Enjoy your Time Off

There will be no classes from March 31st through April 7th for Spring Break. Classes will resume again on Monday, April 9.

If you are looking for something to do over the break (and haven't left town), click here to find some Easter pictures to print for the kids to color.

An Old Friend

I've always loved this piece and I'm relearning it for my brother's wedding this summer. Came across this video and thought I'd share it. Leif Ove Asdnes was the 1998 Gilmore Artist and the 3rd artist to win this prestigious award.

Got Kids?

Come spend some time learning about businesses and activities in the Kalamazoo Area featuring activities and items for parents of young children and parents-to-be. Our Kindermusik program will be there providing entertainment for the children. We even have a drawing for a FREE class for new-to-Kindermusik families - tell your friends! Visit their website for more information.

Your Brain and Music

msn.com has some new research on how music can affect your brain. Click here

Amazing Signs

Baby's Mother says:

Signing Smart TM 12-month old signs CRY instead of crying! Signs are capitalized. Baby signs/says, "AUDREY (A fist on her chin), CRYING; (feels) YUCKY, (wants) Ma MILK MAMA!" Rather than cry, she tells me she feels like crying!! Two word sentences are typical between 18-24 months, but this is a 5 word sentence! Thank you SIGNING SMART and Kindermusik Sign & Sing for the ASL STRATEGIES!! I can truly have a conversation with my baby!

Sign & Sing classes beginning soon - visit our website for scheduling and registration information.

Thanks Molly and ParentChildU!

Luck 'O The Irish

Growing up in Clare, Michigan I had my fare share of green pancakes and sausage made especially for the day by the Cub Scouts (my brother a member so we couldn't miss). Clare County - County Clare - who wouldn't get a little confused. Irish Festival was a big deal up there in the Gateway to the North. Here's a little something you and the kids can make together that looks much better than my former St. Patty's Day breakfasts - but I wouldn't let anyone eat it!

Shamrocks are considered good luck among the Irish, which makes this dangly clay clover a fitting accessory to hang from a key chain or backpack. Click here to see a step-by-step video demonstration of this craft.


CRAFT MATERIALS:
Green polymer clay (one shade, or two partially blended to create a swirled effect)
Paper clip


Time needed: Afternoon or Evening

1. Roll three 1-inch-thick balls out of clay. Mold each ball into a heart-shaped leaflet, then smoosh together the pointed ends until they stick.


2. Set one end of a paper clip atop the joined points (the other end should extend out as a stem would) and press a flattened bit of clay over it to seal it in.


3. Now turn the shamrock over and etch a center crease in each leaflet with a pencil.


4. Bake the clay according to the manufacturer's directions. Once the charm is cool, slide the paper clip end onto a split key ring.

You can find more crafts and fun ideas for the whole family at Family Fun Magazine's web site.

Construction Cut Outs

Some amazing ways to experience a rainbow of color . . . visit Jen Stark's web site and click alot.