When Family Fitness Is Fun

Fun?! Are you kidding me?  

I'm really sorry, but this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four finds nothing at all fun about fitness!  Not one to do anything fast, working out is, well... w.o.r.k! Seriously!  Sometimes I wonder how did I manage to end up with this 5K running-400 meter dashing-basketball playing-daughter of mine!  Until this weekend at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K, I discovered that fitness IS fun... and inspirational!

Organizers report that over 250 runners, walkers, and spectators of all ages arrived in beautiful Berkeley Springs on a spectacular fall Saturday for the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K and Fun Run!  The benefit for the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country Team was an action packed family fitness day held on Saturday, November 16^th, beginning with a 10:00 5K, 11:00 family fun run, followed by a 2:00 gentle walking tour through historical Berkeley Springs, WV. 

Runners arrived early to a crisp and clear morning from far and wide.  In addition to the tremendous community support, registered runners came from the four state regions, including Hagerstown, Frostburg, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Inwood, Gerradstown, Big Cover Tannery, Bunker Hill, Williamsport, Falling Waters, and even Washington, DC. 

Sponsors of the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K included Gat Creek Furniture, Reed’s Pharmacy, Michael Family Practice, Treeworks, Valley Health, Luke Christie State Farm Insurance, Close C.P.A., and Food Lion.  Their support for community fitness was hosted by Guest of Honor, Rene Garcia-Kesecker and Reed Pharmacy founder and candidate for US Congress, Ken Reed, who promotes participation in fitness as a way to even “fight Obamacare by staying FIT!” 

Fitness was made fun with DJ Ken and Rene as they spun songs and Zumba danced for families.  Participating teams ranged in ages from 5 – 82!  According to coordinator, Tally Reed, “the First Annual Berkeley Springs Fall for Fitness was a tremendous success.  Folks showed up in force to show their support of community fitness and our Cross Country Team.”  Race records indicate that the top male runner was 17 year old Zach Simmons, finishing at 17:28:4.  The top female was 16 year old Kinsey Reed with a time of 20:04:3.

Mrs. Reed added, “We got to watch in awe as our own Rene Garcia-Kesecker walked a mile and was able to lead Zumba just a few short months after suffering a broken pelvis and multiple other injuries following a terrifying car accident.”  Honestly, I wondered if Rene would be cleared by her doctors to participate!  Well... she not only supported the athletes but Rene also finished the mile Fun Run!  Here she is, ...still smiling!  

Her participation was inspiring to witness and her recovery is a testament that families uniting in fitness can motivate a community.  Teammates from Hagerstown’s Mason Dixon Roller Vixens arrived to “walk with Rene.”  Check them out!

The First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K generated much needed funds to help our student athletes.  At a time when funding is of utmost concern, this event demonstrates a community that cares not only about its’ education but also the health of its’ residents.  

And for this unfit mom who managed to complete a mile with grandma in under twenty minutes, it was a celebration not only of fitness and community but also a reminder that the healthier we are, well, we just may get to enjoy friends and family that much longer!  

Guess someone better warn Dan that I signed him up for Zumba!  My first class at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K was a blast.  Heck, I might even try out for the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens.  After all, skating is just about the only thing I do fast.

Bald Eagle by Levi Hott

Every day, it is most likely to see a wild animal, even going to school!  It's probably going to be a deer.  You could also see a ground hog.  Yesterday, I saw a bald eagle!  That was the second time I saw a bald eagle.

I saw the eagle on the way to school!  It's white head glistened in the sun.  "A bald eagle," I shouted!  Afterward, my dad said, "That is right."  The beak was bright yellow, and the body was dark brown. The whole time, it stood with pride.

(This story appears here as it was written by our Levi Hott, age 8, third grader at Warm Springs Intermediate School.  I will never forget the day he came home from school excited about seeing a bald eagle.  He wrote this essay for a school assignment...pretty cool, eh?)

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  

They will soar on wings like eagles..." Isiah 40:31

Put YOU On the Pole

This phrase "put you on the pole" is frequently heard here at the Hott House.

No, it is not some strange Miley Cyrus new dance move we encourage as an alternative to her "Wrecking Ball".  Nor are we offering "pole dancing" performance art from our humble abode here in the W. Va. hills.

