Hi all!
We just did an African Meal. We studied in school this past year the Eastern Hemisphere and we decided to do for school, an African meal. It was really good. Here is what it was like:
We made Cucumber Salad. We cut up cherry tomatoes in half, then hand-pitted and cut the olives in half. We put some onion in, parsley, and some garlic. We also added lemon juice and olive oil. Then we mixed it, and put it in the fridge.
We also made Grilled Chicken-MMMMMMMMMMMM! We got some nice chicken, then we made a rub to put on it. We took the rub, which had spices, all sorts of things in it and we put on gloves and rubbed it on both sides of the chicken. It made a delicious rub. We covered it, and put it in the fridge to sit. Then, when that was done, we grilled the chicken, and then put it on the counter with some foil on top, for it to sit, until we were ready for it.
We also made yummy flat bread. We made the dough, then we took the dough, and put it in the fridge to sit, for about an hour. Then, we took the dough out, and covered it with sauce, which had yummy spices, and stuff like that. Then, we twisted it, (into twelve twists) and put it on a platter, which we then covered with a kitchen towel. After that, we just let it sit for a minute, while we set up the skillet. We then took the bread, covered it with flower, and rolled it out, so that it was 6 in. in diameter. We put it on the skillet, and fried it till it was brown in spots, dry, and puffy. It was DEEELICIOUS! We put some of the sauce thing that we used in the salad, (the lemon juice, and olive oil) and put it on the bread. (It is pretty plain dry.)
We absoloutely loved this dinner. If you would like the recipe, just e-mail us or give us a call!
ENJOY!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Friday, July 9, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Butterfly Pictures By: Stella Age: 10
Here are the long-promised pictures of our butterflies!
This was the butterflies home as caterpillars.
This was the butterflies home as adults. We didn't have fruit at that point...;)
Whoa! Check this out-there they are in cocoons...;)
Here's a challenge- find the butterflies! This is their food!
Wow-this was such a fun experience! Hope you enjoyed it with us! ;)
By: Stella
Age: 10
This was the butterflies home as caterpillars.
This was the butterflies home as adults. We didn't have fruit at that point...;)
Whoa! Check this out-there they are in cocoons...;)
Here's a challenge- find the butterflies! This is their food!
Wow-this was such a fun experience! Hope you enjoyed it with us! ;)
By: Stella
Age: 10
Spring is in the AIR! By: Stella Age: 10
This is the tree in front of our house!
This is a lovely branch of our pink tree-that is now out of season....:( ;)
Ahh-the lovely scent of flowers!
SPRING IS IN THE AIR-WE CAN SEE THAT! I HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE PICTURES OF-SPRING!!!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Baseball By: Stella Age: 10
Hi All!
Leo has had his first experience with baseball. He's really enjoyed it-but I won't tell you too much, as he will like to tell you in a later post.
Hope you enjoy these photos from the beginning of the year of baseball... ;)
GO TEAM GO! GO LEO!!!!!!!!!
What on earth do you do with this thing?
Wait- WATER BREAK!
WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! Wait- what's this?
GO LEO! GO TERT!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Leo has had his first experience with baseball. He's really enjoyed it-but I won't tell you too much, as he will like to tell you in a later post.
Hope you enjoy these photos from the beginning of the year of baseball... ;)
GO TEAM GO! GO LEO!!!!!!!!!
What on earth do you do with this thing?
Wait- WATER BREAK!
WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! Wait- what's this?
GO LEO! GO TERT!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Quotes...
Rus is going through such a thoughtful stage and is especially sensitive to spiritual things. The other day he told my mom, "When I see the moon, I think about God."
He also said, "Mom, our grill reminds me of Mount Sinai, and the globe reminds me of my sin (you know, when all the world was naughty...)".
While watching the children's show, Madeline, with Rus, I was halfheartedly engaging in the storyline (i.e. Madeline buys her friend a pony in London). I said something like, "Wow, wouldn't it be fun to get a horse for your birthday, Rus?"
Shussing me frantically, he said, "Shhh!! Mom!! Don't tell me what you're getting me!!"
Later Rus pointed out some fancy educational toy on a video that he was sure he'd like for his birthday. I told him that I didn't know where I'd find something like that, and he said, "Oh, you can order it on dot com!"
While I was helping Rus into his pajamas, he said, "Mom, I didn't wet my underwear, but you should probably wash them for the next guy [who will wear them]."
Teaching Rus' Sunday school class a lesson about faith in God and believing in things that we can't see, I asked the children, "How do you know that you're breathing AIR when it's something that you can't SEE?" Rus raised his hand and politely explained that, when it's cold enough outside, we actually CAN see our breath. I had to agree with his four year old logic and scrambled for another illustration.
Little Tert is becoming our comedian around here. He is always cracking jokes and playing funny games (like when he steals his daddy's seat on the sly and produces this "evil" chuckle that sounds so foreign coming out of a cute 2 year old."
He frequently announces that he has "YADY BUGS" in his nose.
His favorite vehicles are the "Yincoln town car and the hiccup truck."
He frequently gets our attention by saying, "Knock, knock joke..."
I was changing the other day, and, upon seeing my large pregnant belly, Tert said in the most endearing tone, "Mama, I yuv your tummy." Later he said, "Cute outfit, Mommy!" He is very excited about meeting his "baby sisser."
Whenever Tert REALLY wants something, he has resorted to addressing me with a "PLEEEASE, darling muver."
He assured me the other day that he was "NOT TATTY TALING!"
Tert learned the hard way that "shut up" is a completely unacceptable expression in our home, so he has begun to whisper under his breath, "shut, shut, shut..." Just as soon as the suspense becomes too much for his onlookers, he exclaims, "SHUT DOWN!"
Tert recently told everyone at a family picnic that his favorite drink was "salad." I was feeling pretty great about this until I realized that he meant SODA.
Sweating through a homeschool science lesson on the reproductive system, I propped the textbook on my enormous uterus and dove into the subjects of asexual reproduction and budding. I was just about to lose my nerve and quit there, when Leo asked, "So, Mom...the sperm just floats across the air to the female's egg??"
He also said, "Mom, our grill reminds me of Mount Sinai, and the globe reminds me of my sin (you know, when all the world was naughty...)".
While watching the children's show, Madeline, with Rus, I was halfheartedly engaging in the storyline (i.e. Madeline buys her friend a pony in London). I said something like, "Wow, wouldn't it be fun to get a horse for your birthday, Rus?"
Shussing me frantically, he said, "Shhh!! Mom!! Don't tell me what you're getting me!!"
Later Rus pointed out some fancy educational toy on a video that he was sure he'd like for his birthday. I told him that I didn't know where I'd find something like that, and he said, "Oh, you can order it on dot com!"
While I was helping Rus into his pajamas, he said, "Mom, I didn't wet my underwear, but you should probably wash them for the next guy [who will wear them]."
Teaching Rus' Sunday school class a lesson about faith in God and believing in things that we can't see, I asked the children, "How do you know that you're breathing AIR when it's something that you can't SEE?" Rus raised his hand and politely explained that, when it's cold enough outside, we actually CAN see our breath. I had to agree with his four year old logic and scrambled for another illustration.
Little Tert is becoming our comedian around here. He is always cracking jokes and playing funny games (like when he steals his daddy's seat on the sly and produces this "evil" chuckle that sounds so foreign coming out of a cute 2 year old."
He frequently announces that he has "YADY BUGS" in his nose.
His favorite vehicles are the "Yincoln town car and the hiccup truck."
He frequently gets our attention by saying, "Knock, knock joke..."
I was changing the other day, and, upon seeing my large pregnant belly, Tert said in the most endearing tone, "Mama, I yuv your tummy." Later he said, "Cute outfit, Mommy!" He is very excited about meeting his "baby sisser."
Whenever Tert REALLY wants something, he has resorted to addressing me with a "PLEEEASE, darling muver."
