New Year's Eve

I adore her voice, and she looks ready to ring in the new year with that tiara. Enjoy!

Just bust a move

So Formerly Phread taught a workshop on The Single Ladies dance at BlogHer '11, but first she gave us some private lessons in our room (perks of having a dance sensation for a roomie). Then she showed us this video and taught us some of these moves. You may not know it, but Jenny taught her family to do the Single Ladies dance just by watching videos and breaking it down. Also, she is just an amazing dancer - the girl has what Mary Murphy calls "swag" (and I'm not referring to the freebies vendors throw at you in the Expo hall).

She let us in on a little secret which is this video that breaks the choreography down in reverse so that when you learn it you're doing the same routine in the same direction that Beyonce performs it. Anywho, my girls and I are going to learn this and maybe even bust it out at the family Christmas Party. You can bet I'll be sporting my green knee-highs, stilettos, and daisy dukes. Well, just as soon as I buy them.

Here she is surprising some school girls during their performance (I love stars who are nice in real life)

And while we are busting out the dance music, you must see this. If you are a child of the 80s, you'll appreciate it.

If you click the link below, you'll see the follow-up they performed. I didn't know Jimmy Fallon was a talented rapper in a former life.
History of Rap 2

So any of you all want to "Move Your Body" and learn this dance with us? Maybe we can have a dance party next summer and bust our moves...

Tune-age

Just few tunes to get you through the weekend.







P.S. The sun is back out, and I am being considerably less stupid. So there's that.

One of my favorite Ellie stories so far

Those of you who don't tweet miss some of her most candid moments. This week she came up to me, in a bumbling-about/who-turned-off-the-lights, measured sort of way and then said, How do you like it? I'm all ready for biking:

Then last night, just before we'd remembered my year long quest to make birthdays more special (monthly dates with the kids on or about the date of their bday) and that it was Ellie's turn, she came up to me and said, I'm a Mammothiphant or an Elliemammoth:

But that's not the best part of last night. No, the best part was that Mr. O got to see what every second of every minute with Ellie in the car with you is like for me. They dropped me off at the pharmacy, while they returned a movie and when they picked me up afterwards, she started in

Mom, could I tell you a gross fing-gee about a little child who's just two?

Yes, you could tell me a gross thing about a little child who's just two. (I am at this point, already smiling in anticipation)

Well, there was this girl who was just two and she sticked both her fingers in her nose, all the way up her nose (she placed her fingers alongside each nostril for effect). So far up, her fingers got cut off from surgery and she bleeded, and she died.

Me (stifling laughter, because this is some pretty serious business): Oh? Where did you hear about this? From a friend? (I should so know better)

Oh no, it was on this show I sawed on TV called "Sad Stuff What Happens to Little People". And do you know what else was on that show? 


How did you see this show, I watch TV with you and I've never seen this show? (still straight-faced, I'm such a tease sometimes)

Well you and dad were on your date night and Spielberg was upstairs and Michelle and Nicole were playing with friends and I sawed it. Do you know what else was on that show, mom? This one's not gross, only sad. There was this baby who was just barely four....


Wait, this baby was four?


No, she was just barely BORNed and she touched a forn (thorn) and it went all the way frew her finger and her mom had to get a needle. No two needles. Her mom had to get two needles and stick them all the way under her fingernail to take that forn out and her nail comed off. Isn't that sad?


Yes, that is so sad. (I had tears, people)

At this point I busted a gut. Not to say that babies' fingernails coming off isn't a very sad thing indeed, it is, but you had to see Ellie's delivery. The entire evening went on in this vein, and at one point I looked at Mr. O and said, That little girl right there is our Retirement Plan. He agreed - we'll never get bored with her around.


Which reminds me of this:

And now if you'll excuse me, my ears need a nap.

Can you smell me now?

I'm on day three (or is it 4) of wearing the exact same clothes. In fact you might even say that pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt are my new uniform. I know it's disgusting, but at this point, we all should all be glad that I have on any clothes at all, because I don't really care. On the plus side: less laundry.

