Molecules and Atoms

🌟 You Matter—Because You Are Matter!

YOU DEFINITELY MATTER! Never let anyone convince you otherwise. You are a crucial part of this universe; not just emotionally, but scientifically, too!

Did you know that every person is made of matter? That’s right! We’re built from tiny building blocks called molecules, atoms, and cells. And since matter is anything that takes up space and has mass… guess what? You’re made of it. You literally matter.

Let’s explore what that means in a way that’s both curious and kind.

🧠 What Is Matter?

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. That includes the Earth beneath your feet, the stars twinkling above, and the air you’re breathing right now. From the tiniest particles to the biggest planets, matter is everywhere, and you’re part of it.

🧊💧🌬️ The Three States of Matter

Matter can exist in three main forms. Each one behaves a little differently:

• Solid: Holds its shape and volume. The particles are packed tightly together. Think of ice, wood, or a rock.

• Liquid: Flows and takes the shape of its container, but keeps its volume. Water, juice, and oil are great examples.

• Gas: Has no fixed shape or volume. The particles spread out and move freely. Oxygen, helium, and carbon dioxide are all gases.

🧬 What’s Inside Matter?

Matter is made of atoms, the tiniest building blocks of everything. Each atom has a center (called a nucleus) with protons and neutrons, and a cloud of electrons swirling around it. Atoms join together to form molecules, and molecules make up everything from air to apples to you!

🌀 Inertia: The “Stay-Put” Power of Matter

All matter has inertia. That means it likes to stay how it is, whether it’s resting or moving, unless something pushes or pulls it. It’s why a soccer ball won’t roll until you kick it, and why your body keeps moving forward when a car suddenly stops.

🌍 Matter Is Everywhere—Including You

Whether it’s the water you drink, the air you breathe, or the ground you walk on, matter is always with us. It shapes our world, our bodies, and our experiences.

So the next time someone says you matter, you can smile and say:

“I know, I’m made of it!”

🧪 You Matter! Interactive Science & Self-Worth Activity

Let’s celebrate the science of YOU! Try these fun challenges right here on the blog:

1. What Kind of Matter Am I?

Take a moment to imagine yourself as a scientific superstar. You take up space, you have mass, and you’re made of atoms, so you are matter!

💡 Write a sentence that describes yourself using science words:

“I am a solid human made of atoms and molecules!”

Want to get creative? Add a nickname like “Atomic Explorer” or “Molecule Master!”

2. Match the Matter

Can you match each item to its state of matter? Type your answers below!

• Ice cube → ______

• Juice → ______

• Balloon full of air → ______

Choices: Solid  Liquid  Gas

3. Hidden Matter Hunt

Look around your room or wherever you are. Can you spot one of each?

• Solid: __________

• Liquid: __________

• Gas: __________

💬 Leave a comment sharing what you found!

4. Gentle Reflection 💭

Science says you’re made of matter. But your heart, your kindness, and your creativity? That’s what makes you truly matter.

🖊️ Write or draw your answer:

Why do YOU matter, not just in science, but in life?

What makes you special, strong, or kind?

🌈 Final Thought: You Matter in Every Way

Whether you’re learning about atoms, exploring the states of matter, or simply breathing in the air around you, remember this: you are made of the same stuff as stars, oceans, and mountains. You take up space. You have mass. You are matter.

But more importantly, you matter because of who you are. Your kindness, your curiosity, your creativity, they shape the world in ways no one else can.

So keep exploring, keep asking questions, and never forget:

You are a crucial part of this universe, scientifically and beautifully.

Check out my educational post about AIR.

A is for Air

This week, we’re thrilled to ignite a wave of gratitude as we focus on items and experiences that start with the letter A! Today, we invite you to share something you’re particularly thankful for that begins with this letter. Your contributions will play a vital role in fostering a joyful spirit of appreciation and reflection. Let’s celebrate the beauty of gratitude together. Join us in this exciting alphabet gratitude adventure! Thank you for being a part of it!

I'm feeling thankful for the fresh Air today! It brings life and energy to everything around us. What about you? What’s something you’re grateful for that starts with the letter A?

🌬️ Up in the Air: 8+ Cool Facts About Earth’s Invisible Blanket

You can’t see it, but you feel it, air is everywhere! It rushes through the wind, fills your lungs, and even helps balloons fly at parties. But what is air, really? Let’s take a deep breath and dive into some surprising facts about our airy friend.

