Memorial Day around our house typically involves one of the following events: cookout, traveling (usually from a grandparents’ house), swimming, fishing or visiting.  Sometimes, it includes all of these.  Those are the best Memorial Days.

Being a day set aside to remember those who have given their lives for the freedom of our country, Memorial Day holds a special place in my family’s circle.  I have several relatives who have served - uncles, cousins, aunts - and family members who are now gone but were an integral part of different events in history, such as my grandfathers and even further back from that. Read more…

Our last day of school is quickly approaching here, and my 2nd grader is definitely in tune to that.  Each day, he tells us how many more school days he has left, and then he proceeds to name all the fun things he’s going to do over the summer, from sleepovers to trips to the grandparents’ house to swimming and playing with the neighbors.  He also knows that many of the things he does in school now will be carried over to the summer.

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May is National Museum Month!  Visiting a museum at any age can be a fascinating, rewarding and educational experience.  However, not all of us are blessed to have good, quality museums in our area, so here are a few ways to bring the museum to you!

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Every summer, I feel the squeeze of my wallet as requests for summer camps, sport clinics and other activities come flooding through my door.  This year, I have sought out some not-so-costly ways to entertain my kids and make their summer just as much fun as that $60 ticket to Sea World.

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A few weeks ago, our cub scout troop created a simple project which has spurred a great deal of interest for my 8 year-old.  We made a simple family tree.  Each child traced his arm and hand on a large sheet of paper and colored the shape brown (for the tree trunk and branches).  Then, leaves were cut out of green construction paper.  Family members’ names and birthdates were recorded on each leaf, then as a family, we placed each leaf on our tree.  My son and his brother are at the base of the tree, while his great-grandparents are at the very top.  It is an amazing, visual representation of our family, and it hangs on our playroom door for all to see.  Simple to make, and a hot topic of conversation for all who visit!

Summertime is just around the corner, and my second grader will be a newly-appointed third grader.  Summer, for us, means swimming, sleepovers, and a bit of educational “stuff” to keep us on our toes.

One of my favorite activities to do with my boys is so simple, it is amazing that I don’t try it year-round.  For the summer, I set up several “themed” boxes.  These boxes are self-contained learning centers that can travel with us, be stored on a shelf or in a closet, and cost virtually nothing for me to set up.  We love to pull out a box on a rainy day or when we’re not feeling our best.  And, when my little guy is napping, we usually find time for the boxes then as well!  I typically use plastic lidded bins, but shoe boxes would work as well.  The idea is to find things to use in a different way that will be fun and enjoyable while still promoting my child’s educational needs during the long break. 

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1. Nintendo Recalls Lapel Pins Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

She is the one who taught your son to subtract.  He is the person who helps your daughter with her understanding of science concepts.  She is the constant influence of a love of learning in your child’s life.  And, it is time to honor that special person.  Next week, May 5 - 9, is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Here are some simple ways to tell your child’s teacher how much he or she is appreciated. Read more…