He assured me the other day that he was "NOT TATTY TALING!"
Tert learned the hard way that "shut up" is a completely unacceptable expression in our home, so he has begun to whisper under his breath, "shut, shut, shut..." Just as soon as the suspense becomes too much for his onlookers, he exclaims, "SHUT DOWN!"
Tert recently told everyone at a family picnic that his favorite drink was "salad." I was feeling pretty great about this until I realized that he meant SODA.
Sweating through a homeschool science lesson on the reproductive system, I propped the textbook on my enormous uterus and dove into the subjects of asexual reproduction and budding. I was just about to lose my nerve and quit there, when Leo asked, "So, Mom...the sperm just floats across the air to the female's egg??"
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Amoskeag Millyard Adventure By: Leo, age 8 1/2
A couple of days ago we went to an Amoskeag Millyard tour. This is a closed down mill. It was put out of business by a strike held by all the workers (in protest against the loss of money which in the first place was quite limited to a small sum of about four dollars per week!). It was also put out of business beacause it started to get hard for the south to get cotton from the south to the north.
It took a while for our family to find a parking space. Even then we had the dilemma of finding the right coins to put in the parking meter. After going through the big production of getting everyone out of the car we finally made it inside the vast building. We paid; then we waited for everyone else in our group get there. After everyone gathered together, the tour guide told us that we would be gathering into small teams made up of two or three in each group. I was teamed up with one of my friends at the Co-Op. Each team got a section, and each team also got a paper instructing them what to find and present to the class. My friend and I were assigned the textile section. We learned a lot in general. We also learned about one girl in particular. One day while working at the mill she saw the steel tipped shuttle running at a speed of around 90 mph. fly off its track and hit someone! This event always upset her to the day she made the invention of a box for the shuttle. The girl made many other inventions such as the flat bottom paper bag that we commonly use today. One of her inventions was stolen! Thankfully she kept careful drawings of the invention and was finally able to get a patent for her invention. We also learned about child labor. One particular job that children commonly got was putting the threads in place for the weaver. My sister, Stella, did a presentation about holidays and festivals. One of our friends at Co-Op joined Stella. We also learned that all the employees got cards telling their name, date of birth, and information such as where they worked in the mill. A marking many cards bore upon the front was the red check indicating the worker had gone on strike! It would be hard to get a job at the mill again if your card bore that mark. After the Great Depression the mill had very few employees, so they were forced to shut down. I think this was a very fun, educational, and entertaining way to present the early days of the Amoskeag Millyard.
It took a while for our family to find a parking space. Even then we had the dilemma of finding the right coins to put in the parking meter. After going through the big production of getting everyone out of the car we finally made it inside the vast building. We paid; then we waited for everyone else in our group get there. After everyone gathered together, the tour guide told us that we would be gathering into small teams made up of two or three in each group. I was teamed up with one of my friends at the Co-Op. Each team got a section, and each team also got a paper instructing them what to find and present to the class. My friend and I were assigned the textile section. We learned a lot in general. We also learned about one girl in particular. One day while working at the mill she saw the steel tipped shuttle running at a speed of around 90 mph. fly off its track and hit someone! This event always upset her to the day she made the invention of a box for the shuttle. The girl made many other inventions such as the flat bottom paper bag that we commonly use today. One of her inventions was stolen! Thankfully she kept careful drawings of the invention and was finally able to get a patent for her invention. We also learned about child labor. One particular job that children commonly got was putting the threads in place for the weaver. My sister, Stella, did a presentation about holidays and festivals. One of our friends at Co-Op joined Stella. We also learned that all the employees got cards telling their name, date of birth, and information such as where they worked in the mill. A marking many cards bore upon the front was the red check indicating the worker had gone on strike! It would be hard to get a job at the mill again if your card bore that mark. After the Great Depression the mill had very few employees, so they were forced to shut down. I think this was a very fun, educational, and entertaining way to present the early days of the Amoskeag Millyard.
:)End of the Year Program:( By: Stella Age: 10
Hello all!
This is Stella! I am going to write an article about the Co-Op and such stuff! I won't include names/nicknames/pictures-don't worry!
Well, first I am going to tell you a little bit about the Co-Op. I have told you a little bit about it before but I will refresh your memory.
The Co-Op is really a place where homeschoolers can spend time with other homeschool friends.
We have had a fun year there and some nice classes. This has probably been the best year so far for me personally.
So, now, I am going to tell a little bit about the end of the year program.
We have been involved in a program called DI. I have written many articles about that so I won't go into too much detail. DI is a class where we kids can participate in a challenge. We work together as a team and work through a challenge. This year we had a challenge which was called- "You're Gonna Flip!" We had to make a character have a 'flip' from one point of view to another. We also had to make two extra side trips to show our talents. We made a piece of visual art, and wrote a skit.
I will give you an outline of what we did------
Challenge- "You're Gonna Flip"
Preview of Skit- In our skit Maria, (a young girl) doesn't like to brush her teeth. Nobody can convince her to, not even 'Betty Brush Your Teeth' (The Tooth Fairy) ;). That is, until she experiences a change....
Puppet: Betty Brush Your Teeth
Points of View- Doesn't like to brush her teeth -FLIP- Likes to brush her teeth
Way of showing the flip- We did an actual flip- handstand into bridge-stand up
What makes this change- She finds out she has cavities after a weirdo dentist tells her so!
Side trips- Gymnastics and Commercial
Visual Art- Gesture Drawing
We really had an awesome year- three cheers for OUR TEAM MANAGERS!!!!!!
Anyway, we performed this skit at the end of the year program! We really had fun. The chorus sang for us and the graduates got certificates. A piece on the piano was played, and there was a an art show.... OH AND DON'T FORGET THE CAKE!!!
We also got yearbooks. They were excellent and we had our friends sign them. It was a lot of fun!
We are sad at the same time though that this year is over. I am looking forward to next year also.
Finally, I want to say----------
Thanks to all who made the Co-Op and Programs possible- and also----
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THREE CHEERS FOR THE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Stella
Age: 10
This is Stella! I am going to write an article about the Co-Op and such stuff! I won't include names/nicknames/pictures-don't worry!
Well, first I am going to tell you a little bit about the Co-Op. I have told you a little bit about it before but I will refresh your memory.
The Co-Op is really a place where homeschoolers can spend time with other homeschool friends.
We have had a fun year there and some nice classes. This has probably been the best year so far for me personally.
So, now, I am going to tell a little bit about the end of the year program.
We have been involved in a program called DI. I have written many articles about that so I won't go into too much detail. DI is a class where we kids can participate in a challenge. We work together as a team and work through a challenge. This year we had a challenge which was called- "You're Gonna Flip!" We had to make a character have a 'flip' from one point of view to another. We also had to make two extra side trips to show our talents. We made a piece of visual art, and wrote a skit.
I will give you an outline of what we did------
Challenge- "You're Gonna Flip"
Preview of Skit- In our skit Maria, (a young girl) doesn't like to brush her teeth. Nobody can convince her to, not even 'Betty Brush Your Teeth' (The Tooth Fairy) ;). That is, until she experiences a change....
Puppet: Betty Brush Your Teeth
Points of View- Doesn't like to brush her teeth -FLIP- Likes to brush her teeth
Way of showing the flip- We did an actual flip- handstand into bridge-stand up
What makes this change- She finds out she has cavities after a weirdo dentist tells her so!
Side trips- Gymnastics and Commercial
Visual Art- Gesture Drawing
We really had an awesome year- three cheers for OUR TEAM MANAGERS!!!!!!
Anyway, we performed this skit at the end of the year program! We really had fun. The chorus sang for us and the graduates got certificates. A piece on the piano was played, and there was a an art show.... OH AND DON'T FORGET THE CAKE!!!
We also got yearbooks. They were excellent and we had our friends sign them. It was a lot of fun!
We are sad at the same time though that this year is over. I am looking forward to next year also.
