HAPPY EASTER
from The Remmers Family
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
An Epic Poem by John Remmers
Last night, our family went on a Spring Break adventure to Medieval Times--a dinner theatre with knights and horses and all sorts of medieval fun! While we were in the great hall, waiting to be shown to the stadium, John asked me for a piece of paper and a pen. The following story had been downloaded into his brain and he spent the rest of the evening getting it down on paper, adding a few finishing touches this morning. The result is so amazing, we had to share!
An Epic Poem
by John Remmers
Hello, good friend,
let me tell you a story–
one with much battle,
and much glory.
Our story begins with
one great lad
that protected his castle
in his home land.
He fought off evil
and was a hero,
but when the time came,
he turned into zero.
The times changed and
required armor,
and that meant
that he had to be stronger.
No matter how he tried,
he could not lift it up,
but plenty more
were strong enough.
Tools were invented–
bows and small swords–
he could use these,
but they would not fend off hordes.
He faded into obscurity,
replaced by another.
Then went to the streets
and used thieving as a cover,
until one day
of sadness and fright.
Will he regain his glory?
You know that, right?
Through the castle walls
the dragon came though
(not the most original villain,
but it will do).
He took the princess
(again, pretty stale–
Hey! Give me a break!
'Tis a medieval tale!)
Anyway, the knight stoop up
right on his horse
to defeat the dragon,
and save the princess, of course.
He arrived at the dragon's den–
the dragon now asleep–
but he awakened him with a
cut, pretty deep.
The dragon awoke
both in rage and in pain,
the battle had started
with the knight's gain.
The knight was unaware of
the dragon's big brain,
so he was flicked off
once and again.
The dragon was bored
of this pointless fight
so he breathed fire
with all of his might.
The fire weakened the
armor of the knight
and squashed him flat
that tragic night.
Hearing new of this
the thief remembered the old days–
all the glory,
and the knightly ways,
but he felt pride
and tried (although
this part of the story
you already know).
But the story doesn't end here
I won't leave you at a low.
Don't you want to hear the battle?
Ha ha! I thought so!
Actually, the dragon
attacked that night.
What a perfect atmosphere for a fight!
The thief stepped forward
bow at hand–
the dragon couldn't stop laughing,
which he couldn't stand.
He hit the dragon.
It was now mad.
He wanted to shame him
really bad.
The dragon was getting hit
more than he liked,
so he breathed fire
in hope to end the fight.
However, all it did
was catch an arrow on fire.
He got hit with it,
and it weakened his power.
The thief poured a sleep powder
on his arrow to shoot,
and he stunned him once more
and got a knife from his boot.
He cut a hole of skin
and jumped back.
He poisoned an arrow
and shot through the crack.
The hero has triumphed,
the dragon slain,
the princess rescued,
the castle regained.
He was offered much gold
and the princess's kiss,
he could regain his glory
for no one would refuse this.
However, all this
he did not obtain,
He went back to the shadows,
never heard from again.
An Epic Poem
by John Remmers
Hello, good friend,
let me tell you a story–
one with much battle,
and much glory.
Our story begins with
one great lad
that protected his castle
in his home land.
He fought off evil
and was a hero,
but when the time came,
he turned into zero.
The times changed and
required armor,
and that meant
that he had to be stronger.
No matter how he tried,
he could not lift it up,
but plenty more
were strong enough.
Tools were invented–
bows and small swords–
he could use these,
but they would not fend off hordes.
He faded into obscurity,
replaced by another.
Then went to the streets
and used thieving as a cover,
until one day
of sadness and fright.
Will he regain his glory?
You know that, right?
Through the castle walls
the dragon came though
(not the most original villain,
but it will do).
He took the princess
(again, pretty stale–
Hey! Give me a break!
'Tis a medieval tale!)
Anyway, the knight stoop up
right on his horse
to defeat the dragon,
and save the princess, of course.
He arrived at the dragon's den–
the dragon now asleep–
but he awakened him with a
cut, pretty deep.
The dragon awoke
both in rage and in pain,
the battle had started
with the knight's gain.
