With Not A Dry Parental Eye In The House
Just Good Stuff, The Pea | Posted by Jannie on 18 December 2009 @ 7:55 AM 61 Comments
She surprised us with this, had kept her recital act a big secret. Chose the poem herself.
(That’s her dad’s “Yay!” at the end.)
When I Am No Longer
They can give my arms to the army
Take my eyes of blue,
And give my knees to the needy,
But my heart goes out to you.
They can take my shins to a shindig,
Hitch my thumb for a ride,
And give my wrists to a ‘ristocrat
But my heart stays at your side.
They’ll give my nose to the nosey
When they’re taking me apart.
They’ll give my hands to the handyman.
But you shall get my heart.
My ears will go to the eerie –
It’s scary, but it’s true
The rest can go to science,
But my heart goes out to you.
—- Brian P. Cleary (from “Rainbow Soup” Poems)
On 18 December 2009 at 8:21 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. what a heart felt moment you must both have had – what a brilliant testament from your little one – Kelly you’re brilliant … even being the biggest commenter on Ye Olde New Comments .. you just carry on taking after your Funster Mum and Dad – and you’ll do just fine ..
With love and hugs to you all .. Hilly Billy!
Hilary´s last blog ..Kissing under the Mistletoe – how did it all begin? and Asterix!
On 18 December 2009 at 9:08 am Chris said,
PRECIOUS! I’m wiping my eyes. Loved the “Yay!” from proud Papa. Sweet voice… kiss her cheek for me.
Chris´s last blog ..Sheltered
On 18 December 2009 at 9:11 am Erin Prais-Hintz said,
That is quite possibly the sweetest poem I have ever seen! What a special treat! Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season. Enjoy the day! Erin
Erin Prais-Hintz´s last blog ..30 Words::INSPIRE
On 18 December 2009 at 9:12 am jan said,
oh, not a dry eye here, either. you are so blessed to have this little girl in your life. so precious and brave and confident. good job, mom and dad!
takes me back many years to when my kids were little and did those performances. i always cried and they thought i was so silly to do so.
where did the poem come from? did she select or was it assigned, just curious.
treasure these moments. i cannot tell you how often these days i had them back again….
xoxo
On 18 December 2009 at 9:12 am Jewel/Pink Ink said,
Jannie, tell Kelly for me that was an awesome poem. So funny and sweet!!
Jannie, she takes after you. Wow, already at this age and wowing audiences. Can’t wait to see what else she comes up with!
Jewel/Pink Ink´s last blog ..No Guts No Glory
On 18 December 2009 at 9:36 am Jannie said,
…
Hilary!! Or I guess I should be saying “Hilly Billy!!” It was quite a moment for sure, deeply deeply “verklemps,” as Bb says. Yes, I do believe if she carries on being her wonderful little self the world is in for a wonderful wonderful treat. Heck, she already is a big treat! And one heck of a raging new commenter, as you note. Love and hugs to YOU too!!!
CHRIS!! Going now to kiss her cheek… There — kissed! And she smiled her sweet dear smile. Thank you. You know how precious are our little ones, blessings and gifts. Are your eyes dry now??
ERIN!! Isn’t it something else?? What a deep little gal we have. You know when she was four her dad asked her how much she loved him. She thought for a second and replied “More than the universe, but not as much as God.” Wow!! Blessing to you too, Dear Sweet Erin!!
JAN!! I don’t know what I ever ever possibly did to have received this gift of Kelly. (tearing up again.)
She chose the poem from a book they have in the classroom, all her own idea. Amazing, eh!! (tearing up yet again.) I am so glad I’ve about 60 hours of video of her since birth, the first 55 hours is on those little digital tapes, waiting to be converted.
JEWEL!! Wasn’t it something just so totally awesome?? We never know what she’ll come up with next. Shes into making her own movies now on her ipod nano, the new generation. I’m sure she’ll be posting some on her new blog she wants, which will be an invitation-only one. Kids today, eh!!
xoxo
On 18 December 2009 at 10:54 am Lynn said,
Yay is right! She is something special.
Lynn´s last blog ..Budding, sweet and spicy and the scent
On 18 December 2009 at 11:17 am Jay Zuck said,
What a precious and proud moment in time to have captured and shared. It is remarkable that Kelly chose and practiced the poem all by herself in anticipation of what I am sure was a great surprise.
