Scarred For Life
It was impossible to keep my excitement in my mind. With my happiness, i leaped into the car.
4 HOURS LATER
I shot the door open and sprang outside. “ Hey Ryan”, says my grandpa. Ignoring him I bolt past him, and the next thing i saw hit me, there would never be anything more exiting!
When I saw the bright red and blue dirt bikes it was amazing, I knew there was one dirt bike there before I came but today there was two. I couldn’t hold in all of the excitement and I almost screamed. I told my brother to come in the garage as soon as he could, within a couple of seconds, he scurried into the garage.
I think Reid was as excited as I was, because his face was filled with enjoyment. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that face on him until that today.
We then got our helmets on and started up the dirt bikes. The noise of the engine filled my ears with gratefulness. Starting then, we rode for hours and hours...
I was loving the riding so much that i forgot the time. I didn’t even have a clue, even though it was getting dark. Finally, Reid stopped the dirt bike, which made me stop.
“What are you doing?”, I ask.
“I’m tired, and i think my hand has gone numb from gripping the handle so hard.”, he mentions. I was amazed on how long we were actually riding, we had been riding for over three hours.
The next morning, I got up bright and early to ride the dirt bikes. My brother wasn’t awake yet, so that meant that I would drive by myself. I scrambled outside and started up the small blue dirt bike.
It was nice weather so i decided to stay outside. I raced a couple of laps before it happened. One lap, I turned wide around the big blue house. Wide enough to make me go straight towards the tree. I panicked and turned the dirt bike as sharp as I possibly could, as fast as i could. The next thing I knew the exhaust pipe (of the dirt bike) was on top of my leg.
I’d never felt anything like it before ( 8 out of 10). It felt like someone had stuck liquid nitrogen on my leg. About an hour of treating it, it became a weird and/or gross bubble. That disappeared about a week later.
Up to this day, I still have the mark, and I’m thankful that it wasn’t worse. But on the downside, I was told it would be a life-long scar.
Today I still ride dirt bikes, and I’ve crashed more times and, thankfully, none have been fatal. Someday my scar will go away, but my memory won’t ever forget.
Ryan J. Allen
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
URPH! I fell to the ground, my grandma’s suitcases weighing me down. We were loading the car for our trip to Wisconsin. We were only supposed to bring one suitcase, but of course, my grandma and grandpa who came all the way from Arizona had to bring several. My dad helped me up but I fell down again with a big thud. This time it was my grandma’s purse weighing me down. Slowly but surely we all got in the car. With me crammed in between suitcases, we started off for Wisconsin.
Finally we were in Wisconsin. We were on our way to my aunt’s house. When we got to the woodsy part I was starting to get excited, knowing that my aunt’s house was just a few more minutes away. We turned the corner and we were there! As soon as we stopped in the driveway, I leapt out of the car and started hugging everyone. I was so happy to finally be there. At night we all gathered around the dinner table eating my aunt’s delicious lasagna. It was cozy. We were eating and all watching the Packer’s game. Right before me and my parents were about to head off to the hotel my grandpa told me that we were all going to Lambeau Field the next day.
The next morning when everybody got up, my aunt, grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, sister, and I started driving to Lambeau Field. When we got there all you could see was green and gold. It was huge, bigger then I had ever seen. The first place we went was the Packer store. They sure have a lot of stuff. “Chloe, would you like anything today,” asked my grandpa. Of course I said yes! I look over and my grandpa was loading up the cart shirt after shirt after shirt after shirt! “Geez grandpa,” I said. “How much money do you have?” Next we went on a tour around the Packer Stadium. We got to go down the tunnel and run onto the field. “WHOOOO” I yelled as I touched the lucky bricks and ran onto the field. That was fun. I felt like a true Packer!
After that we went to watch the Packers practice. But we didn’t stay long tough because it was getting hot and we were all sweaty. We walked around a little bit more then, unfortunately, it was time to go. We saw a lot. The stadium was huge, we saw them practice, we got a tour, we ran onto the field, and we went to the gift shop. What more could I have asked for? “So, Chloe, did you have fun?” my grandpa asked. “Of course I did and after all of this I am still a true Vikings fan!”
THE END
By:Chloe LaBounty
11/1/10
URPH! I fell to the ground, my grandma’s suitcases weighing me down. We were loading the car for our trip to Wisconsin. We were only supposed to bring one suitcase, but of course, my grandma and grandpa who came all the way from Arizona had to bring several. My dad helped me up but I fell down again with a big thud. This time it was my grandma’s purse weighing me down. Slowly but surely we all got in the car. With me crammed in between suitcases, we started off for Wisconsin.
Finally we were in Wisconsin. We were on our way to my aunt’s house. When we got to the woodsy part I was starting to get excited, knowing that my aunt’s house was just a few more minutes away. We turned the corner and we were there! As soon as we stopped in the driveway, I leapt out of the car and started hugging everyone. I was so happy to finally be there. At night we all gathered around the dinner table eating my aunt’s delicious lasagna. It was cozy. We were eating and all watching the Packer’s game. Right before me and my parents were about to head off to the hotel my grandpa told me that we were all going to Lambeau Field the next day.
