needed: One Holiday Obsessed Preschooler

Here are two wonderful projects for the holidays

from our dependable crafty friends at Kiddley



Toblerone stamp star of Davids and a Recycled Advent calendar.

thanks to Kiddley and Craftastica

Super Women!

Thanksgiving Painting Project

Have fun painting a turkey like this or 3 other cute Thanksgiving pictures.

Our First Recital

Happy Birthday Claude Monet

Camille Monet and Child in the Garden. I love the impressionistic work of Claude Monet and his French friends. The work of this one person is a gift to the world that will endure forever.

We are clothes in the Washing Machine!

If doing the laundry was this beautiful and relaxing . . . I would do it.

Hat tip: Amy Ludwig for the cool video

Chip-ty is Fifty!

Oh no! November 3rd slid by me - but not my brother in law Chip who turned one half of a century yesterday!! Hey Chip Happy Birthday, this one is for you~

Vote!

Kindermusik of the Valley on TV

Check this link to see our studio and River Ridge Arts on TV!

Where have I been?

Kindermusik of the Valley is up and dancing! Now I hope to get back to some blogging. I am putting up a video of my children for your viewing pleasure. The Burnsville High School drum line is where they spend most of their "free" time.

This is a rough afternoon performance for the Sophomore football team (arn't they nice?)
Enjoy!

The Happiness Map

This is a happiness map of the world. The redder the color the happier the people. It seems as though the United States are happy but I understand Denmark is really the place to be. Read more HERE

The Brain on Music

I am so excited about this website! You can see which areas of brain are affected by music and how that translates to experience and learning. Just click HERE to read more. (a lot more if you want - but you can also just get the jest) -- Music is so powerful!

The Economics of Early Childhood

Investing in Infants and Toddlers: The Economics of
Early Childhood

Given the current slowdown of our nation’s economy, much attention is being paid to the challenges faced by families grappling with the rising cost of food, transportation, and other basic necessities. While policymakers and economists are working to understand and improve these immediate economic challenges, some are also turning their focus to an economic stimulus of a different sort investment in young children and their families. Economic researchers who study issues of human capital (education and skills) are increasingly coming to the conclusion that early childhood professionals have known all along: investing in high-quality early childhood programs reaps considerable societal savings and numerous individual and social benefits.

New research on early childhood investments provides opportunities for early childhood professionals and economists to work together to support greater investments in programs for infants, toddlers and their families. Click here to learn more about current economic research, its application within the field of child development, and ways in which early childhood professionals and economists can partner with one another to inform the public policy process.

Let's not work

Separation Anxiety

The first day of school is a big step for every child, especially since they are used to being in their parents’ company almost every day of their lives.

For some ideas about on how to prepare your child for this big day read this nice article from Mommy and Me.

What does Kindermusik REALLY do?

When connected to singing, listening, dancing and playing instruments, Kindermusik provides a broad MULTI-DIMENSIONAL educational experience that sets the foundation for a LIFETIME of musical enjoyment. Your child's brain is LITERALLY forming a rich network of music, movement, language and idea connections, which, when used frequently, remains intact FOR LIFE! This network becomes even more powerful to your child when it is SHARED with YOU. That is why Kindermusik is really is the BEST CHOICE you can make for your child today.

Ludlows Island

This is a larger view of where we are spending the week. This beautiful place is called Ludlows Island. We are not on the Island but are facing it in a great cabin that is called North Side just across (to the north). The kids canoe back and forth from the lodge on the island and to the other cabins in the family. All together the Peterson clan is occupying 6 cabins so there is plenty of room to roam.

Today is rainy and cold, there is even a fire crackling in the fireplace here on the Northside. It has been a relaxing day of watching the Olympics, a little doodling on the computer (we oddly have wireless access - but no cell phone service) and general dozing. My sunburned shoulders appreciate the change in weather.

