Soundtrack of my life

I love music and my favorite albums to listen to are soundtracks from movies or musicals....especially in the car where you can belt it all out and no one, except your children, have to suffer through it. My favorite time to listen is on long rides, like I took this weekend.

As a kid, we had 3 choices...Cats, The Big Chill, and Footloose. That was it, so naturally, I can sing every song word for word.

Since then I have expanded my repertoire. Here are my top favorites, in no particular order:
Boogie Nights (both albums)
Moulin Rouge (both albums)
Flashdance
Slumdog Millionaire
Avenue Q (not with the kids in the car)
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
Chicago (the musical)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Reality Bites
Forrest Gump
Shrek (all three)

My new favorite thing...

What is better than a Scottish Salsa group? For a Latin dancing Irish girl....nothing!

Salsa Celtica is a great music group featuring Latin rhythms including cumbia (my favorite), salsa, and cha cha. Bagpipes and fiddles too! Check them out!

Rock Me Sexy Jesus

This is the song that has been in my head all week (and I think I heard at least one kids singing around the house...sorry to their teachers).

If Jesus were around today (in person) he would have to market himself...just as any celebrity--rough explanation from one of the characters in Hamlet 2 (not a great movie at all but this scene made it worth the hour I had already invested...and the part where Jesus bonds with Hamlet over their overbearing fathers).

Enjoy.

Blues in the Park

Come check out my neighbor play in Kilborn Alley on Wednesday at 630pm at Spaulding Park! Fun and free for the whole family!!

Monday Morning Quickies...

*Its been a couple days that we had decided to enact our rainy day plan (see Kung Fu Panda)...and then the sun comes out!

*Caught Miss Green's Puppet Show at the CPL on Saturday. My 4yo thought it was hilarious...I thought it was entertaining for 4yos (nothing really exciting or new...I thought she was a bit annoying, honestly).

*11yo sleepover! They were up until 130am!! Makes a lovely day 2.


*I LOVE the new Madonna song, 4 Minutes, from her new album Hard Candy. Not sure what it is about...sex, I think.

*Playdates this week!

*TV is pretty bad right now...so I feel like I want to read but I don't have a good book right now...any suggestions?

*We opted out of the Taste this weekend...too pricey to eat there (I'd rather go out to dinner at one of the restaurants) and since hub was working this weekend, I didn't want to bring the little ones alone.

*Summer bugs are here! The boys in the house are covered in bites. I heard that tying a dryer sheet to your pants (or sticking on in any way) is supposed to help. I hate covering in bug spray just to sit outside after the kids go to bed for a couple minutes...but the bugs love me...I'm just so sweet.

*Our 11yo has been attending College of Kids at our local community college. She is taking a science and baking class and a TV production class. She loves it. We got financial assistance so it is a great opportunity.

Music in the air

In the midst of all the chaos in our house right now...we have be able to enjoy a lot of wonderful music.

On Sunday, we headed to Hessel Park. We sat on the grass and listened to the Edison Middle School Bands. They are amazing. Far better than I was in junior high...right Mom? The jazz bands are wonderful and a great local treasure. It was really nice to sit outside on a nice day...before the heat, humidity, and bugs take over.

Yesterday, our daughter had her first band concert. Well over 100 kids, I think, sitting in a "C" as my 4yo said. They played for about 20mins. They were really good. Of course, we had the standard When the Saints Go Marching In...but several other songs. They were especially wonderful since they had only 1 rehearsal all together that morning.

Unit 4 School does a really great job with their music program.

Tonight, we hope to head to Mike n' Molly's for Daniel Beahm to hear some live tunes. He is great!

Remember that now summer is upon us, there is lots of live, free music to be consumed!

Hanging Tough after 20 years!

You've heard the rumors....and it is all true baby! New Kids on the Block are reuniting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their hit, Hangin' Tough (you know you're singing it right now!). And they will be on the Today Show on Friday! Live! Who was your favorite? Joey, Jordan, Jonathan, Danny, Donny? I really liked them all...I had magazine pictures of them wallpapering my walls. Not so sure about the mid-30's/40's yo boy band, though.

I think since my birthday is coming up, I've been on an 80's kick...I watched Sixteen Candles over the weekend. (I heart Jake Ryan.) And have been thinking a lot about Doogie Howser(well, really Neil Patrick Harris....he is so hot now! I had a crush on him as Doogie, of course). He sings to me on my iPod all the time. I heard rumors of a remake series of 90120! The best of Michael Jackson and Madonna happened in the 80's. Of course politically, it was awful, but I was kid...I didn't care.

But really, the fashion should not come back. My daughter was wearing leggings and vest the other day. Oh no....

Quickies...

*I did see some of the SAG's last night...in between looking all over for a pacifier so the 2yo would go to sleep. I'm happy The Office and 30 Rock got some recognition. I've never seen the Soprano's so I don't know what is so great about them. Of course...Old Country did well...but I have no plans on seeing it. Julie Christie seemed a bit disoriented last night...still in character? I think of her as Lara.

