This morning, I'm told categorically that we must be in a Stephen King novel, because you cannot have rain and fog together. But there, for our eyes to see was rain is akin to a storm cloud downpour and right in our garden and beyond, fog. Must be the change in weather patterns....could this be why we also had no summer?

1. Sometimes when I'm bored I like to pretend that I'm not just boring old me at boring old place, but secretly a secret agent or a ninja, and I was sent to the supposedly boring location to do something amazing - maybe I find a note under my water glass instructing me to meet a certain stranger in the coat rack at 9 hundred hours or something. Something devious. And probably the lipstick in my bag is really an amazing weapon / video camera designed specifically for me - but it's ALSO lipstick, also designed specifically for me. Yeah I totally did that last night at the wedding dh and I went to. I've shown this video before, but it's always a good one and totally shows that I'm not the only one:
2. I like to listen to one CD obsessively at a time - sometimes for months, sometimes just a week, but always until it has nearly completely worn out it's welcome. Right now, I'm all about John Mayer's "Where The Light Is" and I'm rocking out to it in my mind right now even though it isn't playing. I don't really listen to music in the apartment, pretty much just in the car now that I have a son who would rather watch PBS than listen to John Mayer (go figure, right?). But in my mind, I'm strumming on the old guitar, singing, "Go on and tell your friends EXACTLY what Johnny did..." complete with twangy overtones and contempt for whoever the song is about (my guess is Jessica Simpson? who knows). Hopefully John gets the memo and gets JNatalie's number soon so he can be happy and my matchmaking skills can finally come to fruition.
3. I like to go on tangents and often begin talking about one thing and end up talking about something completely different with no earthly idea how I got there. My husband is often amazed by it. Or annoyed. You know. Whatev.
4. I like saying things like "whatev" and "le tired" and "wicked pissah" to make myself feel young and hip, which is silly because to many people I still am young and hip probably, but at 25 years old I often feel closer to like 50 in degrees of tiredness and general point in life edness. Or maybe 35. You know. "Whatev" I feel old!! So I act young and hip to rebel against my body and ... The Man, whoever he is.
5. Ever since I saw the movie "What Happens in Vegas" I have been searching for an opportunity, any opportunity to talk about junk-punching. It doesn't come up much, so I've had to resort to a couple of completely irrelevent situations (like while playing PackRat on Facebook and I'm all annoyed cause I've been looking for one damn card for like 3 days with no luck...) to just bring it up anyway and sometimes, just look up at my husband and say, "You know why." And he knows.
6. You should really see that movie. And also Boondock Saints. And Elf. And The Princess Bride. And Elmo in Grouchland. And Roman Holiday. And then I think, after all that, we can talk.
7. But I might be wrong.

And I'm totally not tagging people because I've filled out this meme twice now and I think recently have done other memes and I'm tired of tagging, I'm tired of the mundanity of it all, man. So if you want to meme, get on with your badself. And if you don't? Don't.

10.  Kindermusik allows your child to learn while having a lot of fun.

9.  Kindermusik fosters joyful music making using quality instruments and recordings, and prepares your child for future formal music studies.

8.  Kindermusik supports parents as being their child's first and most important teachers.

7.  Kindermusik allows your child to use his/her developing creativity and imagination.

6.  Kindermusik provides the opportunity for both you and your child to make new friends that can last a lifetime.

5.  Kindermusik exposes you and your child to a variety of cultures, instruments, and tonalities in music.

4.  Kindermusik classes provide a weekly opportunity to focus completely on your child and remind yourself how unique and wonderful he/she is.

3.  The process of weekly Kindermusik classes builds and strengthens connections in your child's brain, which improves your child's abilities in many areas, including: physical coordination, listening and language skills, regulating personal emotions, interacting with peers and adults, as well as gaining musical abilities.

2.  The learning continues all week when you use the included home materials (CDs, books, instruments, and more) which are yours to keep.

1.  Kindermusik is the single best choice for your child!

Thanks to several other Kindermusik educators and their blogs for inspiring this list.  Have a great week!

Imagine whirling, creating, storytelling, singing, and dancing.  Nowhere else is learning this much fun!  And no other experience offers more ways for children to grow! 

 This unique opportunity allows you and your child to experience the most respected programs in early childhood music education first-hand. Together you’ll share the wonder and magic of learning through music.

 We will share activities from our Fall Semester programs:

On Wednesday August 13th join us for either

Dream Pillow and Zoom Buggy for Village classes ages birth to 18 months at 9am, or

Milk & Cookies for Our Time ages 18 months to 3.5 years at 9:45am,

on Thursday, August 14th join us for either

 Come join us for 30 minutes of fun, laughter, and special bonding time created just for you and your child!  Share the magic of Kindermusik with your child and experience it for yourself.

To register send us an email at kmwithkatyandcathy@hotmail.com saying that you are coming to join us and what session or sessions you will be attending.

Not sure where we’re located?   

All classes are held at First United Methodist Church in downtown Columbus. 

Directions are available here. 

Come join us as we share some of the fun and learning you will find in our Kindermusik classroom this fall!

If you have any questions, please email us at info at masterworks-studio.com or call 404-395-5247.