Finally, I want to say----------
Thanks to all who made the Co-Op and Programs possible- and also----
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THREE CHEERS FOR THE CO-OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Monday, April 26, 2010
DADDY? By: Stella Age: 10
This is something he does a lot- he picks up the phone and has a conversation with- Daddy!
Valentines By: Stella Age: 10
Stella's Valentine <3
WE HAD AN AWESOME PARTY AT OUR CO-OP FOR VALENTINE'S DAY! YAY! THREE CHEERS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!
Blinis and FUN! By: Stella Age: 10
Hi Everyone!
We have been studying in history the Eastern Hemisphere. Well, we have an awesome course this year! We were studying Russia, and we decided to make-what else? a Russian MEAL!
Here is what we had----
Yeah! The blinis are on!
Well, I bet you are wondering, hey? what are blinis? Well, here's the answer!!!!
YEP! You got it- buckwheat pancakes!
Yum-we also had some smoked salmon with it- DEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!
Hello, I'm your waiter tonight! Would you like whipped cream or strawberries on your blinis? BOTH!!!!!
Juice or Juice?! (Pretty easy choice, I might add!)
Let's see--- should we try them?!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
We have been studying in history the Eastern Hemisphere. Well, we have an awesome course this year! We were studying Russia, and we decided to make-what else? a Russian MEAL!
Here is what we had----
Yeah! The blinis are on!
Well, I bet you are wondering, hey? what are blinis? Well, here's the answer!!!!
YEP! You got it- buckwheat pancakes!
Yum-we also had some smoked salmon with it- DEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!
Hello, I'm your waiter tonight! Would you like whipped cream or strawberries on your blinis? BOTH!!!!!
Juice or Juice?! (Pretty easy choice, I might add!)
Let's see--- should we try them?!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
CORA-OUR PUPPY! By: Stella Age: 10
We are so thankful for our sweet, sweet puppy! She has been great fun, even to the times when we think about when she had accidents on our floor, or anything like that--- (UGH) she has really made up for it! I love you puppy!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
(Picture taken by Leo with Stella's camera!)
Stella's Birthday! By: Stella Age: 10
Hi All!
I would like to tell you about my wonderful birthday! I really enjoyed it!
I had a early birthday party and sleepover! Then after a couple days we celebrated my real birthday at home. YAY! I frosted the cake. It was an ice cream cake! Yummy!
We had pizza for dinner. We loved it! Then came the cake. They sang happy birthday, and don't ask me what my wish was because I forget what I wished for anyway!!!
After they did that we opened gifts. I got lots of awesome gifts! I had gotten gifts from grandparents and friends. Thank you all for the lovely gifts. I got gifts here too! (They are all in the pictures labeled below!)
Thanks to all who made my birthday such a special day!
(Enjoy the pictures!)
Smile for the camera!
Yummy- PIZZA!
Yum-YUM! CAKE!
Hugs-YAY! A CANDLE!
YaY! A friendship bracelet kit!
(I got more gifts but don't have the pictures of them-or the patience to keep posting!!!! BYE!)
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
BIG SURGE!!! By: Stella Age: 10
Hi! This is Stella!
I think you might wonder why we have not had pictures lately. Well, we are going to suddenly have a big surge of pictures and posts! Sorry- we are going to have to go back in time.... (We are so late!)
Well-here we go! Have fun!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
I think you might wonder why we have not had pictures lately. Well, we are going to suddenly have a big surge of pictures and posts! Sorry- we are going to have to go back in time.... (We are so late!)
Well-here we go! Have fun!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Dino Expo: By Leo Age 8
A couple of days ago we went to a dinosaur exhibit! There were many dinosaurs,but the best part of all was the dinosaurs moved! The special exhibit was sponsored by BAE SYSTEMS (a company my dad works for). After what seemed like forever, we finally got there. At the top floor, we went in to find that there would be a scavenger hunt!
The first thing we did was to stand next to a full sized painted image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex's huge leg! Next we encountered an Elamosaurus!(a marine species of herbivores.)We walked through the exhibit not paying any mind to the descriptions. We were just fascinated by the huge, mechanical statues. After entering the exhibit twice, we came out. We took two scavenger hunt papers. We passed through again, this time paying much closer attention to the descriptions. We finally filled in the papers, bringing them to be checked. After finding all the answers correct we received stickers! I think this was a very fun and educational family field trip, and, thankfully we all made it out ALIVE!!!! :)
The first thing we did was to stand next to a full sized painted image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex's huge leg! Next we encountered an Elamosaurus!(a marine species of herbivores.)We walked through the exhibit not paying any mind to the descriptions. We were just fascinated by the huge, mechanical statues. After entering the exhibit twice, we came out. We took two scavenger hunt papers. We passed through again, this time paying much closer attention to the descriptions. We finally filled in the papers, bringing them to be checked. After finding all the answers correct we received stickers! I think this was a very fun and educational family field trip, and, thankfully we all made it out ALIVE!!!! :)
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Battle of Gettysburg By: Leo
Yesterday I went to a play about the battle of Gettysburg. The main character was a freed slave who came from Alabama to Pennsylvania through the underground railroad.
He longed for the excitement of war. His mistress was a widowed Quaker. Her brother's son was a misled Confederate who was even more weakly than the slave. In contrast to the freed slave, he didn't even know how to read. One day a Confederate soldier came telling them to pack up and leave. The young Confederate became very excited about the thought of killing some Yanks. When he got out onto the battle field, he and his comrades felt the strong hand of the Northerners as the boy fell in battle. When he awoke he felt lonely and abandoned. He went to the Quaker for food and shelter though the punishment for abandoning troops was severe. The Quaker took him in though the penalty for housing runaway soldiers was equally great. At the end he made an agreement with his boss, and the freed slave got a job in battle. I think this was a very intelligent and entertaining way of presenting the Battle of Gettysburg.
He longed for the excitement of war. His mistress was a widowed Quaker. Her brother's son was a misled Confederate who was even more weakly than the slave. In contrast to the freed slave, he didn't even know how to read. One day a Confederate soldier came telling them to pack up and leave. The young Confederate became very excited about the thought of killing some Yanks. When he got out onto the battle field, he and his comrades felt the strong hand of the Northerners as the boy fell in battle. When he awoke he felt lonely and abandoned. He went to the Quaker for food and shelter though the punishment for abandoning troops was severe. The Quaker took him in though the penalty for housing runaway soldiers was equally great. At the end he made an agreement with his boss, and the freed slave got a job in battle. I think this was a very intelligent and entertaining way of presenting the Battle of Gettysburg.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Four Score and Seven Years Ago By: Stella Age: 10
Hello! This is Stella! I'd like to tell you about a play that we went to at the Capital Center for the Arts. It was a very interesting play. We enjoyed it a lot. ;)
So-here is my entry about the play, "Four Score and Seven Years Ago".
As you might have guessed by the title, the play was about the Civil War. The cast of the characters was quite small but it was a wonderful play. The cast was as follows:
A Slave (Main Character)
A Confused Confederate Soldier
A Quaker Woman (Shop keeper)
Corrupt Union General who also played a Confederate General
That's EXACTLY what I might have thought too. Ok, four characters in the play. How on earth could this be fun? Well, the answer is, it was!!
I'll now describe the play and the characters...
Facts about the play:
This play placed emphasis on the question, "Should blacks fight in the Civil War?"
It showed the scene of the Battle of Gettysburg very effectively. It gave lots of information in that scene and in the play.
Some of the people in the play treated the blacks as if they were still slaves.
The play showed the struggles between the North and the South.
It was a musical.
Our Comments:
We studied and memorized the Gettysburg Address. It is a very interesting speech by Lincoln. It is not long. People were very surprised by how short it was. The cameraman back then couldn't even get his stuff set up in time to get a picture of Lincoln speaking!
We appreciated the play since we studied the Civil War last year.
In one hour they gave lots of information.
Characters:
Main Character- Black Man-Narrator of the play
He thought he was right.
