Happy birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday. I'm glad we had his birthday celebration last weekend, because today he is not as well as then. But he sounded cheery on the phone and I believe he enjoyed hearing the girls yell, "happy birthday" to him.

Today is also Sonny's birthday. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONNY!"

This has been a week. Monday, John had an appointment to get electric brakes put on his truck. By that afternoon, I was feeling terrible but since neither Jesse nor Chloe could drive, I took him back to pick up his truck. No we are not ready to buy an RV yet. I'm hoping next year we'll be there, but this does put us that much closer.

Wednesday, Chloe and I turned in our haikus at the library. Last Friday, we noticed the library had cut-out stars to write a haiku on to hang in the library. While we waited on our friends to arrive at Rita's that afternoon, I challenged all of us to come up with an original haiku. Here is what we came up with. Can you figure out which of us wrote which haiku?

 

All evening I

Was walking through the forest

Waiting for me mum.

 

Penguins are quite nice

Some live out on the icecap

Others where it is warm.

 

King of the Jungle

Lions are so very wonderful

They rock their manes too.

 

We had fun doing this and talking about the history of haikus. The girls and I have had quite a bit of relaxation this week. Yesterday, we went out to lunch after the library. After we ate, we sat and talked and giggled for about an hour. Seems like we don't take enough time for things like laughing. I think that is part of why RVing (camping in general) appeals to me so much. It brings you closer and, in a way, forces you to converse in a way you don't with everyday routines.

 

 







Another week gone

Wednesday the girls and I ventured back to Lowe's. How I do love Lowe's this time of year with all the flowers! That afternoon we planted the flowers we bought, planted some seeds (which are now sprouting and need to be replanted). Thursday was more work outside. John wanted some "color" next to the garage, so we bought some marigolds then planted them.

Friday was a mild day for us. We met some friends at Rita's for free Italian Ice. Rita's was celebrating the first day of spring with free Italian Ice. Woohoo! The girls baked a homemade cake for Grandpa's birthday. The funny part came while they were decorating it. They were taking turns with the words. Chloe wrote "happy". Jesse wrote "birthday". They then decided to share "Grandpa"; Chloe wrote "Grand" then Jesse wrote "ay". LOL  She scrapped it off then wrote "pa", but we had a great laugh. And Grandpa enjoyed the story on Saturday.

Today, we went to CCT to see "Hairspray". We all loved it! We know so many talented people who were in this show:

Kaitlyn was fantastic as the female lead, "Tracy" One of our favorite people!
Taylor, with his guitar, was awesome as, "Link". I adore this young man; he is sweet, polite and multitalented (acting, singing, and playing the guitar).
Noah B., as "Edna", and as I predicted he rocked being a woman. I also found out it was his mom who suggested he try out for "Edna". It was his dad who was disturbed by his son walking around the house for three weeks in high heels. LOL
Riley, as Mr. Edna (I can't recall their last name); he had me laughing so.
Grace, as Tracy's best friend, had her best role yet and did so well.
Olivia, and her fantastic gymnastics.
Josh, who needs to stop growing because it wasn't until near the end that I realized it was him.
Noah D., who has finally found himself on-stage (rather doing the sound board) and is totally rocking the parts he has had in the last couple of shows.
Anthony, "Corny Collins", who we will miss so much next year as he ventures to Tulane to be a Musical Theater student.

I know I forgot someone but there to you. I will say that was one more, I don't know her, but her soulful voice would bring tears to anyone...I'm an easy mark. ;-)

The end of the play and a beautiful day

The last play was yesterday. The girls had quite a group there to see their final performance: three great-aunts, two-great uncles, grandma, and John and myself (Grandpa is anxiously awaiting the DVD). I believe most of my aunts were amazed by her performance. I know Aunt Dian was because she talked to me about it. They went backstage to see the girls, and take some pictures. I headed backstage to help prepare all the costumes for their journey back to Columbia.

The girls had a great time in the theater, as always. They love seeing old friends and making new ones. They exchanged emails with a few new homeschool friends and made sure old friends are going to keep in touch. Jesse is looking forward to this fall when she starts doing the jr/high school productions, even though she doesn't know what they are going to be doing yet.

