FamilyEducation Blogs

The Chatterbox
News and views from the staff of FamilyEducation.
Sweet Pea Chef
A foodie mommy shares tips, tricks and stories from her kitchen as she seeks out more healthful and interesting meals.
Talia Rivera
A mother’s life; arrived at from drugs, teen pregnancy, and jail, through faith and gang intervention.
Allison McDonald
Creative crafts, book recom-
mendations, and tips to make time for learning in your busy day.
Aliki McElreath
Chronicles the life of a mom, teacher, and writer trying to stay sane amid the chaos of daily life.

Recent Posts

Mitch
November 6, 2009
Because we all needed another reason to fear swine flu

To be honest, until recently I just wasn't concerned about swine flu. Sure, it targets the young and healthy, and I'm young and healthy, but how bad could it really be? I'm young and healthy! Even as more and more people started coming down with it -- even two of our own bloggers -- they all seemed to recover after a few days. Big whoop.

That was before I found out about the Cytokine Storm. [more]

Aliki McElreath
November 6, 2009
The Feel Good Sundae, Professor Mom


What do you, dear readers, think about this scenario? [more]

Allison McDonald
November 6, 2009
Multicultural Books, Craftivity Corner

My Granny Went To Market by Stella Blackstone is an amazing book. It's a counting book, a trip around the world and a view into different cultures as well. Granny buys a magic carpet and goes from place to place, buying souvenirs that number from 1-10. The text isn't lengthy and the illustrations are bright and busy that even really young toddlers will love it. [more]

Sweet Pea Chef
November 5, 2009
Stuffed Acorn Squash, Jessica

Sometimes I choose recipes with the boys' food "likes" in mind, sometimes it is for a particular occasion, and sometimes, just sometimes, I just choose recipes that *I* think I would like. (Side note: SPH is one of the least picky eaters I know, so he is one person I know will eat almost anything I serve)

I saw a recipe for Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash recently in Martha Stewart Living. I had just picked up some local Acorn Squash, so this recipe was calling my name. I loved the idea of using Moroccan flavors in a squash, and this recipe also used Bulgur, which I love. [more]

Aliki McElreath
November 5, 2009
Blast from the past, Professor Mom

American Family

[more]

Allison McDonald
November 5, 2009
Their Job Is To Play, Craftivity Corner

Young children need play. Developmentally this is the time that they make the connections, they learn most naturally and practice the social skills we may wonder if they will ever get. Because of my blog here and No Time For Flash Cards it is often assumed that I sit with my child for long periods of time doing craft after craft at a table... the reality is , is that mostly we play. [more]

Talia Rivera
November 4, 2009
Life on the unit, Talia's Blog

My cellmate, Michelle, was one of my uncle’s hoes.
He was a pimp.
She would say, "I love your uncle. But he ain’t got no stroke." [more]

Sweet Pea Chef
November 4, 2009
English Muffin French Toast Dippers, Jessica

It's become a bit of a tradition that we usually have a big breakfast on Saturday mornings. Either SPH or I get up with the boys and we make something like eggs and bacon, homemade waffles or pancakes.

The other morning the boys requested French Toast and no bread was to be found in the house. I substituted Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins and called them English Muffin French Toast Dippers, which I guess made them sound even more fun and exciting, because the boys loved it. [more]

Aliki McElreath
November 4, 2009
Claiming, Professor Mom

Not long ago, on an afternoon off, I took the kids downtown to our natural science museum--one of our favorite places. It's free, and there are tons of neat exhibits to roam around, and some impressive dinosaur skeletons here and there, poised in mid-lunge. When we were in the main dinosaur room I noticed another family there--a woman and man, and their infant son, who must have been about two months old. [more]

Allison McDonald
November 4, 2009
DIY Magnetic Notepad, Craftivity Corner

This time of year I find myself writing list after list, for holiday shopping among other things. This craft is perfect for jotting down chores, homework or friend's phone numbers. [more]