Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Emily's freewriting assignment--subject, tuna

I found this in Emily's English papers and thought it was quite entertaining. She said the freewriting topic for the day was tuna, and truly, what DO you write about tuna?

I love tuna. We don't have any. I am sad.
I think I shall go sit in a corner and mope.
Or maybe I'll fall apart where I'm standing.
Life. Don't talk to me about life. Or tuna.
I like tuna. We don't have any. I am sad...
You know, strangely, I feel like I've told you that before.

Sam's Essay

If I were a singer, I would do many songs. I would write a song called, "The Bird Without Wings."

I know you have no wings.
You know how it is so uncool.
I know I do not feel it, man.
So I feel. Oh. Oh.
I feel so like the way so
I know, oh.
I know, yeah.
I know. I know.
So it is what I know.

After I write the song, I will perform it in front of a crowd with my band. My brother Max and some of his friends are in my band. I am the singer. We are going to perform the song in New York City. Millions of people will be at the concert. There will be a hundred girls chasing me. I would be happy to be a rock star. I would travel all around the world to sing songs. In my house, I would have a mini stage to practice with my band, and I would have a glowing ceiling, and a very soft carpet, and a couch and band equipment. Reporters will ask questions. I wouldn't go to school because I would have concerts everywhere instead.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Kid Updates

Shall I brag a little bit about my children? My mother always really embarrassed me by telling all of my accomplishments to absolutely everyone, but I think inside I was secretly pleased... So, here goes...

We are very proud of Emily for being in the top ten percent nationwide in the Iowa testing in every subject, and the overall scores. Way to go Emily! She also has straight A's and feels a little miffed at receiving 97 percent instead of 99 or 100 in one of her classes. She also wrote a great play with her friends about Nikola Tesla for the school history fair, and took second place, therefore she will be moving on to regionals. Her photograph won 1st place in the school arts competition, too. She was also just selected to be in the middle school honor band next month. Indulge me...I'm a proud mother!

Max was invited to read his reflections poem in front of the school board this evening. He had received honorable mention at the district level, and so was invited to open the school board meeting with a reading. I think he was a little embarrassed, but he did very well. I think I've previously posted the poem--Wow! What a pumpkin. He has also earned his Webelos award in scouts.

Sam won 3rd place in his school arts competition with an essay entitled, "What if I were a singer?" I'll post this separately. Sam also had really good grades at his parent teacher conference. (can't report on Max yet, his conferences are tomorrow.)

Ginny quote of the week..."Mom, I'm little AND big." How true! Little enough to loved to be cuddled. Big enough to not be carried anymore. Little enough to love lullabies and stories. Big enough to be independent as she waves and runs into school. Little enough for band-aids and kisses to still make the hurts go away. Big enough to not want to be left out of the big kids' activities. Etc.