slocum-spective

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-01-01T12:46:00.000-12:00

Ten Favorites From Sesame Street

2010-07-19T06:50:00.002-12:00

Emma and I looked into artists that have appeared on Sesame Street since its inception. The list is pretty impressive and the learning is wonderful. Here are ten favorites:

1. LL Cool J Addition Expedition

2. Sesame Street: Adam Sandler Sings About Elmo

3. Sesame Street: REM Sings Fury Happy Monsters

4. Sheryl Crow: Sings “I” Soak Up the Sun

5. Sesame Street: Norah Jones Sings I Don’t Know “Y”

6. Sesame Street: BB King Sings About the Letter BB

7. Sesame Street: Feist Sings to Number Four Song

8. Sesame Street: James Taylor Sings Whenever I See Your Grouchy Face

9. Sesame Street; Johnny Cash Sings Nasty Dan

10. Sesame Street: Tony Bennet Sings Little Things

Washington DC Summer 2010

2010-07-03T09:46:00.001-12:00

West Virginia Summer 2010

2010-07-03T09:42:00.002-12:00

Hilton head Island Spring 2010

2010-06-03T09:43:00.001-12:00

We are Glad Spring is Here!

2010-03-22T15:42:00.001-12:00

A Life Well Lived

2010-02-09T08:37:00.005-12:00

Joseph Login Raymond Beaudoin, 67, of Millbrook went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2010, at Albany Medical Center. Ray was born on June 14, 1942 in Poughkeepsie and was a life long area resident.

Ray was a loving husband, grandfather, and friend. He loved his role as Pappy to his grandchildren and relished spending time with them. He enjoyed playing with his dogs and caring for his home and yard. He was a master mechanic and inventor with a great sense of humor. Ray had a sense of service above self, and loved his church family at Valley Bible Fellowship Church where he was a member.

Ray served in the United States Army, worked on the Alaskan pipeline, and was a dedicated employee at H.B. Wiltse Excavating.

Ray's father and mother, Herve and Eva (Boivin) Beaudoin, of Green Haven, predecease him. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Davis) Beaudoin; his three sons, Steven Beaudoin of Millbrook; Brandon Beaudoin of Saratoga; and Jay Slocum and his wife, Catherine of Pennsylvania; his three daughters, Alicia Beaudoin of Virginia, Tonna Odell of Pleasant Valley; and Shanon O'Hearn and her husband Jim of Millbrook. He is also survived by his two sisters, Claire Davis, of Florida and Suzanne Davis and her husband, Bucky of Green Haven; and his brother, Richard Beaudoin of Poughkeepsie; seven grandchildren, Nicole Beaudoin, Alexandra Beaudoin, Emma and Lydia Slocum, and Brittani, Kiera, and Justin O'Hearn; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

On Sunday, February 7th, 2010, hundreds gathered to honor the memory of Ray (Dad, Pap, Raymo). His memorial service revealed the amazing impact that he had on so many people and honored the legacy that he has left as a result of the selfless life he lead.

We know that he is a friend of God, a sinner saved by grace, and a man who has made his Master proud.

Nancy Beaudion's Scherenschnitte

2010-01-07T04:50:00.004-12:00

My mom has always been an amazing artist. Over the past decade, she has been sending us gorgeous hand made ornaments that she has designed and crafted out of simple card stock and scissors.

Izabella and Emma- Being Momo and Papa

2010-01-01T15:04:00.003-12:00

This is the second round of the amazing talent show that Emma, Lydia, and cousin Izabella gave for their grandparents while visiting them over the holidays. This sketch is pretty "insider" though it does offer up a loving characterization of Martyn (Papa) and Angela (Momo).

Lydia and Izabella are a Riot!

2010-01-01T08:00:00.001-12:00

Hauling Evergreen

2009-12-25T16:54:00.003-12:00

Mini Bob Memories

2009-12-21T14:25:00.007-12:00

On Christmas Day 1976, a coveted gift was unveiled at our house. Next store, the same gift was being discovered by Matt and Mark Davis. It was the mini-bob- a bobsled made in Norway that had become available in the United States. it was, in our neighborhood, as huge as the Bigwheel. For endless hours, we used our mini-bobs to navigate the foot of Stormville Mountain where we grew up, building massive jumps that delivered kidney pounding landings. To spend a day in the snow, we would start with two pairs of white socks. Then we would put on two bread bags over our socks on each leg. Then we would put on our jeans, then snow pants if they fit that year, then our Sorrel snow liners, then the boots. After that, we would put on a few t shirts, a sweater, a winter parka, hat, cool ski goggles for whoever got to them first. Then winter gloves. That would allow a boy of nine years old to last in the snow for at least five hours before having to go home refuel with PB&J and whole milk, and throw all his frozen apparel in front of a wood stove. It has been snowing in the burgh, and we have a mini-bob this year to conquer the steep hills of Frick Park. Hurray for Winter and hurray for the mini-bob (now called the (Zipfy Mini Luge) for making its way back into the United States.

Find more videos like this on ZIPFY global

Interpreting Fall 2009

2009-10-24T04:03:00.008-12:00

Last week, we loaded the car late Wednesday night and headed to Lake Donagal, an hour's drive from the city of Pittsburgh. We spent a little more than 24 hours retreating as a family. It was a pretty great time. We got to pray and worship together, hike together, eat together, interpret our own versions of an amazing tree that was bursting in color from the view outside our front window.

Stomp

2009-09-22T00:58:00.006-12:00

Our car turned into a percussion instrument this weekend. After seeing the Broadway performance of Stomp at Pittsburgh's Benedum Center. We couldn't help ourselves. If you haven't had a chance to experience Stomp, check them out here.

Places

2009-09-07T13:01:00.005-12:00

Emma and I just finished a project for school highlighting the places she has lived.

SanDestin Family Vacation August 2009

2009-08-07T04:12:00.000-12:00

Lydia is Eight!

2009-07-25T04:05:00.002-12:00

Summer in the Burgh 2009

2009-07-17T03:49:00.000-12:00

Hilton Head Island SC Vacation Summer 2009

2009-07-07T04:17:00.000-12:00

Soap Box Round Two

2009-03-31T13:11:00.004-12:00

Lydia wore the wheels off her soapbox after four days so we went back to the "drawing board" and came up with the super radio flyer soapbox. it has a king size bed frame front end, trek mountain bike grips, assorted razor scooter wheels (and to keep it old school) Oak axles. Oh, and Lydia pimped it out by choosing the pink and red colors and the chrome bathroom accessories we used for fender and a "tow hitch" lol. The brake was a requirement because this little guy goes FAAAAST!

Radio Flyer Soap Box

2009-03-16T13:14:00.003-12:00

Lydia has been non stop for the past year about two things- building a fort and building a car. Saturday, she dragged a radio flyer tiny trike, a vehicle suited for one year olds, out of storage and attached a cardboard box to it. "This is my car" said Lydia. "I finally have a car." On Sunday, I realized that the "car thing" was not a phase. So, we put our thinking caps on, pulled out the white board, and Emma, Lydia and I came up with a plan. The plan was to convert the Radio Flyer Model #310 Tiny Trike into a real life soap box. Using only stuff that we found around the house, we were done in an hour and a half and today, we tested out the soap box on the hills of Frick Park. This thing is serious fun and if it didn't have a 60 pound or so weight limit, I would have taken it for a ride.

It's Not a Big Recession It's a Great Depression

2009-03-09T03:56:00.010-12:00

Have no idea what they are talking about on the news when it comes to the financial collapse of our nation? Here are a couple of great takes on the problem:

HELP #1

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

HELP # 2
This American Life: Bad Bank

HELP # 3
SNL offers a revolutionary debt and money-management program. Chris Parnell teaches Steve Martin and Amy Poehler the secret to financial success. It's all detailed in a new book called, "Don't Buy Stuff You Can't Afford." Every debtor in America should read it.

HELP #4

Daily Show Tears Up CNBC Mad Money Host and provides much needed perspective in the present economic crisis.

Sweet Texas Chili

2009-03-03T07:11:00.002-12:00

My dad made "famous" grill cheese samiches growing up. Oh, and tomato and mayo sandwhiches (elch). Catherine's dad made crepes on a regular basis and still does when the family assembles. I haven't caught sight of my dad in the kitchen except when he is doing the dishes. I like cooking. I am not as good at it as Catherine, but I like the process of seeing a bunch of ingrediants combined in the right order so that it makes something that feeds the folks I love. That, to me, is pretty deep and satisfying. When I left for college, my mother gave me my first cookbook full of meals that include hotdogs and beans, basic chicken soup, and western chili. Over the years, the chili has evolved. here is the latest version:

Sweet Texas Chili

Brown in a skillet
1.5 lbs of ground beef with 1 pound of sausage (mild or hot Italian).
Or
2 .5 pounds of ground beef

Saute peppers and onion in the same skillet with chili powder.
I add water and cook it down until the onions are nearly carmelized

1 Cup of finely chopped Onion (I just use one good sized onion)
1 Cup of finely chopper green pepper (I just use one good sized pepper)
1 teaspoon of chili powder

Combine Meat and Peppers and Onions with remaining ingredients in a larger pot. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.

