Category Archives: Giving thanks

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 8

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 29 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 6

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Community, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Remembering Jane Yolen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Jennie

Children’s book author Jane Yolen has passed away.  She was a gifted author, and her books are well known.  She made a huge difference in the lives of children – and me.  I want to honor Jane with my memories … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Eric Carle Museum, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, joy, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Gloria’s Surprise Santa Gift

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria is spending Christmas and the holidays with me and my Hubby.  She is very happy!  On Christmas Eve I asked her if she wanted to write a letter to Santa.  Yes, and no.  She felt awkward telling me that … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Heart, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, preschool, School | Tagged , , , , | 68 Comments

A Bad Day, and a Remarkable Turnaround.

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Jennie

I believe.  This is the season of believing, and what happened yesterday is proof. Yesterday was a bad day.  Period.  School was difficult, and nothing I was doing with children made an ounce of difference.  When I got home, Hubby … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , , , , | 101 Comments

Gloria’s Thanksgiving

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s adventures and weekends with children are always wonderful.  When it’s a special holiday, in this case Thanksgiving, Gloria is one lucky gal to spend the holiday with a child. First, she went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  She met the … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , | 83 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving! Jennie

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments

Community Service in a Different Way

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Jennie

I live in a town, not a city.  It’s not rural, but pretty close.  40+ years ago when we moved here there were no road signs, no traffic lights, and the phone number was just the last five digits.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in geography, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, literacy, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Thanking a Veteran

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Jennie

Veterans Day is one thing.  Thanking a veteran is another thing.  Making it ‘real’ for children is what I did. Retired two star General, Bruce Z, was our guest at school today. Can you imagine what it was like for … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, military, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 76 Comments

Amanda

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Jennie

Hubby snapped this picture of me, completely engrossed in reading Amanda in Scotland The Standing Stones. Thank goodness for Amanda.  This weekend I’m busy with an annual writer’s conference on line.  I’m exhausted.  There was an hour window of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 71 Comments