The next morning when everybody got up, my aunt, grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, sister, and I started driving to Lambeau Field. When we got there all you could see was green and gold. It was huge, bigger then I had ever seen. The first place we went was the Packer store. They sure have a lot of stuff. “Chloe, would you like anything today,” asked my grandpa. Of course I said yes! I look over and my grandpa was loading up the cart shirt after shirt after shirt after shirt! “Geez grandpa,” I said. “How much money do you have?” Next we went on a tour around the Packer Stadium. We got to go down the tunnel and run onto the field. “WHOOOO” I yelled as I touched the lucky bricks and ran onto the field. That was fun. I felt like a true Packer!
After that we went to watch the Packers practice. But we didn’t stay long tough because it was getting hot and we were all sweaty. We walked around a little bit more then, unfortunately, it was time to go. We saw a lot. The stadium was huge, we saw them practice, we got a tour, we ran onto the field, and we went to the gift shop. What more could I have asked for? “So, Chloe, did you have fun?” my grandpa asked. “Of course I did and after all of this I am still a true Vikings fan!”
THE END
By:Chloe LaBounty
11/1/10
The Accident
I could not imagine if I forgot anything. “Book- check, Study Link- check, Snack- check.” I thought through these things in my head. Yes, I think I got everything and just in time because I could see Edgar driving up in the bright, yellow bus. I zipped up my winter coat and followed my brother through the open bus doors.
“Hey a,” Edgar greeted me.
“Uh, hi, Edgar,” I responded.
I quickly sat next to Ayra (who was a kindergartener).
Nope still haven’t forgotten anything, I thought to myself.
“Brynn, Brynn, Chinese Restaurant!” she proclaimed.
“Oh, okay, Ayra,” I responded to her smiling.
“I went to a Chinese Restaurant to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread. He asked me what my name was and this is what I said, said, said,” we sang.
When all of a sudden we heard a scraping noise, it sounded like something scraping across the ice below us. We heard a click and saw Edgar turning the steering wheel with his eyes looking down under the nose of the bus. Then, the bus started to spin out of control. Everyone screamed as loud as they could scream. It felt like we were on an amusement park ride.
When Boom…
“Is everybody alright?” Edgar asked.
“Yes,” we responded wearily.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw that the bus was headed in the complete opposite direction as it would be normally. That means the bus made a full 180 degrees turn on the road.
“I don’t know what happened, I drove like I usually do and I must have slipped on a patch of ice back there,” Edgar explained to me in his Mexican accent.
“Yeah,” I responded quickly because Ayra and I were in the middle of her favorite game, Chinese Restaurant. My window was open and the scent of bus exhaust filled the window. I quickly closed the window. It felt warmer now since the window was closed. I took off my winter coat and put it in the corner of the seat and continued to play with Ayra.
“When will we get off this bus?” I thought to myself.
I looked out the window, watching and hoping that my mom would come to pick me up. Other kids left, I just hoped that I will be one of them soon. I pulled my winter coat back on because the main door was open and Edgar was outside talking with some curious passers and also parents who wanted to take their child off the bus. In the distance I heard a train passing by.
“Toot, chug.”
“Come on, Edgar, shut the door,” I thought to myself. I gazed outside and little snowflakes fell on to the snow-covered ground and the already white cars. The scent of gum filled the bus. I think that I might be alright after all.
I looked up and noticed Ayra playing with another kindergartener. I decided not to bother them so I looked outside again. Around the corner came a truck full of sand to help us. Two men jumped out of the truck and spread sand on the road to make it safe for another bus to come pick us up and take us to school. Whoops and hollers filled the bus-- even Edgar joined in.
I sat back and relaxed against the cold, brown seat. I could not wait to leave this bus.
“Brynn, Chinese Restaurant,” Ayra begged.
“Okay, Ayra,” I responded back.
I knew, very well, that she loved that game. (I sort of did, too.)
“I went to a Chinese Restaurant to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread. He asked me what my name was and this is what I said, said, said. My name is Halo Pickelo, Pickelo Halo, Dumb, Dumb, Birdie, Polly want a Pepsi, meow, meow, bark, bark, BLAH!” we sang together.
She loved that song very much. It made me happy to see her happy. I sat back again and wondered if my mom could still come get me?
“When will the second bus come?” I thought to myself, impatiently.
Just then, around the corner, I saw something yellow.
“Yeah! The second bus is here!” people cheered.
“Alright, everyone relax and form a single-filed line, please,” Edgar announced in his accent.
We filed out, one after the other. I got outside and the cool snow pressed against my warm face. I shivered because of the coolness. I climbed aboard the second bus while Ayra sat with her older brother, Talal. The bus started up. It grunted as if it did not want to be disturbed. When the bus started to leave I noticed Edgar wasn’t with us.
“Poor man, he must be cold out there without a jacket,” I thought. I sat back and could not wait to get back to school. I was also glad I didn’t have to wait there any longer.