2 cans of dark red kidney beans (rinse well)
1 can of diced or crushed tomatoes (add the whole can)
¾ cup of Heinz ketchup
2 Tablespoons of dark brown sugar
1 Tablespoon of Guldens spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon of paprika
2 Cups of Water (can replace with beer or use a combo)
¼ cup of cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Pepper and salt to taste

This will feed a family of four with left-overs for lunch. Serve topped with sour cream, sharp cheddar, and corn bread on the side.

Briarcliff Lodge: New Pics

2009-02-02T14:59:00.005-12:00

The "legend" was that there was a whole case of early twentieth century postcards (pre 1918) in the basement of The Kings College Library at one point. If they were never retrieved by an archivist they are now buried. I have three sets of the legendary postcards, called Briarcliff Lodge Souvenir Packs. I retrieved mine from inhalation while cleaning out the Seventh Floor Men's storage closet in the early fall 0f 1988. I have collected postcard and prints for decades and found these forgotten treasures in a box full of papers left behind by a student that graduated years earlier. How he came in possession of the Souvenir Packs is, I am sure, worth knowing- I doubt I ever will. At any rate, the cards are a treasure, given the fact that the beloved Briarcliff Lodge, or The King's College has been bulldozed to make way for a nursing home. I have scanned the first of the cards and will add more in the coming days.

Sleigh Riding at Frick Park (Sledding)

2009-01-15T11:19:00.003-12:00

We have been having so much fun on our daily trips to Frick Park here in the Burgh- It's all about Sledding!

What Not to Give Your Wife For Christmas

2008-12-25T16:44:00.002-12:00

Viral Marketing is going to become big money. What is it. Well, a company comes up with a really catchy video- story- that they post on Youtube with an embedded sale pitch for a store or product. Because it is funny, well crafted, it is passed along from email to email, blog to blog, facebook friend to facebook friend. Like the one you just watched.

Christmas at the Slocums- Better to Give than...

2008-12-25T16:31:00.004-12:00

I love seeing the kids open their gifts. I love to see Catherine open her gifts.
This year, Lydia and Emma loved the Pogo sticks. Lydia love the mini trampoline and Emma was utterly surprised at the extravagance of the UGGs that she did not think she would get (so much for a kids boot!). Catherine loved her new dress coat and the year in review photo album. It is better to give than to receive. Well, that is so true, especially when you give a gift that gives back! To my utter delight, Lydia wanted a race car track. Yeah, so I got her a hot wheel track and ten cars- like she needed ten cars (lol). This meant that for the first time in thirty years, I got to play with Hotwheels- Yee Hah. Of course, by the end of our too short one hour race car session, all the cars had been given names and they were all involved in a complex network of relations that included mothers and children (with back injuries) and generation rivals (old school new school). Much more complex than my memories of shouting, "My car smashed yours- your dead! It was like playing dolls, but with a finish line and with classic vehicles like the 1964 Ford Galaxie 500. Very fun none the less.

The Hobbit (1977)

2008-11-25T10:50:00.002-12:00

Emma and I have set on on a new adventure. We are now reading JRR Tolkeins wonderful works, beginning with the Hobbit.

Trinity on TV

2008-11-18T12:51:00.002-12:00

Trinity Christian School, where Emma and Lydia are enrolled, was recently featured on local television. See Emma in the video clip,

Fairwell Harry Potter for Now

2008-11-17T13:03:00.002-12:00

More than a year ago, Emma and I set out on a journey together to read all seven of the Harry Potter books. Well, the year is over and we have succeeded in reading all of them together. It was an amazing year of discipleship and learning for the two of us. We learned incredible lessons about love and hate, about sacrifice and redemption, about atonement and blood guilt, and the fragility of the human soul. JK Rowling is an amazing author who stand beside CS Lewis and JR Tolkien in this house. In fact, we go now to the Hobbit which will lead us onward to The Lord of the Rings and who knows how many great conversations about the Loving and Living God and our need of him.

Book I The Sorcerers Stone

Book II Chamber of Secrets

Book III Prisoner of Azkaban

Book IV Goblet of Fire

Book V Order of the Phoenix

Book VI Half Blood Prince

First Snow High Maintenance

2008-11-17T12:48:00.004-12:00

We started getting ready to go out and explore the park with its first fresh covering of snow at 4:30. It was nearly dark before we left the house. Why? Snow boots had to be gathered. Snow Pants had to be gathered. Snow Coats had to be gathered. Snow gloves and snow hats and snow scarves and lip balms, had to be gathered. Then, it all had to be color coordinated and fussed over and adjusted. I cannot even begin to prepare for the prom. I suspect that I will need to begin preparing NOW, since it will be 6 years before our oldest goes off with her date. Man winter can really be high maintenance.

Emma and the Bee

2008-11-10T11:23:00.002-12:00

It was a bit surreal (Surreal; Salvador Dali's Paintings where surreal. Surreal) today because the whole family went to Puxatony, PA (Yes, the place of the ground hound) for a spelling. Bee. To our families absolute (Absolute; the Kelvin scale measures temperatures with a base line of absolute zero) delight (Delight; The eggs where an absolute delight to eat. Delight) the first word in the practice session was Cat (Cat; the cat was flat due to the cars that repeatedly ran over it. Cat). See below for the context which, I am sure will make you laugh (Kat. I know Katt has two t's; I am ought a here).

Schaeffer and the Bike Trailer

2008-11-08T05:39:00.001-12:00

Bandaid and the Mouse Trap Caper

2008-11-03T07:27:00.004-12:00

The long awaited sequel to Banddaid on the road is here.

Slocum Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-30T10:59:00.000-12:00

This year Emma and Lydia took charge of the design, and the overall direction of the annual pumpkin carve. I am still needed for the actual knife work, but otherwise, the girls are seriously taking charge.

Diorama-Bama-Wama

2008-10-28T11:52:00.001-12:00

Emma and I had great fun working on the yearly Diorama school project. Emma got a great lesson in the serious use of a glue gun, spray can, and sheetrock knife.

Emma's Food, Film, Fun, and Facials 11th B-Day Party

2008-09-18T11:42:00.000-12:00

A lot of girls assembled at our house on September 16th for Emma's Food, Film, Fun, and Facials Birthday Party. It was well... fun with pre teen undertones.

Love and The Mt Kisco Bridge

2008-09-15T11:33:00.000-12:00

In college, me and "The Dudes" would go to the abandoned bridge in Mt Kisco and jump off the very top in the middle of the night. Later, when Catherine and I fell in love, I would take her there on dates. It was a magical place full of mystery and adventure. Later, I found out that the place terrified Catherine. We returned to the old bridge, now restored as a rail to trail as part of the old putnum line restoration.

First Kiss

2008-09-14T11:18:00.000-12:00

At a park overlooking the Hudson River in Westchester County New York, Catherine and I had our first kiss. We returned there with Emma and Lydia this summer after 17 years!

The Yescotts (The King's College Years)

2008-09-14T11:07:00.005-12:00

One of the highlights of visiting New England this summer was getting to see Ed and Julie Yescott and their three girls. The gand jelled like crazy and we had a great day together. Heaven is going to be incredible because all the people that you love will be neighbors! Until then, we get tastes of heaven.

yearbookyourself.com

2008-09-12T15:37:00.006-12:00

We have been having fun with yearbookyourself.com. Jay is definitely a child of the 1970's and 1980's. Catherine looks elegant as always in any era, but the 1960's and 1970's were fav's.

Coffee Heaven

2008-09-10T00:50:00.004-12:00

When I went off to college, I began hand pouring my coffee using a number four paper filter and a filter cone. It was the 1980's before Starbucks was on every corner and you had to have a masters degree to order a cup of coffee. I was both too poor and too domestically challenged to handle a coffee maker so I hand poured; just heat the water to boil, grind your beans, and pour it straight into a well heated porcelain cup. More than fifteen years later, I still hand pour.

Why not drip through a coffee maker now that I can afford to? Well, the water for drip coffee gets spoiled by heating process and the filtered coffee gets ruined by the flavors that it collects from the impossible to remove residues that cling to all the plastic inside the coffee maker. Why not go with the French press? Too gritty and the glass changes the tastes of the coffee. On and on it goes.

