If you haven’t gotten into the American Girl collection, then you need to.  Even boys will enjoy these books.  I remember when these books came out, and Addy was the first American Girl I read about and fell in love with.  When I saw these books at the library, I snatched them up.  We’ve been reading them a chapter at a time, then discussing it afterwards.  The kids really have a hard time understanding slavery. (Quite frankly, so do I.)  They just cannot imagine why someone would consider another person “less human” or “not human” because of their color.  We’re all the same race…. HUMAN!

Soon, we’ll visit an old plantation that is paused in this time period.  We’ll get to watch the workers do what they do (milk cows, make butter, repair building without power tools), eat authentic food for the period and culture (creole/cajun…mm), and (hey hey!) browse through the gift shop. I hope to do that within the next couple weeks.

This is a wonderfully educational book, even for younger children.  It asks them to do specific moments to feel the bones in their bodies and has a little humor thrown in for your funny bone (Get it?).  My critters loved it!!  Afterwards, Merika was walking to get water and said, “Hey! I can feel my bone moving!”

This is a cute, but simply worded book which shows you different ways animals carry their babies.  Since I often carry our little baby in a baby wrap, this is something the kids found quite intriquing!  Turns out, all sorts of animals have all sorts of ways of carrying their babies, whether it be on their back, in pouches, or on their tails!

This book is colorful, creative, and absolutely AWESOME!  Three thumbs up….

I’m excited to present…
The Heart of the Matter homeschooling E-zine (found at www.heartofthematteronline.com)!  I’m fortunate enough to be a part of this wonderful ministry which launches on Tuesday.  I hope you’ll stop in and take a gander on the 8th when the whole ‘zine is unveiled! 

I’ve had the opportunity to take a peek of some of the articles, and I must say, this thing is JAM-PACKED with good stuff!  My contribution is on unschooling, which I feel a bit ill-equipped to write about. 

It’s great to see how everyone approaches homeschooling.  Very interesting!

While I’m not against slipping a little extra nutrition here and there (sometimes I slip grated carrots into the peanut butter of our PB&J sandwiches), I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary… or worth going through all the trouble of preparing the purees just to deceive your children into healthy eating.

You shouldn’t have to con your children into eating their fruits and vegetables.  There is actually a very simple way to get your children to eat, and enjoy, these healthy foods.

What? You ask.  What is the secret?

It’s not a secret, it’s actually common sense.  It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s actually fun!

Get your children involved.
Yes, that’s right.  Get your children in the kitchen. Plan meals with your munchkins (even preschoolers can add their own ideas). Allow them to help out with age-appropriate tasks when you’re preparing the meal.  Toddlers can help you measure out ingredients and mix them together.  They can gather items from the pantry or fridge.  Talk through the recipes.  Discuss what you’re doing.  Don’t be afraid to make a mess.  Children can also help with clean-up. Having your kids by your side may add ten or fifteen more minutes to your prep time, but it’s well worth it.  Plus, you’re making memories, wonderful memories that may become a family tradition.  Imagine your child doing the same with their children.

When your children invest their time and effort into making a meal they’ll want to try it.  Afterall, it’s their creation and they want to fully enjoy it.  My children have yet to refuse a meal they helped prepare.