When I ran across this clip on Musikandmotion's blog , I couldn't resist sharing it in honor of my Imagine That! students.  You will really enjoy the sounds of the didgeridoo from Australia that was also heard by our Zoo Train and Family Time families in the song "Drover's Dream."  Jono Callow is a-*mazing*!  Enjoy!

Thanks, Sunny!

Imagine whirling, creating, storytelling, singing, and dancing.  Nowhere else is learning this much fun!  And no other experience offers more ways for children to grow! 

 This unique opportunity allows you and your child to experience the most respected programs in early childhood music education first-hand. Together you'll share the wonder and magic of learning through music.

For older children, we will also share activities from:

Hello, Weather for Imagine That! ages 3.5 to 5 years, 

as well as Young Child, Semester 1 for children ages 5 to 7.

 Come join us for 30 minutes of fun, laughter, and special bonding time created just for you and your child!  Share the magic of Kindermusik with your child and experience it for yourself.

Register Here.

Not sure where we’re located?   

All classes are held at Avondale First Baptist Church, 47 Covington Road, in Avondale Estates. 

A map and directions are available here. 

Come join us as we share some of the fun and learning you will find in our Kindermusik classroom this fall!

1. Dork: Yeah let's just get that out of the way right now - I am a dork - self certified - I like homework, read for fun, knew HTML before it was trendy to do so, and find engineers and computer science majors a more enticing description than football players and drummers - lucky for my husband, huh? So yeah, suffice it to say, my son has one dorky momma who can't wait for him to go to school so she can live vicariously through HIS homework. Poor kid.

2. Dessert: While being my favorite meal, I've always been terribly grown up-ish and won't eat it if I haven't had my dinner (despite my father's well meaning efforts to spoil me silly) - but I often feel justified in eating dessert EVERY night, hence my waist line. I love baking, and love eating my baked goods. It's dangerous.

3. Dinner: Speaking of dinner, I'm kind of becoming a house wife failure - I think my husband makes dinner more than I do - after a long day at work, lately he comes home to find me too tired to whip something up and it KILLS me - it's wrong! Why doesn't it bother him? What am I doing all day that makes me so tired?? The truth is, it's the post nap whirl wind that my son forces me to endure every night that really wipes me out - up until then, I'm usually feeling good, getting ready - then in like 30 minutes flat, I'm lying on my back, half comatose, begging for a cocktail.

4. Dentist: I am terrified of the dentist, but it's not so much a lurking fear of drills and evil, so much as a down right loathing of the entire profession - I know that's mean to say, but if you had my dental history, I think you'd understand. Admittedly, I'm terrible about dental hygiene, but now going to the dentist once, is so likely to mean going again 10 times in one summer, that I'm scared silly, locked in a closet, begging to avoid it - the dental bills! The nauseating smell of drilling and Novocaine and pain! My last dentist seriously was inept at giving enough pain killers and I'd somehow be numb in the wrong places, and feeling the pain in the worst places. It was awful. I've had to have major dental work done because of the mistakes of other dentists - it's just a long, ugly, story - and now just reading about the dentist, I can taste and smell it and feel it and ugh. It's not pretty.

5. Doctors: Doctors however do not bother me - waiting in doctor's offices with a two year old isn't my cup of tea, so I put it off too much, but it's more an issue of inconvenience than anything. Now my OBGYN for MM's delivery, she was not my favorite person and that hospital in general has permanent black mark in their file as far as I'm concerned but that's another story entirely.

6. Diapers: So for my next kid I'm thinking of going the cloth diaper route - I've been slowly greening myself up and the more I think about it the more I hate the whole thing. The sad thing is the apartment we're currently living in is really perfect for cloth diapers, I can so see it all working well - we even have a set tub in our laundry room! Lord only knows if we'll be here when we have kiddo #2 and if not, what kind of place we'll be in, but I'm really going to try! I'd convert MM now if I weren't planning to begin potty training any hot second now. In the meantime, I research cloth diapering almost as obsessively as I do baby wraps and slings (and dream vacations and private schools).

7. DP Dough: Has anyone else heard of them? Are they still in business - every location I know of has gone bankrupt, but man they made the most delicious calzones ever - at least in my "Taco Bell is good eating" opinion. I miss them like crazy all the time, and if any of you live near a still open location and want to mail me a chicken bacon and ranch dressing calzone, I will love you forever, but probably throw it out knowing the mail service.... ::sigh::

8. Dancing: Suffice it to say, I dance like a white girl. A trashy white girl - because there's only one dance I ever really learned and I stick with it, even knowing it's terrible. I'd love to take professional dance lessons but would prefer to go with dh who refuses - he doesn't dance way more than I don't dance - as I simply don't dance well. He just doesn't participate.

9. Dictionaries: I own a few, and put use to online ones on occasion, but probably not as often as you'd expect of an English major - another thing you probably wouldn't expect? I have a barely existent understand of grammar - it's pretty terrible. I actually dislike grammar quite a bit, which is kind of unfair, given that it seems to come naturally to me. I do like editing - but I'm not very good at explaining myself when necessary, because I never actually "learned" the basics, or the complex stuff for that matter, I just go with my "gut feelings." I know, I should be ashamed - here take my diploma, I clearly don't need it.