Facts about Ketchup

🍅 Ketchup as Medicine? The Surprising Story Behind Your Favorite Red Sauce

Did you know that ketchup was once sold as medicine? Yep, back in the 1830s, people believed it could cure an upset stomach! But the story of ketchup is even older, weirder, and more wonderful than you might think. Let’s take a tasty trip through time…

🧪 When Ketchup Came in a Pill Bottle

In 1834, an Ohio doctor named John Cook bottled ketchup as a remedy for tummy troubles. He even sold it in pill form! While we now know ketchup isn’t a miracle cure, it sure makes fries more fun.

🍄 Before Tomatoes Took Over…

From the 1700s to the 1850s, “ketchup” didn’t mean tomato sauce at all. It was a dark, savory liquid made from mushrooms, walnuts, or even oysters. Imagine flipping through a 1742 London cookbook and finding a fish sauce recipe that would one day evolve into the ketchup we know today. History has a way of surprising our taste buds!

🐟 The First Ketchup Was…Fishy

The earliest known ketchup recipe comes from China in 544 A.D. It was made from fermented fish parts like intestines and bladders, left to sit in the summer sun for 20 days. Not exactly what you'd want on your burger!

🌍 Ketchup Goes Global

When European explorers tried to recreate this savory sauce, they didn’t have soybeans, an essential ingredient in Asian ketchup. So they got creative, using mushrooms, oysters, and walnuts instead.

🍅 Enter the Tomato

Tomatoes didn’t join the ketchup party until 1812, when Philadelphia horticulturist James Mease wrote the first tomato-based recipe. From there, tomato ketchup slowly gained popularity.

⚠️ A Sticky Situation

By the 1860s, ketchup’s reputation took a hit. Some shady manufacturers added harmful preservatives and even coal tar to make it redder. Yikes! French cookbook author Pierre Blot called it “filthy, decomposed, and putrid.”

✅Ketchup Becomes a Classic

Despite the drama, tomato ketchup became a household favorite by the late 1800s. In 1901, folks in Connecticut could choose from 94 different brands!

🧴 Heinz’s Famous “57 Varieties”

Ever wonder why Heinz says “57 Varieties” on the bottle? It’s not the number of products they made. Henry J. Heinz just liked how it sounded after seeing an ad for “21 styles of shoes.” Catchy, right?

🐱 What’s in a Name?

The word “catsup” was first used by writer Jonathan Swift in 1730. And fun fact: Jane Austen was a fan of mushroom ketchup!

🍽️ A Sweet Reminder

Ketchup may be tasty, but it’s also sneaky; many brands are packed with sugar. So next time you squeeze the bottle, remember: a little goes a long way!

🍅 Ketchup Through the Ages: Discovery & Reflection Activity

Part 1: Time-Traveling Ketchup Detective 🕵️‍♀️

Match each ketchup fact to the correct time period. Write the letter of the time period next to each fact.

Time Periods:

A. 544 A.D.

B. 1742

C. 1834

D. 1860s

E. Late 1800s

Facts to Match:

1. Ketchup was made from fermented fish guts

2. Mushroom ketchup was popular in England

3. Tomato ketchup was sold as medicine

4. Ketchup had a bad reputation due to coal tar

5. Heinz launched “57 Varieties”

Part 2: What’s in a Name? 🐱

Circle the correct answer:

1. The word “catsup” was first used by:

a. Jane Austen

b. Jonathan Swift

c. Henry Heinz

2. Jane Austen liked which kind of ketchup?

a. Tomato

b. Walnut

c. Mushroom

Part 3: Sweet Surprise! 🍬

Ketchup often contains hidden sugar.

Can you guess how many teaspoons of sugar are in one tablespoon of ketchup?

☐ 1 tsp  ☐ 2 tsp  ☐ 3 tsp

Now, think about your favorite meal with ketchup.

Draw it, and add a little label showing how much sugar might be hiding in the sauce!

Part 4: Gentle Reflection 💭

Ketchup has changed a lot over time.

Write or draw your answer:

If you could invent a new kind of ketchup, what would it be made from?

Would it be sweet, spicy, or something totally new?

🌟 Final Squeeze of Wisdom

From fish guts to mushroom brews to tomato-filled bottles, ketchup’s journey is anything but ordinary. It’s a reminder that even the simplest things, like a squirt of red sauce, can hold centuries of invention, imagination, and unexpected twists.

So next time you dip a fry or decorate a burger, take a moment to wonder: What other everyday things have wild stories waiting to be discovered?

