Alhumdulilah (Praise be to God), we felt blessed with this opportunity to share our beloved deen (way of life) with others and felt a profound responsibility to do the best we could. But, making this presentation was a bit of a challenge, because non-Muslims will be presenting it to other non-Muslims throughout the country. So, we tried to keep things simplistic, yet comprehensive.

Since we worked so hard on this presentation, I wanted to showcase it here to gain your feedback. So, please share your comments and kind critiques below.

InshaAllah (God willing), we look forward to adapting this very specific presentation into a more general “What is Ramadan?” for non-Muslims–something I’m sure my own extended family and all the non-Muslims who visit us would greatly appreciate.

The du’a on our last slide states:

All praise and thanks belong to Allah, the Lord of the Universe. May there be the blessings and peace upon the last Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions and all those to follow his footsteps. May Allah accept our work, such as this presentation, as a humble act of worship to please Him and Only Him. May He forgive us if we misrepresented anything in our deen (religion or way of life) and/or led anyone astray, as this was not our intention and any errors or faults are of our own, for You are Perfect, The Most Merciful, Most Beneficent. ~Ameen.

[I learned how to embed our Powerpoint presentation via slideshare through this quick tutorial.]

Categories for Submission

Muslim Kids Product Review

• A perfect example of how my 9 year old shares one of her favorite educational website, is by showing others how to register since there’s no available how-to guide online. So, if you can answer any of the following questions below, please complete this form.
• Do you have a favorite educational website you visit all the time? Please share it with others.
• Do you have a special toy, game, or program that you can’t live without? Please to tell us what it is and why it’s so great.
• Did you learn the Qur’an or Arabic through a software program that made it fun and easy? We’d love to hear about it.

Muslim Kids Weekly Video

• Every Sunday, inshaAllah, we showcase a Weekly Video in a blogpost, and place it on the right sidebar “Weekly Muslim Kids Video”.
• So, if you want to share your favorite nasheed or a funny Islamic video, please complete this form.

Muslim Kids Recipes

• On Tuesday’s we participate in a Tasty Tuesday meme. We find that recipes by kids for kids are well received by our readers.
• So, if you have a great, simple, healthy or not-so-healthy-but-delicious snack, meal or dessert to share, please complete this form.

Muslim Kids Jokes

• We just published our first funny Islamic joke here.
• So, if have another one to share, please make us laugh! Please complete this form.

Kids Book Review

• Do you love reading books? But, enjoy telling all your friends why he or she should read it even more!? We’ll, that’s called a book review.
• Book reviews are unlike book reports. Professional writers believe that writing book reviews is an ideal way for children to enjoy and improve their writing skills, because it’s an easy, fun, creative and rewarding writing exercise.
• You can even narrate your review to your parents. But, narration is meant for kids too young to write all their great thoughts and opinions down on paper.
• So, if you are ready to recommend your favorite book(s), please complete this form.

Want to be a Kid Blogger?

My 9.5, 8.5 and 6.5 year old daughters are having a blast blogging and vlogging!

We’re learning so much, spending quality family time together, sharing critical Islamic tips and lessons, growing our community, and actually winning prizes and free gifts along the way.

But, nothing is more important to us than receiving the blessings and acceptance of Allah (subhanallah wa’ Tala) as we worship Him and Only Him in all our work and play. Yar Rabb. Ameen.

We’re very interested in showcasing more Muslim kid bloggers here at American Muslim Mom. So, if you’d like to write for us, comment below or contact us with your suggestions and recommendations. Recommendations leading kids away from haram things is highly recommended.

Additional ideas include:

• Do you have an arts and crafts project you want to showcase?  Please teach others how to duplicate your work.
• Want to share your favorite poem, du’a, or short story and become a published writer?
• Do you have tips that make your daily tasks easier?  Please let other Muslim kids benefit from your wise ways.
• Did your class or homeschool family just figure out a fun way to learn a difficult-to-understand topic or concept? Share your  lesson plans with us, like we did here.
• Would like to share your political commentary on breaking news? Innocent kids often say it best!

