Happy Thanksgiving

I couldn't resist borrowing this picture from my friend Amy from Kansas City. Here is a link to a fun Thanksgiving quiz. (I got 11 right - you?)

Have a happy Thanksgiving - eat, play, sing, dance, enjoy every minute.

Happy Sky

Priority Registration Starts Today

Technically it is called "Spring" semester - but since spring is still a long way off for us, I found this confusing. I am calling it "Winter/Spring" -

The good news is REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY! Priority registration for currently enrolled families uns until November 30. Our spring classes are available on line with just 2 exceptions.

FAMILY TIME: Make Way for Music - is SO NEW - I don't yet have the graphic for it - I am hoping to have it ready on Monday. It is just as great as the previous 3 units - this time focusing on MUSIC - for goodness sake!

ABC MUSIC & ME - SING A STORY - NEW NEW NEW - I am offering a short session of ABC on Monday evenings 5:45 - 6:00. This is a new curriculum created by me (and a lot of other very creative people) for Kindermusik International. It is just a 4 week session that will introduce some simple keyboard concepts, the opera The Magic Flute, and some simple pre reading skills. The cost for the 4 week class is $60.00 and includes a CD and magazine with an original story published just for us.

If you want to register for ABC or Family Time - just send me an e-mail (helen.peterson@mchsi.com) and I will save you a spot until it is up on line.

CLICK HERE TO GO RIGHT TO OUR SPRING 08 Schedule.

Universal Filing System

I have had a professional organizer. I have taken organizing seminars and classes. I have subscribed to "get organized" newsletters. I often buy magazine with the words ORGANIZE and EASY on the cover.

No more - this makes more sense to me than anything I have ever seen, learned or had done to me. The universal filing system. This will do the trick.

Kindermusik Children's Fund

These are pictures of some remarkable children who are all being given the gift of Kindermusik through the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund. This program provides scholarships for Kindermusik classes to children with special abilities and needs. If you would like to contribute to the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund for Kindermusik contact me or Kindermusik International directly at 1-800-628-5687.

Biggest Playgroup!!

Yes, I think it was the "World's Biggest Playgroup"! I had a lot of fun leading such a big Kindermusik class - Thanks to the other local educators who helped out in a more hands on way: Melanie Watson (Plymouth) Allison Cramer (St. Paul) Deb Carlston (Long Lake), and our own Jennifer Halko, Robin Lamoreaux and Chris Michelsen. What a great team.

World's Largest Playgroup

Right on schedule it is getting cold - but don't worry about staying in. Come and see me at the World's Biggest Playgroup! I will facilitating some MONSTER Kindermusik classes and there is other great entertainment too. Come to the Mall of America on Tuesday November 6 to join the fun in the Rotunda. More information below and HERE

Agenda: On-Stage

8:45am –	9:45am	Pre-Event Stroller Fit class
10:00am –	10:05am	Welcome from Babytalk
10:05am –	10:25am	Kindermusik: Fiddle-Dee-Dee
10:25am –	10:45am	Louie Miranda performance
10:45am –	10:55am	Stroller Fit demonstration
11:00am –	11:15am	Raffle
11:15am –	11:35am	Kindermusik: Away We Go
11:35am –	11:55am	Louie Miranda performance
11:55am –	12:05pm	Stroller Fit demonstration
12:10pm –	12:25pm	Raffle
12:25pm –	12:45pm	Kindermusik: Fiddle-Dee-Dee
12:45pm –	1:05pm	Louie Miranda performance
1:05pm –	1:15pm	Stroller Fit demonstration
1:20pm –	1:35pm	Raffle
1:35pm –	1:55pm	Kindermusik: Away We Go
1:55pm –	2:00pm	Farewell Louie Miranda performance
	2:00pm	Event ends

Agenda subject to change.

Wonderment

A new store in Linden Hills, natural toys and creative pastimes for children and their families. Looks cute, check it out HERE

Indoor Marching Band Extravaganza

Monday Night - October 29 7:00
A quick sampling of the BHS high band program followed by
the MARCHING BLAZE indoor extravaganza!

Suggested donation of $3.00
Bring your kids - it is in the gym, informal, great music
(and a look at the state champion drum line)

Sweet Honey and the Rock

Kindermusik educators at our International Conference last week were amazed and blessed by the songs and heart of Sweet Honey and The Rock. If you ever get a chance to hear and see this group - don't hesitate.

Thank you Jane

Thank you Jane, from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for Kindermusik Educators over the last 8 years. Your contributions in reshaping and stepping out in partnership with Kindermusik International has impacted us all in such a positive way. We can only hope to emulate your joyous spirit and kind heart as the new board goes forward into the future.

Good works

Meet Yael Benjamin, this Kindermusik's Inspirational Educator of the Year 2007. Yael is working with the precious children of Soweto in South Africa.

Being in Chicago this last week was a treat for my mind and heart. Especially seeing the joyous work that educators are sharing all around the world.

Hello from Chicago

I am not in the picture but these are the friends I am playing with in Chicago this week. Kindermusik educators from all over the country (Katie from IL, Ginger from MS, Julee from UT, Kathy from PA, Theresa from SC, and Jane from GA, Sonya from SD) We are practicing our variety show act to raise money for the Ruth D. Anderson Children's fund. It is all work and tons of fun when Kindermusik educators get together from around the globe.

(We miss you Molly!)

The Perfect Product

. . . for dancing with your little one. Visit the SECRET SHOP for these red dancing shoes and more super cool/sweet things.

Thanks Molly.

Happy Birthday Tucker!

Tucker is a Scout

Tucker is a teacher

Tucker picks up the Baritone AND Trombone this year

Tucker plays and photographs Bass Guitars

Tucker has grown taller than everyone but Trygve this year.
(Lorelei's shoes are REALLY tall)

Happy Birthday from Chicago Tucker, You make us proud everyday.
I can't wait to see what your 15th year will bring,

Another Great use for sponges

Who knew? Besides perfectly great sand blocks sponges can provide protection from other prehistoric predators. More cute costume ideas here

Thanks Molly

Happy Birthday Sweet Lorelei

Welcoming our new puppy Dinah in October

Playing with a REAL well in Normandy

Flirting with Popeye in Honfluer in Northern France

Walking around Paris

Pretty pose for Homecoming

A quick look back at Lorelei when she was 16 - just a moment ago. We love you honey and are so proud of the person you are.

Mom's Club of Eagan -West ROCKS!

BIG BIG thank you to Sarah Wright-Walstrom for inviting about 30 of her friends to a Kindermusik FAMILY TIME class today. What fun we had, singing, tapping, galloping, creeping, and jamming together.

This is a lovely group of mom's check this previous post about their benevolent works.

Color up

Visit this Jan Brett site for a fun coloring game. Jan Brett is the author of all the books we love, The Mitten, The Hat, Annie and the Wild Animals, my favorite is - The Trouble with Trolls
and many others. Click around in her site for videos of how to draw things, cards and envelopes to download, crafts and games of all kinds.

Trebuchet?

This is what my boys have been working on for a few weeks. A trebuchet. They are hoping to fling a bowling ball (or a pumpkin) 100 yards. This one went 23. They're getting there. The "treb" is made of spars (small straight trees) that are lashed together with twine - just like old times. This began as a project to teach the Scouts how to lash. . .