Put me in coach.

“Since the day they got married

He'd been praying for a little baby boy

Someone he could take fishing

Throw the football and be his pride and joy

He could already see him holding that trophy

Taking his team to state

But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket

All those big dreams changed”

Okay, I will admit it, when we learned we were expecting---again---I hoped it would be a boy. Sue me. We already had 4 girls, and one son, so was I really asking for that much? I guess so because into our world came a beautiful daughter. This was many years ago, and I am so thankful she is who she is; nothing could make me happier. (By the way, the next son will have an “in-law” right behind it.)

Having now experienced an all-girl household for nearly 10 years, I have learned a lot about how little I actually know. I had no idea that drama could occur on such short notice. In fact, we saw it just the other day as we took a walk with some friends of ours. One moment our youngest and their daughter were laughing, and then the next, well the laughter was gone. Tears replaced any happiness that had just been on both of their faces. Yet, within a matter of a nano-second, maybe two, they were holding hands and the tears had begun to dry.

What was it all about? They couldn’t remember. True Story.

As I am settling in to photographing football this fall---we had our first game a few weeks ago--we shot a number of football teams who played 12 minute halves. Only practice--but good practice for us as well.

Of all the players, the two I remember most were not the ones racing for touchdowns, they were the two girls who were showing the boys, “we can play.” One was the quarterback, and was good. I really was not aware of her being female until she took her helmet off and the hair flowed downward. (This is not the NFL where the players have hair that hangs out of their helmets---but in looking closer at photos maybe I should have noticed.)

Whereas it might seem likely they will hang up their cleats after a couple of years---that’s not always the case. Last year, when I was photographing varsity football at our local high school, there were 2 girls who played on different teams during the season. I was really impressed; what was fun to watch was they played---and played hard.

I am not surprised with the athleticism of female athletes these days that they are playing football, but when I saw one of the players on our high school team just signed on with Penn State (he is 6’ 3” and 301 pounds) it does make you wonder how they, as well as other male players who are well under 300 pounds, don’t get crushed. I guess they are smart and stay away. I know I would.

The photo above was taken at one of the Jamboree games; I am really hoping, as I continue to photograph her team, she continues to play. She is truly an exceptional player—and as the Dad of 5 daughters, nothing would make me more proud to have one of my daughters holding the helmet as long as they don't get hurt.

On a personal note...happy Birthday Dad.

Thanks for stopping by.

For you non-believers.

“Oh well I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us from somewhere up above

They come to you and me in our darkest hours

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love.”

Last night, as I was saying goodnight to our daughters (they sleep in the same room) I helped write a note to the tooth fairy on behalf of our youngest daughter, Sophie. With my handwriting, and the number of times the tooth fairy has had to travel from Kansas ---you do know that’s where she lives, right?---I thought she would be spending extra time in their room; especially with what was being requested all because of one little tooth falling out of her mouth.

So there I was, with pink pen in hand---I wanted to use black but was told that was the wrong color---I wrote down the message in my very best writing.  Let me see, she wanted fairy dust (she received some last time but it spilled), a wand, money, and a photo of the tooth fairy in her room. I provided a fore warning that due to her good friend Grace, who lives two doors down having lost a tooth yesterday, she might not be able to “deliver all the goods” last night.

Now we all know the tooth fairy does not exist---right? I, at least, thought this was the case until 2:13 AM when two little girls came running in to show us what had been left behind. Coming such a long distance I would have thought she would have to limit what she lugs with her from house to house; but just like other magical friends, she must have one heck of a backpack or something to make sure the little girls and boys of the world wake up with a shiny dime or quarter. (Sorry, that’s when I was a boy---now they wake up with George, Abe, or sometimes Alexander--- depending on how special the tooth is, and whether we have the money in our possession.)

But, last night something truly magical happened. It wasn’t the money that Sophie asked for---couple of George’s---and it wasn’t fairy dust, since it turns out the tooth fairy’s husband must have spilled it (that’s what she wrote on the note) it was the photo she left behind.  Yes you read that correctly. A photo of the tooth fairy in Sophie’s room was left behind as requested. (She left one for Audrey too since she has not visited her side of the room in a while, and wanted her to know she will be there when she has another tooth fall out.)

So there we are, in our room in full slumber, when 2 little girls come running in with the news.

The photo above was what was left for our toothless daughter (she is on her shoulder)---it’s small because the tooth fairy is as well; with another tooth on the way out, and another starting to wiggle, we know the tooth fairy will be leaving her home in Kansas and venturing to Illinois and other states, cities and countries, around the world maybe tonight. We can only imagine future requests on behalf of two little girls who still very much believe.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Bridge in life.