*I haven't commented on it yet but Heath Ledger's death really bothers me. Perhaps its because he is younger than me or that he is a dad. But I was almost in tears during the Daniel Day Lewis' tribute to him as well as the photo montage.

*Found out today I need to redo a root canal and crown from 10 years ago...doesn't that sound like fun!

*Thinking about a Sam's Club membership...any thoughts?

*Watched the documentary Hairworld yesterday. Its like the Olympics of hair styling. If you didn't know it, you might think it was the sequel to Waiting for Guffman (one of the characters is just like Parker Posey's). But really...it was fascinating.

*Saw the Brazilian music group Desafinado at the library. They are awesome! Something about Portuguese is so beautiful.

*Listened to one of my favorite NPR shows yesterday too...Says You. I just love that show! Oh course, Prairie Home Companion is a favorite as well...but I don't always catch it.

*Got our tickets for the 3D Hannah Montana concert at the Beverly. There are $15 (which is more than a movie but far less than a concert). My husband and I have to draw straws to see which is forced to go. FYI, Go Diego Go Live! is coming to the Assembly Hall Feb 25-26th.

Happy Holidays from our Polish Family to yours

This is my new favorite Slovenian pop music group....Atomik Harmonik!

Show Review: Thomas and Friends Live!

Ok, when I saw that Thomas and Friends Live! was coming to town, I couldn't resist taking my 3yo-Thomas-loving son.

Overall, this Broadway-style stage show is good. There is a small cast of live actors and three engines (Thomas, Percy, and Diesel, plus a Troublesome Truck). The engines are 8ft long, 6ft high engines (my dh and I couldn't exactly figure out how they worked, obviously someone was inside steering) with facial expressions similar to the TV/DVD series. The plot is simple and explained continuously for the young ones to follow. In the wake of wind storm that has ruined the preparations for the upcoming Lantern Festival and blown out the lighthouse light, Thomas and his friends must save the day. Additionally, the engine who helps out the best wins the honor of pulling the special car at the festival. I won't give away the ending ... but I think it might be an obvious guess what happens.

There are a lot of songs ... about 2/3 from the TV show and 1/3 new ones obviously written for this show (these were not as good as the TV show's) ... and a lot of crazy choreography! The actors use annoying 'character' voices (with the exception of Sir Topham Hatt, who has a very specific voice). My son told me "Percy didn't sound right." The scenery and costumes are basic ... I was really disappointed by the pitiful lantern festival at the end. They have a lot of opportunities for audience participation ... making different train noises, hand motions, singing, clapping, etc. And my son seemed to enjoy the activity. He really liked it and wanted to go again the next day.

However, we were not going to shell out the $25/ticket again (and this was for a upper-middle section ... the front section was $50). And we really wanted to take our little one, who I think would have loved it as well, but for this show only children under 1yo were allowed in free (unlike the usual 2yo policy) and we were not going to spend that money. Parking was only $5 (which we wouldn't have spend had not been running late). Speaking of money, I fully understand that in addition to ticket sales, these shows make a lot of money on concessions and merchandise and part of these sales include having an intermission. This show suffered greatly by having one. The first act is only 30mins long, then a 20min intermission, and the second act only about 20mins! It was ridiculous, and my son has lost some of his energy and interest after waiting that 20mins.

If it comes to your town and you have a Thomas-lover in your family, I would recommend it (but it not something I would tell you to run out to find ... though I hear the Go Diego Go! Show is great!).

For more info see www.thomasandfriends.com.

The Music Scene

So, my husband has recently been singing backup and playing various intruments in a band...Dan Beahm and the Invisible Three. So, I have checking out the local music scene...something my husband has been doing for years. There are so many great musicians out there...you just have to stay up late enough to see them. The music didn't even start until well after 9pm last night, DBi3 going on at midnight. We literally paid a sitter to watch our sleeping children (do we have to paid her the same for if they were awake?). It was so fun to hang out with friends (although you can't always talk to each other with the sound), get some drinks (non-alcoholic for me, as always), and hear some great tunes....we even danced. There is sometimes a cover charge and sometimes a minimium drink charge...knowing people in the band is a great perk!

So I urge you to check out the local music wherever you live and enjoy. And bring the kids to those afternoon shows.

In Champaign-Urbana...check out...
of course, Dan Beahm and the Invisible Three (www.danbeahm.com)
An ecceltic mix of folk and rock including some great cello with some fabulous lyrics. The songs are sometimes fun and sometimes serious (I love the new album! It rocks!).

Lynn O'Brien (www.lynnobrienmusic.com)
She is a pianist, singer, and songwriter with a mix of old-fashioned (Broadway ballad-like) and new Nora Jones-like quality. Her songs are sweet, funny, and sometimes thought-provoking.

This week (and last)...

