Oh... how I missed my boys!
We had a good flight back, and it was wonderful to see our van pull up and Phil hop out to relieve me of the six bags I was carrying!
Caleb got so excited that he unbuckled his seat belt and jumped right out to greet me... in the airport passenger pick up lane! Seth followed suit with the belt, though he just peeked his head out of the van. And Ian sat there clapping and shouting, "Mommy... Mommy... Mommy..." over and over again! Ian also later informed me that he saw the plane and I was on it! Of course, they really didn't see our plane come in, but Ian thought I was on all of them!
I am tired now! As of this post I have been awake for over 20 hours. Back to life as we know it... and life is good...
Lisa
Happiest Place on Earth
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Why I Love Sea Turtles...
... Continuing adventures of Mommy and Grace, who are still in Orlando...
A few hours at Epcot sounded pretty good today! Rode some fast and high flyin' rides... ate some breakfast with some princesses and some lunch with some fish... got hit on by a turtle...
Whoa... Stop... Let's back that up...
Grace and I decided to go to "Turtle Talk with Crush" as our last magical adventure before hitting the souvenir shops (this is what we "decided" although not what actually happened, because I took a wrong turn and ended up in the land of Figment, so the fun went on longer than it really should have)! Anyway, we were walking to the line for "Turtle Talk" when a Disney cast member caught up with Grace and asked her if she'd like to do the countdown to call Crush... which of course she liked a lot! We were seated before anyone else, and when it was time for the show to start they announced that Grace was going to call Crush... and she did. Time in spotlight over, right? Not so fast...
So Crush comes out and starts talking to the kids and asks Grace, specifically, some questions. I have this all on video even though I can't remember all of the details at the moment... His final question to her is, "Who brought you here?" And Grace... who as everyone knows is usually very talkative... social butterfly, sanguine child that she is (we really don't know where she came from)... says absolutely nothing and looks completely confused! So Crush says, "Don't worry... I'll find who you belong to" and proceeds to ask the person who brought Grace to raise their flipper... So, of course, I do. Now, at this point, Crush asks me my name and engages in some small talk with me about how many children I have (only 4 to his 65), etc. etc. And every time he addresses me he calls me, "Lisa Mom"! So I'm having fun with this, and I finally make some remark back to him and finish it with, "Crush Dad". And then he stops and says, "Oh... dude... you know what we just did?" And I say, "What?" and he says, "We bonded". And now I am "totally" laughing! So Crush goes on and on about what a cool mom I am, and I'm cracking up and trying to maintain the conversation, because hey... it's not every day that you get to talk to a Sea Turtle or star in a Disney attraction! Finally our conversation is over, and Crush gets really quiet for a moment before he flips over on his back and says, "Ahhh... Lisa"... and I am just about dying here on the front row, because the whole room is in stitches...
After Epcot, we decided to head to the Contemporary Resort via Monorail to do some shopping for the boys. We also needed to buy an extra carry on bag for the plane, because we packed our bags to the absolute maximum capacity, and we were returning with more than we brought. So I look at the first bag I see (about backpack size) and it is $65.00! At this point I started seriously thinking about mailing our souvenirs home! But then I see a sign that says you can buy this other bag for $10.00 of you spend so much, and I add up the cost of what I'm currently carrying around and decide it's worth it. At the counter I mention to Grace that we need that bag to carry our souvenirs home and the amazingly awesome older gentleman ringing us up says, "Here... take two. The second one is free!" Wow! I was very happy with this. These are probably at least $40.00 bags, and I got two of them for $10.00 total!
And we needed every bit of space to pack our belongings...
We actually enjoyed our hotel for a while tonight, and Grace finally got to swim in the pool, which she has been wanting to do since we arrived, but we just never made it down there because we were either too busy or too exhausted! Honestly, I was too exhausted tonight, too, but I wanted her to have special memories of this trip, and swimming was very important to her...
I took these pictures out front, which I absolutely love:
We did give our free 30 minute arcade card away to a mom with two young teenagers. We just weren't going to have time to use it, and they looked like they probably needed it more than we did anyway!
Finally got Grace to go to sleep around 10:00 and took another hour to pack the rest of our stuff. 3:00am is going to come fast...
Lisa
A few hours at Epcot sounded pretty good today! Rode some fast and high flyin' rides... ate some breakfast with some princesses and some lunch with some fish... got hit on by a turtle...
Whoa... Stop... Let's back that up...
Grace and I decided to go to "Turtle Talk with Crush" as our last magical adventure before hitting the souvenir shops (this is what we "decided" although not what actually happened, because I took a wrong turn and ended up in the land of Figment, so the fun went on longer than it really should have)! Anyway, we were walking to the line for "Turtle Talk" when a Disney cast member caught up with Grace and asked her if she'd like to do the countdown to call Crush... which of course she liked a lot! We were seated before anyone else, and when it was time for the show to start they announced that Grace was going to call Crush... and she did. Time in spotlight over, right? Not so fast...
So Crush comes out and starts talking to the kids and asks Grace, specifically, some questions. I have this all on video even though I can't remember all of the details at the moment... His final question to her is, "Who brought you here?" And Grace... who as everyone knows is usually very talkative... social butterfly, sanguine child that she is (we really don't know where she came from)... says absolutely nothing and looks completely confused! So Crush says, "Don't worry... I'll find who you belong to" and proceeds to ask the person who brought Grace to raise their flipper... So, of course, I do. Now, at this point, Crush asks me my name and engages in some small talk with me about how many children I have (only 4 to his 65), etc. etc. And every time he addresses me he calls me, "Lisa Mom"! So I'm having fun with this, and I finally make some remark back to him and finish it with, "Crush Dad". And then he stops and says, "Oh... dude... you know what we just did?" And I say, "What?" and he says, "We bonded". And now I am "totally" laughing! So Crush goes on and on about what a cool mom I am, and I'm cracking up and trying to maintain the conversation, because hey... it's not every day that you get to talk to a Sea Turtle or star in a Disney attraction! Finally our conversation is over, and Crush gets really quiet for a moment before he flips over on his back and says, "Ahhh... Lisa"... and I am just about dying here on the front row, because the whole room is in stitches...
After Epcot, we decided to head to the Contemporary Resort via Monorail to do some shopping for the boys. We also needed to buy an extra carry on bag for the plane, because we packed our bags to the absolute maximum capacity, and we were returning with more than we brought. So I look at the first bag I see (about backpack size) and it is $65.00! At this point I started seriously thinking about mailing our souvenirs home! But then I see a sign that says you can buy this other bag for $10.00 of you spend so much, and I add up the cost of what I'm currently carrying around and decide it's worth it. At the counter I mention to Grace that we need that bag to carry our souvenirs home and the amazingly awesome older gentleman ringing us up says, "Here... take two. The second one is free!" Wow! I was very happy with this. These are probably at least $40.00 bags, and I got two of them for $10.00 total!
