Rusty's Learning to Listen, Part Eight

You're looking at one of the most revered guys in the construction business.  His name is Rusty, and he helped build this house he's standing in front of.  But wood eating insects called termites have damaged the integrity of this once fine structure.  That's why today, he's going to blow it up.

"Rusty's Learning to Listen, Part Eight" is legendary in our house - we even used it during our church service at one point.  All the kids were intently listening to Rusty, because yes, they wanted to see that house get blown up.

Fast forwarding to today, Madison got a chance to see this video for the first time.  Another co-worker mentioned it in an email, which sort of brought the whole thing to mind.  Fortunately, there are a few other fans of it online, so I was able to quickly bring the video up on this computer.  Madison and Daddy sat together, and the funny thing was this:  Madison was answering Rusty each time he posed the question:  "Are you listening?"  Then, of course, the most important question:  "If I blow this house up, will you promise to behave - and mind your mommy and daddy?"

Madison enthusiastically answered yes.

So Rusty blew the house up.

I know what you're thinking:  What a great moment in our house, right?  It's funny that Madison hadn't seen that yet - it's such a funny video for us, although I'd completely understand if someone else didn't quite get it.

Another first coming up - and this is another big thing:  Spam.  Madison likes ham, so we're trying this out in a sandwich for lunch.  We'll keep you posted, but tomorrow will be the first day she'll try Spam.  Oh yes, big moment there!

Today, Daddy dropped Madison off at school again, but this time walked her in.  We were somewhat concerned about her health today, as she had some sniffles and a slight fever over the weekend.  It turns out we didn't need to worry today:  Madison came home quite healthy and happy, and all was well in the world.

Homework tonight featured the letter "O," and a scavenger hunt for items that begin with said letter.  Also on the menu:  more piano practice.  Madison's challenge:  "I can play better than Mommy."  Yes, it's getting personal!  We were sort of feeding off of her competitive nature there, and all of the sudden it's become a competition to see who can play better.  It's hilarious to listen to her lecture Mommy about how playing the piano is really done!

Tonight before bed, it was time for a manicure.  Madison had her nails done, and is by now a complete pro at sitting still and admiring Mommy's handiwork.  We used this nail polish that we got at Del Sol, a store in the Bahamas that sells all kinds of items that change color when hit by sunlight.  In this case, her nails will actually change color when in the sun.  It should be neat to see tomorrow!

Finally, before bed, we played more Lego Pirates.  I know what you're thinking:  again?  Well, Madison is earning her Mom Bucks by playing the piano a lot, and also doing her homework.  On one hand, we had other ideas - but for this week, she's been so into Jack Sparrow and company that we just had to let her play once more.  So Daddy and Madison set sail on another adventure:  tonight's conquest was to watch the sunset - and look for the green flash on the horizon.  Did we see it?

Yes we did - on the television.  But we didn't see one outside.  Actually, we've never seen a green flash on the horizon.  Also, I might note here that we did not see a green flash when we were on the cruise, which was probably the best chance to see one.  The skies were a bit overcast for that, although there were some good sunsets.  It's probably a good thing there wasn't a green flash:  we wouldn't want to have the Flying Dutchman sailing up alongside us.  You know that sort of thing is bound to freak somebody out.

"Ever gazed upon the green flash, Master Gibbs?" 
- Captain Hector Barbosa