Are your children aware that a New Hampshire woman, Sarah Josepha Hale, was responsible for Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday?  Image: sxc.hu Yes, the first Thanksgiving, from which this  holiday of thankfulness originated, took place in Plymouth, MA. However, it wasn’t celebrated nationally until Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” decided that Thanksgiving should become a national holiday. She initiated a campaign to have a day in late fall set aside for us to give thanks for our harvests and many blessings. From 1846 to 1863, she wrote letters to presidents, governors, and any influential people she could think of. Many editorials appeared in her magazine, urging the recognition... [Read more]

“I’m bored.  There’s nothing to do,” so many kids exclaim when they don’t have access to electronics or parents restrict the hours they’re on computers, video games, wii, playstation and others. family fun image: sxc.hu We as parents and grandparents can do much top open up a non-electronic world to supplement the electronic experiences. Science experiments Hikes  Nature walks nearby Arts and crafts Acting out books and stories Family fun nights Family cooking competitions Reading aloud Storytelling I think of the pleasures of my childhood and my daughter’s before there were so many electronics.  Recapture this family fun and closeness as we interact together. What do you and your family do that’s... [Read more]

My niece recently told us about her two teen sons preparing supper. Recipes & Memories Image: sxc.hu The kitchen filled with smoke and the meal wasn’t gourmet by any means. However, as my daughter (her cousin) responded, “At least they tried! That was something.” Perhaps the boys will give another try if Mother is patient, She’ll have kitchen helpers and sons who can prepare their meals when they’re on their own. Also, my niece will have this as one of those memories to share in years to come. Why not write down some of these memories about your cooking and your children’s attempts? Also, compile memories about family gatherings and holiday meals. These all mean so much in future years and to future... [Read more]

The old saying, “Smile and the whole world smiles with you,” does have some truth to it.  Image: sxc.hu Do you ever notice how children respond to a smile?  Even a baby who, you think, is too young to really notice people.  Smile, and so often the child will smile back at you, perhaps wave its arms and make sounds if it hasn’t learned, “Hi.” I’ve often wondered what’s in the power of a smile that a tiny tot will respond.  What  if your whole family begins to smile?  What would that mean to the attitude of your home? It’s difficult to be angry if you’re truly smiling.  Often this dissolves into giggles. What about trying a campaign of smiles with your family, your friends and even... [Read more]

Today is Veterans Day in the U.S.  Do our children know what it really means, in addition to a day off from school, parades and flags?  Image: sxc.hu Do they realize that without the veterans’ service for our country, from the Revolutionary War forward, we might not be enjoying the freedoms we have today? Have you researched the veterans in your family heritage and shared this with your children?  Some of us have ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War and other wars to the present. So…many thanks to all those, including my husband, who have served and are serving so that we might have our freedom and that others around the world might experience some of what we have. [Read more]