. He loved it. We headed down the mall past the games, which the kids kept begging me to play, and thought about Melanie. She was such a persuasive carnie - LOL! It was time for lunch so we happened past Subway which sounded good, but was a rip off. $6 for a 6" sub!!! You have got to be kidding me! BUT it was a healthier choice than pizza or fries so we did it. I just got the kids subs, icees, and a bag of chips and planned to eat the leftovers for myself. Still spent $20.
We continued toward the front gate lockers where we eventually planned to get our water park gear, but did some rides along the way. Everyone was able to ride Viking Fury, aka "the swinging ship". Always a fave. Drew's face was priceless. Once we got going and his side was up in the air he looked scared to death. So funny. Of course, one of my cautious, less thrill-seeking children decided that the least scary part was in the middle/front. boring Then onto Conga something or another (formerly Amazon Falls). Drew wasn't big enough to ride, but who needs to ride when all you need to do is stand on the bridge when one of the boats comes down the hill and splashes you to the point of drenching?! I tricked the kids into standing in "just the right spot" as I cued Susie to stand by me, the drier spot.
Then, on to the front gate to get our water park gear from the locker. On the way, we passed Kings Island Theater (formerly Heritage/Paramount Theater) where hundreds of people were lined up for the 2:00 show of Snoopy On Ice (first one of the day). It appeared that there were ushers, but not like the ones when I worked there. Not like the kind of usher that I was. Back in my day, you not only sat out in the steamy hot sun (where people can see you) in between shows with your stack of show schedules, but when people started lining up you made sure they line up along the brick wall and curbs so that people passing by could actually walk through without having to cut through people. After sifting through the crowd waiting to get into the show we FINALLY make it to our locker. On to Boomerang Bay (formerly Water Works)...
Of course we take the train to the water park. That part of the park has been different for years since after I left and it appears that the Cedar Fair acquisition has not affected it at all. It was nice going over there this year because the kids could do so much more (slides, etc.). I did notice that the life guards have a very visible scanning technique where they literally move their heads in a "V" or "W" scanning the pools, and then in a line down the side. I had never seen that before. It looked really looked odd, but I guess it would keep them more alert and assure that they are, in fact, watching. Still odd looking and I think it would suck to have to be a life guard and do that. Also have memories from "Teen Night" at Water Works when I was an Area Manager for the ushers. Cheesy and unsuccessful event, but yours truly had to schedule ushers for the event, so I would pop over there to check in with them. I have fond memories of standing in the tower of one of the water slides looking down on the action and playing "How Many Beers Would It Take?" and "Who Would You Rather Do?" with other managers on duty. Pretty funny.
After the water park, Susie and Drew headed home (they were leaving for vacation Saturday morning, and Drew was winding down). The kids and I changed and headed back for more ride fun after one more round in the wave pool. On the way through "Planet Snoopy" we stopped to get blue ice cream which will forever be known as "Smurf" ice cream to me. Then, on to catch the 6:00 show of Snoopy on Ice. The ice skating shows never disappoint. It was awesome as always. And I coincidentally sat in front of some groupies...ah, memories of those people with no lives who travel in groups to see EVERY show of their favorite skater/entertainer(s), most every day, applauding and yelling the loudest, prompting those around them to do the same. I was most impressed with the renovation of adding theatre style seating in the Kings Island Theater. I wonder if that prevents the ushers from having to make announcements for guests to move toward the middle to make room for those coming in when the theater is going to be at its capacity? I was surprised that we exited out the front doors instead of the sides as in years past. What?! No one is going to be lining up for the show an hour before it starts?! Oh, except the groupies.
On to get pizza at LaRosa's on International Street where again I found myself paying $15 for four pieces of pizza and two bread sticks. Only this time I only spent $15 though because I filled the water bottles that I had brought in the park with me with water from the drinking fountain. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we could take our dinner into the International Showplace to sit down and watch the Motown show. Bringing food or drink into a show was a huge "no, no" in my days as an usher. Anyway, the kids and I sat there and chomped down on our pizza as the show began. I was actually disappointed with the entertainment. It was basically a cheesy show choir rendition of Motown hits. The singers were pretty good, but the costumes were not flattering on the ladies. I think the shows that leave the dancing to dancers and singing to singers were more entertaining and better. I really like the country and pop shows there back in 92 and/or 93. Those were my faves.
