Music and Movement: Dance like a leprechaun!

In case you missed this post on How Does She...

I am sharing this again... because it is....ST. PATRICKS DAY.

 

They sit. They sit in the car. They sit at school.  They sit in front of the computer. They sit in front of the TV. They sit and play video games. They sit and play on their smart phones or tablets. They sit. Has it occurred to anyone that our kids are not moving as much as we did as when we were kids? is anyone else concerned? 

 

Studies show that kids who have more opportunity to move will be more likely to become confident movers and have more physical ability and coordination. Therefore, these kids will be more likely to enjoy moving later on in their life and have a healthier life because of it.

 

It is up for us as parents to get our kids moving! One thing we do a lot in our house is DANCING!! In celebration again of St. Patricks Day...I bring back this video with Bee's music for you to play and dance along with your kids!! You are their best example!! Plus it is fun!

Happy Monday! Enjoy.





besitos, xo

Sometimes you gotta just dance

I don't know what it is...but I am just in a funk lately. I think my grandma's sudden death has really caused much shock and sorrow that I have felt paralyzed... or like creatively stuck. I guess I feel like I shouldn't be so affected by this loss- there are many beautiful things I can think that are positives...but somehow, I can't get that day at the hospital out of my head. It feels truly like a dream. Today my sister and I were talking on the phone and we had a question in mind- and I caught myself thinking, "Well I can just call grandma and ask her." And then I realized- no wait. I can't.

 I have been wanting to write about the experience of seeing my grandma pass for sometime now but haven't had an opportunity to really do so and perhaps that is where part of my stuckness is. Maybe that can clear the creative block.

But I am back. March is now here.

I have a good feeling about this month. I hope to be out of the funk and back to normal again...and nothing like a little dancing to lift up my spirits. Dancing dressed like Leprechauns may I add.

I am over at How Does She- sharing a song that I just think you may like! (here)

xo,

VIDEO tutorial on my Pom Pom Snowballs!

I am over here today showing you how to make your very own indoor snowballs!

EXTRA for my WeedsToWishes lovelies...here is an additional VIDEO tutorial for you on these snowballs. Let me say that I don't know why it uploaded the way it did (smaller than the screen) to You Tube and I will see if I can fix it later tonight... but the filming of this video this took like 2 hours to record for various reasons such as the camera not recording when we thought it was, baby having a diaper blowout, a pesky fly, and a bunch of other interruptions...so its the best we could do- if all else very entertaining!

 Hope it helps!

besitos, 

xo

Turkey Dance

While you are waiting for your turkey- dance to the Turkey Dance Song by Bianca Merkley!

beistos, xo

Solution to the Chatter in my Mind.

My solution to the chatter in my head... Dance Partaaay.


Does anyone else experience a lot of chatter in their head.  I mean I am always thinking...creating lists- on paper or in my brain...daydreaming about my future... planning what I need to get done, who I need to call back, what needs to be picked up from the store, how can I be the best mom, what activities should I prepare...Blah Blah Blah...I fight it on a regular basis. I am such a dreamer. I have been dreaming about what I wanted to do with my life since I was in 6th grade. And it still continues!

But one thing I found helps get me out of my head is to crank up some tunes and have a dance party. Right now Little Man is into "Roar" by Katy Perry and frankly- I don't blame him. It's a great anthem.

  So, if things get a little too serious and your mind is chatting away... have a dance party.
Problem solved.

 And wow does Little Man know how to move. This photo above is at a wedding this summer where he had just finished a sweet dance move. I need to get this kid in breakdancing- he really loves to dance. Just like his mama... 

besitos, xo

Music Monday- Mindy Gledhill

Music Monday-Remember how I mentioned Mindy Gledhill was coming to town? Well she did and I was excited to get the chance to listen to her music while taking photos of her as well. It was the perfect combination. 

And she had a seat saved for Brynn. 

She even rocked a pair of Proofs.

I loved watching Brynn throughout the show and how excited she was to hear and meet Mindy again. She is truly a sweet little spirit that girl is.

Okay...stay tuned because I am going to be sharing more photos of her concert and GIVING AWAY a copy of Mindy's latest cd this week!!

besitos, xo

Mindy Gledhill is back this Thursday...

Remember this Benefit Concert?
Mindy Gledhill is back in Boise.

 This Thursday the 17th at the Linen Building in Boise. 

