Memoriam To Our Daughter, Isobella Raine Sachteleben, 6/28/2004

when did it happen
i'd really like to know
she was so alive
just why did she have to go?
sweet child grew
tiny heart beat
sleeping baby beauty
in my secret deep 

--Love mama (read on To Our Daughter, Isobella Raine Sachteleben Born and Died June 28, 2004)

Help, my child hates to read! Tips to inspire the reluctant reader

Habits, both good and bad, are generational. Children absorb, by osmosis, the vices and virtues of their parents. I'm a reader, as were my parents before me. My husband's family were bibliophiles. Our children grew up reading and being read to. Now in middle school and adulthood, they've continued the reading habit. Are you struggling to find ways to spark a love of reading in your kids? Here are some thoughts.  read more

Free Earth Day Lesson Plan-- Poster Contest

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is the new name for the former holiday called Arbor Day. Arbor is the French word for tree. Earth Day is a global celebration that focuses our minds on caring for our earth. Ironically, some Earth Day activities are not really green. Printable for Earth Day, such as coloring pages and worksheets generate more paper waste. I include myself in this indictment because I've written articles for free printables for Earth Day. Here is a truly green lesson plan which is safe for our earth, educational and enjoyable for students of all ages.Free Earth Day Lesson Plan