Have beautiful times with your family

Click on the picture to play a matching game. I will see you in January! Enjoy all your December moments. Love to you.

Teaching Kids Manners :-)

I found a website that talks about ways to teach manners to your children. I thought this was timely for the holidays. Click Here and tell me what you think :-) Feel free to leave comments on this post with ways you've taught your children manners that have and haven't worked, you might just help someone out! :-)

christmas boomwhackers

Your kids will love this one.

Music and the dying

The following is from a newsletter I receive from the Music for Healing and Trasition Program. They have a program that is a dream of mine to someday be a part of, and to become a certified Music Practitioner and play the harp for the ill and dying. They print lovely stories from practitioners. To read another story, click here.

A Massachusetts snowstorm had arrived, complete with news warnings to stay off the roads. When I called to see if I could reschedule my appointment to play for a hospice patient until the next morning, the distraught wife said that she didn't think her husband would make it until then. I assured her I was on my way, and offered a silent prayer that I would get there in time. I finally arrived at the residence in the next town in near zero visibility. In the sickroom, the husband, unconscious, was breathing difficult, stertorous breaths. I quietly introduced myself, and began to play. After about 20 minutes, his breathing seemed to ease. About an hour later, the patient seemed relaxed and peaceful. He was breathing normally. My car crawled through the falling darkness, taking three times longer than usual to return home. The next morning, I received a call from the hospice. The gentleman passed away approximately an hour after I left his bedside. The wife wanted to express her thanks for the music that preceded his peaceful death. I was filled with emotion and gratitude for the privilege of being a part of this calling. I was the one who was truly blessed. Patricia Larkin, CMP, plays harp at the bedside for the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice in Springfield, Massachusetts.

*** Simplify ***

"Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens!" Have you noticed how much pleasure your toddler can find in touching a pansy petal to his cheek? ...or the fascination in the eyes of a three year old who has discovered a spider crawling on its web? Everyone who has a one-on-one relationship with a child can get "back to basics" in a blink of an eye. Even fuzz-balls under the fridge can capture a little one's interest. Think about the toys you or your child loved most.....probably a cuddly bear, a houseful of "little round people", wooden building blocks, Colorforms shape sets, or play pots and pans, dishes and some play dough "food". A two year old can still spend hours playing with soapy suds or digging in the sand. Remember the basics when choosing toys and there will be less frustration for you AND your children. No batteries, raucous electronic voices or beeps, software that disappoints, violent games, or lost pieces in the bottom of the toybox. A gift of a big plastic tub with snap-on lid filled with age appropriate art supplies and blank paper, a plastic drop cloth, and a collection of "stuff" such as tissue tubes, stickers, rubber bands, feathers, scraps of fabric and construction paper might be one of the best gifts you could give. But don't just set it down in front of your child.... "Let's see what we can make!" could be the magic words. Don't insist on conformity or beauty. Just the experience of construction can bring great satisfaction. There are some good books on home-made instruments for parents and children to make together, combining music and craft/art. Let me hear of your successes and/or disasters. We can all learn from each other!

Canon - Transiberian Orchestra

Fun holiday games

Here are some fun holiday games I tried. Can you identify the names of the Christmas carols titles here? And how well do you know your Christmas carols anyway? Tell me your score when you take the quiz here.

Music and Language Skills

This is something we saw at the recent Kindermusik convention.

Have you ever thought of what keys are made of?

I found an article about household keys and giving them to your baby for play. Is there enough lead in them to cause a problem? Read on here...

Looing for the perfect gift?

Please visit http://www.kindermusik.com/ and shop their online store. You will find wonderful age-appropriate gifts that will last a lifetime.Even better - a percentage of your purchases will come back to our program which will enable us to replace a few tired instruments and add some new surprises as well. Just select Kindermusik with Heidi in the drop down list when you finalize your order.Thank you in advance!!!

It's In Every One Of Us

This five-minute video reveals the beauty in every one of us. Take time to take joy in watching it.

Mama to Mama

"As crafters, the reasons we create are many. Just one may be to spread a little bit of peace into the world, to make a small but meaningful difference in one person's life through a simple act of crafting with intention. Mama to Mama seeks to find ways to connect handcrafters with mothers, children and families in need of a little bit of handmade love. " Amanda Soule

I thought I'd leave you with this wonderful blog to consider. I know some of you are crafters, and this seemed a beautiful outlet for those handmade items. I read Amanda Soule's personal family blog almost every day, and relish her simple and holistic ways. Maybe you will too.