History is full of flavor. Let’s keep exploring it, one bite-sized fact at a time. 🍽️✨

North and South Pole Magnet

🧲Magnetic Attraction🧲

Did you know that magnets have a North and a South Pole?

Magnets are fascinating objects with a north pole and a south pole. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of magnetism:

Facts about the Tittle

✨ Tiny But Mighty: The Curious Case of the Tittle

Celebrating the Dot That Brings Letters to Life

Did you know the dot above the lowercase i and j has a name? It’s called a tittle, a tiny speck with a mighty job. And just like the small things we’re grateful for every day, the tittle is easy to overlook but impossible to ignore.

🔡 What Is a Tittle?

A tittle is the little dot you see above the letters i and j.

• The word “tittle” comes from Latin and means a small mark or stroke.
• It first appeared in English writing around the 14th century.
• Without the tittle, those letters would just look like skinny little vertical lines!

🧠 Why Does the Tittle Matter?

Even tiny marks can have a big impact.

• In handwriting, a tittle adds clarity and personality.
• In typefaces, it keeps letters recognizable and readable.
• And in learning to write, kids find joy in that final dot, the cherry on top of each word!

❤️ Gratitude for the Little Things

Let’s turn this quirky fact into a mindfulness moment:
If you were a letter, what tiny detail would be your tittle?

• A warm smile
• A secret handshake
• A happy sticker on your notebook

Bonus Activity:

• Create your own gratitude sentence using i and j words like “I imagine,” “joy,” or “jump”

The Importance of Laughing

Importance of Laughing

Did you know that laughing is not just enjoyable but also beneficial for your health? According to research from the Mayo Clinic, laughter carries remarkable advantages. It enhances oxygen flow to vital organs, such as the heart, muscles, and lungs, promoting better overall health. Additionally, laughter triggers the release of endorphins in your brain, those wonderful chemicals that elevate your mood and fill you with joy. So let’s embrace happiness and make laughter a part of our daily lives. Share your laughter with us today!

Here is a joke to help you laugh...

Did you hear the joke about the roof? Never mind, it's over your head!

Did you know laughter is a natural and powerful way to improve well-being? 

Here are some reasons why laughter is so good for you:

• Laughter can reduce your stress levels. 
• Laughter can lower your blood pressure, help relax your muscles, and release those feel-good endorphins. 
• Laughter can also help you cope better with difficult situations and emotions.
• Laughter can boost your immune system. 
• Laughter can also increase your production of antibodies and immune cells, which can fight infections and diseases. 
• Laughter can also decrease your cortisol levels and other pesky stress hormones, weakening your immunity.
• Laughter can also enhance your mood. 
• Laughter can make you feel much happier, more optimistic, and more confident. 
• Laughter can also lessen your anxiety, depression, and loneliness. 
• Laughter can also increase your sense of humor and enjoyment.
• Laughter can improve your relationships. It is fun to laugh with others.
• Laughter can strengthen your bonds with your family, friends, and co-workers. Laughter can also help you to be able to communicate better, resolve conflicts, and build trust. 
• Laughter can attract new people to your world and make you more likable and friendly.
• Laughter can also stimulate your brain and improve memory, learning, and creativity. 

As you can see, laughter is an excellent way to live a healthier and happier life. Find something that makes you laugh and enjoy all its benefits. You'll be grateful that you did!

Reading Together

📚 The Gift of Reading Together: Why Storytime Matters

Making Memories One Page at a Time

Reading with your child isn’t just about books; it’s about bonding, wonder, and a lifetime of learning. Whether it’s cuddling on the couch with a silly rhyme or winding down with a bedtime adventure, storytime builds bridges between hearts and minds.

🧠 Reading Builds Brainpower

When you read aloud, your child hears new words, sentence patterns, and ideas. That’s language development in action!

• Strengthens vocabulary and listening skills
• Sparks curiosity and imagination
• Supports memory and attention span

Even babies benefit from hearing stories; they start connecting words with emotions and rhythm!

❤️ Reading Builds Connection

Storytime creates a safe, cozy space for sharing and growing together.

• It encourages physical closeness and emotional bonding
• Promotes empathy through characters and storytelling
• Gives children the chance to ask questions, laugh, and reflect with you by their side

Think of each book as a mini-journey you take together, one that’s filled with wonder and warmth.

🌱 Reading Plants Lifelong Seeds

The habit of reading early in life can lead to a lifelong love for books, learning, and self-expression.

