Would this be good for a teenager?

When Shawna told me that her teenage son Justin was interested in learning how to compose and mix his own music, using his computer, I was quite surprised! I had no idea that there would be any kind of software available for a regular computer that would allow a beginner to do things like that.

Shawna told me that Justin was telling her that he might like to learn more about the sony acid music studio software, and see if that would be a good idea to get. I was trying to help out by finding some reviews on the product, but so far I haven’t seen any. So, if any of my readers out there have tried this, I’d like to know what you think – would this be a good program to buy for a teenager that is just starting out?

Keeping Your Child Active During the Summer

Once school is out for the summer, children don’t get as much play time. Sure, they might get to the park once in a while, but it isn’t a daily activity like playing in the schoolyard. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your child gets enough exercise when school is on hiatus.

Summer Camps

There are a number of different summer camps in Battle Creek MI that meet this purpose. These camps are aimed at not only keeping your children active, but also educating them in the process. There are a few different types of camps available, so have a look around to see what you can find.

Play Dates

Setting up a few play dates with your child’s friends works wonders because it allows them to get some exercise. If you are seriously committed to the cause, you can take turns hosting the event and allowing the other parents some time away.

Daycare

Even if you are a stay at home parent, putting your child in daycare for a few hours per week could be beneficial. Not only does it allow the child to interact with other kids, but it can also get him outside more often than he would at home.

Always get complete coverage

I was really pleased when my sister told me that she had found the perfect insurance policy for her son’s after she visited the allredinsurance.com website that I had suggested to her a few weeks ago. I had encouraged her to get complete coverage – especially since her son is a teenager who only had his license for a few months. But she did not listen to me, and only got liability. Yesterday he totaled his car in a single vehicle accident! Now they are in the very difficult position of needing to buy a replacement vehicle, and having no money to do so! I sure wish that hadn’t happened!

Strange Cartoons

Last night I spent a few minutes at my neighbors house. Her 3 year old was watching cartoons on the TV in the living while we visited. I couldn’t help but notice some of the cartoon dialogue.

I have to say that these cartoons are a little strange and it bothers me that children are watching them. I don’t see why cartoons for small children should have any reference to college age pranks, like panty raids. In my opinion, this is not appropriate for young children to hear and how would children even know what a panty raid is? Too strange and very disconcerting.

I love the new silent instruments

Back when I was in school, taking band, there was no such thing as a silent electric instrument of any kind. At least, not that I’m aware of! When a kid decided to learn how to play an instrument, everyone in the house got to listen the that kid practice, whether they wanted to hear it or not! I was really pleasantly surprised recently when I learned that almost any and every instrument ever made now seems to have a silent version – like the silent electric yamaha violin at WWBW that I found online a few minutes ago. I think that it’s fantastic that now people can learn how to play an instrument without driving everyone in the house crazy!

Dinner with Wendy

My girlfriend, Wendy was so bummed out today after sending her kids back to their dad that I invited her to dinner and some girl talk. Wendy has two kids but their dad has custody of them during the school year and they come to visit Wendy on holidays and for two months each summer. So the summer vacation is over and they had to go back.

They are great kids – they seem really well adjusted, excellent manners, very lovable. I wonder if they will stay that way or if being in the public school system will corrupt them. Wendy worries that once they are under the influence of other kids and get peer pressure that they will pick up a lot of bad habits and bad language from the other kids. I’m afraid she’s right, but that’s why parenting kids when they are school age is still so important – you have to be ever vigilant.

Time to buy school supplies

I can’t believe it’s that time already. I was in Walmart and the school supplies are already out and the school lists as well. Another two weeks and the kids will be back in school and the next round will have started. It seems like a never ending cycle on one hand, and on the other it seems like the kids just grow so fast I can barely keep up. O.o

Coin collection

I have told you about my son’s coin collection before I am sure. If I haven’t well, here it is. We have found a coin silver in make, that he really wants to add to his collection. Over the years, my father has helped him with his coin collection. He has many rare and old coins in it, but he likes to get some of the newly minted stuff as well. We indulge him whenever we can, and this one isn’t really that expensive and will look great in his collection.

An awesome find

I love to go yard saleing and today I stopped at one that seemed to have very little. However, I found two antique cigars boxes. I have been wanting to get a couple of these for my boys to put their “treasures” in. Whether it is jewelry, or marbles and coins, the boys need somewhere to put those items that they want for keepsakes. All boys have these kinds of boxes and mine have been using small shoe boxes, but I think these will do much nicer.

Iron Man

The kids are driving me crazy to go see the new Iron Man 3 movie. I can’t say that I blame them, because I would like to see it too. I am just not sure I want to brave the crowds tonight. I really prefer matinee’s, when the crowds are much less and the seating is better. Fighting for seats that are together is not my idea of a good time and my kids sit with me no matter what. I will have to see about going tomorrow. If I buy the tickets online tonight, then the kids will probably leave me alone about it. lol