Saturday, June 27, 2009
Confession time...
I know why I love these two musicals. I remember seeing My Turn on Earth when I was a little kid, gosh I have no idea how young I was. There was a touring company or something that made its way to Michigan for some reason and my parents decided to take us. And I just really loved the music and the story for some reason, it just really appealed to me. Even today when I hear the music I just really enjoy it. And there's some great Gospel messages in there - if you can bear to sit through some of the cheese. Let me simply say I get really happy to hear the girls singing "My Turn on Earth".
In fact, as we were driving to Utah last week I put on My Turn on Earth and as I was listening I think I relearned something that I think is a real truth that I knew, but hadn't thought about for a while. In the song where Jesus and Satan are presenting their plans, and Satan is saying how he wants people to follow him, I think it really jumped out to me that God wants to create little gods, not little followers. If he simply wanted a bunch of mindless children he would have picked Satan's plan because on its face value it makes some sense and is the safe approach. But I think Satan had it wrong - God was willing to put us all through this mortal existence and the tremendous risk associated with it if it meant that we would receive the opportunity to be like God himself. It also made me wonder what kind of glory and power come with being like God that made him willing to risk so much.
I think Saturday's Warrior is a Kennedy favorite across the board. Again, I think I must've seen it when I was little because we all knew the story and music when one of us spied the VHS video on the Huron Valley Ward library shelf. So we took it home and watched it so much...and I don't think we ever returned that video. We would watch it, and sing it, and simply enjoy it. Again, the show is really cheesy and has a low production value to it. But when I think about the messages - the importance of an eternal family, the challenges and temptations of mortality, the great joy when those who are lost are found - it's a beautiful telling of the Plan of Salvation.
So there you have it...I've confessed that I just really love these shows. : > )
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tribute to my dad
I think when I was younger, like most kids, I didn't really understand my Dad. I think kids look at their parents as heroes and as being bigger than life. This also means that we tend to view them in an unfair light I think, and I think I might have done that. Like most kids, I thought he should be perfect; I looked up to him so much. And unfortunately when he made mistakes I think it was disappointing and I felt like maybe I lost out on having that really amazing Dad that you see on TV.
But my view of my Dad has changed a lot of the last several years. I think it's because I'm more mature now, and because I am now a Dad myself. I think I've become far more understanding to the condition of my own Dad and this has allowed me to appreciate him all the more. And as I've been able to look at him differently, with a different lens, I think it makes my Dad seem far more human. I also have come to really appreciate him and what he gave to me.
One thing I really respect about Dad is that he is a man of many, many talents. If he wants to learn or do something, he does it. He is fiercely determined and when he sets his mind to something he just does it and he does it well. He has a belief in his own ability and self, and has made him the man he is on his own with little help from others. He's so independent! I really respect that.
My Dad is the reason we have the Gospel in our life. When he heard of the Restored Gospel, he seized on it and became a rock in the Church. Mom used to tell us how passionate and enthusiastic he was about it, and I give him a lot of the credit for taking that first step and being a pioneer for our family in the Gospel.
He also taught me and my siblings the love of family. Look, he has had 10 kids...the man loves kids. He might not be the most involved Dad, but when you aggregate the sum of years that he has devoted to his children you can see that he is a very committed, loving, dedicated Father. I really respect that, and attribute that own dedication to my own affinity for my children.
I remember many things about my Dad, but there are a couple of things that really stand out to me for some reason. One is that when he worked in downtown Ann Arbor he worked kind of close to a toy store. For a time period I would call this toy store to ask them if they had a GI Joe figure...they'd go a search and if they had one I asked the to hold it for me. Then I would call my Dad and ask him to pick it up for me. And he did, and that really meant a lot to me. He would also make the coolest grappling hooks for my GI Joe guys out of paperclips, and also carved little guns for me out of popsicle sticks. I wish I had those today, just to look at them.
Being a Dad is about sacrifices. In the movie Peter Pan Wendy and John are talking to their mother about their father. They are complaining that he isn't brave - almost like their embarrassed of him. The Mother wisely says that while their father might not have fought in wars or battles, he is nonetheless brave. She says that he has put aside his dreams and his desires for his family, and that some nights he takes them out and looks at them, but he always puts them back for his family. It's said much better in the movie, but I think it's very true and is a sentiment that I share about my Dad.