My spinal headache is slowly going away - I can now be upright for about 3 hours before it hits me again. I'm too much of a wimp to go in for a blood patch. My eyes are fatiguing so quickly that I'm finding myself reaching for reading glasses more and more. I'm not sure if it's a side effect of the pain meds or just a part of getting older.

Our neighbors have been especially good to us, bringing food in and such. Thank you neighbors, I'm on a two week restriction from doing pretty much everything. Thank you auntie Moana for helping me so much and of course, the biggest thank you goes to Mr. O who just steps in and does what needs doing (and without any complaining).

I made it to the bookstore and purchased two books to get me through my lazy days. Right now I'm reading I Am Number Four and so far, so good.

***

We had Christmas three days early (which I liked) and everyone got in the holiday spirit. Ellie especially enjoyed wrapping her gifts to us. Everyone got one or two Spanish flash cards from her. It was hilarious, she said it was so we could learn to speak different Spanishes like her.

In the car (which is where she shares her best gems), Ellie said I know who doesn't have a Christmas tree at Christmas.

Mr. O: Who?

Ellie: Satan. Becept he's really naughty.

Sharp as a tack that Ellie is.

Video from the Day of Awesome

(Thanks to Sue for snapping this photo)

I really wish you could all have been here in our family room with us, but maybe this is the next best thing. I hope it's alright, but I wanted to share with you two videos in particular. First, Anchor. I had tweeted that I love how Ty keeps time with his hand when he hears Anchor, Mindy saw that and decided to play it for him. This time he keeps time with his elbow and if you watch, he raises his head up at the beginning. It's the only time he did this, so I know he recognized the song. It made me all teary.

And second, I want to share with you Paul Jacobson's beautiful rendition of Little Drummer Boy. At about 4:09ish Ty sings along. I cannot tell you enough how appreciative we are that these five people gave up part of their Sunday during the busy holiday season to come and share their beautiful voices with us. I'm still pinching myself to know that it really happened.

Both The Lower Lights album and Mary's Lullaby (on which you may find Little Drummer Boy), are available online and locally. Trust me, it's the perfect stocking stuffer.

Good Thing I Spent all That Money on Mouse Traps and Peanutbutter

So two nights ago, my daughter woke me up around 4 in the morning, Mom there is a mouse in my room, I can hear it running through the walls.

We've only had 3 rodent incidents since we've lived here. The first was a mouse that found our pantry the day the neighbors started digging their foundation. The second was a mouse that came in under our washer and dryer through the overflow pipe (and which was chased out through the clever use of peppermint oil and cotton balls - who knew?), and the third was our Harry Houdini Hamster chewing through the roof of his aquarium hamster mansion in the basement only to peek out from behind the chocolate chip stash in the pantry. Three rodent run-ins in the past 11 years is pretty darn good in my book.

Anyway, I dragged myself out of bed and went in to lay on hers, certain that she must have had a bad dream or something. And then I heard the unmistakable scritch, scritch, scratch of drywall being gnawed. Friends that is not a good sound. I let her sleep on the couch. As for me? I never was able to go back to sleep, and promptly went out and bought $20 worth of traps, bait and peanut butter.

Mr. O braved the frigid temps last night and set all the traps along the foundation and my daughter decided to chance sleeping in her room again.

Do you know wanna what makes the same sound as a mouse noshing on your walls? (fast forward to the end and ignore the dirty floor). Who knew that cleaning your room is the best anti-mouse policy?

In Memory of Freddie Mercury

For those of you who may not know, today is the 19th anniversary of the passing of the lead singer of Queen. Now, normally this is not something I would know, but it is a trending topic on The Twitter - so there you are.