You won't scream on this coaster

A dream of mine

The Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) is a program I dearly would like to participate in in my 'next life' in the area of the harp. I am going to purchase a celtic harp in a year or two. I keep up with the MHTP newsletter and love to read the stories about how music impacts the dying and gravely ill. I was moved to tears by this letter. I hope it inspires you!

Mr. D, an 87-year-old man with congestive heart failure, was the first person I played for during my MHTP internship. The nurses thought he would like to hear some music and that it would bring him comfort.

Mr. D greeted me with a smile. Reclining on his bed, he took me by surprise when he told me that he wished he could be at the opera that afternoon. "Oh?" I asked. "Why, yes," he replied. "Today is Sunday, isn't it?"

It was Tuesday, and there was no opera in town. But there was a flutist who could play classical music for Mr. D, and that is what I did for the next 20 minutes. While I played, he leaned back and closed his eyes peacefully. After each piece, he smiled and asked who the composer was. As I left, he thanked me. Mr. D was extremely pleasant and genuinely appreciated the live flute music that he heard that day.

Over the next two weeks, I played for different residents each time I went to the nursing home. One day, during a discussion with my supervisor about playing for some residents on a more regular basis, I said that I would like to play for Mr. D again.

"Oh... he passed," she informed me. "Oh," I answered, with a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. "You just never know," she added.

You just never know. This really brought home to me that each time we play for someone, it makes a difference. It could be the last opportunity to bring music into that person's life.

Later, I read Mr. D's obituary in the newspaper. "He had a life-long passion for the opera and was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild," it said.

You just never know. In MHTP, we learn to be "in the moment" with people for whom we play - and to be open to whatever happens - many times not knowing where that moment will lead. Each moment spent in a therapeutic music session has the potential to bring a profound sense of meaning, beauty and comfort to another person, no matter what stage of life or circumstance.

I was honored to have spent a few quiet moments with Mr. D, sharing the classical music that he so loved in what was to be one of his final days. I will remember him fondly as the first person I played for in my MHTP internship. from Linda Grobman

I just found the cutest blog. Many good ideas here for crafts, kid raising, and just things you can relate to. I plan to spend some time going back and reading older posts. I thought you'd enjoy taking a peek.

Babies have sense of rhythm

It will be months before they talk, walk or even sit up. But at just a day old, babies have a strong sense of rhythm, say researchers. Read the full article here.

Here's a little picture of my loves. Carlen, age 14 and freshman, and Matthew, age 12 and 6th grade. My husband is Greg. Married 20 years and happily :-)

pull up a chair and sit a spell, mom

Do you have a favorite sitting spot? There is a group on Flikr that has captured pictures of them on camera. I enjoyed perusing some of the photos, and I thought you'd like to as well. Besides. Everyone needs to put their feet up once in awhile. I'm giving you permission :-).

Kindermusik Angel

Please click here for a beautiful story that will touch you.

Rowan Atkinson - Invisible Drum Kit

"Babies as young as 5 months old can distinguish an upbeat tune from a gloomy one..." Check out the article here!

Are there any crafty folks out there? This is a very neat website that offers free craft ideas for children. They are simple and do-able and bring you and your children together in fun ways. With the holidays coming up, maybe it's worth a look-see!

Ave Maria - James Hill

A seemingly innocuous instrument in the hands of an artist can produce something that is truly magical. James Hill performs Ave Maria by Franz Schubert on ukelele. Press pause down below to mute the blog music and enjoy a quiet moment with this beautiful piece.

Pancake Day

Press pause down below so you'll mute the music, and listen with your kids to this little quirky pancake video. We're doing Pancake Day in Our Time right now. Flip it high! Flip it low! Those that come after may sing Heigh Ho! :-) Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! (I'm starting to crave a pancake.)

To my child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I will not worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening, when I run my fingers thru your hair, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever. I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, and the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little bit tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.

Do you suffer from the daily dinner dilemma?

Then, maybe you need Bust-a-Meal.

End the senseless agony!

Do you Facebook?