As the evening went on we headed back and rode a few rides for a 2nd time. We rode Snoopy's Surf's Up (formerly The Last Airbender). Ashley would not ride it last year. This year she mustered up the courage and loved it. I was more entertained by a 50 something man on the opposite side from us that was very animated when the spinning car would fly to the top of the track (feeling like it was going to fly off the end of the track). Every time we came to the top/end of the track he would get a look on his face that I cannot really describe other than his eyebrows went really high and his mouth made an "O" and his hands would point at the end of the track like "HA!". Maybe you had to be there to appreciate the humor...but trust me, it was funny. They sell alcoholic beverages that you can carry around the park with you, so maybe he was having "happy hour". lol! Seriously, though, I don't think they had sold alcohol in the park since an intoxicated person died falling out of a ride, Flight Commander, in the late 80s.
As the night wrapped up I asked the kids if they wanted to stay for fireworks which was a very enthusiastic "YES!". They wanted to watch them from inside the park so we just dallied around for the the last 45 minutes walking through gift shops, going up in the Eiffel Tower, riding on the carousel, and walking through a really cool light show on the walkway between the tower and Rivertown. The lights were choreographed to music. Kudos to CF! Brilliant! The kids loved it. I, of course, noticed the ushers placed along the walkway to keep people from walking onto the lawn near the lights. That would suck. lol!
My favorite part of the night was the very end when we sat down in front of one of the gift shop windows to wait for the fireworks and each kid laid their heads on my lap. They were tired but patiently waiting for the finale of our Kings Island day. They reminded me a lot of my sister and I who always insisted that our parents, too, stay for the fireworks, as if that is what we waited all day for.
We made a quick stop by McD's (along with everyone else leaving KI) to get a coffee. Grandpa & Grandma Johnston insisted we meet them there "to get a toy Jenna left at their house a couple weeks ago" (wink, wink). On the way home I called my night owl sister, Cindy, insisting that she keep me awake for the drive home since the kids were asleep within minutes of getting on 71. She did so successfully for over an hour until I arrived home just after midnight. I carried both sleeping kids in the house (separately); all 58 pounds of Ashley and 48 pounds of Logan. It did not take long for me to drift off after saying a little prayer thanking the Lord for our safe travels, and for a wonderful day with my babies at a very happy place that has been an influential landmark in my life with so many memories of wonderful people and really good times.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Received A Letter From God This Morning...
And it reads...
Good morning:
I am the Lord your God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Love Eternally,
The Lord your God
P.S. Please pass this on to all my other children.
Good morning:
I am the Lord your God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Love Eternally,
The Lord your God
P.S. Please pass this on to all my other children.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Loving Them With Food
I'm sitting here in the office doing some work distracted by this mother on Dr. Phil who has a four-year old son that is 150 pounds! If that were not sad enough she continues to make excuses as to why he is the way he is, taking no accountability for her role in the issue. She is insistent that there are medical problems that have not been found yet. I find myself beginning to trimble.
Now, I will start off by admitting that I am not the most nutritionally contious person in the world. Can't we all do better?! Secondly, Chris and I both were walking stick figures until college, so genetically our children are more likely to be the same way. And furthermore, I do not exercise. Never have. Maybe some day when my kids are grown and I have time to devote. Wait, then it will be time for grandchildren. So, scratch that - I will probably NEVER workout. BUT I do pay attention to what I put in my mouth.
However, I can say that bad eating habits eventually catch up with us all. Whether it is weight gain or health problems, it catches up with us all if we don't pay attention to what goes in our mouth and how often. I have some goals each day when it comes to my family's diet. I feel like it is important to give at the very least a serving of fruits for lunch and a serving of veggies at dinner, and to have a yogurt or piece of cheese as a snack in between meals. That is still below the serving recommendations. Admittedly, there are a lot of mornings where we end up eating pop-tarts for convenience sake. Also, my kids get their share of unhealthy snacks like fruit chews and fruit roll-ups, but not more than one a day - occasionally two. I do not buy chips, cookies, and ice cream often. Typically only when we are entertaining. I also hit the 'ol drive-thru once or twice a week for convenience sake... well, that and I have burger cravings. The point is that it is not a routine, but a special treat... on occasion.