Tickets sold here! 

besitos, xo

Additional Printable for Download Codes

Additional Printable!

Download PDF here or

 Download jpg here

Bianca's  Says Thank you: 

"Ok, first of all...I've just got to say THANK YOU so much for downloading this song, sharing it with others, and for the kind comments and emails! My heart is so full. Thank you so much. "

As for the download codes...here's how you can get them.

1. Download and print this printable tag. Download PDF here or Download jpg here
2. Then be sure to download the song here. When you do so, there will be a section where you can send me a comment. If you want download codes (perhaps to give away as gifts), just send Bianca a comment on this post and she will respond to you with the download codes.
3. Or, you may also email her at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will reply to your email with download codes.
4. If you would like multiple download codes (perhaps to give away to your neighbors with some hot cocoa), then I would suggest (although you don't have to) that you put an extra dollar or more in the "Name Your Price" box (for example, if you want 10 download codes, then $10 would be appreciated). 
5. Lastly, once you receive your codes and have printed out your printable, then you may write the download codes in the blank on the bottom of the cards where it says, "Download Code."
6. If you'd like some super cute ideas as to how this download card thing can work as a gift, then go check it out my post on "How Does She." 

Now keep spreading the word! 

Pin it, FB it, email it, text it, tweet it, blog it, tell everyone you know about this fundraiser! 

Besitos

Xo,

Fundraising through music for Hurricane Sandy

As you may have seen on this post of How Does She- I am putting a little fundraiser together with my sister Bianca, a singer songwriter living in New York. She has been sharing with me the continual burdens that many families are still enduring this winter due to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Volunteering to clean out homes this past week, she was stunned at the devastation and destruction of many homes and neighborhoods who are still in shambles and some still without power! 

Bianca along with several other musicians have volunteered their time and talent and recorded a Christmas track for you to download for $1!  

And guess what? 

100% of the funds will go to families in need who were affected by hurricane Sandy! 

Now, grab a warm mug of hot chocolate and sit back and take a listen.

Didn't you love it? It can be all yours- just download it here and don't forget to spread the word and share this link with others! 

Bonus: If you are one of the first 200 downloads than you qualify for a FREE download code to give to a neighbor or friend! After you have downloaded the code email Bianca at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and she will get you the code! 

Bianca in her blog writes: 

“When we first drove into these devastated neighborhoods and communities, I wanted to burst into tears. While the storm happened weeks ago and hardly affected me personally at all, it was hard to believe that not too far distant there were people who had lost nearly everything and who were still struggling to get their lives back together! I almost felt like I was in another country. I went back again on Friday (just a few days ago), and the roads were still covered in dirt and filled with piles of garbage, thrown out sofas, and broken up dry wall. The stench inside the home we went in was too much to bare- I couldn't have done it with out my mask. Most homes were flooded up to 4 feet of water, and as a result, there was now mold growing everywhere, nestled into every nook and cranny. The woman we helped on Friday said that she was sleeping temporarily on a plastic garbage bag on top of her soaking wet sofa. Not only does this sound miserable to sleep on a wet sofa, but her power didn't get turned back on until just a few days ago. Many still don't have hot water either! The thought of taking a cold shower in the winter is chilling. During our time working with "Mormon Helping Hands," we worked on taking out the walls and insulation leaving the homes with less mold but more vulnerable to the cold. Although I was able to return home to my warm and well lit apartment, the images of these homes were haunting, and I decided I wanted to try to do something more to help."

There are still so many families in need this holiday season. Want to see what I am talking about- watch this:

To find out more on the stories and the follow up of the families that were touched this holiday season you can follow Bianca Merkley's quest to spread a little cheer this holiday season with her music on her blog right here or check back here as I will be giving you more updates!

Besitos, 

xo

under construction.

This blog is currently under construction.  So, if you push something that leads you to nothing... just wait- I'm working on it... Be ready for some amazing changes.

While you wait- Watch this amazing video with My sister's song "Grateful."

besitos, 

xo

Turkey Dance- just in case you missed this lovely.

Boo! Music Monday...

It's been awhile since I have done a music Monday so I thought I would post this just in case you missed this over at howdoesshe here is a little Halloween song Bee wrote for me!

...and don't forget to make you little ghost maracas or drum sticks! 