And we needed every bit of space to pack our belongings...
We actually enjoyed our hotel for a while tonight, and Grace finally got to swim in the pool, which she has been wanting to do since we arrived, but we just never made it down there because we were either too busy or too exhausted! Honestly, I was too exhausted tonight, too, but I wanted her to have special memories of this trip, and swimming was very important to her...
I took these pictures out front, which I absolutely love:
We did give our free 30 minute arcade card away to a mom with two young teenagers. We just weren't going to have time to use it, and they looked like they probably needed it more than we did anyway!Finally got Grace to go to sleep around 10:00 and took another hour to pack the rest of our stuff. 3:00am is going to come fast...
Lisa
Saturday, June 27, 2009
On Top Again...
... Well, it's been 15 years since a member of our family took the stage as a "National Champion" (Phil, ONU Regional Team, 1994). But today Miss Mini Super Quiz Chick got the job done!
We had a very late start to the quiz, and I was super disappointed that the way the seating was arranged, I could not see Grace. Actually, not only could I not see her to check the answers she was pulling, but she was so far away and there were so many people that I actually lost track of her completely. I did, however, see her picture flash on the big screen a couple of times, so I knew she was actually seated!
Parents were not allowed to contact their quizzers between rounds or even at the end of the quiz, so there was no way for me to measure her progress or to share it with Phil who I had on both skype and facebook chat. I am sure several people around me must have thought I was losing it when I intermittently whispered to my computer screen!
At any rate, when the quiz was complete a band took the stage and proceeded to sing outdated children's camp songs at which point I decided that a bathroom break was most definitely in order. When I returned they were doing some worship songs with the kids, which I enjoyed much more...
After some more delays, the awards ceremony began, and I watched nearly 100 kids come take their bronze level awards (Grace wasn't in that group, which I really didn't expect her to be)... and some 200+ kids take their silver level awards (Grace wasn't in that group either, still no surprises)... and then over 500 kids take their gold level awards (And I started to look a little more intently for the shimmering tiara, but Grace still didn't appear, and I began to think, "My goodness... either I've missed her or she really pulled it off, tabernacle questions and all")! Finally they called for the 105 Gold All Star level quizzers, and there she was... perfect day!
At this point, I think we were supposed to listen intently to whatever the guy in the Moses costume with the Mickey Mouse ears (or something like that) was saying. However, I found it a much more satisfying moment in which to scream my child's name... causing many people to turn and stare at me... but not Grace... she didn't even hear me. And then I almost shed a few tears... And if you think that's silly, it's OK... There were times not so many years ago when I never, ever thought our kids would have the opportunity to quiz, but sometimes you make sacrifices that pay off down the road and suddenly it's worth it...
We exited with a nice trophy and ribbon, both of which Grace is really proud. Took a picture with Moses Mickey (which I'm so not even posting... corny...) and headed on our way to celebrate!
Another HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who did something to help Grace make it to Orlando (and back)! From cash donations... to buying candles and cookie dough... to spending outrageous amounts of money on baked goods... to donating silent auction items and bake sale items... to driving us to the airport... to praying for us... to reading this blog and making comments about how cool my kid is (hint... hint... hint...) THANK YOU!!!
Some pics:
Lisa
PS I saw at least one child hold up a trophy and exclaim, "I'm going to Disney World!" I thought that was pretty cute!
We had a very late start to the quiz, and I was super disappointed that the way the seating was arranged, I could not see Grace. Actually, not only could I not see her to check the answers she was pulling, but she was so far away and there were so many people that I actually lost track of her completely. I did, however, see her picture flash on the big screen a couple of times, so I knew she was actually seated!
Parents were not allowed to contact their quizzers between rounds or even at the end of the quiz, so there was no way for me to measure her progress or to share it with Phil who I had on both skype and facebook chat. I am sure several people around me must have thought I was losing it when I intermittently whispered to my computer screen!
At any rate, when the quiz was complete a band took the stage and proceeded to sing outdated children's camp songs at which point I decided that a bathroom break was most definitely in order. When I returned they were doing some worship songs with the kids, which I enjoyed much more...
After some more delays, the awards ceremony began, and I watched nearly 100 kids come take their bronze level awards (Grace wasn't in that group, which I really didn't expect her to be)... and some 200+ kids take their silver level awards (Grace wasn't in that group either, still no surprises)... and then over 500 kids take their gold level awards (And I started to look a little more intently for the shimmering tiara, but Grace still didn't appear, and I began to think, "My goodness... either I've missed her or she really pulled it off, tabernacle questions and all")! Finally they called for the 105 Gold All Star level quizzers, and there she was... perfect day!
At this point, I think we were supposed to listen intently to whatever the guy in the Moses costume with the Mickey Mouse ears (or something like that) was saying. However, I found it a much more satisfying moment in which to scream my child's name... causing many people to turn and stare at me... but not Grace... she didn't even hear me. And then I almost shed a few tears... And if you think that's silly, it's OK... There were times not so many years ago when I never, ever thought our kids would have the opportunity to quiz, but sometimes you make sacrifices that pay off down the road and suddenly it's worth it...
We exited with a nice trophy and ribbon, both of which Grace is really proud. Took a picture with Moses Mickey (which I'm so not even posting... corny...) and headed on our way to celebrate!
Another HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who did something to help Grace make it to Orlando (and back)! From cash donations... to buying candles and cookie dough... to spending outrageous amounts of money on baked goods... to donating silent auction items and bake sale items... to driving us to the airport... to praying for us... to reading this blog and making comments about how cool my kid is (hint... hint... hint...) THANK YOU!!!
Some pics:
LisaPS I saw at least one child hold up a trophy and exclaim, "I'm going to Disney World!" I thought that was pretty cute!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Oh Yeah... You're the Kid with the Tiara...
... Grace is making her mark. I am afraid to ask whether this is a good thing or not, but every time she enters or leaves the Nazkidz area someone comments, "Oh, I know Grace, she's the one with the tiara," or, "I remember your daughter... Grace with the tiara," or just, "Hey, I remember you!"
Currently, Grace is at her last Nazkidz event, "Compassion Connection". If she walks out of there with one more bag of stuff I am going to have to buy a new piece of luggage to check for the flight home... seriously. Added to the nearly $70.00 that I just dropped at NPH for quiz materials (for just Seth and Grace) as well as a Children's Christmas program preview, we are probably not going to fit everything in just the bags we brought with us. I should have checked an empty bag for the flight here... ah... hindsight...
I hope that whatever service projects they have going on back there are really going to give these kids a chance to make a difference in Orlando. I feel that this is one of the most important things that could be taught here this week... service to others... Kids can make a difference in the world!
