Josh Renaud's weblog detailing the exploits of his family in Ferguson, MO, USA. Starring Yoli, Jadzia, Ludi, Josie, and Joseph Renaud.
Josie tells the story:
Okay. So, full disclaimer here — I don’t claim to remember this trip perfectly, accurately, or entirely. Most of the time I was reading or working on my coloring book.
WELL. I guess I should get to the point. This Spring Break, we (me, Ludi, Mamá, Papá, and The Boy) went to Hannibal, MO.
This summer, Josie and Ludi performed in “101 Dalmatians” and “Oklahoma!” with Miss Kathey’s Academy. It was a new experience for the girls, who previously had been in several Christmas shows, but not Broadway-style musicals.
I asked the girls what they thought of the shows.
Editor’s note: This year, Ludi, Josie, and Joseph all participated in “Miss Kathey’s Academy,” and performed in “The Very Big Christmas Show” in December. All of them did awesome. Josie in particular had a memory she wanted to share:
I am in Miss Kathey’s Academy. I didn’t really expect it, but Miss Kathey said she wanted a small kid to sing a solo called “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” She wanted someone 8 or under.
Me and my friend both went to Pastor Bob to try out. He chose me to do the solo! After that, we practiced once a month every month until December.
I was super-scared at our first performance. Even the tape that held the microphone on to my cheek made me scared. But when I got out on stage and looked at the audience, I realized I couldn’t just chicken out. I said my lines to Santa, the music started, and I began to sing.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ferguson offers a program called “Strings Attached” which offers students guitar lessons and the chance to earn a guitar if they stick with the program.
A spot finally opened up for Josie this year and she has worked hard. Like her older sisters, Josie often doesn’t want to practice, but she has pushed through, and performed in her first concert.
Here’s a video of Josie in action:
Josie's guitar concert from Josh Renaud on Vimeo.
Our kids attend AWANA at Grace Church. AWANA emphasizes memorizing Bible verses so that the kids can hide God’s word in their hearts.
One of their teachers, Mr. Rich, has a very unusual way to motivate the kids in the Sparks club to memorize verses.
He willingly lets the kids who complete the most book sections throw a pie in his face! He has done this for many years.
Our little Josie has long wanted to throw a pie in Mr. Rich’s face. So this year she worked hard — and she won!
And boy did she make the most of her opportunity!
See for yourself:
Josie Throws A Pie In Mr. Rich's Face from Josh Renaud on Vimeo.
Thank you, Mr. Rich, for being such a good sport.
Just as I began my drive to work, I noticed they were having Ferguson Sunday Parkways just down Darst from our house. This is one of many fun events Ferguson holds in different neighborhoods throughout the year.
I had forgotten it was coming up, and that it was so close to home. So, I called Yoli and let her know.
The girls first dance recital was a major production.
Don Héctor and Doña Lucila arrived late last night, and rose early this morning. Our first day together had a busy itinerary.
Here are a few fun Josie anecdotes I have collected so far this year:
Josie writes “JTL” on her DoodlePad. Then she adds an “E” at the end.
“The ‘E’ is silent,” she explains.
—
Joseph: “There’s a firebird! Let’s shoot it! BOOM!”
Josie: “Look, there’s a smoke pigeon!”
—
Josie: “I’m gonna whisper something in your ear.”
A moment later she whispers: “‘B’ is for ‘beach.’ Don’t tell anyone!”
—
Josie: “M. Y. … My!”
“… Like, ‘My Prreeeecioooouussssssss!!'” (in her Gollum voice)
—
Me: “I. Am. A. Robot.”
Josie: “Can you change your voice? I don’t like robots. I’m allergic to them.”
Yesterday we had a decent snowfall of maybe 5-6 inches in North County. It was regular snow with some sleet and rain on top. Combine that with temperatures slightly above freezing and you have a recipe for sticky snow and slick hills. Perfect for sledding and snow forts.