Speaking of the glass changing the taste of the coffee, almost as important as the bean or the need for a full boil, or the purity of the filtering process, is the material that you are pouring into. It is well known among coffee "weirdo's" that porcelain is the best material to pour into. So, I have used porcelain mugs for more than a decade. Well, Melita has taken it to the next level with a porcelain filter cone and 6 cup coffee pot. Hurray! No more plastic to spoil the taste of my coffee.

Now, because of this wonderful, simple, and very "green" introduction to coffee making, my boiled water goes to my mouth via 100% porcelain pour-mmmmm. Just add cream and sugar and this cup of joe beats any other offering around. The moral of the story- go porcelain!

Grandfather Slocum: Knowing My Great Great Great Great...

2008-07-31T13:16:00.008-12:00

I recently completed research on my family line. It is fascinating to see that my grandfathers have been here in the United States for 300 years. Giles Slocum, accompanied Anthony Slocum and his family (nephew or brother) to Rhode Island in the 1630's from England (Somerset perhaps). The Slocums moved to Massachuesetts and were involved with the non-conformist Baptists and Quakers in the 17th Century. They moved to Dutchess County New York in the mid 1700's during the revolutionary war and settled in Dover-Pawling-Poughquag. My Great Grandfather (Henry) was the postmaster and ran the merchantile (general store) in Poughquag, New York. Anyone with information on the Slocum from the time 0f 1880 to 1930, let me know.

1600's

1. Giles Slocum (1st gen.) immigrated to the United States from (Somerset or Devonshire) England and resided in Portsmouth Rhode Island. He Died in 1682.

1660's
2. Eliezer Slocum (2nd gen.) was born Portsmouth, Rhode Island in the year 1664 and removed to Dartmouth Township Bristol County Massachusetts where he died.

1690's
3. Eliezer Slocum (3rd gen.) was was born in Dartmouth Township Bristol County Massachusetts on the 20th of January, 1693; died 1738-9.

1710's

4. John Slocum (4th) was born in Dartmouth Township Bristol County Massachusetts on the 4th of August,1717; died on the 25th of December, 1738.

1750's

5. Pardon Slocum (5th) was was born in Dartmouth Township Bristol County Massachusetts on the 8th of July, 1751. He removed to Dover Township Dutchess County New York.

1800

6. Pardon Slocum (6th) was born in Dover Township Dutchess County New York on the 3rd of September, 1804; died in 1869.

1830's

7. My Great Great Grand Father, Hiram Slocum (7th) was born in Dover Township Dutchess County New York on the 11th of March 1835. He later resided in the town of Beekman and is buried there.

1870's

8. My Great Grand Father, Henry Slocum (8th) was born in Beekman, New York on August 7th, 1874

1900

9. My Grand Father, Frank Henry Slocum (9th) was born in 1907 in Beekman, New York. He died in 1978.

1940's

10. My Father, Jay Henry Slocum (10th) was born in Beekman, New York on July 13th, 1943.

1960's

11. I was [Jay Frank Slocum (11th)] was born in Beekman, New York, on July 3rd, 1967.

Lydia's 7th Birthday Party

2008-07-23T08:28:00.001-12:00

Lydia had a wonderful B day party this year. The theme was fairy Princesses who eat pizza and like water (lol).

A Short History of the Slocums, Slocumbs and Slocombs of America Genealogical and Biographical; Embracing Eleven Generations of the First-named Family

2008-07-21T01:57:00.000-12:00

A Short History of the Slocums, Slocumbs and Slocombs of America Genealogical and Biographical; Embracing Eleven Generations of the First-named Family, from 1637 to 1881: with Their Alliances and the Descendants in the Female Lines as Far as Ascertained By Charles Elihu Slocum: ""

Schaeffer: Go Get the Frisbee

2008-07-12T06:42:00.001-12:00

It's Peter Pan

2008-07-10T14:39:00.003-12:00

We were recently treated to great tickets to see Peter Pan at the Benedum Theater in the cultural district of Pittsburgh's Downtown. It was an amazing show and we were absolutely impressed with Kathy Rigby. At 56, she is still able to perform some pretty amazing acrobatics.

Alice Carter's Review from the Pittsburgh Trib-Review

At an age when a lot of us confine our physical activity to climbing in an out of a golf cart or lifting a beer and cheering at a baseball game, Cathy Rigby is soaring, tumbling and turning cartwheels as Peter Pan.

The Olympic medalist-turned-actress, who turns 56 this year, gives eight amazingly limber, rambunctious and highly entertaining performances a week cavorting and flying as J.M. Barrie's classic little boy who refuses to grow up. After the curtain comes down, she turns up in the lobby to sign autographs and talk with the many children -- and their parents -- who come to see her.

Peter Pan is a role that she has played many times on Broadway, in national tours and in numerous regional theater productions, including those at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in 1987, '91 and '98. She's repeating her performance here through July 2 as the second show of the 2008 Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera season.

Rigby clearly is the show's star. But hers is not the only notable performance.

Tom Hewitt turns in a flamboyant and often hilarious performance as the devious but ineffectual Captain Hook and the stuffy, humorless Mr. Darling.

Tiffany Helland has great stage presence and good dance moves as the Indian princess Tiger Lily, and Elisa Sagardia is sweetly touching as Wendy Darling.

It's a well-supported production that nicely showcases Barrie's timeless classic story of pirates, fairies, Indians, a revengeful crocodile and a band of lost boys determined to remain forever young and who involve three Victorian children in their fantastical adventures.

"Peter Pan" has been a long-time stage entertainment since Barrie adapted his popular story for the London stage. In 1955, lyricist Carolyn Leigh, composer Mark Charlap and director/choreographer Jerome Robbins turned Barrie's play into a Broadway musical.

Craig Barna's new orchestrations and musical direction help keep the proceedings lively while moving the story along with songs that include "I'm Flying," "I Won't Grow Up" and "I Gotta Crow."

Dana Solimando's choreography wrings every bit of energy and visual interest out of "Ugh-A-Wug" that must leave the accomplished dance ensemble exhausted. She also injects the right notes of humor with the Pirate crew's tarantella and tango.
John Iacovelli's scenery, Shigero Yaji's costumes, Sean Boyd's fight choreography and Paul Rubin's breath-catching flying sequences all provide the proper balance of spectacle, shivery thrills and exoticism to engage and entertain children of a wide variety of ages.

The first act is short -- barely 40 minutes before the bathroom break. The second act is longer. But the entire show comes in at a little more than two hours -- long enough to thrill and enthrall, but short enough that younger attendees don't descend into slumber before the finale. That would be a shame, because Rigby's final appearance works overtime to awe the audience and send them home with a light coating of fairy dust.

Alice T. Carter can be reached at acarter@tribweb.comor 412-320-7808.

The 91.3 WYEP Summer Music Festival

2008-06-30T10:16:00.005-12:00

We had a great time Friday night at the 2008 91.3 WYEP Summer Music Festival at Schenley Plaza in a neighborhood right down the street from us in Squirrel Hill. we got to spend some time with family (jonathan, Helen, and Sarah Catherine Hartiens). All the girls got to ride on the Merry Go Round and we heard one of our favorite local bands Good Night, States.

Chocolate Schmocolate: A Phipps Let Down

2008-06-26T13:22:00.003-12:00

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is magical place. Build on the grounds of Schenley Park here in the East End of Pittsburgh, the gardens were founded in 1893 Henry Phipps and now feature regular exhibits. Catherine and I have been coming to the Phipps since 1999 and find new discoveries every visit. On Monday, we had a date at the Phipps and discovered their collection of Bonsai. Amazing. One of the joys of the Phipps are the exhibits. Last Year, Phipps exhibited the glass work of Dale Chihuly. It was spectacular and a number of the pieces that Chihuly created have been permanently installed. Recently, Phipps opened a new exhibit called Chocolate. The marketing for the exhibit is exquisite. However, once inside, I am sorry to say that it is a bit of a let down, especially after Chihuly. Don't get me wrong. the Victorian rooms are worth seeing, but they did some really weird stuff with the water exhibit by floating fifty five gallon drums in the fountain area. It made it look like we were at the site of a major oil spill. Also, they put all these plastic pink flamingos in the gardens which gave the exhibit a kind of blue collar kitsch sensibility that was very confusing. Anyway, if you are a member of the Phipps, it is worth a visit just because the Phipps is a new experience at the turn of every season. If you are local, and not a member, but found the marketing attraction, get ready for a let down from this exhibit. If you visit the burgh, and have never been to the Phipps, go regardless of the exhibit. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a magical place.

