Why I loved the Coldplay concert

I know some of you have heard that a few of us went to the Coldplay concert this past friday night and I wanted to give you a run down of why it rocked.

1. The Music: You don't realize it till you are there but Coldplay has so many great songs. The songs they played Friday night not only sounded amazing, but they were creative and mixed up the arrangements so it wasn't like just listening to the CD. I get really bored by bands who play live and do NOTHING different than what I've heard already. U2 is the absolute best at this but I would say Coldplay is a close second.

2. Showmanship: They are great performers. You can tell they love their music so much and really really appreciate being able to share it with the world. Chris Martin was so much fun to watch and really electric with his personality. It made me excited each time he talked and shared cause it was just so great. You just wanted him to keep talking.

3. The "Real" factor: Even though they were putting on a great show, you felt like they weren't pretending or just putting on a show - and they just weren't totally into themselves. They made lots of jokes or even messed up and laughed it off. I just really loved the authentic aspect of the show. For instance, Chris Martin had just started playing a really beautiful song on the piano and he stops right in the middle of the intro and says, "Shoot, I forgot to say this earlier. I'm really sorry we had to change the concert date, we know that was a big pain for you all. It was my fault really, the label told us we all needed to get nose jobs and we booked the surgery on the concert date! I really messed this one up." And then proceeded to go back into the song.

4. The "Close" factor: We had lower level tickets but they were toward the back of the stadium. We had a great view but not that close up view you'd die for. Well, towards the end of their first set, they ran to the back of the stadium up showed up 10 ft away from us. We could see their sweat! They played "the scientist" and another song while standing in the tunnel opening right next to us. How awesome that a band would play a song in the back of the stadium just so they could make their fans happy? And how awesome was it that they chose OUR section to sing?! They were so close!

5. The Presentation: Yeah, they had great special effects from lasers, to huge video screens, to enormous sheets of art that would drop for the background for different songs, to huge globes that projected video images. It was a eye pleaser.

6. The babes: One would think that I was talking about Rebekah and Jenna who were sitting next to me but no. It was the drunk ladies across from me that really seemed to be interested in me. It all started off with them asking me to take their pictures then progressed into them yelling, "you're awesome cause you're singing (even though almost everyone in the crowd was singing) the song" and then proceeded to demand a high five. I gave it. Finally they were asked to leave their section by the security person. Yeah they were pretty into me and I think Rebekah was a bit jealous.

7. The company: We had a great time driving up the five of us: Joe, Mindy, Jenna, Rebekah and I. It was a great group to see a concert with and we all were really pumped up afterwards. We ate at Panera Bread before the concert and Joe was predicting that dinner would be his highlight of the evening but even old grumpy pants thought the concert was pretty amazing.

So all in all it was totally worth the absurd price to go!

The David Play

We just finished day 2 of drama camp and so far it's going really well.  I am really excited about the performance we'll do at the end of camp and the kids are really pumped as well.  One of my favorite things about the show is that my sweet, gentle, kind niece Lyric Latshaw is playing GOLIATH, the murdering giant!  And she is doing great with it!  She yells.  She rants.  She even bellows.  Poor girl, her voice is starting to hurt!  But she's hilarious.  This little girl playing this evil giant.  Priceless.

Oh and my kids are very cute and I don't want to brag about them but they are going to be phenomenal as usual.  They were created for the stage.

The Pool

We had a small pop-up pool in our backyard last summer.  It was great fun for the kids but it was a ton of work for me.  The biggest challenge is keeping the water clear - all kinds of algae are always trying to creep in and it can be real disheartening when the pool turns green and the sides get real slimy - which happened a couple times last year. 

I managed to keep from getting a pool up in our backyard for the first month of summer and I was thinking that I might have waited long enough to not have to do it at all this whole summer.  But then my kid's started asking me, and even Rebekah joined in.  So we went out and bought a larger pool!  At least it was on sale.  

We've filled it up and guess what?  It's really a blast - the kids love it and they love playing with friends in there.

When we first put it up Rebekah took Judah aside and showed him the pool and very seriously said, "If you ever go into the pool without us, you will die.  I know a little boy who went into a pool and died cause no parents were watching him."  His eyes got real big as he was taking it all in - the boy can understand so much of what you say.

Later, while Bec was out, I took him into the pool.  He was having a great time and he could actually touch which was really nice for him.  He has this pink round raft ring that he puts his arms over it and floats around.  He thinks he's hot stuff.

When Bec got home, she came out and Judah perked up to see her.  With a huge grin he yells, "See Mommy, I no die!  I in pool and I no die!"  He was very happy to have survived the pool and to prove his Mom wrong.

