Yo Gabba Gabba! Live Tour is back {with a giveaway}

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: It’s Time to Dance! Presented by Kia Motors promises to be a memorable experience, featuring a mix of classic Yo Gabba Gabba! favorites, as well as new songs and new performances.  The state-of-the-art, high-energy production features DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee, and a mix of music, animation, games, singing and dancing.  

The YO GABBA GABBA Live Tour is returning to Fairfax, VA {the Patriot Center} this Friday September 30th at 7pm.  Tickets are still available!

To celebrate the YO GABBA GABBA! live tour, Eastern Panhandle Moms is offering a YO GABBA GABBA! CD/DVD gift pack to a lucky reader.

Follow these simple instructions to enter {winner will be chosen at random on Friday, September 30th}:

• Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment letting us know your child’s favorite TV show.
• Extra Entry {after mandatory entry is complete}: Share this giveaway on your Facebook, twitter or blog and leave a comment letting us know that you did.

KinderPraise ~ fun for moms and kids

KinderPraise is a fun activity for moms and kids alike happening right here in the Eastern Panhandle!  I recently interviewed Pam Lehr, the founder and owner of KinderPraise.  Her responses are below, my questions in bold.

Tell us a little bit about Pam {the mom behind the KinderPraise concept}:

I have been a musician for as long as I can remember.  I love this wonderful gift God gave us and am discovering more musical blessings all the time.  I studied Music Education in college, majoring in the oboe.  In college I fell in love with a crazy wonderful guy and married him.  We have since had 3 beautiful children who never let life get dull.  One of my greatest joys has been sharing my love of music with my children. 

What led you to start KinderPraise?

Early in my teaching career, I began to look for ways to continue teaching music and be able to be a stay-at-home mom.  God lead me into early childhood (EC) music education and I received my training through Kindermusik® and Musikgarten®.  After the birth of my daughter, I began teaching EC music classes through my own small business and the Jefferson County Parks and Rec.  While I was teaching these classes, God showed me the verse Psalm 8:2 “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (NIV).  About this time I also discovered a curriculum for EC music that was faith-based.  However, I had to wait a while until my husband and I were in a financial position not to need the income from the classes I taught.  I knew if I did these classes as a ministry and service to the community, I would not want to charge tuition for them.  A short time later, my husband’s income increased and KinderPraise was born.

What could a mom and child expect from a KinderPraise class?

There is a lot of emphasis on bonding in our classes.  The lessons are structured in such a way that most children are delighted with the activities and so the bonding is joyful and natural.  It’s a place where you can focus on your child as they are joyfully engaged in the activities in the class.  Activities vary depending on age, but typical activities include bouncing, rocking, and movement songs, and play with scarves, hoops, drums, jingle bells, rhythm sticks and shakers.  Children will also be exposed to age appropriate melody instruments and develop focused listening skills.  Children are also encouraged to respond vocally and musically throughout the class.  Along with the musical activities, there is also an introduction to prayer and the Bible (in the Preschool and Elementary).

What is the cost?

There is no cost for tuition for KinderPraise classes.  The materials cost is around $30 a semester depending on the class you sign up for.  The KinderPraise Academy class is more expensive because students are receiving and using a tone quality EC glockenspiel (think xylophone) for the class.  The good news, though,  is that we have for the most part used the same materials since KinderPraise started in 2002.  So, if you already have the materials, or can borrow them from a friend, the class is free!  We also provide materials for families that cannot afford to pay for them, and we also offer the option of paying for the materials in installments throughout the semester.  Siblings in the same class can share materials.

Where are the classes?

We currently hold classes at First Baptist Church in Martinsburg, WV and at Covenant Church in Shepherdstown, WV.  We are always looking for new teachers and new locations, though.  Currently, KinderPraise is also pursuing non-profit status.  Once this happens, I think we will be able to find new ways to expand and make this available at more locations.  I have to also say that I have been blessed over the years to train and teach with some amazingly gifted teachers.  They really are my breath of fresh air that keeps me going.  I love my KinderPraise team!

Who should we contact if interested in signing up {include deadlines, etc}?

You can call me at (304)263-9083, email at pamlehr@frontier.com or log onto our website at www.kinderpraise.com.  All of the current information is on the website and you can also register for classes on our website.  Classes start the week of 9/12/2011 and our registration deadline is 9/1/2011.  After the deadline, you can still register, but there will be an additional $3 charge for materials due to extra shipping cost.

Things to do in the Panhandle~ July 15-17

Another warm weekend is headed our way.  Here are some fun things going on in the Eastern Panhandle to keep you and your kiddos busy this weekend.  Please feel free to add any activities you are aware of in our comment section at the end of this article.

• Carnival at the Martinsburg Mall, July 15 and 16 (until 10pm).  For more information, call the mall at (304) 264-0017.
• Play dough Play Date, Sunday, July 17 (1:30pm-2:30pm).  Sam Michael’s Park, Shenandoah Junction, WV.  For ages 3-5 years old,price is $5.  For more information, call (304) 728-3207.
• Art in the Park, July 17 (10am-4pm). Berkeley Springs State Park, Berkeley Springs, WV.  Outdoor art fair.