I don't believe in totally depriving them of treats either. I think when you work so hard at making everything you feed them a "healthy" choice you don't make it a "choice" at all. I think that when the kids are away from you they may "choose" to binge on everything that they are not "allowed" to have at home. My kids are an example of this. When they go to their grandparents they are known to poor 3 different kinds of pop into 3 different cups... each. I don't buy a lot of pop. Once a week when we have pizza (our Friday night tradition), I split one can b/w Ashley and Logan. Also at their grandparents they are known to hit the cookie jar first thing. I don't buy or make cookies at home. Ice cream is also a popular treat at the grandparents, who offer at least two varieties at any one time. I've often walked into the grandparents with one or both of the kids holding an entire box of crackers. At home crackers are available but we put them in a small bowl and only have one serving. NOT completely blaming the grandparents. I know it's their job to spoil. I can't wait for those days myself. They typically only visit once or twice a week so I'm not concerned because it is not a daily "routine". What saddens and concerns me are those who love their children with food every day... the wrong foods. And it is not necessarily just an issue of "what" foods but more an issue of "how much".
Be aware that just because something has a sugar substitute instead of sugar it is not more healthy. You are still putting a chemical in your body. Sugar is actually better in moderation. Same with fat-free and low-fat foods. Most people tend to eat more because there is "less" calories or fats. Then, what is the point?!
Not criticizing, just pleaing for people to be more aware and contious, myself included. I too need such reminders and have a desire and need to learn more. Do little things each week to improve. Set goals. One of my New Year's resolutions was to offer more of a variety of vegetables for dinner, instead of just frozen corn and canned green beans, which is all Chris will eat. The Market Day fundraising program at Ashley's school was such a blessing. I introduced frozen asparagus, peas, and vegetable medley for the first time this year. My kids are always required to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they do not like something that is ok, but when we have it again they are required to try it again. By the way, did you know that corn is a man made food? Learned that on Modern Marvels. Not good for you at all.
I believe the most important key to healthy eating is to sit down as a family every night for dinner. We aim for it and accomplish it 4 or 5 times a week. Sometimes Daddy has to work late and cannot always join us but that is one thing that he and I are really insistent on. Not only does it help develop healthy eating habits, but it is great time together as a family to talk. Oh, and do not eat dessert every night for a "bedtime" snack... for any of us. Nutritionists would say don't eat after 7:00. We usually have dinner by 6:00 and the kids always want something before bedtime (around 9:00). Usually a glass of water, fruit, salad, cheese, a piece of wheat bread or yogurt are the only options offered. In the summertime I'm a little more lenient because we're all ice cream monsters.
Would love to hear from you with suggestions for healthy eating habits, healthy recipes, etc.
Now, I will start off by admitting that I am not the most nutritionally contious person in the world. Can't we all do better?! Secondly, Chris and I both were walking stick figures until college, so genetically our children are more likely to be the same way. And furthermore, I do not exercise. Never have. Maybe some day when my kids are grown and I have time to devote. Wait, then it will be time for grandchildren. So, scratch that - I will probably NEVER workout. BUT I do pay attention to what I put in my mouth.
However, I can say that bad eating habits eventually catch up with us all. Whether it is weight gain or health problems, it catches up with us all if we don't pay attention to what goes in our mouth and how often. I have some goals each day when it comes to my family's diet. I feel like it is important to give at the very least a serving of fruits for lunch and a serving of veggies at dinner, and to have a yogurt or piece of cheese as a snack in between meals. That is still below the serving recommendations. Admittedly, there are a lot of mornings where we end up eating pop-tarts for convenience sake. Also, my kids get their share of unhealthy snacks like fruit chews and fruit roll-ups, but not more than one a day - occasionally two. I do not buy chips, cookies, and ice cream often. Typically only when we are entertaining. I also hit the 'ol drive-thru once or twice a week for convenience sake... well, that and I have burger cravings. The point is that it is not a routine, but a special treat... on occasion.
