vogelJoy Blog http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm Sun, 06 May 2012 09:35:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com The Princess And The Pea Tent http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=2052003 I was asked to make a new tent for a very special birthday girl this year for a very fun theme, The Princess And The Pea I went to work straight away and three days later emerged from the sewing machine with this lovely tent.&nbsp; We love all of these colours and the kids were sad to see this tent go because they think it's the best one yet!&nbsp; =)&nbsp; Isn't it a wonderful feeling when your children are so proud of you?&nbsp; We took a few pictures and hope you enjoy seeing this newest creation.&nbsp; Happy Birthday Little Girl!&nbsp; We hope you and your family enjoy many years of fun and hours of make believe, singing, reading and dreaming inside or out. &nbsp; The beginning ;) &nbsp; Would you like to make one too?&nbsp; The pattern is available for download in our store =) <a href="./store.cfm">Check it out! &nbsp; &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus

The Princess And The Pea

I went to work straight away and three days later emerged from the sewing machine with this lovely tent. 

We love all of these colours and the kids were sad to see this tent go because they think it's the best one yet!  =)  Isn't it a wonderful feeling when your children are so proud of you? 

We took a few pictures and hope you enjoy seeing this newest creation. 

Happy Birthday Little Girl! 

We hope you and your family enjoy many years of fun and hours of make believe, singing, reading and dreaming inside or out.

















 

The beginning ;)
 
Would you like to make one too?  The pattern is available for download in our store =) Check it out!
 
 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Sun, 06 May 2012 09:35:00 GMT E2C52E2609D649D6C3593C63686D9665 But it's Still Bright Out! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1967005 It's hard going to bed in the Summertime!&nbsp; I remember never liking to go to bed when it was still bright out and the birds were still singing and there was even a baseball game going on in town!&nbsp; &quot;But Mom... It's still bright out!&quot; Well as our youngest are actually tucked into bed on time (which seems to be rare these days) this poem was actually a big help for them.&nbsp; They at least know they aren't alone and lots of kids have gone off to bed when it's still bright out and they don't really enjoy it either. :) <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/79938962106061517/" target="_blank"> Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://thehawksperch.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/bed-in-summer-robert-l-stevenson1.jpg">thehawksperch.files.wordpress.com via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/vogeljoy/" target="_blank">vogelJoy on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest Bed in Summer ~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~ In winter I get up at night And dress by yellow candle-light. In summer quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day. I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people's feet Still going past me in the street. And does it not seem hard to you, When all the sky is clear and blue, And I should like so much to play, To have to go to bed by day? Goodnight Kids!&nbsp; Sweet Dreams!&nbsp; Sleep Tight! &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus
"But Mom... It's still bright out!"

Well as our youngest are actually tucked into bed on time (which seems to be rare these days) this poem was actually a big help for them.  They at least know they aren't alone and lots of kids have gone off to bed when it's still bright out and they don't really enjoy it either. :)




Bed in Summer
~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see
The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet
Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you,
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
To have to go to bed by day?

Goodnight Kids!  Sweet Dreams!  Sleep Tight!
 
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]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:05:00 GMT BFD42AF29BA1FA3585BD2C106FA10424 Music & Dancing, Singing & Friends - Why We Put On A Show http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1962622 What is this vogelJoy LIVE thing all about anyway?&nbsp; Why are we putting on a show twice a month?&nbsp; All that planning, learning, writing, practicing, producing, inviting, hoping... What's it all about? Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents going out on a certain day every week or month to a local dance or getting together to play games or just going out to catch up with everybody, have some laughs and listen to music.&nbsp; No matter what they did when you were young you surely wanted to go and be a part of those magical nights out too!&nbsp; Maybe you just dream of going back to a time where you don't need an invitation or even a ticket, but just show up at the weekly music night and have a blast.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/111182684520864386/" target="_blank"> Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-backyard-barn-wedding-emily-brandon/">greenweddingshoes.com via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/ariseason/" target="_blank">Alex on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/1900024812929842/"> Source: <a href="http://emptychronicles.tumblr.com/post/8097764220" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">emptychronicles.tumblr.com via <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com/ccestrada/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Carmen on <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;">Pinterest We've been dreaming up just such a magical place for families!&nbsp; There we'll invite musicians, we'll perform, we'll dance, and everyone will have a tune in their head when they have to go home.&nbsp; It's a place where families can hang out, kids can sing and dance and play, you can meet interesting people and do something fun all together.&nbsp; It's called vogelJoy LIVE! <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/79938962105815117/"> Source: <a href="http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1754795" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">vogeljoy.com via <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com/vogeljoy/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">vogelJoy on <a target="_blank" href="http://pinterest.com" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;">Pinterest We'll be performing almost twice a month at the Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer.&nbsp; There will be a colouring table for the kids to colour at, a little spot at the front for all those dancing feet, a story set to music that we will definitely need an enthusiastic volunteer or two and of course a fabulous vogelJoy show with all sorts of great songs -- some you've heard and some you haven't!&nbsp; Stay tuned for updates of guest artists coming to perform at vogelJoy LIVE too! : <a href="./vogeljoylive.cfm">Dates &amp; Times : <a href="./highflyers.cfm">How to Get Involved : <a href="./contactus.cfm">Questions? : <a href="./livestream.cfm">Can't come? :( Watch Live :) &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus All that planning, learning, writing, practicing, producing, inviting, hoping...
What's it all about?

Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents going out on a certain day every week or month to a local dance or getting together to play games or just going out to catch up with everybody, have some laughs and listen to music.  No matter what they did when you were young you surely wanted to go and be a part of those magical nights out too!  Maybe you just dream of going back to a time where you don't need an invitation or even a ticket, but just show up at the weekly music night and have a blast.  


We've been dreaming up just such a magical place for families! 

There we'll invite musicians, we'll perform, we'll dance, and everyone will have a tune in their head when they have to go home.  It's a place where families can hang out, kids can sing and dance and play, you can meet interesting people and do something fun all together. 

It's called vogelJoy LIVE!




We'll be performing almost twice a month at the Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer.  There will be a colouring table for the kids to colour at, a little spot at the front for all those dancing feet, a story set to music that we will definitely need an enthusiastic volunteer or two and of course a fabulous vogelJoy show with all sorts of great songs -- some you've heard and some you haven't!  Stay tuned for updates of guest artists coming to perform at vogelJoy LIVE too!


 
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]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:35:00 GMT E40C12B159CDCA7427277D2A3819FD6F Getting Ready for vogelJoy LIVE http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1930454 We are having a lot of fun getting ready for our new show vogelJoy LIVE!&nbsp; We are writing away at all kinds of fun new music, contacting all kinds of talented and exciting people to be special guests on our show, choreographing some new dances, singing, thinking of new stories to tell.... whew!&nbsp; We can't wait till you can watch!&nbsp; At the bottom of this post you can even hear a bit of our new vogelJoy LIVE Theme Song! Here are some pictures from our first rehearsal: Everyone in the band is so good at helping to pack up! It's fun practicing late into the night =) We can't wait to sing and play with you!&nbsp; <a href="./vogeljoylive.cfm">See you soon! Have a Listen to a few seconds of our new vogelJoy LIVE Theme Song!&nbsp; &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus
Here are some pictures from our first rehearsal:





Everyone in the band is so good at helping to pack up!



It's fun practicing late into the night =)



We can't wait to sing and play with you!  See you soon!

Have a Listen to a few seconds of our new vogelJoy LIVE Theme Song! 


 
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]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:10:00 GMT 7A40B08508ED91577A7BAFE9D8315403 Learning New Tricks! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1929643 Learning new skills is a lot of fun for me!&nbsp; Are you working on something new and exciting this spring? I've never ever been able to do a backwalkover but I am really working on it!&nbsp; I'm so excited about my progress too!&nbsp; And I'm getting better!&nbsp; Practice really does help! ;) Look at this! Almost there!!&nbsp; Maybe I should have Sophie climb up and stand on me when I'm in a bridge... would that be fancy?&nbsp; I'll keep you posted on my gymnastics adventure =)&nbsp; It's a lot of fun. &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus
I've never ever been able to do a backwalkover but I am really working on it!  I'm so excited about my progress too!  And I'm getting better!  Practice really does help! ;)

Look at this!



Almost there!!  Maybe I should have Sophie climb up and stand on me when I'm in a bridge... would that be fancy? 

I'll keep you posted on my gymnastics adventure =)  It's a lot of fun.

 
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]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:40:00 GMT DC6429742376DD151A57139B3E286534 Agricultural Fair Family Showcase Pictures! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1792185 We had such a good time singing together for the OAAS (Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies) Family Showcase that we wanted to share a few pictures!&nbsp; Next show we will try and do much better about taking backstage pictures and pictures of the people we meet because I am sure you would find it as fun as we do!&nbsp; Special thanks to Louisa for taking these pre-show pictures!&nbsp; Without her positive &quot;Let's do it&quot; attitude we wouldn't've gotten any! * Soundcheck and setup with our great sound engineer&nbsp;John Van Mil from Sound Productions - he was really helpful &amp; made us able to do a great job.&nbsp; Good sound people are invaluable =) &nbsp; * Sophie hanging out on stage. * Happy Fair Delegates coming in to check out the acts. * GROUP SHOT!&nbsp; Yay for a timer!&nbsp; Believe it or not it's pretty tough getting a picture with all of us in it. &nbsp; We were very happy to see some familiar faces again this year; performers and fair delegates alike!&nbsp; If you happened to catch our little showcase performace and have pictures or video you'd like to share we would love to see them! By the way... Fair People want to know!&nbsp; What do you like about your fair?&nbsp; Why do you go?&nbsp; What do you want to see at your fair? &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus
Next show we will try and do much better about taking backstage pictures and pictures of the people we meet because I am sure you would find it as fun as we do!  Special thanks to Louisa for taking these pre-show pictures!  Without her positive "Let's do it" attitude we wouldn't've gotten any!