Are you a Kindermusik mom who has a Facebook? I just started one about 3 weeks ago and am having a ball with it. I've been finding friends from eons ago and current ones too, church friends, college friends, etc. It has been a blast catching up with a few people lately. It is one of my favorite things to do: keeping up with friends. Sounds so simple, but hard in this busy life to make and keep time for, although I do try. Enter Facebook. It's a fun way to make connections across the miles, and even with those in our own towns. If you have an account, will you tell me here, email me, or tell me in class? I would love to be added to your friend's list and vice versa! :-)

Benefits Package

A recent study found that repeated enrollment in Kindermusik improves a child's ability to plan, guide, and control their own behavior.

"Children currently enrolled in Kindermusik showed higher levels of self-control than those never enrolled and those previously enrolled. ...This suggests that in order for children to reap the benefit of increased self-control as a result of Kindermusik participation, it is important to have repeated and recent Kindermusik experiences and remain enrolled in the program."

"Four-year-old children who had been exposed to Kindermusik for longer periods of time are better off in terms of self-control—namely a child's ability to plan, guide, and control their own behavior—than similar children with less Kindermusik history. These experiences, stop-go, high-low, fast-slow, short-long, and loud-soft, whereby children's motor behavior is guided by the music, appear to be good exercise for young children's emerging self-regulatory skills."

The study, "The Effects of Kindermusik on Behavioral Self-Regulation in Early Childhood," was conducted in 2005 in the psychology department at George Mason University in Virginia. Results were made available to Kindermusik in May, 2005. The study was conducted by Adam Winsler Ph.D and graduate student Lesley Ducenne in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University. The 15-month study included 91 children between the ages of 3 and 5 who were split into three groups: 23 students currently enrolled in Kindermusik, 19 students previously enrolled in Kindermusik, and 49 students of similar family backgrounds from local preschools who had never had Kindermusik.

The children were observed doing a variety of tasks that required self-control such as slowing down their motor behavior, delaying their gratification, refraining from touching attractive but forbidden toys, quietly whispering, and compliance with instructions to initiate or stop certain behaviors. Parents also completed surveys.The study was supervised by Adam Winsler, Ph.D, Applied Developmental Psychology in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University.

Do you blog?

Are you a Kindermusik mom, past or current, who blogs? Please share your blog address with me so I can add it to the list on the right, "Kindermusik moms who blog". There are two so far, and are so fun! Check it out.

Kindermusik House

We are doing "Great Big House" in Our Time (18 months to 3 1/2 years) right now to demonstrate high and low in music. You will see the real man who sings this song! This was made at Kindermusik HQ in Greensboro, N.C. Go to the bottom of the blog and press pause in the music box so you can enjoy this video. See you in class next week!

They Might Be Giants

I'm so tired, but happy! It has been a very busy first week of fall semester! I don't have much else but this cute video. It is very kid-friendly and they will love it.

Fruit Train

Get Rhythm

Separation Anxiety

The first day of school is a big step for every child, especially since they are used to being in their parents’ company almost every day of their lives.

For some ideas about on how to prepare your child for this big day read this nice article from Mommy and Me.

What does Kindermusik REALLY do?

When connected to singing, listening, dancing and playing instruments, Kindermusik provides a broad MULTI-DIMENSIONAL educational experience that sets the foundation for a LIFETIME of musical enjoyment. Your child's brain is LITERALLY forming a rich network of music, movement, language and idea connections, which, when used frequently, remains intact FOR LIFE! This network becomes even more powerful to your child when it is SHARED with YOU. That is why Kindermusik really is the BEST CHOICE you can make for your child today.

Sign up for fall semester at http://www.msheidi.kindermusik.net/

Back from Oregon

My son Matthew and I in Florence, ORNoble Park in Portland, near my enlaw's home - what a beautiful park!
Florence, OR - Driftwood Shores
a dear, dear friend Dick Randle- still lives in the house next door to where I grew up in Junction City....he had a major impact on my life and I adore him as my second dad

I'm back, and rested (sort of!)....feels so good to be home!

Here's an idea for that idle treadmill in the spare room

Nothing like face-to-face

There's nothing like a face-to-face Kindermusik class demonstration for learning, laughing, sharing and inspiration. If you are a new family, or maybe you're a loyal Kindermusik family who'd like to tell a friend, I'm holding a free demo at the Turning Pointe Dance Studio in Lantana at the Bartonville Town Center on August 27th. A reservation is required. My demo at The Dance Space on August 26th is completely FULL! Even if you would like to register at The Dance Space, come to my Lantana location just to experience a fun demo, and then register at either location.

Singing a friend farewell

This post came recently to the Yahoo group for Kindermusik teachers...a teacher from the east coast wrote and shared about the loss of her beloved folk dance teacher. I thought it was so touching and wanted to post it for you here. I hope that someday, I can go out on the winds of music and love like this.