We Have Cupcakes

2008-06-21T12:06:00.005-12:00

I Love Cupcakes

So for years I have had this love of cupcakes. The kids are having a party- great maybe they will have cupcakes. Valentine's Day is a great excuse to have cupcakes. Ummh, just the right amount of yellow cake with some creamy whipped icing and maybe even some sprinkles. Don't get me wrong I like chocolate cupcakes too, but only with a big glass of cold milk.

Cupcakes are Hip?

Last year, I realized that cupcakes are now actualy hip. Sprinkles in LA, the Magnolia Bakery in New York are havens for cupcake-ophiles.We have two gourmet cupcake-eries right here in Pittsburgh's East End.

The Best Cupcake Goes to

Cocos in Shady side on Ellsworth (right down the street from Jonah's Call!) is the King of cupcakes in Pittsburgh.

Notable mention for gourmet cupcakes

Starbucks makes a good cupcake. They have (or had) Triple Chocolate and Vanilla Bean with Raw Sugar Sprinkles about six months ago but the cupcakes have since disappeared. What's Up with that Starbuck?

Not So Best

Dozen's on Murray Avenue in my neighborhood of Squirrel Hill has disappointed me several times. The cake is too crunchy and the icing too whipped for my liking.

Non-Gourmet Staples

Believe it or not stock Giant Eagle cupcakes are the best cupcake around when it comes to the non-gourmet category. The cupcakes from the Big Bird (Giant Eagle) are standard but good fare for everyday cupcaking and for the kids. Not good are the cupcakes at the Giant Eagle Market District. They use the same cake as their normal cupcakes but then ruin the whole ordeal by overloading them with way too sweet gobs of icing and stuff like recees cups and strawberry goop (yuck)- and they are the same price as the unbeleivable cupcakes over at Cocos.

Body-o-griffic

2008-06-16T11:59:00.003-12:00

Emma has been taking ballet and dance at a local company here in Pittsburgh's East End neighborhood of Squirrel Hill and just finished her first performance. The company is called Bodyography.

Free Play

2008-06-16T06:53:00.004-12:00

When we moved to Pittsburgh in July of 2007, we decided to use our third bedroom as a study so that I could work from home if needed. In 2008, I decided that it was best for me to work only at my office and stopped using my study, completely. When school ended for Emma and Lydia, a project of large proportions emerged which involved dismantling the study and turning it into a pink bedroom for Lydia. This plan also required making Emma's room pink as well and moving a gi-gillion things around in order to accommodate everyone. Well, last Thursday, this ten day project ended and now Lydia and Emma both have their own bedroom. With the girls now having their own space, signs have appeared on doors. Lydia's sign, rather than listing a series of rules or objections merely says, "FREE PLAY." When asked what she means by free play, Lydia said, "It means that you can do anything you want in my room- its free play." Additionally, she has requested that Friday's and Mondays be "kid friendly days" in the Slocum household.

The Princess and the Castle

2008-06-05T12:53:00.002-12:00

Emma and Lydia Slocum present the first of their summer film series classics, The Princess and the Castle. Look for a special behind the scenes follow up film in the coming days.

The Year In Memory Verses

2008-05-31T04:07:00.006-12:00

It is safe to say that both Lydia and Emma have a certain attraction to the video camera. Words like "ham," "card," and "natural" come to mind seeing them entertain. Over the past year, Catherine has been using facebook's video feature to share Lydia and Emma's school work with family- particulalry with grandmother "Momo." After a series of these became favorites, we began getting requests to share them with others. So, here is Lydia (mostly) and Emma's video messages for you all to enjoy (though in a somewhat deteriated form due to the extraction process from Flash Player to Youtube).

How did we get video's off facebook and onto Youtube?
The trouble with making videos on face book is that facebook gives no option for saving flash videos to your hard drive. For the longest time, I (Jay) could not figure out how to extract the videos (made with flash player) from the facebook site. Yes, all very technical. However, I finally solved the problem after a few hours of hacking. If you are a Mac user, do two things. First, download the free adobe flash player. Second, use the Safari browser to extract the video. Just go to the Window feature on the top menu bar and choose activity. Then double click on the activity labeled facebook. Then look for the file that has video in the address. It should be large (like at least 1.0mb). Just double click the video and you Mac will download it. For PC users, get the grease monkey add on for Mozilla and you should be able to extract stuff.

Have Fun With Pittsburghese

2008-05-27T14:24:00.003-12:00

1. (WAV) (AU) “Quit jaggin around with dat jumbo” implies that:

2. (WAV) (AU) "Dawn is rilly nebby." means that:

3. (WAV) (AU) "What yinz doin en at?" translates as:

4. (WAV) (AU) What action do you take when you hear: "Get aht, dere’s a fahr in da filled!"

5. (WAV) (AU) "If yinz wants served, raise your hans."

Kennywood is Open

2008-05-27T05:35:00.004-12:00

Yesterday, the Slocum family made its first trip to the nationally acclaimed traditional amusement park, Kennywood. This more than one hundred year old park originally started as a picnicking destination overlooking the river. Since 1898, the park has held onto its traditional wooden roller coaster rides and continues to cater to working class folks from the burgh.

Here are some cool things about Kennywood:

1. It is a generational park

Whole families come here and have been coming here for generations. I heard a women correct a young Kennywood employee who thought the "Log Jammer" water coaster must have been built in the 1990's. She said, correctly, "No it was built in the mid 1970's. Then, turning to, what I assume was one of her relatives or a long time friend, said, "But we rode it for the first time in 1978- remember that."

2. There are rides for everyone

Our kids have never been to an amusement park before. So, we started them off on easy rides like "wipe out," and "the paratrooper." Emma and I went on Rolling Thunder or something like that. No one had the nerve to go with me on the Phantom's Revenge, though it is now a lifetime goal for both Emma and Lydia. At one point, Lydia said, "I want to live at Kennywood."

3. It's Local

The park is 5 miles from our front door.

Here are some not-so-cool things about Kennywood:

1. It's Local

Kennywood ranks as the number 47th way of knowing if you are a Yinzer. #47. You know your a Yinzer if you don't see what all the hype is about Disney World when Kennywood is just around the corner. A Yinzer is a Western PA redneck. Being raised a redneck, I have no right to say anything. However, when I told one of my friends that I was going to Kennywood, the long-time Pittsburgh residents said, "I have never been. It's my last hold-out to being called a Yinzer." As much as I love local culture, in general, I started feeling like I was on the Jerry Springer show after about the 4th hour. Which leads me to my next point.

2. There is a High Yuk Factor

Along with the new No Smoking signs that are posted, Kennywood should seriously consider posting signs asking the seriously obese to please cover their "parts." I can't prove it, but I am convinced that the dress code represented at Kennywood posed a serious health hazard. As Lydia has been heard saying, after seeing a women showing way more cleavage than should be allowed, "Mommy, she really wants to get married."

3. Amusement

There seems to be something intrinsically wrong with going to a place that raises my adrenalin levels through the roof while at the same time, requiring me to do nothing more that stand in a line, and then take long breaks eating high carbohydrate foods and beverages. I think the whole thing would work better if people were required to, say, run a mile or two, before being allowed to go on cosmic chaos.

Anyway, it was fun going to Kennywood, my children look forward to next year, and I... Well, I am glad it's over.

God's Trail

2008-05-14T07:43:00.002-12:00

Lydia and I went out looking for sticks and bricks again this Monday and subsequently visited the "hut" that we began to make out in the midst of Frick Park. While journeying down the trail, Lydia announced at a fork in the trail, "We have to go this way." I said, "Ok, but why do we have to go this way?" She replied, "Because this way is God's trail and that way is the way of Satan." "Oh," I replied. And why is that way the way of Satan and this way, God's trail." Lydia said, "Because this way is full of flowers and goodness and this way is full of mud and death." To which I replied, "And how is Satan's trail full of death?" Lydia very matter of factly said, That trail probably has dead bears and dead calves on it. Do you know what a dead calf is... It's a cow." Later in our journey, the little mystic daughter of mine threw a rock at an intersection in the trail and said, "Daddy, the rock will show us the way. Follow the rock."

Sticks and Bricks

2008-05-05T13:56:00.003-12:00

I spent the afternoon today with Lydia. We were in Frick park searching, as Lydia put it, for "sticks and bricks" to make a "hut" in the woods. We hiked, gathered sticks and bricks, framed out a good looking hut with dead trees, explored a stream and all that is wonderful about Pittsburgh's Frick Park. Hurray for daughters and hurray for sticks and bricks.