10. Diary: I have tried the diary thing in the past - you know the one made of paper - but I've always been horrible about follow through and they quickly resembled most of my attempts at writing a novel - I'd write one or two paragraphs  or entries and then suddenly it was abandoned and covered in dust for all eternity - and by the time I wanted to write in a diary again, the old one felt cliched and so not me anymore, so I'd buy a brand new one, or rip out the old pages so I wouldn't be associated with them anymore. Which I regret now - I should have stuck with it - I've done a bit better with online journals, but only a bit.

11. Daddy: My dad is pretty much the most important person in my life - at least before my husband and son came along, he was, and he's still pretty high up there - I complain about him a lot, and did my fair share of teenage eye rolls, but since my mother left when I was a wee little one, it's been me and him - struggling through the years. We've been best friends, war survivors together. We've seen others come and go, but we've always stuck by each other, you know? I am the epitome of a daddy's girl and worry my children will be also even though I'll be there - I've never really understood the whole "mother" thing, having no clear example around growing up. So it's always strange when it comes naturally to me, despite having no instruction manual lying around. Anyway, yeah, my dad - he rocks. He's pretty much the greatest man who ever lived, if also the silliest, strangest and totally like no other. He has a mullet - and I couldn't picture him any other way.

12. Divorce: I've seen a lot of divorce in my life and it's something I struggle with - what if this isn't it? What does the future store and what could that mean for my children? But the truth is, I really don't believe in divorce, and I know that sounds terribly naive but I don't think it's for me. I love my husband and have little interest in a life without him, despite our faults - he completes me, and I don't want to be incomplete ever again. And that's a pretty big gamble to make in this day and age.

13. Day dreaming: I do a bit of it - every time I read a book, watch a tv show, see a movie, I envision a new life - where I am a forensic anthropologist ninja pirate treasure hunter vampire slayer pig girl. It gets confusing after awhile.

Village (newborn to 1 ½ years)

Zoom  Buggy!—Swoosh, vroom, and clickety-clack your way through this delightful unit. Babies and adults will dance, sing, and play instruments to the theme of being on the go. Chug around the room to the song “Little Red Caboose,” hold on tightly while “Riding in the Buggy,” and dance your way to “Zoom-e-oh!”  Engage in rituals and playful activities such as infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time.

Dream Pillow—This title alone brings images of rocking, cuddling, singing, and lulling to sleep.  But leading up to sleepy time are many upbeat and playful activities.  Babies and Adults will swirl to a dreamy cloud dance “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” They’ll also play baby appropriate instruments to “Aiken Drum,” and “Sarasponda.” Favorite nursery rhymes like “Wee Willie Winkie,” and “Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling,” are sprinkled throughout the classes. It’s easy to weave many of the class songs and activities into your families’ daily routines. Home Materials: Board book that calms and relaxes—Dream Pillow Lullaby, Home CD of the songs heard in class, two Art Banners, and a baby instrument for music-making at home.

Our Time (1 ½ years to 3 years)

Milk & Cookies makes everyday home activities and chores easier and more fun with music! Cook and sing to “The Muffin Man”; dust and clean to the original song “In My House”; get ready to wash clothes to the delightful poem “Washing Machine”. Baking cookies, eating cupcakes, blowing on hot cross buns, wiggling like jelly, going grocery shopping and making tea are all represented in familiar as well as new songs. Move, play, and sing together in developmentally appropriate activities created just for 1 ½ to 3-year-olds. Capture the familiar and new moments of the day and learn how music can impact your toddler.
Home Materials: Two Books—At My House and Cookies, Two Home CDs, Stir Xylophone instrument, and a Home Activity Book—all arriving in a durable lunch bag.

Imagine That! (3.5 years to 5 years)

Hello Weather Home Materials

Hello Weather! Let’s Play Together!—sunshine, rain, snow, thunderstorms, and more in this imaginative and delightful weather-related musical adventure. Preschoolers create storm sounds with a drum to “Wild Storms,” jump in pretend puddles to “Mud Puddle Jump,” throw pretend snow-balls to “Snowballs,” and sing along to “Colors of the Rainbow.” They’ll be surrounded in a creative musical environment that integrates music, pretend play, story telling, movement, and more.
Home Materials: Two books—Michael Finnigan and Hurry Home, Little Kittens, Hello Weather Play Set, Two Home CDs, Family Activity Book, and Instruments—ankle bells and rain shaker with scraper.
Young Child (5 years to 7 years)

A pressure-free approach to learning, but concrete enough because your child is ready for the more abstract thinking processes that music requires. Play remains the primary way a young child learns, so throughout the curriculum there is a consistent effort to balance active learning with the emotional reasoning aspects of a young child’s development in mind.
Home Materials: Children's Folder, Music At Home cards & stickers, Games Bag, Family Songbook, Home CD, and Carry Bag. Instruments can include glockenspiel w/mallets, dulcimer, and recorder.