Hi everyone, I thought you might be interested in how our "farewell concert" of sorts went. (The background for those who don't remember is that a dear friend - the director of a folk dance ensemble where I danced and sang for 10 years - was dying, had refused treatment, and we decided to get a group together to go sing to him, rather than waiting for his funeral.)

It was, quite frankly, amazing. Some 35 people showed up, including some who were in this ensemble back in the 70s. We thought we had to shift gears at first because his room was too small and the rehab folks said they couldn't move his bed to the lounge. They wanted to put him in a reclining wheelchair, but he said he didn't want to be moved out of bed. Then our stage manager - a big, burly, tattooed guy- went to talk to someone and lo and behold, they agreed to move him.

We were all assembled in the lounge when he was wheeled in and I think it was a bit overwhelming at first, seeing us all. We began to sing the folk songs from his homeland (Macedonia), and as we started singing, his eyes lit up. He was too weak to do much, but he did start moving one hand, as if he were conducting us. At one point, heeven clapped ever so quietly after a song. Such little gestures spokesuch volumes! During one song, a few folks danced a little line dance around his bed. He tried to talk, and when we got close enough to hear him, he was whispering "Lift your feet!" Still directingus!!

We sang for about 20-25 minutes, then it was clear that he was really tired. So my husband and I started singing a quiet song, and we moved to the back of the room so we could become background music. (This was unplanned, mind you, it just happened organically. ) One or two people joined us and we sang and hummed quietly while the troupe members took their final bow - each, in turn, bowing over his bed and telling him just how much he, and the ensemble, and meant to them. How lovely it was of this man to choose to die in a way that allowed us to make our goodbyes to him, and to honor him while he was still living. He died this afternoon, with four or five of the "troupies"around him at the time. Thank you all so much for the encouragement and hugs you sent. I can only hope that when it's my turn to go, my friends will come and sing me out as well. Martie

Turn off the TV

I am alarmed, at times, at the amount of time parents allow their young children to spend watching television. The ability to sit in front of a TV for hours on end is not a good indication of your child's attention span. In fact, too much TV can lead to attention problems as well as childhood obesity. In addition to this, there is also a link between TV watching and future bullying, according to the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The statement released in April stated, " (O)ur findings suggest some steps that can be taken with children to potentially help prevent bullying. Maximizing cognitive stimulation and limiting television watching in the early years of development might reduce children's subsequent risk of becoming bullies." I wonder what wonderful Kindermusik activities you could use to maximize that cognitive stimulation? :-) You can read the full article here.

Babies

I love watching young children. They amaze me, especially the babies. There are so many skills that they acquire in the their first year. They go from little bundles that cry, eat, sleep, and make LOTS of dirty diapers to crawling, walking, running, babbling, finger-feeeding bundles of energy. I am convinced I could never learn that much in a year!

In as little as the first three months, you may notice that your baby already recognizes your voice and quiets or smiles when they see or hear you. By 4-6 months, your baby is likely noticing sounds and visually tracking the direction of the sound. He will have a variety of sounds that he can make, including some consonant sounds like p, b, or m.

Somewhere around their first birthday you will see that they have progressed to playing peek-a-boo, responding to simple requests such as "come here" or "hand me the cup", and will even begin speaking their first words.

In order to help with this amazing progression, try some of these suggestions:

*Play finger plays and other games with your child, such as itsy bitsy spider and patty cake
*Talk, talk, talk to your child
*Reinforce your babies attempts at communication by mimicking their sounds and maintaining eye contact
*Play around with animal sounds

Thanks, Aimee for ideas

I am so ready for Oregon

I am leaving with my children for Oregon in 15 days to see my mom, en-laws and husband's siblings....I am so excited. Oregon is where I grew up (Junction City in the Willamette Valley). I am an Oregonian in my heart, never really having truly accepted being a "Texan". It has been 13 years since we left, a very bitter depature for me back then, but one I can look back on now and see all the "reasons". It is good. Still, I do feel a little pain when we visit and leave again.

Before we go, my sister comes to visit Wednesday from Kansas. She'll be staying a week with us and is bringing her little 2 year old son with her.

Summer camps were so fun! I enjoyed them VERY much this year. You are all precious and your children are growing fast.

What are you doing this month? I miss you and am looking forward to fall classes!