We look forward to showcasing educational, fun and motivational tips, tools and resources from the wise, innocent, and often humorous mouths of our children, inshaAllah. So, please comment below, contact us directly, or submit your work through one of the category forms above.

Please allow 28 business days for review. If you haven’t heard from us within that time frame, you may re-submit your idea.

*Disclosure:  As a family-friendly Muslim Mom online magazine and blog community, healthy submissions in accordance to the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are encouraged. Our intention is to support the work of Muslim Kids and publish it accordingly. We reserve the right to edit, amend, delete, stop or ban anything deemed inappropriate or disrespectful.

We apologize for the late notice. All families who registered via phone and email during the fall 2009 with me are all registered. This post is made as a courtesy by opening it up to all members of the many CT homeschool groups we belong too, as well as any CT homeschooler who follows American Muslim Mom.

/sixflagsread

2009-2010 Read to Succeed and Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club program

How it works:

Free admissions tickers are given to all children in Grades K – 6 who complete six hours of reading since the inception of the program this past fall. Each participating Teacher/Parent will also receive one free admission ticket.

Tickets are valid at participating Six Flags theme parks from June 14 through August 8, 2010 only. (Note: Valid dates for The Great Escape ONLY: June 28 through August 15, 2010.) Lost, stolen, or damaged tickets cannot be replaced.

What To Do:

Parent Educators must fill our the following form completely by 7:00pm EST tomorrow, March 8, 2010.*

• Parent Educator Form

Additional downloads:

• Parent’s letter
• Reading Log
• Certificate

If you have any questions or concerns, comment below or email contact<at>americanmuslimmom.com

If you have a funny or serious Islamic video or nasheed you’d like to share, please let us know about it by clicking here.

Alhumdulilah!

An old man was selling his horse in the market.

An interested buyer came to him and requested if he could get a test drive. The imam told the man that this horse is unique.

In order to make it walk, you have to say “Subhanallah” (Glory be to God).

To make it run, you have to say “Alhumdulillah” (Praise be to God).

To make it stop, you have to “Allahu Akhbar” (God is Great),

The man sat on the horse and said ‘Subhanallah”. The horse started to walk.

Then, he said “Alhumdulillah” and it started to run. He kept saying “Alhumdulillah ” and the horse started running faster and faster.

All of a sudden the man noticed that the horse is running toward the edge of the hill that he was riding on. Being overly fearful, he forgot how to stop the horse.

He kept saying all these words out of confusion. When the horse was just near the edge, he remembered “Allahu Akbar” and said it out loud. The horse stopped just one step away from the edge.

The man took a deep breath, looked up towards the sky and said “Alhumdulillah!”

We’d love to compile funny Islamic jokes for Muslim Kids. So, if you have one to share, please submit your joke by using this form here.

• Rich Dad, Poor Dad book by Robert T. Kiyosaki, compliments of Peregrine Financial Group.

• Winnie the Pooh ebooklet and MP3 Enter code, “NAPTIME“, to download The Original Story of Winnie the Pooh” with digital booklet and “House at Pooh Corner” MP3 Lullaby

• SpringPad – Free personal organizer program

• Alice - Educational software that teaches students basic computer programing. Available for free, Alice is an innovative 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student’s first exposure to object-oriented programming.

• Parents Help Stress Line Magnet – Parents Helping Parents during times of stress hotline.

• Heart-shaped pedometer – Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Copy and paste the below links:

Details with image:
http://fhbestincare.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=165:f ree-pedometer&catid=1:current-issue&Itemid=160

Form:
http://fhbestincare.com/fh1/fhkit.php

Just by tweeting your hot deals and bargains with the hashtag #nobetterdeal, you’re entered for a chance at a new TV. Now, that’s a great deal that I couldn’t hold back from sharing. The details was just posted this morning, so click here to learn more.