The knight was unaware of
the dragon's big brain,
so he was flicked off
once and again.
The dragon was bored
of this pointless fight
so he breathed fire
with all of his might.
The fire weakened the
armor of the knight
and squashed him flat
that tragic night.
Hearing new of this
the thief remembered the old days–
all the glory,
and the knightly ways,
but he felt pride
and tried (although
this part of the story
you already know).
But the story doesn't end here
I won't leave you at a low.
Don't you want to hear the battle?
Ha ha! I thought so!
Actually, the dragon
attacked that night.
What a perfect atmosphere for a fight!
The thief stepped forward
bow at hand–
the dragon couldn't stop laughing,
which he couldn't stand.
He hit the dragon.
It was now mad.
He wanted to shame him
really bad.
The dragon was getting hit
more than he liked,
so he breathed fire
in hope to end the fight.
However, all it did
was catch an arrow on fire.
He got hit with it,
and it weakened his power.
The thief poured a sleep powder
on his arrow to shoot,
and he stunned him once more
and got a knife from his boot.
He cut a hole of skin
and jumped back.
He poisoned an arrow
and shot through the crack.
The hero has triumphed,
the dragon slain,
the princess rescued,
the castle regained.
He was offered much gold
and the princess's kiss,
he could regain his glory
for no one would refuse this.
However, all this
he did not obtain,
He went back to the shadows,
never heard from again.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
March 2014
March is the month that would not end. Our schedule was packed, and it just seemed soooo long!!! Of course, snow storms right up until March 30 didn't help much, either. I thought it was supposed to go out like a lamb!
Lyn continued to rehearse Willy Wonka. She is excited for opening night! Of course, she also had ballet to squeeze in, as well as an assessment for chorus. The assessment is a big deal, and they ended up getting an "Excellent" rating from the judges. Lyn also attended a fun workshop for all the youth in the surrounding area (John didn't go because he was busy that weekend). It included sessions on self esteem, etiquette, and line dancing, as well as dinner and an a cappella concert. She had a great time!
Lyn also went on a field trip to "Finance Park", which is kind of like the game of Life, only actual size. Each child is assigned a "life situation", which includes annual income and marriage and family status. They then have to come up with a budget, and visit the various storefronts to shop and pay bills. It's a really amazing program that all county 8th graders get to participate in. Margie went as a volunteer and loved it so much that she asked one of the employees, "How can I be here forever?" They signed her up as a permanent volunteer, and she already has 5 more dates scheduled.
Margie and Lyn also attended a special, world-wide Women's Conference broadcast at church. Usually reserved for women 18 and older, it was the first time that daughters 8 and up were invited to attend as well. It was so touching to be with so many mothers and daughters actually and virtually and to witness the strength and solidarity of righteous women around the world.
John was the busiest of all of us this month, as everything seemed to happen all at once for him. He continued with electronics club and finished his circuit project. He made a little decision device--you ask a yes or no question and it will randomly pick an answer for you. He also participated in Piano Festival, performing two pieces to be rated by the judges. He earned a Superior, the highest rating, and was particularly praised for his "musicality."
John's Odyssey of the Mind team went to their competition, as well. John did a great job and really enjoyed working on the technical aspects of the project. Unfortunately, his team mates didn't put as much effort into their assignments, and they ended up in last place in the long problem. In the spontaneous competition, however, they received second place. This shows that they are all smart kids and think well on their feet!
John also went on a field trip this month, heading with his class to Monticello, the former home of Thomas Jefferson. Margie went as a chaperone (she's lived here for over 20 years and had never been!), and they had a fun time, despite the cold, windy weather.
John and Margie also attended Twain Night at the Middle School (Lyn had ballet and couldn't join us). This is an annual, fun, community event and fundraiser. It was a BLAST. Why haven't we been going all these years? We started with pizza, then watched a teaser for Willy Wonka, participated in a raffle (we won a free pizza and two tickets to the high school production of Wizard of Oz). Then we headed over to the International Feast, where we sampled free food from around the world (we should have started there!). We finished up in the board game room, where we played an epic battle of Battleship.