We did find a few more friends this morning! Pastor Jim and Marilyn, as well as Marilee and her husband and daughter! I am still searching for friends that I know are in the area!
I'm going to pick Grace up in about an hour and then head to dinner... I really want to return for the evening service tonight, as it is Dr. Porter's message, but I don't know if we're going to be able to make that work with our early morning upcoming tomorrow for the quiz.
Out again...
Lisa
Currently, Grace is at her last Nazkidz event, "Compassion Connection". If she walks out of there with one more bag of stuff I am going to have to buy a new piece of luggage to check for the flight home... seriously. Added to the nearly $70.00 that I just dropped at NPH for quiz materials (for just Seth and Grace) as well as a Children's Christmas program preview, we are probably not going to fit everything in just the bags we brought with us. I should have checked an empty bag for the flight here... ah... hindsight...
I hope that whatever service projects they have going on back there are really going to give these kids a chance to make a difference in Orlando. I feel that this is one of the most important things that could be taught here this week... service to others... Kids can make a difference in the world!
We did find a few more friends this morning! Pastor Jim and Marilyn, as well as Marilee and her husband and daughter! I am still searching for friends that I know are in the area!
I'm going to pick Grace up in about an hour and then head to dinner... I really want to return for the evening service tonight, as it is Dr. Porter's message, but I don't know if we're going to be able to make that work with our early morning upcoming tomorrow for the quiz.
Out again...
Lisa
Catchin' My Breath...
Ah............
That was nice..........
OK, so Grace and I are currently at General Assembly! We actually arrived at the right time this morning, which was a nice change in pace from yesterday! Grace is participating in the Nazkidz convention and learning about missions around the world at this moment. And here I am, enjoying my free wi-fi... It feels great to be back in touch with virtual reality, let me tell ya! Have already chatted with Monica and Robert this morning, and I hope that very soon Skype will be re-installed on my computer so that I can see Phil and the boys!
It occurred to me last night that I have taken precious few pics. on this trip. Actually, it is probably a normal amount for most people, but I feel like I have captured hardly anything on film. I cannot currently get movie maker to save files, so there will be no video updates. However, I do have a few pics. to share from our trip to the Magic Kingdom:
As a word of explanation, we are NOT on a Disney Vacation. However... our flight situation netted us a couple of extra days in Orlando, and we ARE on a dining plan, so we have had some theme park experiences in the midst of the mass chaos that comes from attending this convention in Orlando!
Yesterday, after Grace participated in the Discipleship in Action program, we made another trip to the airport (that brings our MCO count to three) because Alamo charged us for insurance that we didn't need, and they insisted that we bring the car back to inspect for damages before they would drop the charges for the rest of the trip. Well... when we got there, nobody inspected the car at all... didn't so much as glance at it... and then they took the optional insurance off for the next few days. I really think they could have accomplished this on the phone.
We also made reservations for "Hollywood and Vine", because due to the dining plan we have to choose so many "table service" meals, and I feel sort of pressured to choose the most expensive meals, since they are included. After eating dinner I thought, "Gosh... that wasn't very good (minus the cheesecake of which I ate four pieces... uh... they were NOT regular sized pieces... just so you know). At any rate, they bring you a bill for what the meal would have cost, and when I saw it my eyes popped out of my head! Without the dining plan the meal would have cost $50.00! That is just for me and Grace! Oh... wow! Well, it was an experience! Since "Hollywood and Vine" is at Hollywood Studios, we did catch The Little Mermaid show, and then we headed back to the hotel for a few hours of sleep!
Grace is really enjoying the children's activities here at the convention and looking forward to quizzing tomorrow! We are planning to get in early tonight in order to review and get a good night's sleep!
To this point, I have been unable to locate very many friends here, which is kind of disappointing. We did find a few friends from Ohio this morning, and I have seen several people that I know by name but whom I did not really feel like chatting with. I am going to have to do a better search for my Iowa friends if I can later this afternoon! If you happen to be reading this, I know you're here! Send me a facebook message so I can find you!
Alright... gotta restart the computer to make Skype work! I will probably post again later!
Lisa
That was nice..........
OK, so Grace and I are currently at General Assembly! We actually arrived at the right time this morning, which was a nice change in pace from yesterday! Grace is participating in the Nazkidz convention and learning about missions around the world at this moment. And here I am, enjoying my free wi-fi... It feels great to be back in touch with virtual reality, let me tell ya! Have already chatted with Monica and Robert this morning, and I hope that very soon Skype will be re-installed on my computer so that I can see Phil and the boys!
It occurred to me last night that I have taken precious few pics. on this trip. Actually, it is probably a normal amount for most people, but I feel like I have captured hardly anything on film. I cannot currently get movie maker to save files, so there will be no video updates. However, I do have a few pics. to share from our trip to the Magic Kingdom:
As a word of explanation, we are NOT on a Disney Vacation. However... our flight situation netted us a couple of extra days in Orlando, and we ARE on a dining plan, so we have had some theme park experiences in the midst of the mass chaos that comes from attending this convention in Orlando!Yesterday, after Grace participated in the Discipleship in Action program, we made another trip to the airport (that brings our MCO count to three) because Alamo charged us for insurance that we didn't need, and they insisted that we bring the car back to inspect for damages before they would drop the charges for the rest of the trip. Well... when we got there, nobody inspected the car at all... didn't so much as glance at it... and then they took the optional insurance off for the next few days. I really think they could have accomplished this on the phone.
We also made reservations for "Hollywood and Vine", because due to the dining plan we have to choose so many "table service" meals, and I feel sort of pressured to choose the most expensive meals, since they are included. After eating dinner I thought, "Gosh... that wasn't very good (minus the cheesecake of which I ate four pieces... uh... they were NOT regular sized pieces... just so you know). At any rate, they bring you a bill for what the meal would have cost, and when I saw it my eyes popped out of my head! Without the dining plan the meal would have cost $50.00! That is just for me and Grace! Oh... wow! Well, it was an experience! Since "Hollywood and Vine" is at Hollywood Studios, we did catch The Little Mermaid show, and then we headed back to the hotel for a few hours of sleep!
Grace is really enjoying the children's activities here at the convention and looking forward to quizzing tomorrow! We are planning to get in early tonight in order to review and get a good night's sleep!
To this point, I have been unable to locate very many friends here, which is kind of disappointing. We did find a few friends from Ohio this morning, and I have seen several people that I know by name but whom I did not really feel like chatting with. I am going to have to do a better search for my Iowa friends if I can later this afternoon! If you happen to be reading this, I know you're here! Send me a facebook message so I can find you!
Alright... gotta restart the computer to make Skype work! I will probably post again later!
Lisa
Thursday, June 25, 2009
One Thing After Another...
OK... first let me tell ya that I kinda feel like I entered the twilight zone today...
Now that that's out of the way...