Where I Am

What I Saw Today

Several Loons
2 Bald Eagles
My Niece catch a fish
Tucker wake boarding
Lots of lake
Lots of sky
Big big boulders in their natural habitat

What I didn't see today
a car
a traffic light
any neon
a store
a cell phone

wish you were here.

Magic of the Lullaby

Awarded

Kindermusik of the Valley is honored to once again been awarded the Kindermusik Maestro Award which recognizes the largest and best programs world wide. We have received the Maestro award for 10 years in a row!

It is thanks to this community, committed to excellent programming for children, that we have been so successful. It is a blessing to offer Kindermusik in such a place.

Okay Go!

Thinking of what to do with that idle treadmill in the basement?

The following message is from my sister Jenny - who loyally checks my blog everyday - this is her gentle way of reminding me - I haven't been blogging lately.

Blog blog blog blog blog boggy blog blog blog blog


Big blog little blog all blog all the time



What’s happened to your poor blog? Blog blog blog blog

Love,
Blog

So here is a new one for you Jen.

Oh how sweet they are - and what this baby says is true. I ran across a great article today about how families can handle stress.

Take a look at this article: What to do so your kids don't stress you out

Found on Parenting Weekly

Take a look under this sea!

Click on this fish to see a really cool movie from National Geographic about why fish come in SO many colors!

June 2008 Summer Musik!

I'm on the Radio!!

Click on the blog talk radio logo above to hear the 25 minute show!
I want to thank Lori Jo Kemper of The Parenting Path for hosting this interview. It was fun!! Feel free to forward this to any friends who want to hear about Kindermusik in "my voice" - Helen

Fishing

Welcome to the first day of summer! My husband Trygve is an avid fisher man who happily talks me into a boat ride once in a while.

On this particular evening the sky was clear, the weather fine and the fish were biting. We caught 27 - an assortment of crappies, sunnys, blue gills and bass on Prior Lake

Trygve was happy fishing with his "girls" me, Lorelei and Dinah - shown here - she loves to fish.

Hush Little Baby

Piano Recital

Last night I had the pleasure of playing a piece for six hands with my daughter Lorelei and her teacher Margarita Dorfman. My mom couldn't make it - so here you go mom, I hope you like it.

Peace Today

I Love Looky Book - Swim Buddies

For a closer look at this book click the eyes on the upper right corner of the page.

Watch for one of these at a Kindermusik room near you

Kids craft Weekly Issue 52 is beautiful - and this is one of my favorites from this week.

If I lived in New York City I would go to this!

The World Science Festival, May 28 - June 1 New York City
Music and the Brain

Saturday, May 31, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM , Abyssinian Baptist Church

As part of the 200th anniversary celebration of The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York, where Calvin O. Butts, III is pastor, the Abyssinian Baptist Church choir will join neurologist/author Oliver Sacks in an exploration of the power of music to inspire and uplift, and as an effective tool in the therapeutic process. Blending neuroscience with the choir's vibrant and extensive repertoire, along with reflections on the role of African-American sacred music's significant historical expressions, this program provides a stimulating context for Sacks' true-life accounts of patients whose lives were altered by the empowerme

Tucker Rocks

Although this might not be everyone's cup of tea - it is a proud mama that posts this crazy bass solo played by Tucker at the 9th grade band concert last week. The audience loved it.

Don't Forget the Sun Screen

We are gearing up for SUMMER MUSICAL CAMPS AND PLAY DATES FOR KIDS starting June 3. Don't forget the sun screen. We will be walking, jumping, and all kinds of moving in the green grass, playing with bubbles, parachutes, hoops, balls, and more

It's not too late to register - call Helen at 952-412-0265 today!

Memorial

With the tears a Land hath shed
Their graves should ever be green.

~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

I like to eat pancakes!

What does your toddler crave?