What we ate....
Meatloaf (which my picky eater even ate!) with mashed sweet potatoes and peas
Curry chicken strips with apricot mustard sauce along with whole wheat mac and cheese*
Turkey and spinach lasagna
Burgers with onion and mushrooms and goat cheese with cummin potato wedges
Pasta with veggies and cheese
Potluck at school...yummy!!
White and Black beans with couscous and salsa veggies
Tofu stir-fry with rice noodles and peanut sauce
Barbeque tofu
Pizza with apples and carrots and peanut yogurt dip
Pasta with white bean and tomato sauce

What we read...
the toddler...Make Van Gogh's Bed, What do you say?, Let's Count (with Bob Builder)
the preschooler...a set of Mickey Mouse and friends books, Pirates Don't Change Diapers (sequel to How I Became a Pirate by David Shannon)
the 10 yo...So Be It, again, and she gave a book report about 2 books about Brazil
the mom...Seeing by Jose Saramago (sequel to Blindess that I read last summer)

What we watched....
Movies....Over the Hedge (at the theater), Cinderella, Inside Man, Borat
TV...Curious George, Backyardigans, Phil of the Future, Kids' Choice Awards, House, Ace of Cakes (my new favorite show!), the finale of Grease, the one that you want, Dancing with the Stars

What we listened to....
Scissor Sisters (my favorite band, right now....great music to dance and work out to, and the kids love it...as long as they don't listen to the words too closely....www.scissorsisters.com)
Dan Beahm and the Invisible Three (a friend of ours...it rocks...www.danbeahm.com)
Tally Hall
Our kids mix on iTunes



*Recipe of the Week
Curry Chicken Strips with Apricot Mustard Sauce

Chicken tenders (about 16) or chicken breast (4) cut into strips
2 tablespoons yogurt
1 tablespoon apricot jam
2 tablespoons orange juice
1-3 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients except chicken in large bowl. Add chicken and mix to coat. Set aside for 10 mins to overnight. Bread in your favorite breading (I like a mix of 2 parts bread crumbs, 1 part cornmeal, 1 part flour, salt and pepper). Pan fry 3 mins per side or bake in oven for 15-20 mins.

Sauce
Mix 3 tablespoons yogurt, 2 tablespoons apricot jam, 2 tablespoons mustard (any kind you like), 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper. Allow to set for 10 minutes. Keeps for 1 week.

Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese

the recipe of 2's

2 cups whole wheat mac or noodless

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups skim milk

2 cups cheese, whatever blend you like (cheddar is traditional)

pinch of dried mustard

salt and pepper

Boil a large pot of water with a lid. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter. Once melted, add flour and whisk until smooth (may be a big lump, that's ok). Cook and stir mixture for 3 minutes. Add milk and whisk until smooth. On medium heat and stirring often, bring to boil. Once to boil, reduce heat and simmer 5-10 mins, stirring often. Add mustard and salt and pepper. Add cheese and stir until combined. Turn off the heat. Meanwhile, when water comes to boil, add noodles, and drain when cooked. Return noodles to pot or large bowl. Add cheese sauce and stir until combined. Allow to set a couple minutes.

(You can put in casserole dish and top with extra cheese and buttered bread crumbs. Bake at 350 F until golden.)

Homemade mac and cheese takes just as long as the box!

Kids Music...that parents like

We love music in our house...it is almost always on. We have put together some collections of our favorites to give out to other families and have to play in the car. Here is a list of our latest CD.

WW Kids Collection II
*Just a Girl...No Doubt
*Glory Days...the Incredibles Soundtrack
*Arthur Theme Song...Arthur and Friends
*Get'ch Your Head in the Game...High School Musical
*We are Ants...Ralph Covert
*I Don't Feel Like Dancin'...Scissor Sisters
*No Mirrors in my Nana's House...Sweet Honey in the Rock
*LMNO...They Might Be Giants
*Far Away Cookies...Philadephia Chicken/Caitlin McEwan
*Thomas Theme Song...Thomas the Tank Engine
*William's Doll...Free to Be You and Me
*Somebody to Love...Happy Feet/Brittany Murphy
*Bop to the Top...High School Musical
*Alphabet Lost and Found...They Might Be Giants
*Little Patch of Heaven...Home on the Range/kd Lang
*A Spoonful of Sugar...Mary Poppins/Julie Andrews
*Wouldn't it be Loverly...My Fair Lady/Julie Andrews
*Snuggle Puppy...Philadelphia Chickens/Eric Stolz
*It's Alright to Cry...Free to be You and Me
*Kiss/Heartbreak Hotel...Happy Feet/Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
*Upside Down...Curious George/Jack Johnson
*The Binky Song...Arthur and Friends
*The Lonely Goatherd...Sound of Music/Harry Connick Jr.
*Rhubard Pie...Laurie Berkner
*Dump Truck...Ralph Covert
*Walk in Jerusalem...Ya-Ya Sisterhood/Mahalia Jackson
*Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-oo....Home on the Range/Randy Quaid