Jack Sings

Did you know that I am living with a rockstar? Jack wrote a song about summer (remember the "airband"?)

Well, he actually wrote a song (sung initially to the tune of "hey there dahlila") and his uncle andy came up with some new tunage for Jack's words. It's phenominal. (if I do say so myself... mom pride bursting out here)

The reason I am sharing this, you ask? Because Jack goes back to school Tomorrow.... and when his teacher asks, "what did you do this summer?" Jack is going to say, "I wrote a rock song and sung it in front of people...." How cool is that?!?!?!? He performed it with Uncle Andy and his cousins Brigham and Ellie at a coffee shop tonight. (Brig and Ellie helped with the chorus) Jack received the loudest applause.

We made a small recording of the performance and are currently trying to upload it to youtube. I'd love for everyone to revel in my 8 year old's writing ability.... I think he is fabulous. I'll post a link as soon as we get it up and running. xx, kris

initiative. above and far beyond the lowered bar

My Sprat. What did I know?!?!? Turns out, he's a real go-getter when it's something he wants. He arranged to have G'pa Hansen come to his class and share his affinity for the fowl.... pigeon kind. Unknown to Jack's parents, (that's Wil and me) the A.O.K was given by his teacher and Jack called G'pa to tell him the approved time and locale.

When was I dropped from the inner circle? How is an 8 year old savvy enough to set up a question and answer period with a professional pigeon breeder/racer? I think it's rooted in love. Love for a Grandpa who is seriously great. My Sprat. Genius. Kind. Self Motivated- until it requires putting DIRTY socks in the wash.

I digress.

Today I revel in his ingenuity. Did I fail to give him the memo about the bar being lowered? Shucks. Love watching him soar. Take flight little pigeon. Doin' the coo coo pigeon.....

REMEMBER THAT SONG!?!?!?!?!?!?

and to Grandpa, thank you. You made his day. Jack felt VERY special.

My boys

Lovin' and livin' today up! These are 2 extraordinary prank watchers. The problem is they keep asking me when I will be getting them. They are ruining my fun and element of surprise. I love, love, love the teasing today brings. Hmmmm.... what will I do?

The Slick Mind of a Pirate

Our HIDEOUT is housing a known and wanted pirate.

So, the other day Jack was playing the online game "Pirates of the Caribbean". If you aren't familiar with the game, I'll lay out the basics as I understand them. You style your pirate, name your pirate, do pirate things, find treasure, play poker and black jack (which it turns out, Jack is very good at) and I guess, hang out with Jack Sparrow.

When I checked on Jack (aka. Pirate Tom) after his first 10 minutes, he had $$$ in his purse, a vessel to sail and an appropriate swagger in his gate. Ten minutes later I hear a yell from him, "They're after me!" .

"What's going on?" I asked.

Here is the tale I received:

Jack says, "Well, I tried to battle a ship bigger than mine and I sank. So I got put in jail. When I got out, I went down to the docks where another player was hiring a crew. (someone on-line; I pictured my 29 year old brother as this player-he is a serious gamer) I joined his crew so I could sail to the island where I play blackjack to win some $$$ to buy another boat. (ok.. should it worry me that my 3rd grader is off to play blackjack?)

When we docked, we all got off the boat. Everyone playing left, even the captain. I was going to follow them, but instead I went up to another player (this time I pictured my hubby) and said to him, 'Ya wanna buy a boat?' "

"You sold the other players ship?!?" I sputtered out. Stiffling giggles as I spoke.

Jack said, "Yep. And I bought a new ship with the $$$. I yelled because I think the captain knows what I did and he sent the law after me." At this point in his story, they catch up to him and sink his new ship.

Ahhhh... let this be a warning, beware all you hard core players out there. Your game could be destroyed in mere moments by an 8 year old and his brilliant mind!

I have always known Jack is a smart cookie, I just didn't know he was so crafty. How terrible is it that this trait gives me a sense of pride? I think I must have a little pirate in me, too. Touche'!

Jazzy Club

Our Commissioner of Entertainment is treating us to a basketball game this evening. We're always delighted to find ourselves hooting and hollering for our team... we especially love a game where our team only scores points for OUR team. (There has been confusion after half-time in weeks past)

Afterwards, we are planning a washdown in the HIDEOUT. It's beginning to smell a bit ripe in here. Like we've let our banana's go past their prime.