He was saved by the Underground Railroad.
He wanted to fight.
He wanted rights. In one scene with the Quaker woman it showed how they both couldn't vote.
He was a clerk in the Quaker Woman's store.
He was for the Union.
He was treated as a slave.
He taught himself to read. He got an education.
He talked back to the generals and he was bold.
Confused Confederate Soldier
He thought he was right.
He liked the glory of the army until he got hurt at the battle of Gettysburg.
He was even more ignorant than the black man.
He couldn't read or right.
He was very confused.
Write up on both sides of the war:
In one song they showed both of the sides in what I thought was a very interesting way. They had the Confederate Soldier and the Black Man both next to each other. The song was, "How can you lose with God on your side?" It showed that both sides thought they we doing the right thing for God. It was a very effective way of depicting both points of view.
Quaker Woman-Owner of Store
She was against war and thought it was sinful. She was very brave though.
She was a widow of a Union soldier.
She couldn't vote like blacks.
She treated the blacks as equal.
Corrupt Union General
He didn't have polished manners.
He sold items for the black market.
Confederate General
He had polished manners.
He sold items for the black market.
We had a lot of fun at this play. Three cheers for the Capital Center for the Arts!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
So-here is my entry about the play, "Four Score and Seven Years Ago".
As you might have guessed by the title, the play was about the Civil War. The cast of the characters was quite small but it was a wonderful play. The cast was as follows:
A Slave (Main Character)
A Confused Confederate Soldier
A Quaker Woman (Shop keeper)
Corrupt Union General who also played a Confederate General
That's EXACTLY what I might have thought too. Ok, four characters in the play. How on earth could this be fun? Well, the answer is, it was!!
I'll now describe the play and the characters...
Facts about the play:
This play placed emphasis on the question, "Should blacks fight in the Civil War?"
It showed the scene of the Battle of Gettysburg very effectively. It gave lots of information in that scene and in the play.
Some of the people in the play treated the blacks as if they were still slaves.
The play showed the struggles between the North and the South.
It was a musical.
Our Comments:
We studied and memorized the Gettysburg Address. It is a very interesting speech by Lincoln. It is not long. People were very surprised by how short it was. The cameraman back then couldn't even get his stuff set up in time to get a picture of Lincoln speaking!
We appreciated the play since we studied the Civil War last year.
In one hour they gave lots of information.
Characters:
Main Character- Black Man-Narrator of the play
He thought he was right.
He was saved by the Underground Railroad.
He wanted to fight.
He wanted rights. In one scene with the Quaker woman it showed how they both couldn't vote.
He was a clerk in the Quaker Woman's store.
He was for the Union.
He was treated as a slave.
He taught himself to read. He got an education.
He talked back to the generals and he was bold.
Confused Confederate Soldier
He thought he was right.
He liked the glory of the army until he got hurt at the battle of Gettysburg.
He was even more ignorant than the black man.
He couldn't read or right.
He was very confused.
Write up on both sides of the war:
In one song they showed both of the sides in what I thought was a very interesting way. They had the Confederate Soldier and the Black Man both next to each other. The song was, "How can you lose with God on your side?" It showed that both sides thought they we doing the right thing for God. It was a very effective way of depicting both points of view.
Quaker Woman-Owner of Store
She was against war and thought it was sinful. She was very brave though.
She was a widow of a Union soldier.
She couldn't vote like blacks.
She treated the blacks as equal.
Corrupt Union General
He didn't have polished manners.
He sold items for the black market.
Confederate General
He had polished manners.
He sold items for the black market.
We had a lot of fun at this play. Three cheers for the Capital Center for the Arts!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Butterflies By: Stella Age: 10
Hello! This is Stella. I am going to tell you about a little experiment that our family tried.
Mater ordered a butterfly farm. After a couple of days, we received a cardboard box. We opened up the cardboard box. In a little cup, filled with some food, were the caterpillars. We were very excited. We watched them for ten days. They got bigger and bigger. Finally, one day, much to our delight, one of the caterpillars got in its cocoon. Day by day, they all got into their cocoons. When they were all into their cocoons we moved them into the butterfly farm that we got from the box. (The butterfly farm is a little mesh cage with a see through top. We pinned them to the mesh. Ten more days passed. Soon, one day, we were surprised to see a couple of butterflies! We immediately sprang into action and made sugar water. (That is the butterflies' food.) We wet tissues to put on the bottom of the cage. We went to the store and bought some oranges and flowers to put on the bottom of the cage. We dipped the flowers in the sugar water and we sliced the oranges and put them on the bottom of the cage too. We were really excited by the outcome of our butterflies!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Mater ordered a butterfly farm. After a couple of days, we received a cardboard box. We opened up the cardboard box. In a little cup, filled with some food, were the caterpillars. We were very excited. We watched them for ten days. They got bigger and bigger. Finally, one day, much to our delight, one of the caterpillars got in its cocoon. Day by day, they all got into their cocoons. When they were all into their cocoons we moved them into the butterfly farm that we got from the box. (The butterfly farm is a little mesh cage with a see through top. We pinned them to the mesh. Ten more days passed. Soon, one day, we were surprised to see a couple of butterflies! We immediately sprang into action and made sugar water. (That is the butterflies' food.) We wet tissues to put on the bottom of the cage. We went to the store and bought some oranges and flowers to put on the bottom of the cage. We dipped the flowers in the sugar water and we sliced the oranges and put them on the bottom of the cage too. We were really excited by the outcome of our butterflies!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Catching Up
Once again I have fallen behind on the dozens of posts and pictures I'd love to have shared since Christmas. The kids have done a great job documenting the highlights while I have been enduring a trimester of intense morning sickness, reminding myself that it's okay to just survive this stage and to put some of my extra projects on hold. We've kept up with our schoolwork and made it through basketball season, two spelling bees and a semester of Destination Imagination. I'm eager to say goodbye to the nausea/exhaustion and to "welcome" my second trimester migraines which are a breeze in comparison. Perhaps my energy will return, and I'll get some of those pictures posted before too long. In the meantime, here are some quotes from the kids...
This first one isn't humorous, but it surprised and pleased me. As background I'll mention that we've received some mild criticicsm for our rigorous approach to English and our choice of curriculum (Shurley English) which is VERY heavy on drilling, classifying, memorizing... Our philosophy is that children should be drilled in the fundamentals of English/writing before they branch off into more creative forms of expression.
Anyway...Stella was at the eye doctor recently. When the technician asked her what her favorite subject was in school, she didn't even hesitate in answering, "GRAMMAR."
Recently I've been feeling kind of badly about my lack of opportunity for gourmet cooking. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, it has been a little bit frustrating to be so limited in what I can share with my family at this stage of life(due to time and budget limitations). The other day Leo made me smile when he came up to me and said that he was really in the mood for cioppino and creme brulee! I guess that I haven't been a total failure in exposing them to some of the finer forms of cuisine. :)
And now for Rus...
to his older siblings after they all snuggled in one bunk listening to Odyssey...
"Turn off that stupid modern technology light at bedtime!!"
"The Bible says, 'Only criticize your parents if they criticize you.'"
On coupon clipping day, I hand Rus the stack of newspaper inserts when I'm done with them, and he diligently clips out every picture/coupon that looks appealing to him. The other day he asked, "Mom, may I use the dangerous scissors if I'm careful?"
"Mom, I have the feeling that I love being with you."
