December 16, 2008

The Christmas Concert Mosh Pit


Last week was the preschool's annual Christmas caroling event at the local VA rehabilitation center. Last year, my boys brought the holiday spirit to the sick and aged veterans by reenacting the Civil War during the school's rendition of "Silent Night." Much to the delight of all who were present, Kellen succumbed to a stab wound to his upper thigh during the last line of the song, and collapsed to the floor with a gigantic thud.

This year, we reviewed the rules for proper rehabilitation center behavior before getting out of the car. Everyone agreed to wear the Santa hat provided by the preschool and keep all finger muskets in their pockets.

Two songs into the show, hats and hands were still where they belonged. During the third song--"Frosty the Snowman"--I slipped into the bathroom to change Cameron's diaper. When I returned, Cortlen's hat was completely over his head and Kellen's fingers were deep inside his nostrils.

I tried to make eye contact with the two carolers, but my efforts were in vain. They only had eyes for each other. Civil War II erupted in the middle of the next song when Kellen, who was giggling uncontrollably, wiped a booger on his brother's shirt. Cortlen responded by wrestling Kellen to the ground. Before the teacher's aide could get to them, another boy decided that what was going on behind him was much more fun than singing "Where is Santa?" to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin?" and jumped in the pile too.

I wanted to make sure that I got credit for ruining two Christmas shows in a row, so the minute that the performance was over, I dragged my boys to the car and tore out of the parking lot.

15 comments

Ilana said...

Probably the most exciting concert the patients have ever been to...that is, unless they were at last year's performance!

Nikki said...

Oh my goodness - just once Jana I would love to spend a day with you and your children!! You just made my day!

p.s. I hate cookie presses, they make me feel inferior

We in Minnesota said...

Sounds like you should either write a book on parenting or make a movie. How is it that some children will just do their own thing, to their own tune, to our dismay? Glad to know that your children are very funny. I always think that I am being punished for past childhood sins when my children act up.

Good luck.
Lisa Amott

InkMom said...

So glad it's not just my kids that do things like that.

Carrie said...

Your posts always make me smile! I glad to hear that my children aren't the only kids who do things like that!

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

That actually sounded like it was probably the best part of the show :-) But then again, I can't stand school shows. Who is the meanest mom now? ;-)

Shosh said...

i also have two boys who cannot resist jumping on each other at inappropriate amoments. fun, isnt it?

Riahli said...

You always crack me up, I love your sense of humor.

TheQueen@TerrorsInTiaras said...

There is something about twins that just pulls them toward each other. They can't possibly be in the same room and NOT do something to or with the other. Even sleeptime around here can be noisier and crazier than it is supposed to be. Glad your boys were the highlight of the program again. :)

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Love your stories. Can't wait until my little guy is old enough to do all that. Fortunately for me, there's no twin dynamic. But he can cause chaos all by himself. :D

Hope said...

Don't look at this as "Civil War part 2". Look at this as your boys adding character to the program. I'm sure the patients loved it and wished they got it on film.

Malea said...

Watch these two clips. They're from the movie "Parenthood" with Steve Martin. Thanks for making us all laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1h_hmdVJAc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1L-qIT9OJ4&feature=related

Denise B. said...

Hi, I happened upon a link to your blog while reading another, you are hilarious! I, too have a preschool-aged-son and can easily imagine him doing the things your sons do. It's nice to laugh about the things that otherwise would send me over the edge of insanity-thanks!

Jana said...

I had to face the preschool teacher today. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Fortunately, she laughed and said that this stuff happens all of the time. Thank goodness!

Liz said...

That's what all preschool teachers say to us mothers of children with little to none proper behavioral skills! LOL
I even had a preschool teacher tell me that my son was so cute and funny, even when getting into loads of trouble that she couldn't bare to punish him. Thanks... you're adding fuel to the fire woman.. fuel to the fire!

ps... times are hard, if you notice a woman following you around 24/7 with a video camera.. ignore me, I mean HER... surely there's more than one $10,000 funniest moment she can capture!! ;)Tee hee hee