CKC Portland
Tags:Delightful. I love being able to teach in the Northwest. Lots of familiar faces this past weekend - and a good variety of new ones as well. Thanks to everyone who came and played in the Discover Home class.
One of the most amazing things happened on Friday night at the crop - Chris, my Mom and I are still talking about it (and I think we probably will be for a long time to come). The Friday night crop featured about 450 women (and a couple men) working away on projects, participating in the games, and just overall enjoying the company of one another (and getting some layouts completed). I was called up to the front to give away some prizes on the stage. I stood up there, said my name, etc and then Simon (who had been in his stroller with Chris and my Mom) came running up on stage.

He came right over to me and took the mic. Mikayla grabbed a chair so he could stand up tall at the podium. He babbled a few words all scrunched up together. I asked him if he wanted to sing a song and he thought a moment and began with the ABC song.
No fear. No trepidation. He missed the "L" which got a good giggle from the crowd. A big round of applause came at the end of the song.
But he was not done yet.
Next came "If You Are Happy And You Know It." The awesome crowd played right along as he sang the entire thing - including "clap your hands," "pat your knees," "stomp your feet," "beep your nose," and "shout hooray." People were clapping and stomping and beeping right along with him. It was awesome. I was totally amazed the whole time - the look on my face and my mom's face and Chris' face was probably almost as entertaining for people as listening to Simon sing.
He was confident. He was proud. He kept right on singing, finishing with a little song called "I love Mommy, I love Daddy." Seriously.
Afterwards he got down from the stage and ran around between the tables - no talking to the scrapbookers of course (saying "no" to people as they tried to give him a high-five). Up close is too personal for him but give him a microphone and an attendant audience of almost 500 people and he is amazing.
If you were there and you took some photos could you please email me - I definitely have to do a layout about this adventure. Thanks to Jill for printing out the one shown above.

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113 comments
AWESOME!!!!!!
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{a}mazing!
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that's so awesome! go simon! ali...the look on your face is priceless!
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What a truly great story, Ali! I love it that your family was able to come with you.
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awwww how cool is that? I know you guys had to be just so amazed! Love to hear about this! Makes my heart melt! How great!
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I got teary-eyed reading that. What an amazing thing to witness. Reading your entry made me feel like I was there - thanks Ali!!
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WOW, that's incredible. I wish I could have seen it! I got chills just reading about it!
Tina J.
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Another teary eye here. What a little rock-star-boy! I just loved that story and made Andre listen as I read it outloud to him. :)
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Don't you love that kids are fearless! When do we lose that?
Sue :)
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WOW!! What a high light!
Diane - Cape Cod
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I have never met you, but as a human being (and a teacher) how can a person not be so proud of Simon? I feel as though I'm an old friend celebrating with you. Congratulations on this milestone. I know there will be many more.
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You rock, Simon!! How cool for all of you, Ali! May everyday bring new surprises and reasons to celelbrate life!
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Yay for Simon! How very cool.
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how wonderful is that??? Such a lucky little boy to have parents like you and chris! You rock! :)
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With tears in my eyes and pride in my heart..."Way to go Simon !!!" Ali, his confidence is because you and Chris are such great parents. Simon is so lucky to have you in his life !!!
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I truly believe that special children are born to very special parents. Simon is blossoming because of both of you! My heart swells with pride for his accomplishments.
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THAT is just good stuff Ali!! Way to go Simon!!!
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I have a son who's speech is delayed but, boy, can he memorize songs and sings OUTLOUD in front of our church's congregation; it makes you want to cry with awe!!! Way to go, SIMON! I so wish there was a CKU CLEVELAND .... or COLUMBUS!!!!
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Totally good stuff! Love Love Love it!! Go Simon!!!! Love the wonderful celebrations!
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Simply wonderful.
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