* Soundcheck and setup with our great sound engineer John Van Mil from Sound Productions - he was really helpful & made us able to do a great job.  Good sound people are invaluable =)
 
* Sophie hanging out on stage.



* Happy Fair Delegates coming in to check out the acts.



* GROUP SHOT!  Yay for a timer!  Believe it or not it's pretty tough getting a picture with all of us in it.



 
We were very happy to see some familiar faces again this year; performers and fair delegates alike!  If you happened to catch our little showcase performace and have pictures or video you'd like to share we would love to see them!

By the way... Fair People want to know!  What do you like about your fair?  Why do you go?  What do you want to see at your fair?


 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:55:00 GMT 4115E2E159ED8FB677A4B9FE14FE0410 Valentine's For The Birds http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1777172 This Valentine's Day is for the Birds.&nbsp; Literally!&nbsp; We made a delicious and beautiful treat for the birds and hung it up in the woods.&nbsp; Then we we just kept on climbing trees.&nbsp; What a fun afternoon!&nbsp; We'll go back Valentine's Day and see if the birds liked what we brought for them.&nbsp; I can hardly wait to find out! Our afternoon in Pictures: This is what we made!&nbsp; Looks beautiful on the snow! mix: real yummy fat, bird seed, flax seed, raisins Our heart shaped tin. Pack it full! Put in the freezer / or outside if it's really cold. &nbsp; All done!&nbsp; Pretty!!&nbsp; We think the birds will like it. Then we made one more thing!&nbsp; And I think this is truely the beginning of getting hooked on snow sculptures... Heart Shapes! pack in the snow - tight Hearts for the birds.&nbsp; They should see it flying over ;) &nbsp; Happy Valentines Day!! But the fun is just beginning! Nothing like pushing snow off a bridge. Check out all the fun we had in the woods! We love it! And most importantly... the birds do too. &nbsp; <a href="http://www.activekidsclub.com/fresh-air-living/equipment/outdoor-valentine-link-up.html" target="_new"> &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus This Valentine's Day is for the Birds. 

Literally! 

We made a delicious and beautiful treat for the birds and hung it up in the woods.  Then we we just kept on climbing trees.  What a fun afternoon!  We'll go back Valentine's Day and see if the birds liked what we brought for them.  I can hardly wait to find out!

Our afternoon in Pictures:

This is what we made!  Looks beautiful on the snow!

mix: real yummy fat, bird seed, flax seed, raisins

Our heart shaped tin.

Pack it full!

Put in the freezer / or outside if it's really cold.

 
All done!  Pretty!!  We think the birds will like it.

Then we made one more thing!  And I think this is truely the beginning of getting hooked on snow sculptures...

Heart Shapes!

pack in the snow - tight



Hearts for the birds.  They should see it flying over ;)
 



Happy Valentines Day!!
But the fun is just beginning!

Nothing like pushing snow off a bridge.



Check out all the fun we had in the woods!




We love it!

And most importantly... the birds do too.

 




 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:55:00 GMT 5B42AABD6723772FEF86CD2D66FA1E20 Pippi Longstocking Goes To The Circus -- Book of the Month! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1775290 I have been so excited to share this book with you this month!!!&nbsp; We have read it over and over and over. And enjoyed every word, every idea and every discussion this book has brought us.&nbsp; The pictures are lively and I really like how colourful they are -- Pippi has a lot of expressions. Yes, &quot;<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0141302437/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;creativeASIN=0141302437">Pippi Goes To The Circus&quot; by Astrid Lindgren is a real winner here at our house.&nbsp; Although this short story is only part of the whole real work of Pippi Longstocking this short book is the perfect length for your young readers to read on their own and the story is fantastic enough to keep those pages turning. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0141302437/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;creativeASIN=0141302437"> As for me, I actually never read Pippi Longstocking ever before! Sad isn't it! She is fabulous. She's a girl alive and well and ready to be our best friend!&nbsp; She's the one we can run after and play with!&nbsp; She even encourages me to go all out and embrace life as it should be -- and yes I'm all grown up -- imagine how Pippi affects our children! She's as real as Anne of Green Gables. Anne was a real live person too right? Oh I forget... good stories can get you mixed up like that. Pippi hasn't lost her curiosity or her zeal for living one bit and the best part of all is that she doesn't quite fit in with how culture brings us up to think we ought to be like. If you were stranded on an island what 2 things would you bring with you? I think I'm way too practical now being all grown up to answer with creativity but I asked the kids! Louisa:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a parachute &amp; a couple of jugs of water Oliver:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a bike &amp; a ship Sophie:&nbsp;&nbsp; a helicopter &amp; a bird Ask your kids what they would bring! And let me know because I think it can be really funny to find out what they think is important to them and if they are practical or if they are just romantics or just like certain things. Comment below and tell me what they say! =) Now let's take Pippi for example: What would she bring if she were stranded on an island? And for accuracy let's make that island our continent where we live! Pippi Brings... a little monkey &amp; a big suitcase full of gold pieces Smart girl! Thankfully her father already had a house that she could use already so I suppose it's cheating a little bit but what 2 better things do you really need here in this place anyway? About The Circus Pippi has some friends that want to take her to the circus and they try and try to explain what exactly a circus is but they have quite a time with it -- especially due to the fact that they have to pay to watch it: &quot;It costs money to look? And here I go around goggling all day long. Goodness knows how much I've goggled already!&quot; says Pippi. Once they get to the circus she plunks down one of her gold pieces and won't accept any change. Of course the three of them get the best seats in the house! But later she wonders: &quot;Does it cost money to hear too? Or can you do that for nothing?&quot; Pippi trys everything at the circus!&nbsp; Pippi is a hands on kind of kid -- I know people like that! The Best Part Pippi goes up against the World's Strongest Man!&nbsp; Oh and I so want to tell you what happened!!!&nbsp; I really really really do!&nbsp; But I always give everything away because I just love good stories so much.&nbsp; What I will tell you though is this:&nbsp; She comes upon $100 cash!&nbsp; Is that a lot of money to you?&nbsp; I thought it was at first... but Pippi being much more clever than me exclaimed: &quot;What would I want with that old piece of paper.&nbsp; Take it and use it to fry herring on if you want to.&quot; Classic. Yes boys and girls paper money is worthless -- even Pippi knows that! Pippi's suitcase of gold pieces = real money Pippi is a kid that knows when she's hungry, knows when she's tired, knows how to play, knows how to embrace the day, she's brave, and fun and well... do you know someone like that?&nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0141302437/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;creativeASIN=0141302437"> I can't wait to read more about Pippi and her adventures! Have you read Pippi Longstocking before?&nbsp; What were your favourite parts?&nbsp; What part about Pippi reminds you of you? &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus I have been so excited to share this book with you this month!!! 

We have read it over

and over

and over.

And enjoyed every word, every idea and every discussion this book has brought us.  The pictures are lively and I really like how colourful they are -- Pippi has a lot of expressions.


Yes, "Pippi Goes To The Circus" by Astrid Lindgren is a real winner here at our house.  Although this short story is only part of the whole real work of Pippi Longstocking this short book is the perfect length for your young readers to read on their own and the story is fantastic enough to keep those pages turning.



As for me, I actually never read Pippi Longstocking ever before!

 Sad isn't it!

She is fabulous. She's a girl alive and well and ready to be our best friend!  She's the one we can run after and play with!  She even encourages me to go all out and embrace life as it should be -- and yes I'm all grown up -- imagine how Pippi affects our children! She's as real as Anne of Green Gables. Anne was a real live person too right? Oh I forget... good stories can get you mixed up like that.

Pippi hasn't lost her curiosity or her zeal for living one bit and the best part of all is that she doesn't quite fit in with how culture brings us up to think we ought to be like.

If you were stranded on an island what 2 things would you bring with you?


I think I'm way too practical now being all grown up to answer with creativity but I asked the kids!

Louisa:    a parachute & a couple of jugs of water
Oliver:     a bike & a ship
Sophie:   a helicopter & a bird

Ask your kids what they would bring! And let me know because I think it can be really funny to find out what they think is important to them and if they are practical or if they are just romantics or just like certain things. Comment below and tell me what they say! =)

Now let's take Pippi for example:

What would she bring if she were stranded on an island? And for accuracy let's make that island our continent where we live!

Pippi Brings...
  • a little monkey & a big suitcase full of gold pieces

Smart girl!

Thankfully her father already had a house that she could use already so I suppose it's cheating a little bit but what 2 better things do you really need here in this place anyway?

About The Circus

Pippi has some friends that want to take her to the circus and they try and try to explain what exactly a circus is but they have quite a time with it -- especially due to the fact that they have to pay to watch it:

"It costs money to look? And here I go around goggling all day long. Goodness knows how much I've goggled already!" says Pippi.

Once they get to the circus she plunks down one of her gold pieces and won't accept any change. Of course the three of them get the best seats in the house! But later she wonders:

"Does it cost money to hear too? Or can you do that for nothing?"

Pippi trys everything at the circus!  Pippi is a hands on kind of kid -- I know people like that!