Beethoven Pathetique Sonata, Op. 13 - Second Movement

I have been learning the first movement of this piece over the last few months and I hope to perform it someday. It is very 'out of character' for me and has been an amazing growth experience for me as a pianist.

Today, I started working with this second movement and I have always loved it. I think it will feel right at home in my music heart. I feel it is one of the most beautiful melodies in the world.

I'll take one of each

Day at the Museum

I want to take my kids to this art museum in Fort Worth and was on their website checking the hours, and found they have a wonderful thing called "New Parent's Tour" where you can pack up the baby stroller and come for a free tour and they even provide refreshments! Might be worth checking into!

i hear music

I made this playlist that you hear....when you are visiting, is it annoying or pleasant?

You can always press pause.

test for the noodle

This is interesting !!!

See if your brain is as old as your body
~ or ~(perish the thought) ~ OLDER !!

Read the following instructions since the game is in Japanese:

Procedure of Flash Fabrica Game:

1. Touch 'start'

2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.

3. Memorize the number's position on the screen, then click the circle from the SMALLEST number to the BIGGEST number.

4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you the age of your brain. The lower the number, the better. It has to do with the brain's responses to sight and sound. As we age, they get slower....

Tell me your score! My brain is 10 years younger than I am :-) (isn't that a clever way of not revealing my age??)

CLICK HERE

5 minute skirt

I think I can make this...are any of you seamstresses out there? I don't profess to be one, but I'm a definite wannabe. Check out this blog. I always enjoy her posts and always giggle a little at her humor.

I can't believe what my daughter just blogged

My daughter has a new blog. This was her first post.

Kinda blew me away.

I found a great article: What to do so your kids won't stress you out. I think we can all relate from time to time! :-)

Ahoy There, Mates!

Click on this picture to find out why fish come in so many colors!

Christian the Lion

Happy 4th of July!

What are you doing today to celebrate? We're having an all-American BBQ and watching fireworks in Denton tonight. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Good stuff

I really like The Parent's Journal website. So many good links. There is a blog that I like to read a few times per week here. Amanda Soule has written a book called The Creative Family. Her podcast with the Parent's Journal about children's creativity and how to foster it is really good. Please take a listen! All you have to do is click here. Well worth the listen!

Long summer days

I found a great website for preschool summer activities! Check here.

Your Child's Self-Esteem

I recently read an article about children's self-esteem and it had so many good points. It was written by Dr. James Dobson, a well-known Christian author and speaker, from his book entitled "The New Hide or Seek". I wanted to share a few excerpts with you that convicted me and made me pause and think about how I word things to my children.

"The first step in building your child's esteem is to examine your own feelings--to even be willing to expose those heretofore unconscious guilt-laden attitudes...are you secretly disappointed because your child is ordinary? Lacks appeal and charm? Do you think he is dumb? Was she born during a difficult time, imposing a financial and physical stress on the family? Did you want a girl instead of a boy or vice versa? Do you resent the freedom you lost or the demands a child places on your time and effort? Does he embarrass you by being too loud or too withdrawn?

You can't teach a child to respect himself when you dislike him for reasons of your own. A sizeable portion of your chlid's self-concept emerges from the way he thinks you "see" him. He watches what you say and do with interest. He is more alert to your "statements" regarding his worth than on any other subject. He reads your unspoken and perhaps unconscious attitudes.

The child convinced of parental love and respect is inclined to accept worth as a person. Many children know intuitively they are loved by their parents, but they do not believe they are held in high esteem. This seems so contradictory. A child can conclude: Sure they love me because I'm their child--I can see that I'm important to them, but they are not proud of me as a person. I'm a disappointment to them. I've let them down. I'm not turning out as they had hoped.

It's easy to convey love and disrespect at the same time. You are tense when your child speaks to guests or outsiders. You butt in to explain what he was trying to say, or laugh nervously if the remarks sound foolish. When someone asks him a direct question, you interrupt and answer. You reveal your frustration when you are trying to comb his hair or make him "look nice" for an important event. He knows you think it is an impossible assignment. If he is to spend a weekday away from the family, you give him an extended lecture on how to avoid making a fool of himself. These subtle behavious are signals to the child that he must be supervised closely to avoid embarrassing the whole family.

Disrespect can be read into your manner, though it is framed in genuine love. The love is a private thing between you, whereas confidence and admiration are "other" oriented, having social implications to those outside the family.