I don't believe in totally depriving them of treats either. I think when you work so hard at making everything you feed them a "healthy" choice you don't make it a "choice" at all. I think that when the kids are away from you they may "choose" to binge on everything that they are not "allowed" to have at home. My kids are an example of this. When they go to their grandparents they are known to poor 3 different kinds of pop into 3 different cups... each. I don't buy a lot of pop. Once a week when we have pizza (our Friday night tradition), I split one can b/w Ashley and Logan. Also at their grandparents they are known to hit the cookie jar first thing. I don't buy or make cookies at home. Ice cream is also a popular treat at the grandparents, who offer at least two varieties at any one time. I've often walked into the grandparents with one or both of the kids holding an entire box of crackers. At home crackers are available but we put them in a small bowl and only have one serving. NOT completely blaming the grandparents. I know it's their job to spoil. I can't wait for those days myself. They typically only visit once or twice a week so I'm not concerned because it is not a daily "routine". What saddens and concerns me are those who love their children with food every day... the wrong foods. And it is not necessarily just an issue of "what" foods but more an issue of "how much".
Be aware that just because something has a sugar substitute instead of sugar it is not more healthy. You are still putting a chemical in your body. Sugar is actually better in moderation. Same with fat-free and low-fat foods. Most people tend to eat more because there is "less" calories or fats. Then, what is the point?!
Not criticizing, just pleaing for people to be more aware and contious, myself included. I too need such reminders and have a desire and need to learn more. Do little things each week to improve. Set goals. One of my New Year's resolutions was to offer more of a variety of vegetables for dinner, instead of just frozen corn and canned green beans, which is all Chris will eat. The Market Day fundraising program at Ashley's school was such a blessing. I introduced frozen asparagus, peas, and vegetable medley for the first time this year. My kids are always required to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they do not like something that is ok, but when we have it again they are required to try it again. By the way, did you know that corn is a man made food? Learned that on Modern Marvels. Not good for you at all.
I believe the most important key to healthy eating is to sit down as a family every night for dinner. We aim for it and accomplish it 4 or 5 times a week. Sometimes Daddy has to work late and cannot always join us but that is one thing that he and I are really insistent on. Not only does it help develop healthy eating habits, but it is great time together as a family to talk. Oh, and do not eat dessert every night for a "bedtime" snack... for any of us. Nutritionists would say don't eat after 7:00. We usually have dinner by 6:00 and the kids always want something before bedtime (around 9:00). Usually a glass of water, fruit, salad, cheese, a piece of wheat bread or yogurt are the only options offered. In the summertime I'm a little more lenient because we're all ice cream monsters.
Would love to hear from you with suggestions for healthy eating habits, healthy recipes, etc.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thoughts on the death of MJ
I think most people can recall where they were when they heard the news about tragic events like the death of President Kennedy, the death of Elvis, and 9/11. The news of Michael Jackson's sudden death will be one of the those unforgettable moments too.
On Thursday, June 25 I had taken the kids to Ashville's Fun In the Sun event at the park, taken Ashley to her art class at CMA, and visited my friend Renee and her newborn daughter. I returned home around 4:40pm exhausted not only from running all day, but I couldn't sleep the night before, so had been up since 4:30am. My wagon was draggin so I decided to lay down on the couch and watch the news until I saw the weather and then I was going to get up and make dinner. They had reported around 5:45 that MJ was in cardiac arrest and had just arrived to the hospital in LA. Well, I fell asleep and woke up around 6:27 to Cabot Rea on the channel 4 news reporting that MJ was in a coma. Shortly after, the national news came on and Brian Williams confirmed that MJ had passed away.