Even though we got to school about two hours late, the day continued as normal. I never did know how long Edgar stayed there. I hope it wasn’t long.
Edgar is no longer our bus driver. He left last spring. Now we have Henry, but I still will never forget Edgar Rodriquez or the time our bus got in an accident.
“Hey a,” Edgar greeted me.
“Uh, hi, Edgar,” I responded.
I quickly sat next to Ayra (who was a kindergartener).
Nope still haven’t forgotten anything, I thought to myself.
“Brynn, Brynn, Chinese Restaurant!” she proclaimed.
“Oh, okay, Ayra,” I responded to her smiling.
“I went to a Chinese Restaurant to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread. He asked me what my name was and this is what I said, said, said,” we sang.
When all of a sudden we heard a scraping noise, it sounded like something scraping across the ice below us. We heard a click and saw Edgar turning the steering wheel with his eyes looking down under the nose of the bus. Then, the bus started to spin out of control. Everyone screamed as loud as they could scream. It felt like we were on an amusement park ride.
When Boom…
“Is everybody alright?” Edgar asked.
“Yes,” we responded wearily.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw that the bus was headed in the complete opposite direction as it would be normally. That means the bus made a full 180 degrees turn on the road.
“I don’t know what happened, I drove like I usually do and I must have slipped on a patch of ice back there,” Edgar explained to me in his Mexican accent.
“Yeah,” I responded quickly because Ayra and I were in the middle of her favorite game, Chinese Restaurant. My window was open and the scent of bus exhaust filled the window. I quickly closed the window. It felt warmer now since the window was closed. I took off my winter coat and put it in the corner of the seat and continued to play with Ayra.
“When will we get off this bus?” I thought to myself.
I looked out the window, watching and hoping that my mom would come to pick me up. Other kids left, I just hoped that I will be one of them soon. I pulled my winter coat back on because the main door was open and Edgar was outside talking with some curious passers and also parents who wanted to take their child off the bus. In the distance I heard a train passing by.
“Toot, chug.”
“Come on, Edgar, shut the door,” I thought to myself. I gazed outside and little snowflakes fell on to the snow-covered ground and the already white cars. The scent of gum filled the bus. I think that I might be alright after all.
I looked up and noticed Ayra playing with another kindergartener. I decided not to bother them so I looked outside again. Around the corner came a truck full of sand to help us. Two men jumped out of the truck and spread sand on the road to make it safe for another bus to come pick us up and take us to school. Whoops and hollers filled the bus-- even Edgar joined in.
I sat back and relaxed against the cold, brown seat. I could not wait to leave this bus.
“Brynn, Chinese Restaurant,” Ayra begged.
“Okay, Ayra,” I responded back.
I knew, very well, that she loved that game. (I sort of did, too.)
“I went to a Chinese Restaurant to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread. He asked me what my name was and this is what I said, said, said. My name is Halo Pickelo, Pickelo Halo, Dumb, Dumb, Birdie, Polly want a Pepsi, meow, meow, bark, bark, BLAH!” we sang together.
She loved that song very much. It made me happy to see her happy. I sat back again and wondered if my mom could still come get me?
“When will the second bus come?” I thought to myself, impatiently.
Just then, around the corner, I saw something yellow.
“Yeah! The second bus is here!” people cheered.
“Alright, everyone relax and form a single-filed line, please,” Edgar announced in his accent.
We filed out, one after the other. I got outside and the cool snow pressed against my warm face. I shivered because of the coolness. I climbed aboard the second bus while Ayra sat with her older brother, Talal. The bus started up. It grunted as if it did not want to be disturbed. When the bus started to leave I noticed Edgar wasn’t with us.
“Poor man, he must be cold out there without a jacket,” I thought. I sat back and could not wait to get back to school. I was also glad I didn’t have to wait there any longer.
Even though we got to school about two hours late, the day continued as normal. I never did know how long Edgar stayed there. I hope it wasn’t long.
Edgar is no longer our bus driver. He left last spring. Now we have Henry, but I still will never forget Edgar Rodriquez or the time our bus got in an accident.
My new sister
My New Sister
‘Hira’ someone gently shook me awake. I groaned and turned over.
I was mad at my mom for waking me up at 4:00 AM, but that thought quickly faded. Come on Hira she said the baby’s coming. I pulled the covers over my head. Can’t the baby wait till morning I said sleepily? Sorry Hira, oh and by the way we are going to drop you off at Saba’s house for the night, and those were the only five words I heard.
I quickly pulled on the first pair of sneakers I saw, stuffed an old backpack with some belongings, ran down the stairs slamming the door behind me and jumped into the car. 15 minutes later we pulled into Saba’s driveway. A light flickered inside. ‘Come on, we don’t want to be late to the hospital Hira’ my mom exclaimed. I hopped out of the car and slammed the car door behind me. As we approached the front door sound of feet on the stairwell came from inside the house. I rang the doorbell twice. Saba’s mom answered the door with a smile on her face.