Loving your child, therefore, is only half the task of building self-esteem. The element of respect must be added to counterbalance the insults of society. Unless somebody believes in the child's worth, the world can be a cold and lonely place indeed."

(I've experienced middle school with my daughter and can wholeheartedly agree with the coldness).

I hope this gave you pause like it did me.

Boom De Yada!

Coaster ride

some funnies to start your week

click to make the cartoon bigger...

Nest is full again

My daughter is back from her mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. We went out to dinner after picking her up from church. There was an obvious camaradarie, easy laughter, and closeness between the teens. Secret handshakes between adult leaders and teens when we left...it was cool. What a great trip. She has been non-stop since she saw us, relating everything as fast as the words would come. It is so interesting. There will be a slide show soon, so I can't wait to see all the pictures. In collaboration with Amor Ministries, they built 5 homes in a week's time. Actually 4 days because 2 days were travel, and 2 days were set up/take down of all the tents and supplies.

We've already gotten the dusty laundry sorted and started. I'm sure she will be talking about the trip for a whole week, and I love hearing about it. She has gained so much from this trip, I can tell already. Something is 'different'. In a very good way.

Last week, we were 'kidless' and boy was that a treat for my husband and I. (My son was at his Great Gluten Escape camp in East Texas).....the house was immaculate, things were so....uncomplicated. It's amazing how much goes into these kids!

And so.......here's the reality now that the chicks are back in the nest.....

The bathroom they share will be in disarray soon.

There wil be dishes left in their rooms.

There will be chores that need to be assigned and nagged about to get them done.

Mom's taxi service will be up and running again, taking them hither and yon.

More laundry.

More dishes.

More food prep.

Random shoes, books, clothes, games, guitar music, etc. left in places they shouldn't be.

Noise.



But, I'm so glad they're home!!! :-)

sit, stay, roll over

http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html

Click on this link and enjoy this with your toddler. Turn up the speakers and tell the dog to do tricks. Very cute!

squishy

Mud. Dirt. Paint. I love the way it feels when I work with my hands. Chances are, your child might, too. Playing with wet textures like mud, wet sand, and dough gives your child the opportunity to explore their world through the sense of touch. Whatever medium you may be using, encourage your child to talk about what they feel. Is it wet? Is it squishy? What could we do with it? Could we paint with it? Try adding water a little bit at a time and see what happens to it. Get messy! You can always hose 'em off later. Fun!

Thanks for the idea Bernadette

quote

"If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging."

And she's off

Early, very early this morning--4:30 a.m., my daughter left with 80 teenagers and adults through our church for Juarez, Mexico to build homes for people who don't have a decent place to live. Tonight, she is safely in El Paso, spending the night at a hotel and taking her last 'real shower' for the week. Tomorrow morning, they will cross over to Mexico and set up camp. This is my daughter's first trip there. It is a trip reserved for entering 9th graders through high school grads. She has been anticipating this trip for months. All of the teens that are going raised their own support, are taking a week of their summertime to go to a dusty, dry and hot place of Mexico to work and help someone else, got up in the 'middle of the night' to ride 12 hours, and will be sleeping in tents and taking 'bucket showers'. Most of the people that have done this trip before love it and do it again. They work very hard building 5 homes in 5 days.

She will learn so much. I can't wait to get an earful when she gets back. For now, I have to be satisfied with quick texts and a phone call when I can get them.

Musicovery

Have you discovered Musicovery? VERY cool!!!

something new this summer

Summer always inspires me to do something 'new'. This summer, I'm learning the art of calligraphy. I'm taking the class with my children on Wednesday nights for 5 weeks at my church. This past Wednesday was the first class and we loved it! The teacher assigned homework. I am really looking forward to next week.

What are you doing this summer to grow?

The Joy of Kindermusik

Have you ever wondered what happens in other classes? Take a peek!

i love dirt

This looks like a great book for summertime or anytime. I learned about it on a great blog. Click here.

craft time

This should keep you and your kids busy this summer. Now that my children are 14 and 11, I miss my days with preschooler crafts. That's why I'm lovin' my time in Creatures in My Backyard, a summer camp for 18 months through 3 1/2. We made some pretty cute robins-on-a-stick on Tuesday.

Next class, we're making this.

A love for reading begins at home

Long before they start school, children are ready to learn the skills that will turn them into readers. Click here for some reading strategies that work for various age levels.

