And the Day Has Been Saved Once Again, by Super-Rod and Spider-David!!!!

Happy Halloween everyone! Today the boys had the traditional Halloween parade at school, fallowed by a party. Rodney was Superman and David was Spider-man. The teachers at the school were all great and seemed to really get in to the sprit of the day. The 1st grade teachers and one of the room parents went as the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. The kindergarten teachers and one of the resource room teachers went as Cat in the Hat, and Thing one, and Thing two. Both boys really loved the day. They both could barley contain themselves, much to our dismay. And now for days of two little boys bouncing of the walls from sugar

A trip to the IKEA store

Today we took a trip to the IKEA store in Canton Michigan. Let me tell you it is quite a store. They have a cafeteria with cheep but good food. The store opens at 10 am but the cafeteria opens at 9 am. They serve a good size breakfast for only $.99. So we got there at 9:30 for breakfast, and then went to the children’s section for a few minutes with the boys. We then took the boy to the play area; witch is supervised, for 45 minutes wile we shopped. We saw many things we wonted and more. The great thing was that you don’t have to drop of your kids at the play area, there playhouses through out the store for the kids. With so many good deals it was hard walking out of there with out a lot of new things, but we were good and only bought two new throw rugs.

If any one wants to or is going to there soon, I would be more than happy to go with you! Amber? Mom?

A Room Full of Dalieges, Friends and Family

This past Friday and Saturday I was with my parents and bothers in Milwaukee. We were there for the memorial services for my grandmother (my dad’s mother). Even though it was for a sad occasion, I did get to see much of my family that I had not seen in years. I saw my cousins Dawn and Dan, and some of my dad’s cousins. There were also some long time family friends who are very much a part of our family.

The night before the services we whet out with my cousins from my mother’s side. It was me and both of my bothers who went to watch them play kickball and the go to the bar for some beers. The next day after the services in the morning we all went out for lunch at what was my grandmother’s favorite restaurant, Mamma Mia’s. I still feel they have the best pizza and garlic bread I have ever had. After the meal and much conversation, Rob and I drove home for Michigan. It was a nice quick trip.

Momma we were on TV!!!

This morning before I took off for Milwaukee, my bother Rob and I took the boy’s to school. On this morning the news chopper form Fox 2 in Detroit made an appearance at the school. Both Rodney and David really wonted to go and see it land on the playground. Then they broadcasted live from the baseball diamond, and the boy’s were on TV. Sadly we missed seeing it on TV due to the fact I was on the road and Amy was working. However the boys were very exited to be on TV.

In Memory of a Simple and Good life

Today my Grandmother, Florence Daliege died. She was almost 92 years old, and had Alzheimer’s for more than 15 years.

There were many things I could always look forward to when my brothers and I would go and visit her as a child. Besides the peace and quiet of the property and the house, Grandma was always doting over us. She called you sweetie or sweet heart, and she was one of the few people who could called me Kenny. My brother and I loved to play a card game called Kings in the Corner with her. It is a game that is played with money and she supplied the pennies. So the game became all about either getting more of her pennies or keeping what she gave you, and she did not seem to mind loosing the money. Her house was also well stocked with lots of construction paper and art supplies for us. I made all kinds of things for her and she loved to help. Of course any time her favorite show, “the Price is Right” was on, we would sit and watch it with her. Going to my grandmothers was always relaxing and peaceful. And that was how she liked it.

My grandmother may not have had much education, she was not rich she was not famous, she was however a great soul. She led a simple life unfettered with the problems of the rest of world. She was always humming a little tune and she was always happy. She could always laugh at herself and it was wonderful to hear her laugh. We could learn much from her simple and happy life. I know how to laugh at my self, and enjoy the simple things in life, thanks to her. She will be missed and she earned her wings long ago.

We’ve Been Busy and David’s Kindergarten Field Trip

Well it has been a wile since I posted to our blog. The boys have been in school for a month now and it has been very busy one. Rodney is in 1st and David is in Kindergarten, and both are gone form the house much of the week. However you would think I would be less busy and have more time on my hands. Not so. My business has really taken of and I have done lots of work this month. Also I have been volunteering at the boys school as a mater of fact I am the coordinator for all of the volunteering. Some ware in there I lost 10 lbs. We also are down to one car and I drive Amy to work and drop off the boys every day, and then pick them all up later in the day. We find it to be a nice arrangement and get to spent time together as a family in the morning.

So today, after I had a meeting in the morning with all of the volunteers, I went with David on his field trip, with all the Salem Elementary kindergarteners, to the Orchard in Plymouth Michigan. First we had lunch then were off to the petting farm. Then we explored a pumpkin patch and climbed all over them. Next there was a sort presentation on how an apple grows before we went on a wagon ride to go pick apples. Finally we finished the day off with apple cider and donuts

For more photos go Here

Long time ago in a galaxy far far away…

You can most definitely say that Star Wars has been a very big part of my life. In honor of the 30th anniversary and the release of the original trilogy of Star Wars on DVD, I thought I’d give a little history of how these movies have had an effect on me.