Our Trip to Camp St. Christopher

2008-04-08T09:51:00.003-12:00

Last week, we stopped by Camp St. Christopher, the Diocese of South Carolina retreat Center, where most of my life long friends now work (LOL). Actually, David and Emily Sadd asked us to be god parents to their newest, Maggie. So, the trip was to officially be a part of a really cool baptism on the beach. Additionally, Chris Warner, who is the rector at St. Christopher and was in seminary with me, did the baptism. It was really cool to be with so many people we love. Jonathan Meyer, my life long friend since 9th grade! also just started working at the camp.

Introducing The Adventures of Bandaid!

2008-02-18T09:30:00.003-12:00

Lydia (6) naturally gets film. About a year ago, she started telling us about some "movies" that she had made in her imagination. Since then, the movies that she has created have taken shape in the form of plays, pictures, stories, and now a video. One of Lydia's main characters is named "Bandaid." He is a young bandaid who often comes to the rescue of his family. In this episode, (the first Bandaid story to make it to film), Bandaid helps his brother, "little Paul" out of a prickly situation.

Bandaid On the Road
Written, Animated, and Directed by Lydia Slocum
Daddy appear courtesy of Falling Down Productions

Bonus Material (The Making of Bandaid On the Road)

Circus Girl in Full Effect

2008-02-13T09:57:00.004-12:00

Since Lydia could focus her eyes and distinguish solid objects, I have been cuddling her and singing to her and tossing her up in the air. Catherine can sometimes not look but I believe strongly that a dad can teach his daughters to trust men and to believe in the strength of fathers by teaching them courage. Plus, I have never dropped her so it is working so far. Last night Lydia made it to a new level with circus tricks. She is beginning to incorporate her gymnastics into the act so we might just take the show on the road before long. Today, she announced that there was going to be a show. She made passes, charged me a dollar (even though I was in the room) and we had a great time on a snowy day.

Ladies and Gentlepeople, I give you Lydia the circus girl:

What Color is Satan

2008-02-13T01:36:00.004-12:00

For the past few weeks we have been hearing Lydia say things like, "Satan has been telling me to think bad thoughts." Her acute awareness of Satan came out this morning when she responded to my question, "How was you sleep last night, my Lydia?" She said, "I dreamed that Satan and Mrs. Satan and Granpma Satan and Grandpa Satan came to destroy the world... and all the puppies. And you know how I feel about puppies. I love them. And guess what? I know what color Satan is. He is blue and he has smoke coming out of his ears. And Mrs. Satan is red. And grandma Satan just sits there and doesn't do anaything because she is too tired." So, what color is Satan?

You Were Made For Glory

2008-01-15T14:29:00.000-12:00

Thanks to Trevor for the video post.

Snowman full of bounty

2007-12-20T04:41:00.001-12:00

Lydia's creative abilities have somehow gone through the roof in the past week. I walked in last night discover that she had made a Snowman in the Kitchen. He is full of Christmas cheer!

Hope in a Tunnel

2007-12-19T15:25:00.001-12:00

It can be hard being a kid. Actually, exhausting. Just think about it. Kids have to keep track of all the VW bugs on the road (Punch Buggy Yellow Convertible, No Punch Backs!) They have to keep their feet up when they go over bridges. They have to constantly crave sugar cereals and candy and chocolate, but have no source of income to feed their cravings. Kids have to spend hours under the scrutiny of the Disney Marketing Machine (you try resisting that Monster, I double dare you). Kids also have to hold their breathe when they go through tunnels. Yesterday, we were driving through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. Normally, Emma and Lydia can make it through with one breathe. But, yesterday, They hardly made it half way through before they both exhaled heavily and then said, "We couldn't see the end of the tunnel dad because that big truck was blocking us from seeing. Why couldn't we hold our breathe?" I said, "It was because of hope." Lydia then asked, "What's Hope?" I said, "Hope is seeing the end, knowing that there is an end, and being able to hold on when things are hard until we get to the end. You couldn't see the end so you had no hope. Do you understand? Lydia said, "Yeah, we need hope to get through tunnels dad." I then looked over at Emma. Her eyes narrowed into a serious stare and she said in a somewhat desperate voice. "Dad, I understand, really I understand." Thank God today for hope.

Decorating Day-Off

2007-12-10T12:59:00.000-12:00

THE Christmas Tree

2007-12-09T12:32:00.000-12:00

After several weeks of trying to find just the right place to secure a Christmas Tree, we found Joann's Nursery in Murrysville, PA, about 45 minute drive outside the city. Our friends Karl and Bea Thomas and their two kids invited us along. We had a great time searching for a tree on the side of a steep hill in the pouring rain. This year, I went for the biggest tree that I could find this year because we now have twelve foot ceilings. It ended up taking two of us to haul the tree into our house; the first time ever I have needed help bringing in a tree.

It Snowed

2007-12-04T06:56:00.000-12:00

Today was the first real snow day this fall. Lydia and Emma were out of their minds with joy and Lydia made a snow man, even though it was only 18 inches tall.

Monday is Museum Day

2007-12-04T01:58:00.000-12:00

We all had a great time with aunt Celeste and cousins Isabella, Caleb, Joshua, and Johnny at the Science Center on Monday.

What Are You Looking At?

2007-11-17T12:34:00.000-12:00

Emma just took some pics of what we are looing at outside our windows here in the East End the City of Pittsburgh. It snowed a little bit yesterday and Lydia nearly crawled out of her own skin with excitement.

Schaeffer Don't You Move!

2007-11-08T08:43:00.000-12:00

We live a block from Frick Park in the East End of Pittsburgh. It is a good thing too because our dog Schaeffer NEEDS to be exercised everyday. Here is a clip of Schaeffer playing catch at the park. Calm assertive calm assertive, just keep saying it...

The Dog Whisperer

2007-11-08T08:31:00.000-12:00

We just finished watching season one of Dog Whisperer with Ceasar Milan. I loved the one with Barbi Orr and her completely spastic bald chinese dog flirt. Ceasar's whole stick is that a dog will be balanced and part of the pack when the pack leaders (all humans) excert calm assertive energy. And then, he meets Barbi and she is so high strung that watching the episode gave my eye a tic. I kept thinking about where Jesus says out of the heart comes the words of our mouth and the way we act is just a reflection of what is deep inside of us. The Dog Whisperer seems to be a great expression of that principle. Our dogs are not that bright so the best that they can do is react to the behaviors that we reinforce. If we reinforce craziness by being crazy (which is not the way their pack leaders would ever act), they will get confused and be crazy and dominant and if we reinforce calm assertiveness by being calm and asssertive, they will be calm and submissive.

Silly-est, Silly-er, Silly-ish

2007-11-05T14:06:00.000-12:00

Heaven is a Wonderful Place Take One

Heaven is a Wonderful Place Take Two

Heaven is a Wonderful Place Take Two

Trick or Treat... Really

2007-11-01T21:20:00.000-12:00

We took our kids out trick or treating this year in a nearby neighborhood called Edgewood. Emma dressed up as That-Teen-Rock-Idol-Ish-Disney-TV-Star-I-Must-Tolerate-Hannah-Montanna. Lydia was a dragon Princes. I was Sirus- Protector of all magical creatures.

Our friends Alex and Beth Ruzanic invited us and we joined another pastor and his family for the festivities. This is the first time our kids have ever gone trick or treating. Why? Well, for the past ten years, we have had really cool alternatives to Halloween called All Saints Festivals. And, we have either just attended them, or got them started at the churches that we have been involved with. Since we are in the infancy stages of our new life in Pittsburgh, we ony had two options: hide, or engage the culture we are in.

When we were carving this year's pumpkin, Emma described how we are like pumpkins to God. She said that God has to open us up and get the juk out of us and then fill us with light. That's the Gospel coming from a ten year old. Even so, when it came time to draw the face on the pumpkin, they still chose to make it look like this:

Flight of the Conchords

2007-10-17T07:39:00.000-12:00

From New Zealand, these Kiwi’s capitalize on silliness and being profound.

Here are my five favorite FOTC songs in order:

Business Time (Lyrics) Two Minutes in Heaven are Better than One Minute in Heaven

Albi the Racist dragon- Get Your Hand of My Tail, You’ll Make It Dirty

Sellotape (aka Pencils In The Wind)
Lives are like delicate pencils
If you push them too hard they’re gonna break
And people are like paper dolls
Paper dolls and people, they’re a similar shape
Hmm hmm hm
Love is like a roll of tape
It’s real good for making two things one
But just like that roll of tape
Love sometimes breaks off before you were done
Another way that love is similar to tape
That I’ve noticed
Is sometimes it’s hard to see the end
You search on the roll
(search on the roll)
Search on the roll
(searching round the roll)
Search on the roll
(search)
With your fingernail
Again and again
And again and again
And again.
Brown paper, white paper
Stick it together with the tape
The tape of love
The sticky stuff
Brown paper, white paper
Stick it together with tape
The tape of love
The sticky stuff.
People people
Chorus:
Brown paper, white paper
Paper paper Stick it together with tape
Paper paper
The tape of love
People people
People people
Pencil pencil
Pencil pencil
Paper paper
Put the pencil to the paper
Give the paper to the people
Let the people read about the sello tape
Oh baby baby
YeahYou know, Jemaine,
I’ve been thinking about love.
And I guess it’s the very stron-gest adhesive.
Oh sorry, Bret.
Were you talking to me?
I was humming.
What did you say?
Oh, just...nothing.
Brown paper, white paper
Stick it together with tape
The tape of love
The sticky stuff
Yeah
Ooh brown
Brown paper, white paper
Stick it together with tape
The tape of love
Say it
Sticky
Stick stick
Stick it together
Ye-yeah

Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros- I’m the Mother Flippin

Foux Da Fa Fa (Lyrics) I Love the French!

