James and I got to be judges this past friday. No, not for american idol. Duh! For the Speech and Debate Tournament at Pt.Loma Nazarene of course! But wouldn't it have been cool if we got to send them to Hollywood? Ha ha!
What qualifies us to be speech and debate judges you ask? Nothing. Apparently James used to do it when he was little, but I have ZERO experience. Turns out you don't need experience to be a "community judge". A kid from our church asked James to do it, and James -the good guy that he is- was going to do it. Then he discovered that if he did it for 2 non-consecutive sessions that he could get a free Disneyland ticket. So, he signed up and got me in on it too. I'll be honest, my main motivation was the ticket. But James, it should be said again, was going to do it anyway, without the reward. That's just the kind of guy he is. A REAL GOOD one!
Here he is all judge-y looking!
It was sooo much fun, in my opinion! I was blown away at the ability of these kids. Especially at their knowledege of the Bible, and making life applications. Now, these were homeschool Christian kids (most of them). It seemed to me like a alternate universe (in a great way). I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I felt at times guilty because you have to score them and give them places... and I had ZERO frame of reference for what I was doing. But still, it was great. These are dedicated people..... they do it every weekend, and practice all the time. And, it shows. I really did enjoy it, and for a moment it made me think I was the "homeschool" type too. Truth is, I'm really not. But, I knew that already. Do I use too many comma's?
P.s. there was lots and lots of free food that was really good. And a coffee bar complete with syrups, and chocolate shavings. That was a bonus!
Your posts are turning into stuns. This was soo good. Yes, I imagine "judging" this speech meet was right up Jim's alley. He had one every year for YEARS AND YEARS. (and won of course, haha) I judged all the time (never in my own kids room of course) and it was soo fun. I too used to be so amazed at how well the kids could do it. I love the defiant foot on the sod, haha...And the kids look adorable here. Nernie has got sandles on those little feet. Soo cute. I've gone through soo many old pics this week-end and you honestly wouldn't believe how many of Jimmy I found with him posing just like JD did in this pic. Like father, like son..that's for sure. See you soon, but now it is 2 more weeks before I see those kids. = ( Seems like it has been soo long. Stupid pneumonia. Though I do think I am finally better. YAY
ReplyDeleteThis was such a funny post! That foot in the sod made me lol! And the judge-y photo, awesome! Very entertaining! I'm loving your blog!
ReplyDeleteLarissa...you should try writing for a magazine?? It's so fun to read what you write.
ReplyDeleteAnd...
Do you remember me trying to talk you into going to PLNU. I even sent away for all the material.
Great post!!
ReplyDeleteHope you have an awesome St. Patty's Day.
Blessings, andrea