• Children who are read to regularly often become confident, curious readers themselves
• They learn that books are sources of comfort, excitement, and exploration
• You’re not just reading to your child, you’re reading with them

💛 A Gentle Reminder: Follow Their Lead

Choose stories that match your child’s age and interests. If they love animals, grab a book about bunnies or dinosaurs. If they’re silly, go for rhyming tales with giggles built in. The goal is joy, not perfection.

🌟 Storytime Gratitude Prompt

Ask your child:
“What do you love most about our reading time?”
Their answers might surprise you—“Your voice,” “Snuggles,” or even “The silly monkey in that book!”

Those tiny responses hold big meaning.

📖 “Storytime Stars” Family Activity

Celebrate reading with creativity, conversation, and connection!

🌟 What You’ll Need:

• Your child’s favorite storybook
• Star-shaped paper cutouts or sticky notes
• Markers or crayons
• A small basket or jar

✨ How to Do It:

1. Read Together: Choose a special book and snuggle in for storytime.
2. Pick a ‘Star Moment’: After reading, ask your child to share their favorite part of the story.
3. Write or Draw: On a star cutout, help them write or draw that moment, like “The dragon’s funny sneeze!” or “The puppy’s brave rescue.”
4. Add to the Star Jar: Place the star in your jar or basket. Over time, it becomes a shimmering collection of reading memories!
5. Reflect and Celebrate: Every week, take out a few stars and talk about them. Encourage gratitude by asking:
   👉 “What made that part special for you?”
   👉 “How did that story make you feel?”

🧡 Why It Matters:

This activity not only strengthens literacy skills, but it also nurtures emotional intelligence, memory, and appreciation. It’s a beautiful way to slow down and savor stories together.

Get your worksheet here:

I hope you have a fantastic time with the activity! Enjoy every moment!

Review of my book JOEY SAVES THE DAY!

 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

I am absolutely overjoyed that my lovely niece, Delilah, who curiously embodies a character from my latest book, adores it! Her enthusiastic response fills my heart with so much happiness and warmth—it's a feeling like no other! 

In a recent post that Delilah's Mommy shared on Facebook, she captured the magic of that moment beautifully...

A review from Destiny Katelynn:

"Safe to say “Joey Saves the Day at daycare” is Delilah’s new favorite book. She has already gotten her daddy to read it to her so many times. She is so happy to be one of the characters!!

This is a perfect book for little kids and a great read.

Lilah pointed to one of the pictures and said, “look mommy, she’s sad” and I asked her why? She tells me “Because she wants mommy”.

My aunt is the author of this book, and my 14-year-old cousin is the illustrator! I love how everything turned out. Make sure to get your copy now!"

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Brownie In A Mug

✷TASTY✷

Happy Sharing Saturday, everyone! Today, Joey is excited to share his delightful recipe for a kiss brownie in a mug. This indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a hurry, as it can be prepared in just a few minutes using your microwave. While it may not win any awards for being the healthiest option, it definitely makes for a delicious and comforting dessert. So gather your ingredients and get ready for a simple yet satisfying treat that you can enjoy any time you crave a little chocolatey goodness!

We're all about sharing the love for food here! Do you have a delicious, easy recipe YOU'D share with us? We'd love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to leave it in the comments below! 

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons of flour

3 Tablespoons of sugar

1 1/2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder

A Dash of salt

1 1/2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter

3 tablespoons of milk

1/2 teaspoon or less of vanilla extract

2 Hershey kisses

Directions:

Special Delivery Post

 

📬 Special Delivery: When Children Were Mailed Like Packages

Here’s a weird and wacky fact that might make you blink twice:

In 1913, it was perfectly legal to mail your child through the United States Postal Service. Yes, your actual child. With stamps. On their clothes.

This bizarre chapter in postal history began shortly after the launch of Parcel Post, a new service that allowed Americans to send packages weighing up to 11 pounds through the mail. Families quickly realized that their toddlers, many of whom weighed less than the limit, technically qualified as “parcels.” And so, in a few rare cases, they did just that.

One of the most famous stories comes from Ohio, where a couple mailed their young son to his grandparents for a visit. The cost? Just 53 cents in postage. The boy was placed in the care of a trusted mail carrier, who escorted him safely to his destination on a train. No box. No crate. Just a child with stamps pinned to his coat and a chaperone in uniform.

As word spread, newspapers across the country ran stories and photographs of these “human parcels,” sparking both amusement and concern. While most postal workers refused to participate, a few rural carriers, often known personally by the families, agreed to help. It wasn’t long before the Postmaster General stepped in to clarify the rules. By 1914, new regulations were introduced to officially prohibit the mailing of human beings, no matter how well-behaved or stamp-covered they might be.