Family Time  (Newborn through 7 years)

Here, There and Everywhere—the five sub-themes center around different family outings:  a visit with a friend, an outing at the park, a trip to the city, an afternoon at the aquarium, and a day on the farm.  Move like animals with this unit’s story Flip-Flap, Sugar Snap!  And follow a girl’s adventure as she loses her jambourine during the day’s outings and then finds it in the story Jingle-Jangle Jambourine. 
Home Materials: Two Books—Flip-Flap, Sugar Snap! and Jingle-Jangle Jambourine, Two Home CDs, Family Guide, Board Game, Waggs the dog Hand Puppet and Finger Puppet, and Two Jambourine instruments.

Sign & Sing (6 months through 3 years)

Session A: Everyday items around the house—a ball, bubbles, mom and
dad—become the objects of learning in the classroom and at home.
You’ll teach parents the sign language methods of the experts, such as making the sign in front of a child, on a child’s body, and knowing when a child is most engaged and ready to learn. All assembled in this easy-to-understand format so you can open your teacher’s kit, and be in the classroom teaching with confidence.

Session B: This session reviews the first three Keys to Signing Smart Success™ and provides an in-depth look at the final and fourth Key. New concepts such as in and out, up and down, big and little, tall and short will be explored with more songs and animal-themed activities.

Did you ever want your child to experience Kindermusik, but didn't have the funds available right then to pay for tuition?

Now's the time to take advantage of *FREE* classes during Demo Days here at Masterworks Studio.  This week we will have free 30-minute classes on three different days for two different age-groupings: 1) ages newborn to 3.5 years,  and 2) 3.5 - 6 years.  

Choose your class below that best fits your child's age, and click on the link to register.  If you have more than one child, choose the class that more closely overlaps the age ranges of your children.  These are absolutely free!

Newborn - 3.5 years

Tuesday, July 15th - 10AM      Thursday, July 17th - 6PM    

Saturday, July 19th - 10AM

3.5  - 6 years

Tuesday, July 15th - 11AM     Thursday, July 17th -  7 PM    

Saturday, July 19th - 11AM

Not sure where we're located?    All classes are held at Avondale First Baptist Church, 47 Covington Road, in Avondale Estates.  A map and directions are available here. 

Come join us as we share some of the fun and learning you will find in our Kindermusik classroom this fall!

...  As you watch the flooding in the Midwest, have you noticed that there are no farmers running around with stolen plasma TVs or holding stolen liquor over their heads.  There's no looting or yelling "Where's Bush?",
"Where's FEMA?,  Where's my check?", or  "Why isn't the Gov't out here saving me and my farm?"

Likewise, I've also noticed there are no reports of any other country coming to help or sending aid.

Shocking contrast isn't it???!!!!

TVFOH
The View From Out Here

Julie is pleased to announce her Fall 2008 Kindermusik class schedule:

Village ~ Newborn to 18 mos. with parent ~ Zoom Buggy!

Hop into the Zoom  Buggy! Swoosh, vroom, and clickety-clack your way through this delightful unit. Babies and adults will dance, sing, and play instruments to the theme of being on the go.  Class activities also include infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time.  It's easy to weave many of these songs and activities into your family's daily routine.  Home Materials include: CD, board book, 2 art banners, and Zoom Car instrument.

Sign & Sing ~ 6 mos. to 3 yrs. with parent ~ Sessions A & B

Using music and props, this class teaches American Sign Language to help you and your child communicate with each other and enhance your child's understanding of concepts.  With this curriculum, developed by Signing Smart^®, you will learn how to engage children in signing and bring signs into their world.  Home Materials include: 2 DVDs demonstrating the signs learned in class, 2 sets of flash cards for easy reference, and 2 Home Activity books with ideas to continue signing at home.

Our Time ~ 1½ to 3½ years with parent ~ Milk & Cookies

Milk & Cookies makes everyday home activities and chores easier and more fun with music!  Baking, eating, shopping, and cleaning are all represented in familiar and new songs. In this popular class, you and your child will move, play, and sing together in developmentally appropriate activities.  Home Materials include: 2 literature books, 2 CDs, Home Activity Book, Stir Xylophone instrument, and a durable lunch bag.

Imagine That! ~ 3½ to 5 yrs. ~ Hello Weather! Let's Play Together

Sunshine, rain, snow, thunderstorms, and more come together in this imaginative and delightful weather-related musical adventure.  Preschoolers will be surrounded in a creative musical environment that integrates music, pretend play, story telling, and movement.  Parents and siblings join us the last 15 minutes of each class.  Home Materials include: 2 CDs, 2 literature books, Hello Weather play set, Family Activity Book, ankle bells, and a rain shaker with scraper.

Family Time ~ Newborn to 7 yrs. with parent ~ Here, There, and Everywhere!

Bring your family and let's go Here, There and Everywhere! This unit centers around family outings, including a picnic at the park, an afternoon at the aquarium, and a day on the farm. Children and families learn from one another while enjoying music and movement with instruments, hoops, scarves, and more.  Home Materials include: 2 CDs, 2 literature books, Family Activity Guide, board game, hand and finger puppets, and 2 Jambourine instruments.

Visit Julie's website today to enroll! All classes are 45 minutes in length and held at Leigh's School of Dance in Olathe.  The exception is Sign & Sing, which is held at The Language Workshop in Overland Park.  A $60 deposit due at enrollment, with the remainder due by first class. Enroll by August 1 and get $10 off, plus a free CD! In addition, there is a $30 discount for siblings who enroll in the same session.  Scholarships are also available (click here for details).