So if you have arrived at this blog post expecting some erotic exposition of scantily dressed individuals, well, I am sorry to disappoint.  But while you are here, I challenge you to consider what probably is a memory of most childhoods.

Measuring our (your) children's annual growth.

Our third "hottling" recently celebrated his 10th birthday.  It was that day that my hotthubby, Dan, announced, "Come on Isaac!  It's time to 'put you on the pole'!"

You see, ours is a log house structure and smack dab in the center of our living room is a, well,... a pole!

Seen here, it appears to be freshly cut from the forest, right?  (Well, it sort of has.)  You will notice the plethora of names and numbers along our family "pole".

For the Hott Family, it is a bi-annual occurance for each child to be "put on the pole."  We mark each child's height on their birthday as well as their "half birthdays" until at which time they cease to reach new verticle measurements.

Which, for this 48-year-old-grey-haired-pd bloggin-mama-of-four, marks another sort of life measurement all together.  After so many calculations marked, and some include frequent visits from nieces, nephews, and cousins (and the occasional random neighbor kid who just wants to be included on the pole), each tiny mark "marks" a moment in my heart.

You see, this day in history marked the time that my now 10 year old has reached my height.  Grant it, it's barely 5 feet for me.  But, for a short (haha!) moment in time my next to youngest will look his mommy eye to eye.  And, before you know it, Levi will catch up to me too.

For now, I will cherish the time because as they get older (and some reaching the opposite side of the pole) we won't always see "eye to eye", right?

Then our sons in their youth

will be like well-nurtured plants,

and our daughters will be like pillars

carved to adorn a palace. 

Psalms 144:12-14

So, tell me.  Is there a "pole" in your house too?  Maybe a door frame or closet door?  

I may not always be tall enough to measure my children (nieces, nephews, cousins...) on the pole, but we will always see heart to heart.  And for those 6'7" relatives of mine, it is always fun when you return to Hott Mountain to find your mark on Aunt Angie and Uncle Dan's pole... and heart!

Run With Rene at "Fall for Fitness" 5K

"Fall for Fitness" 5K and Fun Run, a benefit for the BSHS Cross Country Team, is a new event taking place November 16th in Berkeley Springs, WV. Organizers have created a fun family fitness day filled with activities from a 5K Run, a family 1 mile fun run, free post race DJ Dance Party, and a free family walking tour of historic Berkeley Springs!

A very special "Fall for Fitness" co-host will appear with emcee and Dance DJ Ken Reed, owner of Reed's Pharmacy and candidate for US Congress!  Recently suffering a tragic, death defying, car accident, local fitness instructor Rene Garcia-Kesecker will be the guest of honor to recognize fitness in our community and award medals to the top three of age groups.  "Run with Renee" at "Fall for Fitness" coming Nov. 16 and inspire your community to be fit!

Meet Rene.

Rene Garcia-Kesecker.

Always an incurable optimist and possessing a powerful positive attitude, Rene greets everyone she sees with that electric movie star smile and a "Hey you!"  Regardless of how busy her day is, Rene is one of those rare fitness moms that makes time for a hello and a hug.

Busy?  Yes, that's Rene!  With her oldest a freshman at WVU, a daughter in high school, and another fifth grade dancing doll, this busy mom's activities keep her fit as a fiddle as she hustles from high school thespian productions, dance recitals, lessons, and extended family events.  Add to Rene's plate her fitness expertise as the community "zin master" on all things Zumba, a combination of Latin and International music with a fun and effective dance workout, one can find Rene teaching at Rankins Fitness Center or MAC Ice House.

Meet Rene.

It is never a dull day when attending "Zumba with Rene"... or, watching her participate in one of the only four major sports created in America.  No, it's not basketball, American football, or baseball. Try Roller Derby!

Meet Rene.  

A member of the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens, a women's flat track roller derby league, "Rene -K47" knows for certain the meaning of "rock-n-roll" as she enjoys competitive and focused sports devoted to community service, good sportsmanship, physical fitness, and the "left turns" of sweet, sweet Roller Derby!

Meet Rene.  

She was recently heading to help teach a Zumbathon in Hagerstown, MD, when Rene took a turn on a wet road while driving her family car after a late summer shower on a hot September afternoon. The local media soon reported "Woman Taken to Hospital After Driving into Tree" and facebook exploded with concern for a beloved mom in this small community.  We saw this:

Really?...  Rene?  Dear God, please rescue Rene from this tragic accident, love her family, heal her body, ease her pain.

