Our Budding Musician

The Prophet has joined a homeschool band. He really wanted to play saxophone, but it's not w/in our budget this year. His director suggested starting out on clarinet, since it will be an easy switch later on. We already had my sister's clarinet, so that worked out perfectly for us.

I am very pleased w/ this band & have seen so much growth in The Prophet since he began just a few short month's ago. 

His assignment for tomorrow's class is to compose & play a song of his own. So without further ado, I present to you, The Prophet playing "The Sorrowful March" written by himself!

"On My Mind"

I always have ideas running through my head in regards to blog posts I'd love to write. However, the time & words often elude me! Last night, as I was trying to fall asleep, the words below the YouTube link came to mind & they seemed to fit the melody of "In My Life" from Les Miserables.

On My Mind by Munchesmom

On my mind,
There are so many thoughts and ideas I long to pursue.

On my mind,
There are so many feelings and things that I want to see written for you.

It's so tough...it's so tough to find time to write.
Yet I try...I make time for my sanity though time is tight.

"Like A Shepherd" -Toddler Style

The following video is our precious little toddler, The Saint. Each night (for the past couple months), when I put him to bed, I sing "Like a Shepherd" to him. About a month ago, he decided to join me in singing & he is just so precious. So, I thought I'd share his cute little voice w/ you.

Tuesday's Ten - Favorite Contemporary Christian Songs

I listen to a wide variety of musical styles, depending on the mood I may be in. I love country, Broadway/movie soundtracks, classical, 80s rock, traditional Catholic hymns, & so much more. Typically, though, I'm usually tuned into the local Contemporary Christian station. I find so many wonderful, uplifting songs there...plus, I don't have to worry about making sure the munchkins aren't hearing anything inappropriate.

For today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Contemporary Christian songs. I'm not linking to YouTube for these, but I'm sure you can find all of them there. As with most of my Tuesday's Ten lists, this is not in any particular order.

1) Above All by Michael W. Smith - This was the first song that really got me hooked on our local radio station.

2) On My Knees by Jaci Valesquez - Such a powerful young voice singing such a powerful song!

3) Blessings by Laura Story - This one brings tears to my eyes, esp. lately.

4) Slow Fade by Casting Crowns - This song was in the movie Fireproof.

5) Never Alone by Barlow Girls - a very comforting song, esp. when you feel like there's no one there for you

6) Lose My Soul by Toby Mac - a fun song w/ a great message

7) El Shaddai by Amy Grant

8) By Heart by Point of Grace - They have many great songs & you can't go wrong w/ any of them, but this is one of my favorites.

9) Joseph's Song by Michael Card - This Christmas song is sung from Joseph's point of view.

10) Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood - This is one of those crossover songs that bridges the gap between country & Christian music.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm thankful for a productive school week so far! We've done 2 art projects (maybe this should be a Small Success tomorrow since it's such a BIG achievement on my part!) & the munchkins have been very cooperative w/ all their subjects.

2) I'm thankful for the nice 60 degree weather we've had this week. I've been able to open up the house & air out the germs that have been creeping in.

3) I'm thankful for my Catholic faith. Each day I continue to grow stronger in my beliefs & understanding of this beautiful faith.

4) I'm thankful for the gift of music & the wide variety of styles that I am able to enjoy. Last night, I'm listened to a couple tapes (yes, I said tapes!) that I haven't listened to in years...James Galway's The Enchanted Forest & Kitaro's Kojiki...beautiful Japanese music. (I've been drawn to Oriental music for years & even played a couple of Japanese pieces for my college flute recitals.)

5) I'm thankful for the many great authors out there. Without them, I wouldn't be transported to different worlds, times, & places. I love to be carried away by a good book. Right now, I'm reading (& enjoying) Jan Karon's latest in the Fr. Tim novels, In the Company of Others. In this one, she takes her readers to Ireland & adds a little mystery to Fr. Tim & Cynthia's trip.

Book & CD Giveaway Notice

Mary at Passionate Perseverance is hosting a book & CD giveaway. She recently reviewed Mary Beth Chapman's book Choosing to See on her blog. This is the book Mary has chosen for her giveaway. Also included is the CD Beauty Will Rise, by Mary Beth's husband, Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman.