I climbed the stairs slowly to Saba’s room. I opened the door a crack to see
Saba, her long black hair in a neat ponytail wearing an old T-shirt and striped pajama pants. She giggled as I joined her. Within two minutes we were laughing our heads off for no particular reason. Saba’s mom opened the door and told us to start getting ready for bed. Reluctantly we followed her orders.
I started to brush my teeth. The peppermint toothpaste taste lingered in my mouth like peanut butter in a sandwich. I ran the brush through my hair a few times and strode off to Saba’s room closing the door shut behind me. I landed with a thud on the mattress set out for me as we started talking about the kids at school and what clothes all the girls in school were wearing. On and on we went until we finally gave up and decided to get some sleep.
I shut my eyes but nothing happened. I was so anxious to see what my new sister would look like I could not keep my thoughts off of her. I imagined dark brown eyes and short black hair just like mine then I fell into a deep sleep.
I woke up as sunlight poured through the window. I looked up at Saba’s alarm clock.
It read 11:45 AM. I pushed the covers off of me and trudged sleepily out the door. On my way to the bathroom, I heard a baby’s crying. I looked in the living room and there was nobody there, then in the TV room with the same result. I looked in the kitchen and there was my mom sitting with an adorable baby in her arms. I screamed MOMMY and plopped into her lap. She asked me if I wanted to hold my new sister. Her name was Rida Ahmad.
I held the small baby in my arms her tiny finger wrapped around mine. I knew one thing for sure I was her big sister, and as her big dark brown eyes looked up at me with wonder a huge smile spread across my face.
By: Hira Ahmad
‘Hira’ someone gently shook me awake. I groaned and turned over.
I was mad at my mom for waking me up at 4:00 AM, but that thought quickly faded. Come on Hira she said the baby’s coming. I pulled the covers over my head. Can’t the baby wait till morning I said sleepily? Sorry Hira, oh and by the way we are going to drop you off at Saba’s house for the night, and those were the only five words I heard.
I quickly pulled on the first pair of sneakers I saw, stuffed an old backpack with some belongings, ran down the stairs slamming the door behind me and jumped into the car. 15 minutes later we pulled into Saba’s driveway. A light flickered inside. ‘Come on, we don’t want to be late to the hospital Hira’ my mom exclaimed. I hopped out of the car and slammed the car door behind me. As we approached the front door sound of feet on the stairwell came from inside the house. I rang the doorbell twice. Saba’s mom answered the door with a smile on her face.
I climbed the stairs slowly to Saba’s room. I opened the door a crack to see
Saba, her long black hair in a neat ponytail wearing an old T-shirt and striped pajama pants. She giggled as I joined her. Within two minutes we were laughing our heads off for no particular reason. Saba’s mom opened the door and told us to start getting ready for bed. Reluctantly we followed her orders.
I started to brush my teeth. The peppermint toothpaste taste lingered in my mouth like peanut butter in a sandwich. I ran the brush through my hair a few times and strode off to Saba’s room closing the door shut behind me. I landed with a thud on the mattress set out for me as we started talking about the kids at school and what clothes all the girls in school were wearing. On and on we went until we finally gave up and decided to get some sleep.
I shut my eyes but nothing happened. I was so anxious to see what my new sister would look like I could not keep my thoughts off of her. I imagined dark brown eyes and short black hair just like mine then I fell into a deep sleep.
I woke up as sunlight poured through the window. I looked up at Saba’s alarm clock.
It read 11:45 AM. I pushed the covers off of me and trudged sleepily out the door. On my way to the bathroom, I heard a baby’s crying. I looked in the living room and there was nobody there, then in the TV room with the same result. I looked in the kitchen and there was my mom sitting with an adorable baby in her arms. I screamed MOMMY and plopped into her lap. She asked me if I wanted to hold my new sister. Her name was Rida Ahmad.
I held the small baby in my arms her tiny finger wrapped around mine. I knew one thing for sure I was her big sister, and as her big dark brown eyes looked up at me with wonder a huge smile spread across my face.
By: Hira Ahmad
Colorado Mountains
Our car got on the highway and led us into the mountains. Our trip so far in Colorado was going great, but I think this little trip into the mountains was definitely going to top it. We drove past many rivers, creeks, houses , restaurants , and various types of mountains (of course). I was so anxious to see what else there was here in the mountains.
Our first pit stop was in the town of Dillion. We saw a sign for the town and then we took a big curve and there it was, the whole town of Dillion right down there and then the actual mountain named Dillion. We went down a hill and then suddenly we were actually in the beautiful town I just overlooked. The town of Dillion was like any other town/city in Iowa. The town was filled with gas stations, grocery stores, a Curves exercising place, and lots of neighborhoods filled with log cabins instead of houses. This was my first trip into the mountains and I just couldn’t wait to see what else there was.
After looking at the mesmerizing mountains, I was starting to get hungry. “Mom, I’m hungry can we stop somewhere and grab a bite to eat?” I asked while holding my stomach to make it stop growling. I’m hungry too!” she said now on the lookout for a place to eat. I was totally in the mood for Chinese, but we settled for pizza instead. My boots chomped through snow as I was walking beside my mom into the pizzeria. We walked into the pizzeria and the smell of pizza automatically filled my nose. My mom ordered while I got a table. I looked around, the pizzeria was practically deserted, I mean it was around lunch time and everything so why wasn’t anyone here. The food finally came and was served on blue plastic plates. I picked up the big piece of pepperoni pizza , “HOT!” I screamed with a mouthful of pizza while waving both of my hands by my mouth. I swallowed the pizza and looked out the window and thought to myself that I am so lucky to be here, looking at the blue sky and snow on the ground, it was absolutely gorgeous.
I was so full from the pizza I just ate. We got back on the road to see what else there was in the mountains. As we got further and further into the mountains a ski lodge started to emerge and then to my left there was this gorgeous mountain. My face basically touched the glass of the window as I tried to get a better look. The car started to slow down and then we came to a stop, and I wasn’t sure why. My mom got out of the car and so did I. My mom had the camera in her hand and was taking pictures while I crouched down and played in the snow. My fingers went numb after the snow sunk through my gloves. My mom headed back to the car so I headed that way as well. More to come, more to see.
Time to go. It was getting late and we still had to get back to my aunt and uncle for dinner. We were passing everything we had on the way in. We stopped at a gas station for gas and I wanted to convince my mom to give me some money for hot chocolate. I tried to get out of the car, but the door was on child lock. My mom noticed and opened the door for me. She gave me money and I walked over to the gas station entrance while I left my mom fixing the car door. I came back out hot chocolate in one hand, left over money in the other. I reached my mom and turns out the door was more messed up than before, now the door didn’t even close when you tried to shut it. We had to make one more stop before we left for good, I didn’t mind because it just gave me more time in the mountains. We headed over to the car shop. I held the door tightly shut while my mom drove. We got there and my mom ran inside to get someone. She came back out with a man by her side. By the looks of it, I think she was explaining to the man what happened. It took the man under five minutes to fix the door. We headed out of the car shop parking lot and left. The smell of the left over pizza took over the car. And I knew I wouldn’t go on another trip to Colorado without mentioning going into the mountains ever again!!
Our first pit stop was in the town of Dillion. We saw a sign for the town and then we took a big curve and there it was, the whole town of Dillion right down there and then the actual mountain named Dillion. We went down a hill and then suddenly we were actually in the beautiful town I just overlooked. The town of Dillion was like any other town/city in Iowa. The town was filled with gas stations, grocery stores, a Curves exercising place, and lots of neighborhoods filled with log cabins instead of houses. This was my first trip into the mountains and I just couldn’t wait to see what else there was.
After looking at the mesmerizing mountains, I was starting to get hungry. “Mom, I’m hungry can we stop somewhere and grab a bite to eat?” I asked while holding my stomach to make it stop growling. I’m hungry too!” she said now on the lookout for a place to eat. I was totally in the mood for Chinese, but we settled for pizza instead. My boots chomped through snow as I was walking beside my mom into the pizzeria. We walked into the pizzeria and the smell of pizza automatically filled my nose. My mom ordered while I got a table. I looked around, the pizzeria was practically deserted, I mean it was around lunch time and everything so why wasn’t anyone here. The food finally came and was served on blue plastic plates. I picked up the big piece of pepperoni pizza , “HOT!” I screamed with a mouthful of pizza while waving both of my hands by my mouth. I swallowed the pizza and looked out the window and thought to myself that I am so lucky to be here, looking at the blue sky and snow on the ground, it was absolutely gorgeous.
I was so full from the pizza I just ate. We got back on the road to see what else there was in the mountains. As we got further and further into the mountains a ski lodge started to emerge and then to my left there was this gorgeous mountain. My face basically touched the glass of the window as I tried to get a better look. The car started to slow down and then we came to a stop, and I wasn’t sure why. My mom got out of the car and so did I. My mom had the camera in her hand and was taking pictures while I crouched down and played in the snow. My fingers went numb after the snow sunk through my gloves. My mom headed back to the car so I headed that way as well. More to come, more to see.
Time to go. It was getting late and we still had to get back to my aunt and uncle for dinner. We were passing everything we had on the way in. We stopped at a gas station for gas and I wanted to convince my mom to give me some money for hot chocolate. I tried to get out of the car, but the door was on child lock. My mom noticed and opened the door for me. She gave me money and I walked over to the gas station entrance while I left my mom fixing the car door. I came back out hot chocolate in one hand, left over money in the other. I reached my mom and turns out the door was more messed up than before, now the door didn’t even close when you tried to shut it. We had to make one more stop before we left for good, I didn’t mind because it just gave me more time in the mountains. We headed over to the car shop. I held the door tightly shut while my mom drove. We got there and my mom ran inside to get someone. She came back out with a man by her side. By the looks of it, I think she was explaining to the man what happened. It took the man under five minutes to fix the door. We headed out of the car shop parking lot and left. The smell of the left over pizza took over the car. And I knew I wouldn’t go on another trip to Colorado without mentioning going into the mountains ever again!!