What are your weekend plans?

VEGGIE TALES: Twas the night before Easter {giveaway!!}

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade is hunting for a way to help others. She cooks up a plan to save the old theater with a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit to perform “Up With Bunnies.” Now there’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When word spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle from American Idol!!) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about? 

“Eggs-tra” Bonus Features:

• • Audio Commentary
• • “The Hopperena” Silly Songs Sing-Along
• • Behind the voice of “Cassie” with Melinda Doolittle
• • Larry’s backstage pass to “VeggieTales Live!”
• • “Easter Cards” Interactive Matching Game

About VeggieTales: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter

Not Rated-48 minutes-Color-5.1 Surround Sound-English & Spanish Subtitles Close-Captioned

Full Screen & Widescreen Versions

To watch the trailer for this adorable film, click here.

For purchasing information, click here.

And, to enter our giveaway for the ‘Twas the night before Easter DVD follow the instructions below:

• Leave a comment letting Eastern Panhandle Moms know how your family celebrates Easter {mandatory}

For additional entries:

• Subscribe to our blog by clicking the orange button on the right side bar or subscribing via FB Networked blogs and leave a comment letting us know you did.
• “Like” our Facebook  page and leave a comment letting us know you did.

We will be choosing three winners via random.org on April 16, 2011.  Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm on April 15th, 2011.  DVD will be shipped to winner directly from Veggie Tales, not by Eastern Panhandle Moms.com.  Giveaway open to residents of continental United States. Happy Easter!

This giveaway is not sponsored.  It is offered solely for the benefit of Eastern Panhandle Moms.com readers and EPMoms has received no compensation for this post.

New Child Seat Guidelines released

New guidelines for car seats and child passenger safety have been released by the NHTSA.

Click on the link to be taken to the website to review the new guidelines!

February is Dental Health Month

According to the American Dental Association, growing a healthy smile starts from birth.

If you have an infant in the house {like our 5 month old Sweet Pea}, you can wipe the gums with a clean, dry gauze pad or baby washcloth after each feeding.  As their first teeth appear, you can use an infant toothbrush and water.

As your kids get older, make sure they see the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Flossing is important for removing plaque from between teeth and can help to prevent cavities.

With teens in the house as well, I am trying out the new Reach by Design toothbrushes on my boys {ages 14 and 13} for the next two weeks.  We are also trying out the Reach Total Care Whitening Floss, made with with MICRO-GROOVES technology.  Shred resistant floss is important when teens are using it.

What do you do to keep your families smiles healthy?

*I was provided the Reach products for review at no cost to me.  I was not compensated for mentioning them in my article. *

Journal highlights Trick or Treat events

 Local Halloween and harvest festivals are happening all over the Panhandle this weekend.  Halloween is officially Sunday October 31st but activities are planned for the entire weekend, beginning with Trick or Treat night at Martinsburg Mall, Thursday night.

The Martinsburg Journal has a great post highlighting many of the activities and events.  Click here to read.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live show coming to the area

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WILL STOP IN BRISTOW, VA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 FOR SINGING & DANCING AND TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFILIATE

 

 

$1 From Every Ticket Sold To Benefit Habitat for Humanity Affiliate In Bristow, VA

Bristow, VA (Wednesday, May 19) — Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans in Bristow, VA.  Today’s hottest live show for families will be at Jiffy Lube Live on Saturday, August 28. YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with Wildbrain Entertainment and The Magic Store and promoted by Live Nation.

Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba Gang will partner with Habitat for Humanity to further their homebuilding efforts in Bristow, VA.  In addition, $1 from every ticket sold for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY!  will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

VIP packages with premium tickets and meet and greets will also be available. For complete tour, ticket information and VIP packages, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap.  

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY

Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live

2 Shows on Saturday, August 28 @ 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

The state-of-the-art production features music, singing, dancing and animation.  The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.  Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day”.  Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments. 

Released in October, 2009, YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 1 topped kids and overall music charts at iTunes (#1 kids album), Amazon (top 5 kids album) and Target sales, which reached more than 40,000 copies in only 6 months since its release. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME was picked as one of 2009’s top holiday gifts for toddlers by both PARENTS magazine and the popular Mom web destination MomLogic.com.  YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 2 will be released on iTunes and will hit shelves nationwide this September.   

Dates, venues and ticket prices are subject to change.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Yo-Gabba-Gabba/42220833615?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/yogabbagabba
About S2BN Entertainment
S2BN Entertainment is a diversified international family show and event entertainment company specializing in the acquisition, development and production of high caliber touring exhibitions, unique live music tours and events, theatrical performances, and consumer and multimedia product offerings. Our experienced management team executes activities across all types of global venues – from stadiums to theaters.  S2BN Entertainment provides extraordinary experiences for our clients and our customers.

