Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Little Things - Exploring the Great Big World

Thursday, May 2, 2013

It is late in the day, but I love liking up with my good friend Kim for Little Things Thursday, so I'm joining in on the tail end of the party :) 

As I mentioned Monday, we ventured up to Colonial Williamsburg last weekend. It is one of our favorite family field trips. I loved visiting there when I was a kid. It always seemed so magical to step back in time for a day. I am thankful that we live close to this living history museum, so that my own children can experience a taste of what it was like to live in Virginia over 400 years ago. 

Here's a shot I took of Little Miss taking a peek at the oxen. 


Linking up with Kim today for:
Little by Little

Thanks so much for stopping by. 
Don't forget, tomorrow's Friday Photo Journal. Come by and link up your favorite shots of the week. You can grab the button in my sidebar.
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Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

More photos of our trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It was a beautiful day and there were so many sights to capture! They were reenacting pre-Revolutionary Colonial Williamsburg camp-life last weekend. We really enjoyed stepping back in time for a day. If you ever have a chance to visit you should. We go several times a year and it is never a disappointment!








NapTime MomTog

5 Minutes for Mom




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4th of July Educational Links and Activities

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Whether you are a homeschooler looking for 4th of July lesson plan activities, a hostess looking for recipes and holiday activities for the kids, or a parent looking for ways to prevent summer brain drain, you are sure to find some helpful links here. This list is from the homschool group list, Lesson Theme of the Week and you can subscribe here: lessonthemeoftheweek@yahoogroups.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A Capital Fourth, A History of the Fourth
http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/history.html#

Betsy Ross
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/index.html#Betsy Ross

Fourth of July Celebrations Data Base
http://www1.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm

Happy 4th of July! Celebrate America's Birthday
http://www.just4kidsmagazine.com/beacon4god/july4.html#

Liberty - The American Revolution
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/#

NARA History of the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/nae/index.html

The 4th of July - Patriotic Fantasy
http://wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm#

The Presidents on the 4th of July
http://www1.american.edu/heintze/FourthPres.htm

Why do we celebrate the 4th of July
http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-why.html

Lesson Plans

4th of July Lesson Plans
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/4thOfJuly.htm

An American Revolution Newscast
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSCIAmericanRevolutionNewscast57.htm#

ESL 4th of July Lesson
http://www.elcivics.com/esl_fourth_of_july.html

Hooray for Independence
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/detail/hooray-for-independence!-lesson-plan/

Independence Day
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/indepday/

Independence Day Lesson Plan
http://www.instructorweb.com/lesson/independenceday.asp

Teaching with Historic Places -- Independence Day Lesson Plans
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/jul00.htm#

The American Flag
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSArtTheAmericanFlagAndItsSymbolsK2.htm#

The Fourth of July - A day to Remember
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson069.shtml

CRAFTS

American Flag Candle TP Roll Craft
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musacandle.html#

Celebration Seltzer Rockets
http://crafts.kaboose.com/seltzer-rockets.html

Decorate Your Bike
http://crafts.kaboose.com/bike-decorations.html

Forth of July Coasters for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musacoaster.html#

Forth of July Party Pot
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/mpot.htm#

Independence Day Shaker
http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/july_4_shaker.shtml#

Make Your Own flag
http://crafts.kaboose.com/kids-flag.html?trnstl=1

Patriotic Pebble Craft
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/rocks/patrioticpebble/#

Patriotic Perler Projects
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/perlers.htm#

Patriotic Pinwheels
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/pinwheel/#

Suncatchers - U.S. Flag
http://crafts.kaboose.com/suncatchers-american-flag.html

USA Doorknob Hanger
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musadoorknob.htm#

U.S. Mobile for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musamobile.html#

COOKING

4th of July Snacks
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/fourth_of_july_snacks.html#

July 4th Star Cake
http://www.thepartyworks.com/july-star-cake-a-1160....html?tPath=190

Celebration POPcles
http://recipes.kaboose.com/celebration-popsicles.html

Patriotic Jigglers
http://recipes.kaboose.com/fourth-of-july-jigglers.html

Stars and Stripes Cake
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/stars-and-stripes-cake/7052e392-a539-4eb4-8bf9-473d9a8eed4f?mscsprof...=