Posts online reported that she suffered a broken collar bone, broken pelvis, and broken ribs.  How's a thrice broken pelvis going to do salsa and merengue at her next Zumba class?  How Rene managed to survive such an awful accident continues to shake this small town.

Morgan County is a rural community.  Although it seems we often hear nothing but the negative news; i.e, failed levy, struggling schools, drug abuse, obesity, child hunger,... in the midst of what often seems a crazy, mixed-up world, we all stopped for a moment to remember our beautiful, smiling, warm-hearted, dancing Rene.

Now, meet Rene...

Still healing, (and smiling) it will take more than a car crash to stop this 45 year-old-roller-derby-mom-of-three!  Barely a month following her horrible accident, Rene can be seen here cheering folks in the local parade at the Apple Butter Festival Oct 12th.  Seeing her at the festival made.my.day!...and others too.

Why? Because a terrible accident has not stopped Rene.  Nope.  Out on a rainy weekend surrounded by her entire family, Rene returns to all things fun and fit.  With determination and a positive approach to her healing, Rene will soon be back in her Zumba class or making those left turns on the Derby Rink!

In fact, the Berkeley Springs community is pleased to have Rene join them as the guest of honor for the first annual "Fall for Fitness" 5K. As honorary officiate of the event, Rene will be presenting runner's awards and presiding over the event to benefit the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country team!  On Saturday, November 16th at 10 a.m., family and friends will gather at Warm Springs Middle School to show support for a community fitness celebration for the "Fall for Fitness" 5K.

Following the race, there will be a Fun Run/Walk at 11 a.m., a free DJ Dance Party, and fun for all ages.  DJ Ken will attempt, with Rene's assistance, to lead a fitness Zumba dance while waiting for runners to return!  Inspiring others with her positive outlook, Rene will be present to cheer on the participants.  At this point (and if her doctor permits), she would even like to participate! Online registration to "Run With Renee" is available on Active.com, email tallyrx2@hotmail.com, call 304-676-7910, or click the link above. Join the BSHS Cross Country team for "Fall for Fitness" 5K on Nov. 16th, celebrate fitness, and

Meet Rene.

#MichaelJFox - Are YOU watching? My Review of Michael J. Fox's New Sitcom

The new Michael J Fox Show.  Are YOU watching?

I.am.

Yes, this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four tunes in faithfully to NBC on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. (est).

Why?  Well, not to see the comeback of Michael to prime time television.  No, not even to laugh with Michael at his own victory over a chronic illness.  Nope! Not even to see how the writers will incorporate Parkinson's Disease into the script.

For me, well.... I can't wait to see what this little guy will do next.  Sound crazy?

But just look at him!  Those chubby cheeks erupting with freckles.  That strawberry blond head full of luscious curly locks.  Those enormous blue innocent blue eyes.  And, get this:  He's eight!  I wonder why I love this guy so much?!  Wait a minute, check out my 8 year old!

Sound familiar?  Well, he is.  Just look at him!

And so is so much of what I see while watching Michael's new sitcom.  Although the marketing folks gave away all things interesting in their promotion of the pilot episode, The Michael J. Fox Show, and in all honestly, I was drawn to its' efforts as a follower of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research there are some genuinely cooky life parallels I keep discovering that keep me watching.  There are several "real life" scenes that only a "Parkie" would understand.  Here they are:

*  Family Dinner -- The painstaking pauses of Parkinson's Disease that keeps a family waiting, yes waiting to eat!
*  Bedtime Banter -- The husband and wife beneath the covers kinda talk that only a spouse with Parkinson's could understand.
*  Nightmares and Sleep Talking -- The endless, crazy PD dreams that startle and stir slumber.
*  Timing PD Meds -- The inclusion of Michael's PD meds into his daily routine is a scene ripped directly from the Hott House!
*  Crazy Kids and Goofy Relatives  -- For my favorite aspect of The Michael J. Fox Show, the complete immersion of his children into living with a dad that has Parkinson's Disease is celebrated in this new comedy.

For this, well,... Michael has me watching.  Because, you see, here is where between the laughs and antics of his quirky moves and dropped lines (another PD symptom), I find that watching The Michael J. Fox show is like standing out on my own front porch and peeking in the window.