At first I was seemingly unphased. Sadly, all I could think of was what a miserable individual he was, how tragic his life had been, and was relieved for him, that now, hopefully, he was at peace and the madness could stop. I kept thinking about what a train wreck he was, and all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head every time I heard his name in the news. I just shuddered at everything from his bizarre behavior, to the sickening allegations of child abuse, to MJ "the father". What a disaster. Now he's out of his misery.
It wasn't until this morning that I got a little sentimental after waking up to and having the Today Show on all morning and hearing all his musical masterpieces that brought back so many memories of my childhood. I immediately thought of my sticker book that I had in 3rd and 4th grade (early 80's - around 84). I had a rather large collection of MJ stickers. One of them said "I love Michael" :) Ironically, I never owned one of this albums even though I loved his music and it really defined the era I grew up in. My mother had a vinyl LP of "Off The Wall", so I guess that counts. On my iTunes I have six of his songs: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Smooth Criminal, Rockin' Robin, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin Something, and Billie Jean. I also really like Black or White, and the We Are The World. I've seen the Jackson Family movie, American Dreams, several times, mostly bits and pieces here and there when it is on TV because it's over 4 hours long.
Now that the initial shock has passed and it is sinking in, I find it even more sad. We have lost an entertainment icon. I think, as a person, he was the product of an abusive, selfish father that didn't know how to love, and he yearned, in his adult years, to be that child he never got to be and show the love he yearned for, however odd that was portrayed in the media. As an artist he was unprecedented and determined to never let his fans down when it came to expectations of his talent. Furthermore, he was a victim of fame. He thrived on it because he didn't know how to live without it, and never had. Now I find myself curious on what his children have to say about him. The two oldest only have 7 or 8 years until they're 18 and no one can "protect" them anymore. Anxious to see who's gonna break the silence of their childhood memories to the media and when. Maybe that's closer than we think. I do pray that they have had a happy life with him as their father and have good memories of him. That would be a much better way to remember the personal life of an extraordinary legend.
This is a loss to the world of proportions that I cannot fathom. It's still sinking in. I do hope that his musical legacy over his 45 year career surpasses the tragic public struggles he has created and lived through over the past 15 years.
I asked Ashley and Logan this morning if they knew who Michael Jackson was. They both said no. I told them that he was a very talented singer who was famous all over the world, and that he sang music that mommy liked when I was kid, and that he had died. Ashley asked how old he was. I told her he was fifty. She said, "Wow. That's younger than MeeMee. But as old as Barbie." Barbie turned 50 this year too :)
On Thursday, June 25 I had taken the kids to Ashville's Fun In the Sun event at the park, taken Ashley to her art class at CMA, and visited my friend Renee and her newborn daughter. I returned home around 4:40pm exhausted not only from running all day, but I couldn't sleep the night before, so had been up since 4:30am. My wagon was draggin so I decided to lay down on the couch and watch the news until I saw the weather and then I was going to get up and make dinner. They had reported around 5:45 that MJ was in cardiac arrest and had just arrived to the hospital in LA. Well, I fell asleep and woke up around 6:27 to Cabot Rea on the channel 4 news reporting that MJ was in a coma. Shortly after, the national news came on and Brian Williams confirmed that MJ had passed away.
At first I was seemingly unphased. Sadly, all I could think of was what a miserable individual he was, how tragic his life had been, and was relieved for him, that now, hopefully, he was at peace and the madness could stop. I kept thinking about what a train wreck he was, and all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head every time I heard his name in the news. I just shuddered at everything from his bizarre behavior, to the sickening allegations of child abuse, to MJ "the father". What a disaster. Now he's out of his misery.
It wasn't until this morning that I got a little sentimental after waking up to and having the Today Show on all morning and hearing all his musical masterpieces that brought back so many memories of my childhood. I immediately thought of my sticker book that I had in 3rd and 4th grade (early 80's - around 84). I had a rather large collection of MJ stickers. One of them said "I love Michael" :) Ironically, I never owned one of this albums even though I loved his music and it really defined the era I grew up in. My mother had a vinyl LP of "Off The Wall", so I guess that counts. On my iTunes I have six of his songs: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Smooth Criminal, Rockin' Robin, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin Something, and Billie Jean. I also really like Black or White, and the We Are The World. I've seen the Jackson Family movie, American Dreams, several times, mostly bits and pieces here and there when it is on TV because it's over 4 hours long.
