RG Opera

Transcript

prior to this video starting, the opera began with the following:

Roo: I am not going to to school (repeat)

Em: I need to go-o

Ro: no no no-o

Roo: I not going

scene opens on this phrase:

Em: I going to take my toys...

take my red and ..

Roo: No no we are not going going

Em: yes we are

Roo: no we're not

Em: yes we arr-rrr-re

Roo: (in robot voice) I don't think we are going

Em: yessssss

Roo: now be quiet

Em: I am getting ma-ad (snaps her Nannie blanket at Roo)

Roo: (robot voice) I am too

Em: you know what I am going to do-oo (snaps blanket back)

Roo: NOOOOOOOO!

Em: NOOOOOOOO!

J: (bellows from living room) GIRLS!

Em: Hide! (dives under covers)

And, scene.

Parenting Fail - 1st edition

This is sure to be a reoccurring series, so we'll just call this the first edition of Parent Fail.

Today the girls were singing a sweet song. It sounded like made up words to a familiar tune. As I listened closer, I heard them singing in unison. This means they've learned the song somewhere else and both know the words.... thus, not made up. So, I listen closer because the predominant word in the song is "Dangerous".

Here's how it went:

Dan-ger-ouuuuuuuus

Dan-ger-ouuuuuuuus

Danger in the morning. Danger in the noon time.

Dan-ger-ouuuuuuuus

Dan-ger-ouuuuuuuus

Danger when the sun goes down.

Oh.My.Word.

They were subbing the word dangerous for Jesus.

the reindeer pokey

This was the best footage we took that included both Em and Roo. Roo has her back to the audience and Em is being dramatic in her teacher's lap.

sing-a-long

The girls' preschool hosts a sing-a-long in lieu of a formal Christmas program or pageant. The audience participates in the first portion and then the grade levels get up to perform a few special songs on their own.

Em and Roo were none too excited about the getting-up-in-front-of-people part. Their teacher and I have been working on them for weeks, trying to make it sound appealing.

So, the day finally arrived. And Em appeared to be revved and ready. Roo was anxious, but not out of commission.

The four year old classes performed last. These are the girls in the Tiger class. Yes, Roo is facing the wrong direction. Em bailed right after the picture was taken and sat in her teacher's lap, all sobby and dramatic, until the singing was over. Roo did her part, but wouldn't look at the audience. She performed the entire show with her back to the audience. Clever coping mechanism!

J and I were pretty pleased. One out of two ain't bad!

Afterwards, all the kids found their parents and had cookies and punch.

And were forced into posing for photos.

They made a "M" for Merry Christmas.

The Awesome Song

Improv night at the dinner table.

Happy 36

J turned 36 last week while he was away for work travel. Em sang a little song and we sent it to him first thing that morning.

The rest of the celebration was saved for his return.

Em and Roo helped make cupcakes for their Daddy. And picked out a special card.

We're mad for princesses these days, so no other card would do.

Inside, Em wrote love and her name.

Roo refused to write her name. Instead she wanted to sign it with her alter ego name of the week. Then, she agreed to actually write her name.

Can you see the alias? That's a T, a tiny W, an I and a CH. Someone is a SYTYCD fan.

At the end of the weekend, we blew up balloons, put on our party frocks (ok, just Em did that) and put a candled cupcake in a go-cup.

And took it all to the airport to pick up our Prince Charming.

We love our daddy! He's the real Prince Charming for these three girls.

Happy 36 and many more!

babaloo!

The RGs were prayed for and kissed goodnight at 7:30pm. As soon as their door closed, the slumber party began. It's this way every evening.

Tonight, the pillow talk morphed into a pretend birthday party. Em sang the birthday song to Roo, Roo sang to Em. They gave each other cake, blew out candles, offered ice cream and pizza to one another.

Then, the silliness amped up. Games of catch and release with their Nannie Blankets. Lots of giggling. Giggling led to shrieking which segued into screaming.

J and I put on our parent pants and broke up the party.

Upon closing the door, I heard them whisper, "goodnight Em" "goodnight Roo".

Immediately that was followed (in regular voice, not a whisper) by, "Do you want to sing?" "Sure!"

An hour later, they're still going. J's been back in twice to restore order and tuck them back in. I just heard someone sing the alphabet song and then scream "Babaloo!!" It's 9:43pm.

J's going back in now.

the mother grape says What?!

Roo has always been difficult to feed. Always. Things are simpler now, as long as she likes what is in front of her. Much like any finicky preschooler, I imagine.

Convincing her to try things set before her is somewhat challenging.

Over the last while, we've adopted and abandoned many strategies. Some work for a bit and then grow trite. Right now, the two things that get a strange bite in Roo's mouth are the promise of a 'Bravo!' or the lure of a 'getting down bite'.

Roo gets a standing ovation complete with screams of 'BRAVO!' when she takes the bite on the fork, puts it in her mouth, leaves it in her mouth, removes the fork and then begins chewing. This has been an insanely successful strategy for both Em and Roo in the quest for getting different foods down to their bellies.

