Writing to Sanity

Generally speaking, my kids are great helpers — especially when we are at the grocery store, and especially when they have a list of their own to mark off. A couple of weeks ago, I instructed Mary to take our Flip camera with her during a trip to the store with my mom, who would ask her to look for several things (à la scavenger hunt).

The two of them logged several short videos, all of which are hilarious. Here is one of Mary searching for cucumbers.

If you’d like to see more, you can check out:

Writing to Sanity on YouTube

Today has been an interesting day. After looking like death warmed over this morning, Mary stayed home from school today; it looks like she’s developed a sinus infection. True to every child her age (she claims she’s eight, but she’s really six), she wanted to play all day… instead, I forced her to watch a movie and chill all day until Ethan arrived home from school. I know, I know… I’m SUCH a mean mom.

Ethan was bent out of shape at first that he couldn’t stay home from school but, when he left, he was all giggles and air kisses. We’ll see what he says when Mary stays home from school again, tomorrow.

I have been lucky enough to have had music my whole life. One of my favorite memories from childhood is my mother getting out her acoustic guitar and playing it while she sang John Denver songs. Of course, my affection for all things musical was probably determined before that time; nevertheless, it’s those moments sitting with my mom that I remember best. Those moments in the past have remained so close to my heart over all these years, I waste no opportunities with my own kids to prove the emotional connection they can have with all kinds of music.

I’m constantly singing with and to them in the car and at home, and I’m constantly asking them who is singing during each song. From a very early age, Ethan was able to name The Beatles and Frank Sinatra, along with a plethora of kid songs.  He has always been able to sing on-key, and pretty much duplicate what he hears.  He’s even able to harmonize!

Then, there’s Mary.  Dear, sweet Mary. It’s been shown on this blog that Mary loves to sing.  She sings loud and she sings strong. She thinks she’s hot stuff! Unfortunately, the girl can’t carry a tune, nor can she stop singing through her nose. She can’t be MY daughter.

Hey, I know! After watching American Idol for years and years, I feel confident that I know what the judges would say: it was the wrong song choice. Better luck next time, Mary!

Yes, folks, it’s another installment of Mary Monday. Step right up to the stage all ye who love America, this one’s for you!

Whoops. I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to post Mary’s video for “Mary Monday”. I was registering them for school, celebrating Mary’s birthday and taking them on a field trip with Ethan’s Cub Scout den. My sincerest apologies, I will do better next time.

The video’s a little (okay, more than a little) dark. It looked good on the camera, but I see now the error on my part.

I’ve decided to have some fun here and so I’m enlisting the kids to help me. Starting tomorrow, every Monday and Friday you can count on cute, funny, and downright weird videos from Mary and Ethan. Who knows what’ll happen when a camera is documenting their antics.

Here’s a preview of Mary: