Is it just me or do these "kids" playing The JumpArounds look a little too old for the pre-school set? The only two channels my son is allowed to watch are PBSKids and Noggin. However recently Noggin seems to have changed their lineup. Jack's Big Music Show and The Upside Down Show are gone and now they are bombarding us with The JumpArounds.
Unfortunately for me, my son seems to really enjoy the music but I can't help wonder what insidious plot is behind these musical interludes. The males in the group seem to represent over the top reverse stereotypes. One of the female members looks like a teenage Dora (coincidence?) and the other like every blond (although technically, I guess she is a redhead) teenager in every Disney movie.
The dancing and the lyrics are harmless enough, although I wish there was a little less yelling and more singing. I have no idea whether the actors are really singing and playing the instruments or not, but the sound is very canned.
The band was created for Nick Jr. and I really think that is where they belong. It's a little too early for idol worship in my house, so I will be limiting exposure from now on. Noggin is supposed to be for pre-school, not pre-teen band groupies!
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I decided to put our vegetable garden just off the patio in a raised bed. Unfortunately this area was the over grown spot you see above. So why did I choose it? Well, this is the only area around the edge of the yard that I can be sure I haven't buried any pets or animals.
After a week of digging and chopping, it's finally cleared. I had to move two medium sized 
Next step will be to build the bed's sides. I will be using an assortment of odds and ends for this. I have some stones I will stack up on one end and some low vinyl edging sections too. I could go buy some cedar planks, but I'd rather make use of what I have. So what if it looks a little odd, all is has to do is hold dirt, right? 
