Fasten your seat-belts; 2014 was a completely average year for the Kanaks, but fasten your seat-belts anyway--it's the law, and they save lives.
Geno Update
This was the year of Michael Jackson for Geno. He not only knows all of Jackson's songs, but he also has learned his dances and life story. You see, Geno has moved past Brown Bear Brown Bear and skipped to adult biographies. Though I was afraid he wouldn't understand the thick journalistic Jackson bios procured from local libraries, Geno appeared glued to each word and can comment on just about any stage of Jackson's life. While checking out several MJ books from the Bourbonnais Library, he calmly climbed the stool at the circulation desk, looked the reference librarian in the eye, and proudly proclaimed, "I love Michael Jackson so much...I'm not even gonna lie about it." An unusually hip librarian with dreads matched Geno's gaze and responded, "You go, little dude; I love him too. I was raised on his music. Let's get you some books." Solidifying, yet again, why I love libraries!
Sometime this past summer, Geno also showed interest in dressing up like the King of Pop. He and his sister found materials around the house for a make-shift costume, which was made complete when Grandma surprised him with a "Smooth Criminal" hat. Though it was only his sister's black satin shirt, an old Micky Mouse glove, and some junk drawer sunglasses, Geno saw Michael Jackson. For Halloween, Gene and I surprised him with a wig and "Beat It" jacket to complete the ensemble.
An unexpected element of loving Jackson was that Geno also acquired a love of dance. When studying his moves, Geno learned that he was a classically-trained dancer and asked to be signed up for tap. This was a hard call for me to make, seeing as I had placed a moratorium on all organized sports/activities since the soccer melt-down of 2013. However, his interest seemed so sincere, I caved. He has been taking tap at Paula Aubry's Studio since September, and for the first time in Geno's life, he actually likes an extracurricular activity! He's a tapping fool!
Oh, yeah, Geno also started kindergarten this year and is doing great...reading and all that stuff.
There's Something About Mary
I could spend a lot of time coming up with cute and creative ways to describe the various ways that Mary has grown and changed since last year, but sometimes it's best to just keep it simple. Simply put, Mary continues to grow, amaze, and impress.
She is still the cute and petite little Mary we've all known and loved for years, but she seems to be getting taller by the day. This may have gone unnoticed by the folks at the Guiness Book of Records and to casual observers, but as the beast of burden responsible for providing piggy-back rides and carrying sleepy Mary into the house from the car, I can tell you that this girl is now all legs and arms! She's like a 44 long with a 16 waist. Seriously, it's freakish!
In school, Mary continues to be one of the brightest in her grade. She is still as sharp as a tack. I do my best to discuss world events with her, and I'm continually amazed at her ability to
comprehend and connect to the complex topics we discuss. If Mary can align her intelligence and her work ethic, she is going to be a force to be reckoned with in this world!
Gene
In an effort to stay young and hip, I've decided to do this year's update using one of the staples of modern communication, the hashtag! Here is this year's top 10:
#another_year_older
#still_great_looking
#still_brilliant_still_hillarious
#big_muscles_bigger_belly
#a_few_gray_hairs
#new_school
#Comets_rule_Warriors_drool
#bowling_geek_Softball_freak
#career_path_principal_or_truck_driver?
#waiting_on_the_world_to_change!
I think that pretty much wraps it up. All in all, I'm doing fine. I am still living life, appreciating liberty, and pursuing happiness. Some days are better than others, but I have far more good than bad in my life, so I can't complain. I hope all of you feel the same about your lives at this point!
Angie
For my update, I will be speaking the language of my students. Please grab any nearby adolescent for a translation.
Also, in more recent news, according to Geno, I'm "the worst mommy in the world" and he "doesn't even care if that hurts" my "feelings!" The AP wire has not picked up this story yet, so folks, you heard it here first. WORLD BREAKING NEWS! WORST MOMMY EVER FOUND IN BONFIELD, IL.
Happy Holidays!
Love,
The Kanaks
(Notice the lack of apostrophe, which is never needed when making a last name plural--really...trust me.)