The Best Part

Pippi goes up against the World's Strongest Man!  Oh and I so want to tell you what happened!!!  I really really really do!  But I always give everything away because I just love good stories so much.  What I will tell you though is this:  She comes upon $100 cash!  Is that a lot of money to you?  I thought it was at first... but Pippi being much more clever than me exclaimed:

"What would I want with that old piece of paper.  Take it and use it to fry herring on if you want to."

Classic.

Yes boys and girls paper money is worthless -- even Pippi knows that!

Pippi's suitcase of gold pieces = real money

Pippi is a kid that knows when she's hungry,
knows when she's tired,
knows how to play,
knows how to embrace the day,
she's brave,
and fun
and well...

do you know someone like that? 




I can't wait to read more about Pippi and her adventures!

Have you read Pippi Longstocking before?  What were your favourite parts?  What part about Pippi reminds you of you?

 
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]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:00:00 GMT 2E6393F96E30F0CB9E1915C2276451F3 A New Show! vogelJoy LIVE http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1754795 Hello Blog Readers! We have something brand new for you! You can watch <a href="./livestream.cfm">here online right on our site or join us at the show in Aylmer Ontario! Want to be involved? &nbsp; You Can! No matter where you live! Be part of... <a href="http://vogeljoy.com/highflyers.cfm"> Yes, you! What? Well it's... Something fun you can do! Something fun you can have! Something fun you can share! And it's true that no matter wherever you are you too can be part of <a href="./shows.cfm">vogelJoy LIVE!&nbsp; Read all about it here on our <a href="./highflyers.cfm">vogelJoy High-flyers page!&nbsp; vogelJoy High-flyers are our biggest fans because they do all kinds of creative things and tell us about it and send things in!&nbsp; <a href="mailto:info AT vogeljoy DOT com -- you just have to fix this properly ;)">email us for our address if you want to send in artwork or other creations... After we get a bunch of entries we'll pick 2 winners for the <a href="http://vogeljoy.com/highflyers.cfm">Ultimate vogelJoy Package! And once we get 10 winners altogether we'll pick the best one to be a part of vogelJoy LIVE!&nbsp; We will give you a shout-out at the show and play your video entry at the show or perform your new verse that you wrote or dance you choreographed or show your art or whatever you created! If you live close by you are welcome to come to the show and perform it yourself! All vogelJoy LIVE shows will be <a href="./livestream.cfm">Live Streamed so everyone can enjoy them no matter where you are!&nbsp; Check <a href="./shows.cfm">showtimes, send in fun entries and share vogelJoy stuff all over! We are so excited to see what you do and we really can't wait to hear from You! Share this with kids you know and their talented parents too! See you soon at vogelJoy LIVE! <a href="./shows.cfm"> &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus Hello Blog Readers!

We have something brand new for you!

You can watch here online right on our site or join us at the show in Aylmer Ontario!

Want to be involved?   You Can! No matter where you live! Be part of...


Yes, you!


What? Well it's...
  • Something fun you can do!
  • Something fun you can have!
  • Something fun you can share!

And it's true that no matter wherever you are you too can be part of vogelJoy LIVE!  Read all about it here on our vogelJoy High-flyers page!  vogelJoy High-flyers are our biggest fans because they do all kinds of creative things and tell us about it and send things in!  email us for our address if you want to send in artwork or other creations...

After we get a bunch of entries we'll pick 2 winners for the Ultimate vogelJoy Package! And once we get 10 winners altogether we'll pick the best one to be a part of vogelJoy LIVE! 

We will give you a shout-out at the show and play your video entry at the show or perform your new verse that you wrote or dance you choreographed or show your art or whatever you created!

If you live close by you are welcome to come to the show and perform it yourself!

All vogelJoy LIVE shows will be Live Streamed so everyone can enjoy them no matter where you are! 

Check showtimes, send in fun entries and share vogelJoy stuff all over! We are so excited to see what you do and we really can't wait to hear from You!

Share this with kids you know and their talented parents too!

See you soon at vogelJoy LIVE!
 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:10:00 GMT 43EBF193D54522B48B5D6DE4C8BBB0B4 Canopy Play Tent for Sale http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1735342 <!-------------------------Header is next-----------------------> &nbsp; <!--------------TITLE COMES NEXT--------------->Children's Play Canopy Tent &nbsp; Purchase this tent @ $198 (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85014167/canopy-play-tent-playhouse-childrens?ref=af_shop_favitem">as listed on etsy) or <a href="mailto:info AT vogeljoy DOT com (fix address as needed)">email me to Make An Offer! Share this with all your friends and I'm sure someone would love to make an offer for this beautiful tent! I can't wait to get on with making the next one! =) If you live close by you can save the shipping and I will deliver it right to you of course! <a href="mailto:info@vogeljoy.com">Email me if you would like to know the lowest offer.... &nbsp; <!--------------PICTURES COME NEXT-------------><!------------Copy and past from the < to the > as many times as you like------------------> ~ in the nursery or playroom - here it is put up on stand but also easily hung from the ceiling: ~ front decorations: &nbsp; ~ the roof: ~ side view of roof with tie: ~ finished inside of roof -- fastened with buttons and tabs around a large hula hoop for easy set up or take down -- Pretty to lay down inside and look up =) : &nbsp; <!----------------DESCRIPTION COMES NEXT!----------------> &nbsp;Every child craves for a pretty place to play. Somewhere to read, hide out, or listen to good music ;) Now enjoy a tent fully and completely made! Fabric: Constructed with great care and imagination with 100% cotton (and using the pattern that I also have for sale in my store: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81271701/canopy-play-tent-pattern-playhouse">http://www.etsy.com/listing/81271701/canopy-play-tent-pattern-playhouse ). This tent is finished on the inside and the outside and is beautiful to look at when you're lying down inside. Structure &amp; Assembly &amp; Care: This tent as pictured in the pictures has been put up approximately 8 feet tall. It may be hung lower if you want the effect of extra fabric on the floor or to hang over a bed or couple chairs - whatever the play requires :) The hula hoop is not included with the order as I imagine that it is difficult to ship a large hula hoop and that you can easily find a large hula hoop at a store near you - even at the dollar store! You need a large hula hoop which is approximately 35&quot; in diameter. The six colourful straps and buttons make this tent easy to put in the hula hoop.and easy to remove from the tent for washing. Wash with Cold Water and Hang to Dry for best results. Ironing or steaming is welcome. How to Put It Up: This canopy tent can be hung outdoors when it's nice or indoors to make a bedroom or playroom full of fun and enchanting play times. You can tie it up with the red and white striped fabric that you see in picture 3. In picture 1 you can see that it is not tied to the ceiling but is actually on a microphone stand in order to be free standing. My Favourite Thing: When children make snowflakes or stars or hang things they made from the inside of the tent hanging down - just like in the movie 'The Holiday'! I love that! =D The more your children dress it up the more they will just love it and make it their own. QUESTIONS: Please ask :) FINI: And now my friends you're on your way to have the place you need to listen to good music, make up fun adventures up and even just relax.<a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/110812855494?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&amp;_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649"> Be sure to follow us on <a target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/vogeljoy">facebook, <a target="_new" href="http://www.twitter.com/vogeljoy">twitter, subscribe to us on <a target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=vogeljoy">youtube and sign up for our fun <a target="_new" href="./home.cfm">newsletter!&nbsp; Sharing our music, our website and links with your friends and family and signing up and subscribing is the best support our band can have from our fans! /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus

 

Children's Play Canopy Tent

 

Purchase this tent @ $198 (as listed on etsy) or email me to Make An Offer!

Share this with all your friends and I'm sure someone would love to make an offer for this beautiful tent! I can't wait to get on with making the next one! =)

If you live close by you can save the shipping and I will deliver it right to you of course!
Email me if you would like to know the lowest offer....

 



~ in the nursery or playroom - here it is put up on stand but also easily hung from the ceiling:



~ front decorations:

 

~ the roof:



~ side view of roof with tie:



~ finished inside of roof -- fastened with buttons and tabs around a large hula hoop for easy set up or take down -- Pretty to lay down inside and look up =) :



 




 Every child craves for a pretty place to play. Somewhere to read, hide out, or listen to good music ;) Now enjoy a tent fully and completely made!

Fabric:

Constructed with great care and imagination with 100% cotton (and using the pattern that I also have for sale in my store: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81271701/canopy-play-tent-pattern-playhouse ).

This tent is finished on the inside and the outside and is beautiful to look at when you're lying down inside.

Structure & Assembly & Care:

This tent as pictured in the pictures has been put up approximately 8 feet tall. It may be hung lower if you want the effect of extra fabric on the floor or to hang over a bed or couple chairs - whatever the play requires :)

The hula hoop is not included with the order as I imagine that it is difficult to ship a large hula hoop and that you can easily find a large hula hoop at a store near you - even at the dollar store! You need a large hula hoop which is approximately 35" in diameter.

The six colourful straps and buttons make this tent easy to put in the hula hoop.and easy to remove from the tent for washing. Wash with Cold Water and Hang to Dry for best results. Ironing or steaming is welcome.

How to Put It Up:

This canopy tent can be hung outdoors when it's nice or indoors to make a bedroom or playroom full of fun and enchanting play times. You can tie it up with the red and white striped fabric that you see in picture 3. In picture 1 you can see that it is not tied to the ceiling but is actually on a microphone stand in order to be free standing.

My Favourite Thing:

When children make snowflakes or stars or hang things they made from the inside of the tent hanging down - just like in the movie 'The Holiday'!



I love that! =D The more your children dress it up the more they will just love it and make it their own.

QUESTIONS:

Please ask :)

FINI:

And now my friends you're on your way to have the place you need to listen to good music, make up fun adventures up and even just relax.


