You probably didn't know that the kiddodiddo's school is having a variety show next month. You also didn't know that the kids have a book called "the Berenstein Bears and the Trouble with Grown Ups" where Brother and Sister put on a skit for their school's variety show.
When the fliers went out, Amelia was so excited to be in the show (because of the book.)
She hasn't had dance lessons or singing lessons and she doesn't play an instrument. So what could she do for a Variety Show?
Hmmm. How about a hula dance with her friends? That's what I did in 1st grade. So we got together a group of friends. By the time of the first rehearsal, the group of 7 was down to 2. Amelia and her friend Lexi have had a few practice sessions (read: disasters on wheels. ) I don't know how to hula, but I found directions on the internet and have been trying to walk the girls through. They can hold it together (some what) when they aren't too busy giggling and chasing eachother.
Today was the first Variety Show rehearsal for real. Once Amelia saw the other acts she was afraid. Very afraid. So afraid that she changed her mind. But once she vented out all of those feelings, she realized that practicing everyday (like taking medicine, she said) wouldn't be so bad. In fact it might help. So we might have a hula dancer after all. One that has now been scared into taking things seriously.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Hair Dos and Don'ts
In the last few weeks, the kiddodiddos have been obsessed with the following list of words:
mohawk
geezer
goatee
bald
Everything is more funny is one of those words is involved.
The last few haircuts I've given Jonny, his simple request has been this: make me bald. Just wait 20 years I tell him.
Friday I was giving James a haircut.
His request: make me bald.
Just wait 20 years I tell him.
He persists, but the shortest I am willing to go on top is the 3, with 2 on the sides and 1 on the edges. It's not too bad for a mom cut.
He begs me to go down to a number 1 all over. I tell him that Dad knows more about men's hair and if he wanted it that short he would have check with Dad first.
Saturday night, I came home from the quarterly ladies meeting at the church and Gary is asleep. He mentions something about James "having your razor fall on his head while he was in the shower." It was a nice, new razor and pretty sharp but if it simply fell on his head, it would not have done what it did. (Did I mention that James is in to telling whoppers these days?) Anyway Gary called him on it. Turns out he tried to shave his head. Thankfully, he's not very good with a razor yet.
At breakfast on Sunday morning, James came to the table with a hat on. I told him I heard about his haircut and he said "Yeah I was hoping it would grow back over night." 4 chunks taken out, front and center. Sigh.
There is an old saying that goes something like this:
If your mother's father didn't go bald, neither will you.
I took human anatomy in college. In the class, the teacher debunked that myth. I can't explain it all in detail because I forgot by now. I believe Gary also debunked that myth on this blog. But if there is any truth to it, Jonny and James should be very happy in 20 years. As evidence, I provide a little piece of my early childhood.
Uhh- I lied. I can't find the picture right this very minute and I have Joy School to prepare and too much laundry to fold to hunt it down. So it'll have to wait. Trust me though, the picture I drew of my dad at a very young age is worth the wait.
mohawk
geezer
goatee
bald
Everything is more funny is one of those words is involved.
The last few haircuts I've given Jonny, his simple request has been this: make me bald. Just wait 20 years I tell him.
Friday I was giving James a haircut.
His request: make me bald.
Just wait 20 years I tell him.
He persists, but the shortest I am willing to go on top is the 3, with 2 on the sides and 1 on the edges. It's not too bad for a mom cut.
He begs me to go down to a number 1 all over. I tell him that Dad knows more about men's hair and if he wanted it that short he would have check with Dad first.
Saturday night, I came home from the quarterly ladies meeting at the church and Gary is asleep. He mentions something about James "having your razor fall on his head while he was in the shower." It was a nice, new razor and pretty sharp but if it simply fell on his head, it would not have done what it did. (Did I mention that James is in to telling whoppers these days?) Anyway Gary called him on it. Turns out he tried to shave his head. Thankfully, he's not very good with a razor yet.
At breakfast on Sunday morning, James came to the table with a hat on. I told him I heard about his haircut and he said "Yeah I was hoping it would grow back over night." 4 chunks taken out, front and center. Sigh.
There is an old saying that goes something like this:
If your mother's father didn't go bald, neither will you.
I took human anatomy in college. In the class, the teacher debunked that myth. I can't explain it all in detail because I forgot by now. I believe Gary also debunked that myth on this blog. But if there is any truth to it, Jonny and James should be very happy in 20 years. As evidence, I provide a little piece of my early childhood.
Uhh- I lied. I can't find the picture right this very minute and I have Joy School to prepare and too much laundry to fold to hunt it down. So it'll have to wait. Trust me though, the picture I drew of my dad at a very young age is worth the wait.