Uncle Sam Cookies
http://www.thepartyworks.com/uncle-cookie-a-1166.html?tPath=190

MULTIMEDIA

Action America - Happy New Year
http://www.actionamerica.org/fun/fireworks.shtml#

Lady Liberty Fireworks
http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty.htm

Liberty
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ET24212074#Liberty

MUSIC

4th of July Songs
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/fourth_of_july_songs.html#

The American Way
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MusicOSongForFlagDay4thJulyP2.htm#

The Star Spangled Banner - Words and Music
http://www.weekiwis.com/ssbanner.html#

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Create Your own Fireworks
http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/fireworks.html#

Symbols of America
http://www.kidport.com/GradeK/SocialStudies/AmericanSymbols.htm#

Teddy Bear Sparkles
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/tedsprk.htm#

The 13 Colonies - Hangman game
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/hm13col.htm#

American Revolution - Hangman Game
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/hmamrev.htm#

The National Archives Experience: Sign the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/nae/index.html

U.S. Capital - Jigsaw Puzzle
http://www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/US_Capitol/start.htm#

U.S, Flag - Jigsaw Puzzle
http://www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/US_flag/start.htm#

U.S. Symbols Match Game
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/july4/games/match_up/start.htm#

PRINT OUTS

4th of July Wordsearches
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/julyprint.htm#

Bingo Game - Unite Flag
http://www.billybear4kids.com/BINGO/Games/Unite-Flag.htm#

4th of July Coloring
http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-color.html

Fourth of July Printable Worksheets
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/seasonal/fourth-of-july/index.php

John's Word Search Puzzle - 4th of July
http://www.thepotters.com/puzzles/july4.html#

July 4th Activity Book
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/books/julyfourth/#

July 4th Paper Doll
http://www.billybear4kids.com/paperdoll/July4th.html#

Math Activity Worksheets
http://www.kidzone.ws/math/usa/index.htm#

The States That Made It Happen Crossword
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/games/13states.html#

I hope you enjoy these activities and have a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend!

We The People 9.17 Constitution Contest for All Ages

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Constituting America's mission is to reach, educate and inform America's youth and her citizens about the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the foundation it sets forth regarding our freedoms and rights. 


To view last years winner, sign up, or find more info, visit Constituting America .



Memorial Day Fun and Education

Sunday, May 22, 2011

It's almost here! The big summer kick off and a fun-filled three day weekend built for relaxing with family and friends. Here's a list of links to explore that will keep you busy with preparations all week long. From history, crafts, cooking, lesson plans, puzzles, quizzes and more, it's all covered here. This list of links was complied by a local homeschool group and it was just too good not to share :) Enjoy!

General Info:
History of Memorial Day
http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history
Memorial Day: A Time of Reflection
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/holidays/memorialday1.htm
Memorial Day History
http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
Origins of Memorial Day - Kids for Our Troops
http://www.kidsforourtroops.org/originsofmemorialday.htm
The National Memorial Day Concert
http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcerthttp://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/

Lesson Plans:
Celebrating Memorial Day - What is Memorial Day?
http://www.easyfunschool.com/article2169.html
Creating a Memorial Day Poster Poem
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/memorial.html
Graphing Our History of Sacrifice
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/03/lp313-04.shtml
How to Plan a Memorial Day Flag Lesson Plan
http://www.ehow.com/how_2188597_plan-memorial-day-flag-lesson.html
Learning Through Listening | Memorial Day Lesson Plans
http://www.learningthroughlistening.org/Classroom-Teaching-Tools/Lesson-Plans/Memorial-Day-Lesson-Plans/426/
Memorial Day:
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/memorial-day/teacher-resources/6644.html
Memorial Day is observed in the United States today
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/memorial-observed-united-states-30557.html
Memorial Day Lesson for ESL Students:
http://www.elcivics.com/memorial_day_lesson_1.html
Memorial Day Shoebox Parade
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/03/lp313-01.http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/03/lp313-01.shtml
Memorial Day Theme for Preschool
http://www.brighthub.com/education/early-childhood/articles/66163.http://www.brighthub.com/education/early-childhood/articles/66163.aspx
Memorial Service Lesson Plans
http://www.500festival.com/events/MemorialServiceLessonPlans.asp
Memorial Day Sunday School Lesson & Craft (Memorial Stones)
http://ministry-to-children.com/memorial-day-lesson-craft/
Remember Our Veterans Lesson Plan
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/detail/remember-our-veterans-lesson-plan/
Remembering the Heros of Memorial Day Lesson Plan
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1630491/remembering_the_heros_of_memorial_day.html

Remembering Those Who Gave Their Lives:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson313.shtml
Teaching the Meaning of Memorial Day
http://www.suite101.com/content/teaching-the-meaning-of-memorial-day-a221293
The Memory Shall Be Ours: Celebrating Memorial Day
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson119.shtml
Unknown Soldier Diorama Lesson Plan
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/detail/unknown-soldier-diorama-lesson-plan/
Veterans in My Family
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSMDVeteransInMyFamily-VetMemDayIdeaP12.htm
American Wars Fact Sheet
http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets/fs_americas_wars.pdf

Crafts:
Craft Stick Flag
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/july4/craftstickflaghttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/july4/craftstickflag/
Crayola® Holiday Crafts - Memorial Day
http://www.crayola.com/crafts/memorial-day-crafts/
Memorial Day Poppies
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ArtMemorialDayPoppies24.htm
Patriotic Ribbon Dance-Along
http://crafts.kaboose.com/patrioticribbondancealong.html
Patriotic Wind Sock Craft
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/windsock/
Patriotic Wreath
http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/memorial-day-creative-arts-preschool-lesson-plan-patriotic-wreath-activity
American Flag Fan
http://crafts.kaboose.com/american-flag-fan.html

Red, White & Blue Spinners:
http://www.makingfriends.com/spinners.htm
Sequin Flag Magnet
http://www.makingfriends.com/flag_sequin.htm

Recipes and Cooking:
Flag Cake Recipe for Memorial Day
http://kidscooking.about.com/b/2011/05/17/flag-cake-recipe-for-memorial-day.htm
How to Make Memorial Day Cupcakes
http://www.ehow.com/how_2046868_make-memorial-day-cupcakes.html
Memorial Day Desserts
http://kidscooking.about.com/od/memorialdayrecipes/tp/memorial_day_desserts.htm

Multimedia Resources:
"Memorial Day Flash Movie -- 2001" by Jackson Tuggle
http://www.usmemorialday.org/images/movies/memflash01.html
Memorial Day - Free Presentations in PowerPoint Format
http://holidays.pppst.com/memorialday.html
Memorial Day Images
http://www.usmemorialday.org/images.html

Virtual Field Trips:
Arlington National Cemetery
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/
Memorial Day Museum
http://www.waterloony.com/MdayMus.html

Online Activities:
A Time to Remember: Memorial Day Quiz
http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/ForChildren/A-Time-to-Remember-Memorial-Day-309728.html

American Flag Concentration Puzzle:
http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/flag-c.htm
English Study Quiz - Memorial Day (Grammar Quiz)
http://www.manythings.org/voa/010525bam.htm
ESL Quiz - Memorial Day Quiz
http://a4esl.org/q/h/9901/cr-memorialday.html
Memorial Day Maze- Easy
http://www.alphabet-soup.net/mem/memorialmaze.html
Memorial Day Maze - Medium
http://www.alphabet-soup.net/mem/memorialmaze2.html
Memorial Day Maze - Tough
http://www.alphabet-soup.net/mem/memorialmaze3.html
Memorial Day Word Search
http://www.alphabet-soup.net/mem/memorialseek.html

Printouts:
Internet Scavenger Hunt: Honoring Our Veterans PDF File
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/hunt/hunt011.shtml
Memorial Day Coloring Pages
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/memorial-day/
Memorial Day Printables
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/memorialprint.htm
Memorial Day : Spelling Words Worksheets Builder
http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/words/worksheets/spelling_word_list420.html

Memorial Day Vocabulary Quiz Worksheet:
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/misc/memorialday/quiz/index.html
Memorial Day Word Jumble Puzzle PDF File
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/uploads/memorial_wj_a-m.pdf
Memorial Day Word Search Puzzle PDF File
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/uploads/memorial_day_ws.pdf
Memorial Day Worksheets for Kids
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/worksheets/memorial-day/