Be sure to follow us on facebook, twitter, subscribe to us on youtube and sign up for our fun newsletter!  Sharing our music, our website and links with your friends and family and signing up and subscribing is the best support our band can have from our fans!

blog comments powered by Disqus
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMT 79BC51995E06996FEF993DC75E4F49AC Snowglobes! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1615199 Yes, you can make your own snowglobe!&nbsp; It's infinitely more exciting than just buying one at the store.&nbsp; And if you are very creative you can create such fancy scenes!&nbsp; Also you could add fancy sparkles like tiny snowflake sparkles and different colours and designs.&nbsp; We made a very simple one for our first try but it was so easy and fun we can't wait to try another! We used a glue gun for this project because they are easy and fun but perhaps if you are assisting your kids with this project you could try crazy glue for the crafts longevity. What you need: a baby jar an ornament or two glue and glue gun stiff foam or something to raise up the ornament a bit inside the jar sparkles water This is how you make your very own snowglobe: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Glue a riser together to raise the ornament up inside the snowglobe.&nbsp; We used thin pieces of foam packaging and glued them together until we had the height we liked. ***** tip!&nbsp; Make sure the glue gun is barely hot or it melts right through the foam.&nbsp; We had ours unplugged actually. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; The glue the riser onto the underside of the baby jar lid. Press firmly! 3.&nbsp;&nbsp; Glue the ornament to the riser. Cute! 4.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let the glue dry and cool.&nbsp; Fill up the jar with water and add sparkles. 5.&nbsp;&nbsp; Then put the lid on the jar and tighten it up nicely. 6. Finished!&nbsp; 7.&nbsp; Shake, enjoy and repeat =)&nbsp; Using a baby jar does make these snowglobes much more durable than the ones you generally buy but it is still glass so take care.&nbsp; Let's see your beautiful snowglobe creations!&nbsp; I bet you can make something very fun and sparkly! .Kimberly /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus Yes, you can make your own snowglobe! 

It's infinitely more exciting than just buying one at the store.  And if you are very creative you can create such fancy scenes!  Also you could add fancy sparkles like tiny snowflake sparkles and different colours and designs.  We made a very simple one for our first try but it was so easy and fun we can't wait to try another!



We used a glue gun for this project because they are easy and fun but perhaps if you are assisting your kids with this project you could try crazy glue for the crafts longevity.

What you need:
  • a baby jar
  • an ornament or two
  • glue and glue gun
  • stiff foam or something to raise up the ornament a bit inside the jar
  • sparkles
  • water
This is how you make your very own snowglobe:

1.   Glue a riser together to raise the ornament up inside the snowglobe.  We used thin pieces of foam packaging and glued them together until we had the height we liked.

***** tip!  Make sure the glue gun is barely hot or it melts right through the foam.  We had ours unplugged actually.



2.   The glue the riser onto the underside of the baby jar lid.


Press firmly!


3.   Glue the ornament to the riser.



Cute!



4.   Let the glue dry and cool.  Fill up the jar with water and add sparkles.



5.   Then put the lid on the jar and tighten it up nicely.




6. Finished! 



7.  Shake, enjoy and repeat =)  Using a baby jar does make these snowglobes much more durable than the ones you generally buy but it is still glass so take care. 

Let's see your beautiful snowglobe creations!  I bet you can make something very fun and sparkly!




.Kimberly
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:15:00 GMT 213145F1932BB3202EF81CAA25A2E538 D is for December & Decided -- on The Nutcracker that is... http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1595112 We did it!&nbsp; We read through many Nutcracker story books and have come to a unanimous desicion on our top 3 choices!&nbsp; I'm not sure why 2 out of 3 kids have something in their eye but they are listening intently anyway =) Here they are! 3... 2... 1... 3. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0735817340/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0735817340" target="_blank"> Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann Retold by Susanne Koppe This book strives to remain true to the original telling of Hoffmann's Nutcracker --&nbsp; not as we might know it from the ballet.&nbsp; I like that Suzanne encourages us to read the original text - which I can hardly wait to do!&nbsp; It was a real treat to discover what inspired so many artists to translate the story, create the music and the dances -- all to bring this story to life for so many people.&nbsp; We were all captivated for the whole sitting!&nbsp; The kids really liked the artwork -- especially the mice all over the inside covers! &nbsp; 2. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/088776696X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=088776696X" target="_blank"> The Nutcracker by Karen Kain We really loved the artwork in this storybook!&nbsp; It is really vibrant, rich and colourful.&nbsp; You can guess this story is much more familiar than the first book we read above -- it's based upon The Nutcracker ballet!&nbsp; And who better to tell it than a ballerina herself!&nbsp; We all really enjoyed the telling of this story very much and feel that we know what is going on in the ballet much better now.&nbsp; I heard many, &quot;Oh! That's what was happening!&quot; exclaimations ;)&nbsp; It's an easy book to pick up and read again and again. 1. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0060743867/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0060743867" target="_blank"> The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers This is our number one choice! Although I'm sort of surprised by my choice -- This is the one!&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Because it's December and days are full and do we always have time or desire to read a full and longer version of the story? Nope!&nbsp; This story book is short and sweet and you still get to have the satisfaction of fitting in a cultured story in the day just before bed ;)&nbsp; The artwork is very very pretty and lively with lots of detail that keeps those busy eyes glued to the page as you read the short paragraph on each page.&nbsp; We enjoyed this story book very much but think that when you do have time you should still be sure to read a more detailed translation of the story.&nbsp; It's a very good book though and the perfect length for those crazy busy pre-Christmas days. Whichever Nutcracker Storybook you choose this Holiday Season we are sure you will enjoy it! Afterwards it's always fun to paint your own pictures about the Nutcracker.&nbsp; Be creative and think of your favourite part in the story... The growing Christmas Tree!&nbsp; Aren't dreams funny things? Finished!&nbsp; I like it =) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ok... I got commisioned to paint the Nutcracker and Christmas Tree but I had to be persistent that the Nutcracker was not to be painted over. =) &nbsp; And lots of art altogether!&nbsp; Great job! We hope you have fun reading the Nutcracker this Christmas Season too! --Kimberly Oh and stay tuned for our own little Nutcracker video to come!&nbsp; We can't wait to show you! /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus

I'm not sure why 2 out of 3 kids have something in their eye but they are listening intently anyway =)

Here they are! 3... 2... 1...

3.

Nutcracker
by
E.T.A. Hoffmann
Retold by
Susanne Koppe

This book strives to remain true to the original telling of Hoffmann's Nutcracker --  not as we might know it from the ballet.  I like that Suzanne encourages us to read the original text - which I can hardly wait to do! 

It was a real treat to discover what inspired so many artists to translate the story, create the music and the dances -- all to bring this story to life for so many people. 

We were all captivated for the whole sitting! 

The kids really liked the artwork -- especially the mice all over the inside covers!

 

2.

The Nutcracker
by Karen Kain

We really loved the artwork in this storybook!  It is really vibrant, rich and colourful. 

You can guess this story is much more familiar than the first book we read above -- it's based upon The Nutcracker ballet!  And who better to tell it than a ballerina herself! 

We all really enjoyed the telling of this story very much and feel that we know what is going on in the ballet much better now. 

I heard many, "Oh! That's what was happening!" exclaimations ;) 

It's an easy book to pick up and read again and again.

1.

The Nutcracker
by Susan Jeffers

This is our number one choice! Although I'm sort of surprised by my choice -- This is the one! 

Why? 
Because it's December and days are full and do we always have time or desire to read a full and longer version of the story? Nope!  This story book is short and sweet and you still get to have the satisfaction of fitting in a cultured story in the day just before bed ;) 

The artwork is very very pretty and lively with lots of detail that keeps those busy eyes glued to the page as you read the short paragraph on each page. 

We enjoyed this story book very much but think that when you do have time you should still be sure to read a more detailed translation of the story.  It's a very good book though and the perfect length for those crazy busy pre-Christmas days.

Whichever Nutcracker Storybook you choose this Holiday Season we are sure you will enjoy it!

Afterwards it's always fun to paint your own pictures about the Nutcracker.  Be creative and think of your favourite part in the story...







The growing Christmas Tree!  Aren't dreams funny things?



Finished!  I like it =)


 
 

 
Ok... I got commisioned to paint the Nutcracker and Christmas Tree but I had to be persistent that the Nutcracker was not to be painted over. =)
 


And lots of art altogether!  Great job!



We hope you have fun reading the Nutcracker this Christmas Season too!