Well, this video gives you a glimpse of the full seven year continuum of Kindermusik - from newborn to age 7 - Village to Our Time to Imagine That to Young Child.  Enjoy!  :-D

From the USAToday website.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) — A Marine intelligence officer accused of trying to cover up the killings of 24 Iraqis appeared stunned at first when a jury acquitted him of the charges.

I'm sure he was stunned, the full force and weight of the federal government was poured into this bogus case because the journalist traitors listened to the enemy and brought the "embarrassment of PA" John "I am a veteran, so you cant question my treason now" Murtha, in to be their spokesman. Murtha slandered the US Military, and its honorable warriors.

Well, another case has fallen apart, BECAUSE NOTHING ILLEGAL HAPPENED, sorry for yelling. but the marines were fired upon, they returned fire and the coward terrorists hid behind their women and children, and kept firing till they were killed. the deaths are on their heads. Only treasonous, brainwarped, liberal moonbats think that marines kill innocents just for the hell of it.

The Marine in this case, 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson, Is the epitamy of a class act.

Grayson said early on in the case he refused a deal that would have reduced charges and kept him out of prison.

"I was the one that had to look at myself in the mirror. To take the easy way out, you are the one that has to live with that," he said.

He could have taken a plea and hung the other marines, but he has more integrity than Murtha can ever impune. What a terrible waste of taxpayer money on this farce of a trial. And unfortunately there are more trials.

In a perfect wold, Murtha would be ran out off office for lying, sued for slander, and executed for Treason. His compatriots in journalism would be sued for libel and executed for treason. But like i said, in a perfect world.

TVFOH
The View From Out Here

U.S. and Iraqi military officials said violence in Iraq has decreased significantly in recent weeks to levels not seen in four years.

No joke, might this be more evidence that the surge worked? That we have given Iraqi security enough time to get on their feet? Yes and Yes, but the MSM won't tell you that.

U.S. military spokesman Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll said on Sunday that weekly attacks in Iraq are down to March 2004 levels, which were about 300 attacks a week.

That's still a lot of attacks, but with Iraqi forces out in front maybe the trouble making idiots will calm down. Terrorist know its one thing to shoot at Americans but to shoot at other muslims is bad, unless you know they are of a different sect than your own.

So here is a toast to our brave servicemen in harms way, if no one else says it, I will. Thank you for helping make Iraq safe for its citizens and don't listen to the America hating surrender monkeys in the media.

TVFOH
The View From Out Here

Join us this summer as we celebrate all kinds of fun in our Kindermusik classes!  With multiple offerings of different days and times, you can have your music and your summer, too!  There's something for everyone this summer!

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Village - ages newborn to 18 months

Busy Days!

Set your baby's day to classical music. With a little more Tchaikovsky in your "Twinkle, Twinkle" repertoire, you'll discover new ways your baby benefits from the classics as you both develop an appreciation for the world's most respected music. Each lesson features new activities and songs you can sing for all the places you go together-the store, the playground, the doctor, and more.  Each weekly class lasts 45 minutes.  Home Materials include: Book, CD, Village Cage Bell, and Poster.

For class schedules and registration, please visit our website here.

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Our Time - ages 1.5 years to 3.5 years

Zoo Train!

Your toddler and the train make a natural match—always on the move. Tag along this summer with a traveling zoo train. Bring your own stuffed animals for the petting zoo. Wear long white socks on your hands for polar bear paws and learn about real animals in the zoo. Sing songs for clapping time, and use music to help toddlers regulate emotions. Each weekly class lasts 45 minutes.  Home Materials include: Book, CD, Animal Shaker, and Poster.

For class schedules and registration, please visit our website here.

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Imagine That! - ages 3.5 - 5 years

Drums, Drums, Drums!

This session your child will experience the concept of fractions through hearing and playing quarter and eighth notes. In class we’ll do “call and response” activities to the rhythmic sounds of African music. Meanwhile, your child will sharpen listening and attention skills, as well as fine tune you’re her ear to finding patterns. Play together the activities in your Home Kit, and you’ll help your preschooler develop a strong foundation in math, rhythm and coordination, and critical listening.  Each weekly class lasts 45 minutes with the parent joining class in the final 10 minutes.  The "Drums, Drums, Drums" Home Kit includes Home CD and Magazine-style Family Guide, a 15" mini-djembe (student instrument) and Book, "Drum Circle".

For class schedules and registration, please visit our website here.

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Young Child - ages 5 - 7 years

Around the World!

Take an imaginary trip—exploring the exotic cultures of Germany, Japan, Africa, England, and Mexico. Play the native instruments. Drape sheets over cardboard boxes and sing over the German mountain tops. Toss peanuts on the floor and bring good luck to one's home in this Japanese custom. Send messages in Nigeria with "talking drums." Each weekly class lasts 90 minutes with the parent joining class in the final 15 minutes.  Home Materials include: CD, Arts and Craft materials,Picture Folder set, and Travel Bag.

For class schedules and registration, please visit our website here.

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Family Time  - ages newborn - 7 years

Zoo Train!