And, just like the infomercials; “But, wait! There’s more!” NoBetterDeal.com along with the Global Influence Network asks you to

JOIN US ON MARCH 12TH AT 9PM EST AS WE HOST ANOTHER #NOBETTERDEAL TWITTER PARTY! Show off your wit to the #NoBetterDeal online community AND be entered for even more prizes!

My girls and I have loving these twitter parties. We’re meeting many new deal-seeking, like-minded mommy bloggers, learning (yes, they’re very educational) and winning tons of prizes along the way. [A post with more details to follow, inshaAllah ]

As for hosting real-time social media parties, American Muslim Mom is surveying our readers to find out the best time you’d like to participate in a Facebook Fan Party of our own. So, if you haven’t shared your opinions to this quick 3-question 30-second survey, please do so by clicking here.

And, if you share your “No Better Deal” on your blog, please comment below so we can cash in on your great online deals too

Disclosure: This contest was brought to my attention by the Global Influence Network. By writing this post, I am entered to win a Nintendo Wii or amazon e-gift card.

We had some short tips ready to share with the mommies, and we tried our best to keep up with the questions only to find that no one can see us So, mid-way through we dropped out of the party

But, I couldn’t let our humble tips go unnoticed, so I shared some of our tweets below. [At the time of posting this, we just noticed that Jyl had the awesome idea of sharing wonderful tips shared from that night in this comprehensive post here.]

*Tip:  If we have a link in the tweet, just click the image because it’s linked to that site.

1. STEM Homeschooling Parents

Introduction and one reason why this #gno was important so important to us:

2. Getting kids excited about STEM

Q1: Get kids into Inventing/Designing for an Inv Convention *not* just a sci fair: http://bit.ly/3igeh4

Q1: the reaction of testing sugar, warm H20 & yeast is fun http://bit.ly/bYeJdU TipL not boiling hot H20, warm tap

3. Websites to help kids enjoy learning Math and Science:

Q2: Math Another *Great* website: http://www.coolmath-games.com

Q2: Math *Great* website: http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/ We use in our Math Club

4. What do your kids want to be? What did you want to be when you were growing up?

5. Thoughts about how STEM classes are taught in school Then and Now:

6. Was there a stigma for girls entering STEM when you were growing up?

Remember, we only have 3 girls; so if there’s definitely no stigma in our house May God have mercy on Mommy’s soul–we miss you

We’d love to try all your wonderful STEM tips! Please share them below.

• Sun-Maid Recipes for Healthier Eating Booklet - Free download or order free booklet.

• uni-ball Super Ink Pen - the uni-ball Super Ink TM formula forms an unbreakable bond with paper fibers and helps prevent check fraud. Only available to 48 contiguous states, first 10,000 offers per day.

• Sandy Paper recycled memo notepad -SandyPaper.com imprint. Limit 1 sample per household.

• Febreze (R) & Swiffer (R) trial kit - For registered pgpro.com members only. It only takes a minute and once you’re registered, you’ll have access to samples, special offers, and rebates for the entire Procter & Gamble family of products!

• Truphone Local Anywhere SIM card – Promo Code: ezy482 Value $7.50 USD. Free worldwide shipping. Truphone Local Anywhere works on nearly all unlocked mobile phones. Offer ends March 19, 2010.

• Why Diets Don’t Work and How to Begin Breaking Free – A Non-Dieter’s Mindset by a Registered Dietician. Free downloadable ebook directly from the link.

• Lobel’s Family Guide to Grilling - Request by mail, or download free guide here.

• USCG (US Coast Guard) Water Unit Study Resources - Ideal for homeschoolers with available coloring pages, graphics, photos and more.

I am enjoying every bit of homeschooling, including the preschooler’s “drama”, the Kindergartener’s whining and the first grader’s “all-of-a sudden” independence. Besides, I am learning a lot! I never took Geography in Nigeria, never!

I had the option of choosing Geography or English Literature. I chose the latter without qualms. And I enjoyed every bit of Literature.

But it is now, in my old age, that I am beginning to appreciate the beauty in Geography, through reading and activities in my first grader’s books. Subhanallaah.