I am all summer classes all the time this week. Today, I am thinking about ZOO TRAIN and CREATURES AT THE OCEAN! - these are our two classes for children 18-36 months this summer. Both are full of wonderful music, pretend play, movement, dance, drama, cuddling, and learning. You don't want the summer to speed by without some one on one time with your child. Check our website for the schedule or just give Helen a call (952-412-0265)

A new look

How do you like the new look?

Meet Molly

With all of the challenges we are facing, with economic and natural disasters happening all around, here is an uplifting story about Molly. The horse who survived Katrina and worse. Now she stands as an example of how to forge ahead and make a difference.

Thanks for sending me this story Uncle Donald

Minnesota Orchestra plays for Free

The Minnesota Orchestra is kicking off its three-week Percussion Festival with a FREE concert on Peavey Plaza. Join music Director Osmo Vanska and the Orchestra for lunch at noon on May 21.
Preschool is over, take a field trip - jump on the light rail from the 28th street station - or from the MOA transit stations (under Bloomingdales), the train runs about every 10 minutes. Take it all the way to the Nicollet Mall. then stroll down the Mall to Orchestra Hall - Peavey Plaza is just next door.

60 Minutes BEFORE the concert music will begin - come early and enjoy Mu Daiko, a local Japanese Taiko drumming group. BIG DRUMS - you will like it!!

If it rains, the concert will be held indoors at Orchestra Hall.

Zoo Train

I could not be happier to have found this sweet on-line store called Crocodile Creek - the art of play, where I found this wild animals puzzle.

It reminds me of my favorite summer camp to share with your kids called ZOO TRAIN! There is no better combination than your child, zoo animals and trains. Don't wait, register now for ZOO TRAIN - coming up on Tuesdays in June.

Contact me at: helen.peterson@mchsi.com or call me at 952-412-0265 for more information

Mother's Day

I Love the World

Do you love the whole world?
Click HERE to see more of it

Happy Birthday Brahms

Happy Birthday to Johannes Brahms. Who has put more babies to sleep than he could ever have dreamed.

Click HERE to hear a nice a capella version with altered lyrics which are sweet.

These are the lyrics Brahms intended:
Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight
With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

Lullaby and good night, thy mother's delight
Bright angels beside my darling abide
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast




http://acappella.colormaria.com/3850LCD/3850LCD%5EBrahms_Lullaby.mp3

Jumping Beans!

Jumping Beans is the Kindermusik Class for Preschool kids this JUNE. Pictured on the front is Diego - he walks around his village in Peru, looking for things that could make instruments but his family always asks that he "find a quieter instrument." That is what we will be doing each day. Along with introducing the keyboard in a 4 year old friendly way, having a fun filled music lesson, enjoying fresh air outside, we will also be making a new instrument each day, just like Diego. Allow Kindermusik to stretch your child's mind this summer as we sing, dance, play and create.

Click here to register for the June session of Jumping Beans!

International Children's Festival

I am so excited to share the information about the FLNT HILLS 2008 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL. It is held at the Ordway in St. Paul on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1. There are shows from all over the world - lots of free outdoor concerts but all performances in side the center are just $5,00 - all shows, all seats.

This is a great opportunity to go see some live music with your kids - and it is less than a movie! More to come later on my picks for your little ones.

Family: Weekend update

Lorelei has a great time at the Burnsville Highschool Prom with Zach.

Tucker is confirmed this weekend along with 477 other kids from Hosanna.

Happy May Day!

Make your own May Day picture at ART PAD - its fun!

Today. . .

. . . is National Oatmeal Cookie Day. Here is my favorite recipe (thanks Martha)

Top Ten

TOP 10 REASONS TO REGISTER FOR
SUMMER CAMP TODAY!

1. Summer is longer than we remember.
2. Music makes any day great.
3. Music is good for us!
4. Music makes us all happy!
5. New songs for summer.
6. Your child is getting ready for preschool, in the fall
7. Outside music making is a blast!
   