--Kimberly

Oh and stay tuned for our own little Nutcracker video to come!  We can't wait to show you!

blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:55:00 GMT 000F1246B0BB2DA34EB5738A42B581CC N is for November & Nutcracker : Our Book Of The Month http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1518616 This is the perfect kind of month to get into the Holiday Spirit by reading The Nutcracker.&nbsp; We are really looking forward to getting into this classic story this month.&nbsp; Did you know that there are a variety of different storybooks all about The Nutcracker?&nbsp; This has made it really difficult to decide on which exact book to choose!&nbsp; And so we've ordered a lot of them!&nbsp; After we have read through our choices we will pick which one is our favourite and tell you all about it!&nbsp; Why are there so many versions of The Nutcracker story anyway? Well, the original story was written in 1816 by E. T. A. Hoffmann and named, &quot;Nussknacker und Mausek&ouml;nig&quot;.&nbsp; It was originally written in German and translated the title is: &quot;The Nutcracker and the Mouse King&quot;.&nbsp; So many people have enjoying this enchanting story that they have translated it into many different languages so many more people could enjoy the tale!&nbsp; Have you seen The Nutcracker Ballet? One of the first adaptations of the story was into French with the title, &quot;Histoire d'un casse-noisette&quot; by Alexandre Dumas p&egrave;re in 1844.&nbsp; This is the version of the story that we are all most familiar with -- it is the story from which the ballet was created!&nbsp; One of the differences between this story and the ballet is that in the ballet Marie Stahlbaum's name is changed to Clara Staulbahm.&nbsp; I'm not sure why her name was changed but I am going to guess that since Alexandre Dumas p&egrave;re adapted the story by taking out some darker elements that perhaps changing the name from Maria meaning &quot;Bitter&quot; to the name Clara meaning &quot;Light&quot; was one of his ways of brightening the story.&nbsp; (Yes, I am very much into baby name meanings!&nbsp; I've spent many hours reading those baby name books!)&nbsp; Howver, don't take my word for it - I've never read nor studied The Nutcracker yet! Tchaikovsky composed the music of The Nutcracker Ballet that premiered in 1892.&nbsp; At first it really wasn't a big success -- but isn't that the truth with a lot of great ideas and great art? &nbsp; But now of course The Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas Season!&nbsp; It's a story we enjoy reading to our kids and music that we have playing through the house every year.&nbsp; And dancing?&nbsp; Of course!&nbsp; You can't listen to this great music without dancing!&nbsp; With such a great story and with so many people of different languages wanting to hear it and then adding great music and dancing... that must be why there are so many different books and so many colourful pictures and art about The Nutcracker, don't you think? All that is left is for us to read the book, see the ballet and experience the music!&nbsp; Which Nutcracker book do you enjoy the most?&nbsp; We will be right back with another post with which story we loved the most and some fun craft ideas and art of our own!&nbsp; We'd love to see your art too!&nbsp; Send us a picture you painted or a video of your dance to the Nutcracker!&nbsp; Most of all enjoy reading this fantastic story and taking part in a Christmas Holiday tradition from all over the world. Have you read The Nutcraker before? Which book of The Nutcracker story was your favourite? These are some of the versions of the story that we are going to read! <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0143104837/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0143104837"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/088776696X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=088776696X"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1587172542/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=1587172542"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0394881788/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0394881788"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0060743867/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0060743867"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0735817340/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0735817340"> Let's go to the show! Of course we all must go out and see the ballet!&nbsp; There are tonnes of DVDs out of the ballet so you can even watch it at home =)&nbsp; But if you would like to go to the ballet and watch one live be sure to go!&nbsp; It is always a great experience to go to a live show.&nbsp; And best of all is if you get to be part of the show!&nbsp; If you are in The Nutcracker this year be sure to tell me about it!&nbsp; I am so excited for you!!&nbsp; If I can I want to come see your performance! Around here <a href="http://www.balletjorgen.ca/index.cfm?pagepath=&amp;id=10199" target="_new">Ballet Jorgen Canada has fantastic performances of The Nutcracker all throughout the country.&nbsp; Be sure to check them out!&nbsp; I really like Ballet Jorgen because they have local young dancers participate in the production!&nbsp; It is a really fantastic oppourtunity for the kids to gain real experience with professional dancers and artists.&nbsp; And the best part is seeing children from your town part of the show!&nbsp; This year you can also see The Bolshoi Ballet of Moscow perform the ballet LIVE at the <a href="http://www.cineplex.com/Movies/MovieDetails/The-Nutcracker-Bolshoi-Ballet-Live.aspx" target="_new">movie theatre!&nbsp; Yes LIVE Streaming!! Don't miss it!&nbsp; We did this 2 years ago with our children and it was a great idea.&nbsp; You get the best view, the great feeling of being a a live performance and with young children not the stress of the theatre at the actual ballet.&nbsp; You can be more relaxed if the little children are a bit noisey or need a snack or drink during the show -- it's the way to go with really little kids =) The music of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is so familiar and fun that it has inspired many people to be creative.&nbsp; And of course I have to share with you <a href="http://www.vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=591625">Sharon, Lois and Bram's version of this great music.&nbsp; The lyrics are very fun! =) I'm really looking forward to getting into The Nutcracker when the books are here!&nbsp; I'm also excited about the crafts and the music!&nbsp; <a href="http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1595112">Next post I'll tell you all about it! Enjoy this Book of the Month and the Music!&nbsp; See You Soon! .Kimberly
Why are there so many versions of The Nutcracker story anyway?

Well, the original story was written in 1816 by E. T. A. Hoffmann and named, "Nussknacker und Mausekönig".  It was originally written in German and translated the title is: "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King".  So many people have enjoying this enchanting story that they have translated it into many different languages so many more people could enjoy the tale! 

Have you seen The Nutcracker Ballet?


One of the first adaptations of the story was into French with the title, "Histoire d'un casse-noisette" by Alexandre Dumas père in 1844.  This is the version of the story that we are all most familiar with -- it is the story from which the ballet was created!  One of the differences between this story and the ballet is that in the ballet Marie Stahlbaum's name is changed to Clara Staulbahm.  I'm not sure why her name was changed but I am going to guess that since Alexandre Dumas père adapted the story by taking out some darker elements that perhaps changing the name from Maria meaning "Bitter" to the name Clara meaning "Light" was one of his ways of brightening the story.  (Yes, I am very much into baby name meanings!  I've spent many hours reading those baby name books!)  Howver, don't take my word for it - I've never read nor studied The Nutcracker yet!

Tchaikovsky composed the music of The Nutcracker Ballet that premiered in 1892.  At first it really wasn't a big success -- but isn't that the truth with a lot of great ideas and great art?   But now of course The Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas Season!  It's a story we enjoy reading to our kids and music that we have playing through the house every year.  And dancing?  Of course!  You can't listen to this great music without dancing! 

With such a great story and with so many people of different languages wanting to hear it and then adding great music and dancing... that must be why there are so many different books and so many colourful pictures and art about The Nutcracker, don't you think?

All that is left is for us to read the book, see the ballet and experience the music!  Which Nutcracker book do you enjoy the most?  We will be right back with another post with which story we loved the most and some fun craft ideas and art of our own!  We'd love to see your art too!  Send us a picture you painted or a video of your dance to the Nutcracker!  Most of all enjoy reading this fantastic story and taking part in a Christmas Holiday tradition from all over the world.


Have you read The Nutcraker before? Which book of The Nutcracker story was your favourite?
These are some of the versions of the story that we are going to read!


Let's go to the show!

Of course we all must go out and see the ballet!  There are tonnes of DVDs out of the ballet so you can even watch it at home =)  But if you would like to go to the ballet and watch one live be sure to go!  It is always a great experience to go to a live show.  And best of all is if you get to be part of the show!  If you are in The Nutcracker this year be sure to tell me about it!  I am so excited for you!!  If I can I want to come see your performance!

Around here Ballet Jorgen Canada has fantastic performances of The Nutcracker all throughout the country.  Be sure to check them out!  I really like Ballet Jorgen because they have local young dancers participate in the production!  It is a really fantastic oppourtunity for the kids to gain real experience with professional dancers and artists.  And the best part is seeing children from your town part of the show! 

This year you can also see The Bolshoi Ballet of Moscow perform the ballet LIVE at the movie theatre!  Yes LIVE Streaming!! Don't miss it!  We did this 2 years ago with our children and it was a great idea.  You get the best view, the great feeling of being a a live performance and with young children not the stress of the theatre at the actual ballet.  You can be more relaxed if the little children are a bit noisey or need a snack or drink during the show -- it's the way to go with really little kids =)


The music of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is so familiar and fun that it has inspired many people to be creative.  And of course I have to share with you Sharon, Lois and Bram's version of this great music.  The lyrics are very fun! =)


I'm really looking forward to getting into The Nutcracker when the books are here!  I'm also excited about the crafts and the music!  Next post I'll tell you all about it!

Enjoy this Book of the Month and the Music! 
See You Soon!

.Kimberly

]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:35:00 GMT 31D753E3CD2C7708CBCA937E769FB2AA Playing In The Woods http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1513113 Have you ever spent nearly the whole day outside in the woods?&nbsp; We did -- more than once on these warm Fall Days!&nbsp; It is SO fun!&nbsp; Let's Go! There's nothing like a wooded ravine. Louisa, Oliver &amp; Sophie went out all day and decided to make forts.&nbsp; They even got the Christmas tree saw to cut sticks and branches!&nbsp; They had their own rope and twine and old sheets and they were set!&nbsp; Literally the fun lasted hours and hours. Here is the structure they made for their fort: And after finding and sawing and carrying and building here is what they turned out like!&nbsp; They made a little town. Warm Fall days have so much for the imagination and all the senses.&nbsp; Take advantage of them :) Louisa made a video to show you how they made their forts!&nbsp; When you play out in the woods all day next time tell us what you made and what fun you had!&nbsp; Do you think you could really swing on those huge grape vines out there?&nbsp; I really think I'll give it a try next time.&nbsp; I'll let you know how it turns out ;) Bye! See You Next Time! /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus
Let's Go!



There's nothing like a wooded ravine.




Louisa, Oliver & Sophie went out all day and decided to make forts.  They even got the Christmas tree saw to cut sticks and branches!  They had their own rope and twine and old sheets and they were set!  Literally the fun lasted hours and hours.

Here is the structure they made for their fort:



And after finding and sawing and carrying and building here is what they turned out like!  They made a little town.