Through educating my kids at home, I have discovered that I am also re-educating myself and gaining cultural competency about other countries in our world.

Last December, my kids and I attended a kids’ pre-exhibition on Timbuktu in Mali. The pre-exhibition took place at one of the ten public libraries in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was an eye opener not only for my kids but for me.

I knew from the on start that Mali is a Muslim country. But one thing I was ignorant about was the fact that Mali is one of the countries on earth that has a wealth of Islamic scholarship in terms of education and life enriching experiences. Besides their local languages, they also speak French, which is one of my favorite languages. Just in a day, my knowledge about Geography increased and my horizons were definitely expanded.

In life, there are challenges here and there. We cannot hide from there.

It is not the challenge that actually matters though. It is how we see it and tackle it that matters most.

Yes, homeschooling can pose its own challenges, upon the challenges of motherhood and parenthood. However, it can be very successful, refreshing, and enjoyable when it is not seen as a strenuous daily chore but as a privilege and gift that Allah has blessed us with.

What keeps me going is the flexibility in our home, the joy I see in my kids’ eyes, the ability for me and my hubby to do this homeschooling, and most importantly, the legacy my late parents laid down for me and my siblings. The legacy is nothing but education.

So, keep up the good work and stay refreshed.

Past articles by Maryam include:

• Siwak/Miswak: The Natural Mouth Freshener
• Community Service in the Life of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq

Maryam Funmilayo is a homeschool mum of four (ages 7, 5, 2.5 years old and an 8 months old), pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nutrition. An accomplished freelance writer, Maryam particularly enjoys writing on-assignment because she loves the challenge of impressing her clients for repeat business. Please comment below to share your views on today’s post, or email her directly at mfunmilayo<at>yahoo.com

My dear brothers and sisters, in our very own book–The Qur’an states

It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) the book (this Qur’an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabari).
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #7)

• By debating which language an Imam should use in the masjid (house of worship), we are creating al-fitnah (trials, problems, harmful issues, and conflict) amongst ourselves and to others. We need to follow the Qur’an, as shown here:

And this is a blessed book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell).
(Surah Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #155)

• Regarding this unnecessary debate, our glorious Qur’an states:

And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. Then Allah misleads whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Surah Ibraaheem, Chapter #14, Verse #4)

As noted numerous times in the Qur’an, we must also follow the Sunnah (actions and words of) Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Subhanallah, Glory be to God, in this fatwa regarding using another language besides Arabic in our khutbah, the sheikh shares,

And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded Zayd ibn Thaabit to learn the language of the Jews so that he might send letters to them in their language and establish proof against them, and so that he might read their letters when they were sent, and explain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) what they said. And when the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) attacked the Romans and Persians, they did not fight them until they had called them to Islam by means of interpreters. When they conquered the foreign countries they called the people to Allaah in Arabic and commanded the people to learn it. Whoever among them did not know Arabic, they called him in his own language and made him understand what was meant in the language that he did understand. Thus proof was established. Undoubtedly this is the only way, especially at the end of time when Islam is like a stranger and every people is clinging to its own language. There is a very real need for translation now, and the daa’iyah cannot convey his message without it.

The khateeb should do that which best suits the interests of the people he is addressing. If the best is to give the khutbah part by part, in Arabic and then translated, then he should do that. If the best is to translate the entire khutbah, after giving the khutbah (in Arabic) or after the prayer, then he should do that. And Allaah knows best.

Another disheartening part of this article is how the khateeb did not show his knowledge of these verses in the Qu’ran, Sunnah or fatwa to support his decision to use both Arabic and English in his khutbah. With all due respect to Imam Hassan al-Qazwini, May Allah be pleased with his efforts, accept his good deeds and reward him, Ameen; if all Imams simply used these known facts, the debate would end.