“When you’re weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes,

I will dry them all, I‘m on your side.

When times get rough,

And friends just can’t be found,

Like a bridge over troubled water,

I will lay me down.”

When I became a parent so many years ago, I had no idea what to expect and whether I would be good at it. Changing diapers was something I learned, feeding them in their high chair turned out to be entertaining, and watching them grow has always been rewarding.

But when the hurt starts and they need you by their side, that’s when being a parent really comes into focus. Whether it’s a Mom or Dad, we are the ones that are needed to comfort, console, and let them know everything will be okay. Sometimes they will accept me as their consoler, other times, its where’s Mom? However, rarely the opposite.

The one thing that has surprised me, and I guess we should all know it’s coming, is when parents need your help. It can be a range reasons---financial, physical, or the loss of a loved one that happened to be your Mom, Dad, brother or sister. It is a very odd feeling, but one that is very real and one we all need to prepare for as we get older.

My Dad has really surprised us; when my Mom became ill, it was a true shock. She had been in good health for as long as I could remember, and then in a matter of a moment, she wasn’t. My Dad was not just there for her---he was her stoic partner for life. It left an undeniable impression of what true love is all about.

But over the past few years, it’s been challenging for my Dad. He is still very strong but the loss of my Mom has wounded him and it is a deep gash. When I go to visit him he is still the caring man who was always there for me, but now I see where he needs my help. Not something that’s noticeable for the outside world, but noticeable in our world as his kids.

My Dad is doing something that he rarely does any more---he is coming to visit our home. We are so happy and can’t wait. It’s truly going to be a special weekend---one that will be featured in a future “Snap.Shot.”

The photo above was taken in Hawaii a few months ago. My daughter and her cousin live thousands of miles apart, yet when they get together, they have each other’s back. They both know, “When you're weary, feeling small, when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, I'm on your side.”

Thanks for stopping by.

She's leaving home.

“She looked so much like a lady

But she was so much like a child

A devil when she held me close

An angel when she smiled

She always held it deep inside

But somehow I always knew

She'd go away when the grass turned green

And the sky turned baby blue.”

Having a child leave your home leaves you torn. In some ways you are very proud she is going off on her own, in other ways you know it’s scary for both of you; then there is the joy of having part of your home back. It all depends on the day, moment, and feeling you are having at that time. I have been through it three times and each time is pretty much the same.

For me, it’s been about my kids going to college; when they did leave it was easy for me to travel back to when I left for college or left home to explore the next part of my life. Yes there was the feeling of the unknown, but I hoped I would discover something new. We have been very fortunate so far with our kids…and hopefully will continue to be.

Recently I did something I should not have done; no it’s nothing I am ashamed of, it’s something that photography offers. I looked at pictures of the kids when they were younger and as they grew. I am so happy to have photos because I know that having the images in your mind is great but you lose the details that truly take you back to those times.

I was talking to a friend recently and we were talking about life and what happens when you come to a crossroads; we have all been there. Kids are leaving the home, life is taking a different course, and the confusion of the future is setting in. I asked, “Do you have photos from when you were married?” I was told, “Yes.” I suggested to look at the and then look at the photos that made the family unit grow over all of the years since you got married. I have no idea if this happened, but if it did, it will be a real eye-opener.

Life has its great moments and then times when you don’t want to think about---it’s healthy to do both. Thankfully we all have the ability to remember; this weekend, spend some time gathering up memories--whether through a photograph, those safe and secure in your memory, or even a conversation with someone you have not spoken with in some time. You will be glad you did.

The photo above was taken at our daughter’s graduation this past June---although now a memory, I always knew, “she'd go away when the grass turned green and the sky turned baby blue.”

Thanks for stopping by.

“You had me at Hello.”

There are times when we just feel the connection. It might happen in a crowded room, a train, or a million other places, but once you feel it you know it---in other words, “You had me at hello.”

Of course most people might associate this connection to be one of “love” between two adults---and if you saw the movie, “Jerry McGuire” you know that Tom Cruise was hooked once he heard the word “Hello” from Renee Zellweger.

But the word “hello,” and its power, has brought many people together; I remember when our children came into this world, the first thing I said to everyone was, “Hello and welcome to our family.” A bit corny, but for me it brought completeness. But then again, I am sure I am not the first one to do it.

I have been fortunate to have said “hello” to many people. It might be someone I have met in the business world, personal life, or a combination of meeting a celebrity who I met on business but was able to talk to them like they were personal friends. Not too many of them, but enough to know they are fairly normal once you get over the, “I can’t believe I am talking to so and so.” Probably the person I wanted to meet the most, but didn’t have the opportunity to do it, was Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart.