Once a sufficient amount of the meal has been consumed, Roo can be lured to try an offending bite of food with the promise that she may be excused afterwards. This is known as the 'getting down bite' (GDB). Sometimes they discover that the food is actually delicious! And they stick around and eat more.

Some foods are hit or miss with Roo. Like grapes. Lately, they've been a consistent miss.

But, the other day, I noticed she was eating them without encouragement.

She modified the 5 Little Ducks song and belted out a version she called 10 little Grapes. Apparently, when the grapes went 'over the hill and out to play', they were headed for the party in her tummy.

(I caught some of the song with my phone's video camera, so the film is a little choppy.)

I could not believe that she ate 10 grapes while she sang that song!

There are some things that Roo eats very well, though. Pizza is numero uno. That kid can put a pizza A.Way. Witness it for yourself on the second part of the video.

I'll say this, it's never dull around here. Ever.

ah. good times.

Christmas 2009 in review

highlights!

-being with family for real and virtually

-starting an advent tree tradition and reading a Bible story each evening before adding the ornaments

-shopping for Sissy, wrapping her gift especially and keeping it a secret

-really learning the story of Jesus' birth

(then pretending to be the baby Jesus for the next month)

-Uncle Mike... Em's first crush and a darn good sport

-candy... canes, kisses, chocolate or not... anykind. just bring it!

-The Biscuit Brother's holiday music...

-driving around in 'pajama socks' (footed pjs) looking at holiday lights

-Christmas in the Big Woods... a new favorite holiday book

lowlight!

-tummy bug for the entire family

more highlights!

-watching The Nutcracker... many times

-singing Christmas carols, loudly and with much enthusiasm

-rides in the barber chair

-pretending to make snow angels on the floor and imaginary snowmen on their beds

-seeing real snow fall, helping Daddy make a snowman and watching Uncle Mike make a genuine snow angel

-hot(-ish) chocolate, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows

-holiday pajamas

-wishing everyone they met a 'merry Christmas!'

-wishing Marmee a happy Nutcracker merry Christmas

aftermath

Last Tuesday, Em and Roo had their Christmas program at preschool.

It was pretty informal. No stage to stand on or lines to learn. Just a sing-a-long with all the parents and invited guests.

BUT...

The kids are lined up in front of the audience to lead their portion of the sing-a-long.

They've been practicing the songs for two months and had a dress rehearsal in the giant family life center room that would house the program.

None of that mattered.

They froze when it was time to go stand on the line with their class.

I went with them, sat behind them and held their hands. That helped brave them up enough to stand with the class, but not to sing.

So, no cute video or pictures of the performance this year.

Instead, we have the aftermath. Two slightly freaked out little girls eating holiday cookies during the reception.

Next year!

how I thank you

Roo and Em ask me to sing the Thank You, Lord song at least once a day. Usually at bedtime, after prayers.

For all that You've done, I will thank You
For all the You're going to do
For all that You've promised
And all that You are
Is all that has carried me through
Jesus I thank You

And I thank You
Thank You Lord
And I thank You
Thank You Lord

Thank You for loving and setting me free
Thank You for giving Your life just for me
How I thank You
Jesus, I thank You
Gracefully thank You
Thank You

The other night, J and I got a treat when Roo decided to sing it at the dinner table.

I wish we'd had time to grab the video camera, but the sound clip is still so precious to me.

The Music Man

Last night we took the RGs to their first live musical production (if you don't count the Sea World shows). They are huge fans of The Music Man and our local theatrical company just happens to be performing it this summer.

We arrived early for good blanket placement on the hill and spent the waiting time eating and playing with friends.

I wasn't sure how the show would go over. Love or hate? Sometimes, when you like a movie so much, any other version is a sad and rude comparison. So, I held my breath just a bit as the opening number began.
Roo's eyes lit up like Christmas, then she jumped to her feet. And she bounced along with the actors and sang along with as much of the song as she's learned so far. Hilarious! Everyone around us was cracking up... at Roo!

A few numbers into the show, she turned to us and said, "Oh, thank you Mama! Thank you, Daddy!"
Oh, baby, you are so very welcome.
Em was mesmerized during the entire 3 hours. She froze in place for each musical number and then would leap to her feet at the end and clap wildly, yelling, "YEA!!!!!"

During the Shipoopi, Em grabbed Roo's hand and they attempted a little free-style dance. Tricky when you're perched on the side of a hill. But, super cute.

The funniest thing all night occurred close to the end. There's a scene in the final town hall meeting when the mayor yells at his wife, Eulalie MacKechnie Shinn, to sit down instead of standing and siding with the rest of the town. The girls love this line. The delivery and the physical comedy that follow absolutely slays them. So, J and I had a clue that there might be some RG audience participation as the line drew near. Sure enough. The actor delivered the line, the actress did her part, and then, there was just a half second of quiet. In that moment, Roo belted out, "EUWAWIE! SIT. DOWN." Everyone, even those on stage, heard her and started laughing.