8. Crafting
9. Introduction to Keyboarding.
10. We LOVE you!

Call Helen to talk about your child and find just the right class: 952-412-0265

Telling the truth

Alright, I have clearly been having a bloggers block - that has lasted several months. It lives with thoughts like, "oh, nobody wants to hear this." or " I am sure everyone has already seen that." These strange thoughts pop upout of no where and seem to make decisions independent of my input.

So, I am putting all of that aside, and am going to commit to blogging regularly again. I like it. It makes me smile and I love sharing little things with all of you. If you have already seen something I put up, that's okay, if you didn't want to read this or that - that's okay. I am going to start putting it all up again anyway.

Whew, that is a load off my mind, and heart.

See and Hear - woodwinds

She always sings at home!

How many times I have heard these words, now it has been captured for proof on video. I always say, it doesn't matter what kids do in front of me, it is how they play music at home that counts! That is true - but oooh, how cute is this!

12 minutes 33 seconds

The Carl Webb Band

I cold not resist posting this picture of my Uncle Donald's band. He sends me so many good things that land here for everyone to enjoy. (He is the guy on the right, in the orange shirt and jacket holding drum sticks)

My Uncle Donald has lived 85 years and is still playing drums in the Carl Webb Band, has embraced the computer and the internet, and is the most optimistic person I have ever known. It goes to show what a life time playing music can do.

Autistic License

Autism is the fastest growing epidemic in this country. Nationally, 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with it. In Minnesota it's even higher 1 in 105, the third highest rate in the country. It is critically important to see this play - We have all been touched by this epidemic, and its impact on our society has just begun. Several community performances are being offered FREE OF CHARGE sponsored by: Partners in Excellence, The Minnesota Autism Center and Greater Twin Cities ARC. This play is most appropriate for adults and children over 13 years old.

Autistic License has been named on of the 10 best plays of 2007 and recently was nominated for the national Theater Critics New Play Award.

Minneapolis South High School Auditorium, FRIDAY APRIL 11 7:00 (Free)
Anoka High School Auditorium, SATURDAY APRIL 12 7:00 (Free)
Temple Israel, SUNDAY APRIL 13 4:30 ($15.00)
Lakeville North High School Auditorium TUESDAY APRIL 15 7:00 (Free)
Illusion Theater FRIDAY APRIL 25 7:00 ($20.00)
Illusion Theater SATURDAY APRIL 26 7:00 ($20.00)
Shakopee Senior High Auditorium SUNDAY APRIL 27 2:00 (Free)

Call the Illusion Theater Box Office to reserve free seats or purchase tickets: 612-339-4944
or click HERE

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Yesterday was my dear sister Elizabeth's birthday!!
Here is a picture of us taken a few years ago on a hot hot summer day. Hmmm - Elizabeth loves the hot weather and is one of the very . . no maybe the only person I know to be a hold out on air conditioning.

Happy Birthday beautiful sister, beautiful mother, beautiful teacher.

Autism Awareness Day

Did you know . . . .
1 in 50 children are diagnosed with autism
1 in 94 boys are on the autism spectrum
67 children are diagnosed per day
a new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that lasts a person's lifetime. It affects communication skills, socialization abilities and behavior.

For more information: Autism Resources
Here is a movie: AUTISM EVERYDAY

Register NOW! For summer classes

TOP 10 REASONS WHY

1) YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE IT! And they won't be bugging you all summer long about being bored or asking repeatedly, "Is today my Kindermusik day?!"

2) YOU HAVE SEVERAL CHOICES ABOUT HOW TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH US.
A variety of camps scheduled at a variety of times keep summer scheduling easy for you. You'll also have a new CD to choose to listen to!

3) NEW SUMMERY CAMP THEMES WILL INSPIRE YOUR CHILD'S LOVE OF MUSIC AND LOVE OF LEARNING. From Family Time to Sign & Sing, and Peekaboo to Around the World, you'll find something that fits your family's summer schedule and also provides musical learning in a uniquely summery way! No other early childhood learning program offers so many choices for you and your family this summer.