The Split
At church yesterday our ward was split, along with five others in our stake. They made six wards into seven plus a branch, for a total of 11 wards and one branch in the stake.
For our non-LDS friends, think of it as redistricting in the LDS Church. In the LDS Church, you don't pick a church or congregation. You attend the congregation to which you are assigned geographically.
Yesterday's split was done very neatly. Everyone met in their old ward's building and there was a webcast with handouts. The handout had low-resolution hand-drawn maps that must have taken hours (note: next time, call me!). But it also had lists of who is in which new ward.
The most common rumor--that the new boundaries would more or less follow next year's high school boundaries--turned out to be true, at least in our part of town.
They asked all the members of each new or reorganized ward to stand and sustain the stake presidency in the changes. When our new ward (which is the new ward in the stake) was asked to stand, we were almost the only ones in our building who stood. There was also a single woman and a visiting high counselor and his wife. This in yesterday's congregation of 400+ (two wards).
We live in a town where we used to live, as you may know if you were a frequent reader of The Short Sale Shimmy. We're actually going to be in a ward with more people we know than we knew in the short time we were in our old ward since moving to the new house in September. So we're pretty happy about it, though we made some good friends in the old ward too.
For our non-LDS friends, think of it as redistricting in the LDS Church. In the LDS Church, you don't pick a church or congregation. You attend the congregation to which you are assigned geographically.
Yesterday's split was done very neatly. Everyone met in their old ward's building and there was a webcast with handouts. The handout had low-resolution hand-drawn maps that must have taken hours (note: next time, call me!). But it also had lists of who is in which new ward.
The most common rumor--that the new boundaries would more or less follow next year's high school boundaries--turned out to be true, at least in our part of town.
They asked all the members of each new or reorganized ward to stand and sustain the stake presidency in the changes. When our new ward (which is the new ward in the stake) was asked to stand, we were almost the only ones in our building who stood. There was also a single woman and a visiting high counselor and his wife. This in yesterday's congregation of 400+ (two wards).
We live in a town where we used to live, as you may know if you were a frequent reader of The Short Sale Shimmy. We're actually going to be in a ward with more people we know than we knew in the short time we were in our old ward since moving to the new house in September. So we're pretty happy about it, though we made some good friends in the old ward too.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Farmer Jon
Several months ago, Jonny sprouted some lettuce seeds in Joy School. He has been tending them through the winter. He decided to serve the lettuce with tonight's dinner, so the missionaries that are coming can enjoy it too. He sure enjoyed harvesting his crop.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day
"To every thing there is a season" and it feels good to have found the proper season for this little gem. I think that whoever made a pink aluminum Christmas tree was misguided. It was obviously meant for a more lovey day... like Valentine's Day. Sending lots of love to readers near and far: Happy Valentine's Day!
Success?!
This morning, Simon actually used the potty. He's been trying every morning this week. I have sat huddled next to the toilet reading him "the Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash" over and over waiting for something magic to happen. Finally, this morning I heard a lot of excitement while I was in the shower. Gary had set Simon up with a drink on the potty. Jonny and Amelia were there to read to him. And he finally did it. Here's a picture of the proud little guy in his ka-potty best:
I am pretty proud too. It was a group effort today. He is not ready for the intesity of true potty training and neither am I, but when he's in the mood for a box of Nerds (the current prize) he knows what to do!
I am pretty proud too. It was a group effort today. He is not ready for the intesity of true potty training and neither am I, but when he's in the mood for a box of Nerds (the current prize) he knows what to do!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 6): The Beginning
< The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 5): To the Brink
It worked! We finally own our house.
It almost didn't work when the title company couldn't figure out how to open the documents that the mortgage company sent. But the title company's office in another town figured it out, printed the documents, and drove them in the snow to our town so we could close.
It worked! We finally own our house.
It almost didn't work when the title company couldn't figure out how to open the documents that the mortgage company sent. But the title company's office in another town figured it out, printed the documents, and drove them in the snow to our town so we could close.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 5): To the Brink
< The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 4)
If everything goes well, we are less than five hours away from finally owning our house. It's about time:
Meanwhile, we're dealing with the snow. School is closed for the whole week, but work is as busy as ever. It's a busy time to close on the house, but at least we don't have to move this week too!
If everything goes well, we are less than five hours away from finally owning our house. It's about time:
- Ten months ago we decided to get a bigger house.
- Seven months ago we offered to buy this house.
- Five months ago we sold our condo and moved to this house.