Sello Tape- Making Two Things One

Old Videos

2007-10-15T14:13:00.000-12:00

Old Videos is a relative term. Jay and the girls made this video, along with many others last year. Introducing the crooked tower and the girl who doesn't know anything

Seeing Boxes Seeing God

2007-09-23T09:58:00.000-12:00

We were at the Blue Slide Playground today. The Blue Slide is a landmark in Pittsburgh's East End of the City. The slide consists of a concrete slide built into the side of a hill at Frick Park. It is painted blue. Over the years kids have discovered that the slide works best with cardboard. So, every weekend kids haul their cardboard to the park, climb the hill to the blue slide, sit on their pieces of cardboard, then slide down in all kinds interesting ways. Today, Emma, Lydia, Catherine, our dog Schaeffer, and I went to the Blue Slide. Usually, there are enough pieces laying around the slide that a kid can just show up, get an abandoned piece of cardboard, and then slide away. Not today. Today, the slide was packed and good pieces were scarce. Emma asked me if I would go exploring for fresh cardboard at the baseball field nearby. After rescuing a very nice piece of cardboard from being tossed at the concession stand, Emma said, "Dad, the wierdest thing is that ever since we moved here I see cardboard everywhere. I never used to see cardboard, but now I see cardboard all over the place and I always think, 'that would be great for the blue slide.'" This statement started a whole conversation between the two of us about how many things we notice just because they are important to us. As we walked back to the blueslide, it suddenly became very clear to me that God my be unnoticed, not because he isn't there, but because we see no value in Him. Emma sees cardboard everywhere because it now matters to her a great deal now that she needs it to slide. And God...

Emma is 10 and ready for a post doctorate

2007-09-19T06:27:00.000-12:00

Emma turned 10 on Sunday, but for the first time ever, per her request, we celebrated on Saturday. We had a Nancy Drew Mystery Party with 10 girls. They ate pizza, munchies, played games, listened to that Hannah Montana CD, and went to Frick Parks Blue Slide Playground to unravel the Mystery of the Blue Slide.

Welcome Harry Potter

2007-09-10T12:32:00.000-12:00

Today marks a monumental day in the life of the Slocum household. Emma and I just finished reading the first chapter of the first Harry Potter Novel by JK Rowling, The Sorcerer's Stone. Discussion included the comparison between the white wizarding world and Christians. First, we both believe in the supernatural and use our power for good. Second, we also, like the characters in the magical world of Harry Potter, believe in a very real world of dark witches and demons and oppose the forces of good. Additionally, the world of Harry Potter and the world of the Christian in the third millenium is often deeply misundesrtood by the muggle world. I am really looking forward to helping Emma navigate this book. I am aware that some Christians would NEVER read Harry Potter, for fear that their children might be overcome by the darkness and the mention of withces and warlocks. These same Christians, I presume, would also, therefore, want to avoid a huge body of literature, from The Lord of the Rings to The Chroicles of Narnia. At any rate, I beleive that these novels are incredible and teach children the immense value of truth and non truth, the power of unconditional love, the need for sacrifice in relationships, and the ability to endure hardship and fight for good rather than be overcome by evil. Of course, each of these novels will be read through a grid (a Christian, or secular, or pagan, or mixed grid).

Book I The Sorcerers Stone

Book II Chamber of Secrets

Book III Prisoner of Azkaban

Book IV Goblet of Fire

Book V Order of the Phoenix

Rob and Melinda

2007-09-03T13:03:00.000-12:00

In the Fall of 1999, a middle school kid called my house and said, "Hi, my name is Rob. I will be one of the kids in your youth group. I just thought I would call and say hello since you are going to be my youth minister." It has been eight years since I first met Rob. We have walked a lot of "roads" together, laughed together, and wept together. I have watched Rob grow from a middle schooler to a man. In many ways, Rob has been a disciple; I have had the privelege of pointing him to Jesus for years. In other ways Rob has been a friend, a brother, and for some time an employee who has heard the threatenning words, "If you keep that up, I am going to have to let you go." I love Rob. This weekend, Rob brought Melinda to see Catherine and I. Although Rob doesn't need our permission to be in love with Melinda or want to marry her some day (which I think he does), he does desire our blessing. This weekend, Rob got it. Melinda is a pure heart, full of love for kids, the lost, and girls who struggle with knowing which way is up and which way is down. Rob and Melinda met while training to be Youth Ministers. I think some cool things will be happenning for them in the coming months. Anyway, our love goes out to Rob and Mel. Thank for visiting us in the Burgh.

Prejudice and the Zoo

2007-08-25T12:54:00.000-12:00

Lydia and I went to the zoo today for some special dad and daughter time. Pittsburgh being a quite amazing city, the zoo is just a few miles away and very affordable. While looking a the Lions, Lydia and I were joined by an African American man and his wife and their three little girls. After looking at eh lions, Lydia pulled on my arm and said to me, "Dad, do you know what annoys me?" "What is that?" I replied. She said, "It annoys me when black people marry white people. They do not match." I was stunned. I literally took about ten minutes before I could frame a response. As we walked past the elephants and the black and white zebra and then through the gorilla cages, I finally spoke to her. I explained that God made us all in His image and that it pleased Jesus to have us all love one another and how sometimes men who happen to have balck skin fall in love with women who have white skin and they get married. I was very matter of fact and I thought my simple explanation would suffice. When I was through she just shrugged a kind of prejudicial shrug and said, "They don't match dad."

At dinner, we all discussed the issue Lydia raised. I tried to respect that this was how she really felt while challenging her to see the Biblical truth. Emma, Catherine and I all agreed that Black and white people should be free to marry one another. We even through in Chinese and white, English and American, and fat and skinny. Here the kicker. She didn't think english and american or chinese and white or fat and skinny people should marry. Why? They do not match. At first I thought that my daughter had picked up some kind of prejudice. Now, I realize that she is being a peculiar six year old. In the end, I think because I appealed to Jesus ans the Bible, she caved and said, "Ok, I get it." I am sure over time, the categories for what matches will expand. We will continue to encourage her to see that God sees no division between skin color or race or appearance. In light of this, or perhaps because of this, conversation, it was a good day at the zoo.

Deep Theology

2007-08-24T12:46:00.000-12:00

At Dinner, Lydia announced that Dads, namely me, do not know everything. This was a revaltation of sorts to her apparently, and I was impressed with the weight that I seem to have carried until her epiphany. i said, "This is true Lydia." What are some of the things dads do not know. "Well," said Lydia, there are three." it seems that she had been thinking this over for some time. She said, "Like dads do not know where all the dinosaur bones are, or where heaven is or who made water. These are things only God knows.' Wow. We then had an in depth conversation about the mystery of life and how there are many things that are beyond our grasp. Deep theology from a six year old.

Both School and Cool Have Started

2007-08-23T15:07:00.000-12:00

School started yesterday for Emma and Lydia. They will be bused to the suburbs (Forest Hills) to Trinity Christian School. Trinity is a great school that has a reformed background and uses a classical curriculum. It's amazing, but before we had a home in Pittsburgh, before I had a job in Pittsburgh, we had a school. We interviewed and signed them up in early June and we have all been looking forward to this week all summer since it is going to create the needed venue for forming new friendships for both the girls.

With school starting, Catherine has had a lot of work to do, finding supplies and clothes that conform to the less strict dress code than we are used to. Now that Emma and Lydia do not have blue uniforms that they must wear with Mary Janes, etc, we have discovered that the need for all things cool has emerged into a full grown monster over the summer- I don't know where they get it from.

