Here are my thoughts

1 – At this age most of the learning is not and should not be acedemics. It is how to live life, how to be a good person. Therefore it is appropriate that most of the learning be religious studies since those teach you the right way to live

2- Secular studies are very straightforward. This is how you draw an A. No question about it. Religious studies have much more questioning involved. There are some big ideas being presented that spark lots of thought and discussion and that takes time.

I am sure that the precentages will change as she grows and matures but the balance feels right for us now.

This week’s Fridays Find are a bit early so that you can find them and share them on Valentines day. One of the things I have always loved about Barefoot Books is their ability to draw the reader closer to the listener. Or e as a parent closer to my kids. The language and art give you the feeling you are sharing something magical and special even after the 100th reading! Here are two of my favorite books about love and sharing.

You and Me
Written by: Stella Blackstone
Illustrated by: Giovanni Manna

You and Me is a large format board book by Stella Blackstone that celebrates differences and teaches opposites through beautiful illustrations depicting the imaginative play of a boy and girl. While the text is simple enough to captivate even the youngest readers, the illustrations and rythym will entrance all listeners.

Compiled by: Judith Nicholls
Illustrated by: Giovanni Manna

If You and Me is too young for your child, then Someone I Like is perfect. It is anthology of poems about people. Judith Nicholls has brought together the work of poets from many different backgrounds with poems that focus on the people who are dearest to us. Spanning the full range of human emotions, the poems in Someone I Like provide an ideal starting point from which to discuss feelings of anger, sadness, happiness and love that characterize our closest relationshipsThis book makes a wise assumption: children are intelligent and will take from each poem what they can. Some children will delight in the sounds of the poems, some in the content, and others will find joy in both.

Don’t we all need something fresh to celebrate today? I am celebrating by giving away two copies of “We’re Sailing to Galapagos” written by Laurie Krebs, published by, whom other, than Barefoot Books. I love this book! It has a wonderful “sing-song rhyme” rich, colorful illustrations (the collage-y cut paper kind that amazes me every time I study it). Finally, as all of the titles in Laurie’s world travel series, it has an amazing “glossary” in the back – my friend refers to them often as “Harvard extension programs set to rhyme”.

Laurie does a wonderful job of writing informative, yet light, easy to read rhyming stories. She keeps the main part of the book relaxed and fun (this one among many things introduces the days of the week) then by finishing with rich end notes that, for us, make her books top of the top. The end notes are full of robust details of the subject matter featured in the story. In the case of “Galapagos” the end notes include detailed info of all of the creatures we met on our journey. This element is partly why I am Laurie Kreb’s biggest fan. These books can be read again and again and again. We never make it through all of the end notes in one reading, each time we pick it up there is more to learn and explore.

It is also one of those titles that I say is perfect for many ages. It’s information is so complete I know it will be a valuable resource for the kids school days . . .

Finally, Laurie ends the book with write up introducing Charles Darwin and his famous 5 year voyage, most specifically for his work in the Galapagos Islands. (Not a “Darwinian”? fine, don’t read that page . . . regardless of your beliefs the rest of the book is a “must have”)

the fine print:

1. To Enter: leave a comment on this post
   

2. Make sure to include your e-mail (either in text or in the blind link)
   

3. Drawing closes at midnight (doesn’t that sound official) on Friday 2/13/09
   

4. Froggy will randomly draw comments #’s from a “hat” (not at midnight)
   

5. Winners will be contacted via the e-mail you provide
   

And I admit it I got lost in my own life. And in caring for my mother. And it was caring for my mother that reminded me of what I needed to do. Relay for Life. Even Froggy can participate. I have seen families with ones much younger than her participating. And it is such an important cause.

Cancer is such a hard disease to fight. As a patient, as a care giver, we often feel so helpless. Here is a way for us not to be helpless. So for you local readers, please please consider joining our team. If you are not local consider forming your own team at your local Relay. If not you can help my team. Just help.

For other tips this week check out Rocks in My Dryer.

We also planted seeds. Each child planted parsley seeds in a little yogurt cup they could take home with them. The theory is that the parsley started now will be eaten at Passover. With my luck growing plants indoors that has never worked. We planted a tree – avocado. Or we started it in a jar if you can count that.

I hope you enjoyed your holiday. Now onto our Valentines day prep. February is a busy busy month.

Saturday – Shul PJ Party – dinner there. We will have Valentines day foods all day long. -

Strawberry creamcheese and bagels for breakfast A Picnic lunch – peanut butter heart sandwiches, tortiallas /w hummus in heart shapes / rice krispie hearts / gingerbread hearts

We are trying two new breakfast ideas as well.

Baked French Toast (but I will use challah rather than French bread) and Cherry Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

We will also prepare for Valentines day by making gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, Sovta and Daddy. The grandparents will get handmade cards with a picture glued inside and decorated with foam stickers signed by Froggy herself with her newly acquired writing skills. I think it will make them smile.

I also need to find some time to make a baby quilt for a friend. Her daughter will arrive on Wednesday and the quilt has not even been started yet. I think I will start on that as soon as the guests leave tomorrow.

I also have my CASA training class. I dread the class because it is emotionally difficult. I know I am doing a good thing for a child by becoming an advocate but it does not make the training any easier.

Whether it is a friend, family member, the neighbor down the street, or our own personal experience, we have all been touched by cancer in some way. We all have the power to make a difference in the fight against cancer. That’s why I have chosen to fight back right here in our community by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I have participated in this event before. Cancer is not a new problem. But this time it is different and the feelings are stronger and harder to deal with. That is why I created a team this year. I need the emotional support of my friends as much as ACS needs the financial support to continue the fight.

I know that you care about finding an end to cancer, and I hope you will join me at this year’s Relay For Life. Here is a link where you can sign up and join my team. If you are not able to attend, you can make an online donation to support my efforts. From my team page you can also go to the event details to see time and location and the like.

At the event, we’ll camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. There is an incredible ceremony to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers that starts off the night, and a moving ceremony to honor and remember those who have fought the disease. I can truly say the Relay is unlike anything else you’ll ever experience. It’s a night full of fun, hope, and remembrance.

Together, we can celebrate, remember, and fight back. Please join me.