I do not have the right combination of buttons on my phone to set an alarm, and the one at the hotel apparently doesn't work, so we woke up really late (after getting in at 1am due to my lack of ability to follow road signs). Grace missed the first event she was scheduled for, which I was super disappointed about, but actually I don't think she could have cared less if she tried, as I pretty much had to pry her off my arm to go to the second one...
Alamo rental car is charging me an outrageous amount for insurance coverage that I didn't want and then later found out was optional. They will stop charging me at whatever point I can find time in this crazy busy schedule to locate an Alamo so that they can inspect the car to make sure I haven't wrecked it in the last couple of days. I am not real happy about this, as I do not think I am going to have the opportunity to get the car in unless we drive all the way back to their 24 hour center at the airport...
That's pretty much it for today...
Yesterday was spent with a cup of frozen lemonade in my hands at almost all times, glitter in my hair, and a tiara on my head... And one of these days I hope to get some pics. up to prove it. Grace is crabby. She does not do well in the heat. I am sunburned even though I used sunscreen. We did enjoy seeing our friends today, though...
I do not like "vacationing" (if you can call it that) without my boys.
Now I am going to run around the conference center to look for people I know and free stuff...
Lisa
Now that that's out of the way...
I do not have the right combination of buttons on my phone to set an alarm, and the one at the hotel apparently doesn't work, so we woke up really late (after getting in at 1am due to my lack of ability to follow road signs). Grace missed the first event she was scheduled for, which I was super disappointed about, but actually I don't think she could have cared less if she tried, as I pretty much had to pry her off my arm to go to the second one...
Alamo rental car is charging me an outrageous amount for insurance coverage that I didn't want and then later found out was optional. They will stop charging me at whatever point I can find time in this crazy busy schedule to locate an Alamo so that they can inspect the car to make sure I haven't wrecked it in the last couple of days. I am not real happy about this, as I do not think I am going to have the opportunity to get the car in unless we drive all the way back to their 24 hour center at the airport...
That's pretty much it for today...
Yesterday was spent with a cup of frozen lemonade in my hands at almost all times, glitter in my hair, and a tiara on my head... And one of these days I hope to get some pics. up to prove it. Grace is crabby. She does not do well in the heat. I am sunburned even though I used sunscreen. We did enjoy seeing our friends today, though...
I do not like "vacationing" (if you can call it that) without my boys.
Now I am going to run around the conference center to look for people I know and free stuff...
Lisa
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Panera Bread...
... Oh how I love thee... let me count the ways...
Well... actually... just one...
I have never been inside a Panera Bread, at least not as far as I can remember, but the free Internet access from the parking lot is awesome!
Grace and I had a good day. We hit up Animal Kingdom and learned that God provides a WAY better water ride than Kali River, because when we got off of Kali, Grace complained that she didn't get wet enough, and then the downpour hit... soaking us to the bone!
There are no pics. or vids. to show, because I haven't uploaded them yet. I will attempt to edit this post to include some visuals in the next couple of days! I will probably add more to the story, as well, but for now, we need food...
Lisa
Well... actually... just one...
I have never been inside a Panera Bread, at least not as far as I can remember, but the free Internet access from the parking lot is awesome!
Grace and I had a good day. We hit up Animal Kingdom and learned that God provides a WAY better water ride than Kali River, because when we got off of Kali, Grace complained that she didn't get wet enough, and then the downpour hit... soaking us to the bone!
There are no pics. or vids. to show, because I haven't uploaded them yet. I will attempt to edit this post to include some visuals in the next couple of days! I will probably add more to the story, as well, but for now, we need food...
Lisa
Good Morning Life!
Alright... I can do this... on less than six hours of sleep!
Actually, I don't really know what we're doing, which is a stark contrast to the usually detailed planning that goes into a trip I take... Wow... let's see if I can wing it!
One sobering thought... I continue to realize how old I'm getting when I look at my toiletries and determine that sunscreen and lip balm are more appealing than make-up... Oh... yeah...
On with an unpredictable day!
Lisa
Actually, I don't really know what we're doing, which is a stark contrast to the usually detailed planning that goes into a trip I take... Wow... let's see if I can wing it!
One sobering thought... I continue to realize how old I'm getting when I look at my toiletries and determine that sunscreen and lip balm are more appealing than make-up... Oh... yeah...
On with an unpredictable day!
Lisa
We're Here...
... OK, I am so completely wiped, but we've arrived in Orlando!
This is going to be a quick one...
I liked flying, today, probably more than I ever have. It just felt like a good flight, even when my left ear felt like it was going to explode! I have never landed at night, and that was just awesome, especially paired with the lightning show!
Grace loved her first flight. I cannot get the video to load, and if I stay up much later trying to make it work, I am going to have a miserable day tomorrow. There are a couple pics. The flight, itself, was second only to the moving sidewalks!
Waiting for a hotel shuttle for 30 minutes after running past right around 50 shuttle lines in the 90 degree humid heat at 10:30 at night was probably not a real highlight. A driver from a different hotel's shuttle took pity on us and was going to give us a lift, but then our shuttle arrived, so he gave us our bags back! :)
Doing 6 flights of stairs carrying all of our luggage except for my laptop (which Grace so graciously carried for me) was also probably not among the best moments. Gosh, I am covered in sweat, and I stink!
Not even sure what we're doin' tomorrow, but it's sure to be fun! There may not be an update until Thursday, though, due to lack of wireless Internet connections... unless I find a Panera Bread...
I'm out...
Lisa
This is going to be a quick one...
I liked flying, today, probably more than I ever have. It just felt like a good flight, even when my left ear felt like it was going to explode! I have never landed at night, and that was just awesome, especially paired with the lightning show!
Grace loved her first flight. I cannot get the video to load, and if I stay up much later trying to make it work, I am going to have a miserable day tomorrow. There are a couple pics. The flight, itself, was second only to the moving sidewalks!
Waiting for a hotel shuttle for 30 minutes after running past right around 50 shuttle lines in the 90 degree humid heat at 10:30 at night was probably not a real highlight. A driver from a different hotel's shuttle took pity on us and was going to give us a lift, but then our shuttle arrived, so he gave us our bags back! :)Doing 6 flights of stairs carrying all of our luggage except for my laptop (which Grace so graciously carried for me) was also probably not among the best moments. Gosh, I am covered in sweat, and I stink!
Not even sure what we're doin' tomorrow, but it's sure to be fun! There may not be an update until Thursday, though, due to lack of wireless Internet connections... unless I find a Panera Bread...
I'm out...
Lisa
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Must... Keep... Moving...
... Because we know that once an object (or in this case, a person) is in motion, it is far more likely that the object will stay in motion... and once it stops... well... it's a whole lot harder to get started again! I just have to make it until about 7:00pm... then I can crash... I hope...
Lisa
Lisa
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pandora's Box...