4) OUR WONDERFUL KINDERMUSIK TEACHERS ARE GEARING UP NOW FOR A GREAT SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR CHILDREN, AND THEY WILL BE OH-SO-SAD NOT TO SEE YOU BACK THIS SUMMER!

5) OUR KINDERMUSIK CAMPS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE YOUR CHILD THE WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. Singing, dancing, instruments, crafts, snacks, story time, learning centers, and home materials combine for an exciting and memorable summer "Kindermusik-al" experience!

6) SUMMER IS AN EASY WAY TO "TRY OUT" KINDERMUSIK!
Enroll in a summer camp and learn more about how Kindermusik contributes to the whole development of your child from birth to age 7.

7) SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSITION YOUR CHILD FOR WHAT'S NEXT.
So is your child is moving on to Our Time this fall? Or maybe you're planning for your child to head to preschool and move up to Imagine That? Our staff is trained and prepared to partner with you for a smooth transition to the next level.

8) KEEP THE LEARNING - AND THE ROUTINE - GOING.
Every child needs the security of rituals and routines, and summer camps make sure your child is happy, secure, and in the "Kindermusik" groove, both in class and at home.

9) IT'S DIFFERENT!
Summer camps are different from the regular classes as explore unusual props, fun puppets, special games and activities, and exciting new instruments. Our drop-off camps include crafts and snacks, too.

10) SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO TAKE CLASS WITH A FRIEND. Refer a new Kindermusik family to our program this summer, and we'll give you both a free class gift certificate toward the fall as our way of saying "Thanks!"

If Frogs Made Weather

Crazy weather we have been having, ordered up by the polar bear no doubt. Take a look at this book here or at Looky Book where you can page through the books before you decide to buy.

Happy Spring!

Click HERE to play with this fun garden orchestra! Click on any of the characters to add to the song

River Ridge Arts

Have you seen River Ridge Arts lately? The new website is up - a few changes to come - but it looks good. Remember when we moved in . . . . tiles, dust, sheet rock, - it is shaping up. I invite you to stop by and visit us in anytime!!

Oh Danny Boy, Oh Boy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Plant a flower garden

Another sweet website from my Uncle Donald. Click Here to plant your own FLOWER GARDEN. When the page shows up just start clicking

The Power of 3

Here is a nice website called Mom's First

Tip:
Long to-do lists rarely get done and can leave you with an unaccomplished feeling. Think about time, it comes in threes. Past, present, future-the power of 3! (Did you know that 3 is a magic number?) Let's use the power of 3 to create a new daily to-do list, one that will get done!

Action step: Pick the top 3 things from your long to-do list that you will do today. Make sure these are of top priority and not things you are choosing because of procrastination on any of the others. Focus on those 3 only and see what happens.

Got Service?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeXxkbgCVE

embedding of this video is disabled, but do bother to cut, paste and take a look.

Making Friends

My nephew Caleb, stationed in Habbaniyah, Iraq. He has an easy smile, a sweet energy and 4 sisters of his own. I wonder what these little girls think of this nice man, covered from head to toe. Especially the little one with the Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. Stay safe you four.

Happy Valentines Sweet hearts!

This little car

This little car is going on a trip. Trip. Trip. Trip, trip, trip. A little game like this - turning your finger into a car and driving it down the road is an exciting time for the brain - as vision tracking is engaged, eye-hand coordination is enhanced and fine motor skills are being practiced. This simple game is a brain workout in disguise. It can be found in the AWAY WE GO Home activity guide.

We still have room for your child in OUR TIME classes - for kids 18 months - 3 years. Just call Helen for more information: 952-412-0265 or visit us online

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy birthday mom! Thank you for inspiring me to be musical. I love singing with you!!

(for those of you wondering, yes, this is a picture of my mom and sisters (Jenny, Elizabeth, Christa, Mom and me)

Valentine Idea

This heart garden grows thyme. From The Wishing Fish - sweet!