Jesse told me a few days ago, she felt she was doing a good job (with her role) if she scared kids or made them cry. She did both several nights. TJ (our "Oz") had her talk to one boy who was terrified of her. She reassured him she was not that evil and he was safe. She really enjoyed all the compliments from everyone; one even suggested she go into acting for a career. She said she is not going to do that. haha

Chloe enjoyed getting all the laughs! Her role was the "not so with it" storyteller. Some of her lines were just funny. Other times it was her "not paying attention" that got the laugh. She did great with role. And as always she loved being with Gabby for all the rehearsals. But this time she made a few new friends, who also homeschool. And I think she is really looking forward to talking to them more.

Today is one of those days when I am so thankful we homeschool. It has been beautiful all day! We started this morning doing some school work. However, after lunch, we decided outside was calling us. I had already planned a few chores for outside so we started on the list after lunch. We managed to get quite a few things done and the girls even had time for a water balloon fight.

I am hoping to get to Lowe's in the next couple of days to pick up a few things. I want to look for some tall plants to go in back of the azalea bed (in front of the fence). I also need another African Violet pot and some plant food. John always has a reason to be at Lowe's so I he may want to go too.

I am super excited about our plants this year. The azaleas are all covered with buds. The hostas are beginning to poke of our the ground. The two surviving irises are already about five inches tall. And, what I'm most excited over, is our blueberry plant is covered in blooms! It is going to be a grand year.

Pictures as promised

If you see the show, you'll really appreciate this picture. Then giggle.

Witch ponders, "Where did I go wrong?" lol

Best buds!

Our great and powerful Oz! He is such a ham!!

Our favorite storyteller, purple

The gang of storytellers

Cousins!

Second night of The Wizard of Oz

Tonight, we were expecting Master Mike and his wife, Beth, to attend the show. The girls were sort of nervous knowing they were coming, but happy too. Well. When they went to the lobby after the show they found Master Mike and Beth, the Wilhelms, the "Gabby's", and my cousin Phoebe and her family! They were so excited so many people came out to see them in the play. And the fact that Phoebe and her family drove down from the Charlotte area. When the girls figured out what time Phoebe would get home, the girls were amazed they came down.

We are so fortunate to have so great friends and family!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow of Jesse with her throne and Chloe with all the other storytellers.

A week of firsts

School has been going remarkable well this week. I believe today will the first day this week they will not complete all of their work before lunch (11am). But they will finish shortly after lunch, so I'm happy with it.

Rehearsals went well. Tuesday night is always "costume night" and is always trying. This time I was asked to help with costumes. A job I've avoided all these years. But I was eager to learn as soon as I heard Ms. Donna was there. Woohoo! For those who do not know, Ms. Donna is THE Costume Lady (next to Mr. Jerry). She made most of the costumes herself and has been doing it for years. She is awesome. So learning from her put me at ease...until I found out she wouldn't be there the rest of the week. {Palm to forehead} But last night went well. I only had to put one hat in the freezer. :)  (If any part of a costume is left where it should not be, it goes in the freezer; that person never forgets.)

Tuesday was also the first night Jesse had her throne to practice "melting". (Ms. Donna's son created the chair.) Jesse loathes the chair. She says it is difficult. However, from the audience's perspective it  looks awesome! The only thing we won't have in Camden, that we had in Columbia, is the fog. Which really made it creepy.

Tonight is opening night. None of us can believe it is already here. The girls are excitedly nervous. I have my marching orders from Mr. Jerry now. Seems like when you are working with this many children there is always something coming up, so you just have to go with it. Hopefully, I won't forget my note for tonight.

So...On with the show!

Tech Rehearsal for the Wizard of Oz





I admit I am used to being on stage right and not in the house. Tonight, I was asked to sit in the house and keep things in check. Now, I've been asked that before and told I needed to be nicer. I was nice, but eventually I took away all talking rights because they just did not understand "whisper".

 

 

I pulled out the camera, so they could make funny faces instead of talking.

Yes, he's a poser. ;)

 

House center

House left! What hams!

Gabby and TJ thought this was going to be a "loving" picture.  lol  We do love both of them!

Corner of house center and house right.

The storytellers on stage with Toto.

Tonight was the first time I saw any of Jesse's scenes. Wow! She is loving being wicked! I took some videos. They are dark and full of technical stuff from rehearsal, so I am not going to post them. You'll have to see the play or come by to watch the DVD once we get it.

