Snowmageddon 2011

We only had one day of school this week due to snow. At my house, the snow was seven inches deep...in Arkansas! It was beautiful.



I had lots of time to clean closets, vacuum under beds and get ready for a massive yard sale that will be held this spring.

Book: Music Advocacy and Student Leadership

This was the book I read during January. Music Advocacy and Student Leadership, by Tim Lautzenheiser, is a great read for music educators and students about to enter the field. The chapters are short and informative without being preachy or boring. Dr. Tim discusses how to select and develop student leaders, being a leader as the band director as well as advocacy for music programs.

Goals for 2011: January

I have successfully completed one of my goals for 2011. However, I will strive to continue the goal for the rest of the year.

Which goal do I speak of? "Take my lunch to work more often."

During January, I have taken my lunch to work every day except two days! School lunches are $3 for teachers so I saved $54 this month alone.

I also read a book. I will discuss that later this week!

*Make homemade noodles
*Plant a garden
*Can/freeze vegetables and fruits
*Host a Christmas cookie exchange
*Read more books (at least one per month)
*Finally put together a photo album/scrapbook
*Learn to play the guitar
*Perform in a recital for my students
*Make my grandmother's yeast bread
*Volunteer more in the community
Take my lunch to work more often
*Reconnect with old friends

Did You Know...Daycares in Arkansas

I am sure that other states have similar web sites but I will stick with Arkansas for the moment.

Child care centers and family child care homes are reviewed for following licensing regulations every 3-6 months (not often enough in my opinion...but that is another post for another time).

The reviews are posted online. Simply go to the DHS Child Care and Childhood Education website, type in at least a zip code and click "search". Select the center in which you are interested, then click "view facility visits". If there are any deficiencies, they will be listed here.

Pork Chops

Jealous yet?

My husband has become a king of the charcoal. Pork chops are his newest dish and he has already mastered the recipe!

Here's what he uses:

Pork chops
Olive oil
Strawberry's Seasoning

Rub some olive oil on the pork chops, sprinkle both sides with Strawberry's Seasoning and throw the chops on the grill!

Yum!

My Favorite Toy from 2010: Sing-a-ma-jigs!

I am in love with Sing-a-ma-jigs!

During a Christmas shopping trip with my sister, I discovered Sing-a-ma-jigs. They are cute dolls that sing when their bellies are squeezed. That sounds like old news, right? Sing-a-ma-jigs have put a new spin on singing dolls though. When one squeezes multiple dolls at the same time, chords are heard! Plus, the singing fades out (as if the doll was running out of breath). The dolls also have a "chatter" sound (still singing but sounds like different vowel sounds) and a song function. Each doll has a different song. The person playing with the doll is required to squeeze the doll's stomach on each syllable of the lyrics.

These dolls are more than just play things. They introduce children to rhythm, harmony, music listening and literacy skills.

Learning through play...again, a great concept!


Check them out at singamajigs.com. I also found them at Target and Wal-Mart!

New Year, New Goals

In the new year spirit, I have decided to try new things this year. Many of the ideas on this list are things I have wanted to do for a long time and have been too busy, too tired, or any other excuse I can create!

*Make homemade noodles
*Plant a garden
*Can/freeze vegetables and fruits
*Host a Christmas cookie exchange
*Read more books (at least one per month)
*Finally put together a photo album/scrapbook
*Learn to play the guitar
*Perform in a recital for my students
*Make my grandmother's yeast bread
*Volunteer more in the community
*Take my lunch to work more often
*Reconnect with old friends