I plan to wrap up the simply Valentine’s series tomorrow with thoughts about spouses.  Ideas for celebrating children and teens this Valentine’s Day were written earlier this week.  Share your thoughts by using the contact form above, I like new ideas!

First on the agenda today, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our 3rd precious girl, who is officially eight years old as of this posting.

Eight.

I’m just not sure how this happens, but one winter long ago she arrived quickly and confidently (and hasn’t lost a bit of that confidence!) into our arms and into our hearts.  She was perfect for our family :: we love you so much sweetie!

Big celebrations are in store today and this weekend :: celebrating a life is so much fun, is it not?

In other news, I noticed recently that while we’ve moved on t0 the Americas in our geography curriculum, I forgot to post about other cultural celebrations we’ve enjoyed!  So, just a snippet of wrapping up Europe with celebrations of Russia (the part that belongs to Europe), Greece & Italy…

Russian Tea Bread :: I am not sharing the recipe.  We didn’t like it.  Ahem.  Try German spice cake instead.

Moving on…

Greek pitas and gooey baklava were a big hit!  No, I did not bake up the dessert as it was found accidentally in our grocery’s freezer section.  Yes!

Of course the study of Italy gave us so many options for food!  Pizza won out and we stayed true to one of our favorites, deluxe turkey club.

The last few weeks our focus has been on North America, which began with the United States.  It was funny for the kids to discover that many favorite American foods have origins from other cultures!  Next up, South America!  Now that is one cuisine I’m definitely looking forward too…..