To end the article by sharing that other Muslims think he’s “too Americanized” and “We have to be realistic”, he (a religious leader) is showing lack of knowledge. Meanwhile, opening the doors for non-Muslims (and Muslims like me) to find this needless debate laughable. The solution to this problem is a no-brainer, even to my little girls who witnessed khutbahs in dozen of European languages before.

We must stop using the excuse that “our” issues are significant to our own time, location and circumstances here in the U.S., especially since more than 70% of all the Muslims in the world are not Arabs.

We must stand with a forceful voice that this is time to return to the fundamentals of our religion by following the Qur’an and Sunnah; regardless where we live, where we come from, or where we’re going!

Since we live in such a tumultuous time right now; we need to trust our scholars as they debate areas that are not entirely clear, and leave the rest to Allah, as He knows best.

So, let’s stand together on issues that already have answers; such as speaking English in American masjids, and move on.

We’re always curious what you have to share, so please comment kindly below.

4. What are Personalized Learning Centers?

3.We don’t need School Reform we need an Overhaul
2. Education of Muslim Children – Challenges and Opportunities (Problems with Islamic Schools)
1. Failures of Modern Schooling – Islamic Perspective

While started in 2008, I never finished the series by stating that

“Homeschooling is the most ideal Islamic educational system in America, with a healthy mix of coops, classes, field trips, group projects and academic-themed events (such as Spelling and Geography bees, Art galas, Science Fairs, Invention Convention, etc.) and of course, domestic and international travel”.

As for Meena the 15 year old who said she missed the “Harry Potter club” in this article, subhanallah, Glory be to God, her parents took her out of such an impressionable environment before it was too late. For example, when my daughters (younger than her) read her statement, they immediately winced at the thought of her liking, reading and participating in a club for a series of books not acceptable in Islam.

As always, we welcome your views and thoughts in the comments below.

Ingeniously, they reached out by systematically ‘targeting’ me as a Muslim American Consumer. Be it a ‘test trail’ or ‘planned targeting’ they reached me, while not reaching the non-Muslim. Targeted campaigns always give a more personal-touch to marketing, hence they’re ROI (return on investment) is much higher.

For example, Western Union’s competitors offer services at a nearby grocery store–and, yes, we’ve used them a couple times too. But, guess what? After receiving this personalized message, I’ve gone out of my way to drive further down the street, just to express my loyalty to Western Union.

The bottom of the receipt says,

Congrats! You are now entered  for a chance to WIN an air travel voucher for you to visit anyone, like family back home for Ramadan & Eid, or Mecca for Hajj. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Visit westerunion.com/FlyHome for Rules.

Truth be told, I never went to the website to check things out..but, my girls were so elated and felt noticed during a special time during the year.

Maybe other major companies and corporations should adopt something similar to Western Union–or better yet, contact me and my girls for our savvy marketing tips and insights

It is He who has sent forth His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to uplift it above every religion; no matter how much the mushrekens (idolaters) hate it. (9:33)

The creators of the video are magnifying the phenomenon in the video but the basic idea is true. Subhan’Allah, the Almighty plan is working even while the Muslims themselves are are sleeping.

Burt’s Bee Natural Toothpaste – New multicare with fluoride formula.

Sun Vibes Shower Gel Sample – Handcrafted, pure and natural shower gel.

Progressive Elective Lava Lamp Night light – Be the first 10,000 to get your very own!

SeaPak Shrimp Company’s Cook Book – Free Recipe Book Code is E1M2A3L

Mom’s Got a ‘Latte’ Do Day Printable – An adorable Mama’s to do list. Thanks Skip to my Lou.

There are many elements that make up a complete kitchen design including counter material, flooring, cabinetry, and more, and Schumacher Homes wants to hear what you’d like to see as your dream kitchen.

No purchase is necessary and a purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

Now, I just got this information a bit late, so I’m going to rush to my first twitter party hosted by ResourcefulMommy. Hope you’ll join us too.

ISF Calls for Applications for the 2010-2011 School Year

DEADLINE APRIL 16TH, 2010

*The Islamic Scholarship Fund*

Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization with the goal to address the under-representation of American Muslims in the fields of humanities, social sciences, liberal arts, and law by providing academic scholarships for higher education.

