It may be cold and nasty outside but February is full of fun holidays and celebrations. Take advantage of them and make this month a time where you show your family how much they rock your world!

Black History Month is here and with so many wonderful books out there for both younger and older children it's a great opportunity to stock up on books for your kids. Here's a list of some awesome books to go with this most important month. Many of these would be great to read aloud and discuss with your children.

For younger children 5-8:

Sojourner Truth's Step Stomp Stride by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney: A wonderful, colorful book about the famous abolitionist that illustrates her life story and her bravery.

The Girls in the Circle by Nikki Giovanni: An amazing poet, Giovanni features 3 little African American girls who are playing dress-up at their Grandmother's house.

Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter: A beautiful book that tells about the message of the famous folk song. Great to read aloud with children.

For older children 9-12:

Free At Last: Stories and Songs of Emancipations by Doreen Rappaport: If you have a child that loves music, this gorgeous book combines real-life stories with traditional songs from the period.

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly by Joyce Hansen: A good chapter book, this diary-style story tells about Patsy, a former slave girl that still lives on the plantation and has secretly taught herself to read. Patsy goes from scared and stuttering to an independent leader by the end of this wonderful book, which I remember reading myself! Great literary role model for young ladies.

The Land by Mildred D Taylor: A prequel to "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry", this story talks about being biracial in the 1880's and a young boy's adventures and growing up. Recommended for older children.

Heart Month: Did you know that oatmeal is not only good for your heart, but can lower cholesterol, help with weight control and is packed with awesome vitamins? Celebrate heart month and once a week set up an "oatmeal bar" for your family. Even the pickiest eater will find some combination to appeal to their tastebuds. Some yummy "toppings" to consider on your oatmeal are:

Peanut Butter and Jelly: Oatmeal, a scoop of peanut butter and cut up strawberries

Blueberry-Banana Parfait: Oatmeal, cut up bananas, granola, blueberries and a scoop of plain yogurt

Special Treat "Cherry Pie": Oatmeal, cherry pie filling and whip cream (I know, not healthy, but you only live once)

Since 1910 the Boy Scouts have been helping young people explore and learn more about the world around them. Even if your own little ones aren't in the Scouts, you can still teach them fun things about citizenship, the outdoors and handicrafts and celebrate Boy Scouts Week. One merit badge offered is Bird Study. Have your kids try to watch for birds in the backyard. Offer a tasty snack by coating a pinecone or corn cob in peanut butter, then rolling it in bird seed and hanging from a tree in the backyard. Make sure the tree you hang the bird snack from is near a window so kids can spy on their new backyard "pets".

February is National Cherry Month! While there are plenty of delicious cherry cobbler, cherry pie and cherry bread recipes out there, let's get serious here. February is also Valentine's Day, so once the baby is asleep make this yummy cherry-flavored cocktail for you and your man. Afterall, you deserve a little fun too, right?

Happy Youth Cocktail:

1 oz cherry brandy

1 oz sugar

1 tsp orange juice

3 oz champagne or sparkling wine

(optional cherry garnish)

**Put the sugar in the bottom of a champage class, then pour the brandy and orange juice over top. Mix slightly, then add the champagne. Makes one. Garnish optional, dimming of lights mandatory!