Children's Songs on the Web

I have been working on a Sunday school Nursery curriculum for my church's nursery for the last few weeks and stumbled upon some great resources for introducing bible songs and Christian kids music to this age group of children as well as beloved nursery rhymes.  Here are a few of the websites that I think are great.    

The Songs We Sing

Christian Kids Music

Kididdles

Bus Songs

Do you have a favorite children's music website?  Please share in the comments.

Music In Our Schools Month

March is national Music In Our Schools Month sponsored by the The National Association of Music Education.  The theme for 2011 is "Music Lasts a Lifetime".

Nationwide our music programs are in danger as state and local legislators are attempting to make up for lack of funds in this difficult economy by cutting education budgets.  In many cases music programs are the first items on the chopping block.  Music comes so naturally with children and is an essential tool for learning.  It truly would be a sad day when music was no longer in our education system.  Now’s the time to get involved in your community and do your part to ensure that all students have access to a quality music education.

Video Message from MENC President Scott C. Shuler

Music Education Fact a Day for MIOSM -- Follow MENC on Twitter or "like" MENC on Facebook.
Each day in March, they will post a fact or quote that will reinforce the value and benefits of music education that you can share with your friends and followers.

For more information about Music In Our Schools Month and what you can do to keep music in our schools check out the MENC website here.

A Christmas Prayer: A Modern Day Prodigal Son Story for the Family

We are trying something a little bit different this year during the Advent and Christmas season at One Spirit United Methodist Church in Kansas City.  Instead of a traditional Christmas Cantata our Music & Drama ministries will be sharing a Musical Drama.  I will be singing in the choir, sharing a solo and with the help of your prayers playing the part of "Rita".  It's been awhile since I have had to memorize dialogue.  I hope you can join us!

One Spirit UMC

Christmas Musical Drama

"A Christmas Prayer"

A modern day prodigal son story for the family

Friday, December 17th at 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 18th at 7:00pm

Homemade Holiday Treats After each Performance

Musical Links to Share

I have been away from my blog for awhile due to some internet difficulties and an amazing flu that my family has been passing around to one another.  We are all finally starting to feel like ourselves again and I have had a chance to catch up on my email and web reading even though the connection has been frustrating.  I did stumbled upon some really neat stuff that I thought I would share.  So enjoy some linky love!

• 3 copies of Goal-oriented Practice Giveaway to Music Matters Blog readers. Just leave a comment on the Music Matters Blog to be entered in the drawing. They will use a random number generator to determine the three winners at noon on Thursday, November 11!  This is one of my favorite blog resources for my studio.  She has such neat ideas.  And who couldn't use more goal-oriented music practice?  I made sure to sign up.
  

• Free CD with Purchase  now through November 5th from Wendy at ComposeCreate.com.  When you order the All is Calm, All is Bright Christmas book, you will automatically receive a free CD for every book purchased!  This CD contains all of the 13 solo piano arrangements in the All is Calm book and is sure to add some spice to your holiday listening and piano playing.  Wendy's arrangements are always spectacular. 

• Free Buttons for your blog from the writer at The Days of a SAHM.  She is offering to help you create your very own blog button to share around the web.  I think that's pretty neat.  All you have to do is send her an e-mail (thedaysofasahm@hotmail.com) telling her that you are interested.  I'm going to give it a shot.  I'll keep you posted.  

• Here's how to seamlessly combine all your info by using Google Contacts as your unified address book.  My husband has been trying to get me to do this for awhile and now I have no excuse.  The directions are right there.  Thanks Digital Inspiration and lifehacker!

• Chickpea Pot Pie from Vegetarian Times Magazine.   This recipe looks amazing and I can't wait to make it.  Not exactly musical but just thought I would share.
  

Something Beautiful

My daughter has taken to the princess bug.  When she turned 4 recently her birthday wishes included all the princesses we knew of and the dolls and accessories related to them.  I have no idea where this obsession came from.  My husband and I have always tried to present a more well rounded view of the world but for now we are stuck in princess land.  So, I was surprised and thrilled to find out that the people that bring us the VeggieTales have created the cutest Princess themed veggie movie, "Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart".

DVD Trailer: VeggieTales Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart

I am so happy to see a movie with so many positive messages for young girls and it doesn't hurt that it's in a medium that I know my family will enjoy.  Big Idea has also paired this movie with a song by Nichole Nordeman called "Beautiful for Me".  This is my new favorite song!  It's so beautifully done.  I have been playing the YouTube video for a couple days now and singing along with my daughter.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

'Beautiful for Me' by Nichole Nordeman

I encourage all of you share this movie with the princesses in your life.  Enjoy!

Video of the Week: Family and Mommy Rhapsody

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Aren't these stick figure families cute? I love how they even include the family pet.  Our cat, Sugar, who we call our "Kitty Daughter" has a place, too.     I put one on my facebook page and now one here thanks to WiddleTinks.com.

I have been reflecting on motherhood and family lately and ran across this parody song,  "Mommy Rhapsody" from Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Sometimes I wake up in the morning and wondering if this is the real life or am I dreaming.  I have been living in autopilot mode most of the time lately trying to get things together for my family and my business while not getting enough sleep.  I don't remember the last time I slept through the night without interruption.  I know it's been at least two years maybe more.  But I have two gorgeous children ages 3 and 1 years old to show for all my hard work.  I realize too that I am made for this work.  I am good at what I do and I enjoy having a family and raising my children.  Some days I want to pull my hair out but who doesn't right?  So, take some time for yourself, have a laugh and Enjoy this week's "Video of the Week"!      


Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.