Joe

Joe is 17 (actually, "seventeen-and-a-half" as he informed Tim and I last week) and a Junior in high school. He is a singer-actor. An amazing singer-actor. He's been a part of Civic Theater productions, school productions, and performs in his own band. Last summer, he played the Elvis-Singing-Pharaoh in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat..."


...and completely stole the show. He had a lead in the school's fall production of Neil Simon's "Rumors," and last month put on an incredible Lumiere from "Beauty and the Beast," French accent and all. He made the school's premiere choir, First Edition and just participated in an amazing Christmas Show:



Joe has played the guitar forever. If you chance to mosey past our house, you are likely to get a private concert - even from the street (God love the amp). I'd worry about our neighbors except that the neighbor has his own amp to compete with Joe's. The following video is from his last school's talent show in 2007:



Joe is a typical teenager - he sometimes gets too big for his britches, but has a heart of gold and will help out if only you ask. He has an infectious smile and when he breaks out into a (usually mischievous) grin, you can't help but smile back at his giant dimples and sincerity.

Joe does everything at full speed. He often leaves doors open behind him and rarely takes the time to fully dry off after his shower - he walks through the house leaving a trail of water to show where he's been. As you can imagine, his room is usually a disaster and when we can catch him coming or going is when we have to remind him that it needs to be cleaned periodically.


Joe is intense. He feels emotions sharply and believes in his convictions with all his might. He tends to throw himself into everything he does, which probably is what makes him such an amazing performer. Joe loves to debate. To channel his skills away from the parental units, we are encouraging him to join the school Debate Team where he can debate to his heart's content. Joe loves Fall Out Boy and was horrified to learn that I had no idea who Patrick Stump was. Now I know.


Joe wants to major in Radio and TV (and Music) Production and currently hopes to pursue that Dream at Ball State. But that's "currently." He also has a tendency to change his mind with the wind. I'll keep you posted.



Even though his peaceful, independent, bachelor lifestyle ended when he, Tim and Alex moved into my home, I think if you asked him he'd say that he is happy to be a part of the Crazy that lives here. He and Dillon are like two peas in a pod - have you seen "Step Brothers?" That's their theme movie. He now has Mac to gang up on Tim and I with and to join him on a mall-run (or Sonic - they love Sonic).



I, for one, am glad Joe is a part of my family. He makes me laugh and calls me "Momma," just like Dillon does. He gives me a hug when he sees I'm having a bad day and occasionally kisses me when he leaves. He brings an energy to the house that Mackenzie, Dillon and I were lacking - he gives our ultra-laid-backedness (yes, I made that up. I do that.) a much-needed shot of oomph. While he adds his fair share of "Crazy" to the home, Mac and I agree that it wouldn't be nearly as fun around here without Joe in the house. So thank you, Sweetie, for being you.