Now that the initial shock has passed and it is sinking in, I find it even more sad. We have lost an entertainment icon. I think, as a person, he was the product of an abusive, selfish father that didn't know how to love, and he yearned, in his adult years, to be that child he never got to be and show the love he yearned for, however odd that was portrayed in the media. As an artist he was unprecedented and determined to never let his fans down when it came to expectations of his talent. Furthermore, he was a victim of fame. He thrived on it because he didn't know how to live without it, and never had. Now I find myself curious on what his children have to say about him. The two oldest only have 7 or 8 years until they're 18 and no one can "protect" them anymore. Anxious to see who's gonna break the silence of their childhood memories to the media and when. Maybe that's closer than we think. I do pray that they have had a happy life with him as their father and have good memories of him. That would be a much better way to remember the personal life of an extraordinary legend.
This is a loss to the world of proportions that I cannot fathom. It's still sinking in. I do hope that his musical legacy over his 45 year career surpasses the tragic public struggles he has created and lived through over the past 15 years.
I asked Ashley and Logan this morning if they knew who Michael Jackson was. They both said no. I told them that he was a very talented singer who was famous all over the world, and that he sang music that mommy liked when I was kid, and that he had died. Ashley asked how old he was. I told her he was fifty. She said, "Wow. That's younger than MeeMee. But as old as Barbie." Barbie turned 50 this year too :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sundays...
Yesterday was a day to remember, even though there really was no special event that took place. It was just one of those days you want to remember when you look back.
It was Father's Day. Ashley was really revved up to give Chris his gift, a puzzle. Not just any puzzle. When you put it together it made a picture of the kids. He loved it. He and Ashley almost got it together before we had to leave for church. Chris did puzzles as a hobby when he was a kid and has taught Ashley. They do them together often.
We attended church, as we do every Sunday. Nothing out of the norm was on the bulletin but amazing things happened as the Holy Spirit made His presence known. One of the first things was a presentation to the congregation on building a skate park on our grounds to use as a ministry to unchurched teens in our community. There was a plea to find someone who felt led to lead this ministry. To be honest, first thoughts were not overwhelmingly in favor of the idea but by the end of the presentation I was in tears and a supporter. Plus, God layed it on the heart of someone in our congregation to share, impromptu, that he was a skater as a teen and heavily got into drugs and alcohol. He continued to express that if a facility like this, that ministers God's Word, would have been available to him that he would have gone down a different path. With the presentation and this testimony God opened my heart to acknowledge the need.
Next, our praise band sang "Mighty To Save". Again, moved to tears. And then a lady in our congregation stood up in the front, again impromptu, and pleaded with all of us that it had been heavy on her heart for a couple of years to share with all of us that when we sing a song like that we shouldn't just go through the motions and sing the words, but we should celebrate, hoot, holler, clap, and yell His praises. Amazing.
Upon conclusion of the praise band's songs, leaders of the Men's Ministry stood up to announce that they had just had an impromptu meeting and had decided that they would take on the leadership of the skate park ministry. Our praise band leader said it best "WOW! If the Holy Spirit moves any more today I'm not going to be able to stand." Well said!
At the conclusion of the service our family headed home, with a stop at the in-laws so that Chris could help install their new 42" TV. Then onward home for a quick lunch before Chris had to shove off to spend his Father's Day helping Pete and Susie move. After lunch Jenna took a nap and Ashley and Logan played. Mommy started her new blog :) When Jenna awoke from her nap we headed to the Freeman's to swim. Daddy got home around six and grilled some tenderloin. We also had some sweet corn. And then I had another one of those moments that I didn't want to forget. The image of Chris jumping on the trampoline with Ashley and Logan, and Jenna slobbering over our new puppy while she pointed like she wanted to pet her, but just pointed and jabbered... and slobbered. It was humorous and heart warming. A lovely Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day.