Although diagnosed a bit later than Michael, my "hotthubby" Dan came home one day in 2008 and told me that his neurologist was certain that he had Parkinson's Disease.

Wait,... really?

And like Michael J. Fox, we had a family of four.  How would we manage to raise two boys who were at the time just 3 and 4 years old?  Will the progression of this stinking illness mean that Dan will be capable of dancing with the girls, now 13 and 23, at their weddings?

But here's what happened.  Parkinson's Disease just became our new normal.  Not that we were remotely close in the first place, but we sure learned to enjoy each other n.o.w.!  Rather than "throw in the towel," we chose to give PD a room in our house with the rest of us.  As Michael promotes, we chose to believe in "the power of optimism"... and to to always (be) looking up.

Looking up to the one in control of it all, I find that with God's daily Grace, we find ways to giggle at the little things that living with Parkinson's Disease means.

So does Michael.  For this, I recommend tuning in on Thursdays for a peak at our PD families.  And for those of you that don't have Parkinson's living with your family, well,... you just may find something similar that also gives you the giggles.

A Love "Mission" in Morgan County

I am a mom of four living in Morgan County, WV.  Last week, while having dinner with some other mom friends from the middle school cross country team after a meet, I heard a very special story.  "Wouldn't it be nice to hear some 'good' news for a change?" we talked.  Well... listen to this.

Although only 100 miles west of Washington, DC, Morgan County is situated in a remote part of the world, sometimes as seemingly far away as a distant planet.  Our "WV Hills" in Morgan County feature large mountain ridges, winding streams, and acres of wild forest.  With a total population of only 17,535, it's communities are a diverse spectrum of families, similar to any small town, USA.  People here are proud and passionate.

Recently, Morgan County has been the center of some very negative news concerning the fall of the county school levy, a 50+ year local property tax which generates $5 million annually.  A terrible division has developed within the community.  Social networks like Facebook have exploded with heated debate over the children's future.
Not only divided by the huge 2,618 foot Cacapon Mountain range, the towns of Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw are equally as different as the residents opinions on the school levy.  Local folks are angry, upset, and worried about the future of public education in our small county.

But human needs remain the same.

"Let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and truth" 1John3:18

And in order for children and families to succeed, many require that their basic needs are met, not just adequate nourishment, but also safe homes and equally as important...knowing that someone cares.

It was at this hectic dinner that I was blessed to hear about the efforts of Mrs. Brenda Bailey, Mission Team Leader from First UM Church in Berkeley Springs, who organized the first ever "Paw Paw Mission Trip" for Saturday, September 28th. This busy mom coordinated an effort to unify this rural area through something so simple....random acts of kindness.  

Ava Slavinsky, only 5 years old, working hard!

Through word of mouth, Mrs. Bailey located 12 families in Paw Paw, WV, with needs.  From home improvements, handicap accessible ramps, to light construction, 125 volunteers traveled to Paw Paw early Saturday to build, paint, and assist their neighbors across the mountain.  The mission ended in a community children's Vacation Bible School and picnic.

Free Family Goodie Baskets

Sound like a heart warming story?  Then talk to Brenda.  For an event she first thought that only a few would participate, she had 12 complete crews consisting of families ranging in age from 5 to 75 that traveled some 35 miles over Cacapon Mountain to Paw Paw.   Brenda also shared about the mountain of goods gathered.  "The room was so filled with items I never expected...it brought tears to my eyes," said Brenda.  In addition to pictured here, the crews took building supplies, paint buckets, equipment, lumber, furniture, and more!

Listening to the outcome of the "Mission in Morgan County" at First UM Church and to see another busy mom manage to coordinate such tremendous efforts really restores my belief in this special community.  It shows us that people, regardless of their own hardships and differences, really can "love their neighbor" (see Matthew 22:40).

In closing, please take a sec and listen to this song.  For me, it summed up what happened in Paw Paw this weekend in the "Mission" in Morgan County.  You'll be blessed To Believe... and maybe share God's love.

To Believe "...that we'll see in one another the loving image of You."

National Parkinson Foundation Links My PD App Review!

Parkinson's Today is a monthly e-newsletter from the National Parkinson's Foundation.  In the September 2013 edition,  the National Parkinson Foundation links a review I posted earlier this summer about their new smartphone app called PARKINSONS CENTRAL.

