American History Read Aloud Books for the Family

I love American History! I hated it in school, I hated the boring, dry facts and having to memorize dates.  Now that I am teaching the next generation, history has become extremely important to me.  I am often reminded of the quote that those who don't know history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.  As I see what is going on in the world today I see evidence of a failed public school system and wonder if we are at a point of repeating past history.

My favorite way to learn history is through stories.  I love to hear about the lives of past generations and the successes and failures that they were faced with.  Reading stories with your kids is such a great way to learn history.  I have compiled a list of fun books to read with your kids.

Early American History 1700's

Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies

"When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail."

Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies is a fun historical fiction, packed with action.   It gives the reader an idea of what life was like during the Revolutionary War.   A great read for the whole family. 

Butterfly Express Essential Oil Rubs

I hope you are all staying well during this time of uncertainty.  I wanted to share some of my favorite products with you.  I just discovered Butterfly Express Rubs.  They are wonderful and so soothing.  I purchased the Exhale rub at the beginning of the Cornovirus scare just to have it on hand.  One of my kids ended up with a cold, so instead of using Vicks Vapo Rub, I used Exhale.  The first time I put it on her, she asked if I could dilute it, because of the menthol crystals, it does have a cooling effect.  She did ask for it the next night though because she said it helped.  It is an amazing rub to use on the chest for the common cold. While it is safe for children,  please take into consideration the cooling effect. 

The following information comes from the Butterfly Express Webpage.

^LeExhale Rub
Information: ^LeExhale is a combination of stimulating and soothing that is useful for relieving congestion, colds, or coughs. The Ravensara in this blend helps fight viral strains and, along with Tea Tree, aids in tissue rebuilding, while killing some of the nastiest microbes on the planet. ^LeExhale is antibacterial, helps encourage lymphatic drainage, stimulates the immune system, aids circulation, and brings a high percentage of cineole with the Eucalyptus Radiata in it that is believed to be the component that relieves colds and congestion.

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Almond Oil Infused with Mullein, Veggie Emulsifier, Stearic Acid, Menthol Crystals, Cocoa Butter, ^LeExhale Essential Oil Blend (Cardamom, Eucalyptus Radiata, Laurel, Lemon, Peppermint, Ravensara, Tea Tree), Refined Vitamin E Oil, Sodium Lactate, Optiphen, Benzoin Essential Oil

Susanna's Midnight Ride Book Review

Are you looking for a great read-aloud for your family?  Check out Susanna's Midnight Ride.  It is based on a true story that takes place during the Revolutionary War. 

We have all heard of the ride Paul Revere took, but have you heard of Susanna Bolling? 

"As the former Colonies struggle for freedom, the American Revolution is in the hands of a brave and resourceful teenage girl.

At sixteen, Susanna Bolling is like America in rebellion; she craves independence. While her brothers are off fighting for the Patriots, she longs to do more than tedious household chores and attend spinning bees in sleepy City Point, Virginia.When British General Cornwallis invades her family’s Bollingbrook Plantation, she overhears his secret plan to defeat the Patriots. Much to her shock, she finds herself at the center of the war. Now America’s fight for liberty hinges on her. But can she overcome her mother’s objections, face her own fears, and outwit the famed General and his entire Army? The TRUE story of revolutionary courage and conviction that’s sure to captivate readers of all ages."

Susanna's Midnight Ride is a well crafted historical novel based on a little known event that changed the outcome of the war.   The author describes the time period with rich vocabulary and details of historical events.   Susanna's story brings to life the sacrifices many families made during the Revolutionary War and it also highlights one of histories patriots in petticoats.  We get a glimpse of how the women left behind had to face death, destruction, and invasions.   My family enjoyed reading this book together and I loved that my kids were learning more about the Revolutionary War through a memorable story of a brave young woman.

Easter, A Celebration of Christ!