Your toddler and the train make a natural match—always on the move. Tag along this summer with a traveling zoo train. Bring your own stuffed animals for the petting zoo. Wear long white socks on your hands for polar bear paws and learn about real animals in the zoo. Sing songs for clapping time, and use music to help toddlers regulate emotions. Each weekly class lasts 45 minutes.  Home Materials include: Book, CD, Animal Shaker, and Poster. Each sibling will receive their own individual animal shaker.

For class schedules and registration, please visit our website here.

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Sign and  Sing! - ages 6 months - 2 years

Session A

Playtime and everyday items around the house—such as a ball, bubbles, and family members—are learning themes in this introduction to American Sign Language for a child and caregiver. Experienced signers will benefit from the session's four, research-proven strategies shown to speed language development in hearing children, developed by the child development and sign language experts Signing Smart™. With the DVD's visual dictionary showing parents and children making over 60 signs, plus a pocket-sized set of flashcards of the pictures and the words of the signs, you'll easily incorporate sign language into your daily routines, favorite nursery rhymes, and stories.

Home materials include:

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1, 2, 3.......Read with Me!

Ages newborn to 5 years

Create your own Kindermusik Adventure Camp with our weekly 45-minute musical story-times, offered each Wednesday morning at 10AM.  Choosing from eight different themes, you can pick which 5 weeks you attend and which you don't!  Want to attend more than five?  Choose 6, 7, or 8 and receive a break on the price!

June 4th - Bugs, Birds & Critters - all the fun and excitement of our outside summer friends!

June 11th - Animals All 'Round the World - including Po the Panda from "Kung Fu Panda"!

June 25th - Beach Bash -  Surf's up! We're heading for the beach!

July 2 - Gizmos and Gadgets - celebrating robots and "WALL-E"!

July 9 - Down on the Farm - We'll be going on a hay-ride as we travel to the farm and visit the animals!

July 16 - Rumble in the Jungle - Come join us as we dance the "Animal Hokey Pokey"with our jungle friends!

July 23 - Blast Off! - Journey through the stars with the "Space Chimps" and enjoy the fun of space travel!

July 30 - Marvelous Me! - Watch as your child discovers the wonder of who he is and how marvelously his body works!

To register for 1, 2, 3......Read with Me, please visit our website here.

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This summer at Masterworks Studio we really and truly do offer something for everyone! If your vacation falls on one of our class days, you can switch to another class of the same age curricula and make it up at another time in another week with no additional charges!  Beat the high cost of gas and travel this summer by taking an adventure with us in Kindermusik!

Both the Our Time and Imagine That! classes this session have had several songs and activities devoted to trains.  After thinking about my son's "Schoolhouse Rock" experience, I suddenly remembered - Conjunction Junction!  Here's the video, for your enjoyment.

Have a great week!

From the BBC

Indonesians seek salvation in shops

Empty shopping malls are eerie, and this one is no different.

But in the dim light of early morning, figures can be seen slipping past the security guards, their footsteps echoing down empty corridors.

It is Sunday morning, not yet 8 o'clock, and the shops are all still locked and shuttered.

But these people have not come to shop; they have come to pray.

Shopping malls in West Java are home to a growing number of Christian congregations. There are 10 in this mall alone.

Now why would that be? Is land hard to get in Indoesia? Probably not.

Few of them want to talk publicly about why they are here, but off the record they admit it comes down to intimidation by Muslim groups.

According to Church groups more than 100 churches have faced attack or intimidation in the past two years.

Well, that really doesn't surprise me.

Religion or rules?

One of the groups alleged to be behind some of these incidents is the FPI, or Islamic Defenders Front, a radical group that became a household name when it forced Playboy magazine out of Java.

Church leaders allege the group's members are forcing churches to close through violence and intimidation.

Saipul Abdullah, the head of the FPI in this area, told me that there may be people at the grassroots level who react emotionally.

"They become very angry and frustrated and little eruptions can happen," he said.

"Maybe they'll tear down a sign, or shake some doors, or lock some doors, but they don't really have the right to do that."

But, he said, this was not about religion. It is about the fact that some churches are not playing by the rules.

Only 20% of the Churches in this province have an official permit to hold religious services.

I guess that alot of Christians in Indonesia don't want to be salves to Islam. Good for them.

TVFOH
The View From Out Here

Our summer schedule will also be up and available for online registration later this week.  We will be spending "Busy Days" with our youngest set in Village classes, visiting the zoo in "Zoo Train" in Our Time and Family Time, playing all kinds of African drums in "Drums, Drums, Drums" for Imagine That classes, and literally traveling "Around the World" for our oldest age group, Young Child.  "Sign and Sing" will also be available as well.  Check back in for detailed information later this week!

AVOIDING INFINITY SICKNESS

BLACK HOLES, I recommend one a day, unless otherwise prescribed by ones doctor. Parallel universes, however many of them there many be, with their own physics and such, I suggest only having on New Years Eve. (Apply directly on the forehead.)

[I supposedly have what it takes to be a physicist or mathematician, according to an aptitude test. May be why I pay attention to these things.]

