A blog according to Wikipedia, is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic.

I think blogs are the fastest growing online resources for finding and learning information.

Here are some of my earlier posts. I hope you enjoy!

I turn 44 tomorrow. I was sitting here reflecting on my life and came to the realization that I love getting older! I know it sounds crazy but it's true. Throughout my entire thirties, I dreaded birthdays. I felt sad and a little depressed thinking about another birthday and getting older. However, something happened when I turned 40, I don't know if it's that I came into my own, having a child a bit later in life or I am really getting wiser with age, but whatever the reason I love my forties!

I have never felt better! I don't doubt my self so much. I feel more confident and secure in my decisions. I am learning to enjoy life and not get so stressed about things that I cannot control. I appreciate things/people more. I don't take things for granted like I did when I was younger. In addition, this one is a big one for me, but I have realized that I make happiness! What I mean by this is that if I want to be happy, I choose to be happy. I don't mean for this to sound so simplistic, but it truly is that simple. If you want to be happy, then do things or make choices that will bring you happiness. Now, I just recently came to this, as Oprah would call it, ah ha moment. So it is still a work in progress here, but I know I deserve to be happy, therefore, I am choosing to be happy!

Now all that being said, I admit my joints and muscles, etc, don't feel quite as spry as they did when I was in my twenties, but I can jog/run a whole mile without stopping. And, sadly, I can't lose weight as easily or quickly as I did when I was younger. However, in the big picture of life, these are small things. As Richard Carlson says, "don't sweat the small stuff" and 99% of it is small stuff!

I have been so richly blessed with a wonderful family. A husband that loves and respects me. He gives me encouragement when I need it, he's my strength when I'm weak , he's my best friend and he's my cheerleader! My son is my inspiration. He makes me laugh every day. Anyone that knows me knows how I love to laugh. And my son has a quick-wit and amazing sense of humor so I find myself laughing a lot. It is true that laughter is the best medicine! But most of all my son gives me hope. Hope for the future, because in his eyes and in his thoughts I see so much promise. I have wonderful parents that have always believed in me. My mother is a phenomenal woman and I hope to be just half the mother to my son, that she has been to me. Last but not least, my friends. I have had so many great friendships throughout my life. Some were brief and fleeting, others for a little longer and two for a lifetime. Some friendships old and some new. I feel like each friend I have had in my life, however, brief, were very important to me. They each gave me so much more than they will ever know. I think a person is blessed if they can have one truly close, best friend; I've been doubly blessed with two best friends!

Yes, I am happy about my birthday tomorrow! Besides, it sure beats the alternative! I would love to hear your thoughts about aging. Hope to hear from you! Enjoy life!

Holocaust Remembrance Day is May 2nd. This can be an excellent opportunity to teach your children about the Holocaust. I will be concentrating mainly on the K-4th grade levels, with emphasis on 1st grade, as that is the level I will be working at with my son. This topic is a good time to teach differences, sameness and prejudices. Kindergarten thru 2nd grade should be able to grasp the ideas that we have differences that make us special, and that people can be different and the same.

Objectives: To understand the concept of stereotyping and prejudice and to appreciate diversity.
To encourage cooperation. There are many great books out there on this subject matter and you can check with your local library for suggestions. The book I'll be reading is The Crayon Box That Talked, by S. DeRolf. After reading the book ask the following questions:

Why do the yellow and green crayons say they don't like the red one?
In what way does the little girl use the crayons when she gets home?
What happens when the colors touch each other?
When the picture was finished what changed the crayons opinions of each other?
What is the message of the story?

Reinforce and discuss the concepts of prejudice, diversity, and cooperation from the story. Have children think about other examples of these ideas.
I think this is also a good time to teach or reinforce tolerance (and intolerance) in the home. We are not born with prejudices or stereotypes but they develop very early in life, as does the quest for identity, which is a strong human need. We can teach our children that we have an identity and that other identities are just as interesting and just as valuable. We can encourage our children to experience the positive aspects of diversity rather than a fear of diversity.

In the home, this means that we as parents must become aware of and sensitive to our own stereotypes, prejudices and intolerance. We need to monitor our attitudes and behavior because everything we say and do has an influence on our children's ability to tolerate diversity. Tolerance and intolerance are learned. If we fear differences, our children will too. Teaching tolerance is a responsibility parents need to take seriously. As educators of the next generation, we have an obligation to stand up against bigotry, racism and prejudice in all its forms.

If you are teaching older children here is a great site with valuable information, ideas, resources, and more on the holocaust.

If you have a lesson plan idea for Holocaust Remembrance Day, I would love to hear them. Hope to hear from you! Enjoy Life!!!