In Pursuit of the Arts

If you've been around my blog or any of my social media accounts, you know that I'm a lover of the arts and specifically music.  Recently while ushering an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert, I came across a page in Encore Atlanta that peaked my interest: a whole page of events geared towards children!  I wanted to take a moment to share these upcoming events with you.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Upcoming Family and Education Events 

Musical Mondays (for children 5 and under)

Next Date: Monday, March 5, 10:00 am

Also available: Monday, April 2 and Monday, May 7

From Encore Atlanta: "A new hands-on music education experience for early learners and their caregivers to explore fun, engaging ways to make music together with movement, instruments, singing and more!"

Music for the Very Young (for children 1-5)

Next Date: Saturday, February 24, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am 

Also available: Sunday, February 25, Saturday, March 10, Saturday, March 11

From ASO's website: "Bring your little ones along as we set off on a journey to discover Music Around the World. We will have a blast as we move and groove to the music of North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.  Join us as we explore the difference in melody, harmony, rhythm, dance, instruments, and more!"

Seuss at the Symphony (Family Concert)

Sunday, March 4, 3:00 pm

From Encore Atlanta: "Join Sam-I-Am and the gang as we meet Seuss at the Symphony!  Watch the timeless Dr. Seuss tale, Green Eggs and Ham come to life on stage along with Richard Einhorn's My Many Colored Days, and selections from Aaron's Copeland's Old American Songs." 

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra "Crescendo Concert"

Sunday, March 18, 3:00 pm

From Encore Atlanta: "Enjoy the future of classical music with the region's most talented young musicians.  Tickets are only $12 and provide a great introduction to classical music for the novice, or an affordable family experience.  

January's Ta-Da's!

In keeping with my 2017 "Ta-Da!" theme, I'd like to offer my January 2018 "Ta-Da!" list!  A "Ta-Da!" list is a list of things you've accomplished.  Looking back at accomplishments is a great way to keep momentum in achieving the goals you wish to reach.

Daily

I feel like I'm about 50/50 on my daily goals.  I haven't been as consistent at writing down the things for which I am thankful, but I do feel myself thinking them throughout the day.

I've actually been getting to bed earlier, which helps EVERYTHING.  Not quite at 8 hours, but working my way there.

My prayers have been pretty consistent while my daily writing is hit or miss.  I feel like I've been doing a pretty decent job of getting pictures and stories on social media outlets.  I'm very proud to report to you (and my dentist in a few weeks) that I've only missed maybe two floss days!

I've done great at drying the dishes after each wash and seeing a clean sink when I walk into my kitchen is a reward in itself.

Weekly

We've done pretty well with the weekly movie nights with the kids... so far we've watched (or re-watched) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Coco, and The Little Prince.  These times are so precious and I really hope we can keep it up!  Chris and I have been OK with our date nights... most of the time it's either a double-date or a group date.  We're trying to get better about intentional time together so we'll see how February goes!

I've been decent about getting in the running and yoga and have enjoyed the weekly hot baths to help recover from the long runs.  Finally, I've been consistent in speaking to my parents weekly, which I've enjoyed.

Monthly

My monthly goals are some of my favorite goals and I can almost check all of them off!  

 This month I finished two books- Gone Girl and Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff.  We also finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone via audible, which was fun to listen to as a family.  We haven't had an official "date night" to discuss it, but we have discussed it at great length as a family.  We haven't gotten our entire family together for a dinner, but we have visited with most of our family one-on-one at least.  There were no races to report for January, but I've got one already finished for February and more scheduled for March and May.  Finally, one of my favorite monthly goals that I've accomplished is having coffee (or lunch or dinner or drinks).  I was able to have coffee with a dear friend and spend time catching up.  I also worked in two dinners with other friends.  I've got one lunch on the calendar for February and hope to squeeze a few more coffees in as well.  As a stay-at-home mom, I'm learning that these social interactions are so important for me and I am truly enjoying them.