Owen’s music class

We have been doing classes a the Champaign School of Music for awhile off and on.  Their Music Together classes are fun for little ones. We’ve decided to let the kids do ONE activity per season for right now. I don’t think there’s reason for them to do more than that, especially as I know it’s going to just get more crazy as they get older. For this spring/summer, we threw out all kinds of sports option to Owen – tball, soccer, swimming lessons, martial arts, etc. Nothing. Refused every one. So I started looking into other things for him and we found the Music Explorers class at CSM. It’s a 45 minute class where they learn the very basics beginning skills on piano (keyboards) and ukulele. He got to pick out a ukulele (red was his choice) and got all his books on the first night of class. He was in love.They spend the first 5-10 minutes singing a welcome song and things like that.  Then they practice the ukulele with Mr. Luke. This includes things like learning the string names, how to hold the ukulele, how to pluck the right string, etc.Then, they get to do piano with Ms. Danielle.  Basic key recognition, learning soft and quiet, very simple songs, etc. I will say that I’m not sure the instructors have had a ton of experience teaching small children and there’s been at least one child with some behavior issues in both of his sessions.  And the price is a little steep.  Buuuuttt the child loves it and refuses to try anything else. So we’re going to keep going for awhile. Now if I could just get him to practice. ;)

MusiKindergarten

Wow, slacker blogger much?!   I blame Ellie’s lack of sleep.  I’ve been going to bed early instead of staying up to blog.  And I blame winter.  I usually love a good snow, but I feel like we’re just stuck inside, plodding along, and doing the same thing every week.  That makes for some pretty boring blogs.  I’m ready for spring, getting outside, and getting inspired to clean, organize, and tackle some fun new projects.  But don’t worry in the meantime I’ve got a few blog posts to get be back in the habit.  I need to do a few room tours in the house and I’ll be doing a few “wedding flashback” posts to help inspire an old roommate who is planning her wedding!

Alright, here’s something new we’ve had on our plates for a few weeks.  An old college friend got in touch with me asking if we would want to participate in a 5 week Musikgarten class in her home.  Her friend had just completed her training and wanted to do a five week class to practice her teaching.  Since Owen loves his other music class at the Champaign School of Music, we jumped on board.  It’s been fun to see her again and Owen and Ellie love it.  Sam (our daycare kid) also comes with us.  He’s still not sure about the whole thing. :)

Pinned It, Did It Monday! {fleece pants and thank you printable}

Welcome to Monday’s Pinned It, Did It where I try to implement some of the ideas that are floating around Pinterest.  This week was a little sewing project and a simple way to say thanks to a teacher or really anybody!My friend, Sara pinned this and made a cute pair for Liana.  She said they were super easy, so I thought I’d give them a shot.
Picture I Pinned:

Source: Child’s Fleece Pants from Fleece Fun
My pictures: the pink pair is Sara’s and the brown pair is mineMy review: This was a super simple pattern and they turned out so cute for my guy.  I love having a stash of comfy pants for him to play in and now I may have to make one of these in every color imaginable!  I do like the large hem at the bottom like Sara did, but I realized I should have cut mine longer to start with.  So I did the smallest hem possible to give him more length.  And of course when I went to put in the elastic, I only had 1/2'” instead of the recommended 1” so the waistband is also smaller than I would have liked.  Oh well, they were about $1.50 to make.  That’s my kind of price for play pants.

We wanted to get Mr. Bob, Owen’s music teacher a small card to say thanks.  The admin assistant there told me he goes over to County Market all the time to visit Caribou Coffee.  So this pin made my job easy.

Source: Printable Thanks a Latte from Skip to My Lou
My pictures: This is what he did when I asked him to hold it for me.  He literally turned around.  Little bugger. Heading in to give it to Mr. Bob.My review: This was so easy and cute.  I just printed the printable and backed it with a little cardstock.  Then, William brought home some coffee sleeves from Espresso Royale where he frequents regularly.  I glued the sides and bottom down leaving the top open to insert a coffee gift card.  I wrapped some green yarn around it for an extra little touch.  So cute.

music class Saturday

Yesterday morning,Owen and I headed out for our music class date.  We made a quick stop at County Market before class and "rode" on the tractor.

This was the first music class that Owen really participated in while we were in class.  He sings the songs all week, but is usually pretty shy while IN class.  It was a super fun class.  Only one more to go for this semester. 

And 2 pretty boring videos of the day:

Music Class

I'm definitely post-dating the next couple blog entries.  Because I am far behind.  Doing my data entry stuff has to be a bit of a priority for us now right now, so my blogging time has been severely lacking! Just a boring post about last Saturday's music class.  We decided to all go this time as William had never been.  Ellison really enjoyed playing the shakers and dancing around.  I think we've decided to register him for the spring session as well as it's been a really fun mommy/son time.

looking grown up and cute

listening to Mr. Bob

don't let the frown fool ya, she liked it