Jordan Sr.

Some of you may have received Jordan's graduation announcement.

We are very proud of, and happy for our Jordan. He ended up going through 5 high schools, 2 countries, and 2 states (if I remember correctly!) to complete his high school career. I won't bore you with more numbers for his entire primary education. :)

At church they did a Senior Roast which was a great Family Feud style game. It was lots of fun.

For our "commercial breaks" they asked the parents to compile a video of our senior with pictures and music of the senior's choice. Jordan's choice? Rush 2112.

Here's the behind the scenes, the making of the video:

We were asked the above for the Roast. Having never been to a Roast for seniors before, we weren't sure what exactly to expect. Mark was tasked with the video. Jordan gave his preference for the music and away Mark went. I spent many nights listening to 3 second snippets of the song. Mark had to get the timing just right!

The morning of the Roast I get a call. Embarrassed, the youth leader tells me the music is not approved. Can I change it? If not, would we mind if the video was just shown without the music? I'm a bit perturbed. They've had the video for a week. I ask why the music is not acceptable, so the new music (if we can change it in time) won't be an issue. I'm told the lyrics talk about devils or something, and yes, the music is a bit harsh. Not quite proper for a family event at church. I hadn't been aware this was a 'family' event. I thought it was just the teenage youth. Alas, I stew.

I look up the lyrics. No mention of unmentionables. I ask the other senior's mom, "Has your video/music been approved?" She hadn't heard anything yet, but did later that day. By then she was expecting it. :)

I'm not happy. They asked for Jordan's favorite music. They got it. I find out later that Mark was studious about picking the right music that would not be offensive. Now the powers that be don't like Jordan's music. This is turning out to be a bummer.

Me, vindictive, me, then think of what might be acceptable. I know. I have a church song for children that has been turned into heavy metal! So I pose the question - can I use that song?

After consultations I am told that if it is acceptable - they'll allow the Rush, but with the volume turned down. Not all the way, but a bit. Fine. I'll go with that.

So the night is fun. We laugh and answer questions. (My kids have never seen nor played Family Feud! We need to fix that!) and during our first 'commercial break' the other senior's video is shown.

It's sweet. A campy song with sweet pictures of the girl. Everyone was smiling.

Then back to the Feud. Then to our last 'break' and Jordan's video.

I watch as they try to mute it completely, then are corrected and just turn down the volume. The video starts. It's quiet at first, then ramps up. I smile as I seem them desperately trying to turn the volume down! Finally they give up. All watch, laugh, and some leaders even sing along! It was very different than the first, but both leave the audience smiling.

Congratulations Jordan. We are so proud of you!

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTLQYtXRs8g