Meanwhile, we're dealing with the snow. School is closed for the whole week, but work is as busy as ever. It's a busy time to close on the house, but at least we don't have to move this week too!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Another Snow Day
A few days ago, I promised myself that I would do "potty training in a day" for Simon on the next snow day. I just didn't expect it so soon. With 2-3 snow days promised, it would seem to be the perfect opportunity. The only question is: do I feel brave enough to follow through?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Snow Day!
Last night, I had a hard time sleeping, because I was expecting the "school is cancelled for snow" phone call at some random time in the early morning. I was so excited. I love snow days and look forward to every one!
This morning, I got dressed to clear the snow from the driveway and walks (Gary is in CA for a few days) and I got 2 surprises. One good, one not so good. When I opened the door, there was my neighbor Mr. Vic shoveling the driveway. He said he didn't want us to get trapped at home with sick kids or something. What a thoughtful person. I looked around to grab the shovel and join in and it was no where to be found. Then I remembered that 2 days ago the kids asked to borrow the shovel, snow brushes, ice scrapers, etc to build a huge mound of snow with the remnants of the last snow. They left everything in the back yard. It was now buried in snow and I couldn't find any of it. After some searching, I gave up and set the kids to the task. 10 minutes later, James triumphantly handed over the snow shovel.
When I got out of the shower this morning, I found Amelia in the middle of changing Simon's diaper. I offered to take over (it was a messy one) and both Simon and Amelia refused the help. Ahh- it's nice to have big kids!
Speaking of big kids, we woke up Sunday morning to a nice surprise. James was in the middle of making hot biscuits for a special breakfast. Gary came out in time to help him grease the sheet and stick them in the oven. He mixed the dough, etc all by himself. Everyone enjoyed the tasty, hot biscuits. I was so proud of him for taking on a project like that and pulling it off well.
This morning, I got dressed to clear the snow from the driveway and walks (Gary is in CA for a few days) and I got 2 surprises. One good, one not so good. When I opened the door, there was my neighbor Mr. Vic shoveling the driveway. He said he didn't want us to get trapped at home with sick kids or something. What a thoughtful person. I looked around to grab the shovel and join in and it was no where to be found. Then I remembered that 2 days ago the kids asked to borrow the shovel, snow brushes, ice scrapers, etc to build a huge mound of snow with the remnants of the last snow. They left everything in the back yard. It was now buried in snow and I couldn't find any of it. After some searching, I gave up and set the kids to the task. 10 minutes later, James triumphantly handed over the snow shovel.
When I got out of the shower this morning, I found Amelia in the middle of changing Simon's diaper. I offered to take over (it was a messy one) and both Simon and Amelia refused the help. Ahh- it's nice to have big kids!
Speaking of big kids, we woke up Sunday morning to a nice surprise. James was in the middle of making hot biscuits for a special breakfast. Gary came out in time to help him grease the sheet and stick them in the oven. He mixed the dough, etc all by himself. Everyone enjoyed the tasty, hot biscuits. I was so proud of him for taking on a project like that and pulling it off well.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Down and Derby
We went to James's Cub Scout Pinewood Derby this morning. Everyone had a great time.
Here are the cars lined up at registration:
Here is a close-up of James's classic wedge (red, white, and blue):
Here is James having just lined up his car for one of many races:
And here is James with his awards at the end:
The certificate he earned was for Best Wedge Car. And it was the best wedge car. What you might not have also noticed was the ribbon and medal on his uniform:
That happens to be the award for First Place! Yes, James won the Pinewood Derby! I never had a good car when I was a kid, and I was always upset about it. James is a good boy and I knew he would handle this well. But today, he didn't have to, because he won all the marbles!
On the car, he did almost all the work himself. The most dangerous stuff (chisel, belt sander) was done by me, and Tracy and I offered minimal help on other things, but he built it almost independently. I'm so happy that he had fun building what turned out to be a fast car.
Here are the cars lined up at registration:
Here is a close-up of James's classic wedge (red, white, and blue):
Here is James having just lined up his car for one of many races:
And here is James with his awards at the end:
The certificate he earned was for Best Wedge Car. And it was the best wedge car. What you might not have also noticed was the ribbon and medal on his uniform:
That happens to be the award for First Place! Yes, James won the Pinewood Derby! I never had a good car when I was a kid, and I was always upset about it. James is a good boy and I knew he would handle this well. But today, he didn't have to, because he won all the marbles!
On the car, he did almost all the work himself. The most dangerous stuff (chisel, belt sander) was done by me, and Tracy and I offered minimal help on other things, but he built it almost independently. I'm so happy that he had fun building what turned out to be a fast car.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Girl Scout Cookies
I asked Amelia if she wanted to sell Girl Scout Cookies to the neighbors (the orders are due tomorrow) and she said "Why would I want to sell cookies and make someone ELSE rich?!"
