July 2011

  • Disappointed in the Catholic Church Leadership

    July 25, 2011 - 15:43
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal
    Religion

    I saw an article in the news this morning that discussed how the Vatican had recalled it's ambassador to Ireland recently after it had received criticism of it's handling of sexual abuse claims in Ireland. This is very disappointing. I know that the majority of the Clergy of the Catholic Church are dedicated and faithful to their vows. This kind of behavior by the leadership of the Church does not help with the problems that have been plaguing the Church for years. They have to get over this perception of protecting the reputation of the Church and worry about protecting the people and helping victims. The victims of abuse have to be more important than any reputation.

    Part of the article discusses a confidential letter written to the Irish Bishops from a representative of the Vatican. In that letter they discuss how they are concerned that the policy of mandatory reporting of abuse allegations to authorities may conflict with Canon Law. I am sorry but I have to disagree with the person that wrote that letter. When a member of the Clergy abuses someone they are committing a criminal act and they should be treated as such. The church can deal with them after they get out of jail if they ever do.

  • AYOP Recap

    July 21, 2011 - 16:42
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal

    Well we got home from AYOP today and it was good to get home. The individual events for the girls were not as important as their Flag Corps team event so the last couple of days was not quite as exciting or stressful as Tuesday was. They are still disappointed with the outcome and that they are not going to the World competition but they are dealing with it okay. The team did a great job and they have nothing to be ashamed of.

    One of the things I really like about our Corps is how everyone gets along together. All of the kids had a great time preparing for the competition and had a lot of fun being together for this week. It's a little different for them to be together for all that time and not going home from practice at night. I also appreciate how the families get along as well. I really appreciate all the help that I got from the Corps Moms and older girls in getting my daughters ready for competition since my wife could not make the trip. You are all awesome. Now it's time to wind down and start planning for next year. We will be back.

  • AYOP Day 1 and 2

    July 19, 2011 - 22:24
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal

    The first two days of AYOP are done and I am exahusted.  Monday saw us at Notre Dame at 8:00 for the start of the dance/twirl team competition.  My daughters were in two of the three events that our corps had entered.  The girls on the teams did a really nice job but came up a little bit short and did not place.  The competition is stiff here and they placed 11th out of 30 in one event and 15th out of 30 in their other.  After they were done competing we headed over to our practice facility to finish preparing for the Flag Corp and Half Time show events for Tuesday.  I would like to thank New Creation Fellowship for allowing our team to practice in their gym.  The kids were able to practice out of the sun and heat and we had excellent practice.  After practice it was time for the team to exchange good lucks before heading to bed early since Tuesday was a big day.

    We were up at 5:00 this morning to get everything ready to be at Notre Dame by 7:00 to prepare for the Beatles Flag Corps routine.  The kids worked so hard on this routine.  The performance went very well and it was torture having to wait for results all day.  We were actually speachless when they announced the results and we came in second and would not quaify to travel as part of Team USA next spring.  I felt so bad for all the kids.  They had spent so many hours in preparing and went and had a good show.  I don't understand how we did not win.  I don't understand how five of six judges can score had our team either ahead or within a half point and then once judge scores our team as down by 3.5 points.  We ended up losing by a mere 6/10 of a point.  I would like to thank the Modernettes for helping our Corps make some noise during the competition.  We are a small group and don't have as many bodies along to support our group.  It was a pleasure returning the favor and watching you compete.

  • Ready for AYOP

    July 17, 2011 - 21:36
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal

    It was a long hot day and the kids worked their butts off this afternoon. Competition starts tomorrow for the twirl teams. The big day for the Corp is Tuesday. That is the day the Senior group will perform their Beatles routine and we will see if all of the time they have invested will pay off. i really hope it does. I have been watching them perfect the routine and I could not be more impressed with the group and how they really work as a team. I am amazed at the progress my daughters have made since they started this routine. The kids are having a blast and it's great that they all get along so well. Will have to post some results tomorrow.

    In case you are wondering, AYOP stands for America's Youth on Parade and it is a national baton and flag corps competition. This is a huge year since it is a world qualifying year and the top groups will compete in Switzerland next April.

  • Parade Candy

    July 16, 2011 - 21:25
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal

    I am getting to the point that I agree with some of the parades that do not allow groups to throw candy during the parade. I know that kids like to get candy at parades but it's gotten to the point at some of the local parades that it's ridiculous. Kids and their parents both run into the middle of the street for a piece of candy acting like they have never had any before. The kids walk out to the parade participants demanding candy. Some marching units can barely get through the parade route because the kids are so far into the street chasing candy. Don't the parents teach their kids any manners?

  • Back to Lifest

    July 9, 2011 - 15:13
    Blog Categories: 
    Personal
    Music
    Religion

    After missing last year for the first time in 5 years, it was great to get back to Lifest today even if it was just for part of the night. Lifest is a Christian Music festival held every summer in Oshkosh, WI that is a very positive environment. It is 5 days of music, fellowship, and praise. It's the kind of place where you can go and put your chairs out at the grandstand early in the day and come back hours later and they are still there and noe has messed with them because people respect each other and have common values. The music varies from praise to hip hop to heavy metal but they all have one theme in common. They all have some message about faith in our savior Jesus Chris. It's a place that I love to take my daughters because it is a positive influence on their lives and we can all do with more of that. I already bought my tickets for next year and even if it is for just one day again, we will be back.

    The attached picture is Sunset over the Lifest grounds. How beautiful is that?


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