So on this Father's Day I'm choosing to forget the weaknesses or mistakes of my Dad. I'm so glad he's alive, well, and that I can talk to him every couple of weeks. I love my Dad very much, and am so grateful to have him, and for the part of me that came from him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Do you think fear is a genetic attribute?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Superpowers
Lately though I've been thinking about what Superpowers I actually might have. Some people call them talents. Others strengths. But when I think of what my superpowers are I'm truly grateful for them.
It's taken me a while to be able to recognize my strengths. Being a Kennedy, I'm naturally kind of self-deprecating. As a family we don't like to recognize our strengths. On the other hand, we celebrate when others recognize us and I think deep down we know that there's something special there. But it's still hard to come out and admit that we have some goodness going on there.
I think the Gospel has something to do with it - we're taught to not to be prideful. Also, our humble upbringing combined with our genetic makeup make us resistant to boasting. At least that's what I think.
But I've been thinking about what my superpowers are, I think they are the following:
1. I think people like me quite easily - almost instantaneously. I don't mean that I'm so cool or anything. But I think I must put people at ease or something.
2. People trust me - I think I'm unassuming and approachable, making it easy for people to open up to me. And I'm genuinely interested in people, their lives, and their stories so that I think that comes across in a positive way.
3. I'm smart (enough). It's a good combination of social skills and the right kind of smarts. Still not book smart, and not great at exam situations (couldn't be further from reality). But in day to day life and the right kind of work I think I'm smart.
4. I work hard. Because I have done it all (dishwasher, bus boy, server, retail nerd) since I was a kid I know how to work. I think a lot of people I work with think that certain things are above them. Because I've worked my way up the chain, I'm willing to do what it takes.
5. Friendly. I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, but if I need to be I can be get along with anyone, anytime. I've had some doozy of co-workers and managers and I always get along with all of them.
6. Patient. Few things really ruffle my feathers. Because I had some really horrible experiences as a kid trying to learn things, I think I'm more understanding of others and willing to work with them.
7. Forgiving/empathetic. I can easily put myself in others shoes...I think this helps me be more forgiving and empathetic of others as they travel through life.
8. Funny. It's a certain kind of funny, but I think I do it pretty well.
Anywho, tell me if you agree/disagree. But I've been trying to figure out what I'm good at and I think these are pretty representative. I'm grateful for these superpowers. I sometimes wish I were smart like so and so, or handsome, or had a ton of musical talents or something. But when I think about those that I have I can't help but be grateful for them.
Friday, June 12, 2009
M&Ms

Monday, June 8, 2009
Plus Size Love
It seemed like a true love story to me, so I composed a brief song that summed up the feelings of this Plus Size friend, on the eve of her wedding.
Here are the lyrics. Above is the video or here.
Plus-size love
Wookies and storm troopers – trekkers galore
But no love could be found on the Comic-con floor.
‘Til I saw your Spock ears – my heart skipped a beat
And I dropped the swag bag down at my feet.
You were there – in line for Bill Shat.
Looking so fine in your Revenge o’ Sith Hat.
When our eyes met, my heart it beat faster.
Like I was training with Yoda, Jedi master.
So here I am, in my dress that was sewn.
By a friend with a plus-sized model and flown.
For me to wear in our wedding o’ love.
With friends, family, and Picard up above.
And now, as one, we start out our life.
You as the husband, me as the wife.
I can’t help but think, oh how we’ve grown.
As we eat this fried chicken down to the bone.
Chorus
My plus-size love for you will not end.
Like Han and his Leia, lovers and friends.
My world goes warp speed when you touch my soft skin.
Together, as one, through thick and the thin.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I'm a geek...



Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Here comes the moon...
Peano
here comes the moon
shining in the night
here comes the moon
shining in the dark
here comes the moon shining
i love to see the moon shining
every night i am so happy
to see the moon.
end
She has a little piano tune to go with it...I need to record it and share it. It's very cute.
Two more things:
Abby asked what Memorial Day is, and I said "it's when we remember our loved ones who have died". She said "when we have someone we love die, let's write them a note and tie it to a balloon and send it up to heaven.
Today at Maddie's school they learned about dairy. They tasted whipped cream, ice cream, milk, and all the kids were asked what their favorite dairy product was. All the other kids said Ice Cream. Maddie said "milk".
