We think our family concerts are truly unique because it's not a "kids show" and it's not an "adult show"... it's exactly what it's billed to be... an all age event... FAMILY CONCERT! I include songs that have been described as “rollicking, fun, bash around tunes, to songs that are very spiritual, but not at all preachy”. I try to keep everyone involved from toddlers to teens to senior citizens with lots of audience participation. Lately I’ve been covering Harry Chapin’s song “Cat’s in Cradle” and James Taylor’s song “Shower People”. These are for sure not kids songs but they are for sure songs for family and fit well in my concert. Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians and musical influences? Who do you recommend to friends and family? A: I’ve always been drawn to acoustic music and singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. I think my music has also been influenced by bands like The Beatles, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Eagles and America. Phil Keaggy has played a huge part in shaping and influencing me too. Phil and his wife Bernadette are actually old family friends; they’re both Ohio natives as well. Over years Phil has given me some good advice as well as played and sang on some of my albums. Other artists and bands I listen to and would recommend are David Wilcox, Michael Card, Fernando Ortega, John Michael Talbot, Nickel Creek, Shawn Colvin, Michael Hedges, Chris Rice, Allison Krauss and Union Station and Wes King. All of those artists are making acoustic music and most are wonderful finger style guitar players and songwriters which is what I tend to gravitate to. Q: Are any of your songs particular favorites? Why? A: That’s a hard question for me to answer because I like different things about all of my songs. But a couple songs stand out for me because of what they remind me of at time I wrote them. Ladybugs Living Room is one of those… a song about pretending that was inspired by a time of pretending with my daughter Megan. Designed to Shine is a favorite because it came from a time of me playing my guitar while my son Austin, then about three years old, danced around room laughing and singing while I played. Wonderful Thing is a song all about hugs that my daughter Brittany inspired… she’s “hugger” in our family, you know person in your family who loves to give and get hugs. There are others… every song has story behind it but those are just a few. Q: Tell us a bit about your "Roots and Wings" workshops.

A: That’s a workshop that really had it’s beginnings in another song I wrote called My Dad’s Coat. I had a memory of being a little boy and finding my dad’s overcoat and walking around with it on. That’s something that is funny and even appropriate for a child to do… but as I grew up it was important for me to wear my own coat, find my own way. It occurred to me that my faith as a child was a lot like wearing my dad’s coat. Children naturally and appropriately come under covering of their parents’ faith… but as kids grow up it’s important that they make this faith their own. My parents helped me to do that… they passed their heritage, faith and values to me and helped me assimilate them into my life. Now I’m doing same thing with my kids. The “Roots and Wings” workshop is designed to give parents some very practical was to pass their faith on to their kids and help them make it their own... passing on roots and helping them find their wings.

Q: Do you have plans for any upcoming projects? Are there any closing thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? A: Yes, I have a couple things I’m working on… one album of songs for summertime… another project that’s going to be more for parents than kids… love songs and mushy stuff like that… ugh! I appreciate chance to share my music with your readers. Parenting is a difficult job but so important… I hope that my music will not only be entertaining for kids and families but also encouraging for parents and their kids. That’s my heart… too see kids built up, parents encouraged and families strengthened… making it all “more fun than a kid should be allowed to have”!

For more information about music of Chip Richter visit www.chiprichter.com

Lisa M. Hendey is webmaster of www.CatholicMom.com , a wife and mother of two and a family music fan and supporter. Visit her at www.LisaHendey.com for more information.

There are several oils that are highly recommended for use with babies. Some are mood enhancers, some are room disinfectants and many are a combination of both.

Lavender and roman chamomile are best two oils that you can use in a mist or a diffuser to calm a fussy baby. A blend of vanilla and orange oils is a favorite blend for mothers who just want to keep baby in a happy mood as both oils have reputation of being mood elevators for children. Peppermint or spearmint oils are stimulating to brain. and may help babies learn faster.

You can also add a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil to a baby's bath to help prepare them physically and psychologically for naptime. Keep in mind though that all oils added to a bath must first be generously diluted in carrier oil such as almond or olive oil. Never pour essential oil drops directly into a bath as that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.

The safest aromatherapy oils to use as disinfectants and purifiers for air are geranium, lavender and eucalyptus. Lavender sprayed directly onto your babies bedding and allowed to dry before placing baby back in crib also helps get rid of allergens and dust mites. Eucalyptus is best used for babies who have a cold or respiratory problems.

Used in a cautious manner, essential oils can not only help you calm and cheer your infant, but they can also mask any unpleasant odors that are always a part of a mother's life.

******* (c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.