Let's just hope the pool stays clean!

Random Things

Ok, so here are a few things that are going on in my life...

1. Next week I am leading a two week kid's drama camp that will end with a performance. We'll be learning the "David" play that Jase wrote years ago. I recently read over it and it's hilarious and moving. Let's hope the kids can pull it off! I am preparing to be strong with any and all kids that want to act out. Let's hope I don't have to go there but I've learned from Jase that when directing kids, you need to lead with an iron fist. You all can pray for me - this is quite ambitious AND I'm on my own!

2. My knee: When you have a life changing injury, I find that people love to ask how it's doing. Sometimes it's kind of hard to answer so I thought I give you all an update. Each day I wake the first thing I notice is how stiff and swollen my knee is...and there's always pain. My knee is always hot to the touch, but way more when I've worked it out. I am slowly trying to get back into basketball playing shape and get my confidence back. It is so frustrating to know what I was able to do and not really be able to do that now. Hopefully that won't always be the case. I am able to run short distances before the pain in the knee gets too much but basketball is good cause you don't need to run constantly. I feel the most pressure when I try to cut but even that is getting stronger.

Here's the bottom line: I don't think my knee will ever return to what it was before the two surgeries. It will always be misshapen and swollen and cause me daily pain BUT it's something I can endure to be able to do the things I love like actively playing with my kids and basketball and stuff like that. I pretty much should ice it everyday but don't all the time. I am swimming alot with the kids and that is really pushing my knee but it's non-impact so I think that's good for it. It's sad that in one instant something can be forever altered but really, so much worse has happened to so many people that I can't help but be thankful for all that I can do and all that I have.

3. We went to Christine Robinson's surprise 30th b-day party last night. Lots of friends there and lots of fun. It's crazy that we're all turning 30 and makes me realize that one day my little girls will turn 30! Yikes.

4. Going to see The Dark Knight opening night with friends...it should be a blast!

5. It's been awesome seeing my brother back for a month from CA. Even though so much has happened to him this past year in LA, it's great to see that he still is the same old great person. I love that guy!

6. I was up to 2:30 last night designing something for WAWA. Then I went up to bed and saw that Judah had come in. So I made a bed of blankets on the floor, grabbed Judah and slept together on the ground. I know you're supposed to want your kid to sleep through the night in his own bed but I just love snuggling up to my kids while sleeping. Bec is a really light sleeper so she has a hard time sleeping when kids are in bed but it doesn't bother me. One thing cute about Jude is that he rubs his feet together while he sleeps JUST LIKE ME. Gotta love that little guy!

Worried about the 3 E's

I don't like to worry.  I really hate it actually.  I get this knot in my stomach and it kind of feels like I'm hungry but not really.  You know what I'm talking about.  Well anyway(s) - I added the "s" just for jess and jase to enjoy - recently I've been concerned and worried about three things that are intertwined and all start with E:  Economy, Environment, and the Election.  These three things have never really held my interest.  I really don't know why but I've never been one for politics, or big investments, or even saving the green earth.  Until know.  For some reason these topics have become very interesting to me.

Here's why I'm worried:

1.  Economy:  Has there been any good news in the past year about the economy?  I mean, really, it sounds like the US is heading straight into the "greater depression" and we'll all be working for the Oil-Rich nations in a few months.  About a month ago I read a blog about the high gas prices and every comment was just FREAKING out about how they can't afford the high gas prices, they can only drive  to town once a month, and that life as we know it is gone and done with.  Something that night gripped my heart:  Fear.  So I've been reading and trying to get informed and get a read on what is really going on with the economy and is this really bad news for the average dude like me.  

Still trying to figure it out.  Also, this whole idea of a new war with Iran, the war in Iraq, and the war in Afghanistan is really too much.  I just wish we'd get some peace already!

2.  Environment:  Climate Change (formerly known as global warming) is really a big issue.  It saddens me that humans have created this problem and destroyed so much of this beautiful earth in such a short time.  I read a TIME magazine back in April about how bio-fuels are actually more harmful to the earth than regular fossil fuels.  This means the ethanol and all the corn we are growing to produce gas is actually doing more harm for the environment than if we just keep pumping oil.  Plus, no one had the idea that if we used FOOD to produce gas, then there would be LESS FOOD for the poor people/countries that need it!  So "going green" with bio-fuels has actually cause two horrible things - we've hurt our environment more and we are causing a world food shortage where only the rich get food.  This is catastrophic.  If we do not change our earth destroying ways, then we'll force Jesus to return before there is no earth to return to.  I don't think this makes God too happy.