After the performance, J took Roo down the hill to meet the cast. We packed up and headed home around midnight. And if the girls ask, I think we'd totally take them back tomorrow night for an encore. It was that much fun.

lollipops and cotton candy
the Shipoopi!

triple threat

They dance. They sing. And they know how to take a fall.

A Little Night Music

Just see if you can guess what the RGs new favorite musical is these days.



The camera is aimed at Roo's bed, but you'll certainly hear Em singing along from across the room. And possibly my muffled laughter in the background.

does she remember?

Tonight I was singing a few songs that I used to hum or sing before Em and Roo were born. Em hopped up and ran to me. She curled into a ball and laid her head on my tummy and listened to me sing with her ear against my hip bone.

Three and a half years ago she resided there for several months, head down, in that same position, on that same right side. When I finished singing, she jumped up nuzzled against my chest and then ran back to the window seat.

It's funny, but now that I think about it, Roo most enjoys snuggling tucked into my left side, head up. And when the girls roll around in bed together, they usually, unconsciously, resume their in-utero positions. Head to foot, facing inward towards each other. Kicking, laughing, rolling, playing.

Maybe it's time to pull out the ultrasound footage and see what they have to say about it.

Cinco y Seis de Mayo - in color

Yesterday we hosted our multiples playgroup for a Cinco de Mayo party.
It went very well. Hardly any of the adults cried.
And, to my knowledge, only one child went home with a head wound goose egg on the noggin.
The food was delicious. Love us some potluck!
There was only one unfortunate CapriSun (or pee?) accident.
The pinata gave it up after a thorough beating by no less than 15 children.
And the Rowdy Girls napped for 4 hours when it was all over.
Total win.

Today, Roo had occupational therapy. Which she loves.
'Come on, Miss D! Room 2? Go play with Roo!"
Em and I passed the time at Starbucks.
She's an excellent date.

And speaking of dates, after picking up Roo, we snagged our most favorite lunch date, Daddy! He suggested the Pie Guy and Roo was all "PIZZA FOR RUUUUBY?!" So, pizza it was.

While circling the block looking for parking, I spotted The Cookie Lounge.
A lounge. With cookies.
What an excellent idea!
Roo thought so, too.
"COOKIE FOR RUUUUBY?!"

We were the only people in the cookie store, so we didn't worry too much when the girls began bellowing lyrics from Singin' in the Rain. But, then, they turned on the overhead music.
Apparently, the teenager firing up the easy bake oven didn't find it as hilarious as we did.
Em also danced all over the store and pretended to pop bubbles (the painted dots on the walls). Ver' cute.


Upon leaving, Roo asked when we were going to the museum. Finally, I figured out that the only other times she's been in a parking garage were museum-going days. Clever girl.
Fun day.

brelly dance

Em and Roo have kid sized umbrellas. Finally!
Nana sent birthday money and that is what the girls most wanted.

They also have a couple of new outfits.
These dresses look like a few of Kathy Selden's ensembles.
Especially when the Roo added the hats.

So, it was only fitting to turn on our favorite movie, Singin' in the Rain.

Watch the girls work out the umbrella choreography.

Happy you YOU!

Today kicks off the month of two-times-the-fun birthdays.

First off, we want to wish both Marmee and Mammaw a very happy 45th birthday!
(subtraction is our friend)

Em and Roo were a little reluctant to sing first thing in the morning.



We tried a cue card.

Roo read it, but she really didn't get her singing on. Em, either.
That is, until I turned the camera off and we got in the car. Of course. Then, you couldn't stop them from singing "Happy You YOU!" (that's Em's version).

Next on the calendar, we have Aunt Becky and Aunt Gail. And we'll wrap up the month of April with Em and Roo turning 3.
Oh. My. Word.
Three.

Singin' In Da Rain

When Em and Roo awoke from their naps today, they requested Singin' in the Rain and popcorn as the afternoon's entertainment. Done! But, about halfway through the movie, some actual real-live rain blew in.

The girls carefully stepped outside with me and stood transfixed as the rain began to soak their hair and t-shirts. Eventually, the singing and playing started. I stripped them of their wet clothes and got them back on the porch several times to dry off and warm up. But, neither Em or Roo wanted to stay dry. They wanted to sing in the rain!



-------
We were fortunate enough to have a nice soft warm rain for about an hour before the hard nasty weather traveled our way. By the time the girls sat down for supper, we were getting marble-sized hail! All is well now. No worries.

Oklahoma...O.K.?

The RGs are developing a love for old musicals. Yippee! The current fav is Singin' In The Rain. I've plans to introduce them to all my favorites, including all of the Rogers and Hammerstein classics. J and I have spoken about this several times. He is fine with anything but Oklahoma. Something to do with Mammaw singing "Oh what a beautiful morrrrrrrrrrning..." first thing in the A.M. Apparently he is scarred.

At any rate, Roo might have picked up on our conversations. Because I recently found Oklahoma in the toilet. Literally.