Spring is on its way, at least I thought it was until it started snowing and looks like we are having a second winter. Luckily it is warm enough that the snow doesn't last long.  I love everything about springtime, the robins singing, blossoms and tulips poking their heads out of the ground and nature waking up to share its beauty with us.  Along with spring comes Easter time, the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 After His death, the body of Jesus was placed in a sepulcher. Three days later His spirit was reunited with His physical body. Our Savior Jesus Christ was resurrected with a gloried body of bone and flesh, never to be separated from His spirit again.  He lives today!  Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected, their bodies and spirits will be reunited again. What a wonderful gift that our Heavenly Father and Savior have given us. Paul taught of the resurrection in Corinthians:

COVID-19 Information To Help Stop the Spread

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

I ran across the below information that is circulating online and thought I would share it with you as you might find some helpful information here:

The following is from Irene Ken, a physician, whose daughter is an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, quite informative.

• The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressors and multiplier cells.
• Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

Homeschooling During COVID-19

Busy Idleness By Isaac Snowman

7 Years ago I made the choice to pull my children out of public school.  It has been one of the best decisions I have made for them and for our family.  I had time to pray about and research my decision and was able to have 100% control over what my children are learning.  I had the choice to pull my children out, many of you had that choice made for you.

Parents all across the country are faced with something they never thought they would be faced with...Overnight they have become principals, detention centers, and math teachers. Schools everywhere are closed due to COVID-19, parents across the country have just become teachers aids as they assist teachers in overseeing their child's education.

I feel your panic, I have been there and I have spent more than one day hiding in my room, wishing I had chocolate to drown my frustrations with.  

Change the Scene

 Right now it may not feel like it, but you have just been handed a wonderful opportunity. When the world has gone crazy, you can be there to soothe the fears of your children.   It will take time to adjust to being home with each other all day.  I know it took my kids time to adjust, they were not friends and didn't know how to get along. They were used to spending the majority of their day outside of the home.  I learned that when the fighting started, it was time to change the scene.  When the close encounters seem too much, go outside, take a nature walk, go on a hike.  Fresh air and sunshine go a long way in soothing the soul.  If you can't go on a walk because of stay in restrictions, find another way to change things up like play a game, bake a treat, watch a documentary together or learn something new like how to watercolor. 

Let them sleep in, within reason of course.  I am not saying let them sleep the day away. I have one that could do that.  It is important that you and your children get the recommended amount of sleep to help ensure the health of your family.  Sleep also helps to reduce anxiety so don't fret if you don't start your school day at the same time as the public school did. You've got all day to get it all done.

Read, Read, and Read some more
This is a great time to gather your loved ones close and read uplifting literature to them. Reading is a great way to teach character without lecturing.  So many lessons can be learned from reading great literature and discussing the truths found within.  Some great books to start with are Pollyanna, Pollyanna Grows Up,  The Little Britches Series,  Heidi, Treasures of the Snow,  Dr. Suess Books, The Chronicles of Narnia, Red Scarf Girl,  Number the Stars, and  Just David.  You can find a lot of the older classics on Kindle or Librivox for free.

Jacob's Rescue - A Holocaust Story

"The Nazis had invaded Poland and stolen Jewish homes and businesses, promising the non-Jewish Polish people that once the Jews were gone, the property would be theirs. At the same time, the Germans sent all Poles who were strong enough into work camps to do forced labor. Jews were ordered to move into ghettos, fenced or walled areas in the city that separated Jews from the rest of the population."

No Jew was safe in Poland during the Nazi invasions during 1939-45.  Jacob's Rescue is the story of the Gutgeld family and their fight for their lives.  As a young boy, Jacob lived a comfortable life in a spacious home with servants and a chauffeur, that all changed with the invasion of the Nazi's.  Horrified the family watched as businesses were destroyed and people disappeared. Jacob lived with his grandmother and aunt as his mother had died when he was 4 and his brothers were sent to the country for their safety.  Jacob's grandfather, uncle, and father had left Poland the year before as it was not safe for the men to remain in the city.