Jay Zuck´s last blog ..JZSOTD Belated One Year Anniversary, Art School Graduation Retrospective, and Giveaway
On 18 December 2009 at 12:08 pm Lance said,
Oh my gosh, Jannie, that is so touching. What a beautiful gift Kelly has given to you in these words…and really in her being a part of your life. I am moved by this, and her heartfelt sharing… That little girl in your life is a precious gift.
Lance´s last blog ..The Upside of Life (And Holiday Celebration!)
On 18 December 2009 at 12:32 pm vered | blogger for hire said,
Awww so, so sweet!!!
On 18 December 2009 at 1:40 pm Cookie said,
How sweet! She did a great job. How did she practice it without you knowing?!?!
On 18 December 2009 at 2:06 pm Patricia said,
This is awesome and made me tear up…such a stage presence and she did such a good job, we could understand every word…
delightful and a love gift to share. Thank YOU
Patricia´s last blog ..To Serve this Season
On 18 December 2009 at 3:52 pm Jannie said,
…
LYNN!! Well, I know all kids are special — but I have to admit, this one of ours is one of a kind in a most delightful way!
JAY!! Great to see you again. I was totally taken aback with the whole performance. And so happy to share her shinyness with you all here.
LANCE!! Something else, eh?? Yes,she’s nothing short of a gift from God to adore and share. I’m sure you feel the same about your precious kids.
Vered: Your words say it all indeed. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
COOKIE!! Thank you. She said she practiced at school a lot. Plus she has one of these minds that retains things pretty quickly. She’s always amazed us.
PATRICIA!! I’m tearing up again too, listening to it. Little girls, little girls. where would we be without sweet little girls?
xoxo
On 18 December 2009 at 3:54 pm Paige said,
high five for our lil’ kelly! please give her a squeeze for me and while you are at it 1 for you and jimbo too
xxoo
Paige´s last blog ..Ulnar and Solar
On 18 December 2009 at 5:30 pm Julie said,
Oh Jannie that is just so incredibly precious… My nose is all stuffy from holding back the tears. However does a parent keep their heart contained within their chest, I wonder, because mine has doubled in size. Thank you for sharing this. Kelly’s a beautiful treasure!
Julie´s last blog ..Nothing
On 18 December 2009 at 6:07 pm Betsy Wuebker said,
Put me solidly in the verklempt aisle. This was so beautiful. What a sweet poem! And your sweet little girl takes after her mum, eh?
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog ..Soothing Scrubs – A Great Gift to Make or Keep for Yourself
On 18 December 2009 at 6:24 pm Talon said,
That was so beautiful!!
Talon´s last blog .."…and a partridge in a pear treeeeeee!"
On 18 December 2009 at 7:29 pm kimmi said,
Jannie, some kind of wonderful you have there. Kelly is priceless and adorable!! x0
kimmi´s last blog ..Hello world!
On 18 December 2009 at 8:46 pm robbi said,
Funster, Only Christmas can top that, and I hope that you yours n’ everyone has a great season of it all. Let 2010 be the year of commonsense .With good will ,peace to all thrown in. May you live long and prosper. XXXXX Yrs Sinc; robbi
On 18 December 2009 at 8:59 pm Davina said,
Jannie, what an adorable little girl she is. Tears in my eyes.
Davina´s last blog ..Night Before Christmas — Rewritten
On 18 December 2009 at 11:59 pm Rose said,
Jannie, you and your husband must be so proud. What a darling beautiful little girl you have.
Rose´s last blog ..Where did santa get all those elves
On 19 December 2009 at 4:37 am SnaggleTooth said,
Such pride-welling moments! N great choice of poem. How cute
Ah… reminds me of the numerous school band concerts thru the years, then Football, flag tossing (color guard) competitions, n Symphony shows of my two, now grown, clever n hopelessly talented shoulder chip-offs- Of course, they didn’t have digital video then- Mine’s all on VHS.
SnaggleTooth´s last blog ..Chills
On 19 December 2009 at 8:09 am Jannie said,
…
PAIGE!! I high fived, sixed, and sevened her. And she said “Thanks, Paige.” And I squeezed us all plentifully. Now do the same to you and yours, okay??!
JULIE!! So sweet an observation. It is incredible being a parent to such a little blessing. I don’t know how my heart doesn’t burst out of my chest, either.
BETSY!! Solidly in the verklempt aisle, I love that! That’s where the whole gym was transported to with her poem. She does take quite a bit after me yes, and I’m so lucky to be able to nurture her performance talents.
TALON!! Wasn’t it, tho! Did you tear up? Did you remember your own kiddoes younger days??