It’s hard to imagine such a thing happening today. Between child safety laws, transportation standards, and a very different understanding of what’s appropriate, the idea of mailing a child feels more like a plot twist from a Roald Dahl novel than a real-life event.

Still, this odd little slice of history reminds us how much the world has changed, and how creative (or desperate) people can be when trying to save a buck or solve a travel dilemma.

So next time you’re waiting for a package, just be glad it’s not your cousin arriving in a stamped sweater.

The next time you drop a letter in the mailbox or wait for a package to arrive, remember that there was once a time when the mail carried more than just envelopes and boxes. It carried stories, surprises, and even (briefly!) children with stamps on their coats.

Thankfully, times have changed. But the magic of sending something thoughtful through the mail hasn’t. Whether it’s a cheerful drawing, a kind letter, or a simple “I’m thinking of you,” the mail still has the power to connect hearts across miles.

📬 Want to keep the fun going? 

Try our “Send a Smile” activity and brighten someone’s day with a picture and a note. Because kindness, like postage, always delivers.

💌 “Send a Smile” Mail Activity

Theme: Postal History + Gratitude + Creative Expression

Ages: 5–10 or older

Objective: Learn about old-fashioned mail and create a meaningful letter and picture to brighten someone’s day.

✨ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Discover the Wacky Fact

📚 Share the 1913 story: Some families once mailed their children (yes, really!) with stamps pinned to their clothes.

💬 Ask: “Why do you think people used the mail in such creative ways?”

💡 Emphasize how mail was once the only way to stay connected across long distances.

Step 2: Choose a Recipient

👵 Pick someone special: a grandparent, teacher, neighbor, or friend.

💬 Ask: “Who would smile if they got a surprise letter from you?”

Step 3: Create a Picture

🎨 Draw something cheerful, like a rainbow, a favorite animal, or a happy memory.

💡 Add a title like “Thinking of You!” or “You Make Me Smile!”

Step 4: Write a Short Letter

✏️ Use this gentle template to guide young writers:

Dear [Name], 

I wanted to send you a smile today! Here’s a picture I made just for you. I’m thankful for [something about them]. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

 Love, [Your Name] 

💬 Encourage kids to personalize it with a joke, a memory, or a kind wish.

Step 5: Decorate the Envelope

📬 Add stickers, doodles, or a pretend stamp they design themselves.

💡 Optional: Include a real stamp and mail it.

Step 6: Reflect Gently

🧠 Ask:

• “How do you feel when someone sends you a letter?”

• “What makes a message meaningful?”

• “Why is it kind to surprise someone with love?”

Game night with the kids

 

🌟GAME NIGHT🌟

Game night has become a cherished tradition in our household, providing the perfect opportunity to gather the family and enjoy each other’s company. We often find ourselves having so much fun that we end up playing multiple games in one evening. To keep things exciting, we let the kids take charge and choose which game they want to dive into. Our absolute favorites include Yahtzee, where we can test our luck and strategy; Monopoly, which teaches valuable lessons about finance and negotiation; and The Game of Life, where we get to explore different paths and choices in a fun and engaging way.

No game night would be complete without an array of delicious snacks to munch on while we play. The kids have their favorites, and I make sure to have a selection ready. Fresh apple slices provide a refreshing crunch, while buttery popcorn and crunchy pretzels satisfy those savory cravings. Whatever their preference, I try to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we settle in for hours of gaming.

The best part of these evenings isn’t just the games themselves; it’s the laughter, the light-hearted competition, and the conversations that flow naturally as we play. We learn more about one another’s personalities, celebrate each other’s victories, and even share some friendly banter when things don't go as planned. These moments are invaluable, fortifying the bonds within our family and creating lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come. The joy of simply being together and enjoying a fun-filled evening is what truly makes game night special. Game night presents an excellent opportunity for parents to instill the values of kindness and empathy in their children. As families gather around the table for fun and games, it’s the perfect time to discuss what it means to be kind and how our actions can have a positive impact on those around us. 

Cherish every moment with your kids and make it count! They grow up so quickly, so dive in, have fun, and create lasting memories together!

My husband and kids!

Follow me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mimijoey444/

Practice kindness

💙Always be kind💚

Kindness not only benefits those around you, but it also benefits you. It’s an excellent quality to have. It's important to teach your children how to be kind and considerate. Kindness can be defined as being thoughtful, friendly, and generous. Make it a daily habit to show kindness to your children.

Ways to practice kindness with your children: