One month sure can make a difference in the weather! When I wrote my last newsletter we were literally buried in snow... and now the sun has been shining for days and days. The snow is still here, but just barely. And the forecast for the rest of the week is high 30s - low 40s. It's a start! Before we know it, spring will be here and we'll be able to get back outside and open up our windows again. I can't wait!

This is usually the time of year when moms and teachers alike are counting down the days until summer vacation begins. Hang in there! We're definitely in the home stretch at this point. :)

In This Issue:

1. Illegal to Homeschool in California?!?!?
2. Get Your Hands Dirty

You've probably heard by now about the decision made by the Court of Appeals for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles stating that it is illegal for parents in California to homeschool their children unless they have a teaching degree and are certified to teach the specific grades of their children.

If you get a chance, please take a few minutes to listen to the radio program on Focus on the Family on which this issue was discussed indepth: Focus on the Family Radio Archive. This ridiculous decision is only one within a group of decisions by politicians who are trying to erode parental rights. These judges are trying to say that the government is more qualified to make decisions about how children should be raised than are their parents.

There's a petition I'd love for everyone to sign which is located at The Homeschool Legal Defense Association's Website. It is important that we all take a stand to keep homeschooling legal - and to protect the rights of parents in our nation and around the world!

Please send the link to this petition to all of your family and friends and ask them to stand with us to protect the role and authority of parents in our nation. Thank-you!

2 - Get Your Hands Dirty

With spring right around the corner, now is a great time to start planning this year's vegetable garden. If you've never actually planted a garden with your children, this year is the perfect time to start.

Gardening is one of the best learning opportunities that you can give to your child. Obviously, your child will learn scientific principles of horticulture as he plants a seed and watches it grow. But there are so many other things that you child will learn while gardening.

1. He will learn perseverance as he goes out to the garden day after day to pull weeds and water the plants.

2. He will learn patience as he waits for the plants to grow - and then waits for harvest time when he can finally taste the fruits of his labor.

3. He will learn planning and math skills as he helps you to come up with a plan for your garden - including properly spacing the plants according to their differing needs.

4. He will learn where food comes from and all of the different proceses it takes to go from the seed packet to the table.

5. He will learn different ways to prevent pests from getting into the garden and ruining the crops.

6. He will learn how to appreciate good, honest hard work.

And the list goes on and on. Plant a garden with your child. It's too amazing of a learning experience for you to let it pass your family by.

Here are some books that can help you to further enjoy your gardening experience:

The Christian Kids' Gardening Guide: Cool Stuff for You to Make and Grow By Rebecca Park Totilo / Legacy Press Help your kids grow a green thumb! Blending Bible truths with gardening know-how, this fun and informative how-to helps plant the seeds for a lifelong love of God's creation. From tips on creating compost to the plantable flower-seed bookmark, a patch of potted perennials to a backyard garden of eatin', it offers everything your children need to get growing. Ages 8 and up. 167 pages, spiralbound softcover from Legacy.

The Gardening Book By Jane Bull / Dk Children The hottest hobby around is the perfect outdoor activity for kids; the fresh, energetic designs in The Gardening Book will inspire kids to get growing. Learn how to choose plants and give them what they need to grow, use your craft skills to make a scarecrow or funky-yet-useful flower container andmuch, much more. Atmospheric photography, helpful cartoon gardening characters, and easy to follow text make The Gardening Book an ideal introduction to the rewarding world of kids' horticulture. 47 Pages, hardcover. Indexed.