Needless to say, I'm a little tickled to see this 48-year-old-grey-haried-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of four's post linked on a national publication... especially NPF!  I first learned of this foundation 5 years ago.  We were at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, where Dan (my hotthubby who has PD) participates in a research program.

Since then, I blog stories about living with PD in the Hott House and raising a dynamic family of four (and sometimes more!).  Recently, a reader commented that "Your blog touched me Angie!  Faith, a Positive Attitude, Exercise, and a Strong Family is the 'secret' to beating Parkinson's Disease!  You guys have it all!!!"  

Secret?  Dan always tells me I can't keep a secret.

This time he is right!  ;-)

(To see the e-newsletter, click Parkinson's Today.)

Team Fox Superstar Emerges

"It's not about how fast you run but how you run fast!"

Have you heard this?  Well, actually... maybe not.  You see, in Disney's movie "Planes" they tell Dusty that "it's not how fast you FLY but how you fly FAST!"  LOL!

Check out our new Team Fox Superstar!  Levi Hott, age 8, finished third in his age group at the Morgan County Partnership's  "Run for Recovery 5K" on Sept. 14, 2013.   Who knew he could run fast?  And who knows?...maybe he'll become a marathon runner for Team Fox someday and raise lots of money for Parkinson's Disease research.

Wouldn't that be a cool way to contribute to the cause to find a cure for PD in our lifetime?  It was quite by accident, by the way, that Levi chose to wear his "Team Fox" racing shirt.  But it was no accident that all six Hott's participated in another 5K.

This week, Dan had his five year appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he has been a part of a research program for Parkinson's Disease.  His neurologist, Dr. Zoltan Mari, was wearing a button with the Michael J. Fox Foundation's logo and a phrase "ask me about PD research".

So... I asked!  Wow....  Dr. Mari's enthusiasm was encouraging and hopeful that all their work will lead to progress in finding ways to help those living with this stinking illness.  Most of all, we talked a great deal about the importance of exercise.  With four active kids and busy schedules, it is hard not to keep Dan active.

Dr. Mari told us that "they believe that exercise may slow down or improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease" (well... he said something like that!).

Oh yeah!  So... exercise is the secret to beating Parkinson's Disease?  Well, let's get busy, off our butts, and exercise!  Come on!

Actually, Dan stretches and walks quite a bit.  In fact, we often find that when people see Dan they always say "Wow Dan!  You look great!"  I guess what they mean is "...for a 56 year old with Parkinson's Disease."  Well, fact is, he does look great!  (Pretty "hott" actually!)  And with well timed meds like levodopa it is hard to tell he has a chronic neurological problem at all.

An exercise program to help with Parkinson's Symptoms?  Sign us up!  Or, at least sign us up for a local 5K for a fun, family night out!  Makes this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four remember our family's first attempt at running a 5K.  It was 2011 when I signed up my reluctant crew to run at the Morgan County Fair, one of the many days my hotthubby Dan shone as our PD "Superstar".

But move over, Dan!  There are new stars in the house!  LOL!  And, these stars never have to finish first to show how much heart and soul they bring to our crazy race.

I'm proud of our stars every day.

This Is My Biome, a Minecraft Parody by Isaac (age 9)

The New Earth Granary hosted a parade of local performers to a packed house last night at the Fairfax Coffee House.  Spilling out into the street, musicians, instrumentalist, pianists, vocalists, ventriloquist, story tellers, and a cool mix of guitarist gathered to unite not just in song but also in a unique spirit of community.  As part of the audience, one quickly found that this night was more than just a "talent show"... it was music with a mission!

This 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four just loves this special kind of experience!  Not everywhere can you find quality performers with God given talent like you could last night.  I.mean.really!  Where have you EVer been to see a show when an electric guitarist was needed and the emcee yells out the front door to a boy on the sidewalk?  

Well, enters teenager Sam Silver with his instrument who sits in and performs improv with Johnny, drummer Stephan Burns, Aiden McDaniels, and Jim Fredo.  We originally planned to make an exit right after our Isaac performed until we were witness to the musical magic that happened last night.

We stayed!