She sure loves her milky!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
My little girls...
Cookies By Abby
Ingrains
Milk
Sugar (she had this spelled differently this morning but she figured out how to do spell check and corrected it)
Flower
Cholet chips
Butter
Drenches (I believe this is directions)
1. First get out all the ingredients
2. Then put all the ingrains into a blender
3. Then put the cookie dough on a cookie sheet
4. Put it in the oven for 15 minutes
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Favorite things...
Burt's Bees Lip Balm.
Mango Haagen Daaz.
Ipod and ITunes (sorry MS).
Memory foam.
Comfortable PJ shorts.
Converse Chuck Taylors.
Ear plugs (for use to sleep and on the airplane).
DishNetwork.
DVR.
Diet Coke.
Favorite sites:
NotCot
io9
aintitcoolnews
Uncrate
What my grocery cart is filled with when the girls go out of town:
Doritos
Pop tarts
Oreos
Favorite TV shows (current):
Survivor
30 Rock
The Office
Ghost Hunters
Paranormal State
The Amazing Race
Better week...
Found out that I'll be presenting in Beijing and Singapore next month...kind of crazy to think about little old me doing that, but cool as well. In general, my attitude about this job is to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself so that when I come to the end of it, I can say that I've done it all...presented in front of execs, made tough decisions, managed large groups of people, presented in front of an audience. I hate alot of that stuff, but it only gets easier when you do it. And this job puts me in front of a lot of tough situations that are going to test me, and push me. But this is my extended B-school experience, and I've got to do this stuff here and now. So I'm going to do it. The other challenges that I've faced are:
- Launched and managing my W7 v-team...managing a team of 15-20 people each who will provide a key to my success.
- Presented in front of execs (still planning to in two weeks when I'm in front of G-ggs).
- Present updates and provide guidance on monthly conference calls to 70-100 people.
- Getting other people to pay for the stuff I need to succeed.
- Managing a huge project on limited resources.
Tons more, but I'm tired tonight. In general, this is a tough part of life right now, but a great opportunity that I'm seizing every chance I can.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Onward and upward...
That's the kind of mood I'm in today. It's been a weekend of sorrows for our family. First, we had to put Spooky to sleep. We couldn't bring Spooky with us, Abby's so allergic to him, and I couldn't find a home for him. So it came to that. I loved Spooky. Sure, he wasn't nice to the girls, and yes, he was kind of a grumpy cat, but I did love him. I'll never forget when Melanie brought him home, how little and sweet he was. How he'd perch on my shoulder and chase lasers and just in every way be a cat. Towards the end it was hard to have him. But I think about the beginning too, and miss that little kitty. I believe that when this life is over, all of the good things of life will be there in their pure form. And I believe Spooky will be there, and I look forward to holding him again.
Tomorrow the movers come to take away our stuff. The house we left today will never be the same...someone else will be the new owners. They'll make it their own, paint it their colors, make it their own. And they should, it's their right.
But me, I'll always remember it as the house that we built. It has all of us in it...everything about that house reflects us as a family.
Homes aren't just walls and roofs - it was a reflection of us. It was humble, but pretty. It was perfectly practical! It was always better than you expected. And it was comfortable and nice. Kinda like us Kennedys! Not the showiest, or flashiest, but consistent, reliable, practical and pretty. It was a great place to live.
I'll never ever forget playing with Abby and Maddie downstairs. You could be perfectly content and comfortable sitting on the floor - something I've always wanted (wink wink). And because the room was long and wide, you could play till your hearts content. We played Space Ship (think blankets, pillows, swords, and a doctor bag in case you got bit by a big spider). We played Treasure Maps (homemade of course...and with me playing several parts like Peter Pan and Captain Hook at the same time). We played soccer. And we made up games (like the one where I'd throw the huge exercise ball at them down the hallway at the girls. If it hit the door I got a point; if they stopped it they'd get one. It was a funny little game for funny little girls).
Outside living was nice too. I loved watching Abby and Maddie play next door with their little friend Sydney. They'd just walk over and play...easy peasy Japanesey as Abby would say.
I loved watching Melanie take such excellent care of the yard. She cared for every bed, weeded faithfully, planted trees, flowers, and shrubs that she thought would make it pretty. And it was beautiful thanks to her.