After John saw the pictures of all the children I had to "wrangle" by myself, he said I was "a tough woman." Yep. There a quite a few children out there tonight telling their parents about the mean lady; and a few others who are telling their parents about the nice lady. One had to hug me in the middle of rehearsal. TJ hugged me several times, so did Gabby. lol  So welcome to our little theater family. There are a few missing because they are in high school now, and tonight I really did miss them lots. But I get to see them on Facebook. :)

A full weekend

Saturday, the girls had school. I was kind and made it a half day because it was also the day for the "Kids in Print" reception. We really didn't know what to expect at the reception, since we've never been. But we saw a couple of families we know there (my gut knew we would see them) and one family we didn't expect was there too. There were so many people!!! You were suppose to RSVP; however, I don't think half of them did because the librarians were scrounging up chairs for everyone. Two actors were there as our moderators. They introduced the drawings and read the stories and poetry. It was quite fun. The girls loved seeing their drawings on up the big screen for all to see.

Sunday was another school day, another half day. They did their school work while I drove to Charlotte. The girls helped Grandpa make homemade rolls to go with lunch. They were delicious! And they put out an Easter sign for Grandma in the front yard. Now, we have to start planning Dad's birthday.

Today, we had to go shopping. Chloe thought she could still wear her black shoes from last year, but she couldn't. She has to wear them to rehearsal starting tomorrow night, so we went out today hoping to find some. We did find a pair, but not like hers from last year. We found a pair like them but they were two sizes too big. I'm just happy she found a pair this close to spring when all the sandals come out (she needed closed toe shoes).

Crazy weather!

Wednesday was absolutely beautiful! In the 80's! Wow! When I saw the weather was suppose to be nice on Wednesday, I asked a few friends if they wanted to meet at the zoo. Of course, they did! Who would want to stay inside on such a glorious day?! We spent most of the day at the zoo, then off to rehearsals after dinner.

Thursday, the girls were able to attend taekwondo because rehearsal was canceled. I think they enjoyed seeing everyone. I know the students were happy to have them back. During sparring, I heard Alex (Mr.) scream "ow". Jesse had kicked him in the chin. She had asked him several times not to kick so hard; I told him she didn't need a concussion this close to the play. I suppose he didn't listen. She took matters into her own hands...well, foot. ;)

Master Mike gave me a compliment last night. These are rare. lol  But he came in toward the end of the first class and watched as we were teaching. He said I hit all ten criteria to make a good teacher. He listed a few things. He rarely says such things to I was happy with the compliment.

Today was art class. They studied Andy Warhol. I learned quite a few things I didn't know myself. Jesse was called out for going to slow. lol  She is was coloring in her Coke bottles and being very particular. Her usual. She was told to finish coloring at home. Both girls got a little creative making their Campbell's soup can. I can't wait for John to see them. I think he'll like them.

Tomorrow is the reception for "Kids In Print". I am excited for both of them. I know how had they worked on their pictures. John is getting off of work early to come too. Luckily, it is close to his work.

A new stove

Saturday we went to Lowe's to pick out a new stove. Sunday morning we spent the morning cleaning, so they could deliver the new stove. Now you are wondering why we needed a new stove.

Honestly, we've talked about getting a new one for a couple of years. One of the burners sparked when you turned it on, for quite a few years now. Then last spring, or summer, John and the girls had to try an experiment with aluminum foil. It left melted aluminum foil on my favorite burner, even though I was told it would not do that.

The final straw occurred last week. John told Chloe to store her bag of popcorn in the stove to protect it from the humidity in the house. Then he told her that may be a bad idea and she had to remember it was there. Well, no one informed me of any of this until after the fire. Yep. Small fire in the oven. Did I panic? You bet ya! Did Chloe? Not at all. She came right into the kitchen, grabbed the can (not an actual fire extinguisher, but easier to use), and put out the fire. Then she realized what was in the oven and fell apart. lol  I totally blamed John.

And that is why we have a new stove.

Today, I had to get a new military ID. I am the lucky one who only got six months before needing to get a new one when we had them made last year. But we had the chance to see John for a few minutes and that always makes my day.

We came home by way of our favorite RV place. They finally (after 1 1/2 year) have the floor plan we saw at the RV show two years ago. I wanted Jesse to get in it again. She keeps saying the ones we are looking at are too small. But that is what we want. I also found her complaints rather amusing considering we were all on our bed last night watching TV.

School was finished early today. We took an hour break, then headed up to the classroom to clean. So many things have been left out lately and it was driving me nutty. After cleaning, we had a foosball tournament. Chloe beat me, but just by one point. Then she and Jesse had it out. I'm not sure who won their match.