Although we did have one thing in common, we both graduated from the University of Missouri, the one thing we truly had in common was really trying to make people happy in the business world. Mr. Walton was a salesman like no other. He figured out a way to make people love him, and upset them all at the same time. It really depended on whether you worked for him, or wanted to work for him as a supplier. The people on the latter side, those who wanted to supply products in his store learned between that smile lie a very smart businessman. I truly admired that---but I know he also put a lot of people out of business.

About 20 years ago, I was hoping to meet Mr. Walton at the new Wal-Mart store that had opened near the community I lived in at the time. I knew he was going to be there as I knew he loved to be a part of grand openings. This was going to be one special night. When we got to the store, we learned he was not going to be at the event---he had become ill. I actually was crushed---but certainly understood. What I didn’t know at the time was Mr. Walton was very ill and only had a short while to live.

Today we learned of another man who is very ill and has had to leave his position as CEO of the company he started, left, came back, and made it the most valuable company on the planet. Steve Jobs is not well; he must be very sick to leave his position as visionary, business genius, and the best damn presenter I have ever seen. He is someone I would love to say “hello” to, however I doubt my time will ever come. I do wish him well and hope he puts up a fight like we have never seen. He seems to be that way.

The photo above has been in “Snap.Shot.” before, but is fitting for today’s blog. Just like Mr. Walton and Mr. Jobs, these individuals in the picture stand above those who are living in the world below;however, these 2 men, who had vision and intelligence, brought people to believe in their ways and today Apple and Walmart are some of the best name companies in the world. I wonder if when they meet, they will say, “Hello.”

Thanks for stopping by.

What do we know?

“In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream

At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines

Sprung from cages out on highway 9,

Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin’ out over the line.”

Growing up was different for me and my friends in comparison with what my kids are experiencing. We didn’t have the ability to communicate outside our “‘hood” the way they do today---and if we met someone from a different city or state, the only way we kept in touch was by letter or long distance phone calls. Yes, “long distance” phone calls---something that is no longer part of our vernacular.

The other day I read online that freshman entering universities around the country have no idea what it was like without the Internet, gasoline under $2.00, or U.S. Presidents before Bill Clinton. So much has happened to change and mold today’s world that they  can only see the future and not really what was done to bring us where we are today. That’s pretty incredible thinking---and although a bit scary, it’s good that they are not dwelling on the past as they look to make America a better place for future generations. We have so much to look forward to.

But somewhere, deep inside who they are, there is the past that their Moms, Dads, Grandpas and Grandmother’s and past generations delivered to them. Creating a much better place and more opportunity than what they might have had without having their trails blazed for them.  It’s nice to think of the simpler times we adults experienced growing up, and we had similar dreams back, it just seems this generation has even bigger ones.

I can still remember when gas was well under 50 cents a gallon; when we went out on Friday and Saturday nights we cruised up and down Olive Street Road looking for friends, girls, and anyone who we could meet. It was fun, it was life as we knew it, it is completely different than what we know of today. I love those memories and they will never be forgotten---they are just not part of the America we live in any longer. At least in our town.

The photo above was taken at our annual 4^th of July parade; whereas this car was on the street well before I was born, it’s fun to think this is a model my Dad or Grandfather might have been driving in as they cruised the streets looking to meet up with friends.

Thanks for stopping by.

Connections.

“Sometimes I think about you

Wonder if you're out there somewhere thinking 'bout me

And would you even recognize

The woman that your little girl has grown up to be.”

It doesn’t matter if it’s the “woman that your little girl has grown up to be” or your son, we all want to be in the heart’s and mind’s of the people we love and want to be near. It’s human nature---at least I hope it is.

I recently had a business lunch with a very sharp young woman---she is 24 years old---and based upon her maturity level, she is way ahead of the game. She was surprisingly open with me; we had had lunch one other time, but there was another person from the company I worked for at the table, and I really didn’t learn too much about her.

This time was different; she told me she had been adopted and how she sought out her birth mother and other siblings. Who had helped her? Her Mom did. How cool is that? It turns out there was not a happy side to the story regarding her birth parents---one was deceased, and the other responsible for it. Her Mom had given her up for adoption because she knew with 9 children there was no way she could care for them all.

As I was told, because of her birth mother’s caring, and understanding, she has lived an incredible life. She said she is in contact with her biological brothers and sisters and they have welcomed her into the family. It was her openness, and pride of feeling good about herself, that made me want to write this in today’s “Snap.Shot.” Whereas I am not going to say her name, I really do appreciate her sharing such a great story with me---and as she described it, “one that could have come out a lot different.”