3.  Election:  Obama v. McCain.  So much is said.  I've read so much.  Still, I do not know who to vote for or even what they would do for the US.  In some ways the US seems so over-bloated and broken that I wonder if a good president could even change the direction of this nation.  My hope is that the best man wins, and that we'd see inspirational and truly great leadership in Washington.  We all know this world needs it.

I just am worried about the three E's.  Still, I find solace in the fact that God is over it all, and He really is "almighty God" and the machinations of the world do not rock him or cause Him panic or worry.     

making a movie

We all know that my brother Jason is off in LA writing scripts for movies and having a grand time.  But little does he know that we are producing a movie right here in Elkton.  Last night Lyric slept over and we filmed 3 or 4 scenes for an epic movie with the working title, "the mysterious sleep-over."  I was the camera crew and really gave no direction so this will be a work they create all their own.  

My favorite part of the movie is that every time they messed up or something happened that made them crack up, they always said ,"bloopers!"  I think the blooper reel is going to be longer than the actual movie.  After 1 and half hours of shooting, we had about 10 minutes of real footage.  Next sleep-over they plan on finishing the movie.  I think it's the summer's most anticipated release, at least here in the Latshaw household.

What I love about my kids and their cousin Lyric is the thirst to create and use their imagination.  I hope that never ends.  Oh yeah, and they are asking for all kinds of special effects and CGI and I keep on telling them ,"maybe guys."  We'll see what kind of magic I can produce in imovie :)

  

Stop Complaining

Rob gave a great teaching on Sunday about a complaining attitude. To end, he gave away all these purple rubber bracelets that we're supposed to wear to remind us to not complain. If we complain we're supposed to switch the bracelet to the other arm. The challenge is to go 21 days without one complaint. I lasted 5 minutes and then complained about the girly purple color that Rob was forcing upon. I think my exact words were, "Couldn't they have used a more gender neutral color - even a darker purple for goodness' sake!"



I then complained later on in the day cause Selah asked for a glass of water when I had just sat down after getting Charis a glass of water. I didn't say anything but just gave a long sigh.

Monday was complaint free!

Tuesday came and I was crusing along and then I had to play Mario Kart at 10pm! I was in first for most of the race but then I got hit by a shell and then run over by pretty much everyone else racing and rumbled to the finish line in a glorious 10th place. I exclaimed, "I hate when you get hit and then they all just run over you! It's not fair!" Uh-oh. Time to switch the bracelet and back to 21 days to go.

Tuesday was pretty good until Bec told me about something that annoyed me. I slipped out a complaint. Not a big one, mind you. But enough to warrant switching to my right arm.

Wednesday was complaint free! Today, so far, so good!

So only 20 days left. I am really making progress here :-)

How is everyone else doing in "complaint free living?"

PS My dear sister Jenna didn't get a bracelet cause she was teaching class but she said if she did have one, it would probably burn off from all the complaining she does...she is famous for her complaints but she really does has a sweet heart!

Eyes Stuck Shut

Judah woke up 5 or 6 times last night unable to open his eyes due to pink eye.  It was really scary for him and he hated getting his eyes washed so that he could open them again.  Poor little guy!

The Real Me Part II

I know, I know, you've all been waiting for this and it's time to deliver.  I left you on a cliffhanger so here is the rest of me.

I am a reader:  I read everyday, even on those days that I wake up at 7:00am and go to bed at 3:00am, I still HAVE to read before I go to bed.  My love for reading was passed down through my Mom, who read to me and my sister often.  When I was home-schooled I basically just read all day long.  I just can't understand people who don't like to read - it unlocks amazing worlds of imagination, new thoughts, and characters I would never have known.

I love music:  When you look at my itunes library, you would not be impressed.  Only 3000+ songs and a lot of them are hannah montana and dixie chicks for the girls (and backyardigans or Mickey Mouse for Judah).  I admit I am not a diverse listener of music - I really just don't have time to listen to 1,000s of bands like my brothers do.  But the music I do like, I listen to all the time.  I love Coldplay right now and that's all I listen to.  I am weird in the fact that I can listen to the same album or song over and over and not get tired with it.  Maybe that's cause most of the time I am listening to the songs while doing graphic design work but sometimes I look at my "songs most played" list on Itunes and there are certain songs and albums that I've listened to 100s of times!  I am weird, I know.

I love drama:  I love to act, I love to direct, and I love to watch good drama.  Bec and I just got a chance to watch the Delaware All-State Theater Company perform the Student Edition of Les Mis and really, it was fantastic.  I have watched that show on Broadway and couldn't believe how great these students did performing this incredible musical.  So much fun.  My kids love drama too and it's really fun to direct them and see them grow in the gift.  They've been created for the stage!