And on the last day of the month, John started track season! He is in a different club this year, and we are really excited about it. The group is smaller and the coaches are more hands on. Already he is getting more individual attention and structure--which is exactly the environment in which he thrives.
This month also saw the opening and closing of Dan's show, Proof. It was fantastic--every bit as good as Dan built it up to be. Even the kids enjoyed it opening night. Mid-way through the run, we attended a cast and crew party, and Margie mentioned John's interest in sound to the Sound Designer. He invited John to come sit in the booth on closing night, learn more about it, and even wear a headset. Cool! Dan took him to that, as well as the closing night party, and they had a great time. (By the way, at Finance Park, Margie also ran into the teacher that does sound for the productions at the middle school and mentioned John's excitement to help out next year. The teacher said he needed someone like John and asked if he would be willing to do news crew as well. Looks like John is going to be super busy next year as well!)
I am sad to say that Dan and Margie mourned the loss of two theatre friends this month. First, we said goodbye to the incredibly talented Pat Rohrer, who, in addition to playing the piano for Margie in various theatrical endeavors over the years, played for us at our East Coast wedding reception. Next we lost the delightful Bill Rinehuls, who was a talent both on and off stage, and who always made us laugh with his quick wit and humorous perspective.
To end on a brighter note, March brought a fun holiday that Margie thought she made up, but seems to be taking over the world: Pi Day.
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3.14) in many math and geek circles and consists of nothing other than eating--you guessed it--PIE. We open our doors, provide whipped cream and ice cream, and friends bring any kid of pie (vegetarian, of course) to share and enjoy. We had a packed house this year, and are especially looking forward to next year's celebration which will carry the digits out even further: 3.1415. We plan to have New Year's even style noise makers and make a big ruckus at 9:26pm (3.1415926).
We hope you'll join us!
Lyn continued to rehearse Willy Wonka. She is excited for opening night! Of course, she also had ballet to squeeze in, as well as an assessment for chorus. The assessment is a big deal, and they ended up getting an "Excellent" rating from the judges. Lyn also attended a fun workshop for all the youth in the surrounding area (John didn't go because he was busy that weekend). It included sessions on self esteem, etiquette, and line dancing, as well as dinner and an a cappella concert. She had a great time!
Lyn also went on a field trip to "Finance Park", which is kind of like the game of Life, only actual size. Each child is assigned a "life situation", which includes annual income and marriage and family status. They then have to come up with a budget, and visit the various storefronts to shop and pay bills. It's a really amazing program that all county 8th graders get to participate in. Margie went as a volunteer and loved it so much that she asked one of the employees, "How can I be here forever?" They signed her up as a permanent volunteer, and she already has 5 more dates scheduled.
Margie and Lyn also attended a special, world-wide Women's Conference broadcast at church. Usually reserved for women 18 and older, it was the first time that daughters 8 and up were invited to attend as well. It was so touching to be with so many mothers and daughters actually and virtually and to witness the strength and solidarity of righteous women around the world.
John was the busiest of all of us this month, as everything seemed to happen all at once for him. He continued with electronics club and finished his circuit project. He made a little decision device--you ask a yes or no question and it will randomly pick an answer for you. He also participated in Piano Festival, performing two pieces to be rated by the judges. He earned a Superior, the highest rating, and was particularly praised for his "musicality."
John's Odyssey of the Mind team went to their competition, as well. John did a great job and really enjoyed working on the technical aspects of the project. Unfortunately, his team mates didn't put as much effort into their assignments, and they ended up in last place in the long problem. In the spontaneous competition, however, they received second place. This shows that they are all smart kids and think well on their feet!
John also went on a field trip this month, heading with his class to Monticello, the former home of Thomas Jefferson. Margie went as a chaperone (she's lived here for over 20 years and had never been!), and they had a fun time, despite the cold, windy weather.
John and Margie also attended Twain Night at the Middle School (Lyn had ballet and couldn't join us). This is an annual, fun, community event and fundraiser. It was a BLAST. Why haven't we been going all these years? We started with pizza, then watched a teaser for Willy Wonka, participated in a raffle (we won a free pizza and two tickets to the high school production of Wizard of Oz). Then we headed over to the International Feast, where we sampled free food from around the world (we should have started there!). We finished up in the board game room, where we played an epic battle of Battleship.