Nocturne in f minor by Frederic Chopin

I did it. I performed a Chopin Nocturne today at a piano recital my teacher, Donna Meinecke, held in Denton for her students. It was held at the Denton Women's Club near the TWU campus. I am so relieved it's over! :-) At the same time, I'm so glad I played. I was last after about 20 young people ranging from a senior in high school down to about first grade. I think it's good for them to see an adult still pursuing music, never giving up, continuing to find the time to improve and learn. You never 'arrive'. It's a continual journey from which I learn not only about the music, but about myself.

inspiring

VERY inspirational story a friend sent me today.....

The boy is amazing....but more amazing is his mother.

Honing my teaching skills

I'm so excited to be going to the annual Kindermusik convention this November! I recently registered, now all I have to do is buy a plane ticket and I'll be all set. I thought you might like to know the 2008 convention mission statement:

The purpose of our 2008 Kindermusik Convention is to celebrate who we are as a community and as individuals – passionate educators and entrepreneurs making a difference in the lives of children and families through Kindermusik.

The convention helps me to grow as a teacher. To be better for my families. You! It is 4 jam-packed days of learning. I am totally, joyfully exhausted when I'm done! I come home completely inspired.

Why did Kindermusik International pick “a good beginning never ends” as the theme this year?

Because we will be celebrating 30 years of Kindermusik!
Because we will celebrate the beautiful benefit a child gains for life.
Because we will celebrate the relationship that grows from pleased parent, to loyal customer, to friend.

Thank you for being that to me. Right at this moment, I can say I have truly gained the bulk of my friendships from my Kindermusik family.

Some tv, in moderation, can be ok, but.......

here are few things your children are NOT doing when watching tv....

1. Scanning

2. Practicing gross and fine motor skills

3. Practicing eye-hand coordination

4. Using more than 2 senses

5. Asking questions

6. Exploring

7. Exercising innovation and motivation

8. Being challenged

9. Solving problems

10. Thinking analytically

11. Exercising imagination

12. Practicing communication skills

13. Being either creative or constructive

Read more about how tv affects your child by clicking here.

Memorial Day

It's time for pancakes

I love getting new music

Thank you to Launa, in Arlington, VA for posting about family music for grown-up tastes on her blog. I appreciate her comments too. I listened to a few of the snippets and it is really great stuff. It's a great time to go out and get a few new things to spice up your summer. You knew you needed some fresh new music, right? Well, what are you waiting for? :-)

do you have music in your summer?

I am about to launch into summer camps! Starting off is Peek-a-Boo I Love You, Creatures in my Backyard, and On The Road. Check my website for ages and course descriptions. I hope you'll plan some time to interact musically with your child this summer at one of my camps. Come celebrate the new location with me. I will miss you too much if I don't see you 'til fall. Call me at 972.754.0853 or register online.

I saw a news report this morning on the harmful effects of cell phone usage and pregnant women. At first I was alarmed and thought if I were pregnant, I would have concerns. But, I found this report which made sense to me. What do you think?

Kindermusik Grad Fiesta

We had a wonderful Fiesta tonight in my home with 11 adults, 10 kids and LOTS of Mexican food! We had a potluck and everyone brought lots of food. The counters were covered with dishes of wonderful enchiladas, burritos, and side dishes of all kinds. All Mexican. All yummy. Especially yummy were the lemon bars made by a Kindermusik Dad. He keeps the recipe secret because he sells them on the side! I'm telling you, they are GOOD. It was a fun night of hearty laughter, getting to know the Kindermusik dads, and enjoying eachother's company. The kids were all running around out back in the beautiful evening weather.

I am definitely going to make this an annual event.

Although... it was bittersweet that Kindermusik Young Child IV is really over. I was a little sad when cleaning up after everyone left.

Young Child II Graduates 2008

These tenacious little students have gone through all 4 semesters of Young Child and 3 of these students have been in Kindermusik since Our Time. Kauai, Miranda, Jonathan, and Marina.....I am so proud of you!!! Congratulations on graduating from Kindermusik and embarking on your musical journey. I know Kindermusik has given you a great start! I am so blessed and honored to have been your teacher.

Can't wait for the Fiesta Saturday!

Zales Mother's Day 2008 commercial

Every one of you deserves diamonds! :-) I wish for you sweet simple moments that are meaningful, peaceful and joyful. Happy Mother's Day!

i like this

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.