Check out how I did this right here. 

besitos

xo

Bianca Merkley and The Sea Shell Song

Happy Music Monday everyone...

Just in case you missed it. I was over here last week sharing Bee's latest children's song "Shake Your Sea Shells." But don't forget to make a seashell shaker to go along to the music! 

Check it out here for more photos and info.

 Sea shell shakers: All you need is a glass or plastic bottle (depending on age of child) and then add some sand and seashells- and there you go- a seashell shaker!!

Enjoy a little bit of beach fun without having to leave your home!

besitos, xo

Easter Eggs into Shaker Eggs.

In case you missed it... this week over at How Does She I talk about how to transform old easter eggs into musical shaker eggs...

Check out the DIY here.

and we have Bee sing us a lovely song! 

Happy Easter!!

besitos xoxo.

Happy and Sad Music Monday

This is so perfect because little man loves to identify moments of when he is happy and when he is sad!! Perfect! I think I will use it tomorrow during my therapy sessions!
Thanks Bee!

besitos,

Friendship coaching

7 DAYS and counting for Valentines Day!!! YAY! I love Valentine's Day!

 But don't forget your little valentines this year! I'll be posting 7 gifts you can give your children this year to celebrate the week of Valentine!

As for today, I am over here at How Does She talking about how to be a "friendship coach" with our children and the benefits of positive social peer interaction. It is something that can often go overlooked.

Although, I think every child may need a little "friendship coaching" here and there-
 Here are some signs that they may benefit from additional help:

-Lacks at least one or two close mutual friends of his or her same age

-Invades personal space of others

-Has an abnormally loud or soft voice when speaking to others

-Seems ignored or victimized by peers

-Has trouble winning or loosing gracefully

-Doesn’t show empathy when others are hurt or rejected

-Acts bossy or insists on having everything their way

-Constantly tease other children

-Doesn’t attend to facial expressions or nonverbal cues

-Doesn’t make eye contact when speaking or listening to others

Check out some pointers here  on three ways to coach your little ones some social skills. Don't hesitate to seek out additional professional help!

 Also BONUS...We are also making these "friendship bracelets" and singing and dancing along to Bee's Friendship Song!! Did you know that she just started her blog?? This week she is counting down to Valentine's with her thoughts about love and music. Go check her out!

www.biancamerkley.blogspot.com

besitos,

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

  Bee shows us how to increase social skills while singing along to a Christmas tune.

My gift to you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

besitos

It's a Candy Land - Wonder Land

The lolly pops and snowflakes were hung.

The candy and soda bar were filled.

The chairs and table set.

 The anticipation... the months of planning... December 16th was  finally was here.

I am sorry for the delay in this post- but I have had a really hard time writing about this night. Mostly, because there are few words that can even begin to describe what it is why like.

But in summary, it was "Magical."

Not only was the venue decorated like a Candy Land-Wonder Land but I got to meet and listen to Mindy for the first time in person!

 My most memorable moment: watching little Brynn Jones jump up and dance around at the first glimpse of Mindy. 

That alone, made all the long hours and hard work well worth it. 

Front and center Brynn (Mindy's number one fan) sat mesmerized by the music...

what a beautiful night. 

And besides, bringing awareness to hundreds of people (if not thousands with the news coverage we got) about what Rett Syndrome- we were able to raise about $17,000 and still counting to the Rett Syndrome Foundation for finding medicine to help alleviate symptoms and one day hopefully find a cure.

See...words can't describe.

My only complaint....that I didn't nearly take enough photos. 

Note to self when hosting an event...HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER even when you are a photographer.

 

Needless to say, the event was a huge success.
Brynn was exhausted. I was exhausted....we all were exhausted.

Thanks to all those of you who supported us in the event.  My heart is full for all the love and friends who were willing to give their time and talent.

Thank You.

And a special Thank you to Mindy Gledhill for coming out and bringing peace and joy into the lives who listen to your music every day...

especially in the life of a little girl who doesn't have the words to verbalize her thoughts and feelings.

I think to her, you are her voice.

Want to see more and the follow up coverage on the news?  Go here:

 Besitos,

Feliz Navidad!

Get out your shakers and dance along! 

Here is Music Monday (delayed) 

Thanks Bee!

besitos,

Here we go.

Today is the concert... so far we have over 200 ticket sales and many more coming! Let you know how it goes. 

besitos,