Because books are a very user-friendly activity and require no prep or cleanup other than returning them to ‘library’, parents can and should use any opportunity to share books with their young children. Long car or plane trips, waiting rooms, in shopping carts, you name it, you can hand a child a book and make just about any transition or otherwise boring activity exciting. Books and reading can be both a group or individual activity, and many children who are normally shy in a group setting will sit in reading circle and share story-time while making new friends.

By sharing books with your young child, you are planting a precious memory that will last a lifetime for both parent and child. They in turn will continue tradition with their own children and remember those special times. A world of experiences and ideas are waiting for you to introduce to them.

For those of you who work away from home, consider this scenario: As day goes along, slow cooker is busy fixing your meal for you, and when you walk through door at end of another grueling day at work, your dinner is waiting. All you need to do, depending on recipe you’ve selected, is prepare a side dish or salad, add some bread, set table, and call family in to eat. Simple, simple, simple; and very satisfying to come home to.

Here is a favorite slow cooker recipe that you can try with your family. I’m sure you’ll all love it.

Country-Style Crock Pot Chicken

6 carrots, sliced 6 celery stalks, sliced 8 chicken pieces 1 can (10-3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 envelope dry onion soup mix 1/3 c or chicken broth 2 tsp cornstarch

Slice vegetables place in crock pot. Place chicken on vegetables. Spread undiluted soup over chicken. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix. Do not add any water. Cook on High 4 hours, or until chicken is done. Stir often. 10 minutes before serving, mix broth and cornstarch. Pour over chicken, stir well. Serves 4.