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! {bath fish, caramel corn}

It’s Pinned It, Did It Monday where I challenge myself to actually do some of the pins I pinned on Pinterest.  Not on Pinterest?  You should be!  Follow me here.  The pins are pretty simple this week as it’s been a little crazy around here.
Picture I pinned:

Source: Frugal Bath Time Fun from Mommy Savers
My pictures: My review: Ok, duh.  I could have thought of this myself.  But I didn’t.  So props to Pinterest.  While we were at IKEA, I bought a little fish ice cube tray for $.99.  But any old ice cube tray would work.  I put food coloring in the water and froze it.  Then I dumped all of them in his bath tub.  He had fun trying to catch them and eat them.  It only last for a few minutes, but I’d say he enjoyed it and it turned his bath water a nice shade of purple.I was craving something sweet.  And Owen had never seen the air popper, so this was a fun thing to do one afternoon.
Picture I Pinned:

Source: Crazy Karo Crunch from Blogging with Children 
My Pictures: My Review:  Great tasting caramel corn.  It was gone fast.  I’m not sure it’s the best out there, and Julie if you’re reading this, I want your official kettle corn recipe.  But overall, yummy!