Speech Meet 2009

Jaron and Evan qualified for the Regional Christian School's speech meet back in February. It was yesterday. The kids all had the day off from school so we all went and made a family day of it and watched them compete. They both received Superior ratings and this year Evan followed in his brother's footsteps and was chosen to say his speech in front of the entire assembly. Unlike Jaron, Evan has been extremely nervous and initially didn't want to be chosen to say it in front of everyone. But as the time drew near to being selected, Evan admitted to really wanting an opportunity to do so. Well he got it. Here it is...

Kids Annual Talent Night at the church

For the last three years all of our kids have participated in the annual Kids talent night at our church.  This year the boys decided they would all like to do something different so we tried to come up with things that each of them liked.  Jaron was going to do a monologue, but unfortunate for him his parents waited till the last minute to find him one.  So after playing around with Buddy (our dog) and showing the kids some of the tricks he can do, we thought a dog training show would be cute.  The initial plan was for Jaron to bring in Buddy and Lydia to perform different tricks and do some slap stick in between.  Well last night at rehearsal, Buddy was extremely uncooperative.  So we thought we would just have Lydia do it. 

We practice for about 40 minutes this afternoon on the stage in the sanctuary and Lydia did it every time, well then tonight as soon as she discovered there was a crowd she changed her mind.  Jaron was crushed.  He really wanted to do his act.  Evan came and whispered in my ear that he would do it so Jaron could go on stage.  It was a condensed version, but they got the job done.  I was proud of Evan for helping his brother out and for not caring to wear part of Lydia's pink costume. 

Evan did an arting (what he likes to call it) piece where he drew a picture while music was playing.  Evan practiced several times before his performance and I thought he did a great job.  He was under the pressure to complete his picture in about three minutes and he did it with ease and confidence.  I believe he is on his way to becoming a great little artist.

Ethan did a martial arts piece to "Eye of the Tiger".  He has been taking classes this fall and really loves it.  I thought it would be good for his self-confidence and I've been proven right.  He was great up there and everyone got a "kick" out of him.

They all concluded with a song, but I didn't want to over do it...hahaha.  I hope you enjoy the show as much as we did.

Tooth #2

Evan lost two teeth in one week!

The Boys first day of school...

Jaron - 3rd grade, Evan - 1st grade, Ethan - Kindergarten

Evan's First lost tooth

SMILE!

"You're a good man, Charlie Brown"

Did you ever orchestrate home theater performances with your siblings when you were young.  I remember we would make my parents come out to the backyard for our circus acts on the swing set.  Crystal and I would lip sync into hairbrushes and she would choreograph the dance moves.  I never understood why my parents didn't seem as excited as us to watch our hard work pay off.  I mean we would spend all day practicing (now I realize that was my parents favorite part of it all - it kept us very busy).  Well today I got my own private performance of "You're a good man, Charlie Brown) - special effects and all.  The boys made Snoopy's Dog house, Snoopy's Ears (out of one of Lydia's headbands) and Charlie Brown's shirt.  Just in case your wondering the cast included: Jaron as Schroeder,  Ethan as Snoopy and Evan as Charlie Brown.  They were very excited once they persuaded me up into the Attic (their bedroom) to see their rendition, and reminded me that I needed to clap and laugh between acts (there were several).  They also announced at the beginning of the show that I should silence cellphones and dismiss myself if any young children were crying.  I was a terrible theater patron though, because I answered my phone during the performance.   I apologized and I think they added a number to make up for it.  Anyway at the end I gave a standing ovation, but didn't yell encore, instead I did the next best thing, I told them they had to do the show for Daddy when he got home from work.  Why let me be the only one to enjoy it, right?

Charlotte's Web (The Musical)

Jaron and Evan will make their premiere performance tonight in 

Charlotte's Web the Musical.

Here are their bios.

Jaron Weatherly (Photographer, Concessionair)

Jaron will begin the third grade this year at Galesburg Christian School.  Last year he made his acting debut as Rerun in "Charlie Brown" for Nazarene Community Theater.  Although that was his first official role, Jaron has cast himself in several at-home productions over the years, but most recently his roles have included Ben Gates from "National Treasure", the Prince from "Enchanted" and Willy Wonka from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".  During the school year you will find him singing with Kidstuf.  He will begin at the Performing Arts Academy in the Fall.  His favorite thing so far this summer has been a trip to New York City and Cape Cod with his family and grandparents and he also loved church camp.

Evan Weatherly (Baby Spider, Townsperson)

Evan will start the first grade this year at Galesburg Christian School.  He was recently seen as Little Boy Blue and The Big Bad Wolf in his school's K5 graduation ceremony.  He also sings with Kidstuf.  Even though Evan enjoys acting (mostly doing what his big brother is doing), his true passion is Art.  You can catch Evan creating a masterpiece almost everyday.  He has been enjoying "Arting" (what he likes to call it) school over the last few months.  He also enjoys swimming at Pastor Ron's pool where he has just perfected a hand stand.  Evan's favorite things this summer have been family vacation to New York City and Cape Cod and Mommy Camp.

