Matthew's Christmas Concert

Matthew had his Christmas Concert at school this past Monday. He was really excited to go and sing which is unusual. He usually loathes going to these things and just kind of does it because he feels it's his duty. But you can see him up there, sighing and mouthing the words to the song. Never really singing and looking utterly bored.

That wasn't the case this year. It was a major turn around and I owe it all to a little thing called a BOW-TIE.

As he was getting dressed he asked if he could wear his Dad's bow-tie. (Matt got it when he was in the Choir one semester at college.)

When he got to the school and sat with his fellow classmates they all instantly complimented him on his "fancy tie". You could literally see his confidence explode.

When it was time for him to sing, he got up there and was the biggest ham. I wanna say he stole the show, but that may be a little biased.

He was all about holding onto his tie and wiggling his eyebrows and looking real smug as he sang. I had never seen him act like that...at least not during a performance. Now, if he was at home? Sure. All the time. Seriously. All...the...time.

It made me think that he would do great in theater when he gets older. But then again, my mom said the exact same thing about me. But unfortunately I couldn't get over my crippling stage fright. It still haunts me to this day. But he does have some of his father's personality, so we'll see. Either way, he always has a way of putting a smile on peoples faces.

Did we ever stop eating?/Cub-Scout-Deputy Shoemaker

I received an email from a friend a few months back and came across it today. It made me laugh then and I got a good giggle out of it again. I even called Matt over and he read it and just shook his head with a big grin on his face. That Matthew of ours is something else. He's funny even when he doesn't know he is.

Here's what she wrote:

Matthew was so cute today, He comes in and I ask him how he is doing, he says great. Mom and Dad had a fight I think it was about food but they made up and everyone is eating again.

This is just so funny, l felt you had to know. He's such a cute little guy, you both must be doing something right. So glad to hear you are all eating again.

He has the funniest ways of explaining things sometimes. I wish I could be a fly on the wall every time he tells a story from home. Because sometimes his perception of what happened is way funnier that what actually happened.

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Totally off subject:

For Cub Scouts a couple of weeks ago they were visited by a Deputy Sheriff. He came and talked to the boys. (didn't get to hear any of that) But afterwards all the boys wanted to see his super cool police car. He even let them climb in and turn on the siren for a split second. (so we didn't scare the locals) Right before we were getting ready to leave I requested a picture with the Police Officer (can't for the life of me remember his name, and I should.)

The only 2 boys around were my Matthew and his fellow cub-scouter who is also Matthew. So they got behind the car and hammed it up while I snapped pictures of them.

Deputy Sheriff's in training? We'll see...

Craft Time with a Toddler~Success!!

Today I finally had some success with doing some crafts with David. We did it without him eating it or becoming instantly bored.

I will say it wasn't without some whining when I put the apron on him.

I got that sudden crafty itch today and decided, on a whim, to make my very own finger paints. It wasn't hard at all really. I'll include the recipe at the bottom for my fellow crafty parents.

Like I said before, he whined a little when I put the apron on and then presented him with the paints. But then I showed him how to scoop up some with his finger and swirl it on the paper. It was an instant hit!

The only thing I've noticed so far is that he doesn't fully commit and get his whole hand dirty. It's only the pointer finger and then he complains until I clean it off. I suppose so that he can get another color.

But he had a lot of fun so I deem this crafting activity a SUCCESS!!

Cornstarch Finger Paint Recipe:

3 cups water

1 cup cornstarch

food coloring

bring to a boil, 2 cups of water. In separate bowl mix 1 cup cornstarch and 1 cup water until combined. When water comes to a boil, remove from heat. Add the cornstarch mixture until combined. Return to heat and let boil for about 1 minute or until thick. Remove from heat and separate into individual bowls. Add food coloring and let cool. Get messy!!