KIMMI!! Some Kind Of Wonderful, ain’t it so! btw, I remember dancing to that Grand Funk Railroad song at my first teen dances — super tune!
Oh… The Husband has request the honor of the computer… I’ll be back later.
On 19 December 2009 at 8:38 am jan geronimo said,
Wow, that’s simply marvelous. What a priceless moment for you and your husband.
On 19 December 2009 at 9:36 am Heather Kephart said,
Jannie OMG I started tearing up after she said this goes out to my Mom & Dad. Then I was taken in by her earnest expression, her bravery, her sweet little hat, and the obvious love behind the words Kelly was speaking. She done done me in! Bravo!
Heather Kephart´s last blog ..Places not to put your Diet Coke
On 19 December 2009 at 12:31 pm Jannie said,
…
ROBBI!! All the joy of the blessing of the season to you and yours too. And may common sense, which sadly is not so common after all in some circles, rule. Na-noo Na-noo.
DAVINA!! Some kind of precious, eh? I bet you were a little cutie like that too, eh? All blonde and sparkly.
ROSE!! Very proud indeed. And guess what??? Kelly today started her own Blogger Blog and wants to use the one-same Christmas Blogger template I chose from your post as being my favorite. Can’t figure out how to make it work, tho. And can’t figure out how to invite members to her blog. But all that will get sorted, I’m sure.
SNAG!! How absolutely wonderful you have all that tape of your girls. You’re obviously a fabulous mom. I have to get my earlier mini digital videotapes converted. I wonder if they have a machine to convert directly from VHS to DVD — I’d be most surprised if there weer not one.
JAN GERONIMO!! Thank you! We still can’t believe we have been given this sweet gift of a Kelly, maybe it will never fully sink in — I hope not, anyway.
HEATHER!! That’s when I got to tearing up too, well actually when I saw her walk up to the mike she done done me in. This is the 3rd year she’s getting out of that outfit — I bought it after Christmas when she was five, for $10.
xoxoxo
On 19 December 2009 at 6:30 pm Evelyn Lim said,
How blessed you are, Jannie. She is beautiful! And she is blessed too with you as her mom. Moments like these are very precious indeed!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Christmas Greetings From Singapore Botanic Gardens
On 19 December 2009 at 6:45 pm Jodi at Joy Discovered said,
Wow, this is soooooo sweet! What a wonderful poem to hear at this time of year!
On 20 December 2009 at 2:19 am cinderkeys said,
Aww. It sounds like she chose a poem you would’ve chosen.
cinderkeys´s last blog ..Lessons from Mr. Splashy Pants
On 20 December 2009 at 2:56 am Caity said,
Oh my goodness how lovely and sweet! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
On 20 December 2009 at 8:10 am Cindy L said,
This is lovely and just what we need to put us into the spirit. Thank you. And thank you so much for visiting my blog and commenting on “The Grinch’s Notebook.” So good to meet kindred spirits. I will be back!
Cindy L´s last blog ..The Grinch’s notebook
On 20 December 2009 at 9:41 am Dot said,
That’s really nice! I thought she had written it, because it’s perfect for her age. Glad you provided the words, because it was pretty hard to hear with that fussy baby.
On 20 December 2009 at 10:04 am Jannie said,
…
Evelyn!! Thank you kindly. We are so lucky to have each other. I wish I had more children.
Joyful Jodi!! How sweet, thank you. Yes, a precious moment. Glad to share with you all.
Cinderkeys!! What a wonderful revelation that I would have chosen the same poem, very astute of you on that. I agree!
Caity!! I have been thinking about you so much, but as usual you have beat me to my blog before I could check in on you. See you soon.
Cindy L!! Thank you so much for popping in here and for commenting, I appreciated it very much. Your recent post on Christmas traditions touched me deeply. I’ll for sure be back to your blog too!!
DOT!! I think it’s just plain rude of parents not to take fussy babies out of an auditorium where they interfere with the show. Thus my exact reason for providing the words. Hey, you gonna make any snow angels???
THANK YOU ALL!!! Off to my oatmeal now.
xo
On 20 December 2009 at 12:13 pm Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
Hi Jannie,
Aawwwwww….I love that poem and how sweet of Kelly to surprise you all. That is awesome! She is an angel just like her mother!
Thank you for sharing!
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Searching For Some Soul
On 20 December 2009 at 5:40 pm Wilma Ham said,
You wonder where do children get these inspirations from?????