After school today, Emma came in wearing her new converse all stars and her cool new blue shirt and her leopard skin lunch sac-bag-thingy and said that, in effect, Back Packs are out and book bags are in. Then she worked toward having me take her to the Limited Too to buy a High School Musical Book Bag. Instant no way for me- Calvin Klein's no friend of mine, don't want nobodies name on my behind. I let Emma know that buying a High School Musical or Hannah Montana Bag was like wearing black socks with flip flops on the beach- not cool. Cars sneakers are only cool until the movie is still in the theatre- never buy theme clothes, cars, bikes etc. Catherine went for round too saying that cool is OK in our house- we value cool because it gives you credibility and because it is a bad witness as a Christian to look dorky. However, trendy is not cool. Her example was as follows: Emma, how would you feel about a pair of Finding Nemo sneakers or a Finding Nemo book bag. That is only cool for a few months which means its trendy. Anyway, we won. Emma became convinced that a cool book bag would work. Yes, I know what you are thinking; deal with last years book bag. We could have done that, but she is new at this school and in Pittsburgh and she is in fourth grade. I felt like I had to uphold the emergence of cool, especially since I remember fourth grade being the year that I longed to shed my plaid tough skins with the iron knee patches and get a cool pair of Levis like all my friends. I had to work overtime to wear out those tough skin pants before I finally got a pair of jeans- and they were not Levi's they were wranglers- how gay is that!

So, we ended up finding a cool reasonably priced book bag at Target since the ones at Limited Too were way to big. School has started, cool has started and we are bracing ourselves because we know that, even though she is ten (a zero teen if looked at technically), she is on the brink of entering middle school, college, and the big bad world.

Lydia's World

2007-08-23T14:31:00.001-12:00

Part of my daily routine these days includes removing up to 150 digital pictures from the family camera so that tomorrow, we will be able to click again- I don't dare buy a bigger memory card. Lydia is learning to take pictures and I am amazed at many of the subject matters that she has focused on. She has done in depth photographic studies in the past week on such things as: Dad's nose hair, the inside of a Polly Pocket car, her sisters foot in mid-kick and an endless number of shots of what we might call "things around the house," and the photograph's of our dog that make one wonder... At any rate, it is, overall, a wonderful world of close ups and kids stuff. We can learn a lot from kids. They wonder about things, look close at things and still take the time to marvel... at nose hair. Enjoy Ms. Lydia's work.

Listen Live

2007-08-20T15:35:00.000-12:00

Check out the new section of our blog in the side bar. More than a decade ago, we decided to unplug from the media feed that seemed to be constantly in our ears. We gave up TV and cable and major newspapers, etc and decided that, as Christians, we were responsible for the stewardship of our time and space and sensibilities. At the same time, we didn't want to complete unplug from the universe or from the arts and culture that are such a worthwhile part of being human, so we began a long journey of collecting sources of entetainment and culture that we could control. Today, we watch video and listen to audio books from the library. We watch movies from the last 100 years using Netflix. We occasionally tune into NPR's All things considered and, most recently, we have begun to stream live audio from stations across the country who have similar sensibilties as we do. Below are a few stations you might want to try out. Unplug and start living.

91.3 WYEP Pittsburgh
90.5 FM - WBER Rochester
1190 AM - KVCU Boulder
90. 3 KEXP Washington
88.1 FM - KVSC St. Cloud
90.1 FM - KSRQ
Soma FM Indie POP
Soma FM BootLiquor
my music stream

Soujourning

2007-08-18T16:28:00.000-12:00

In the Fall of 1993, I spent a season fasting and praying in order to figure out where God was calling Catherine and I. We were living in New York at the time and had been married less than a year. Part of that season was taking long hikes on the trails that are scattered throughout the Appalachians throughout New York. One such hike took place on the Turkey Hill Preserve in Yorktown New York. There on the top of a mountain, I had a once in a lifetime epiphany about the direction my life was to take. It was a day that brought me to the beginning of a long soujourn that would eventually lead to seminary and full time work as a pastor. This week, we returned to Turkey Hill, this time with kids and a nephew in tow. My hope was to see a tree that I had carved a date on almost fifteen years ago. I found the tree, but the only thing that remained of the carved date was a gnurled scar and a tree that has grwon three times its size on nealry two decades. Here are some pics of the hike.

The Nieces and Nephews

2007-08-18T16:23:00.001-12:00

Emma and Lydia had a great time this week vacationing in New York with their cousins.

A Theology of Leasing

2007-08-08T10:10:00.000-12:00

After a great deal of time searching for a home to buy in Pittsburgh, we came to the realization that the areas was too diverse for us to chose a neighborhood before being able to really make our home in the burgh. We have decided to rent for at least a year in order to get a good sense of where God might have us live here in the city. So, by way of a small miracle, we ended up finding a rental that would meet all of our criteria. Catherine wanted a place that was surrounded by the beauty of the city- maybe close to or overlooking a park, and air conditioning. Lydia wanted things to be pretty. Emma wanted a place to read (my study is now our study) and a place to walk the dog and a bedroom she could paint purple. Catherine and I and the girls all agreed that we wanted a home where we could have others over regularly. We needed a house where we could "do ministry." In the end, we found 2578 Beechwood Avenue. Our new house is a duplex. Our downstairs neighbor lives with her dog "Pierre" and her grandson is the Lessor (the landlord). Our house was the final stop for us in a long search for a decent rental in Pittsburgh. It was just right. However, because it is a rental, it needed certain improvements. Now, here is where Christian theology comes into play. Understand that in Pittsburgh's East End, a college and university town, rentals are a dime a dozen. Lots of folks bought cheap and have rented homes that keep bringing in revenue. The cycle is as follows: Rent the place and put as little into it as you can get away with. This is how the Lessor or landlord survives and makes revenue. For the Lessee or renter, the key is to rent cheap and stay long and to put as little into the place as you can. After all, it's not "your place" so why invest or make better someone else’s property. That is the cycle in Pittsburgh and the result is a growing number of crummy rentals that are overpriced and under cared for. Not good. This has caused a dilemma for Catherine and me as Christians. You see, as Christians, we truly believe that all things belong to God. Whether you rent or own, it is still God's. Why are all, in a very real way "leasing" everything we have and God is the "Lessor." So, how does one rent as a Christian? Well, in our eyes we rent the same way that we own; as wise stewards. This is how we are approaching our new home. Now, please do not get me wrong. Our Lessor (landlord) is not your average guy. He is generous and truly cares about the place and has invested in it. He is not typical. He painted rooms for us and asked us what colors we wanted, allowing us to go to Lowes hardware and chose our colors. He put in new fixtures in the dining room and had us all over for dinner to meet his family. He is a really good man. However, the folks who have rented from him did not improve the space. The laundry room was in shambles. The garage was filthy and there were things that our Landlord did not even know about that needed fixing. Our solution was to offer our time and energy to make the place better. Our Landlords solution was to offer to pay for supplies that have gone into the house. It has been really cool to steward this new home as a lease rather than something that we are paying off through a mortgage. It reminds us of the fact that ultimately all of us are using SOMEONE ELSES STUFF. In the end, we will leave this home better than we found it. My suspicion is that we will be hearing these words from Jesus: "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. Now, come and take part in more and enjoy the abundance of your father’s provision." It is ultimately very freeing being a Christian. We know that the words of the prophet are true: "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." 1 Chronicles 29:14

Family Gathering in Martinsburg, WV

2007-08-07T13:36:00.000-12:00

West Virginia is a beautiful place. We are visiting our family in Martinsburg and had a great time visiting the Parson's cabin (friends who live in the area) on a secluded creek. This week marks the third year we have gotten together in mid summer. 2006 and 2005 found us on the coast of South Carolina on Seabrook Island. This year we decided to gather at Helen and Jonathan hartiens newly renovated house atop Martinsburg (officially located in Hedgesville).

Lydia is Six!

2007-08-03T13:55:00.000-12:00

It is a day that is counted down, rehearsed, anticipated, dramed about, and celebrated. The day is July 22nd. Lydi turns six. This year, we had a wonderful birthday party for Lydia at our new house in Pittsburgh. Lydia invited Annie and her family and her cousins for her birthday. Though we all missed friends from Bluffton (especially Haley and Aubrey and Maddie and...), we had a great time. Happy birthday Lydia!

