4 Young Children and Thomas Jefferson--Fascinating!

I love learning about U.S. history.  I just can't seem to remember most of it!  I've been teaching my kids the U.S. Presidents song, but, for today, I thought it would be easier to learn about one President at a time.  #3, Thomas Jefferson is our President of choice. You have to check this out!  He's fascinating.


Amazing Facts I'm Teaching My Kids:
-He was in debt most of his life, and died in debt.
-He had red hair and bad posture.
-Martha and Thomas had six children together.  Four of them died as babies or children. Another died at the age of 25, during child birth.
-Martha, his wife, died before Thomas became President.  Their daughter, Martha, served as First Lady.
-After being sworn in as President he went back to his boarding house for dinner and, upon arriving, all seats were taken and no one stood right up to offer him a seat. 
-He had a fear of public speaking and only gave 2 speeches while he was President
-He was known to receive White House visitors in a bathrobe and slippers.
-He had a mockingbird named Dick at the White House that got to ride on  his shoulder whenever possible. 
-He started the tradition of shaking hands instead of bowing.
-He was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence.
-He owned slaves and, most likely, fathered at least one child with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.
-He proposed a bill to outlaw slavery in all new territories.  It was defeated by one vote.
-He is said to have introduced waffles, french fries, and spaghetti to the U.S.  He even ate a tomato in front of a crowd to prove they weren't poisonous.
-Thomas Jefferson and John Adams(2nd President) died on the same day, July 4th, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed!  They were friends, then enemies in life, but in their later years became good friends again.
-He wrote his own eulogy and epitaph before he died and did not mention he had served as President of the United States.

My Yummy Waffles

In honor of the President, we had waffles for dinner last night and we're having spaghetti for dinner tonight. My husband will then pretend he's Thomas Jefferson while he teaches the kids all of the fun facts.  Yes, I am making him do this against his will.

Grateful Mom Goal of the Day: Try not to make fun of my husband

when he pretends to be Thomas Jefferson.
 My organizing and sweetness goals are still going strong--today will be day 4!

Everyday Goals: Do something nice for someone and organize--anything!