Christmas Merry-Making Mishaps Series Entry #1 Caroling

Here We Come A’Caroling

A neighborhood friend and I decided one year when we were around 11 years old, that we were going to practice singing some Christmas carols, then take our show on the road, or more realistically around our cul-de-sac off of River Road in Richmond.  Our confidence and jubilation wavered considerably when the first woman whose doorbell we rang heard us start singing.  She gave us a very strange look and tried to close the door before we were through one verse of our well-rehearsed repertoire of songs. 

    
It wasn’t until later that my friend and I found out that the neighbor is Jewish, and therefore not as likely to enjoy our impromptu Christmas caroling performance on her steps.  For all she knew, someone had put us up to it, knowing she was Jewish.  I doubt it occurred to her that we were just unlucky enough that we would pick her house to start with.  But the truth is, we were that unfortunate.

Silver Bells

When I was in fourth grade at St. Basil’s School in Kimberton, Pennsylvania, I was selected to hold one of the traffic light props that we used for our Christmas Show when we sang “Silver Bells.”  Everything went fine while we sang the song on stage.  I had fun singing with my classmates, knew all of the words to the song, and got into it. 

The trouble came at the end of the number when everyone took a bow.  At the time, it didn’t occur to me that I shouldn’t bow when I was holding a tall pretend traffic light.  I came to my senses about the same time when the poor kid in front of me got a good bop on the head.  It was totally an accident.  Call it a classic case of crowd-pleasing nerves.  If I’d meant to do it, the kid would have responded accordingly to being clobbered instead of turning around and giving me a troubled look.  We were both sufficiently surprised I didn’t get any demerits.   

     Here's a very cool video of "Little Drummer Boy" I would love to hear live:

A Note about my Christmas Merrymaking Mishaps Series I’m not sure about you, but my family and friends have had some rather amusing and entertaining incidents that have occurred when engaging in some very popular holiday traditions such as: Christmas Caroling, Cookie Decorating, Christmas Tree selection, and Nativity set-up.

Come on People, Really? The Sound of Music LIVE

     Unreasonable expectations abound when it comes to the groundbreaking three hour performance of The Sound of Music LIVE on NBC December 5, 2013.  I grew up watching The Sound of Music, and of course Carrie Underwood isn't Julie Andrews, but she and that cast did a decent made-for-TV LIVE version of a classic Broadway musical made movie that can't be matched.  There are a number of reviews floating around, but this is the article that seems most accurate of the ones I’ve read.

     Not even Carrie Underwood thought she could be a modern day Julie Andrews.  One of the qualities of classic, famous films is that the parts are played so well by those chosen for those roles that you can’t imagine anyone else doing it better.  If you tuned in last night to see if Carrie Underwood would put in a performance as perfectly fitting, amazing, and endearing as Julie Andrews did, then in my opinion, you just don’t get it.

     It didn’t look like there was anything alive on that hill, except for people.  Costumes weren’t always fitted properly.  The sound mix left something to be desired.  All true.  The scenery wasn’t perfect or as breathtaking as filming on location, nor were the costumes as impressive or the lighting as spot-on as it could be, but again, what do you expect for a soundscape where you must perform and get the audio and video as perfect as possible because you’re broadcasting live to millions? 

     I think it was incredibly gutsy of Carrie Underwood to accept this challenge.  No one with any sense, understanding of musical theater, of acting, filmmaking, or Broadway actually expected last night’s performance to make people jump up and rejoice that a moving rendition of the story had finally been done right.  They did it right with the original film that came out in 1965, which is the only reason this whole scenario has caused such an uproar.  People respect and appreciate the quality of the original film and its actors.  The Sound of Music is a classic that continues to be unparalleled. 

     Last night’s performance was never intended to rival that of the movie.  It was done more to inspire others to have a love and appreciation for Broadway classics, LIVE performances, and adaptations of plays meant to be judged in their own light and merit rather than compared to something else.  The adaptations made for shooting this on a soundscape live were quite clever.  The primary songs for which the musical is known and loved were fit in, even if they didn’t appear in the order or circumstances in which they were in the movie.  The choreography was commendable, the singing mostly beautiful, and the acting, by and large, was good.

     My favorite quote about last night came from my husband: “They did a great job.  It’s just the audio that bothers me.”  Trust my dear spouse to come up with such an assessment of a Broadway musical.  To his credit, I knew that as someone who used to be a musician, own a recording studio, and be the soundman for different bands Kevin was talking about his dissatisfaction with the audio mix produced by the person(s) at the controls of the soundboard.  Often the instruments overpowered the singing, which they wouldn’t have and shouldn’t have if done correctly.

     My mom’s biggest pet peeve was that they didn’t use true edelweiss flowers.  When my mom was fourteen, she went with her father to Austria, and they brought home some edelweiss seeds wrapped up in newspaper.  My mother has fond memories of planting them and watching them bloom in her grandmother’s garden.     