Arriving at Our New Home

2007-08-01T16:13:00.000-12:00

We arrived in Pittsburgh after a two day drive with 4 tons of household goods, a truck with a governor that would not allow us to go over seventy (to Catherine's delight), two excited girls and a confused dog. It was 9:00 PM when we arrived and hot. I immediately unloaded mattresses hoping that all the stuff that we had crammed in behind it would not explode out of the truck and leave me dead on the corner of Froward Avenue and Beechwood Blvd. To our delight, Catherine sister Helen, her burly husband Jonanthan Hartiens and their three kids, (Sam, Ben and Sarah Catherine) showed up at 10:00pm and camped out with us so that they could help unpack the next day. Along with the Hartiens, Catherine's Sister Sarah and her husband Tom Iriana arrived bright and earlier the next morning along with my old friend and fellow minister Paul Moraloes along with Jonathan Stefine, a student who attends church at Prince of Peace on the other side of the river. This crew got us started and we were unloaded in two hours. Soon to follow were Catherine's brother, Jon Minn and his boys Caleb and Joshua. Then my old freidn Dan Harding (one of the pastors at Three Nails, an emerging church community here in Pittsburgh) showed up with his wife Emily and we all spent the day unpacking, talking, and eating amazing Pittsburgh pizza and Chinese food. We ended the day at Fricke park located just a block from our new home. It was an amazing day. We felt very loved and I was completely psyched to see many hands make light work of everything we had packed (jammed) into our too small moving truck. Thanks to all who helped us move in.

Moving day and the need for two more feet of truck

2007-08-01T15:46:00.000-12:00

Typically when an Episcopal "priest" moves from one church to another he is moved by a team of professional movers. These are the rules for churchmen who have done their time in both academia and in navigating the rigors of endless committees and institutional barriers. Once you are in, you are taken care of... blah blah blah. Not so for the church planter. When God calls us to start something from nothing, to yield to his call and go in faith, well, then a pastor has to call on his friends and stand in amazement at God's mighty provision. Over a period of seven days, friends surrounded us in love and with boxes. Mike and Linda emptied their boxes and delivered them to us. Zanne and Margie came and boxed the kitchen. Jim and Joe spent a whole day helping me pack the "rest of the house." And then, on moving day a hoard of people showed up to help us load our too small 26 foot Penske Diesel in three hours. Thanks to David Sadd, Warren Allston, Chris Long, Joe Lester, Steve Chisholm, John Robinson, Jonathan King, Chris Mattson, Jody, Taylor, and Garrison Dorrel, Craig and Chistine Jared, Tony and Suzanne Aaker, Mike and Linda Clarkson, and Margie Sykes for lending a hand... as well as our neighbors Obie and Courtney and our good friends Stefanie Vanderpool and Emily Sadd who watched the girls for us during this time. It was a great move despite the fact that we had to dissemble the futon and all the Ikea furniture in order to get everything in the truck.

Our New Address

2007-07-05T14:48:00.000-12:00

The Slocum's new address is:
2578 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217.
We will be living in an area of the city known as Squirrell Hill.

This House is SOLD!

2007-06-19T13:21:00.000-12:00

When I met with Realtors in Bluffton about selling our house, their advice was unanimous; NOT IN THIS MARKET! One of my good friends said, “I know the big man has called you to a new mission, but did he mention that we have more than 550 houses on the market in Bluffton. My conversations with realtors revealed that there were 42 houses for sail in our neighborhood and that there were at least a 1000 options for a home in Bluffton between built homes for sale and new homes for sale. Granted, our house fell into the first time buyer market between 175,000 and 225,000, but there were still a ton of houses competing. It is a buyers market here in Bluffton because the market has stalled but the builders haven’t and they are offering amazing incentives for new homes. When I told Realtors that I expected to sell my house by July, they lookedat me like I had three heads. The advice was to rent if we could and wait for the “two years of inventory” to widdle down. Well, in 28 days our house sold. David salys Goliath, Gideon takes on an army and God allows my house to sell in less than a month.. Man that is amazing. Add to this some of the miraculous things that have gone on in the past three months and there is a real “God” story here. 1. We usually go on vacation in early January. This year, Catherine and I had an very strong sense that the right thing to do was to stay home and put money into our house. We did and I installed new floors, closets, paint, yard work, etc, etc. We had no idea in Janury that we would move. Now, we have new floors in the kitchen and bath and living room, and the house looks “ready to move in.” This was not pre-planned but we really see it as God’s hand guiding us in mysterious ways toward the plan that he has for us. 2. The offer for our house was received on the day that we were in Pittsburgh looking for a new house and wondering whether we could take the chance to move even though we had still not sold our house in Bluffton. So much of our plans are following into place while we bite our nails and watch God move our hearts and the hearts of others toward his plan. It is very cool to be walking by faith and very cool to see God provide for us so completely.

House For Sale: 634 Coopers Lane North, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910

2007-05-20T07:23:00.000-12:00

Our House WAS for sale.

Conveniently located near the entrance to The Farm, this wonderful move-in condition home features wonderful cul-de-sac privacy and a wooded view from the backdoor. Adjacent to a community boardwalk, this neighborhood home has been fully landscaped and features year around blooms from its lovely gardens. Inside, you will find newly upgraded Pergo hardwood floors in the living room, and slate Pergo in the kitchen and downstairs baths. This home features a ground floor master bedroom and three bedrooms upstairs with roomy closets. Lots of additional space can be found in the two car garage and walk-in attic space.

Home Features
· Antique Hickory Pergo Hardwoods in the Living Room create a combination of elegant beauty and durability.
· African Slate Pergo Tile in the kitchen and master bath are an attractive compliment to hardwoods.
· Kitchen counters and baths include oak cabinets and have been trimmed in solid red oak hardwood.
· Attractive Hunter Ceiling Fans in all rooms reduce heating and cooling costs year round.
· All rooms have been professionally painted, including a high gloss oil base finish to all trim which allows for a fresh look and easy care.
· All closets have been upgraded with additional shelving.
· All white appliances: refrigerator, electric stove, dishwasher, dish disposal, washer, and dryer.
· Bathroom fixtures: all upgraded including bathroom lights, draw pulls, and towel racks. Also includes a custom made maple hardwood vanity in the master bath.
· Master bedroom-family room has been upgraded with new berber carpets.
· All windows include two inch Low Country style Levelor Plantation Blinds.
· Central air conditioning is segmented in this home to include separate air controls for upstairs and downstairs, allowing the homeowner to control temperatures on each floor.

Safety Features:
An electric fence will be an added attraction to buyers who own a dog.

Landscape Features
· The entire property has been sod and includes cottage style gardens throughout the property.
· Garden plantings include saga palm, butterfly bushes, confederate and Savannah jasmine, Mexican heather, hibiscus, native ferns, yucca, various chrysanthemums, bamboos and native sweet grasses,
· Trees and bushes include palm, cypresses, banana, dogwood, eucalyptus, Crepe Myrtles, African violet bushes, holly trees, as well as boxwood and other base shrubs.

Community Features
· Spacious sidewalks at the Farm allow you to safely walk or exercise throughout the entire neighborhood path system with connections to the Buckwalter bike trails and the brand new community park next door.
· The Farm has a very beautiful zero level entrance pool and a community clubhouse great for enjoying a swim or party after work or on the weekends.
· With the new Publix being located 2 miles from 634 Coopers Lane, shopping will be around the corner.
· Close to 46, it is a 25 minute drive to historic downtown Savannah, 7 minutes to historic downtown Bluffton and 15 minutes to Folly Field Beach on Hilton Head Island.

South Beach Cookbook

2007-05-18T00:34:00.000-12:00

Thanks Ryan and Julia for the South Beach Diet Cookbook. Ryan and Julia stay trim by chasing around their toddling triplets and by eating good carb-good fat meals that they found in the South Beach Diet Cookbook which they have passed on to us. Catherine is making yummy filling stuff. 18 pounds down for Jay and more to go.

Cinderella and the Step Sister

2007-05-14T11:51:00.000-12:00

Emma just performed in her first ballet. She danced as one of the wicked step sisters and performed alongside one of her best friends, Sabina V.

I am Fat and She is Beautiful

2007-04-29T11:29:00.000-12:00

After four years of tireless work here in Bluffton, I have finally taken a tiny step back to try to care for myself a bit more. As many of you know, we came here four years ago to plant-grow a new congregation. At any rate, our church has grown fast and has become large. However, so have I. I have gained ten pounds each year (you can do the math). When I arrived in Bluffton in 2003, I weighed the same as when I graduated college (215). I was exercising everyday except the Sabbath. Today, I am exercising 3 times a week. But, I am eating sleeves of fig newtons regularly (I just love newtons). So, last week, I started the South Beach Diet. I have been calling it the South American Refugee Beach Diet since I can't have my sugar like I want it. Anyway, Catherine, who is too beautiful and refined to ever need a diet, has decided to "walk alongside of me in this diet. We are also trying to keep from shoveling loads of refined wheat flour and processed white sugar into the girls. So far, I have lost ten pounds in one week. Amazing? Not really. I have a very big frame and fast metabolism. It's just that I eat like a bear heading into hybernation. Cut back on the potatoes and rolls and I shrink up pretty quick. So, we will see how things go. If anyone has any good South Beach-ish recipes, Catherine (and I) would love recommendations.