Happy Birthday America

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of, the land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the
Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
But should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep you eye on the grand old flag.
--George M. Cohan, You're A Grand Old Flag 

Kids are kids

As anyone who is reading this blog probably knows I think about children a lot. Little children, babies, toddlers, preschoolers - I read about them, think about them, learn about them, write for them, teach them, love and admire them. But these two teenagers on the left - they are my true heart and lifes work.

Lorelei (15) and Tucker (13) are happy after a softball victory (Lorelei) and a night of umpiring Squirt baseball (Tucker). It is here at home, after busy days that we check in with a bowl of ice cream, and an evening walk. Teenagers, I wondered how that would go. It is a wild ride, just like having toddlers - where you follow them more than lead - only much much faster.

Free Family Time Class

Well, although I can't say really that ALL of the BEST THINGS are completely free, I can say some really great things are free - like this.

You are invited to be part of the creative process in curriculum development by joining a FREE pilot class for FAMILY TIME. I am working with a wonderful group of Kindermusik educators who are developing Unit 4 of the Family Time curriculum and I need some families who are interested in playing, singing, dancing and enjoying music together.

If that is you, let me know right away, space is limited. Classes are held at 9:00, Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville, beginning July 10 and will run for 5 consecutive weeks to August 7. Any family with 1 or more children aged newborn-6 is welcome to attend with their parent, parents or caregivers. Call me at 952-895-9006 so I can sign you up!

"Toot Toot"

Although I really don't like to toot my own horn, I have been encouraged to do so. This year Kindermusik of the Valley has been honored with the Maestro Award from Kindermusik International. This award recognizes programs that reach large numbers of families. We thank you, our wonderful families, for this award. It is your commitment to offering your children quality experiences and spreading the word about Kindermusik to your friends and neighbors that we have achieved Maestro status for the last 6 years.

I am even more proud of another award I have received this year. It is the Kindermusik Maestro in Outreach award. This award is given to 5 educators world wide, who have brought Kindermusik to children with special needs and to underserved populations. It has been my unique opportunity to work at La Creshe Early Childhood Center and Mary T Wellcome Child Development Center in North Minneapolis for the last 10 years. In sharing Kindermusik, songs, dances, and stories in the inner city, I have seen the miracle and healing that music can provide to all children. It is so true that it is in giving that we receive and I have been ever blessed by my time spent with these tender children and their wonderful caregivers.

I thank Kindermusik International for honoring us with these Maestro Awards. It is a true pleasure to be affiliated with such an outstanding and inspirational organization.

The Magic Cabin

I am so excited to share this collection of stories. Twenty two Kindermusik families have enjoyed our new camp called Tell Me A Tale so far this summer. They can tell you what a joy it is to hear a great tale!

Surf on over to The Magic Cabin website to check out this wonderful audio collection of stories and other classic toys.

Sand Art - Amazing

You must see this amazing video clip. Share it with their children, amazing what a bit of imagination and a lot of talent can do. Thank you to Darcie Brown of the Little Brown Musik Studio for posting this on her blog. Click below to surf over to her blog and push the play button. Let me know what you think.
click HERE

Summer Kindermusik Session 2

July 17 marks the beginning of our 2nd summer session of Kindermusik.

It is not too late to sign up for FAMILY TIME a sweet class for all ages, SIGN and SING, and ASL class for children and caregivers 6 months - 3 and PEEK A BOO, for babies newborn - 17 months.

Helen will be teaching these classes all brand new from Kindermusik! Call today - 952-895-9006

Register for Fall and Relax

Here are few reasons to register NOW for fall classes:

Save $10 on materials when you register by July 1

You'll get a class time that works for you.
Choose from 29 class times to work with your busy schedule.

All you need to pay now is the materials fee (-$10.00) to save your place in class.

Our class sizes are limited and we currently have spaces available in all our classes. There are morning, and evening, sessions available.

Your child will be sure to receive his or her materials at the first class rather than having to wait.

You'll make life easier for Helen.

Relax. Sign up now and take one more thing off your mind.

Rearing Readers

There are about a million toys, gadgets and programs targeted at pre-readers (ages 3-5). Each new product promises to give your budding bookworm an edge, an advantage, an early acceptance into Harvard…all for the special introductory price of 19.95. Well, save your money, and your sanity. . . click here for some great ideas!

Just Hold Me

The greatest parenting power is at the tip of your fingers. Simply holding and touching your child has an emotional impact stronger than genetics, according to a new study. Researchers at Columbia University wanted to know whether mothering tendencies are passed on through genes or experience. They found that through touch a mother can positively influence a child’s development of the love hormone—one that a child will later use when she nurtures and holds her own children.

So, even if you think you’ve done nothing else right today as a parent, if you simply hold them, the rest will take care of itself.

The Muscians of Bremen

Having just spent the week playing inside the story of the Bremen Town Muscisians I was so happy to run across this wonderful statue. It actually was erected in the village of Bremen in 1951. The brother's Grimm wrote this story in 1819.

How to draw and elephant

I vistited Jan Brett's website again today and watched this beautiful video about how to draw and elephant. Take a look at the gifted artist at work. To watch click HERE

Kiddley & Fresh Milk

I was just checking out one of my favorite daily blogs, Mollie Greene's Fresh Milk Delivered Daily where I learned about this cute website for you and your kids called KIDDLEY everyday ideas for kids. Music, crafts, activities, books, art. Lots of new really fresh ideas - and they keep them coming everyday. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Trygve!

Here are two pictures I just love both taken in Nebraska during March of this year. We are hiding behind hay bails watching those sand hill cranes dive in by the hundreds. The other picture is my Trygve with his camera - he loves to snap pictures of wild life. This is our favorite place to be.

Today, back in Minnesota, Tryg helped me move two car loads of instruments, craft supplies, home materials and everything else we need to start camp tomorrow. He has always been my biggest Kindermusik supporter. Because of Trygve, I get to do just what I want to. Happy Birthday Honey, I love you so.