Mary will draw a winner on Wed. Sept. 15, so hop over to her blog to read her great review & for your chance to enter: Mary's Giveaway.

P.S - While you're there, check out some of Mary's AWESOME recipes!

Day Twenty-Eight - What is Your Definition of Happiness (Part Two)

A Moment You Remember Being Completely Happy in and a Description of Why You Believe You Were. What is Your Definition of Happiness?

There have been many moments throughout my life when I have been happy:

• when I received my open-holed flute w/ a gold-plated mouthpiece for my 18th birthday
• when I bought my first car (mostly on my own, but w/ a little of Dad's help)
• when I was accepted into my first choice of colleges, then later for one of the study abroad programs
• when Casinodad proposed to me (you can read the story HERE)
• when I found I was pregnant w/ each of the four munchkins, then later when each was born
• when The Prophet was a Mass server for the first time

I think true happiness, though, is found in the little things...realizing that not everything has to be grandiose to make me happy.

• seeing the munchkins' faces light up when they finally grasp that math concept
• watching how The Saint intently observes the ants on our kitchen floor w/ no fear or his recognition of Jesus on my necklace, at church, in our living room, anywhere
• the freedom The Princess has to flutter & flit around the room, singing to her heart's content about the love of God
  
• the smile I get from The Archangel when we bake something together
  
• the proud expression The Prophet wears on his face when he comes to me w/ a new Lego creation
• Casinodad's expression of joy to be home w/ us at the end of a long day.
• the excitement on Christmas morning as the munchkins discover their new treasures
• four munchkins wet, dirty, & happy from playing in the spring rain

Yes, these are the things of true happiness. I think the song Happiness from the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" sums it all up. I'm not a fan of Charlie Brown, but I have always liked this song.



Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Day Twenty-One - Your Favorite Medium of Art (2nd post for today)

Music, hands down! For as long as I can remember, music has been a part of my life. Growing up, we always had a piano in the house & I started lessons in second grade (although I quit & later picked them up again in high school). I can remember going to church w/ my grandparents in 2nd or 3rd grade. Their contemporary music ensemble had a flutist & I knew from the first moment I heard her play that I wanted to play the flute too. I never even glanced at the other instruments when the music representative came to our school in 5th grade. I continued playing flute through high school & even majored in music in college.

I don't have one particular style of music that is my favorite, although there are some that should never have come into existence! There is such a wide variety out there, something to fit every mood I may have. I love Classical, showtunes & soundtracks, Christmas, country, contemporary Christian, kids' songs (Veggie Tales & Backyardigans) & much more. I love Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, Casting Crowns, Harry Connick, Jr., Chicago, & more.

As I said in an earlier post for this meme when asked about music I'd take if on a deserted island, music is always w/ me. At any time, you could ask me what song is going through my head & probably 98% of the time, I'd have one to mention. Sometimes they're good songs that I love. Other times it may be some ridiculously, obnoxious song that just got stuck there & needs to be pushed out!

Do you have a favorite medium of art? Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Day Twenty - A Band that You Immediately Liked and the Song That Made You Like Them (2nd Post Today)

I would have to go w/ Casting Crowns on this one. I've listened to our local Christian radio station for years now, so I know I've heard many of their songs, but it wasn't until last year though that I really took notice of them. Their song Slow Fade came out & the more I listened to the words of the song, the more I loved the lesson that comes across for all of us. It's really made me think about a lot of the things I've read, watched, or listened to. (BTW - This song was played in the movie Fireproof, too...a GREAT movie! Check it out if you haven't seen it yet!)



"Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Day 14 - Best Mashup You've Ever Heard (2nd post today)

I'm not sure if this is a mashup, but I think it is. It is the Punjabi Wedding Song from the movie Bride & Prejudice (which you must see if you haven't yet...see my review HERE). From what I found, it is a combination of Indian wedding songs. ENJOY!



Yes, that IS Sayid from Lost!

Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

Day Seven - Favorite Cover of a Song (2nd post today)

When I first saw this topic for Day Seven, I had absolutely NO IDEA what it meant. Did it mean album cover? Nope! After reading Angela's choices, I realized that it is a song sung by someone other than the original artist.