I'll even miss weedwacking. Only after five years did I learn how to do it so that it didn't wack the crap out of the grass. It's easy, I learned. Just a little pressure will cut it - no need to go full throttle when just a little did the trick.
I taught Abby to ride a bike out on that perfectly level sidewalk. I always wanted a sidewalk that was level when I was a kid. The only place I could ever ride my bike was on the scary Stony Creek road - not kid friendly at all! So I was thrilled to have that perfect sidewalk for my kids where I could teach them to safely ride their bikes. I'll never forget (thanks to the videos) watching her learn, then go go go.
There are too many memories to list. But that house was a tremendous blessing to our family, was the place where little Maddie grew up, and where we blossomed as a family. We will miss it. But he future is bright, and there are other happy times coming for the Kennedys.
So I think I'll end where I began. Onward and upward.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Open letter to my bros and sisters...
I'd love to go to Bill Knapps and have dinner together. We could all look at those kids meals...the old ones, the lion, the tiger, the chicken. We could share bean soup and share a chocolate cake for dessert.
I'd love to ride home together after church, a ridiculous sight of all 8 of us crunched into that small Ford Escort. We'd all make fun of other people's funny church faces, recognizing that we were as grungy and backwards as we absolutely looked.
I'd love to go to a Stake dance with John, Mike, Jake, or Nate. We could do an award-winning lip synch, or flirt with the ladies. No one stood out like the Kennedys...in a good way.
I'd love to fight over a place to sit in front of the TV. I'd love to hear Mom say "Allah", her magical power that saved our seats so we could go to the bathroom.
I'd love love love to go to bed upstairs together as a family. I'd love to hear the stories, hear the songs, talk, make jokes, and slowly fade to sleep together.
I'd love to play G.I. Joe with Nate or Jake. I'd love to be Snake Eyes one more time. When I hold the figure in my hands as an adult, I know exactly what he can and should do. And I would love that feeling of escapism and creativity.
I'd love to sit around and hear a newly returned missionary (insert any ones name here) tell us about their mission. I'd love to see what gifts they brought us. I'd love to hear strong, powerful testimonies.
I'd love to hear Mom read a scripture or say a prayer. In those moments, rare as they might be, I felt the spirit and knew that she knew it was all true.
Those are some of the things I'd miss. I miss the sweet bond of having brothers and sisters who fight and argue but who also love each other deeply and sweetly. I'm lucky to have had that...and I miss it tonight.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The last six months...
By the way, I think part of it is the weather. Even that has been more disappointing than I would expect. Even the fact that we went to Scottsdale in Feb to escape the dreary weather and ended up with...dreary weather. Cold, wet, hailing weather. Sound familiar? Yeah, I travelled all the way to Arizona, blew some vacation days for what...nada.
Mel and the girls are back in Utah, hopefully enjoying some of the time with Gigi and enjoying home for one of the last times for a while. Like most things, I know we glamorize K-ville. At the time it wasn't the most amazing place in the world. But like most things, I think we took the peace, comfort, and happiness for granted. And now we're here.
So like I said, I wish the last six months were a distant memory. Not that they hadn't happened, but more like I had perspective of a couple years from now so the disfficulty weren't so fresh.
And the last thing...I know my life is actually perfect and splendid and that many people would trade me in a blink. I get that. But sometimes I want to complain, sometimes I want to vent, and sometimes I feel slighted. It's probably not true, but it is what it is.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Half empty, half full...
The move to WA has been a terrible mistake, and has been frought with challenges along the way:
1. The job challenges
2. The car
3. The cough
4. The boss
5. The house
6. The rental
7. The weather
Half full
The move is one of the best things that has ever happend to us for the following reasons:
1. The job opportunties
2. Stability
3. The house
4. The neighborhood
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's sort of funny, but...
Maddie burps, farts, talks about poop...in general, she's kind of gross. She will burp in your face and try to make herself burp. She seems to think it's funny - which it is to a point. But she's not seen any of us in any way do that kind of stuff. Meanwhile, Abby is more gentle and less gross. Not only does she always say excuse me, but she's never really done that in general.
Just kind of funny that's all.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Maddie
So cute and so like Maddie. Little doll.