Ty has thing for that band. Like a really big thing. A few years ago, Mr. O gave me a video camera for my birthday and I decided to capture Ty's excitement for "We Will Rock You" on film. It wasn't until later that I discovered he was saying "Rock You" (and let me remind you this is from a boy who doesn't talk) with the song. This was during the time he was going through chemo - thus, the lack of hair.

Go ahead and watch and I dare you not to have a soft place in your heart for Queen after this.



Also, Mindy Gledhill happened to watch the vlog on my last post and has graciously offered to come sing for Ty. How incredibly awesome is that? Very! I am all verklempt. There are such good people in the world. Here is a video of our favorite song from her latest album:

Vlogging is hard

And oh my word, my nostrils are HUGE (and I'm sorry, I can't really do anything about it because we all know how well THAT turned out for Michael Jackson's nose).

But Ty laughs at the end, so it's all good.

For those of you who can just pick and go somewhere, anywhere with your whole family, please know what a blessing that is. And take advantage of it. Go places! See things together! Enjoy it!

We hope to join you this year, and just get out of the dang house already.

Hair Don't - Vlog

I know! It's my video debut. Also I got to hang with Phread this weekend, and except for that one time I took my shoes off in the car - I think we had a pretty good time. Go read all about it.

Also I got to hang with Phread this weekend, go read all about it.

Stuck

Thanks to one of my children who has a sudden penchant for whistling (and who shall remain nameless), the whistle at the end of this is STUCK in my head.

You're welcome. At least you're not hearing it 10 times an hour.

Pee-capades

Yes, it's time for another edition of the Pee-capades. Last night Ellie was stirring (as usual) in her sleep and so I called to her (as usual) to get up and go potty, honey. In her stupor, she obeyed me. Only she didn't make it to the bathroom. I heard her dancing around in her room and asked Mr. O to run and help her.

Turns out she'd thought the wicker chair in her room was the toilet. I suppose wicker and porcelain feel the same when you're sleep-peeing. She made an awesome abstract design on the carpet (just think what she might do if she were conscious!). I heard Mr. O say, "Noooo!" and ran in to help. I busted up laughing, and Mr. O says, "I'm glad you're laughing," (he knows the other choice is a steam-pouring-from-the-ears conniption, because Oh! My! Word! The Carpet!!! Not the carpet!) Anyway, I'm grateful for the presence of mind to enjoy the humor in a Pee-casso on the carpet.

Good thing I have a great playlist to get me through the aftermath. Also, my dance moves are still pretty awesome. (all but one (of the videos, not my dance moves) are kid-friendly)

Ringa Ringa - who knew Bollywood was so good for your fitness?


All The Pretty Girls by fun


Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite - hat-tip to the 80s

American Music by the Violent Femmes (in spite of the high-waisted dockers, he's not bad to look at)

Imma Be (short, but not so kid-friendly audio, awesome dance moves)

A Whole 'Notha Party

Center back left - the brunette is ours. It was so fun to watch them improve through the year. One pic of Ellie, just for fun - it's not quite "the face" but it will do.

Lyrical Dyslexia

We all have those songs that we sing along to confidently. Then one day, usually in a very public and embarrassing way, we find out we've been singing it WRONG. Here are a few examples, both from our own experience and from our friends'.

Urgent, Urgent or Virgin, Virgin?


Our Lips Are Sealed or Honest, Lucille?

Your Body is a Wonderland or Bounteous Wonderland?


Chuck E's in Love or Truck Gears in Low? (skip to 1:27 - really, who can understand anything she's singing?)


Every Breath You Take- until very recently I always thought it was "I'm a cool, hard/pool hall ace" instead of "My poor heart aches" - please tell me I'm not the only one.


And of course no list would be complete without Manfred Mann's Blinded by the Light (self-explanatory)


And then there was the time I went to a Crosby, Stills, Nash concert and thought this song

was going to be this song

I really got those lyrics wrong - and wow, was it ever public and embarrassing.

How about you? Have you had any Lyrical Dyslexia?