Sis (Stella) has reached a whole new level of responsibility since she found out that she's expecting another sibling. She has taken it upon herself to learn all sorts of domestic skills that will prove invaluable when I have another little one demanding my time and attention. She completely supervises breakfast for her little brothers, brushes their teeth, gives them their vitamins and flouride, and chooses Tert's daily outfit and puts on his cloth diapers each morning (not to mention supervising and playing with the boys throughout the day). She asked me if I'd please teach her how to cook some meals this summer; in the meantime, she observes me in the kitchen every chance she gets. The other evening, I was heading out to the gym and said that Daddy would have to man the waffle iron if anyone wanted more dinner. She replied, "That's okay! I'll WOMAN the waffles while you're gone!" :)
This first one isn't humorous, but it surprised and pleased me. As background I'll mention that we've received some mild criticicsm for our rigorous approach to English and our choice of curriculum (Shurley English) which is VERY heavy on drilling, classifying, memorizing... Our philosophy is that children should be drilled in the fundamentals of English/writing before they branch off into more creative forms of expression.
Anyway...Stella was at the eye doctor recently. When the technician asked her what her favorite subject was in school, she didn't even hesitate in answering, "GRAMMAR."
Recently I've been feeling kind of badly about my lack of opportunity for gourmet cooking. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, it has been a little bit frustrating to be so limited in what I can share with my family at this stage of life(due to time and budget limitations). The other day Leo made me smile when he came up to me and said that he was really in the mood for cioppino and creme brulee! I guess that I haven't been a total failure in exposing them to some of the finer forms of cuisine. :)
And now for Rus...
to his older siblings after they all snuggled in one bunk listening to Odyssey...
"Turn off that stupid modern technology light at bedtime!!"
"The Bible says, 'Only criticize your parents if they criticize you.'"
On coupon clipping day, I hand Rus the stack of newspaper inserts when I'm done with them, and he diligently clips out every picture/coupon that looks appealing to him. The other day he asked, "Mom, may I use the dangerous scissors if I'm careful?"
"Mom, I have the feeling that I love being with you."
Sis (Stella) has reached a whole new level of responsibility since she found out that she's expecting another sibling. She has taken it upon herself to learn all sorts of domestic skills that will prove invaluable when I have another little one demanding my time and attention. She completely supervises breakfast for her little brothers, brushes their teeth, gives them their vitamins and flouride, and chooses Tert's daily outfit and puts on his cloth diapers each morning (not to mention supervising and playing with the boys throughout the day). She asked me if I'd please teach her how to cook some meals this summer; in the meantime, she observes me in the kitchen every chance she gets. The other evening, I was heading out to the gym and said that Daddy would have to man the waffle iron if anyone wanted more dinner. She replied, "That's okay! I'll WOMAN the waffles while you're gone!" :)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
EXCITING WEEK By: Stella Age: 10
WOW! I am just full of stories to tell you all now!
Let's start with SATURDAY. This past Saturday I participated in a County Spelling Bee!
I was kind of nervous at first, but when I went up to spell my words, all my fear melted away! It was fun! Some information you might like to know:
1. 21 kids were eliminated out of 29 before me.
2. No, I did not win, but I had fun!
Now let's go back one day to FRIDAY! Well, on Friday, we got some very exciting news!
Mater is having another BABY! We are so excited! This is our fifth baby, but everybody is just as excited as the past babies! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUNDAY, they announced the baby in church.
MONDAY, we told our friends at Co-Op.
THIS SATURDAY, we are going to go to our Grandma and Grandpa Piercey's HOUSE! We are all so excited and can't wait. We will be posting soon about that!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Let's start with SATURDAY. This past Saturday I participated in a County Spelling Bee!
I was kind of nervous at first, but when I went up to spell my words, all my fear melted away! It was fun! Some information you might like to know:
1. 21 kids were eliminated out of 29 before me.
2. No, I did not win, but I had fun!
Now let's go back one day to FRIDAY! Well, on Friday, we got some very exciting news!
Mater is having another BABY! We are so excited! This is our fifth baby, but everybody is just as excited as the past babies! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUNDAY, they announced the baby in church.
MONDAY, we told our friends at Co-Op.
THIS SATURDAY, we are going to go to our Grandma and Grandpa Piercey's HOUSE! We are all so excited and can't wait. We will be posting soon about that!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
An Exciting Day at Regionals 2009-2010 By: Stella Age: 10
This is a descriptive essay written by Stella, Age 10:
An Exciting Day at Regionals 2009-2010
Once every March our DI team heads out to Tilton, where the Regional competition is held. The night before the challenge gives us team members hardly any sleep at all. When we wake up, we are filled with excitement. When we arrive at our destination, we get seated in the cafeteria. We anxiously wait for the opening ceremony. Everything around us is bustling with excitement. Many smells come from the various concession stands. We talk about our challenge until it is time for the parade. When it is time for the parade, we hold our banner and proudly march with a spring in our step. We sit down and look around anxiously at the other teams in our challenge group. Once all of the announcements are done, we go to watch other skits and challenges. After we watch a couple of challenges we come to the cafeteria. We grab a quick snack and then prepare for our performance. We get out our props. We are all a little anxious as they announce us. We all go through out skit. As we perform our skit, we each become part of the story. We are no longer team members performing a skit. We are in the world that we've created. When we finish, we get loud applause. We pick up our props and head to the car with all of our costumes and supplies. After everything is packed up, we go to our Instant Challenge. When that is over, everyone goes outside. The fresh, clean air is much better than the stifling school smell. The sun shines down on us. We all play soccer. After we play for a hour or so, we all pile into the cafeteria. We grab another evening snack. After that, we look at our scores. We all experience a feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time. When we are done, we wander around a bit; then we go to the Awards ceremony. We get that feeling of anxiety again. Then, we hear our challenge announced. This year we came in sixth place. We jump up and down, happy! We are a little disappointed, but at the same time, very proud of our work. We aren't going on to States, (the next level of competition) but we still are very glad that we got to participate in this fun, exciting day!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
An Exciting Day at Regionals 2009-2010
Once every March our DI team heads out to Tilton, where the Regional competition is held. The night before the challenge gives us team members hardly any sleep at all. When we wake up, we are filled with excitement. When we arrive at our destination, we get seated in the cafeteria. We anxiously wait for the opening ceremony. Everything around us is bustling with excitement. Many smells come from the various concession stands. We talk about our challenge until it is time for the parade. When it is time for the parade, we hold our banner and proudly march with a spring in our step. We sit down and look around anxiously at the other teams in our challenge group. Once all of the announcements are done, we go to watch other skits and challenges. After we watch a couple of challenges we come to the cafeteria. We grab a quick snack and then prepare for our performance. We get out our props. We are all a little anxious as they announce us. We all go through out skit. As we perform our skit, we each become part of the story. We are no longer team members performing a skit. We are in the world that we've created. When we finish, we get loud applause. We pick up our props and head to the car with all of our costumes and supplies. After everything is packed up, we go to our Instant Challenge. When that is over, everyone goes outside. The fresh, clean air is much better than the stifling school smell. The sun shines down on us. We all play soccer. After we play for a hour or so, we all pile into the cafeteria. We grab another evening snack. After that, we look at our scores. We all experience a feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time. When we are done, we wander around a bit; then we go to the Awards ceremony. We get that feeling of anxiety again. Then, we hear our challenge announced. This year we came in sixth place. We jump up and down, happy! We are a little disappointed, but at the same time, very proud of our work. We aren't going on to States, (the next level of competition) but we still are very glad that we got to participate in this fun, exciting day!
By: Stella
Age: 10
Grade: 5
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Life and Works of Elizabeth Yates (written by Leo, age 8)
This is a report that he will be presenting in his NH History Co-Op class tomorrow (March 1, 2010). He worked incredibly hard on it and did a beautiful job with his essay and illustration.
I chose to do my report on my favorite NH author, Elizabeth Yates. Elizabeth Yates lived from 1937-2001; she lived 95 years and died on a Sunday at a hospice in Concord, NH (I found this information from The New York Times, August 2, 2001). Elizabeth Yates was born in Buffalo, NY, and she went to school in Mamaroneck, NY. She lived in Peterborough, NH, about 62 years. She wrote many books for children such as SWISS HOLIDAY, [SWISS HOLIDAY], AMOS FORTUNE, and THE JOURNEYMAN*. I have enjoyed many of her books.