Warm Fall days have so much for the imagination and all the senses.  Take advantage of them :)

Louisa made a video to show you how they made their forts!  When you play out in the woods all day next time tell us what you made and what fun you had!  Do you think you could really swing on those huge grape vines out there?  I really think I'll give it a try next time.  I'll let you know how it turns out ;)



Bye!




See You Next Time!

blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:55:00 GMT C34D17904C24D1E2092ECE5B65160379 A Scat Singing Book of the Month http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1407178 Budum didi Budum didi Budum dudeoom dudeoom di didi Those are the lyrics to my favourite song.&nbsp; Ella Fitzgerald's Airmail Special! &nbsp; That Everyone is the song that has hooked me completely as a scat loving jazz fan.&nbsp; I am determined to learn this song.&nbsp; It just sounds like a lot of fun to sing.&nbsp; Bubbles, lots of energy and excitment whirl around whenever I play this song.&nbsp; I just can't help myself. Jazz is one of those wondrous musical genres that makes a regular song or nursery rhyme even better because it's got you in it!&nbsp; Look at the nursery rhyme A Tisket A Tasket: A-tisket a-tasket A green and yellow basket I wrote a letter to my love And on the way I dropped it, I dropped it, I dropped it, And on the way I dropped it. A little boy he picked it up and put it in his pocket. Lots of kids say this nursery rhyme all the time and somewhere everyday -- probably you even remember singing it in a circle <a target="_new" href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&amp;q=cache:xs-56WliGzIJ:kristinhall.org/songbook/CircleGames/ATisketATasket.pdf+tisket+tasket+game&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=ca&amp;pid=bl&amp;srcid=ADGEESieMqaCQJeY8s4jPUqWz-hmHF34X7Nyc2d2vRITGkZB1oYHp5F7A28KAZQFrUAp6-tXlFXbAYqFMAh3eVeWEnEBXYv68hjUL0aClsdDgFNz9KrQhUHpZukKokYriTMsyTq09mb7&amp;sig=AHIEtbRBLrzPAa_hPOsWyQJCgU7kf6oO3w&amp;pli=1">with that little game that goes with it but have a listen to what Ella did to it: She made it all her own -- took something familiar and added her special touch.&nbsp; That's jazz. But what is Jazz? Well of course Bill Cosby can tell you all about it -- he's a big fan!&nbsp; Here's how he teaches Olivia all about it: Now what you did just naturally was you put some jazz in it.&nbsp; When you went _____&nbsp; That was it!&nbsp; Now let me show you ... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEzXuwatShY&amp;t=6m50s" target="_new">Watch this ciip from 6:50: Pop Pop buddum bum Da Weasel :) Now that's not so hard!&nbsp; It looks and feels like a tonne of fun!&nbsp; Ella Fitzgerald photo from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/232829456/" target="_new">Pinterest Ella Fitzgerald is a joy to listen to!&nbsp; Let's dig into this month's book and find out all about her!&nbsp; In the children's book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0786814160/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0786814160" target="_blank">Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa&nbsp; there are all sorts of interesting things to discover!&nbsp; Scat Cat Monroe narrates the story to us and if you are lucky enough to find the read-a-long version you can enjoy sound effects of the period and of course Ella's music too! By the way, Did you know Ella first wanted to be a dancer?&nbsp; It's true!&nbsp; That was what she dreamed of becoming. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0786814160/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=vogeljoy-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=390961&amp;creativeASIN=0786814160" target="_blank"> &nbsp;&quot;Ella had her heart set on pretty-stepin her way to fame -- and she didn't need a dance school to do it.&nbsp; She taught herself to tap-dance. &quot;Determination was her teacher. &quot;The sidewalk was her stage. &quot;Imagination was her spotlight. &quot;In time, Ella and her friends took to performing on street corners.&nbsp; When Ella's neighbors saw her go, they told Ella to strut her shuffle in Harlem.&nbsp; To take her hoofin' to New York -- the big city&quot; &nbsp; And she did!&nbsp; But do you know what happened?&nbsp; Well I don't want to give it away but she ended up doing what came natural - she sang!&nbsp; And are we ever glad she did. That is how it all began for Ella the Queen of Scat. from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/308574742/" target="_new">Pinterest &nbsp; The pictures in the book are much like the painting of Ella above.&nbsp; Really vibrant, colourful and lively.&nbsp; The pictures are based on the art of painter Aaron Douglas who was a Harlem Renaissance Artist at the time. We think you will love this book and Ella Fitzgerald the singer as much as we do!&nbsp; Leave a comment about the book or <a href="./chatter.cfm">come on over and share on chatter!&nbsp; Happy Reading and Happy Scatting! &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus
Budum didi Budum didi Budum dudeoom dudeoom di didi
Those are the lyrics to my favourite song.  Ella Fitzgerald's Airmail Special!  



That Everyone is the song that has hooked me completely as a scat loving jazz fan.  I am determined to learn this song.  It just sounds like a lot of fun to sing.  Bubbles, lots of energy and excitment whirl around whenever I play this song.  I just can't help myself.

Jazz is one of those wondrous musical genres that makes a regular song or nursery rhyme even better because it's got you in it!  Look at the nursery rhyme A Tisket A Tasket:

A-tisket a-tasket
A green and yellow basket
I wrote a letter to my love
And on the way I dropped it,
I dropped it, I dropped it,
And on the way I dropped it.
A little boy he picked it up and put it in his pocket.

Lots of kids say this nursery rhyme all the time and somewhere everyday -- probably you even remember singing it in a circle with that little game that goes with it but have a listen to what Ella did to it:



She made it all her own -- took something familiar and added her special touch.  That's jazz.

But what is Jazz?

Well of course Bill Cosby can tell you all about it -- he's a big fan!  Here's how he teaches Olivia all about it:

Now what you did just naturally was you put some jazz in it.  When you went _____  That was it!  Now let me show you ...

Watch this ciip from 6:50:


Pop Pop buddum bum Da Weasel :)

Now that's not so hard!  It looks and feels like a tonne of fun! 

Ella Fitzgerald photo
from Pinterest

Ella Fitzgerald is a joy to listen to!  Let's dig into this month's book and find out all about her!  In the children's book Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa  there are all sorts of interesting things to discover!  Scat Cat Monroe narrates the story to us and if you are lucky enough to find the read-a-long version you can enjoy sound effects of the period and of course Ella's music too!

By the way, Did you know Ella first wanted to be a dancer?  It's true!  That was what she dreamed of becoming.

 "Ella had her heart set on pretty-stepin her way to fame -- and she didn't need a dance school to do it.  She taught herself to tap-dance.

"Determination was her teacher.
"The sidewalk was her stage.
"Imagination was her spotlight.

"In time, Ella and her friends took to performing on street corners.  When Ella's neighbors saw her go, they told Ella to strut her shuffle in Harlem.  To take her hoofin' to New York -- the big city"
 

And she did!  But do you know what happened?  Well I don't want to give it away but she ended up doing what came natural - she sang!  And are we ever glad she did.

That is how it all began for Ella the Queen of Scat.

 

The pictures in the book are much like the painting of Ella above.  Really vibrant, colourful and lively.  The pictures are based on the art of painter Aaron Douglas who was a Harlem Renaissance Artist at the time.

We think you will love this book and Ella Fitzgerald the singer as much as we do! 

Leave a comment about the book or come on over and share on chatter!  Happy Reading and Happy Scatting!

 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:20:00 GMT F3076F5DCC2112843BFC4F701AEEBCFC Hot Cup Of Cocoa Mix for Everyone in the Choir http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1376232 You heard right!&nbsp; We have the recipe you need for your very own Hot Cup Of Cocoa -- You take the music and add your own milk :)&nbsp; picture: <a target="_new" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/205414037/">Pinterest This song is one of our very favourites.&nbsp; Many school choirs and children's choirs enjoy singing this song.&nbsp; Most often you even get to wear a scarf and make up your own actions!&nbsp; This classic winter song is so fun to sing and so fun to listen to -- it brings smiles to everyones face. So let's see... what do we need for a good Hot Cup Of Cocoa? A good Mix and lots of happy voices -- that's you! (And try some coconut milk too in your hot chocolate this year, it's very good!) <a target="_new" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/204944572/">picture: Pinterest The track download is available <a href="./store.cfm">here in our shop and also includes full lyrics and guitar chords in PDF format.&nbsp; The Hot Cup Of Cocoa Karaoke Accompaniment track will also be appearing on iTunes, CDBaby and a few other sites in the next few weeks. <a href="./store.cfm"> Enjoy singing this happy song and have a good winter everybody! <a href="./store.cfm">Download Hot Cup Of Cocoa &nbsp; &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus
picture: Pinterest

This song is one of our very favourites.  Many school choirs and children's choirs enjoy singing this song.  Most often you even get to wear a scarf and make up your own actions!  This classic winter song is so fun to sing and so fun to listen to -- it brings smiles to everyones face.




So let's see... what do we need for a good Hot Cup Of Cocoa?

A good Mix and lots of happy voices -- that's you!

(And try some coconut milk too in your hot chocolate this year, it's very good!)


The track download is available here in our shop and also includes full lyrics and guitar chords in PDF format.  The Hot Cup Of Cocoa Karaoke Accompaniment track will also be appearing on iTunes, CDBaby and a few other sites in the next few weeks.


Enjoy singing this happy song and have a good winter everybody!