And on the last day of the month, John started track season! He is in a different club this year, and we are really excited about it. The group is smaller and the coaches are more hands on. Already he is getting more individual attention and structure--which is exactly the environment in which he thrives.
This month also saw the opening and closing of Dan's show, Proof. It was fantastic--every bit as good as Dan built it up to be. Even the kids enjoyed it opening night. Mid-way through the run, we attended a cast and crew party, and Margie mentioned John's interest in sound to the Sound Designer. He invited John to come sit in the booth on closing night, learn more about it, and even wear a headset. Cool! Dan took him to that, as well as the closing night party, and they had a great time. (By the way, at Finance Park, Margie also ran into the teacher that does sound for the productions at the middle school and mentioned John's excitement to help out next year. The teacher said he needed someone like John and asked if he would be willing to do news crew as well. Looks like John is going to be super busy next year as well!)
I am sad to say that Dan and Margie mourned the loss of two theatre friends this month. First, we said goodbye to the incredibly talented Pat Rohrer, who, in addition to playing the piano for Margie in various theatrical endeavors over the years, played for us at our East Coast wedding reception. Next we lost the delightful Bill Rinehuls, who was a talent both on and off stage, and who always made us laugh with his quick wit and humorous perspective.
To end on a brighter note, March brought a fun holiday that Margie thought she made up, but seems to be taking over the world: Pi Day.
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3.14) in many math and geek circles and consists of nothing other than eating--you guessed it--PIE. We open our doors, provide whipped cream and ice cream, and friends bring any kid of pie (vegetarian, of course) to share and enjoy. We had a packed house this year, and are especially looking forward to next year's celebration which will carry the digits out even further: 3.1415. We plan to have New Year's even style noise makers and make a big ruckus at 9:26pm (3.1415926).
We hope you'll join us!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
February 2014
With Ragtime now on stage, Dan could focus his attention on his next show, Proof, for which he was designing and building the set. He fell in love with the script and said that it was the first one he ever read that he couldn't put down. He couldn't wait to find out what happened next! A show about math and the narrow divide between genius and insanity, he made sure to incorporate many of these elements into his design. It was very exciting!
Margie and Dan attended a couple of fun birthday parties, including one for a 90 year woman Margie used to attend church with. Margie stayed busy as the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council Representative for both of the kids' schools. Through this position, she gets to meet regularly with the School Superintendent and find out the inside scoop on what's going on in our school system county-wide. It has been fascinating. She also serves as the Honor Roll Assembly Chairperson at Lyn's school, which involves hosting a doughnut reception for all the kids who achieve all As or all As and Bs each quarter. (Lyn was on the A/B honor roll all last year, and so far she has been on the all A honor roll each quarter this year--go Lyn!). Margie also serves as the Secretary of the Children's organization at church (Primary). She and the other members of the presidency hosted a teacher training this month, where she and the music teacher performed a duet of "How Will They Know?", for which she received many compliments.
Lyn continued keeping busy at Willy Wonka rehearsals, ballet, and Young Women. Early in the month, she and Margie joined with some other girls and their moms (and some other friends) for a girl's day out, which included a visit to the Women Photographer's exhibit at the National Geographic Museum, followed by high tea at the Mayflower hotel. It was a lot of fun!
John continued to fill his days with Electronics Club (working on circuits), Odyssey of the Mind, and scouts. This month, he attended a Merit Badge Jamboree, where he earned (we think--he hasn't received it yet) the radio and engineering badges. Also, I see from my calendar that it was actually February when he went on the deep freeze, sleeping in a double sleeping bag in temperatures in the teens! John was also excited about working tech for The Music Man Jr., which they performed at his school this month. He had hoped to be on the sound crew, but ended up running the spotlight and loved it. He can't wait to do more in Middle School next year!
Both kids also got to participate in a "Mini-MTC" this month. The MTC, or Missionary Training Center, is where young adult go first when they are called on a mission. In this activity they got to pretend that they had been called on a mission and get a feel for what it is like.