Well, I like speculations of many sorts, just check out this blog site, but there is a point of diminishing returns. I occasionally see the self appointed eager spokespersons of astrophysics and nuclear or particle physics, all excited about what mathematical theory may or may not allow. I could see getting all drawn up in the competition to prove or disprove (Ha!) a theory by some allegedly contradictory theories new found "proof". "I was more right all along! Thank you, I'm more perceptive in the ways of the universe. It's a gift. What can I say? Thank you very much. It was nothing."

INFINITY SICKNESS

While the Cosmos may be more grand than we even have proof of. I am not encouraged to think incomprehensible physics exist, virtually in the same space you might, as incomprehensible as you may be. That does not help me focus well on my own life. Exciting to stimulate kids going into math and science, maybe. This is not too unlike saying every one of your dreams are actually a reality somewhere.  Could be who knows?  But heaven help many of the scenarios I have visited.

I personally am biased against a freaky universe that wants to keep changing landmarks or street signs just so I cannot find my way home. And what about when you need to call on your cell phone and its out of range or the battery is dead? Those dream theories being real are bad enough, it does not excite me to think that somewhere I will never be, quarks cannot stay in their place, or there are no sensible elements, or gravity, is that always going to be there? Are you sure? Got water? Something going to stand in for its place? Are there suns? Seems hardly a point going there, so why bother with getting excited about infinite potential parallel universes? Except to pretend to know something questionable because you are the expert.

Instead of inspiring scifi fantasies masquerading as actualities through imagination and mathematical projections, as someones dreams come true, maybe. Makes me a little sea sick to entertain the unfathomable--infinity sickness.

IMMUNITY RESPONSE TO INFINITY SICKNESS

So, I'm speaking for myself, but you might happen to agree with me; do you really want to think of being somewhere where you bread the butter, or put a can into your coffee? Me, not so much. When the next pseudo-Carl Sagan tries to get you all excited by manically talking about parallel universes and unknown laws of physics, do like that blond actress on (Is it MAD TV?) used to do.

The cure is to put your palms over your ears, (or a finger in each one) and chant, NAH, NAH, NAH; NAH, NAH, NAH, or some similar idiotic sound. It may very well preserve your sanity.

Get your calendars ready; it’s time to mark them for Kindermusik Summer Camps!  Below you will find class descriptions, days, and times.

Please note the following dates for Summer Camps.
April 15 - Priority Enrollment Begins for re-enrolling in your current class day and time
April 22 - Priority Enrollment Continues for choosing a new class and time
April 29 - Open Enrollment begins to the Public

June 11 - Family Time Camp begins and runs for four weeks (no class on June 25)
June 30 - All other Camps begin and run for five consecutive weeks.

You loved your baby from the first moment. We'll show you new ways to say it in a language your baby understands - through songs, sign language, infant massage, and baby-parent dances.

A parent or caregiver attends each 45-minute weekly class.
Classes meet Thursday 9:00 AM; Thursday 5:45 PM.

Materials include a board book, CD, Barnyard Baby Duck Gertie Ball, Duck Wash Mitt, and Activity Poster.

Tuition and Materials: $80.00

Your toddler and the train make a natural match - always on the move. And when you both dance and make the featured animal sounds, your toddler develops the multisensory and listening skills necessary for permanent learning. You'll love knowing that every happy "choo-choo" moment develops rhythm and fine motor coordination.

A parent or caregiver attends each 45-minute weekly class.
Classes meet Tuesday 6:00 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM; Thursday 10:00 AM; Thursday 6:45 PM

Materials include a CD, animal shaker, story book, Activity Poster, and weekly craft activities.

Tuition and Materials: $80.00

Celebrate a new party each lesson in this circus and party-inspired camp. Ride a carousel inside the classroom. Play a balancing game and walk on a web of ropes. Learn colors and sing the Spanish song "De Colores."

A parent or caregiver attends the last 15 minutes of each 60-minute weekly class.

Classes meet Monday 6:30 PM; Wednesday 11:00 AM

Materials include a CD, confetti bells, play set, activity folders, and weekly craft activities.

Tuition and Materials: $85.00

Take an imaginary trip—exploring the exotic cultures of Germany, Japan, Africa, England, and Mexico. Play the native instruments. Drape sheets over cardboard boxes and sing over the German mountain tops. Toss peanuts on the floor and bring good luck to one's home in this Japanese custom. Send messages in Nigeria with "talking drums."

A parent or caregiver attends the last 15 minutes of each 60-minute weekly class.

Classes meet Tuesday 7:00 PM

Home Materials include: CD, Arts and Craft materials,Picture Folder set, and Travel Bag.

Tuition and Materials: $80.00

A one-room schoolhouse approach to music. With older children ready to show the little ones how it's done and the younger ones eager to learn, Family Time becomes a multi-layered learning environment. Each week, a Kindermusik Educator will introduce basic musical concepts and then give you the instruments, and the structured free time to put those concepts into play.

The whole family attends this weekly 45-minute class!

Classes meet Wednesday 6:00 PM ( No class June 25)

Tuition and Materials: $100.00

This is going to be an amazing opportunity for children to have fun and to raise money for a really good cause.  There are a couple of reasons that I have decided to sponsor this trike-a-thon through our studio.  The first is that I know St. Jude is doing amazing things each and every day to help every sick child that walks through their doors regardless of money and/or insurance.  If my family ever needed St. Jude's expertise, I want to make sure they are there ready to help.  The second reason is that my family was challenged at Christmas by my parents.  My siblings, I, and our spouses were given a challenge that began with $25.  We were asked to match this money and find a way to raise money for a good cause.  In June, our family is going to come together and share what we chose to do with our money, and even though we're told it's not a contest, you know how siblings are : )  So, Steve and I are on a mission to raise the most money for our charity!  And we need your help.