Albert Einstein

Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me

Last night
the rain
spoke to me
slowly, saying

what joy
to come falling
out of a brisk cloud,
to be happy again

in a new way
on the earth!
That's what it said
as it dropped,

smelling of iron,
and vanished
like a dream of the ocean
into the branches

and the grass below.
Then it was over.
The sky cleared.
I was standing

under a tree.
The tree was a tree
with happy leaves,
and I was myself,

and there were stars in the sky
that were also themselves
at the moment
at which moment

my right hand
was holding my left hand
which was holding the tree
which was filled with stars

and the soft rain -
imagine! imagine!
the long and wondrous journeys
still to be ours.

Mary Oliver

How does music help baby's brain?

Sensory Learning - Sensory Input

This helps explain the multi-sensory learning we talk about in Kindermusik classes!

Two friends making music

How cool is this? I love the expressions from the man who is standing, and hearing their laughter at the end.

New Rewards Program starting this fall

Through my work with Kindermusik International, I have learned a fun fact – Did you know that the marketing experts say it’s seven times easier to retain a current family than it is to recruit a new one? With that statistic in mind, I would like to let you know about my new “Seven Times Easier” Rewards Program – 7 incentives, rewards and reasons for you to become a loyal Kindermusik family semester after semester and to let your friends in on the fun as well!

1. New Referral Incentive! Refer a friend who enrolls in a Kindermusik class and receive a gift certificate for $25 off your next Kindermusik semester (no limit!)
2. New Baby Discount! Every new baby in a current Kindermusik family now receives 8 weeks of Village classes tuition free, just pay for materials! Must be used by the time your little one is 6 months old.
3. Early Bird Priority Registration! Register or re-enroll during the Priority Registration period and receive a special instrument, t-shirt or CD FREE.
4. Bring a Friend! You are invited to bring a friend to a free Kindermusik class (with a reservation) at any time during the semester.
5. December Holiday party! Family fun night – bring the whole family to a holiday class and enjoy all of the musical activities and fun! No charge to you. Just another way to say Thank You.
6. Open Make Up Policy! If you should miss your regularly scheduled class, you may make up a class at any time throughout the semester (please call for reservation).
7. Family Multiple Discounts! $20 discount for a second child enrolled in a DIFFERENT curricula, and HALF-OFF tuition discount for siblings enrolled in the SAME CLASS. Siblings must both be within specific age range if enrolled in same class. Sibling kit discount will also apply!

And don’t forget there are 7 more important Rewards – the joy, learning and growth you and your child can share through the first Seven, Magnificent, Musical Kindermusik years of your child’s life!

Added location to serve you better

I will be teaching at an added location in the fall. I will be offering Village and Our Time class on Thursdays only at The Turning Pointe Dance Studio in Bartonville, at the west entrance of Lantana on FM407, "out in the country". Amy Allen, the studio's owner, has been very cordial and invited Kindermusik to her beautiful studio. She is very enthusiastic about the program! I am too :-). If you live out that way and like to change your class day, please feel free, but let me know quickly!

Boundin'

El Sistema: Saving children in Venezuela through music

This is well worth your time to watch. It is 12 minutes in length.

El Sistema: Changing Lives Through Music

"Music produces an irreversible transformation in a child. It remains part of who they are. Forever.", says Gustavo Dudamel, conductor of "El Sistema".

I couldn't agree more.

You will be inspired.

Edible Flowers

This week in Village class we will be exploring flowers for the song Flowers Sweet. The focus of this lesson is on smell and sensory stimulation. We will feel the flower, smell it, look at it and describe all those things to develop language as well as a connection to the scent. I studied up on 'edible flowers' and actually have many on the list in my own yard! I think I'll try to embelish some salads this week and surprise my family! As you know, babies will mouth anything and everything. And, while I’m not going to encourage them to eat them in class, I do want something safe for them to explore with the numerous nerve endings and sensors around the mouth.

To prepare the flowers for class (and for eating if you choose), I give them a gentle bath in a very mild soap solution. I then rinse them thoroughly in a clear water solution by “swishing” them and I pat them very gently with a paper towels to dry them. This retains their freshness and scent, but removes any types of residue that might be on the flower. You should not eat flowers that you have sprayed or sprinkled with pesticides or any such thing.

There are many websites with information about edible flowers. I like this one because it gives you the pictures and explains what the flower tastes like. NOT ALL FLOWERS ARE EDIBLE!! Sometimes just parts are edible; like tulip petals are edible, but you should never eat the bulb.

Thanks to Christa for help with this post.