I actually have several I'd like to share w/ you today...in no particular order.

First is Bette Midler's version of Baby Mine. As you know, it is originally from Disney's Dumbo, but she sang it in the movie Beaches. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a YouTube video that I liked to post for this one. (BTW - Many of the other songs she sang in Beaches were great, too!)

The second is Kenny Loggins version of America's The Last Unicorn (from the movie of the same name). This was one of my favorite movies growing up & when I heard Kenny sing it on his Return to Pooh Corner lullaby CD, I fell in love w/ it all over again. The whole CD, if you haven't heard it, is full of covers that he would sing to his son at night.



The next one I thought was just awesome when I saw it on Glee this past season. Matthew Morrissey & Neil Patrick Harris singing Aerosmith's Dream On. This is one version that I definitely think is way better than the original. (Of course, I'm not an Aerosmith fan anyway!) Their characters were using the same song to audition for the lead in Les Miserables. Because they were arguing & interrupting other auditions, the director told them to just sing it together.




Want to join in this 30 Day Meme? You can get the complete list of daily topics HERE. Be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours.

A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Judy over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

1) I'm SOOOOOO thankful to be able to open the house this week! As I'm typing this, there is a wonderful breeze blowing through our NEW patio door & back windows. AAAAHHHHH! I LOVE FRESH AIR!

2) Because of the cooler weather, I'm thankful I've been able to finally do some gardening. Monday I planted squash & green bean seeds, Tuesday I planted some flowers, & today I'm hoping to get my tomato plants & parsley in.

3) I'm thankful there are finally some girls in the neighborhood for The Princess to play with. It's tough enough being the only girl in the house, but there are mostly boys in the neighborhood, too.

4) I'm thankful for summer reading programs. In addition to the one at our library, the munchkins are participating in the one at Half Price Books too. Each week, if they read for at least 15 minutes for five days, they receive a $3 coupon. They can't combine the coupons, but there is plenty of reasonably priced stuff there that they're able to get something each week.

5) I'm thankful for music. I like a wide variety, so I can always seem to find something to fit the mood I'm in.

Cool Video Link

My friend sent me a link to this YouTube video of The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy from The Nutcracker, played on a glass harp. There are many other great pieces also - Beethoven's 5th, Ode to Joy, & Star Wars...just to name a few. ENJOY!

Getting Through Life's Tough Spots

I normally listen to our local Christian music station, but for the past few weeks, I've been on a Country kick. Maybe it's the nostalgic feeling I seem to get every Fall...I don't know. Some of my favorites lately have been Toby Keith's American Ride (leave it to Toby to tell it like it is!), several of Taylor Swift's songs, almost anything by Tim McGraw, & various others.

This refrain from Rodney Adkins just struck me as I was listening to the radio.

If you're going through hell,
Keep on going, don't slow down,
If you're scared, don't show it,
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there.

It seems that lately, we've just hit one rough patch after another. (I won't bore you w/ all the details!) What a great way to shift the focus away from the tough spots life throws at you. Of course, leaning on God is the best defense & even when going through hell, He's there w/ us.

Christmas in July!

I'm listening to Harry Connick, Jr.'s Only You Cd right now. It's a compilation of romantic big band & orchestra standards from the 50s & 60s. The Princess came downstairs & asked why I was listening to Christmas music. The Prophet asked me the same thing the other day. They recognized his voice from his When My Heart Finds Christmas CD, one of my favorites that we listen to a lot during the Christmas season.

So We Know He Can Dance!

Do you have a special song that, whenever you hear it, you just have to start moving? Well, this Mark Anthony song is mine! Casinodad bought me the CD for our anniversary years ago, after I had heard the song on the radio. I still listen to it frequently. It even has the song in Spanish too! It's great for housecleaning.

Today I found that The Saint likes the song too & just can't help dancing to it, either. He was on his knees under the kitchen table when it came on & started jiggling. A few minutes later, the phone rang. As I was talking to my dad, I happened to look at The Saint again & had to laugh out loud - he was now standing under the table dancing away w/ a big grin on his face. I played it again this evening for Casinodad to see if The Saint would dance again & sure enough, he did. So cute!