ISF was initially launched in January 2009. Through the support of the American Muslim community, ISF has gained national recognition. Similar to major universities, the Islamic Scholarship Fund is operated with an endowment fund like structure where the majority of the principal of the Fund is intact and scholarships are awarded from the Sharia compliant investments earned by the Fund. With an experienced Board of Directors and Advisors, the daily operations are managed by one Director of Operations and the tireless efforts of devoted volunteers.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

Program Description:

ISF’s goal is to encourage Muslim students to pursue a college or post-graduate degrees in humanities, social sciences, liberal arts and law through awarding annual scholarships of $1000-$10,000 to deserving students.

Eligibility:

Scholarships are awarded to Muslim students who have been accepted to top-ranked four-year colleges and universities for undergraduate and post-graduate studies in the aforementioned areas of study. The applicant must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Muslim
• Citizen or Permanent Resident of the US
• Minimum of 3.4 grade point average
• College Junior standing or above
• Active member of his or her community

How to Apply:

ISF is changing to a paperless application submission system. We will activate our new online database system for our next call for applications for the 2010-2011 school year. With our new system students will be given a username and password to login and to upload their application, essay, transcript and letters of recommendations. Providers of recommendation letters and universities will be given a link to upload requested letters of recommendations and transcripts.

ISF will open its online application submission on January 11th, 2010 and will accept applications through April 16th, 2010.

Please visit us at www.islamicscholarshipfund.org for more information or you can call us at 650-995-6782.

How to Support ISF:

Please be generous by donating to the Islamic Scholarship Fund.
You can help ISF increase the number of scholarships awarded each year by making donations.

ISF awards scholarships to Muslim students nationwide; therefore, it needs to receive support on a national level from everyone who believes in our cause. ISF is asking you to support this much-needed cause. Similar to major universities, ISF’s endowment structure is set up in a manner that strives to preserve your financial support whereby scholarships are provided from the investment returns of the endowment fund. This structure will afford us the ability to support more and more students in the coming years. Your contributions will support the most active and qualified Muslim students nationwide who will be tomorrow’s potential lawyers, politicians, educators, journalists, and filmmakers. All donations are 100% tax deductible. We encourage you to put aside from your Zakat to help fund education. May Allah reward you for your generosity.

You can help in two ways:

1. Donations to the endowment fund at ISF.
2. Field specific donations that will be paid out as scholarships within one year to students selected by our local partners and ISF.

Please email us for donation inquiries, contact, or call 650-995-6782, Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm (Pacific Time).

Stay tuned with their News page here.

Title: Attack of the Turtle

Author: Drew Carlson

Illustrator: David A. Johnson
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5338-7
Number of Page: 149
Genre: Historical fiction
Kid Reviewer: The Sabra Girls
Reviewer’s Age: 6.5, 8.5, 9.5 years old

Date submitted:     2/2/2010
Reading Time: 1-4 days

Intended Audience:
Kid Reviewer: The Sabra Family
Age: 6 – 12 years old
Gender: Both

Rating: 5 of 5. Excellent.

Review:

6.5 year old girl:I liked this story because it is a historical fiction book and we live in Connecticut. When we coming home from Boston, MA we passed by all the towns in this book, like Old Saybrook and New London. Also, I’ve been to all the places in NY City too.

8.5 year old girl: By reading this book, it’s a fun way to learn history.

9.5 year old girl: I really liked this book because I usually don’t like history, but this book changed me. It discussed inventors, what happened during the Revolutionary War, and I liked the explanation between what was fact and what was fiction in the book.

Mama: Overall, this was an incredible book. Please read this book as a family, and enjoy opening a unit study in the Revolutionary War, inventors and inventions, and/or New England geography.