You must have deserved it and how wonderful that Kelly knew how to give you the best gift ever.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..To create, we have to think more.
On 20 December 2009 at 9:26 pm Cath Lawson said,
Jannie – you must be so proud of Kelly. What a lovely poem.
On 20 December 2009 at 10:39 pm Jeanne said,
Oh Jannie!
She is so sweet!!!!!!
You must have been so proud of her!!!!!!
Jeanne
xo
Jeanne´s last blog ..Winter
On 20 December 2009 at 10:59 pm Tammy said,
Hey Jannie
That was so sweet I teared up listening to it. How beautiful. That was awesome. You have a very special little girl…….not that you did not know that already, but it is obvious to me too.
I don’t think there is anything as unfeigned as the love of a child.
Tammy´s last blog ..My trip to books a million
On 21 December 2009 at 12:14 am MiaHysteria said,
How very precious. Wonderful that you caught this on tape too!
MiaHysteria´s last blog ..Meningioma Mommas ~ A Collection of Recipes Giveaway Supporting a Non-Profit
On 21 December 2009 at 2:39 am J.D. Meier said,
No disassemble – number 5 is alive!
You have a tender heart there. In fact, the Indian name I will give her is, “little tender heart.”
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..8 Ways to Be Heroic
On 21 December 2009 at 9:59 am Sara said,
Jannie,
What a wonderful video to watch. It made me cry. You have a special soul living with you. Take good care of her and yourself:~)
Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: My Turn Now
On 21 December 2009 at 10:19 am Jannie said,
..
Nadia!! Pretty special, eh? And I just learned a very good friend lost her father yesterday, which makes me want to hug that child even closer than ever and praise the Great Almighty for the gift of her.
Wilma!! Thank you, what a beautiful beautiful sentiment you share here. I guess I must not be such a bad mama after all.
no, but seriously — thank you for your lovely words.
Cath!! I am so very very very proud of her I could about burst at the seams and let all my love-stuffing out. You know how it goes with our kids, our heart just fills to capacity.
Jeanne!! Proud, yes and so so very deeply touched. And to have that memory on tape forever is something we shall always cherish. Imagine when her kids see it! Now, I only need to get her taped playing piano as another wonderful mom I know did.
Tammy!! Now you got ME all teared up again. I probably always will tear up when I watch this video. And tell me — what did I ever do to deserve this gift of a Kelly from our Almighty??
Mia!! Thank you so much. It was one of those beautiful moments to capture and share, for sure, a testament to the Great Love that binds us all together, the love I can only stop, wonder at and be grateful for.
J.D.!! Awwwww, “Little Tender Heart,” what a sweet sweet thought, thank you. And I’ll call you “Big Tender Heart Short Circuit Guy.” And I shall be “Mama Verklemptitude.”
Sara!! Yes, this special soul must I nurture and love with the utmost care and compassion. Don’t know what I EVER did to deserve such a blessing in my life, but let me tell you — I sure am grateful she’s around and hope I do justice to her.
xoxo to ALL you sweeties!!
xoxo
On 21 December 2009 at 11:36 am Momisodes said,
What a moment to treasure. She is such a sweetheart. There is no doubt she came from you
Momisodes´s last blog ..Deflating the holidays
On 21 December 2009 at 1:02 pm Laura Hegfield said,
Jannie…this IS TOTALLY AWESOME…hold on to this…she will grow up to be a tween then a teen…and…and… and still do really sweet things (by the way) and maybe shock you because she’s a tween or teen and you are really NOT expecting it then either!!! This is so precious!
happy holidays,
Laura
Laura Hegfield´s last blog ..Darkness Provides
On 21 December 2009 at 1:52 pm Tess The Bold Life said,
Hi Jannie,
This is such a testimonial to mom and dad! Way to go Funnsters!
On 21 December 2009 at 6:02 pm Natalia Burleson said,
Aw that was great!
Natalia Burleson´s last blog ..Feeling Groovy
On 21 December 2009 at 6:27 pm Keith said,
Hello Jannie!
Oh my god. My heart just swelled with love for that amazing little girl, and my eyes..well, they pretty much filled up.
I have three daughters who are 21,19,and 17 and watching this video reminded me of when my three angels were that age. Wonderful memories. Thank you Jannie, and please hug that precious little girl for me!!
Keith´s last blog ..It’s Time To Get Real!
On 22 December 2009 at 12:47 am kingofnewyorkhacks said,
hey Jannie,
that made my month !! Brilliant job, she was spot on and the words were breathess. Merry Christmas !
kingofnewyorkhacks´s last blog ..The King of New York Hacks …Brooklyn…and A Dyker Heights Christmas.