     I grew up watching The Sound of Music as did my mother.  The two of us know every word of the original script and songs by heart, yet we really enjoyed the creativity used for this production, because we didn’t go into it thinking or expecting Carrie Underwood or anyone else to upstage the original film version.  We hoped to be entertained and reminded of our favorite scenes from the movie, which we were.  In our minds that was the intention in the first place; therefore, mission accomplished.      

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 129) about Singing, Dancing, Training, Laughing

 

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Grace is…getting a short nap when you’re beyond ready to collapse, a glimmer of hope in the midst of innumerable struggles, God putting people on our hearts and minds who need our prayers, people with whom we can be completely honest and vulnerable, reconnecting with friends you don’t get to see often, having a child bring you a book to read them, being reminded of the place in your heart that suffers when those you love are suffering, the gift of laughter, the undeniable cuteness and joy of little ones…  

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Gotta Sing and Dance I was raised with a love for books of all sorts, Broadway musicals, and Disney movies among other things.  I have shared my passion for books and musicals with the children for whom I have nannied and worked with over the years.  My mom, sisters, and I have been known to break into song at family meals and gatherings, and I regularly burst into songs from Singin’ in the Rain, The Sound of Music, White Christmas, Mary Poppins, The Music Man...when taking care of little ones.  Of course, I also sing them the usual ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, London Bridge is Falling Down, If You’re Happy and You Know It, She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain, I’ve been working on the railroad, but I also enjoy spicing things up a bit with some lesser-known oldies but goodies.     

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The Music Man Over the past couple weeks after Kevin and I watched one of the movies I know by heart from my childhood, I was inspired to introduce another couple songs to the repertory of Broadway musical classics that I sing and dance to at times while nannying.  The girls have really enjoyed the opening scene from the original The Music Man movie.  This has been the favorite and most requested Youtube clip this week (at least in the department of musicals):

    

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Hit by a Train The other day it happened to me again, I was hit by a train.  It was a small child’s toy train, but I still got hit by it.  When Kevin and I were dating, he took me to a model train store and was showing me how detailed some of the to-scale models are.  I was holding one box up and examining the locomotive inside, admiring the intricacy of the windows, seats, etc., and tilted the box a little too far.  The black engine thumped onto my chest.  I turned to Kevin with a look of mock horror, and said, “I’ve been hit by a train!”       

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Keep It Simple I’ll set up a lay-out of train tracks, and one of the girls tries to attach all of the trains to each other and not let her sisters have any to play with.  Another will make it her mission to destroy whatever train tracks are connected, especially if they happen to be held up or supported by Duplos.  The third cutie has cracked me up this week by taking one piece of track less than a foot long and one train and running the train back and forth along that little bit of track.  It’s portable, cannot be disassembled, and doesn’t draw nearly as much attention or interference as other attempts to play trains.  You go girl!    

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When Words Aren’t Enough Over the past couple weeks, I have had people share with me a number of serious situations for which they want and need prayer.  Regardless of how tired I have been, God has granted me the grace to listen and be present when possible, and to lift up all of those who are suffering and caring for them in prayer.  I’m encouraged to know that there are people who pray for Kevin and me daily.  Just so you know, I am always honored when people ask me to pray for them or for their loved ones.  Prayer requests are always welcome!   
    

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A Fabulous Tradition A couple who we are good friends with has made it a tradition each year to invite a group of friends and/or family members over for an early Thanksgiving feast at their place.  Kevin and I are looking forward to this get-together quite a bit after having a blast in years’ past.  Good food, good friends, great memories, abundant blessings, who could ask for anything more?

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.  

Sharing is Caring (My Nanny Diary)

This morning I came out of the kitchen with Wheat Thins on a plate.  Sunshine asked me for one right away and once she said please, I immediately gave her one.  Her sisters were playing on the other side of the room and hadn’t spotted me, yet, which made it all the more impressive when big sis broke two small pieces off of her already little cracker to give to each of her sisters.  Wait, it gets even better.  She did this without me asking her to and before her sisters even realized there were Wheat Thins to be had. 

    
I praised Sunshine up, down, and sideways for being so thoughtful and sharing right away with her sisters without even being asked (more like begged or nagged) to do so.  It’s moments like those you have to treasure and keep in your heart, especially for those days when the oldest is racking up time-outs like it’s her job.  Fortunately, she only required one time-out today, and interestingly enough, it was not too long before her shining moment of sharing.    

    
This reminded me of an incident with “my little guys” that was heartwarming then harrowing while I was at the kitchen sink washing baby bottles.  I looked down and saw one of them offer a cup to his buddy.  I said something about how nice it was that he was sharing with his friend.  I looked at the bottles I was washing for a few seconds then back and the one who had kindly been sharing his cup was now bonking his buddy over the head with it.  A similar food incident that occurred more than once when I was nannying for the boys inspired me to write “A Parable of O’s and Fishes.”