ELIZABETH YATES signed this book, A Place for Peter, for my uncle at a home school meeting. He asked her this question, “How do you know when your story is ended?”
She answered, “Good question. That confuses many authors. I start at the end and work my way to the beginning.”
*THE JOURNEYMAN is one of my favorite books written by Elizabeth Yates. This book is about a traveling artist. One of my favorite hobbies is art.
Another book we’ve enjoyed is Mountain Born. This book is about a family that lived in pasturelands. They raise sheep and sell the wool at market. One day on the farm, 34 lambs were born, yet one of them appeared to be dead. As the father came in, carrying it in his arms, he told his wife, Martha, about the loss. He laid it in the lambing box by the fire and said that he would skin it later so he could sell the hide. Martha picked up the lamb. Their faithful farm hand, Benj, soon found out about the tragedy.
“Lifeless is it?” Benj murmured.
Martha looked up at him, “Andrew said it was dead.”
“Andrew does not know as much as God,” Benj said.
He knelt down and took the lamb in his arms. Pressing his bearded lips close to the black
nostrils, he blew into them…Soon it sucked all the milk [Martha] would give it from a nursing
bottle, and gradually strength came into the legs.” (Mountain Born, 6,8)
I have copied a picture from Mountain Born to illustrate this scene. It shows Martha nursing the little black lamb (Biddy) back to life.
I would encourage you to read some of these unforgettable children’s books written by a talented author from our home state, New Hampshire.
I chose to do my report on my favorite NH author, Elizabeth Yates. Elizabeth Yates lived from 1937-2001; she lived 95 years and died on a Sunday at a hospice in Concord, NH (I found this information from The New York Times, August 2, 2001). Elizabeth Yates was born in Buffalo, NY, and she went to school in Mamaroneck, NY. She lived in Peterborough, NH, about 62 years. She wrote many books for children such as SWISS HOLIDAY, [SWISS HOLIDAY], AMOS FORTUNE, and THE JOURNEYMAN*. I have enjoyed many of her books.
ELIZABETH YATES signed this book, A Place for Peter, for my uncle at a home school meeting. He asked her this question, “How do you know when your story is ended?”
She answered, “Good question. That confuses many authors. I start at the end and work my way to the beginning.”
*THE JOURNEYMAN is one of my favorite books written by Elizabeth Yates. This book is about a traveling artist. One of my favorite hobbies is art.
Another book we’ve enjoyed is Mountain Born. This book is about a family that lived in pasturelands. They raise sheep and sell the wool at market. One day on the farm, 34 lambs were born, yet one of them appeared to be dead. As the father came in, carrying it in his arms, he told his wife, Martha, about the loss. He laid it in the lambing box by the fire and said that he would skin it later so he could sell the hide. Martha picked up the lamb. Their faithful farm hand, Benj, soon found out about the tragedy.
“Lifeless is it?” Benj murmured.
Martha looked up at him, “Andrew said it was dead.”
“Andrew does not know as much as God,” Benj said.
He knelt down and took the lamb in his arms. Pressing his bearded lips close to the black
nostrils, he blew into them…Soon it sucked all the milk [Martha] would give it from a nursing
bottle, and gradually strength came into the legs.” (Mountain Born, 6,8)
I have copied a picture from Mountain Born to illustrate this scene. It shows Martha nursing the little black lamb (Biddy) back to life.
I would encourage you to read some of these unforgettable children’s books written by a talented author from our home state, New Hampshire.
Sweetness...
Our Baby Tert's (nearly age 2) vocabulary is all his own. He "talks" constantly, but most of it is still babble. Every now and then we'll decipher a phrase with his older brother's assistance. For the longest time he was saying, "Ora byab yab! Ora byab yab!" We finally realized that he was telling people that his dog, "Cora is a black lab." :)
He also mixes up the funniest religious phrases. For a while he was saying "amen." Then he decided that it was much more interesting to say "ready, aim, fire!"
After a 14 hour sick day with the kids, I indulged in a brief rest on the couch. I explained to Tert, "Mommy needs to go to sleep now." He came over to me so tenderly, placed a kiss on my cheek and said, "God byess you!"
As usual, Rus wins the prize for the most hilarious quotes...
Watching my step aerobic DVD he observed, "Mom, that exercise lady WANTS to be ugly."
"Breathing apparatus keeps firemen from getting asthma."
"Look!! I'm getting bigger than my yegs!"
"Mom, guess what? My little brother isn't a baby anymore. He's my buddy!"
"I'm standing on my flip toes."
"Cora, do you know what? I love you!"
"I don't need a wife, Mom - JUST YOU... You'll be my mom FOREVER."
He also mixes up the funniest religious phrases. For a while he was saying "amen." Then he decided that it was much more interesting to say "ready, aim, fire!"
After a 14 hour sick day with the kids, I indulged in a brief rest on the couch. I explained to Tert, "Mommy needs to go to sleep now." He came over to me so tenderly, placed a kiss on my cheek and said, "God byess you!"
As usual, Rus wins the prize for the most hilarious quotes...
Watching my step aerobic DVD he observed, "Mom, that exercise lady WANTS to be ugly."
"Breathing apparatus keeps firemen from getting asthma."
"Look!! I'm getting bigger than my yegs!"
"Mom, guess what? My little brother isn't a baby anymore. He's my buddy!"
"I'm standing on my flip toes."
"Cora, do you know what? I love you!"
"I don't need a wife, Mom - JUST YOU... You'll be my mom FOREVER."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Stranger (s) in the Night Based on a true story- By: Stella Age: 10
You might want to read the story before looking at the pictures!
Girls at the Comfort Inn ;)
YIPPEE!
The dinner table at Grandma's house!
YUM YUM! CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
~LYD~
~MO~
~LIN~
~STELLA~
~E~
This story that you are about to read was written by Stella Age 10. It is based on a true story-but I added a couple things to make it exciting. ENJOY!!!
STRANGER IN THE NIGHT
"OH! YIKES!!" said Lyd. "This water is COLD after being in the hot tub!"
The girls were swimming at the Comfort Inn for Stella and Lyd's birthday party. They were having lots of fun. They had been in the pool for a long time though, so Stella made a suggestion.
"Hey, E!" said Stella.
"Yep?" replied E.
"Want to get out? We can get dried off and then have chocolates!" suggested Stella.
"SURE! Let's just swim one more lap, ok? I'll race you!" said E.
"Want to join us, girls?" asked Stella, swimming over to the girls.
"SURE!" exclaimed the girls.
They swam one more lap and then, laughing, swam over to the stairs and dried off.
"Let's go in these locker rooms!" said Mo.
"Sure!" said Lin and Lyd.
"E and I will share this one." said Stella.
“Okie doke! We'll meet here when we're done. May we, Grandma?" asked Lin.
"Sure girls!" said Grandma.
The girls split up, got bundled for the February temperatures, and then met in the lobby. They slipped on hats, jackets, sneakers or flip flops, bagged up their stuff, and then walked out munching on chocolates as they went.
"MMM! These are good!" said Mo. "Thanks for bringing them Stella!"
"Yeah, thanks!" chorused the other girls.
"You're welcome!" said Stella. " just as long as we don't get too filled up before supper!"
"Now,” said Grandma to Lin, “we will have to split up for a bit.” “Your uncle Adam will be coming, and he will drive you and Lyd; otherwise we would have to double-buckle. Ok Lin?”
“Sure Grandma!” said Lin.
“Good! Now, here he is now. Bye girls!” said Grandma.
The girls split up and went to Grandma’s house. That was where the party was going to be.
“Wow, this looks SO YUMMY!” said Mo enthusiastically.
The girls ate the delicious supper of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, veggies and dip, strawberries and dip, and homemade ice-cream cake. The girls spread out to play afterwards. Finally, Grandma called everyone for gifts…
“Girls, TIME FOR GIFTS!!!!!!!!!” Grandma called.