On 22 December 2009 at 4:34 am nilei helo said,
heloo my name is nilei
On 22 December 2009 at 6:51 am sheila said,
Oh! Yay is right! She’s got such a cute voice too!
sheila´s last blog ..Back at the ranch.
On 22 December 2009 at 7:57 am Mama Zen said,
Awww! Could she be any cuter?
Mama Zen´s last blog ..I’ve Got Your Spirit Finger!
On 22 December 2009 at 10:57 am Jannie said,
…
Lovely Momosodes… Why, I do believe that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to l’il ‘ol me — and you’ve certainly said some swell things to me since I’ve gotten to know you. Thank you.
Totally Awesome Laura… How beautiful, thank you. I’ve tears in my eyes again. She is only one year away from official tweendom, it starts at 9, right? And she’s quite looking forward to the new status that will afford her.
Sweett Tess… Thank you. We Funsters do try to bring you our highest quality programming at all times. Just wait til you meet the awesomeness of Jim Funster on this site someday. He’s quite the hoot too.
Natural and Nifty Natalia… So wonderful to see you here again. I hope you’ve been your super-happy-shiny self of late? Thanks for stopping by. Glad you could see this post.
Keith of the Three Grown Angels… It was quite the performance, eh? I think I shall always tear up when I watch this too. Thanks for your visit and heart- felt words. Oh, and consider my Little Tender Heart hugged!!
King — my One And Only King Of NY Hacks. HELLO!! Made your month, eh?? Now you’ve made mine with your visit and comment. I’ll very much look forward to seeing what latest amazing NY post you have to share with us.
Sheila of my heart… Her voice has always been strong, clear and so so cute, yes. It will be such a treat to go back over my old videos and hear her through the years. Great, as always to see you !
Mama of Zen And Mirth… I often ask myself that very question and can only ever reply ” No — I can’t possibly see how she could get any cuter. “They’re a total love trip, aren’t they?!
xoxo
On 22 December 2009 at 4:03 pm Jeanne said,
The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree, I see! Fabulous, fabulous job, Kelly — on the choice of poem, the recital, and best of all that you were able to keep it a SECRET!
So, Jannie, when does Kelly start her own blog
Jeanne´s last blog ..Rebirth of Worth
On 22 December 2009 at 8:54 pm Thomma Lyn said,
*sniff*, absolutely precious and beautiful!
Thomma Lyn´s last blog ..Winter Storm Adventure
On 23 December 2009 at 5:36 am Jannie said,
…
Dear Jeanne!! Kelly did start her own blog last week!! It’s http://www.coolkellycool.blogspot.com You can read it, but can’t comment on it. I have to figure out how to make it by invitation only. Thanks for popping by.
Dear Thomma Lyn!! You said it! What an angel , eh?? Pure and simple.
xo
On 27 December 2009 at 10:38 am jingle said,
How lovely your little girl is, she has the sweetest voice and the most admirable talent in poetry.
Keep it up!
See her next time
jingle´s last blog ..Banana Muffins (A Treat for You)
On 27 December 2009 at 2:54 pm Jannie said,
…
Well jingle, thanks and hello!! Great to not only have you pop in but care enough to leave a comment. That child of ours does has a sweet little voice, so glad I have lots of video of her literally from the git-go of her first world. Banana muffins, eh?? Sounds good to me. See you soon on your blog!
On 30 December 2009 at 11:51 am Ana Goncalves said,
Jannie,
I am touched.
That is such a profound message out to you as parents.
Such a beautiful sentiment, which I feel will never be forgotten and a good surprise too huh!
Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Love is truth guided by you
On 1 January 2010 at 11:05 am Jannie said,
…
Ana, she is quite something — part of the one great love that made us and surrounds us at all times. I am still and ever will be verklempt to be entrusted with her.
xoxo
On 1 January 2010 at 1:55 pm Liara Covert said,
Every moment is precious. A person can choose to focus on what he assumes he does not have or realize he always has everything soul ever requires in unconditional love. The innocence of children invites us to realize how good things are. Thanks you for sharing this. Happy moments!
Liara Covert´s last blog ..It matters not
On 2 January 2010 at 12:52 pm Jannie said,
…
Liara, beautiful reminder that every moment is precious. Like this moment. And the last one. The next. And all the ones to come. Timelessness of love. Eternity of light.