Iditarod

Anyone following the Iditarod this year? We studied Alaska and followed the race last year and really enjoyed the process. We learned a great deal about Alaskan geography, wildlife and culture. Each family member selected a musher to track and the one with the fastest race time received a small prize. We also had a party at the end of the race with Alaskan-themed foods and decorations. We even built mini sled dog houses with graham crackers, frosting and sugar crystals, as well as a sugar cube igloo. Adding another dimension to our experience, we exchanged post cards with families in Alaska who told us about their take on "The Last Great Race."

The ceremonial start to this year's race was held today in Anchorage. The official start of the race is tomorrow in Willow. If you'd like to find out more check out these resources:
The Official Site of the Iditarod sign up for insider email, read about mushers, and watch videos from the trail.
Iditarod Blog with books recommendations for kids
Alaska Daily News online
Teachers Page full of great links
Activity page/Lesson plan resource
Homeschool Lesson Plan

More lesson plan links

And a list of movies:
VHS/DVD

Iditarod XXIV Video By The Iditarod Race Committee (purchase at iditarod.com store)

Snow Dogs

Iron Will

Eight Below

Balto

Stone Fox

Snow Buddies

White Fang

Sun Dogs

Iditarod: Toughest Race on Earth DVD Set by Discovery Channel

What's not to love about asparagus and feta?

So I have an abundance of fresh chives and I've been wondering what I'm going to do with them so they don't go to waste. I came across this recipe and I just have to say Yum-O! Tho, with only 2 tbsp chives, I think I'll be needin' a few more ideas. Let me know if you have any good ones :]


Spring Asparagus Salad
by: Kathy Gunst

A light, fresh salad to celebrate the flavors of spring. Serve with crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, optional
1/4 cup crumbled bacon
1 tablespoon chopped scallions
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Preparations
In a large skillet, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus and cook about 6 minutes, or until soft but not limp. Drain under cold running water and then drain again. Place on a serving plate. Whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chives (if using), pickles, and scallions. Spoon the dressing over the asparagus and top with the feta cheese. Serve cold or at room temperature. (Makes 4 servings)

Kids Can Customize and Print Their Own Books

Dr. Suess's birthday was Monday, and Read Across America Day was Tuesday, but I say celebrate literacy and great books everyday! I was recently contacted about a new site that allows users to customize, personalize and print their own books. And, it's FREE to use! Cool, huh? Readsake.com offers several stories to choose from and you can edit the names and images in the stories to make them personal to your child. You can also print the stories for your child to color, or print individual coloring pages. Incidentally, there are several pages that would be useful in homeschooling lessons.

Once you sign up, again for free, you can customize, share and archive your child's stories. This is a new site and I've played with it a bit, but still have more exploring to do. I wanted to share it though, as it seems like a fun teaching tool that kids would be excited about. (My kids love to see pictures of themselves and watch home movies, and personalized books are always a hit.) The only negatives I have found so far, are that the stories are really geared toward the preschool set. Though the site says up to 8 years old, I found that they weren't exciting enough for my soon to be 7 year old. And, there are several ads on the site, but it is fairly easy to navigate, and it is free, so I didn't really mind.

Check it out and see what you think. Let me know if you and your kids make a book. They'd be fun to share!


PS- also check out kidthing for free downloads of Dr. Suess favorites.

Wordful Wednesday

A family in need of a few good belts...

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Don't Be Obtuse, Celebrate The Seuss!

Yes, I know I'm late. But, better late than not at all. Today is Seuss Day. The Doctor's birthday. He has given us such wonderful wonders and fanciful fiction. What a creative genius and inspiration (his first book was turned down 24 times before it was published!) I have loved his work since childhood and enjoy sharing it with my kids today. And by gum, the world could use a little of Horton's faith and Sam I Am's optimism these days! So, if you haven't had a good dose of Seuss lately, you should take a trip to Diffendoofer or Mulberry Street. It just might do you some good.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Today was an unusual day. It actually snowed here! The kids, especially my oldest, had a blast playing outside. It wasn't a lot of snow, by any means, but any snow on the ground here is unusual, so it is always exciting. It gave us a good reason to bundle up and brave the cold gray day and the snowball slinging and crunch underfoot was a welcome change of pace. We had a great time together and all got worn out. The kids went to sleep without a peep. That's the good. (I wish I had better pictures, especially since it was the first snow for Buggaboo and Bella, but someone's little fingers changed the setting on my camera and all I got was yuck.)

We've been on the wacky schedule for a few weeks with DH working nights. Well, not just nights, overnight. Most nights he leaves around dinner time and comes home at breakfast. He is in his final semester before graduation so he attends evening classes before work. Then, of course, needs to sleep all day. So, I run around all day shooshing every one while trying to keep up the house, train the puppy and throw in some education. It has been stressful. The only time I really get to myself is after the kids hit the sack and I'm exhausted. That is when I work and/or blog. I have been working part time as a virtual assistant and have enjoyed the work. I like contributing to the family income and it makes me feel like more of an adult. Plus, the extra income has really come in handy.
Unfortunately, today I was effectively laid off. There is no more work for now and for the forseeable future. That's the bad news.

The ugly? There is no chocolate in this house.