 
 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:30:00 GMT D87F9B6151CEF739CD325B3FE1614F1A The Single Story: Missing In The Corn Maze http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1375258 You know when your kids finally go to bed and you have time to do a few things?&nbsp; Or actually when you're waiting for them to go to sleep and you're sitting in the hall -- just -- waiting?&nbsp; In that time you could write lyrics for a song!&nbsp; Why not right?&nbsp; In fact that's what Janine from <a target="_new" href="http://www.belmontcornmaze.net">The Belmont Corn Maze did!&nbsp; And that is the beginning of our song: Late nights, <a href="http://www.vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1051177">planning, <a href="http://www.vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1051173">playing, <a href="http://www.vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1068235">planting and <a href="http://www.vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&amp;postid=1132330">rototilling is all part of the fun when your family is into making adventurous ideas and experiences come alive.&nbsp; I think that is one reason why it's been so exciting to be a part of the maze this year.&nbsp; We're two families making something fun that we can't wait to share with your family too!&nbsp; The neat part is that even our kids get to learn from the experience.&nbsp; Juniour Corn Cop is a pretty exciting job and the first position when you get to start helping with the maze.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; And singing on stage and laughing with other people is a great talent to cultivate too.&nbsp; If you live near Belmont come on out this Fall!&nbsp; There is a lot of fun things for everyone to do there. <a href="http://www.belmontcornmaze.net" target="_new"> All of our work (well fun, this is too fun to be called work) is rolled up into a song and a fun season at the maze!&nbsp; Saturday October 1 we had sunshine!&nbsp; It was windy but it was sunny and we had two shows at the maze that day with a wagon for the stage. picture turned painting of our concert at the corn maze! Thanks for coming everyone! We sang our new single: Missing In The Corn Maze quite a few times and do you know what?&nbsp; The audience knew it already pretty well!&nbsp; A fun bunch of singers!&nbsp; Thanks for watching our music video!&nbsp; You never know who will be singing this song in a corn maze next.&nbsp; Be on the lookout for Missing In The Corn Maze on<a target="_new" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/missing-in-corn-maze-single/id472091446"> iTunes and <a target="_new" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vogeljoy2">CDBaby -- but visit our <a href="./store.cfm">shop to download the song where you will also get lyrics and guitar chords along with your purchase -- it's the best! =D&nbsp; Make our new single part of your music collection. &nbsp; <a href="./store.cfm"> Missing In The Corn Maze Single Release So wherever you are and wherever you're from Go play and get lost and have lots of fun! Somewhere out there is a corn maze near you, And we hope your family has as much fun as we do. &nbsp; Ahhh! vogelJoy is lost in the Maze -- Can you find us? &nbsp; Clips from our Very Fun and Very Windy show October 1 at the Corn Maze: P.S.&nbsp; Thanks for reading! And yes, I use a lot of exclamation marks. ;) /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus
In that time you could write lyrics for a song!  Why not right?  In fact that's what Janine from The Belmont Corn Maze did!  And that is the beginning of our song:



Late nights, planning, playing, planting and rototilling is all part of the fun when your family is into making adventurous ideas and experiences come alive.  I think that is one reason why it's been so exciting to be a part of the maze this year.  We're two families making something fun that we can't wait to share with your family too!  The neat part is that even our kids get to learn from the experience.  Juniour Corn Cop is a pretty exciting job and the first position when you get to start helping with the maze.  :)  And singing on stage and laughing with other people is a great talent to cultivate too. 

If you live near Belmont come on out this Fall!  There is a lot of fun things for everyone to do there.

All of our work (well fun, this is too fun to be called work) is rolled up into a song and a fun season at the maze!  Saturday October 1 we had sunshine!  It was windy but it was sunny and we had two shows at the maze that day with a wagon for the stage.

picture turned painting of our concert at the corn maze!
Thanks for coming everyone!

We sang our new single: Missing In The Corn Maze quite a few times and do you know what?  The audience knew it already pretty well!  A fun bunch of singers!  Thanks for watching our music video!  You never know who will be singing this song in a corn maze next.  Be on the lookout for Missing In The Corn Maze on iTunes and CDBaby -- but visit our shop to download the song where you will also get lyrics and guitar chords along with your purchase -- it's the best! =D  Make our new single part of your music collection.

 
Missing In The Corn Maze Single Release


So wherever you are and wherever you're from
Go play and get lost and have lots of fun!
Somewhere out there is a corn maze near you,
And we hope your family has as much fun as we do.
 
Ahhh! vogelJoy is lost in the Maze -- Can you find us?

 

Clips from our Very Fun and Very Windy show October 1 at the Corn Maze:



P.S.  Thanks for reading! And yes, I use a lot of exclamation marks. ;)
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2011 02:35:00 GMT 3A82BEB74AD86DAEC499DAC32739EA15 Marbles! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1369805 Do you ever wonder what you can do when it's raining too?&nbsp; Well, after you've ran all around outside and gotten all wet with all that puddle jumping there is something you can do inside! How do you play you say?&nbsp; Well we used to have no idea either but a little google search and a trip to the dollar store to get marbles and string and we were ready to go! my marbles action shot -- pretty quick with the camera huh? ;) Here are a few instructions so you can play!&nbsp; The Game Ringer You need: 2-6 players circle 3 feet to 10 feet across 13 standard sized marbles one shooter marble for each player I don't think anyone can explain how to play the marbles game Ringer better than this video!&nbsp; These kids will show you just how to play: <a class="embedded-playback-url" href="http://www.howcast.com/videos/311-How-To-Play-Marbles" target="_blank" alt="How To Play Marbles">How To Play Marbles on Howcast &nbsp; Do you ever wonder what you could play on that big patch of stamped down dirt, that place where nothing grows, that old laneway or path?&nbsp; Of course not!&nbsp; Because you know already you probably skip on there or run races, drive your toy cars and ... play marbles! &nbsp; The Big Game To play a large marble game such as they do at the tournaments you can take your game outside!&nbsp; You need a lot of space and preferably to play on smooth packed down dry sand or dirt.&nbsp; So get your meter stick and go on out back and play a big game of Marbles! How To Play: 1.&nbsp; For 2 players who each have their own colour of 10 marbles each. 2.&nbsp; Player 1 throws 10 marbles one by one from the line which is 7.5 meters from the hole trying to get them as close as possible. 3.&nbsp; Player 2 then throws his 10 marbles one by one too. 4.&nbsp; Players then alternate each turn shooting a marble to get them into the hole.&nbsp; You may knock your opponents marble out with your own marble. 5.&nbsp; The player that has all his marbles in the hole is the winner!!!! Marbles is a real winner around here!&nbsp; Have fun and See you Soon! yes another marble action shot!&nbsp; Yes, the shooter marble is actually moving! :) &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus Do you ever wonder what you can do when it's raining too?  Well, after you've ran all around outside and gotten all wet with all that puddle jumping there is something you can do inside!


How do you play you say?  Well we used to have no idea either but a little google search and a trip to the dollar store to get marbles and string and we were ready to go!



my marbles action shot -- pretty quick with the camera huh? ;)

Here are a few instructions so you can play! 


The Game Ringer

You need:
  • 2-6 players
  • circle 3 feet to 10 feet across
  • 13 standard sized marbles
  • one shooter marble for each player

I don't think anyone can explain how to play the marbles game Ringer better than this video!  These kids will show you just how to play:


How To Play Marbles on Howcast
 

Do you ever wonder what you could play on that big patch of stamped down dirt, that place where nothing grows, that old laneway or path?  Of course not!  Because you know already you probably skip on there or run races, drive your toy cars and ... play marbles!
 
The Big Game

To play a large marble game such as they do at the tournaments you can take your game outside!  You need a lot of space and preferably to play on smooth packed down dry sand or dirt.  So get your meter stick and go on out back and play a big game of Marbles!

How To Play:

1.  For 2 players who each have their own colour of 10 marbles each.
2.  Player 1 throws 10 marbles one by one from the line which is 7.5 meters from the hole trying to get them as close as possible.
3.  Player 2 then throws his 10 marbles one by one too.
4.  Players then alternate each turn shooting a marble to get them into the hole.  You may knock your opponents marble out with your own marble.
5.  The player that has all his marbles in the hole is the winner!!!!





Marbles is a real winner around here!  Have fun and See you Soon!