I hate selfishness:  It really disgusts me to see selfishness in action.  I see it in myself and it's something I want to fully get rid of.  I see it in others and it's really hard to be around people who are self-centered and care only about themselves and their lives.  

I care about the environment:  Didn't used to.  Now I do.

I care about politics:  Didn't used to but I do now cause that effects the environment.

I like humor:  I am surrounded by very humorous people.  My siblings are hilarious.  My wife is really funny.  My kids crack me up.  I think I'm a bit funny myself.  If you can make me laugh without making fun in a mean way, then you've earned my respect.  Good job.

Well that's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure there is more to me that these few things. How about you guys?  What defines you - who are you?

 

The Real Me

One of life's greatest challenges is to be the same person no matter what situation or context you find yourself in.  Being genuine and true is something I really care about - if you see me at church or home or with a group of friends, you'll see me being me.  Granted there are times that I fall short of this lofty goal but that only makes me want to succeed more in this area. 

Something I realized is that before you can be genuine in all of your life, you really need to know who you are.  If you know who you are and what you care about, you can always compare actions you are taking in the moment with who you are and see if they line up.  So, to start my first post off with a big bang, I thought I would give you all (meaning Jason and Jessica, since they will be the only ones who read this or at least post lol) a glimpse of who I am:

- I am a husband: Rebekah and I will celebrate 11 years of marriage this coming September.

- I am a father: I have 4 incredible children: Charis (9), Selah (7), Cosette (5), and Judah (2).  They have taught me so much about myself, life, and wonder.  A lot of my life is lived with my thoughts on them.  

- I am a minister:  Even if I wasn't working at a church, I would consider myself a minster.  I believe that all followers of Christ are minsters and carry the immense joy of being agents of love and hope in this world.  Right now, I currently work at Vineyard Christian Fellowship at the barn as a worship leader, children's pastor, and various other random jobs.  It's a job that is very rewarding and has lots of challenges.

  

- I am a brother: My family is very important to me and even though half my siblings are across the country right now, each one is special in my heart.  I think it's really cool to have adult sisters and brothers who you are friends with and want to spend time with.  I know there are a lot of adult siblings who want nothing to do with each other so I consider myself blessed. Oh and it's really cool for my kid's to have cousins that they love.  I never had that growing up.

- I am a son: Both my parents are pastors at VCF too so I have to balance co-worker and son everyday.  It's a special challenge to work with your parents when you're an adult but it's been a real blessing to have both of them as examples for my ministry and life.  I'm pretty sure we've fought more in our adult life than any other of my siblings but that also creates a special closeness you just don't get if you don't fight!  One thing I can say is that I would not be a minster without their influence and they challenge me in my faith on a regular basis.

- I am optimistic: Really, I like to think positive about most things.  In this day and age, it's easy to get "realistic" but I always find myself looking and expecting the positive in life.  Even though this can be a problem at times (for instance, if a kid gets hurt I never think it's a big deal and that can annoy Rebekah at times) I feel like it's also a gift that I can share with others.  So don't expect a lot of complaining or negative talk at this blog.  Sorry all you "realistic" types!

- I love competition: I love games where there is a loser and winner.  I find games where "everyone" wins boring and lacking any real drama.  I used to be sad about going to heaven cause I assumed that there would be no competitive games there and everyone would win all the time.  I have since revised my views on heaven to include competition, but the losers don't get mad or sad.  Now, my fierce competitive nature has landed me in trouble.  Once, after losing a game of ping-pong (a very serious and important game in the Latshaw family) to my brother Jason, I was so angry I threw my ping-pong paddle at him.  He ducked and it sailed over his head and lodged - handle first - into the door!  Boy, my Dad was not happy about that but I'm pretty sure Jason was smiling inward.  Even though I have allowed my competitive nature to go too far in the past, I still love it and will never give up my love for competition (just watch out if you play me in ping-pong).

- I love to inspire: I grew up believing that I wasn't creative.  I liked math and science and history.  I was a terrible drawer.  My two siblings, Jessica and Jason, were really good and I just figured it was their thing, not mine.  I never even sang or acted growing up.  What started me thinking that I could be creative and artistic was trying out for our school's high school musical in 11th grade.  I only tried out cause I really liked Rebekah and wanted to be with her (and she had the lead role).  So I tried out, got a part, and had to sing in front of hundreds of people. Since this time I have learned that I love to inspire people with creativity: drama, music, design, etc. 

- I love watching sports:  Philly baby!

Ok this is the conclusion of The Real Me Part I.  Come back to see Part II.