Fishin' with Friends

Evan's K5 Graduation

Tonight was Evan's Kindergarten Graduation.  He has been looking forward to this evening for weeks.  He was able to recite several bible passages, read aloud, sing songs and do math problems on stage with his classmates.  They also did a play called "Little Red Riding Hood has a Secret," where he played Little Boy Blue.  The little boy who was supposed to play the big bad wolf refused to on stage so Evan jumped into the costume and played the wolf as well.  He did a great job.  He is standing with his teacher, Mrs. Boyd.  Jaron had her three years ago and Ethan will have her next year.  We love her so very much.  Below the boys are enjoying themselves at the reception.  They really look so grown up, I can hardly believe it.  Dad just yesterday reminded me again not to blink.  I'm really trying hard not to. 

 

HAPPY GRADUATION EVAN!!!  WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Evan loves "Arting" and he was able to help do a self-portrait for open house.  He also did a recipe book with his class where he explains how mommy makes "Salami Sandwiches" and "Macaroni and Cheese."  I wonder why he didn't include my favorite recipes from Cooking Light like "Parmesan Chicken with long grain rice" or "Mediterranean shrimp and Angel Hair."

Evan's Triumph!

Evan never gave up!  He kept trying until

he got it.  There's even a climatic ending.

Way to go Buddy!

We're Home!!!

We got home around 5 pm this evening and when we put the kids down at 8 - they were out in 2 minutes or less.  The boys didn't want to sleep in their room tonight so I let them sleep in our office - on the futon.  As I sit here typing there is a symphony of snoring going on behind me.  That's Evan on the left and Jaron is under Goofy on the right - and you can't see Ethan because he is curled up under the blanket, but its a 3 brass band behind me singing me a lullaby.

When we pulled up to our house we caught some of our friends from church hanging a big banner and balloons welcoming us home.  It was nice to see smiling faces and be reminded that we were missed.  

So now the unpacking begins...  Have you ever noticed that unpacking takes just as long, if not longer than packing?  I'm sure I will have something to say about it in the next few days.  But I guess for now, I'll catch some zzzzzzzzz.  Goodnight.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!

Today was the big day. I was reluctant to be on the big screen, but the boys really wanted to be in it, so....Jaron, Evan, Lydia and I had our movie debut all day long. (Ethan stayed close to dad and helped him out.) We got to the airport at 9am and played the hurry up and wait game. We got to walk up and down the corridor acting like we were arriving home from a long trip. The boys were initially very excited and they finished strong. I was very impressed with how quiet they could be under pressure. (I should carry around a movie camera.) Lydia did great. She was quiet all the way up until the last two takes. She decided she wanted her shoes off, which had velcro. Opps! Then she decided before the last take to start singing. I quickly patted her mouth and said, "SHHHH". To my surprise it worked. A couple of hours later while we were on "Stand by" and soon-to-be mom came up to me and said she was totally impressed that I got my two year old to be quiet just by telling her to "SHHH". I laughed, "Yeah, I'm a supermom, didn't you know?" Then I went on to tell her that my secret was simply a wish and a prayer. But it did make me think about how much people observe you. Needless to say, the kids and I had a "good day" and we made on mark on film.

The biggest perk was that we got to be with Glen for most of the day and see him in action. I am routinely amazed by his hard work and dedication. But it was fun to see him at work, no matter what he does, it is evident that he is doing it for the Lord. He inspires me. I'm so glad to be his wife.

So our 15 minutes of fame was fun. Jaron said that he had fun, but he thinks he likes 'theater" better. As we were leaving, (at 5 pm by the way) Lydia said out of the blue, "thank you, mommy! I'm not sure why she said it, but it prompted the boys to say it as well. It was a day they'll never forget.

Small Surprises along the way...
Today Evan and Jaron rode along as we took Glen over to the production office. As we were approaching the building Evan said he saw a turtle.

"Yeah, sure...right." Jaron said. But Evan was addiment that he had. Sure enough as we pulled back onto the main road there he was a pretty large turtle on the side of the road. I just happened to have put my camera in my purse this morning so Evan and I jumped out and ran over and took his picture.

I tried to be the homeschool mom and come up with some scientific lesson to have with the kids, but since I'm a rookie nothing significant came to mind, so we just enjoyed him. Speaking of homeschool, yesterday was our first official day. I set out to accomplish a lot and for it to be this incredible experience. And although for the most part, the kids did very well, I found myself thinking several times, this is a lot of work and requires a lot of patience. I was feeling very appreciative to the boys teachers and thankful that they get to go to such a wonderful christian school. As our school day came to the end, Jaron turned to me and said, "thanks mom, this is fun." It melted my heart. What a great opportunity I have to spend this special time with my boys.