I don’t know where to start… again… Seems to be the story of my life here lately…
But I know one thing for sure. I am sick of playing games.
This post is very personal. Obviously, I don’t post anything on-line that I don’t want other people to read, but if you just know me casually, please don't feel like you have to read this. I wrote this mostly for myself.
The past couple of months have been incredibly difficult for me in a variety of ways. Mostly it’s been my own sin and stupidity, and there is seriously no one to blame but myself.
I feel like I have nearly heard the audible voice of God on a couple of occasions, and I just keep thinking that I am a whole lot like Pharaoh… Time and time again, God is showing up in some pretty amazing ways, and it’s all good with me for a few minutes until I harden my heart again. And frankly, I don’t really want to have to go through something disastrous or tragic to finally “get it”.
None of this is probably going to make much sense… I’m not even exactly sure where it all came from. It probably has something to do with the time of year it is… high school graduations, etc. Maybe it’s because of the Stanley Cup Finals (hehehe)… But here goes…
I used to be really passionate about reaching other people for Christ. I actually prayed for people. Pretty much everyone who reads this blog probably knows my story… or at least parts of it, but as a quick recap…
I grew up going to church… gave myself to Him as much as I knew how at age four… didn’t really grow at all… decided I needed to be “cool” (which was a hopeless effort) in Jr. High… made some lousy decisions… and then it culminated with really giving my life and will to Jesus at age fourteen…
At which point I became a self-righteous snot, not because I didn’t really want to give my life to Jesus (I did), but because I thought that was how Christians were supposed to act (they’re not)…
Ditched a bunch of friends… finally started to grow… and only then did I realize what I’d done to other people in the process… UGH!
At this point I was truly sorry for the way I’d treated people, but I was still in High School, and let’s face it, the teenage years are not a forgiving time. I remember coming back from summer vacation, “on fire” for God, and nobody thought it would last. But it did. And some years later I found myself talking with old friends and having them admit that I had changed… and I felt like I was beating my head against a brick wall, because they didn’t really get it. The change in my life had initially… seemingly… torn us apart. And by the time I realized that I should have maintained these relationships and actually done something to help them… Well… they had moved on, and I was the one left behind…
High School graduation rolled around, and in the midst of all of the tears that were shed by people who weren’t ready for it to “end”, I remember being relieved that it was over. By the end of my Senior year, I had two friends in my graduating class. I hugged them good-bye, waved at a few old acquaintances, and thought I was never going to look back… For me, this was not an end, but a beginning…
Here’s the part you probably don’t know…
For the next… oh… let’s say 12 years (that would bring us to today), I had this recurring nightmare from time to time… I was back in High School… It was always a little bit different, but I would be in some class… or trying to remember my locker combination… or whatever… And in this dream, I would always end up walking around the halls, searching for one friend or another. I would be asking people, “Have you seen this girl?” or, “Have you seen this guy?” and usually someone would say yes and give me an approximate location… and I would be off like a flash! I would always find the people I was looking for, but I could never talk to them. At the very best, I would be able to get within a few feet and shout out that we needed to talk, but it never happened. And there would always be somebody else nearby… kinda staring me down… as if I had no right, whatsoever, to seek out my friend, and as if they would stand in the way of our conversation… And then I would wake up…
And I would pray for the person I was looking for in the dream…
Now… back in real life, I spent 12 years doing the kinds of things that people usually do after High School. I got married to my knight in shining armor. We rode the royal carriage (marked U-Haul) across the country. We produced one princess… and three frogs…I went on to college and liked it so much that I am still there. We rode the royal carriage (marked Ryder) across the country. We rode the royal carriage (marked Budget) across the country. We ministered to all kinds of teenagers… And it felt good (well, not everything felt good, but give me a break… this is my fairytale aside, and if you want to know the whole, true story I need to get my book published, because I’m not bloggin’ it all… I don’t think, although that is a possible consideration)…
And I kept having what I started to refer to as “that stupid dream!”…
Well… occasionally, I would run into someone I knew from High School. Since I didn’t live in the area (for the most part), it was usually on a visit “home”. I would see someone in the grocery store, and we would say a quick hello or chat for a few minutes. Someone would contact me by e-mail, and we would send messages back and forth over the course of a few weeks. Every once in a while, there was a phone call. My best friend from Jr. High actually visited shortly after I gave birth to Seth, and my closest friend from High School kept in touch for the first few years. After that, there was nothing…
Life kinda wore on at times, and I became a whole lot more concerned with the people who were currently in my life than the people who used to be. The dream still occurred. I still prayed. But it seemed as if nothing was ever going to come of it. I would pray that someday I would really run into these people and that they would be completely consumed with a love for Jesus Christ. Phil had an awesome encounter with a friend of his that he previously worked with where just such a thing happened! I daydreamed about finding my friends in the same situation. Nothing…
I never would have guessed, at the time, what an impact the Internet would have on communication. I mean… come on… I thought e-mail was the end all to technology! But along came blogs and social networking sites…
I set up a xanga… seemed to be the thing to do at the time, although I sometimes wonder, now, if I should have… Teenagers all over the place had them… college students… but I never did find anyone from High School… (As a note, my xanga still sits idle, somewhere in cyberspace… just don’t have the heart to shut it down… nostalgia)…
I was never going to have a myspace, but it came next, as it seemed to be the only way to stay in contact with friends from around the country… and around the globe! It was exciting for a time, especially when some of the people I wanted to find from High School started showing up! I actually engaged in some real conversation with a few, and it seemed productive. But “that stupid dream” continued… and there were just some people I couldn’t find…
I went to my 10 year class reunion and actually got to talk with people I hadn’t so much as seen a virtual picture of in years. Some of the conversation was actually really encouraging to me. Some of my friends (and even people I didn’t like in High School) were searching for answers, even searching for Christ. I could have sat there for a very long time… But “that stupid dream” continued… and there were still just some people I couldn’t find…
I was never going to have a facebook, but it came next as hundreds of old friends signed up. Unfortunately, facebook has become the realization of my nightmare. Almost everyone I’ve ever looked for in a dream is right there, staring back at me through bloodshot eyes… I now have the power to discern their favorite drinks… and their favorite drugs… and their favorite people to be naked with… I get “invites” to their parties (well, maybe I’m movin’ up in the world, because I never got those in High School)… and I watch their status updates to learn just how empty they are… And if one of them would just post something like, “__________ is amazingly in love with Jesus Christ!” I would probably break down all over the place. I feel like I’m runnin’ through the hallway, and I see them, and I’m waving my hands in their faces shouting, “We need to talk!” but honestly, I don’t even know what to say. And I’m not praying like I should be anymore…
OK… so there’s my assessment for what’s wrong with the world. But that’s just supposed to be background information, remember? This post is not supposed to turn into yet another self-righteous declaration about why everyone should be like me. I AM THE PROBLEM!!!