Being Serious is highly overrated

We get to go have fun this weekend, we get to go have fun this weekend, we get to go have fun this weekend. Breathe deeply, repeat mantra. Ohm......Ohm.......

Do you ever have weeks that are too busy? I am a complete amateur when it comes to being too busy and so I am also a WIMP. I get insomnia like you wouldn't believe (even two Ambien can't touch it), my stomach gets twisted up in knots, my metaphorical fuse magically shortens and practically disappears. How do people live like this?

I cannot wait to spread a towel on the sand, open a big umbrella and a good book and do NOTHING except watch the kids play. In the meantime, though, I present some comedy to help lighten things up a bit. Warning: it will offend some of you, sorry in advance. Hat tip to brother-in-law John who has expanded my humor horizons.

Stuff you learn/see in Traffic School

This one (not kid friendly, but relatively tame)

This one was NOT recommended.

I love it when officers have a sense of humor.

Bar none, the best enchilada recipe I've ever tasted

I'm afraid of hyping this meal too much and giving you false expectations, but wow was it amazing! Like, Amazing with a capital A, kind of amazing! And you can get it at BusyBee Lauren's (complete with Pocket Edward-assisted tutorial). I only wish I'd snapped a photo before we dug into it.

The only thing I would change is to puree the onions in a food processor before adding the chicken so as to make it more kid-friendly. I also chopped the chicken in the processor and added the remains of the first can of sauce to the chicken mixture (everything else I did the same). It is just the right blend of spicy and sweet, and I absolutely loved it - even the picky eaters ate it. In fact, I think I might go have seconds as soon as I hit Publish. Kelley, you have to make this for your dinner group.

In other news, Ellie had her first blow-out today. She sat like a little princess on the counter while I round-brushed her hair and when I finished she said I look like....someone else.

I love it, she's my very own mini helmet-head.

She looks so much older than three, where does the time go?


In more other news, I beat Mr. O at cards (finally!) which just goes to show you how much of it is luck and not skill. I will still enjoy my victory, short-lived though it might be. I think I feel a little dance coming on.

Stay with it

What sheepherders do when they're bored...(as seen at Poppalina's)

Seriously, everyone get creative (oh, and who says sheepherders haven't got a sense of humor?)

Just in case you haven't seen it

Be prepared to have this song in your head forevah
The original Single Ladies

And the Dan Band version:

And the Married Ladies version:

There's even a not so great version out there for you Bollywood lovers (Put A Dot On It). My favorite is the Dan Band. Just a heads up, if you search for anything else of theirs they should have a strong language advisory on their content. Consider yourself warned.

Essential 80s - Slow Song Installment

Connecting with old friends on Facebook has got me thinking about the old dance music (both fast and slow), and I thought I'd start with the slow songs since there aren't nearly as many. The first two that come to mind are:

Alphaville - Forever Young
OMD - If You Leave (not really a slow song, but the sentiment is there)

Keep in mind, I haven't screened these video links just verified that they're the right songs. If you're as old as I am go ahead and click through some night when you're wanting to wax nostalgic. You are so welcome.

Right behind those:
Depeche Mode - Somebody (thank you Higley's Heroes)
Breathe - Hands to Heaven
Survivor - Search is Over
Chicago - Hard Habit to Break (I saw this one Live)
Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting
Air Supply - All Out of Love
Toto - I'll Be Over You
Bangles - Eternal Flame
REO Speedwagon - I Can't Fight This Feeling
Police - Every Breath You Take
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Cutting Crew - Died In Your Arms Tonight
U2 - With or Without You
Journey - Open Arms, Faithfully
Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time

and, last but not least, those with the gag factor (at least for me):
Wham - Careless Whisper
Chris Deburgh - Lady in Red

Do you think I had a thing for big-hair bands or what? Now it's your turn, which songs have I forgotten? Also, informal poll: how many of you made mix tapes? As always, thank you in advance for playing along.

*If you're not this old thank your lucky stars, but know that you missed a really great decade.