    
The girls enjoy both Cheerios and Goldfish crackers as well as pretty much whatever I’m eating.  I typically bring enough of everything I eat while I’m there to feed all three of the girls.  Their parents have a well-stocked refrigerator, cupboards, and freezer, but the girls always want whatever I’m having whenever I’m having it, so Kevin and I have learned to shop for the two of us and the three of them.  When I pack my lunch and snacks in the morning, I do so with them in mind.  Lately, I’ve been bringing two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which has made lunchtime significantly smoother because they love some PB and J!  They’re also amused by both versions of the Peanut Butter and Jelly song that I sing to them.  This is the one I was taught growing up: 

The second version is the one which Kevin found on Youtube to which I changed the lyrics in order to let Sunshine know when it was time to high-tail it in and use the potty.  You can find this gem at this link (It’s #3 of the 7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 84) along with the Youtube video of Peanut Butter Jelly Time).  Warning: The song itself and my modified version can become quite annoying if you’re asked to sing them a bazillion times a day, but you probably already figured that out, as the most popular kids songs are often those that make you want to poke your eyeballs out after a while. For a more complete picture of our potty training adventures, you might want to check out “Once Upon A Potty Training.” 

   
I’ve discovered that graham crackers are a persuasive bargaining chip with the girls, so I bring a whole stack to ration out over the days I’m taking care of them each week.  They are very fond of fresh fruit, so I try to bring a good variety of that, especially on days when I’m particularly worn-out and exhausted before I even arrive at their place.  Yeah, I know it’s a form of bribery for better behavior, but at least it’s with healthy foods.  Now that the two youngest are taking every possible opportunity to climb to greater heights, I’m willing to pull out a few stops at mealtimes to keep them strapped in a little longer. 

I figure the best way I can teach them about the importance of sharing is the best way to teach them about anything else: show them by doing it consistently myself.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 89)

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Trisha Needs a Nap It's been a long, busy week.  So long and tiring that even Vivi could tell I needed a nap and must be sleepy.  She knew this even before we made it to Friday. 

     At least it was nice enough the girls and I could all go out in the backyard for a bit on Tuesday.  One of many precious moments that day was hearing Vivi sing the French song I've been singing to them (without any prompting).  Later she charmed me with her version of "Sing Sweet Nightingale" from Cinderella.  Her rendition is quite endearing in an incoherent extra-consonants kind of way.

     The twins are still too flipping cute and interested in exploring for their own good.  They’ve been spitting, spraying, and chattering up a storm this week.  They’re both crawling around with ease and a determined curiosity that keeps me on my toes.      

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Way Off Broadway A good chunk of songs that I pretty much know by heart (ones that are of the fun to sing and dance to with kids variety) are Broadway show tunes.  My mom, sisters, and I have been known to burst into song at the dinner table, to the confusion and amusement of any first-time guests. 

     There’s really something to be said about learning the Broadway classics, as they are so often alluded to and parodied in countless genre.  If you haven’t taught young children some of the classic songs from, say White Christmas, Singin’ in the Rain, Funny Girl, or The Sound of Music, you’re really missing out on some wonderful educational opportunities, not to mention, magnificent free entertainment.  One of my favorite alternative renditions this week, Vivi sang out: “There’s a star in my heart, and I’m ready for love.”    

           

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Play-Doh: A wonderful toy with endless possibilities was mostly a saving grace this week.  Vivi enjoyed sitting in her high chair doing something her sisters aren’t old enough to do but try desperately to reach without success.  Only trouble is I made Play-Doh versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse some day last week when it just so happened that the twins were both sleeping and Vivi had me all to herself.  Ever since playing with Play-Doh has become another occasion during which I am asked every few seconds to participate, even though I’m usually in the middle of doing something, such as changing a poopy diaper, feeding a hungry child, removing curious hands from cords, wires, and plastic bags… 

 

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Time to Clock Out I knew I was really worn out on the way home Thursday when I found myself thinking that it would be awesome if I could use some of Vivi’s Play-Doh to make a mute button, then wave her magic wand over it and have it work for maybe just five minutes at a time so I could collect my thoughts, go to the bathroom without a running interrogation or commentary on what I’m doing.          

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Motivational Speaker I can’t help but laugh when Vivi hears me peeing and starts cheering and clapping, like we do when she goes peepee sitting on the toilet.  Oh, would that such words of heartfelt encouragement declared so boldly weren’t simply for my prowess in correctly using a potty.

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Valentine’s Day: My Heart’s Desire Kevin asked if I wanted to meet him somewhere for dinner. I said yes, then called him back upon a few minutes reflection, and told him that all I was up for was to go directly home. I woke up with a sore throat in the morning, and the day was crazy/insane enough with the girls that I totally forgot about it. Fortunately, my loving husband understood and brought dinner home where it's mostly quiet and usually less hectic than a three ring circus.
     

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Feeling the Love Thanks to everyone who has called, sent cards, e-mails, and expressed their condolences regarding my grandmother’s passing.  I’m very, very grateful to have so many loving family members and friends!  I’m sorry I haven’t responded or let you know how much your love and prayers mean to my family and me.  I’ve been sick ever since last weekend, and I’ve barely had any energy by the time I get home in the early evening.  I’m praying that I’ll be completely refreshed over the three day weekend and can reconnect with everyone once I’m in a less zombie-like state.       

Check out Jen Fulwiler's stellar tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her super-popular blog Conversion Diary.