“Ok, GRANDMA!” called the girls.
When everyone was seated the birthday girls (Lyd and Stella) sat down and started to gather the gifts around themselves. They happily opened each gift, enthusiastically thanking the giver with a smile.
“That was quite fun! Now it is time for us to go to my house girls!” Aunt Krista called.
“YAY!” said the girls.
The girls piled into a couple of the cars and then left for the house. When they arrived they laid out their sleeping bags.
“Who wants to watch “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs??!!” Mo asked.
“I sure do!” said E. “We just have to wait for the rest of the girls!”
“Yes!” While we wait, let’s look at our favors,” said Stella.
They looked at their party items, all of which fit the “summer in February” birthday theme and then finally settled down and got ready to watch the movie.
Some time later…
“That was an awesome movie!” said Lin and Stella, who had never seen it before.
“I’m glad that you liked it!” said Lyd.
They had some Go-gurts, then happily settled down to bed. Little did they know what adventure awaited them…
“WHOA!” shouted Lin, “what was that noise?”
“I didn’t hear anything,” said E sleepily.
“Wait- there it is again!” said Lin.
“Yes-yes, I hear it. What is it though?” asked Stella.
“It-it sounds like someone is at the door,” said Lin.
“Where is that FLASHLIGHT?!” asked Mo, now fully awake.
“It’s right here,” said Lyd. “Here, Mo!”
“Whoa! It’s twelve AM exactly!” said Stella.
“What should we do about the noise?” asked E.
“I don’t want to meet something scary, whatever it is,” said Lin.
“Me neither, but I don’t want to wake Mom and Dad, do you?” said Mo.
“Well then-I guess that we have to go see this by ourselves,” said Stella.
“Ok then, let’s go!” said Lyd.
“Ok. I have the flashlight. I’ll go first,” said Mo.
“The sound is coming from over there!” said Lin.
“Yes, there it is,” said Lyd.
Here the girls came to a halt.
“Lyd goes from here. She’s the oldest,” said E.
“Here, Lyd,” said Mo.
The girls peered out the window. What they saw made them gasp-then burst into giggles.
“IT’S ONLY CHRIS AND CURT!” said Stella.
“Wow, girls. We thought that nobody would ever let us in,” said the boys.
“Why are you laughing so hard?” they asked.
“It’s a long story!” said Lyd laughing.
“Yes, too long to tell now!” said Lin.
“Well, thanks for letting us in!” said the boys. “You deserve a good night’s rest!”
“Wow!” said E.
“That was exciting!” said Mo.
“I’ve had the most exciting birthday ever!” said Stella.
“ME TOO!” said Lyd.
“GOOD!” said the girls.
As Stella settled into bed, she suddenly said- “OH NO!”
“Oh no-what now?” asked the girls.
Stella said with a laugh, “If the night was this hectic, I wonder what the day will be like…”
“OH NO!” moaned the girls.
THE END
Girls at the Comfort Inn ;)
YIPPEE!
The dinner table at Grandma's house!
YUM YUM! CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
~LYD~
~MO~
~LIN~
~STELLA~
~E~
This story that you are about to read was written by Stella Age 10. It is based on a true story-but I added a couple things to make it exciting. ENJOY!!!
STRANGER IN THE NIGHT
"OH! YIKES!!" said Lyd. "This water is COLD after being in the hot tub!"
The girls were swimming at the Comfort Inn for Stella and Lyd's birthday party. They were having lots of fun. They had been in the pool for a long time though, so Stella made a suggestion.
"Hey, E!" said Stella.
"Yep?" replied E.
"Want to get out? We can get dried off and then have chocolates!" suggested Stella.
"SURE! Let's just swim one more lap, ok? I'll race you!" said E.
"Want to join us, girls?" asked Stella, swimming over to the girls.
"SURE!" exclaimed the girls.
They swam one more lap and then, laughing, swam over to the stairs and dried off.
"Let's go in these locker rooms!" said Mo.
"Sure!" said Lin and Lyd.
"E and I will share this one." said Stella.
“Okie doke! We'll meet here when we're done. May we, Grandma?" asked Lin.
"Sure girls!" said Grandma.
The girls split up, got bundled for the February temperatures, and then met in the lobby. They slipped on hats, jackets, sneakers or flip flops, bagged up their stuff, and then walked out munching on chocolates as they went.
"MMM! These are good!" said Mo. "Thanks for bringing them Stella!"
"Yeah, thanks!" chorused the other girls.
"You're welcome!" said Stella. " just as long as we don't get too filled up before supper!"
"Now,” said Grandma to Lin, “we will have to split up for a bit.” “Your uncle Adam will be coming, and he will drive you and Lyd; otherwise we would have to double-buckle. Ok Lin?”
“Sure Grandma!” said Lin.
“Good! Now, here he is now. Bye girls!” said Grandma.
The girls split up and went to Grandma’s house. That was where the party was going to be.
“Wow, this looks SO YUMMY!” said Mo enthusiastically.
The girls ate the delicious supper of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, veggies and dip, strawberries and dip, and homemade ice-cream cake. The girls spread out to play afterwards. Finally, Grandma called everyone for gifts…
“Girls, TIME FOR GIFTS!!!!!!!!!” Grandma called.
“Ok, GRANDMA!” called the girls.
When everyone was seated the birthday girls (Lyd and Stella) sat down and started to gather the gifts around themselves. They happily opened each gift, enthusiastically thanking the giver with a smile.
“That was quite fun! Now it is time for us to go to my house girls!” Aunt Krista called.
“YAY!” said the girls.
The girls piled into a couple of the cars and then left for the house. When they arrived they laid out their sleeping bags.
“Who wants to watch “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs??!!” Mo asked.
“I sure do!” said E. “We just have to wait for the rest of the girls!”
“Yes!” While we wait, let’s look at our favors,” said Stella.
They looked at their party items, all of which fit the “summer in February” birthday theme and then finally settled down and got ready to watch the movie.
Some time later…
“That was an awesome movie!” said Lin and Stella, who had never seen it before.
“I’m glad that you liked it!” said Lyd.
They had some Go-gurts, then happily settled down to bed. Little did they know what adventure awaited them…
“WHOA!” shouted Lin, “what was that noise?”
“I didn’t hear anything,” said E sleepily.
“Wait- there it is again!” said Lin.
“Yes-yes, I hear it. What is it though?” asked Stella.
“It-it sounds like someone is at the door,” said Lin.
“Where is that FLASHLIGHT?!” asked Mo, now fully awake.
“It’s right here,” said Lyd. “Here, Mo!”
“Whoa! It’s twelve AM exactly!” said Stella.
“What should we do about the noise?” asked E.
“I don’t want to meet something scary, whatever it is,” said Lin.
“Me neither, but I don’t want to wake Mom and Dad, do you?” said Mo.
“Well then-I guess that we have to go see this by ourselves,” said Stella.
“Ok then, let’s go!” said Lyd.
“Ok. I have the flashlight. I’ll go first,” said Mo.
“The sound is coming from over there!” said Lin.
“Yes, there it is,” said Lyd.
Here the girls came to a halt.
“Lyd goes from here. She’s the oldest,” said E.
“Here, Lyd,” said Mo.
The girls peered out the window. What they saw made them gasp-then burst into giggles.
“IT’S ONLY CHRIS AND CURT!” said Stella.
“Wow, girls. We thought that nobody would ever let us in,” said the boys.
“Why are you laughing so hard?” they asked.
“It’s a long story!” said Lyd laughing.
“Yes, too long to tell now!” said Lin.
“Well, thanks for letting us in!” said the boys. “You deserve a good night’s rest!”
“Wow!” said E.
“That was exciting!” said Mo.
“I’ve had the most exciting birthday ever!” said Stella.
“ME TOO!” said Lyd.
“GOOD!” said the girls.
As Stella settled into bed, she suddenly said- “OH NO!”
“Oh no-what now?” asked the girls.