When Star Wars (A New Hope) came on in 1977 I was 6 years old. I remember playing it on the play ground in school and having all the toys (witch I no longer have and wish I did because of how much they are worth now.) I saw the second film, The Empire Strikes Back, in 1980 and I was 9. My mother took me to see the film but I did not remember the first movie having been 6 at the time. So she and I went to a special showing of both films at the same time at the Flint Cinema. We then saw Return of the Jedi in 1983, when I was 12. We went with my Family from Milwaukee and my best friend and fellow Jedi Chris.

In 1997 George Lucas re-released these films as Special additions with new footage, for the 20th anniversary of the 1st film. The films were released 3 months a part for a 6 month period. At this point I was in collage and the movies were still very much a part of who I was. Me and fellow Jedi Chris (Obi-Reed) went with a few of our collage buddies we waited many hours to see each film. The movies took on a hole new meaning for us.

In 1999 I was about to get married and George Lucas began to release the prequels. Amy and I saw The Phantom Menace together a cemented our relation ship for life. We ended up seeing the episode 1 a grand total of 7 times some of those were with Jedi Chris. By this time I had started to add collect new Star Wars toys, and other Star Wars memorabilia

The next film, Attack of the Clones (2002), I was less enthusiastic about it once I had seen it. But once the next film, Revenge of the Sith (2005), I was a father and both of my boys had seen the other films on DVD. I just could not image them not seeing the last of the Star Wars Movies in to go to the theater. It was quite an experience for us all.

I now have all of the movies on DVD, in both versions. I have Quite a collection of toys, Books, games and models. Today I even went to Best Buy to perches the 30th anniversary original trilogy special collectors tin that was only available at Best Buy, and limited to 20 per store.

But Star Wars also has a spiritual aspect for me.

George Lucas was the first Hollywood filmmaker to openly credit Campbell's influence. Star Wars was based upon ideas found in The Hero With a Thousand Faces and other works of Campbell. Indeed, the 1988 documentary The Power of Myth, was filmed at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch. During these interviews with Bill Moyers, Campbell discusses the way in which Lucas used The Hero's Journey in the Star Wars films (IV, V, and VI) to re-invent the mythology for contemporary times. Moyers and Lucas filmed an interview 12 years later in 1999 called the Mythology of Star Wars with George Lucas & Bill Moyers, to further discuss the impact of Campbell's work on Lucas' films.

The Force is one of the most recognizable elements of the Star Wars mythos. It is described by Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars film as, "An energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together."

Those who can use the Force, such as the Jedi, can perform feats of telepathy, psycho kinesis, prescience, clairvoyance, and mental control. Two aspects of the Force are emphasized: the light side and the dark side. The light side of the Force is the facet aligned with good, benevolence, and healing. The dark side of the Force is aligned with fear, hatred, aggression, and malevolence; this side of the Force seems more powerful, especially to those who use it, because it is driven by rage and hatred — its effects are more direct and easier and faster to achieve. In reality, neither the light nor the dark side of the Force is stronger than the other, each possessing its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the dark side conveys an inherent disadvantage to its users, which is arrogance and overconfidence in their own abilities. However, this aggression allows its acolytes to become more formidable warriors — illustrated when Luke is able to finally overcome his father in battle because of his anger at the thought of his sister turning to the dark side. On the other hand, Jedi can occasionally become crippled by their compassion and act "soft." This is balanced by an ability to remain calm even in extreme circumstances.

The Cider Mill

It’s almost fall and the cider mill is now open. On Sunday September 10, 2006 we took the boys to Erwin’s Cider Mill and U-pick. Besides having great cider and fresh hot donuts, there are plenty of things for the kids to do. There is a tricycle bike path, hay bales for climbing, a petting farm, and a moon walk. Rodney and David always look forward to going there every year, and always asked about it every time we drive by.

The 1st Day of School

Today was Rodney and David’s 1st day of school. Rodney is in the first grade and he has a male teacher for the 1st time. His name is Mr. Todd. David started kindergarten this year and his teacher is new to the school district and her name is Miss Mitchell. David only had a short visit with us to look around the school. Rodney only had a half day. Once the boys got home we took the out to celebrate the 1st day of school at McDonalds.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Saturday September 2, we took the boys to the Michigan Renaissance Festival. It has been a tradition for Amy and I for years to go, and the boys have become part of the for the past 4. The Festival is best known for it’s full-contact armored jousting tournaments. The boys always love the joust. We also enjoy the rides as well. This year the boys decided to go on the bungee jump ride. David was very enthusiastic about it were Rodney was not so much so. David got him self a new wooden sword and Rodney got a wooden fire truck, as their souvenir. We ended the day with a performance at one of the many stages. We all had a very good day.