You see… at best I have this hero complex, but it’s really more like a savior complex, and it’s really scary when I start thinking that I need to play God…
People who need help seem to land in my lap, and in completely blind acts of stupidity (not faith, mind you, that’s different), I try to fix them. I gave you all of that history to help you understand that I am pretty much beating my fists against God’s chest asking why He doesn’t right the world… or at least the few people I know. I am seriously on the brink of losing it over some pages in cyberspace that depict people I used to know, while opening the back door to current Jr. High students who need pregnancy tests and gang members who want to make sure we’re doin’ OK while sporting their newest cuts! And it is starting to sink in that I CANNOT SAVE THE WORLD!!! And that sucks, because I legitimately want the world to be saved.
I need people I used to know to start getting it, because every time I look in the faces of one of these kids we’re dealing with now, I see a parallel to someone I knew when I was a kid. When I look into their eyes and I see myself, there’s usually something I can do. But when I look into their faces and see someone else, I need resources. I need to be able to pick up the phone and say, “Hey… I’ve got this kid. She’s just like you. What made the difference in your life?” But I don’t have the resources, because most of the people I know don’t get it and some of the people who do are too masked at this point in life to share what they went through in order to save somebody else!
Whoa… OK… soapbox… jumpin’ down…
I’m stressed out…
And this still isn’t even what this post was supposed to be about…
I am almost 30 years old. I have been “right” with God, as much as I know how, on many occasions and even in whole “seasons” of my life. But I’m not there right now. I could probably provide a lot of excuses as to why this is the case, but I’m about as sick of excuses as I am of playing games. There’s a song that has been playing through my mind (as well as on my radio) for the past few weeks:
East to West
By: Casting Crowns
From the Recording: The Altar and the Door
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the (one) I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the (one) I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
My goodness… may that be true, because it’s about all I’m holding onto right now…
Lisa
But I know one thing for sure. I am sick of playing games.
This post is very personal. Obviously, I don’t post anything on-line that I don’t want other people to read, but if you just know me casually, please don't feel like you have to read this. I wrote this mostly for myself.
The past couple of months have been incredibly difficult for me in a variety of ways. Mostly it’s been my own sin and stupidity, and there is seriously no one to blame but myself.
I feel like I have nearly heard the audible voice of God on a couple of occasions, and I just keep thinking that I am a whole lot like Pharaoh… Time and time again, God is showing up in some pretty amazing ways, and it’s all good with me for a few minutes until I harden my heart again. And frankly, I don’t really want to have to go through something disastrous or tragic to finally “get it”.
None of this is probably going to make much sense… I’m not even exactly sure where it all came from. It probably has something to do with the time of year it is… high school graduations, etc. Maybe it’s because of the Stanley Cup Finals (hehehe)… But here goes…
I used to be really passionate about reaching other people for Christ. I actually prayed for people. Pretty much everyone who reads this blog probably knows my story… or at least parts of it, but as a quick recap…
I grew up going to church… gave myself to Him as much as I knew how at age four… didn’t really grow at all… decided I needed to be “cool” (which was a hopeless effort) in Jr. High… made some lousy decisions… and then it culminated with really giving my life and will to Jesus at age fourteen…
At which point I became a self-righteous snot, not because I didn’t really want to give my life to Jesus (I did), but because I thought that was how Christians were supposed to act (they’re not)…
Ditched a bunch of friends… finally started to grow… and only then did I realize what I’d done to other people in the process… UGH!
At this point I was truly sorry for the way I’d treated people, but I was still in High School, and let’s face it, the teenage years are not a forgiving time. I remember coming back from summer vacation, “on fire” for God, and nobody thought it would last. But it did. And some years later I found myself talking with old friends and having them admit that I had changed… and I felt like I was beating my head against a brick wall, because they didn’t really get it. The change in my life had initially… seemingly… torn us apart. And by the time I realized that I should have maintained these relationships and actually done something to help them… Well… they had moved on, and I was the one left behind…
High School graduation rolled around, and in the midst of all of the tears that were shed by people who weren’t ready for it to “end”, I remember being relieved that it was over. By the end of my Senior year, I had two friends in my graduating class. I hugged them good-bye, waved at a few old acquaintances, and thought I was never going to look back… For me, this was not an end, but a beginning…
Here’s the part you probably don’t know…
For the next… oh… let’s say 12 years (that would bring us to today), I had this recurring nightmare from time to time… I was back in High School… It was always a little bit different, but I would be in some class… or trying to remember my locker combination… or whatever… And in this dream, I would always end up walking around the halls, searching for one friend or another. I would be asking people, “Have you seen this girl?” or, “Have you seen this guy?” and usually someone would say yes and give me an approximate location… and I would be off like a flash! I would always find the people I was looking for, but I could never talk to them. At the very best, I would be able to get within a few feet and shout out that we needed to talk, but it never happened. And there would always be somebody else nearby… kinda staring me down… as if I had no right, whatsoever, to seek out my friend, and as if they would stand in the way of our conversation… And then I would wake up…
And I would pray for the person I was looking for in the dream…
Now… back in real life, I spent 12 years doing the kinds of things that people usually do after High School. I got married to my knight in shining armor. We rode the royal carriage (marked U-Haul) across the country. We produced one princess… and three frogs…I went on to college and liked it so much that I am still there. We rode the royal carriage (marked Ryder) across the country. We rode the royal carriage (marked Budget) across the country. We ministered to all kinds of teenagers… And it felt good (well, not everything felt good, but give me a break… this is my fairytale aside, and if you want to know the whole, true story I need to get my book published, because I’m not bloggin’ it all… I don’t think, although that is a possible consideration)…
And I kept having what I started to refer to as “that stupid dream!”…
Well… occasionally, I would run into someone I knew from High School. Since I didn’t live in the area (for the most part), it was usually on a visit “home”. I would see someone in the grocery store, and we would say a quick hello or chat for a few minutes. Someone would contact me by e-mail, and we would send messages back and forth over the course of a few weeks. Every once in a while, there was a phone call. My best friend from Jr. High actually visited shortly after I gave birth to Seth, and my closest friend from High School kept in touch for the first few years. After that, there was nothing…
Life kinda wore on at times, and I became a whole lot more concerned with the people who were currently in my life than the people who used to be. The dream still occurred. I still prayed. But it seemed as if nothing was ever going to come of it. I would pray that someday I would really run into these people and that they would be completely consumed with a love for Jesus Christ. Phil had an awesome encounter with a friend of his that he previously worked with where just such a thing happened! I daydreamed about finding my friends in the same situation. Nothing…
I never would have guessed, at the time, what an impact the Internet would have on communication. I mean… come on… I thought e-mail was the end all to technology! But along came blogs and social networking sites…
I set up a xanga… seemed to be the thing to do at the time, although I sometimes wonder, now, if I should have… Teenagers all over the place had them… college students… but I never did find anyone from High School… (As a note, my xanga still sits idle, somewhere in cyberspace… just don’t have the heart to shut it down… nostalgia)…
I was never going to have a myspace, but it came next, as it seemed to be the only way to stay in contact with friends from around the country… and around the globe! It was exciting for a time, especially when some of the people I wanted to find from High School started showing up! I actually engaged in some real conversation with a few, and it seemed productive. But “that stupid dream” continued… and there were just some people I couldn’t find…
I went to my 10 year class reunion and actually got to talk with people I hadn’t so much as seen a virtual picture of in years. Some of the conversation was actually really encouraging to me. Some of my friends (and even people I didn’t like in High School) were searching for answers, even searching for Christ. I could have sat there for a very long time… But “that stupid dream” continued… and there were still just some people I couldn’t find…
I was never going to have a facebook, but it came next as hundreds of old friends signed up. Unfortunately, facebook has become the realization of my nightmare. Almost everyone I’ve ever looked for in a dream is right there, staring back at me through bloodshot eyes… I now have the power to discern their favorite drinks… and their favorite drugs… and their favorite people to be naked with… I get “invites” to their parties (well, maybe I’m movin’ up in the world, because I never got those in High School)… and I watch their status updates to learn just how empty they are… And if one of them would just post something like, “__________ is amazingly in love with Jesus Christ!” I would probably break down all over the place. I feel like I’m runnin’ through the hallway, and I see them, and I’m waving my hands in their faces shouting, “We need to talk!” but honestly, I don’t even know what to say. And I’m not praying like I should be anymore…
OK… so there’s my assessment for what’s wrong with the world. But that’s just supposed to be background information, remember? This post is not supposed to turn into yet another self-righteous declaration about why everyone should be like me. I AM THE PROBLEM!!!