I wish he had'nt
I Wish He Hadn’t
My grandparents had called. My Grandma had said she would be coming to my church.my mom asked why and my Grandma told her ill tell you when I get here. So when my mom hung up she said be quiet I don’t think everything is ok.
My mom had scurried me to my class so I wouldn’t be late. She would then take Julia (my sister) to her class. Julia refused to go. I think it was because she wanted to know what was happening. I did to. I knew I would have to wait.
I was in class for 30-45 minutes. Then my mom showed up at my door asking me to come to her. She told my teacher I would be leaving. I was worried I didn’t think what my grandparents had come down for was that important. I guess it was. She took me out to the car. My grandma was crying and so was Julia. I could tell my mom had been because her eyes were watery and around her eyes it was red.
My mom ( with my sister’s help) broke the news My Uncle Had Passed Away. She asked me “ Andrea do you know Uncle Mark?” I replied “yes.” My mom’s eyes were now getting watery. She said “Well he he he. ” my mom couldn’t finish. So Julia told me “ Unka Mawk is dead. ” she started weeping very hard . I immediately started too. It was very devastating. He was only 34 which it way too young. He had a “Big Heart”. There were too many memories I had with him. For it not to be so devastating . I already missed him a lot.
He died on March 28th 2007. His funeral was that Saturday. I got to see 98% of my mom’s side of the family. It was not for a good reason though. I wish a virus would not have attacked his heart. It would a lot more cheerful with him around. Christmases and other holidays are not the same without him. Why did he have to die. I wish he hadn’t left us . everything happens for a reason though.
Even if he had to die in 2007 I wish he would have stayed until December 31st.
Mark Wessman
August 4th 1972
To
March 28th 2007
My grandparents had called. My Grandma had said she would be coming to my church.my mom asked why and my Grandma told her ill tell you when I get here. So when my mom hung up she said be quiet I don’t think everything is ok.
My mom had scurried me to my class so I wouldn’t be late. She would then take Julia (my sister) to her class. Julia refused to go. I think it was because she wanted to know what was happening. I did to. I knew I would have to wait.
I was in class for 30-45 minutes. Then my mom showed up at my door asking me to come to her. She told my teacher I would be leaving. I was worried I didn’t think what my grandparents had come down for was that important. I guess it was. She took me out to the car. My grandma was crying and so was Julia. I could tell my mom had been because her eyes were watery and around her eyes it was red.
My mom ( with my sister’s help) broke the news My Uncle Had Passed Away. She asked me “ Andrea do you know Uncle Mark?” I replied “yes.” My mom’s eyes were now getting watery. She said “Well he he he. ” my mom couldn’t finish. So Julia told me “ Unka Mawk is dead. ” she started weeping very hard . I immediately started too. It was very devastating. He was only 34 which it way too young. He had a “Big Heart”. There were too many memories I had with him. For it not to be so devastating . I already missed him a lot.
He died on March 28th 2007. His funeral was that Saturday. I got to see 98% of my mom’s side of the family. It was not for a good reason though. I wish a virus would not have attacked his heart. It would a lot more cheerful with him around. Christmases and other holidays are not the same without him. Why did he have to die. I wish he hadn’t left us . everything happens for a reason though.
Even if he had to die in 2007 I wish he would have stayed until December 31st.
Mark Wessman
August 4th 1972
To
March 28th 2007
The bus dream
The Bus Dream
By: Mara L.
I dream. I think about a bus. A yellow bus. I didn’t know it was a dream until…
I woke up. The sun is too bright for my eyes. I feel for my blanket, ah, here it is, found it. As I pull the blanket off of me I strand to get up. It’s like someone is pushing me down and I have no muscle. I finally get up. Get on my slippers; check the clock to see what time it was, 7:00 it read. I strolled lazily down the stairs. I get to the bottom of the stairs, as I stare into the kitchen. I start to wake up. I finally realized it was almost time to see my brothers get on the bus.
As I stride into the kitchen my stomach thunders. I felt like I could eat a whole cow!
“Good morning Sleepy!” my mom sang.
“Good morn…” as I drifted off because I was getting tired again.
“Where’s daddy?” my brother Simon the youngest questioned.
“Oh… He’s outside on the bench like he always does in the mornings,” as all of us began to laugh.
I thought it was kind of strange to be sitting at the breakfast table alone but, it felt nice almost peaceful like. But it ended when my brother yelled “hey! Look at what I found!” That ruined my peaceful moment and I was crushed.
“Mara will you turn on the computer and go to email?” my mom said like she was almost insane. But I didn’t think she was mad, I think she said it like that because she already told me to do it, maybe I was just spacing off.
As my brothers were walking out the door I said
“Bye Reid, bye Landon!”
“Bye Mara” my brothers said together. I have always wanted to ride the bus so I was anxious to. I’ve always wondered what bus number my brothers rode. Were there bus picked them up. I have asked that almost my whole life that I have been alive.
