U.S. Flag Cake...

Here's a picture of the U.S. flag cake we made today:


It's not technically accurate, but it gave us a chance to discuss the flag. It also looks much better when the strawberries in each row are about the same size and facing the same direction. But I had "help" this time and didn't want to be too nitpicky.

Anyway, it's simple to make:

Box of yellow cake mix cooked according to directions
Tub of white frosting, stirred and put on cake
Top w/blueberries and strawberries

Government and Politics...

I hosted the monthly meeting for our book club last week. We read Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama.

Drew asked me about the book so I told him that the author was planning to run for president and we talked a bit about elections, voting, etc.

Today he asked me if "that guy" had won president or not and I explained that it's a long process and he first has to campaign. He said, "What if he becomes president and says we all have to tear down our fences?" and we discussed different levels of government and the types of issues a president would address.

So today we're going to read a book called Duck for President that gives a glimpse into different levels of government and the campaign process. Since I don't have time to run to the library on a whim and am also bad about returning books and racking up fines, I buy books that look interesting and keep them around to read when it relates to something we've seen or discussed.

Oh and for the record we're not Democrats. (We're not Republicans either.)

Play Ball...

A family who used to live 2 doors down from us invited us to a baseball game last Sunday. Her company has a suite that she gets to use from time to time. Drew has an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts and even the smell or touch can make him sick. Our friend keeps the box peanut free while we're there so he can attend safely. It's a blessing for which we are very thankful.

As a side note, after singing The Star Spangled Banner before the game began, I talked to Drew about the U.S. flag. That's social studies! I could have told him Betsy Ross made the first one but I didn't think of it. Could have also talked about who wrote the national anthem and under what circumstances, but I'll do that another time. My point is that there is so much our children can learn without text books and worksheets.

LIFE is School!!!