You see… at best I have this hero complex, but it’s really more like a savior complex, and it’s really scary when I start thinking that I need to play God…
People who need help seem to land in my lap, and in completely blind acts of stupidity (not faith, mind you, that’s different), I try to fix them. I gave you all of that history to help you understand that I am pretty much beating my fists against God’s chest asking why He doesn’t right the world… or at least the few people I know. I am seriously on the brink of losing it over some pages in cyberspace that depict people I used to know, while opening the back door to current Jr. High students who need pregnancy tests and gang members who want to make sure we’re doin’ OK while sporting their newest cuts! And it is starting to sink in that I CANNOT SAVE THE WORLD!!! And that sucks, because I legitimately want the world to be saved.
I need people I used to know to start getting it, because every time I look in the faces of one of these kids we’re dealing with now, I see a parallel to someone I knew when I was a kid. When I look into their eyes and I see myself, there’s usually something I can do. But when I look into their faces and see someone else, I need resources. I need to be able to pick up the phone and say, “Hey… I’ve got this kid. She’s just like you. What made the difference in your life?” But I don’t have the resources, because most of the people I know don’t get it and some of the people who do are too masked at this point in life to share what they went through in order to save somebody else!
Whoa… OK… soapbox… jumpin’ down…
I’m stressed out…
And this still isn’t even what this post was supposed to be about…
I am almost 30 years old. I have been “right” with God, as much as I know how, on many occasions and even in whole “seasons” of my life. But I’m not there right now. I could probably provide a lot of excuses as to why this is the case, but I’m about as sick of excuses as I am of playing games. There’s a song that has been playing through my mind (as well as on my radio) for the past few weeks:
East to West
By: Casting Crowns
From the Recording: The Altar and the Door
Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the (one) I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the (one) I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other
My goodness… may that be true, because it’s about all I’m holding onto right now…
Lisa
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"Up"...
Seth and I went to the theater tonight. It was the first time Seth has ever been to the movie theater. He is almost 9 years old. This is proof that children can survive without constant exposure to media...
At any rate, I had been wanting to find a movie to take him to, because I took Grace to see "Kit Kittridge" and Caleb to see "Horton Hears a Who", but nothing had come out in recent months that I thought Seth would enjoy (except Earth which never came to our theater and only stayed in neighboring theaters for one week... we missed it).
"Up" looked rather intriguing to me, and after reading the review at plugged in, I felt that it would be worthwhile. I only read the review for possible negative content as not to spoil the movie for myself. If you haven't seen "Up" yet, you might not want to read this review, as there will be spoilers. My final assessment, though, is that it was an awesome movie... but probably not for anybody under 5 (intensity). Caleb, who is 5, will not be seeing it for a couple of years, and it would have been way too much for Ian.
Well... anyway... we arrived early and bought our tickets and popcorn (gosh, popcorn is expensive stuff). We chose good seats that were far enough away from the teenage population that we greeted politely but did not want to sit with. Ah... the joys of small town life! I love those kids, but this was my time out with Seth!
We sat through what seemed like hours of previews (OK... it was probably 20 minutes) and then the movie began... well... almost. The Pixar short actually began. I thought it was funny, but some people might be offended, because the clouds were creating babies, and I guess that might make them a little bit like God.
I was not prepared for the emotional impact of this movie. For crying out loud (and I did) it was a cartoon. Any adult who has been close to a parent or grandparent whom they have watched lose a spouse and go through the grieving process will undoubtedly shed tears multiple times. However, this theme was so tactfully handled that I'm not sure that Seth really understood it even at his age. It was definitely geared for adult comprehension.
If there was anything corny about "Up", it was the talking dogs. I love Disney, but the talking dogs have been done to death. I'm not sure how the plot could have developed as it did without them, and in the end I was good with it, but in the first talking dog scene I thought to myself that the whole film was going to go South. (I realize that I should have been prepared for the talking dogs, but here's the thing... we don't get any television channels, so I never saw any of the previews). In fact, "Up" did not go South but developed plot lines that I never saw coming.
It is rare to find yourself cheering on an old man who is moving his house across the continent powered by helium balloons... But if you see "Up", you will. I have to admit that I was terribly disappointed when the house fell to, what we assume is, it's demise. But even this is "redeemed" at the end of the film when the camera pans to Paradise Falls and there sits the little house (which really represents all of Ellie's hopes and dreams from the beginning), unscathed, and seemingly unbeknown to Carl who steers the Spirit of Adventure home. But I think he must surely know that "she" is safe...
I have great hope that Disney is moving toward it's next great era. In my opinion, the last great era was 1989-1996 (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame). I realize that most people feel as if Hunchback killed the momentum. However, it is here that I will admit that The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disney film of all time. And I also think it has to be noted that Disney has always gone in streaks of great movie eras and not so great spans. But with "Bolt", (which I also loved) "Up", the upcoming "The Princess and the Frog" (which I am just praying will be a squeaky clean entertainment option with a decent plot) and the rumored "Toy Story 3" and "Rapunzel", I hope we've hit the next great run!