Stella said with a laugh, “If the night was this hectic, I wonder what the day will be like…”
“OH NO!” moaned the girls.
THE END
Sunday, January 24, 2010
This Week's Humor...
Maybe it's the confinement of the winter months that spins their imaginations into high gear, but for some reason the cute quotes have been pouring from the Rus lately...
Rus (age 4): "If Lydia doesn't watch this movie with me, it will DESTROY my time!"
"Mom, someone is missing from our family!"
"Look what Aunt Grandma gave me for Christmas!!"
"Mom, you'll stay like this for a little bit; then you'll get big and be a grandma."
When we were reading the story of Adam and Eve, Rus commented, "I wouldn't have listened to the serpent because he has a CREEPY voice."
"My little brother has a tummy like Santa Claus!"
Coming back in tears from a sledding mishap, Rus wailed, "MOOOOM! Would you tell Ethan not to put a tree in my way?!"
"The Bible says that the SEA of the WOMAN will crush the servant's head!"
When we were studying the letter "B," we took turns calling out words that begin with that letter sound. Rus exclaimed, "BIG BUM!! Just like yours, Mom."
"I'm talking so much that it's giving me gas!"
Looking on the globe for Great Grandpa's state, Rus was reminded that Great Grandpa Hake now lives in Heaven. Very seriously he put aside the globe and opened his children's Bible to "Revelation" in search of Grandpa...
Mom to Rus: "I'm having a hard time today..."
Rus to Mom: "Well, I'm going to make it a GREAT time!"
Rus (age 4): "If Lydia doesn't watch this movie with me, it will DESTROY my time!"
"Mom, someone is missing from our family!"
"Look what Aunt Grandma gave me for Christmas!!"
"Mom, you'll stay like this for a little bit; then you'll get big and be a grandma."
When we were reading the story of Adam and Eve, Rus commented, "I wouldn't have listened to the serpent because he has a CREEPY voice."
"My little brother has a tummy like Santa Claus!"
Coming back in tears from a sledding mishap, Rus wailed, "MOOOOM! Would you tell Ethan not to put a tree in my way?!"
"The Bible says that the SEA of the WOMAN will crush the servant's head!"
When we were studying the letter "B," we took turns calling out words that begin with that letter sound. Rus exclaimed, "BIG BUM!! Just like yours, Mom."
"I'm talking so much that it's giving me gas!"
Looking on the globe for Great Grandpa's state, Rus was reminded that Great Grandpa Hake now lives in Heaven. Very seriously he put aside the globe and opened his children's Bible to "Revelation" in search of Grandpa...
Mom to Rus: "I'm having a hard time today..."
Rus to Mom: "Well, I'm going to make it a GREAT time!"
Friday, January 22, 2010
Stella's New Dress By: Stella Age: 9 1/2
This is my new dress from Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ron Piercey! I LOVE my new dress! THANKS SO MUCH, GRANDMA, GRANDPA, AND UNCLE RON!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Mater Leaving ;( By: Stella, Age: 9 1/2
Hi! By the post I suppose that you are quickly scrolling down to see what I mean! Well, today, Saturday, January 15, 2010 Mater is going to a funeral. It is her grandpa's funeral. Everyone is sad to have her go, she will be home tomorrow afternoon though! We are excited to have her back and missing her already! Mom got some chocolate donuts to celebrate-"her leaving"! We love them and can't wait to have a half fun weekend!
Here are some pictures of this morning...
Donuts, yum YUM!
Silly moment... ;)
(He's trying to make a sad face with a bagel in his mouth!) LOL! :)
Suitcase packed... Check, check, check... Ready to go!
Mater made a list for us of what we have to do. We sure miss you Mater and hope that you will come home post-haste!
Written by:
*Stella
Age: 9 1/2
Grade: 5
Here are some pictures of this morning...
Donuts, yum YUM!
Silly moment... ;)
(He's trying to make a sad face with a bagel in his mouth!) LOL! :)
Suitcase packed... Check, check, check... Ready to go!
Mater made a list for us of what we have to do. We sure miss you Mater and hope that you will come home post-haste!
Written by:
*Stella
Age: 9 1/2
Grade: 5
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Christmas 2009 By: Stella Age: 9 1/2
Hi everyone! I'm sorry that I'm late posting these pictures and a writeup on our Christmas! I hope that you had as good a Christmas as we did! Here is my post and pictures:
On Christmas morning, we woke up at about 4:00 a.m. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad, had said that we had to stay in bed till 6:00 a.m. So, we waited till about 5:00 a.m. and then we listened to two Adventure in Oddysey CDs. When it was finally 6:00 a.m. everybody burst out of the doors into Mom and Dad's room. We all went into the kitchen and had a couple of snacks, some munchkins, Mom's homemade Pumpkin Choc. Chip Muffins, (mmmm!!!) and cookies. Then we went into the livingroom and opened our stockings. We got lots of awesome stuff! We waited till Uncle Adam came to open our big presents! When he came we had lots of yummy stuff for breakfast! We had some bacons, sausage, eggs, smoothies, and truffles! MMMMMM!!!! Then, we went and watched a bit of our movie, Miracle on 34th Street! Finally, it was time for big gifts! We all LOVED our gifts and had so much fun on Christmas! We ended it with our family traditon of the Red Apple Buffet! It was a wonderful Christmas! Thanks so much Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, (Piercey and Zobel), Uncles, Aunts,and everybody else who made our Christmas sooooo special!
Now, I am going to post some pics. and write a little bit about them on the way...
+066.jpg)
*Stella and Leo dressed up!
We started Christmas by going to a Christmas Eve Service at our church! Everybody dressed up nicely!
+063.jpg)
Rus and Tert dressed up!
+088.jpg)
On Christmas morning everybody got up. (Still in PJ's as you might notice... :/ ;)
We took lots and lots of pictures!!!
Uncle Adam LOVES his new shirt!
We got a smores, and tent kit for Christmas! We 'camped' in our basement, with Grandma Z's (thanks so much!) nice flashlights! We had an awesome time!
Well, I think that is about all I can write right now. I'll write more soon!
By: *Stella
Age: 9 1/2
Grade: 5
On Christmas morning, we woke up at about 4:00 a.m. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad, had said that we had to stay in bed till 6:00 a.m. So, we waited till about 5:00 a.m. and then we listened to two Adventure in Oddysey CDs. When it was finally 6:00 a.m. everybody burst out of the doors into Mom and Dad's room. We all went into the kitchen and had a couple of snacks, some munchkins, Mom's homemade Pumpkin Choc. Chip Muffins, (mmmm!!!) and cookies. Then we went into the livingroom and opened our stockings. We got lots of awesome stuff! We waited till Uncle Adam came to open our big presents! When he came we had lots of yummy stuff for breakfast! We had some bacons, sausage, eggs, smoothies, and truffles! MMMMMM!!!! Then, we went and watched a bit of our movie, Miracle on 34th Street! Finally, it was time for big gifts! We all LOVED our gifts and had so much fun on Christmas! We ended it with our family traditon of the Red Apple Buffet! It was a wonderful Christmas! Thanks so much Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, (Piercey and Zobel), Uncles, Aunts,and everybody else who made our Christmas sooooo special!
Now, I am going to post some pics. and write a little bit about them on the way...
+066.jpg)
*Stella and Leo dressed up!
We started Christmas by going to a Christmas Eve Service at our church! Everybody dressed up nicely!
+063.jpg)
Rus and Tert dressed up!
+088.jpg)
On Christmas morning everybody got up. (Still in PJ's as you might notice... :/ ;)
We took lots and lots of pictures!!!
Uncle Adam LOVES his new shirt!
We got a smores, and tent kit for Christmas! We 'camped' in our basement, with Grandma Z's (thanks so much!) nice flashlights! We had an awesome time!
Well, I think that is about all I can write right now. I'll write more soon!
By: *Stella
Age: 9 1/2
Grade: 5
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