yes another marble action shot!  Yes, the shooter marble is actually moving! :)
 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:00:00 GMT F9E38651C37E7709C2B0562EC72DF041 A Place To Play, A Place To Sing http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1287023 Every child craves for a pretty place to play.&nbsp; Somewhere to read, hide out, or listen to good music ;)&nbsp; Well, now you can make just the right place! We know bands usually just sell T-Shirts but we've got a real creative and crafty bunch in our audience and so we know this will be right up your alley!&nbsp; I have always loved this type of play canopy and I finally took the plunge and made what I had been dreaming of!&nbsp; Now I have a template and complete instructions all made so that you can make one too -- quick and easy!&nbsp; Using this template, pattern instructions, bedsheets, a large hula hoop, imagination, creativity and a bit of sewing skills you will have one up and ready in no time! The size of this canopy play tent is approximately 35-36&quot; in diameter.&nbsp; This tent you can be sure will have room for play with another little friend or two!&nbsp; If requests roll in I will post the template for a medium sized hoop. This tent is finished on the inside and the outside and is beautiful to look at when you're lying down inside. The hula hoop is made to be easily removed from the tent for washing. Hang to dry for best results. This canopy tent can be hung outdoors when it's nice or indoors to make a bedroom or playroom for fun and enchanting play times. We usually have it tied to something high up but we have also used a microphone stand extended all the way up with a sock over the end in order to have it free standing in the middle of a room. SEWING KNOW-HOW: straight stitches buttons and button holes hand stitching MY FAVOURITE TENT THINGS: Use really pretty brightly coloured thread - it just gives it your own signature look I think ;) When you dress it up with ribbons or strips of fabric, more buttons and stitching... go nuts! When I get to see what your canopy tent looks like! =D Joy! Joy! Joy! When children make snowflakes or stars or hang things they made from the inside of the tent hanging down - just like in the movie 'The Holiday'! I love that! =D The more your children dress it up the more they will just love it. COMMENTS: Once you have tried this pattern out I welcome all feedback and comments -- I would absolutely love to post them up!&nbsp; I'm excited to see what you come up with! MAKE ME ONE PLEASE: If you have a wish for one sewn and an idea you would prefer for colour please contact me as I would be very happy to sew a completed tent for you. SHIPPING / EMAIL: This is the Playhouse PDF pattern. This digital file is downloadable directly after purchase.&nbsp; <a href="./store.cfm">Click here to purchase the digital pdf canopy play tent pattern! We hope that you get to enjoy this tent as much as we do!&nbsp; And we hope your imagination soars with ideas and play. Block City Robert Louis Stevenson What are you able to build with your blocks? Castles and palaces, temples and docks. Rain may keep raining, and others go roam, But I can be happy and building at home. Let the sofa be mountains, the carpet be sea, There I'll establish a city for me: A kirk and a mill and a palace beside, And a harbor as well where my vessels may ride. Great is the palace with pillar and wall, A sort of a tower on top of it all, And steps coming down in an orderly way To where my toy vessels lie safe in the bay. This one is sailing and that one is moored: Hark to the song of the sailors on board! And see on the steps of my palace, the kings Coming and going with presents and things! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a class="dsq-brlink" href="http://disqus.com">blog comments powered by Disqus Every child craves for a pretty place to play.  Somewhere to read, hide out, or listen to good music ;)  Well, now you can make just the right place!



We know bands usually just sell T-Shirts but we've got a real creative and crafty bunch in our audience and so we know this will be right up your alley! 



I have always loved this type of play canopy and I finally took the plunge and made what I had been dreaming of!  Now I have a template and complete instructions all made so that you can make one too -- quick and easy! 

Using this template, pattern instructions, bedsheets, a large hula hoop, imagination, creativity and a bit of sewing skills you will have one up and ready in no time!



The size of this canopy play tent is approximately 35-36" in diameter.  This tent you can be sure will have room for play with another little friend or two!  If requests roll in I will post the template for a medium sized hoop.

This tent is finished on the inside and the outside and is beautiful to look at when you're lying down inside. The hula hoop is made to be easily removed from the tent for washing. Hang to dry for best results.



This canopy tent can be hung outdoors when it's nice or indoors to make a bedroom or playroom for fun and enchanting play times. We usually have it tied to something high up but we have also used a microphone stand extended all the way up with a sock over the end in order to have it free standing in the middle of a room.



SEWING KNOW-HOW:
  • straight stitches
  • buttons and button holes
  • hand stitching

MY FAVOURITE TENT THINGS:
  • Use really pretty brightly coloured thread - it just gives it your own signature look I think ;)
  • When you dress it up with ribbons or strips of fabric, more buttons and stitching... go nuts!
  • When I get to see what your canopy tent looks like! =D Joy! Joy! Joy!
  • When children make snowflakes or stars or hang things they made from the inside of the tent hanging down - just like in the movie 'The Holiday'! I love that! =D The more your children dress it up the more they will just love it.


COMMENTS:

Once you have tried this pattern out I welcome all feedback and comments -- I would absolutely love to post them up!  I'm excited to see what you come up with!

MAKE ME ONE PLEASE:

If you have a wish for one sewn and an idea you would prefer for colour please contact me as I would be very happy to sew a completed tent for you.

SHIPPING / EMAIL:

This is the Playhouse PDF pattern. This digital file is downloadable directly after purchase.  Click here to purchase the digital pdf canopy play tent pattern!



We hope that you get to enjoy this tent as much as we do!  And we hope your imagination soars with ideas and play.


Block City

Robert Louis Stevenson

What are you able to build with your blocks?
Castles and palaces, temples and docks.
Rain may keep raining, and others go roam,
But I can be happy and building at home.

Let the sofa be mountains, the carpet be sea,
There I'll establish a city for me:
A kirk and a mill and a palace beside,
And a harbor as well where my vessels may ride.

Great is the palace with pillar and wall,
A sort of a tower on top of it all,
And steps coming down in an orderly way
To where my toy vessels lie safe in the bay.

This one is sailing and that one is moored:
Hark to the song of the sailors on board!
And see on the steps of my palace, the kings
Coming and going with presents and things!


 
 
 
blog comments powered by Disqus]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:40:00 GMT 1479A06D100A658ADD51BDF22DA1F4E1 Useful Craftiness: Sandals! http://vogeljoy.com/blog.cfm?feature=1404609&postid=1270877 This summer we made our own sandals and we love them!&nbsp; They are great!&nbsp; It's just like wearing bare feet!&nbsp; You can run in them and they don't flop around -- 5 stars. What You Need Materials: 4mm Cherry Vibram that I found on ebay, 2 6' laces made of 5/32&quot; nylon/polypropelyne (or try other laces that you like... but these laces are great because they are water resistant and colour fast) -- I got them here: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/vogeljoy/11110002">invisible shoes.&nbsp; Tools: leather hole punch, scissors, pencil, paper, matches/lighter Instructions I followed the 3 part instructions from this <a target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF6aGK5AhpA&amp;feature=related">video on youtube.&nbsp; The instructions are easy to follow - you're sure to have sucess if you follow them!&nbsp; Below I will give you a rough idea of what we did but for detailed instructions on sandals (huaraches -- Tarahumara running sandals) be sure to follow the 3 part videos -- they're fantastic! family sandal-feet picture ... awww..... First we traced everyones feet giving a little space around the edge - better to make them a bit big and trim if needed later.&nbsp; Then I marked the correct spots for the holes in which the lace is threaded through.&nbsp; It's fun tracing your children's feet huh?&nbsp; Lots of giggles and lots of wiggles. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Then we trace them onto the vibram and mark the holes.&nbsp; Then cut out the foot and punch out the holes with the leather cutter. After you melt the edges of the laces a bit so they don't fray thread them through and tie as described in part 3 of the videos.&nbsp; You're set! You can trim off the extra lace or tie it on in a decorative way.&nbsp; So kick up your heels!&nbsp; Because you can and it's fun!&nbsp; You're ready to go!&nbsp; You're on the run ;) We had a lot of people stop and say, hey nice sandals!&nbsp; But it could be because the children were telling everyone that their mom made them sandals ;) lol&nbsp; They were pretty excited. ha!&nbsp; We also have to stop at almost every tree in order to climb it.&nbsp; That's us!&nbsp; These sandals were great for tree climbing because you could feel the tree with your feet but your feet didn't get pricked from anything rough.&nbsp; It was fantastic.&nbsp; Yes, I climbed a tree too but there are no pictures to prove it ;) The kids got really high!!! That day was a lot of fun.&nbsp; New homemade sandals and a really pretty day at the park.&nbsp; I hope you have fun making sandals too! Whenever we can we still play in just feet... When it comes right down to it - it just can't be beat. --Kimberly <a href="http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/vogeljoy/b25eea34" target="_blank"> &nbsp; /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'vogeljoy'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = 'http://' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus. <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">blog comments powered by Disqus This summer we made our own sandals and we love them!  They are great!  It's just like wearing bare feet!  You can run in them and they don't flop around -- 5 stars.



What You Need

Materials: 4mm Cherry Vibram that I found on ebay, 2 6' laces made of 5/32" nylon/polypropelyne (or try other laces that you like... but these laces are great because they are water resistant and colour fast) -- I got them here: invisible shoes. 

Tools: leather hole punch, scissors, pencil, paper, matches/lighter


Instructions

I followed the 3 part instructions from this video on youtube.  The instructions are easy to follow - you're sure to have sucess if you follow them!  Below I will give you a rough idea of what we did but for detailed instructions on sandals (huaraches -- Tarahumara running sandals) be sure to follow the 3 part videos -- they're fantastic!

family sandal-feet picture ... awww.....

First we traced everyones feet giving a little space around the edge - better to make them a bit big and trim if needed later.  Then I marked the correct spots for the holes in which the lace is threaded through.  It's fun tracing your children's feet huh?  Lots of giggles and lots of wiggles.
 
       
 

Then we trace them onto the vibram and mark the holes. 



Then cut out the foot and punch out the holes with the leather cutter.



After you melt the edges of the laces a bit so they don't fray thread them through and tie as described in part 3 of the videos.  You're set!



You can trim off the extra lace or tie it on in a decorative way. 



So kick up your heels! 
Because you can and it's fun! 
You're ready to go! 
You're on the run ;)



We had a lot of people stop and say, hey nice sandals!  But it could be because the children were telling everyone that their mom made them sandals ;) lol  They were pretty excited. ha! 

We also have to stop at almost every tree in order to climb it.  That's us!  These sandals were great for tree climbing because you could feel the tree with your feet but your feet didn't get pricked from anything rough.  It was fantastic.  Yes, I climbed a tree too but there are no pictures to prove it ;)



The kids got really high!!!



That day was a lot of fun.  New homemade sandals and a really pretty day at the park. 
I hope you have fun making sandals too!


Whenever we can we still play in just feet...



When it comes right down to it - it just can't be beat.

--Kimberly



Invisible Shoes - Barefoot Running Shoes
 
blog comments powered by Disqus ]]> Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:40:00 GMT 001452F1B2B3D0A8EAADFDE65F86BD3E