From a kid's point of view, Seth loved "Up", as well. He probably didn't really understand why Mommy was sniffling through the smiles, but Russell the Wilderness Scout pretty much represents every little boy's dream to conquer the great outdoors (among other things), and Kevin the Mama bird... well, we all want Kevin to make it home!
Can't wait until it hits DVD. This one is a keeper...
Lisa
At any rate, I had been wanting to find a movie to take him to, because I took Grace to see "Kit Kittridge" and Caleb to see "Horton Hears a Who", but nothing had come out in recent months that I thought Seth would enjoy (except Earth which never came to our theater and only stayed in neighboring theaters for one week... we missed it).
"Up" looked rather intriguing to me, and after reading the review at plugged in, I felt that it would be worthwhile. I only read the review for possible negative content as not to spoil the movie for myself. If you haven't seen "Up" yet, you might not want to read this review, as there will be spoilers. My final assessment, though, is that it was an awesome movie... but probably not for anybody under 5 (intensity). Caleb, who is 5, will not be seeing it for a couple of years, and it would have been way too much for Ian.
Well... anyway... we arrived early and bought our tickets and popcorn (gosh, popcorn is expensive stuff). We chose good seats that were far enough away from the teenage population that we greeted politely but did not want to sit with. Ah... the joys of small town life! I love those kids, but this was my time out with Seth!
We sat through what seemed like hours of previews (OK... it was probably 20 minutes) and then the movie began... well... almost. The Pixar short actually began. I thought it was funny, but some people might be offended, because the clouds were creating babies, and I guess that might make them a little bit like God.
I was not prepared for the emotional impact of this movie. For crying out loud (and I did) it was a cartoon. Any adult who has been close to a parent or grandparent whom they have watched lose a spouse and go through the grieving process will undoubtedly shed tears multiple times. However, this theme was so tactfully handled that I'm not sure that Seth really understood it even at his age. It was definitely geared for adult comprehension.
If there was anything corny about "Up", it was the talking dogs. I love Disney, but the talking dogs have been done to death. I'm not sure how the plot could have developed as it did without them, and in the end I was good with it, but in the first talking dog scene I thought to myself that the whole film was going to go South. (I realize that I should have been prepared for the talking dogs, but here's the thing... we don't get any television channels, so I never saw any of the previews). In fact, "Up" did not go South but developed plot lines that I never saw coming.
It is rare to find yourself cheering on an old man who is moving his house across the continent powered by helium balloons... But if you see "Up", you will. I have to admit that I was terribly disappointed when the house fell to, what we assume is, it's demise. But even this is "redeemed" at the end of the film when the camera pans to Paradise Falls and there sits the little house (which really represents all of Ellie's hopes and dreams from the beginning), unscathed, and seemingly unbeknown to Carl who steers the Spirit of Adventure home. But I think he must surely know that "she" is safe...
I have great hope that Disney is moving toward it's next great era. In my opinion, the last great era was 1989-1996 (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame). I realize that most people feel as if Hunchback killed the momentum. However, it is here that I will admit that The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disney film of all time. And I also think it has to be noted that Disney has always gone in streaks of great movie eras and not so great spans. But with "Bolt", (which I also loved) "Up", the upcoming "The Princess and the Frog" (which I am just praying will be a squeaky clean entertainment option with a decent plot) and the rumored "Toy Story 3" and "Rapunzel", I hope we've hit the next great run!
From a kid's point of view, Seth loved "Up", as well. He probably didn't really understand why Mommy was sniffling through the smiles, but Russell the Wilderness Scout pretty much represents every little boy's dream to conquer the great outdoors (among other things), and Kevin the Mama bird... well, we all want Kevin to make it home!
Can't wait until it hits DVD. This one is a keeper...
Lisa
Oh, So Random...
... Well, so much for my relaxing summer, so far! We kicked it off with homeschool camp, which was a real adventure. I don't even really know what to say. I certainly didn't expect to walk right into co-ed dorms, and it went downhill from there (at least to an extent)!
The kids had fun and made friends, so it's all good... except they will probably never see their new friends again, because it's not like this is an organization that does things together on a regular basis. I never, ever thought I'd say this about a camp experience, but recreation time was definitely my favorite... Please see video:
Softball season is in full swing... except for those of us who prefer to stand at the plate and hope for balls... Our first double header was a near disaster, redeemed only by the fact that we are doing this for fun! Our next game was better, although we still lost, but at least we were finished in time to get ice cream!
The kids are participating in the public library summer reading program and hoping to earn lots of free kids meals and ice cream! Add that to eating breakfast on the deck and picnics in the park, and they are happy! Now... if we could just get the swingset up and figure out how to make the pool fit...
Grace had her piano awards ceremony and recital. I don't have the video on my camera, and I don't think Phil has captured it yet, but I'll try to remember to put it up when he does. She hit one pretty terrible note, but she kept playing, so it was alright in the end. I am so proud of her... little miss perfection...
Our new "pets" Einey, Meenie, Miney, and Mama Lilly Groundhog are still boycotting the live trap that will lead them to a life of freedom at the resevoir with Papa Bear and Moe... It would be really convenient if they would catch on soon, because I'd like to fill in their home under the garage and pave a nice tricycle riding area in the back...
Grace and I have the coundown goin' on for Orlando! 13 more days to go!
And I guess that about covers it for the first two weeks of vacation!
Lisa
The kids had fun and made friends, so it's all good... except they will probably never see their new friends again, because it's not like this is an organization that does things together on a regular basis. I never, ever thought I'd say this about a camp experience, but recreation time was definitely my favorite... Please see video:
Softball season is in full swing... except for those of us who prefer to stand at the plate and hope for balls... Our first double header was a near disaster, redeemed only by the fact that we are doing this for fun! Our next game was better, although we still lost, but at least we were finished in time to get ice cream!
The kids are participating in the public library summer reading program and hoping to earn lots of free kids meals and ice cream! Add that to eating breakfast on the deck and picnics in the park, and they are happy! Now... if we could just get the swingset up and figure out how to make the pool fit...
Grace had her piano awards ceremony and recital. I don't have the video on my camera, and I don't think Phil has captured it yet, but I'll try to remember to put it up when he does. She hit one pretty terrible note, but she kept playing, so it was alright in the end. I am so proud of her... little miss perfection...
Our new "pets" Einey, Meenie, Miney, and Mama Lilly Groundhog are still boycotting the live trap that will lead them to a life of freedom at the resevoir with Papa Bear and Moe... It would be really convenient if they would catch on soon, because I'd like to fill in their home under the garage and pave a nice tricycle riding area in the back...
Grace and I have the coundown goin' on for Orlando! 13 more days to go!
And I guess that about covers it for the first two weeks of vacation!
Lisa
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