The photo above is of my nephew; like many children who are adopted, he is very fortunate to have found a new life where he will likely have a better opportunity than he might have had. However, like any human life, it’s important to know where you have come from, who helped bring you into this world, and that special bond whether you are together or not.

Thanks for stopping by.

No place that far.

“I can't imagine, any greater fear

Then waking up, without you here,

And though the sun, would still shine on,

My whole world, would all be gone,

But not for long,

If I had to run, if I had to crawl

If I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls,

Always know that I would find a way, to get to where you are,

There's no place that far.”

Somewhere deep inside everyone, there is the yearning for completeness---it’s what makes us human and it’s what makes us look forward to the future. Yes there are times when everything looks bleak, but if you keep looking forward, and remember what made you who you are today, you will find there is an inner strength that will even surprise those who are down as deep as one can go.

That was heavy.

It was not long ago when this time of the year marked for a darkness I did not enjoy. I knew every year it could come, and some years it did, and some it didn’t. I didn’t know what to expect, all I knew was it could come. Obviously this is personal and I won’t go into detail, but as I look back on the times long past, I realize how far I have come and how my life has turned. Not as someone who has gained, but someone who has lost something that I realized was not good for me.

When you find what you know you really need, you fight for it---and I did. I needed to find that inner peace that had left me and was no longer a part of who I was---when it came back, it was like an old friend coming home. Not for a visit, but a permanent vacation. Sure there have been challenging times, we all have them, but there is the “need factor” that comes with being who you are and who you want to be. I am not needy, I am wanting—and when I want something I make sure I go for it.

The photo above is of my daughter Audrey. She is not a competitive swimmer, she just likes it. But, she does give it her all when she swims in a meet but what I love most about her is--- she is my daughter. And just like every member of our family I hope she knows, “If I had to run, if I had to crawl if I had to swim a hundred rivers, just to climb a thousand walls, always know that I would find a way, to get to where you are, there's no place that far."

Thanks for stopping by.

Hereditary.

No matter how we might try to deny it, somewhere deep within our body are the genes that make us who we are. We might not like the color of our hair, the nose we are blessed with, or the personality that you like, love or hate---it’s what you can thank your parents for, and they can thank their parents, and so on.

What has always been somewhat amazing to me are twins--the identical variety. When I see a true match, it’s really hard to take my eyes off of them; I read online of a recent situation that happened at a regional hockey game. It turns out 2 brothers switched roles and one took a shot to win $50,000; he had to shoot the puck into a the hole a size of a slightly enlarged puck. We are talking millimeters on both sides so it was really hard to do. It sounds impossible from the distance shot, but he made it. It was on the web, national news, and I am sure many local papers around the region.

Problem was, the twin who was selected to take the shot, let his identical twin brother do it for him. I believe they were 10 or 11 and when the father found out about what had happened, and the switch that had taken place, he made them fess up and give the money back. His belief, this is a life-long lesson about being honest. That’s quite a Dad if you ask me---not sure I am that kind of Dad.

I never realized the power of genetics until I look at my brother and myself; for years, if not decades, I never saw the resemblance. Then when I got my driver’s license photo taken, I looked at it and my jaw dropped. It was my brother (or a good rendition) of him staring back at me. It was really eerie.

Now as I have moved on to fatherhood, I swore for years that I must have the weakest genes known to man---as all of the kids looked like their mom’s. Yes, they are carried within their bodies for 9 months and all, but I am talking (as I saw it) no resemblance to me at all. There were little signs, like a chin, eye shape or mannerisms, but it stopped right there. Then for our last daughter, the genes came through---and they came through strong. She has dark hair, a darker complexion, and hazel eyes---she has a wonderful personality too. (Okay, she got that from her Mom.)

As she got older, I look at her and think, and see how she looks just like my niece. No, my brother is not the Dad, but it is funny--- just when I thought I had finally supplied the genes that made her a true Rosenbaum, they are already being used in the body of a woman who is nearly 20 years older than she is The good news for my niece, besides recently becoming engaged, she is very pretty.  I guess the future looks bright for all of our kids---we are truly blessed with some very attractive daughters. (And one good looking son!)

The photo above was taken this past weekend; the young girl was recently in “Snap.Shot.” She and her Mom were in town as they live in Boston—her Dad had to stay behind and recently joined them after their being away for 4 weeks. For a 9-week old baby, that’s half a lifetime. (At least hers.) What I liked about this picture is how the genes came through---or as we Dads like to say, “I gave her my lungs.”

Thanks for stopping by.