Whether you are traveling, camping, hitting the beach or planning on staying in your own backyard, I hope you have a fun and memorable Memorial Day weekend! Cheers ;)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Thursday, May 5, 2011








The holiday of Cinco de Mayo, The 5th of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862.  It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16. Help kids learn more about Cinco de Mayo through this Social Studies link.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and make today a day of Mexican history and cultural exploration. If you are looking for lesson plan ideas, kinderart has some great crafts for younger kids including how to make a poncho. Get the kids in the kitchen with these cooking ideas. And, if you just can't get enough Mexican food (like me),  here's more info on Mexican food and links to recipes. Also, try these craft ideas and songs to add to the festivities. Find even more links here. Enjoy. Ole!

Top Educational Websites for 2011

Friday, January 21, 2011

Homeschool.com has come out with their annual list of the top 100 educational websites. The full list is categorized by subject and you'll want to bookmark it as a great reference tool. I've linked the top five sites here, but check out the full list. There are some great tools for fun and learning with your kids!

The Top Five Sites for 2011

1. www.exploratorium.edu
2. www.pbs.org
3. www.brainpop.com
4. www.sheppardsoftware.com
5. www.donnayoung.org

For the full list click here.

Quotable Sunday - Independence Day

Saturday, July 3, 2010



Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower


In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt


Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine


Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty. ~Louis D. Brandeis


Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. ~Albert Camus


My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson


What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." ~Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade

How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy. ~Paul Sweeney

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

Freedom is the oxygen of the soul. ~Moshe Dayan

We are free, truly free, when we don't need to rent our arms to anybody in order to be able to lift a piece of bread to our mouths. ~Ricardo Flores Magon, speech, 31 May 1914

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. ~Robert J. McCracken

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. ~James Madison, speech, Virginia Convention, 1788

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. ~Edward R. Murrow

Men fight for liberty and win it with hard knocks. Their children, brought up easy, let it slip away again, poor fools. And their grandchildren are once more slaves. ~D.H. Lawrence, Classical American Literature, 1922

The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding. ~Louis D. Brandeis



Happy Independence Day America!
Attention history buffs: check out the great sale at History.com - up to 70% off select DVD's including The Revolution Series for $14.99 and The Presidents for $19.99. Get 'em fast!


For More Quotable Fun visit LT at A Day With Two.



A Day With Two


Happy 4th of July! Fun Ideas for Kids and Families

Thursday, July 1, 2010


From History.com: Independence Day, commonly known as July 4th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would henceforth be free and independent states. Did you know the first celebration took place on July 8th, however? Learn more with these short videos.

Looking for a way to beat this heat this weekend? The History Channel will feature The Revolution series (13 back-to-back episodes) Saturday, July 3rd from 11am/10c. Check your local listings, then whip up some Red, White and Blue snacks and treats for a history marathon.

Find more links and resources for learning here. Or, read the Declaration of Independence here.

Find some worksheets for little ones here. And more printables for all ages here.
Find crafts and decorations to make here, and fun facts here.  Plus, check out last year's post for more fun ideas!

If you have a 4th of July post, link up here :) I'd love to see what you're up to.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

Constituting America Contest for K-12

Tuesday, June 22, 2010


CALLING ALL KIDS!
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
FOR THE WE THE PEOPLE 9.17 CONTEST!

The contest gives kids grades K-12 the opportunity to submit a cool song, entertaining short film, Public Service Announcement, holiday card, poem, or essay, all with the theme "How the United States Constitution is Relevant Today." Entries are due July 4th!

Prizes for high school kids include $2,000 scholarships, a trip to Philadelphia, national exposure at the Constitution Center, and a possible appearance on a major television show. Younger kids can win gift cards and other cool prizes, and will receive public recognition! Details and contest rules are available at: www.constitutingamerica.org

“Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge of the people.”
~ John Adams

Make Something Special for Dad for Father's Day

Thursday, June 17, 2010

First, a little history (I am a homeschool mom after all!): Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington.

Father's Day is just around the corner. Do you have a special day planned for Dad?