Now, I know some of our kiddos are not riding bikes yet, but have no fear, we have a plan.  You can participate by using a wagon or a stroller.  Older siblings that aren't in Kindermusik any more?  No problem, we'd love to have them participate!  The trike-a-thon will be held at the Olathe Community of Christ Church (our old Kindermusik site).

There will also be incentives for money pledged such as $35 pledges receive a t-shirt.

Please plan now to attend our trike-a-thon and help raise money for such an important cause that any of us could need at any time.

St. Jude Hospital

Trec pe drum şi observ cu bucurie cum, nu doar plantele, gâzele şi păsările revin la viaţă odată cu soarele, ci şi oamenii. Rând pe rând se lasă convinşi că dinţii balaurului, care ţinea soarele prizonier, au început să se topească. Cu oarece speranţă, tot mai mulţi deschid geamurile şi privesc către cer. Trec pe drum şi văd peste tot astfel de ferestre deschise la maximum. Feţele oamenilor sunt mai zâmbitoare. Străzile sunt pline, din nou, de zgomot. Câinii latră parcă mai voioşi ca niciodată. Trec pe drum şi îmi las pielea să se răsfeţe un pic cu mângâierea adierii primăvăratice.

Mă bucur de câteva zile de frumuseţea acestor prime clipe de primăvară ale anului. Mă bucur ca un copil. Şi, tot copilăreşte, mă mir de magia razelor de soare. A venit primăvara. Abia aşteptam.

Voi aţi ieşit din casă astăzi? Aţi văzut cât de strălucitor este cerul? Aţi simţit parfumul îmbietor al ghioceilor? Dacă nu-l ghiciţi în apropierea voastră, mergeţi în piaţă sau pe Centru, unde vânzătorii aşteaptă să vă încânte şi anul acesta cu oferta lor de mărţişoare (Din păcate însă, aceasta este prea puţin originală, prea puţin nouă.). Printre ei veţi găsi şi câţiva vânzători de flori. Luaţi un buchet de ghiocei. Împarfumaţi-vă ziua cu mirosul lor. Învăţaţi să respiraţi profund. Bucuraţi-vă de ei şi primiţi învăţătura ghioceilor. Pentru că ei s-au luptat cu multă pasiune, cu frigul şi zăpada, pentru a răsări acum şi pentru a ne înfrumuseţa un pic zilele. Ei, parcă şi durerea de cap ţi-a trecut, acum că ai mirosit ghioceii.

Anotimpul este abia la început. Încă nu e totul atât de colorat pe cât mi-ar plăcea, dar de abia aştept ca ochii mei să zărească verdele crud al primelor frunze. Să număr câte note sunt în trilul fermecat al vrăbiuţelor. Câte nuanţe există în vopseaua proaspătă a firului de iarbă.

Deşi îmi place mult Sadoveanu, întotdeauna mi s-au părut greoaie pasajele sale de descrieri ale naturii. Superbe, dar greoaie. Poate pentru că am crezut întotdeauna că adevăratul sentiment de încântare în faţa naturii nu poate fi descris cu adevărat. Acum însă nu mă pot opri din descrieri. Nu vreau să spun că ar exista vreo asemănare între mine şi Sadoveanu. Nici pe departe. Dar pur şi simplu nu mă pot înfrâna din a vă reda rapsodia luminoasă a primăverii, încântarea naturii în faţa mângâierilor soarelui. Îmi pare rău, dar nu aveţi decât două alternative. Citiţi cu plăcere şi apoi ieşiţi puţin pe fereastră pentru a saluta primăvara abia sosită în oraş sau săriţi peste aceste fragmente, la fel cum făceam şi eu, în adolescenţă, cu pasajele descriptive din operele lui Sadoveanu.

Plimbaţi-vă. Oriunde aţi fi, coborâţi din maşină, lăsaţi durerile în pat şi plecaţi de lângă ele, abandonaţi măcar pentru zece minute jocurile de pe calculator, luaţi ciorba puţin de pe foc şi ieşiţi la o scurtă plimbare. Momentele acestea primăvăratice nu vi le va mai aduce nimeni şi nimic înapoi. Şi fiţi recunoscători. Pentru soare. Pentru viaţă. Pentru familie şi prieteni. Pentru această nouă primăvară.

Mulţumiţi ochilor pentru că puteţi vedea zâmbetele celor din jurul vostru. Pielii pentru sensibilitatea ei, datorită căreia simţiţi totul. Urechilor pentru că puteţi auzi cuvintele frumoase şi cântecele preferate.

Mergeţi pe drum şi observaţi plantele, gâzele şi păsările care revin la viaţă odată cu soarele. Câinii latră parcă mai voioşi ca niciodată. Mergeţi pe drum şi răsfăţaţi-vă un pic cu mângâierea adierii calde.

Bine ai venit, Primăvară!