Interesting facts:

The Epilogue, American Turtle diagram and its description, Author’s notes and Bibliography are all must-read sections of this book. They were so funny and interesting that we look forward to going to the Submarine Museum in Groton to see the life-sized model of the American Turtle ourselves in the Spring, inshaAllah. We read the “Bushnell’s Submarine – The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution” by Arthur S. Leftowitz the Uncorrected Proof to verify the historical and scientific information shared in “Attack of the Turtle”.

* We read this book as part of the 2010 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee Book Club at the Hamden Public Library. Previously reviewed books in this category included:
- Drita, My Homegirl

We’d love for you to share your kid’s book reviews on AmericanMuslimMom.com Click here to complete a review form.

Banana and Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups strawberries

2 medium-sized ripe bananas

1 cup sugar

2 cups milk

Directions:

Cut strawberries in half or quarters to approximately one-inch wedges or slices. Cut bananas into approximately ½ inch slices. Freeze the fruit until ready to prepare.

Whenever we bananas that are getting soft and ripe, or strawberries that are getting too ripe and juicy, we slice them up and freeze them in a container. Therefore, we’re always ready for these milkshakes.

When you’re ready to prepare and drink, put all the ingredients into a blender and puree to desired thickness.

This recipe makes 5 8-ounce glasses, that’s not to sweet, not to watery and not to thick.* But, you are welcome to make the necessary adjustments to the amount of any of the ingredients to suit your taste.

Serve with a straw & Enjoy!

We’d love to learn more recipes made by kids, so please share in the comments below!

My girls and I experienced quite the learning curve this past week, and I shared many Online PR lessons & aha! moments in my post here.

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to God, we feel extremely blessed at our house for having gone through this experience.

What started out to be an opportunity to teach my girls some writing and video producing skills, which I myself haven’t exactly acquired (this being only our 2nd vlog/video log), we actually gained many new friendships with the contestants, and renewed our relationships with long-lost family and distant friends through FaceBook, twitter, and my numerous email lists–even the ones that are not Muslim or mommy related.

And, can you believe the timing of it all!?

I never needed Scott, MomWebs superb support specialist, as much as I did this past weekend–a Sunday of all days. We were back and forth for nearly 5 hours because I actually lost one of my blogs while I attempted to add a new blog just for my girls. Now, tell me a web host who’d do all this?! So, Scott gets 2 Thumbs up now!

Last, this amazing one-week experimental journey brought me to where I want to see American Muslim Mom going: a hub of solid, useful, regular content helpful to Muslim Moms and their Kids, while involving their kids in the process.

By allowing my girls to be my assistants, they are now equal partners invested in our success. They have designated duties and goals of their own. They’re determined and focused, and their energy is what’s bringing life to this already lively community, mashaAllah.

We thank you for making this journey with us and supporting our growth.

For at the end of each day, we give thanks to Allah, subhana wa Tala (May He be Glorified) for all our blessings he bestowed us…and one, is our friendship with you!

At the advice of Marie, the contest winner, we’re joining her Tuesday Toot meme to praise our efforts and thank you in the process! Love to hear your thoughts below.

From the page:

“My Masjid” Art contest.

Do you like to draw? Art is a wonderful way to express ones creativity. If you like to draw, then this contest is just for you. Family Reads is hosting an art contest featuring local masajid around the world. Young artists, you are invited to participate in the contest by submitting hand-drawn or computer drawn illustrations of the local masjid you attend. Please include a 50-100 word description of your masjid, ie name, location, history, what makes your masjid unique or special. Winning art work will be featured on Family Reads. Please send submissions to familyreads@ymail.com and type “My Masjid art contest” in the subject line.

Contest Rules:

* One submission per person
* Submission should be your own drawings, computer or hand-drawn
* Submissions should be submitted no later than Feb 25th
* Submission should include: Name, Age and City/State

Contest Age Categories:

Ages 4-8 years
Ages 8-12 years
Ages 12-16 years

Contest Prizes

* Winning Art featured on Family Reads
* A collection of delightful books and/or coloring activity book
* A gift certificate to www.islamicbookstore.com or www.store.dar-us-salam.com