As my brothers left I felt like part of me fell out. I wish that I could hop on the bus and see the kids talking, and messing around but now I have felt that feeling because I have been experiencing it in 6th grade. That was my first year to ride the bus! It was amazing!
By: Mara L.
I dream. I think about a bus. A yellow bus. I didn’t know it was a dream until…
I woke up. The sun is too bright for my eyes. I feel for my blanket, ah, here it is, found it. As I pull the blanket off of me I strand to get up. It’s like someone is pushing me down and I have no muscle. I finally get up. Get on my slippers; check the clock to see what time it was, 7:00 it read. I strolled lazily down the stairs. I get to the bottom of the stairs, as I stare into the kitchen. I start to wake up. I finally realized it was almost time to see my brothers get on the bus.
As I stride into the kitchen my stomach thunders. I felt like I could eat a whole cow!
“Good morning Sleepy!” my mom sang.
“Good morn…” as I drifted off because I was getting tired again.
“Where’s daddy?” my brother Simon the youngest questioned.
“Oh… He’s outside on the bench like he always does in the mornings,” as all of us began to laugh.
I thought it was kind of strange to be sitting at the breakfast table alone but, it felt nice almost peaceful like. But it ended when my brother yelled “hey! Look at what I found!” That ruined my peaceful moment and I was crushed.
“Mara will you turn on the computer and go to email?” my mom said like she was almost insane. But I didn’t think she was mad, I think she said it like that because she already told me to do it, maybe I was just spacing off.
As my brothers were walking out the door I said
“Bye Reid, bye Landon!”
“Bye Mara” my brothers said together. I have always wanted to ride the bus so I was anxious to. I’ve always wondered what bus number my brothers rode. Were there bus picked them up. I have asked that almost my whole life that I have been alive.
As my brothers left I felt like part of me fell out. I wish that I could hop on the bus and see the kids talking, and messing around but now I have felt that feeling because I have been experiencing it in 6th grade. That was my first year to ride the bus! It was amazing!
A Miracle
A Miracle 10/28/10
By Shawana S.
Picking up my shirts,I traveled into dream land. The beautiful sites, skyscrapers and nature were popping up in my head again and again. How's it all going to be? I heard a lot about Canada. It is a great place to go site seeing. People come from all over the world to see those landmarks.But I wanted to inspect it myself. The scenery right in front
of my eyes. I told myself these things are going to become true in just a few days!
As I was examining tree after tree on my car ride,questions were flooding my head again and giving me a queazy feeling at the pit of my stomach. How are my relatives going to be like? Will they remember me? How would their personalities be like? How is Canada going to be like? Is it going to be similar or different to America? Question after question were building up higher and higher. Answers were trying to find their way to my brain.I told myself worrying wouldn't help.I took a deep breath.
"Everything's going to be fine!"exclaimed mom."How do you know?" I trudged incredously.
"I'm your mother plus I could notify by your expression."replied mom.I could glare at my mother's dark brown eyes and could reveal that she was going to be right.And we all know that we have to listen to our elders no matter what. Listening to my brother and sister snore next to me and gazing at the same thing(trees)hundred times gave me a suggestion to sleep as well.
"Wake up! Wake up!" my sister hollered shattering my relaxing nap.
"What happened?" I whispered drowsily ,half sleeping.
"We're here!" my sister hollered and this time she said it in my ear. "Oh my gosh! Really?" I bellowed abruptly and this time wide as awake as if I've been up for an hour.
"Yes and hurry up and carry the luggage to the elevator!" my brother screamed behind my sister's back. I got out of the car and picked up two suitcases to the elevator. I hated doing jobs like that. Some times I wish I had a butler to do such jobs. Standing in the elevator, holding two suitcases by my side,was so not fun and I had to go up to the 9th floor. I got to admit, I was impatient. The elevator was so crowded that I barely had room to breath or move.I was squished in the back with tons of adults. Visiting my aunt and uncle was something cool. I was extremely excited! I couldn't wait to see their faces.
"Ding!" said the elevator when it got to the 9th floor. "Finally!" I trudged. Scrambling through the hallway and having suitcases hitting my feet again and again, didn't stop me from searching for the apartment. I found the house and knocked on the door quickly. My aunt opened the door and greeted me with tons of kisses and hugs. I was kind of embarrassed, but not seeing my aunt for a huge chunk of time made me give her a big hug as well. I rushed quickly to room, got in my really comfy clothes and departed to the bathroom to freshen up. I really wanted to get comfortable because such a long drive worn me out. The drive was for 2 days, but we stopped at a hotel for the night. When I got out I could smell the food on the table and that reminded me of how starved I was. The smell drew me to the delicious food right away. Before the rest of my family could even sit and eat, I was done. Yeah! That's how starved I was! After dinner my eyes were getting really heavy. Whew! So much excitement in one day! I was worn out. I jumped into my comfy bed and snored away. Boy was I tired.
The next bright morning I woke up feeling fresh and ready for a new day. The rest of my family was already up and sitting down for breakfast.
