5 Random Questions 14

I love answering random questions, and I love reading other people's answers to random questions. So I thought that would make a fun series. I will answer the 5 questions in my post and you can answer them in the comments. We can all get to know each other better, how much more fun can you get?

So here we go 5 Random Questions:


1. What’s the furthest you've ever been on holiday? I went to Taiwan on a mission trip in High School

2. What was your favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas

3. Where would your dream holiday be? Fun, family, food, and love

4. Can you tap dance? no

5. What’s your favorite zoo animal? hmm, is it bad that I can't think of one? I enjoy seeing them all. I do enjoy penguins but I'm not sure it qualifies as a favorite



I can't wait to read your answers!


Questions Source:

http://allysrandomage.blogspot.com/2007/06/101-random-questions.html

Super Fun, Cute, and Easy Pregnancy Costume

This year I am not pregnant on Halloween. But when I was pregnant with Little Man 1 I was nearing the end of my pregnancy and pretty large. Even though we didn't have any specific plans for Halloween that year I knew that I still wanted to dress up. After all how many opportunities do you have to do a pregnant Halloween costume?

I did a lot of googling and compiled a file of my favorite pregnant Halloween costumes (sorry I can't share them with you, they are not my pictures so I don't have any right to share them but you can google them yourself). My favorite ideas were: dress as a farmer with a pumpkin belly, bun in the oven & chef, speed bump, cat with fish in belly, watermelon belly, basketball belly, snoopy and charlie brown, deviled egg, and of course the one I picked - 8 ball from pool.

I picked this one because it was easy and I didn't need to buy anything or put in a lot of work to make it cute. All I did was wear black ants and shirt and draw an 8 on a piece of white paper. I cut out the paper in a circle and taped it to my belly. That is all, super easy! And I love how it turned out!

What do you think? Were you ever pregnant on Halloween? Did you wear a special costume?

5 Random Questions 13

I love answering random questions, and I love reading other people's answers to random questions. So I thought that would make a fun series. I will answer the 5 questions in my post and you can answer them in the comments. We can all get to know each other better, how much more fun can you get?

So here we go 5 Random Questions:

1. Are you a good actor? I'm ok, I have acted in a few skits like for church and such, but nothing big.

2. Are you a good writer? I think that I'm pretty good at short stuff, like blog posts and children's books. I do not have the patience to focus on one story long enough to write a book, I know because I have tried.

3. Have you ever been bungee jumping? No, and have no desire to, I am very scared of heights

4. Have you ever been canoeing/kayaking? I have been canoeing not kayaking

5. What types of holidays do you prefer? I love any holiday I can sspend with family and relax. Presents are just a side bonus (although I do love the whole present giving and receiving, gifts is one of my love languages. I actually love giving presents as much if not more so than getting them. Unfortunately most of my family does not understand and doesn't realize that when I am giving them a present I am saying that I love them so that takes some of the fun out of it, especially the older we all get)




I can't wait to read your answers!


Questions Source:

http://allysrandomage.blogspot.com/2007/06/101-random-questions.html

5 Random Questions 12

I love answering random questions, and I love reading other people's answers to random questions. So I thought that would make a fun series. I will answer the 5 questions in my post and you can answer them in the comments. We can all get to know each other better, how much more fun can you get?

So here we go 5 Random Questions:


1. Are you a good swimmer? I am ok, not super strong but I can get from point a to point b

2. Are you a good skier? I have never been skiing

3. Are you a good musician? No, it is one of the few creative pursuits that I simply can't get into

4. Are you a good comedian? Not really, I am occasionally funny, but not all the time like they seem to be.

5. Are you a good cleaner? No, when I do get around to cleaning it is done well, but I am too willing to let it pile up (and ok with big piles) before I put in the cleaning time.




I can't wait to read your answers!


Questions Source:

http://allysrandomage.blogspot.com/2007/06/101-random-questions.html

Guest Post: Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children

Hey all! I had my baby 6 weeks ago! He was born on August 17 at 8 lb 12 oz and 21 in long. Anyways that is why I haven't been on here at all in the last several weeks. 

Phillip was kind enough to write a post for you guys to help me out so I could have a little maternity time. So here it is, take it away Phillip!

Hi I'm Phillip Lenhart and I have a website where I give people tips and information on how to play the piano, how to read notes and how to learn to play piano by ear. Its important to always learn the basics before anything else. You can learn that here: http://pianosexpert.com

Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children 

Research shows that being musically inclined at a young age can improve how the brain process, giving way to better listening and understanding skills. According to the Foundation of Universal Music Literacy Research Materials, there are many beneficial attributes a child can reap when he spent his early years playing a musical instrument. It raises his IQ at the same time, helps him overcome some learning disabilities such as autism. Some benefits of piano lessons for children:


A child learns to handle stress and pressure with poise and grace.

One of the benefits of being a pianist at such an early age is they are more capable of handling pressures in life. They participate in various musical performances such as recitals. Because of that, they need to deal with overcoming their stage fright and anxieties. It is a known fact that in order to avoid those uncanny situations, a student spends ample time mastering his piece and practicing it over and over again just to be able to perform at his best.

It helps in the development of peripheral and cognitive skills.

Increased eye-hand coordination is one of the benefits of piano lessons for children. It is known that every child who can play the piano have this skill. Unlike other instruments, piano requires both hands to work independently. One had can move in a fast pace, while the other in a slower rate. This helps in a child's dexterity and develops his thought process. It also helps them to concentrate and remain focused. In order to interpret a note or rhythm, one needs to heed much attention to it so that he can translate those notes into hand movements on the keyboard.

Piano Lessons boost ones morale.

It gives them the idea that they can achieve anything. Especially if they'll do their best, focus on the task until the time they accomplish it. There is no guarantee that a child can learn his piece in a very timely manner. There will be moments that it will even seem impossible. They need to have numerous practice attempts to fluidly deliver their musical piece. It is inevitable that a child will get discouraged. Thus, if he overcomes that, there's always the possibility he'll succeed, be good at something. By the time he showcases his talents and realize that hours spent practicing the piece had been appreciated by the audience, he'll gain his confidence and self-esteem. Piano recitals are one of the best ways to boost a child's confidence and not become discouraged or frustrated.

It helps them express their imaginative side and embrace their uniqueness.

Every pianist expresses himself in his own unique way of performing, making him different from other performers. By doing so, he becomes recognized and stands out among the rest. They work under the close scrutiny of their mentors and judgmental eyes from the audiences. They need to get used to those and just embrace what they are, after all, music is a way of expressing what you are as a person and it is an outlet for your creativity.