We also had a couple of family nights scheduled this month. We had tickets to see Ragtime on February 13, but the performance was canceled due to a snow storm. It closed the following weekend, so unfortunately, we were not able to see it. It broke our hearts! Margie had auditioned, Dan had worked so hard on the car, the whole family had contributed to a rocking opening night party, and we had several friends in the cast, as well. It really was a huge disappointment.
One thing we did do as a family, however, is attend the Fairfax Academy Open House. Our county school system has a really amazing program that very few people know about, where kids can learn real world skills and even earn certifications while still in high school--everything from culinary arts to emergency medical training to networking solutions to auto mechanics to film and fashion design. Dan and I are huge fans of this program, because it allows you to have marketable experience you can use to get a much better paying job while putting yourself through college, and we are highly encouraging our kids to take advantage of it. At the Open House, we had the opportunity to eat a meal prepared by the culinary arts students (they actually run their own restaurant right on campus!) and then tour the facility, talk to some of the teachers, and get a feel for the program.
And that's it for February. Is it spring yet????
Dan, Margie, Lyn and John
Margie and Dan attended a couple of fun birthday parties, including one for a 90 year woman Margie used to attend church with. Margie stayed busy as the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council Representative for both of the kids' schools. Through this position, she gets to meet regularly with the School Superintendent and find out the inside scoop on what's going on in our school system county-wide. It has been fascinating. She also serves as the Honor Roll Assembly Chairperson at Lyn's school, which involves hosting a doughnut reception for all the kids who achieve all As or all As and Bs each quarter. (Lyn was on the A/B honor roll all last year, and so far she has been on the all A honor roll each quarter this year--go Lyn!). Margie also serves as the Secretary of the Children's organization at church (Primary). She and the other members of the presidency hosted a teacher training this month, where she and the music teacher performed a duet of "How Will They Know?", for which she received many compliments.
Lyn continued keeping busy at Willy Wonka rehearsals, ballet, and Young Women. Early in the month, she and Margie joined with some other girls and their moms (and some other friends) for a girl's day out, which included a visit to the Women Photographer's exhibit at the National Geographic Museum, followed by high tea at the Mayflower hotel. It was a lot of fun!
John continued to fill his days with Electronics Club (working on circuits), Odyssey of the Mind, and scouts. This month, he attended a Merit Badge Jamboree, where he earned (we think--he hasn't received it yet) the radio and engineering badges. Also, I see from my calendar that it was actually February when he went on the deep freeze, sleeping in a double sleeping bag in temperatures in the teens! John was also excited about working tech for The Music Man Jr., which they performed at his school this month. He had hoped to be on the sound crew, but ended up running the spotlight and loved it. He can't wait to do more in Middle School next year!
Both kids also got to participate in a "Mini-MTC" this month. The MTC, or Missionary Training Center, is where young adult go first when they are called on a mission. In this activity they got to pretend that they had been called on a mission and get a feel for what it is like.
We also had a couple of family nights scheduled this month. We had tickets to see Ragtime on February 13, but the performance was canceled due to a snow storm. It closed the following weekend, so unfortunately, we were not able to see it. It broke our hearts! Margie had auditioned, Dan had worked so hard on the car, the whole family had contributed to a rocking opening night party, and we had several friends in the cast, as well. It really was a huge disappointment.
One thing we did do as a family, however, is attend the Fairfax Academy Open House. Our county school system has a really amazing program that very few people know about, where kids can learn real world skills and even earn certifications while still in high school--everything from culinary arts to emergency medical training to networking solutions to auto mechanics to film and fashion design. Dan and I are huge fans of this program, because it allows you to have marketable experience you can use to get a much better paying job while putting yourself through college, and we are highly encouraging our kids to take advantage of it. At the Open House, we had the opportunity to eat a meal prepared by the culinary arts students (they actually run their own restaurant right on campus!) and then tour the facility, talk to some of the teachers, and get a feel for the program.
And that's it for February. Is it spring yet????
Dan, Margie, Lyn and John
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