About Yo Gabba Gabba!
Yo Gabba Gabba! premiered in the U.S. on Nickelodeon in August, 2007 and currently ranks as one of the most popular children series on television.   Yo Gabba Gabba!, was voted as one of the best new shows on television by TIME magazine, won a BAFTA Award in 2008, was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Television” Award by the Television Critics Association, and is a two-time Emmy nominee. The series airs three times a day, seven days a week on Nick Jr. and in several major international territories, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K.  
 
Yo Gabba Gabba! infuses retro-style and beat-driven music to teach simple life lessons through music. The series stars DJ Lance Rock (Lance Robertson) and a cast of colorful characters, including: Brobee, the little green one, Foofa, the pink flower bubble, Muno, the red Cyclops, Toodee, the blue cat-dragon and Plex, the yellow robot. Today’s most popular names in movies, television, music and sports flock to guest star in the groundbreaking show, including Jack Black, Rachel Dratch, Melora Hardin, Tony Hawk, Biz Markie, Jack McBrayer, MGMT, Mark Mothersbaugh, The Roots, Andy Samberg, Amy Sedaris, The Shins, Amare Stoudemire, The Ting Tings, Jimmy Eat World and Elijah Wood, among others.  Yo Gabba Gabba! toys, apparel and other merchandise are sold in stores nationwide in the U.S. and have skyrocketed in popularity.  Yo Gabba Gabba! is recommended as a trusted program for preschoolers by The Smart Television Alliance, a non-profit organization comprised of leading non-profit children’s media organizations including Common Sense Media, Parents’ Choice Foundation, Parents Television Council and Coalition for Quality children’s Media: KIDS FIRST!.  Visit www.yogabbagabba.com.  

~Eastern Panhandle Moms will be giving away a CD and DVD to some lucky readers closer to the show on August 28th.  Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for details!

Monkeying Around at Monkey Joe’s

I’ve been on the search for an inflatable indoor playground that is not only equipped for my son  but for mommy as well.  Saturday morning we got the family together – mommy, daddy, and toddler then ventured off to Monkey Joe’s of Hagerstown’s Grand Opening. I had no idea what to expect of Monkey Joe’s going in, but I was happily blown away.

The check-in process was easy – we signed a waiver, paid our fee, and got our bracelets to identify us as our own little group. Outside food and drinks are not allowed (except for dietary purposes), but Monkey Joe’s does have a concession stand with refreshments.

Once all checked in, we removed our shoes and it was off to the inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses or so I thought… Monkey Joe’s also has a few arcade games scattered along their back wall which drew the attention of our toddler at first. It gave me the opportunity to check out the party rooms for birthday parties. I saw 4 individual party rooms. They can accompany parties up to 8, 16, or 24 kids during their normal hours. Monkey Joe’s has a total of 9 inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses. For 3 years old and under, they have a Mini Monkey Zone which is where we started our toddler (who just turned 3 years old) out on because he is still a little afraid of the bounces. The Mini Monkey Zone has a little slide, pool (dry) and number, letters, and shapes for the little ones to play with. After some time of letting our toddler wander back and forth in Monkey Joe’s avoiding the inflatable bounces, we attempted to get him in into the inflatable ship. That did not go over so well – as our toddler clung to Daddy for dear life. Thank goodness parents of children 4 and under are allowed to assist their children as long as you are wearing socks. Daddy and toddler ventured up the climbing wall and down the slide together a few times. Once our toddler felt comfortable enough to play by himself there was no stopping him! Each inflatable had a staff member to assist and supervise the children. Monkey Joe visited with the kids and stopped for photo opportunities quite a few times in the two hours that we were visiting. 

Let’s say Mom and Dad are both watching the kids jump and play, but Dad wants to relax a bit. Monkey Joe’s has a Parents’ Lounge Area! It includes comfortable seating, a flat screen tv, free high speed internet, and computer stations! I’ll admit I took a little stop at the lounge area to check out the tv.

This was not our first venture to an indoor inflatable playground, so I did a lot of compare and contrasts with the other playgrounds we have visited in the past.

Here is my list of pros and cons:

Pros: Concession, Parents Lounge Area, A Variety of Inflatable Obstacles, Jumps, and Slides to choose from, Hours for Open Play are not limited, Lots of Staff on hand, and Frequent User Card allows you to prepay for 10 visits at discounted price.

Cons:  Cost of admission is pricey if you have more than 1 child (between the ages of 3-12) and Outside food and drinks not allowed (but this is not uncommon for most of these places)

Overall, I am a big fan of Monkey Joe’s.  I know for sure we will be back.  For more information on the Hagerstown location, visit their website.

Joanne Duffy is a Stay At Home Mom to one feisty, but loveable 3 year old boy. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 5 years. When Joanne is not blogging at Barely Domestic Mama (http://www.barelydomesticmama.com), you can find her socializing on Twitter or Facebook. Originally from Florida, Joanne is still new to the Eastern Panhandle area but loves to check out new places or events in the area with her family.