I explained that her troop would get some money for field trips, etc and she was okay with that.
If any of you locals are interested in cookies, let me know TODAY and I'll order some for you, with home delivery at the end of February.
I explained that her troop would get some money for field trips, etc and she was okay with that.
If any of you locals are interested in cookies, let me know TODAY and I'll order some for you, with home delivery at the end of February.
James Revolutionary Idea
In school, James has been learning about ancient Mali, where the salt trade was very important. On the way to cub scouts last night, he said to me something like this:
I think I need to consume more salt. Salt is a preservative right? If I eat more, I will be able to preserve my energy.
So there you have it. If you are low on energy, eat more salt.
On a side note, last night was my first night as Wolf Den Leader. I've been assistant for a few months now. For the closing activity, we were supposed to do this cool button on a string trick, where you wind the string tight and then pull and the buttons spins and makes vibration noises, etc. I tried at home and couldn't get it to do anything cool. I passed out the buttons and string and told the boys- I'm counting on you to make it happen. I want to see the cool trick. We tried and tried and aside from a compliment on the quality of buttons, nothing happened. The boys were good sports about it though. When we were pulling into the driveway, James politely asked "Next time, can we do something that works?"
I think I need to consume more salt. Salt is a preservative right? If I eat more, I will be able to preserve my energy.
So there you have it. If you are low on energy, eat more salt.
On a side note, last night was my first night as Wolf Den Leader. I've been assistant for a few months now. For the closing activity, we were supposed to do this cool button on a string trick, where you wind the string tight and then pull and the buttons spins and makes vibration noises, etc. I tried at home and couldn't get it to do anything cool. I passed out the buttons and string and told the boys- I'm counting on you to make it happen. I want to see the cool trick. We tried and tried and aside from a compliment on the quality of buttons, nothing happened. The boys were good sports about it though. When we were pulling into the driveway, James politely asked "Next time, can we do something that works?"
Another Celebrity
I can't believe my luck! I have another famous relative, this time on the opposite coast. Uncle Bruce can be seen here,
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7228226
about 30 seconds in, when they show the boat head on, he is the one walking across. I sure miss seeing Bruce in person, so am glad to see this glimpse.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7228226
about 30 seconds in, when they show the boat head on, he is the one walking across. I sure miss seeing Bruce in person, so am glad to see this glimpse.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Celebrity!
We're related to a celebrity! Uncle Dave is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, so it was quite the surprise to see him on this video!
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-395656?ref=email
He appears in the 29th second, on the left hand side! We at the Kiddodiddo Ranch are so proud of him and the service he is rendering. The kids were very worried about him, when they heard about the earthquake in Haiti, but we explained Uncle Dave is in Florida, teaching Haitians, not in Haiti itself. We are so excited to see him at the end of the year!
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-395656?ref=email
He appears in the 29th second, on the left hand side! We at the Kiddodiddo Ranch are so proud of him and the service he is rendering. The kids were very worried about him, when they heard about the earthquake in Haiti, but we explained Uncle Dave is in Florida, teaching Haitians, not in Haiti itself. We are so excited to see him at the end of the year!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Birthday Wishes
Amelia announced this morning what she would like for her birthday: a pet and a goatee.
I think I'll get her the goatee.
I think I'll get her the goatee.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 4)
< The Short Sale Shimmy (Part 3)
We are now approved on paper by both banks to complete our short sale purchase. It turns out that one of the banks did try to foreclose on the current owner, but her agent talked them out of it for now. Now we're getting busy signing things, copying things, and e-mailing things.
I guess it could still fall apart, in which case it would probably get foreclosed. So it's a good thing we saved all our boxes...either for packing or for building a new house, or both.
We are now approved on paper by both banks to complete our short sale purchase. It turns out that one of the banks did try to foreclose on the current owner, but her agent talked them out of it for now. Now we're getting busy signing things, copying things, and e-mailing things.
I guess it could still fall apart, in which case it would probably get foreclosed. So it's a good thing we saved all our boxes...either for packing or for building a new house, or both.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Overheard
Jonny and Simon are watching a potty training video- it's one they happen to love it features "The Pocket Snails" and has a song at the end where the diapers sing and dance and say good bye.
Today when the dancing diapers appeared, Jonny cried out "Oh no! Here is the evil diaper and his minions!"
I happen to know that phrase does not appear in the video!
Today when the dancing diapers appeared, Jonny cried out "Oh no! Here is the evil diaper and his minions!"
I happen to know that phrase does not appear in the video!
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