Talent Show 2020

Last Friday, our kiddos participated in their school's annual talent show. The show is part of Catholic Schools week and, I have to say, this year's show was probably my favorite. The talents were very diverse and the pace was nicely maintained. 

For his talent, Conor decided to play "Hot Crossed Buns" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on crystal wine glasses. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the mic system working correctly, so his sound is VERY low in the videos. (On an up note, I've never heard the school kids so quiet ... they were very kind and worked hard to hear him.)

For her talent, Annika teamed up with Conor's classmate Caitlyn to do an Irish dance demonstration. The girls' Irish dance teacher got them set up with a 2-minute routine and song; she even loaned them costumes to wear for the show.

The kids did a fabulous job during their stage time, but beyond that, we are so impressed at their willingness to get up in front of a crowd to perform. That takes a lot of courage and internal strength. Kudos to everyone who chose to perform during the show!! 

School Talent Show 2019

Yesterday, the kids' school had its annual talent show, which is part of Catholic Schools Week, and what a show it was! The show is always on Student Appreciation Day, which this year, was their "crazy clothes day", too. Mix and match those patterns, my loves! MIX AND MATCH!

As you may recall, dear readers, that for past shows, our children have demonstrated such talents as singing while doing a headstand, whistling, making banana bread, and doing a stand-up comedy routine with a puppet. This year, Conor opted to demonstrated how to make a few balloon sculptures and Annika (pre-broken arm) planned to do a little Irish dancing). Once we got word that Annika would be able to avoid surgery on her arm (wooo hooo!!!), we recruited her to be Conor's assistant for his routine. Ta da!!

Conor (with a little guidance from home and with OK from his principal) opted to make a balloon heart and two different swords. He practiced very hard on his creations (the hills of balloon corpses left scattered around our home is a testament to his practice!) and what he could say during his act. 

When it came time for them to take the stage, the kids were amazing!! Conor adeptly created the heart and amazed all of the kids in the audience. (His deadpan instructions were probably the piece de resistance of the routine, if I'm being 100% honest.!! Without trying to, Conor embodied the comedian Steven Wright to a T.) Conor then moved on to the more difficult of the two swords (the trident sword) and really showed how much poise he has ... and Annika provided a great deal of moral support. We prepped way more balloons than we thought he'd need, but he wound up needing every one of those balloons because more than ever before popped during the sculpting process. Much to Conor's credit, the popping balloons didn't phase him or ruffle his feathers. He simply tossed the popped balloons aside and started over. Meanwhile, Annika would lean in to the mic to explain that "even if a balloon pops, that's ok! Just try again. It just gives you more practice!"

After quite a few attempts, Conor conquered his trident sword and (out of a sense of generosity?) opted to throw it to the audience, which basically created a mob that surged for the stage. As the the teachers jumped in and got the crowd back to their seats, the kids were still on stage with Conor at the mic saying "No! No! I'm not done yet!" (By this point, I was shaking with laughter... tears streaming down my face!)

He finished his next sword and, apparently not learning from the first time, also threw it into the crowd .... creating another balloon-focused mob rush toward the stage. The teacher, once again, jumped into defensive mode and got the kids wrangled and back under control. I'm pretty sure my laughter subsided around 10 minutes later after the last acts wrapped up. (Best ab workout ever!)

We are incredibly proud of our kids for having the courage to stand on stage in front of their entire school. They had poise, charisma, humor, and a great rapport. 

To our sweet performers, you two did a fantastic job!! We love you and are impressed by your bravery and love your creativity!

CKS Talent Show 2018

Each year during Catholic Schools Week, our kids' school has a talent show on Student Appreciation Day. Each year, our kids want to participate in the talent show.

Conor's original idea for an act was to do karate moves that he made up himself. I officially won "World's Worst Mom of the Year" when I told him that wasn't an option, and he needed to keep thinking. After a couple of days, some sulking, and a few tense moments, Conor decided to tell a couple of jokes using my puppet (Wilson) as his sidekick. He practiced very hard and even gave Wilson his own voice.

Conor's act:

Initially, Annika wanted to sing a song while standing on her head. I suggested she try it out first because that can make breathing really hard. Half way through her song, she was asking me for ideas on other things she could do. We kicked around a few ideas and came upon THE plan... a banana bread making demonstration. She even worn her "Annika's Kitchen" apron that Bestemor made for her! Talk about taking it to the next level!

Annika's Act:
(In multiple parts due to video size restrictions)

Side note: The recipe calls for 1 1/2 c flour, not 1/2 like she said

Annika's banana bread recipe/script.

Annika's school talent show performance

Last Wednesday while I was volunteering in her classroom, Annika told me she wanted to participate in the school's annual talent show and the deadline to sign up was that day at noon. (Nothing like waiting until the last minute!) I asked her what talent she'd like to perform and she was unsure, so I suggested standing on her head (she's really good at it and no practice required ... unlike last year's violin solo). She liked the idea, so I signed the permission slip and all was good.

Fast forward to today, the big show. I am so grateful that the school's talent show falls on my work from home day! I am so impressed (and entertained) by the kids who decided to perform. There were everything from magic tricks, gymnastics and hip hop routines, jokes, singing, and head standing.

Without further ado... I present Annika!!

Annika's Talent Show Performance

Today was Annika's MUCH anticipated talent show at school. She auditioned for it last week (playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) on her violin and today was the performance. 

I was THRILLED that the talent show was scheduled for a Wednesday, so I could actually attend it. She was thrilled that because it is the Wednesday of Catholic Schools Week, she got to have "Crazy Day" at school, which meant she could wear her pajamas to school. (Hence, why you'll see Hello Kitty PJs instead of her uniform in the one ... albeit fuzzy ... photo I have from the event.)

After parking myself in a front row seat and watching the kids excitedly file into the school gym, I looked down at the event's program and was excited to see that Annika's name was first on the list... selfishly, that allowed me to get back home and back to work that much faster. (After Annika's performance, I briefly spoke with her teacher, who told me Annika volunteered to go first. Talk about an impressive kiddo!!)

Annika did a FANTASTIC job. (Yes, I teared up ... I know, not a big surprise!) Not only did she play the song ... into a microphone and in front of the entire school ... but she also sang along as she played. I've never heard her sing the lyrics as she played before. Usually, she says the names of the notes as she plays (which is what I expected to hear today), but that wasn't the case.

She worked hard to get the song memorized (she had a note cheat sheet, just in case), and stood up there in front of everyone without hesitation and played her heart out. I don't think I could have been any prouder of her if I tried.

Great job, little one!!

Our little violinist!

Unfortunately, I experienced a technical issue and wound up not video recording her performance, but the floor after her performance was complete. UGH!!!!! If I was smart, I would have just used the video setting on my DSLR camera instead of trying to juggle the video camera and digital camera in a 30-second time period. Live and learn....