It was Father's Day. Ashley was really revved up to give Chris his gift, a puzzle. Not just any puzzle. When you put it together it made a picture of the kids. He loved it. He and Ashley almost got it together before we had to leave for church. Chris did puzzles as a hobby when he was a kid and has taught Ashley. They do them together often.
We attended church, as we do every Sunday. Nothing out of the norm was on the bulletin but amazing things happened as the Holy Spirit made His presence known. One of the first things was a presentation to the congregation on building a skate park on our grounds to use as a ministry to unchurched teens in our community. There was a plea to find someone who felt led to lead this ministry. To be honest, first thoughts were not overwhelmingly in favor of the idea but by the end of the presentation I was in tears and a supporter. Plus, God layed it on the heart of someone in our congregation to share, impromptu, that he was a skater as a teen and heavily got into drugs and alcohol. He continued to express that if a facility like this, that ministers God's Word, would have been available to him that he would have gone down a different path. With the presentation and this testimony God opened my heart to acknowledge the need.
Next, our praise band sang "Mighty To Save". Again, moved to tears. And then a lady in our congregation stood up in the front, again impromptu, and pleaded with all of us that it had been heavy on her heart for a couple of years to share with all of us that when we sing a song like that we shouldn't just go through the motions and sing the words, but we should celebrate, hoot, holler, clap, and yell His praises. Amazing.
Upon conclusion of the praise band's songs, leaders of the Men's Ministry stood up to announce that they had just had an impromptu meeting and had decided that they would take on the leadership of the skate park ministry. Our praise band leader said it best "WOW! If the Holy Spirit moves any more today I'm not going to be able to stand." Well said!
At the conclusion of the service our family headed home, with a stop at the in-laws so that Chris could help install their new 42" TV. Then onward home for a quick lunch before Chris had to shove off to spend his Father's Day helping Pete and Susie move. After lunch Jenna took a nap and Ashley and Logan played. Mommy started her new blog :) When Jenna awoke from her nap we headed to the Freeman's to swim. Daddy got home around six and grilled some tenderloin. We also had some sweet corn. And then I had another one of those moments that I didn't want to forget. The image of Chris jumping on the trampoline with Ashley and Logan, and Jenna slobbering over our new puppy while she pointed like she wanted to pet her, but just pointed and jabbered... and slobbered. It was humorous and heart warming. A lovely Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Givin' It A Whirl!
This is my first official blog. I've dabbled in posting comments on my Facebook and Myspace profiles, but have recently found myself looking to do more formal journaling of my family's daily activities, events, adventures, and antics. Everyone is just growing up too fast and as I find myself having less time for my beloved hobby of scrapbooking, I want another source to document our lives and share with friends and family. I would like to use this as a source for my scrapbook journaling once I get it in gear again. This seems like a perfect tool.
I really have enjoyed reading others' blogs like the Early, Uhl, Horton and Hamilton families. Their posts are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. I have an appreciation for Facebook (my "other" hobby) and the 200+ friends and family it has allowed me to get in touch and keep up with. Family that I typically see only at weddings and funerals I feel like I can now keep up to date with them, and we don't have to play catch-up so much at those rare family events, but rather celebrate and enjoy each other's company, and ask about those things that we know already are going on with each other. It's also a great way to reach out to and support those we love and care about.
I really enjoy writing and who knows maybe someday these memoirs will turn into a book.
I hope that you will become a follower of my family's blog lovingly named "CPence x 2 + 3" - you do the math! I'll give you the answer, it = love.
I really have enjoyed reading others' blogs like the Early, Uhl, Horton and Hamilton families. Their posts are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. I have an appreciation for Facebook (my "other" hobby) and the 200+ friends and family it has allowed me to get in touch and keep up with. Family that I typically see only at weddings and funerals I feel like I can now keep up to date with them, and we don't have to play catch-up so much at those rare family events, but rather celebrate and enjoy each other's company, and ask about those things that we know already are going on with each other. It's also a great way to reach out to and support those we love and care about.
I really enjoy writing and who knows maybe someday these memoirs will turn into a book.
I hope that you will become a follower of my family's blog lovingly named "CPence x 2 + 3" - you do the math! I'll give you the answer, it = love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)