The New Earth Granary seeks to provide Berkeley Springs with a discovery, a renewal,... yes, an awakening of the seed/gift within each of us, and to "provide an atmosphere where these seeds/gifts can sprout and produce in a relational based economic environment."  Through the power of music, people begin to unite and foster a much needed sense of unity in our unique little town.  

Our Isaac exemplifies how The New Earth Granary works.  As his mom, I knew he was a little piano player from the time he was two.  At the Granary, he continues to "sprout" as a musician right before our eyes.  Kinda cool that Isaac's song says "...this is my biome. It's what I call home."  Hoping to see "The Granary" become a home to musicians of all ages.

Who knew he could (or would) sing?

God did. 

Watch more music "grow" in Berkeley Springs!  The New Earth Granary, located on Mercer Street near MiRanchito's will celebrate its' grand opening on October 19 with more magic on their new stage.  From new pianists like Isaac to seasoned performers (like Pete Gordon), I know you will be blessed by it all.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!  Serve the Lord with gladness!  

Come into his presence with singing."  Psalm 100:1-2

Oh My, My, My...Miley

Excuse me....  Miley?

Can I tell you something?

This is my little girl, Violet.  For her 8th birthday party in 2008, you came to our house along with 10 other little girls, younger siblings, friends, parents.  Ahhhhhh... just look how sweet!  Notice that Violet is wearing a Hannah Montana shirt too!

For just a moment in time, we were all movie stars.  Each party participant had a paparazzi photo opp complete with glitter, glam, and shades... and you!  Miley Cyrus!

Oh... my, my, my... Miley.

I am sorry to tell you this, Miley, but I am afraid this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four has to ask you to leave.  I'm afraid you are no longer welcome in our house and I will even be sending your Hannah Montana life size cut out to the trash.

You see, although you once were a child Disney star, now you have become a symbol of all things, well,... sinful: a threat to the hearts and minds of my children.  With younger brothers around, your pop star twerking image now at 20 is not something, shall we say... "appropriate" for not just our 13 year old Violet, but also her much younger brothers.

So, I am afraid I have to insist that you leave.

As a parent, I feel rather betrayed. Don't you?

You see... this family spent our hard earned money to further your career.  We bought exorbitant priced concert tickets, purchased a plethora of your "tweeny" clothing line, watched repeated episodes of your show "Hannah Montana", and cluttered our little girl's bedroom with your merchandise.

Our three year old son even rocked around the house singing your songs!

But enough is enough.

No more.  From now on, I really think you owe us all an apology.  Or, maybe Disney does.  When we parents buy into all things "magical" about Disney, one somewhat expects it to remain rated "G", right?  I mean, I surely hope we never see Minnie Mouse disrobing and dancing around on my television.  If Cinderella or Snow White grow up and ever lick a sponge finger on my screen, this house will never EVer spend another cent on anything Disney.

Of course, I understand all about freedom of expression.  Actually, I hate to give this any more attention than it already has received.  But last weeks parade of the VMA awards over and over again on the media was nothing but a blatant raping of all things innocent and youthful.  From Miley's comments on MSNBC, she said "How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?  Madonna's done it, Britney's done it. Every VMA performance."

Sorry, but those artists weren't invited to Violet's birthday party.  You were.

And sadly, the song taunted as "the biggest hit of summer 2013" was a complete surprise to me and the first I  ever heard of "We Can't Stop."  So, after I looked up the definition of "twerking", my curiosity lead me to youtube to check out what the fuss was all about.

"We Can't Stop" was a shocking slap in the face from nothing more than a troubled pop star.  The song belittles and objectifies women, degrades black females, and threatens to desensitize our younger generation to accept this as normal.  I'm sorry to rain on your party, Miley, but this mom will be blocking all things Miley Cyrus from now on.  For now, this mother CAN stop.

So.  This is MY house and we operate under not just MY rules, but God's rules too.  And in all honesty, while I feel the need to protect my children from your current choices, Miley, I also fondly remember the moments a younger artist was welcome in our house.  God not only judges, honey, but He loves you too. I can't imagine how Billy Rae responded to your display; but, I'm sure your heavenly Father's heart broke a little more at what happened last week as He whispered, "Oh my Miley."

For what once was a positive influence in our culture, Miley Cyrus, you are still a child of God.  Even though your current get-up appears otherwise.

Excuse me, can I tell you something?  Looks a little she has horns, doesn't it? 

"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” ...  Revelations 17:1-18