The 12 Days of Pirates

(Composed by Finn & Eli)

On the first day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: a parrot sitting on me.

On the second day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the third day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the fourth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the fifth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS!
Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the sixth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the seventh day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the eighth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: eight sharks a-swimming, seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the ninth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: nine mateys fighting, eight sharks a-swimming, seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the tenth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: ten British soldiers, nine mateys fighting, eight sharks a-swimming, seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the eleventh day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: eleven cannon balls, ten British soldiers, nine mateys fighting, eight sharks a-swimming, seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

On the twelfth day of Christmas a pirate gave to me: twelve eye patches, eleven cannon balls, ten British soldiers, nine mateys fighting, eight sharks a-swimming, seven evil curses, six captain's hats, FIIIIIIVE TREEEAAAASURE CHESTS! Four Jolly Rogers, three peg legs, two golden swords and a parrot sitting on me.

Repeat. Again and again. 

Yep. 

The Twilight Monster

My 7yo has started writing plays and storyboards as a hobby. I have no idea why he started doing this, but it has become all-encompassing for him. Most of his plays have swashbuckling knight-pirate-ninjas that battle epic monsters and face multiverses of adversity before they save the princess or find hordes of treasure.

His resources are limited, so he usually casts his brother as the dashing lead, with myself & Hotwheel Hubs as supporting characters and extras. I also usually provide catering. I'm not kidding when I say working with him can be grueling - he demands perfect performances from his cast and his rehearsals are often and brutal.

Without further ado, here's a sample of his latest production, The Twilight Monster.

Cover Art, which really has nothing to do with actual storyline.

VILLAGER (played by Mom)
Quick! The Twilight Monster has escaped! 

He did confess he was so busy with the story board he wrote the play in "actor language". 

BRAVE KNIGHT (as played by his brother)
Never fear! The Knight will save your life! 

WISE KING (as played by Dad)
Whoever saves my Princess will be the ruler of the kingdom!

I think that's the king's arms folded. Unless he also cross-dresses.  Also, he is a Pisces.

THE TWILIGHT MONSTER (as played by Finn)
RRROOOAAAAAARRRR!!! You will never get her back! 

The TM is kind of Beelzebulby. 

Now, it's important to note these are just storyboards the dictator director hands out to his cast. He draws four sets of these, all alike, so we can rehearse our lines. Then he goes back and illustrates a master storyboard with color (and correct spelling upon insistance of the catering crew) to refer to when he starts shooting.

I really need to get this kid into drama classes.

Comic Debut

So this was Finn's first attempt at a comic panel. Not too shabby. 

Rocking the Vote

Today was primary election day, and I took the boys into our polling place while I voted so they could see democracy at work. They had some questions about what was going on and it started a discussion about voting, leaders, community, and citizenship. All good things, right?

Me: "So, when you get old enough, you should always go vote for who you want to be the leaders of your community. It's important."

5yo: "What's community mean?"

Me: "It's means your neighborhood. Where you live and go to school, and all the other people that live around you."

7yo: "Yeah, and you should vote for the President. AND the Mayor."

Me: "That's right! You guys have met the Mayor before - remember him?"

7yo: "Yeah..." (Suddenly huffy.) "We need to talk to him. He's not doing a good job lately."

Me: "Wha? What do you mean? What makes you think that?"

7yo: "That dead possum is still by the road and stinkin. We can't even walk to the park! That guy needs to go get that thing."

Me: "I'll be sure to let him know."

Also, I wrote a post over at Rocket City Mom about our school struggles. I didn't get into the grisly details too much there and I won't here, but it was a nerve-wracking post to write. Luckily it was received pretty well and started a good discussion on boys and the different ways they learn. Generally, our education system needs an overhaul.

I wish I could've voted on that today.

Where We've Been

For the handful of folks wondering, no, we have not joined the Witness Protection Program. In between basketball, swimming, laundry, and other boy-wrangling, I'm writing over at the parenting blog Rocket City Mom and posting about our adventures on my Facebook page. Posting here seems redundant but I've got to do better, guilt-free blogging or not.

Quickie updates:

Finn is playing basketball for the third time and got his first triple-double during a game. He's learning to read and we are really enjoying his new school. His favorite Christmas gift was a scooter. He loves telling jokes, Legos, Mario Cart, and jigsaw puzzles. He's currently working on the 550 piece kind.

Eli was visited by the Tooth Fairy three times this month and is a snaggle-puss. His favorite gift was a samurai castle, and he's playing basketball for the very first time this year. He really loves swimming and we're anticipating the next set of lessons. He also loves ninjas, (toy) swords of all kinds, and red-headed girls. Try as we might it has been difficult to dissuade him from the latter.

Hotwheel Husband just finished school and is starting on the next degree, all after he gets home from a full day at work. I'm insanely lucky proud of him.

I'm doing this. And this. And helping my sister with her dance studio. And volunteering at the public library, and working on the Madison Street Festival. And some other stuff that would probably bore you.

Happy New Year and Roll Tide.