I've gathered some fun ideas for getting the kids involved in making Dad's day a big hit! You'll find crafts, cards, recipes and more at these sites:
A Kids' Heart
Kaboose - love the trophy :)
Family Fun
Holidays.net
The Holiday Spot
Activity Village - love the oragami :)

And here's a link to Presidential Father's Day Proclamations from 2009, back through the year 2000.

What Makes a Dad?

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagles in flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
And there was nothing more to add,
He knew his masterpiece was complete,
And He called it – Dad.
Author unknown

Memorial Weekend Recap

Wednesday, June 2, 2010


We had a busy, fun-filled holiday weekend. Having Daddy back in town has been so great and we were determined to make the most of it. I think we succeeded!

We visited Colonial Williamsburg for a walk through history. We fed a horse, chatted with some sheep, toured the gaol (local jail), had a picnic and wore out our walking shoes.

We also visited the Virginia War Museum, which was a first for us. I was so impressed with not only the amount of memoribilia they have on display, but also the quality of the exhibits. We saw everything from weapons and uniforms, to military vehicles from all eras, and many personal effects from war veterans throughout the years. It was truly fascinating. Unfortunately they don't allow much photography inside the museum, but the kids thought the tanks parked outside were totally cool.


We also did a little of this:

And of course, this:
So, how did you celebrate Memorial Day? Check out 5 Minuntes for Mom's Memorial Day link up for a fun blog hop and a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!>

Quotable Sunday - Memorial Day

Sunday, May 30, 2010


“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave” - Muhammad

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” -Arthur Ashe

"Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, that those United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. -John Adams in a letter to Mrs. Adams, July 3, 1776

Eulogy for a Veteran
Author Unknown

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Freedom Is Not Free
By LCDR Kelly Strong, USCG - Copyright 1981
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Service man saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.



Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a safe and happy Memorial Day! For more quotable fun visit LT at A Day With Two.

Memorial Day Fun!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Memorial Day is upon us. It is one of my favorite holidays. Really. It marks the beginning of summer: warm days, bbq's, trips to the beach, and long evening walks. The holiday itself always gets my patriotic pride swelling with parades, air shows, and lots of red, white and blue. Sort of a prelude to the big bang on the 4th of July.

Although the holiday is marked with ceremonies and parades in nearly every town in the U.S., there are also plenty of online resources to help you celebrate in style. You can take a virtual tour of Arlington National Cemetery, for example. Or, visit History.com's Memorial Day mini-site for the history of Memorial Day, War History videos, and a look at some famous battle maps. You might also visit The Department of Veterans Affairs for information on veteran statistics and memorial sites.

There are tons of online resources for teaching, such as themed units, and coloring pages, word searches, crafts, poems, and USMemorialDay.org.

And what national holiday would be complete without a good old fashioned American barbeque? Check out this site for awesome burger recipes. Don't forget the potato salad and dessert.

If you really want to go big, go here. But, any way you go, make it a fun, fabulous family weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010



May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

I'll admit this post should have gone up earlier and I apologize for my tardiness. I just didn't manage to get all the laundry done, clean the house for our appraisal and get all my posts in order too. Anyway, if you are still looking for some fun activities to help celebrate this holiday, I've got some great links to share:

Find history and fun facts at history.com
St Patrick: The World's Greatest Missionary Holiday Helper FREE Download from Currclick
Printable Paper Toys to Make
St Pat's Crafts Ideas from Kaboose and Crafts, Coloring Pages and More from Family Fun
Find tons of resources on TeacherVision. You can download 3 Free, then you'll need to subscribe to get more access. They offer a Free 7 day trial.
Find printable puzzles, bookmarks, and Irish blessings at Activity Village.
Looking for recipes? Try these Irish Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Soda Bread, or this link of endless possibilities.
Think Corned Beef and Cabbage is a traditional Irish dish? Read this!

However you celebrate, I hope you have a beautiful day!

A Thousand Words Thursday

Thursday, March 11, 2010

We recently visited the Hampton History celebration in Hampton, VA. We met lots of war reenactors and period actors, saw some really cool memorabilia and learned more about the history of our region. We also captured a few cool photos. The kids really enjoyed it and we all had a great day. History rocks.




For more Thousand Words Thursday stop by Cheaper Than Therapy.
Cheaper Than Therapy

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