Kindermusik

We wrapped up our summer of Kindermusik this week with a "beach party." I've watched other children love, learn, and grow as I've taught over the years, and this summer was so fun as I got to have the joy of my own children having that experience.

Bubbles end every class. The kids LOVE this part:

Parachute, another favorite:

My hula girls ready for some dancing at the luau:


Layla on the bouncy ball:

Doing "Five Little Seashells" poem:

Consider this a shameless plug, if you wish, but I can't say enough good things about Kindermusik. I would not teach if I did not believe in it and love it. Heading into town for 2 hours a week to be with 30 small children isn't exactly a "break," but it's so rewarding.

Everything we do in Kindermusik is to music. While we aren't giving them a music lesson, per say, we use musical terms, work on rhythm, and give the children the opportunity to explore different instruments. We also do activities that help with fine motor skills, ordering, colors, recognition, coordination and balance, on and on.

Music comes naturally to everyone. In my baby class, the babies bounce and move to the music, innately. It's not on demand or something we teach them to do. By nature, we all move or feel moved to and by music. This is why I feel so passionate about teaching. Music is something we can all enjoy, when we are young and when we are old.

So there ya have it. Classes are usually a little bit crazy, but a lot bit fun. I love children. I love music. And Kindermusik allows me the opportunity to combine the two and use my gifts.

YUM.

We are loving ourselves some sweet corn. This girl, especially:

One of a Kind.

Layla loves "jobs." This morning her job was to get ready for the swimming pool.

This is what she came up with, and boy was she proud:

A backwards swimming suit and a baggy with three pieces of gum.

I love this girl. She makes life interesting.

Just a Thought.

As one of my facebook friends put on their status:

Accept Christ today, or else get used to this heat.

Random

Well shoot, the last post was pictures from the big birthday bash (no captions, no title). I am really struggling with blogging lately. We are using a different internet and I can't get the hang of it. Sorry!

In other news:

- Maleah is taking swimming lessons this week and next. She is doing wonderful! She does whatever they ask, including walking right off the diving board and jumping in with zero help. I'm thankful she loves the water and is not afraid.

- Charlie is clapping, waving, and playing peek-a-boo. He turns one next month. How can this be!

- Layla wishes she was Maleah. I'm sure we will struggle with this for years to come. She came down this morning at 7am with her swim suit on, went to lessons with a towel, and sits in HER "group," she says. She always wants to "tell Amena something" during lessons. She loves her sister, that's for sure.

- Dallas and I went out with friends last night. We had *so* much fun catching up and laughing. We didn't get home until 11:something. We are not used to those kind of hours, people. Yet it was totally worth every minute.

- We have been very busy. Between park dates, swimming lessons, kindermusik, and keeping up with the home, we haven't had a chance to be bored yet this summer. It's been lovely.

Photos: Maleah turns four!

First off, there are mistakes in the last post. I saved it and wanted to "edit" yet. I'm finding out I'm not as good with the computer as I like to be. So, it "published" with all the mistakes and no photos. Sorry!

Mommy with the birthday girl & Maleah at four years old:

Best Week Ever

Without sounding annoyingly happy, this week has been so fabulous. Here's what we've been up to.

Tuesday: Maleah turns 4! I love who Maleah has become. I remember the days of her hitting, scratching, and being mean. Thankfully she is now incredily sweet with the most caring spirit. Time sure does fly. However, I'm loving the older she gets. We have wonderful moments together and she is been such a blessing to us. Her birthday was spent doing things she loves most: kindermusik, shopping, lunch and play with her pal Eli, Nana's (Dike) swimming pool, cupcakes with Noah and Asher, going to a 31 bags party alone with Mommy, and seeing Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Rod. I'd call that the perfect day for a 4-year-old.

Wednesday: Adventureland! We treked to the big park with the Hubbard clan and Grandpa Rod and Grandma Bonnie. We got there shortly after the park opened, and closed the park down. It was WONDERFUL! Maleah shocked me with her bravery. We went between the park and the waterpark, the weather was perfect, and the kids rode and rode and smiled and smiled.

Thursday: Home! After two big days, being lazy was more than welcome.

Friday: Mommy Day!! My life-long friend, Jillian, and I had a day together. Complete with pedicures, Scratch cupcakes, lunch at Verona, and shopping, the day was nearly perfect. I love my time with Jillian and treasured the day. She dropped me off at Papa and Nana's on the way home as the Scheve family was arriving. Woo hoo!!

Saturday: Birthday Party! 7 of the 10 grandkids have summer birthdays. Therefore, we have one big shindig. This year it was carnival. It was a splendid time.

Sunday: Church, Papa and Nana's, and out Mommy went again! My sisters, mom, and I had a chance to go shopping and out to eat with little man Canaan. Being with my mom and sisters; ahhh, how lovely. I finished the evening with a bike ride with my dad and loved every minute of it.

See? Perfect week. A huge shout out to my husband. He has been awesome this week. He has encouraged me to go, helped a ton with the kids, and not made me feel one big guilty about how sweet this week was for me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Three precious kids, so many fun cousins, parents and parents-in-law that I genuinly love being with, and the most amazing husband. I am so fortunate. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.