"Finally you're awake!" my irritating brother sneered. "It's only 10 am, you idiot!" I retorted. I was sitting down for breakfast, when my mom gave an amazing news. "We're going to Niagara Falls. Get ready after breakfast." my mom alerted me.
"Sweet! I get to accomplish my 2nd reason for coming to Canada!" I bellowed enthusiasticly. After getting the news, I chugged the rest of my breakfast, rushed to the room, got changed and settled for Niagara Falls. I sat on the couch, waiting and waiting for the rest of my family to get ready.
"Tik Tok. Tik Tok." meandered the clock after every second. It felt like I was sitting there for hundred years. I hated waiting(as I mentioned before). 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes.The time just rised and rised again and again. Finally, after 45 minutes, everyone was ready to go. I was the first one out and in the car.I didn't want to waste another second to go see Niagara Falls.
"What's the rush? Niagara Falls isn't running away!" trudged my brother. "I know, but I am just so excited!" I replied.
The car ride was okay, but I was too into anticipating about how Niagara Falls features would be like.
When I walked into those gates, I got a happy, excited feeling starting to build up inside of me. Me and dad ran along to the ticket counter to get tickets, while the rest of my family and aunt and uncle were hanging around. I was excited to see Niagara Falls. It was my dream and the 2nd reason why I came to Canada in the first place. The line was kind of long, but not really. The line went fast and finally we were at the counter and ready to buy tickets. I grabbed the tickets off the counter and ran to the gates to enter Niagara Falls.
"Come on! Hurry up!" I screamed to the others. I didn't want to waste any more time to take the final step to accomplishing my reason for coming to Canada, while standing right in front of it. I opened those gates and at that time I could hear the sound of water scurrying and smell the watery scent. Wow is what I could just say. I was surprised of all of it's features. I stood there in shock and amazement, staring at the incredible miracle. We took pictures and video shots of Niagara Falls and us. Water splashed everywhere. I liked that! I didn't want to leave. I just loved it! It was sad when I had to leave without reminding me of that moment. So I scurried over to the souvenir shop and got a t shirt and a little glass thing of Niagara Falls. I knew these things would definitely remind me of that moment. That miracle will always be fresh and new in my mind.
The next day was kind of like a good bye day. There were people coming all day to say goodbye to us. It did feel sad but at least I had the souvenirs and gifts people gave us. There was huge party with tables full of food,plates,cups and bowls. There were rooms filled with people, little kids screaming and crying and so much noise you couldn't even hear a spoon drop. I was irritated by the noise and fuss, but hey that was the last day I was going to be in Canada, so I quickly changed my mood to happy. I felt touched, honored and special that my aunt and uncle went through all that trouble just for us.
Before the goodbye party started, my mom and I packed all of our bags so we could leave also after the party. I was so sad. I was seeing my aunt and uncle after so long, but then I was also happy that I got to meet them and go to Niagara Falls. As soon as everyone left, we gathered everything up and did our goodbye's.
Sitting in the car observing tree after tree was boring. Tiredness and sadness were covering me. Tiredness because of the party and sadness because of leaving. Even though I was leaving behind some good memories behind, they are and will always be in my heart.
By Shawana S.
Picking up my shirts,I traveled into dream land. The beautiful sites, skyscrapers and nature were popping up in my head again and again. How's it all going to be? I heard a lot about Canada. It is a great place to go site seeing. People come from all over the world to see those landmarks.But I wanted to inspect it myself. The scenery right in front
of my eyes. I told myself these things are going to become true in just a few days!
As I was examining tree after tree on my car ride,questions were flooding my head again and giving me a queazy feeling at the pit of my stomach. How are my relatives going to be like? Will they remember me? How would their personalities be like? How is Canada going to be like? Is it going to be similar or different to America? Question after question were building up higher and higher. Answers were trying to find their way to my brain.I told myself worrying wouldn't help.I took a deep breath.
"Everything's going to be fine!"exclaimed mom."How do you know?" I trudged incredously.
"I'm your mother plus I could notify by your expression."replied mom.I could glare at my mother's dark brown eyes and could reveal that she was going to be right.And we all know that we have to listen to our elders no matter what. Listening to my brother and sister snore next to me and gazing at the same thing(trees)hundred times gave me a suggestion to sleep as well.
"Wake up! Wake up!" my sister hollered shattering my relaxing nap.
"What happened?" I whispered drowsily ,half sleeping.
"We're here!" my sister hollered and this time she said it in my ear. "Oh my gosh! Really?" I bellowed abruptly and this time wide as awake as if I've been up for an hour.
"Yes and hurry up and carry the luggage to the elevator!" my brother screamed behind my sister's back. I got out of the car and picked up two suitcases to the elevator. I hated doing jobs like that. Some times I wish I had a butler to do such jobs. Standing in the elevator, holding two suitcases by my side,was so not fun and I had to go up to the 9th floor. I got to admit, I was impatient. The elevator was so crowded that I barely had room to breath or move.I was squished in the back with tons of adults. Visiting my aunt and uncle was something cool. I was extremely excited! I couldn't wait to see their faces.
"Ding!" said the elevator when it got to the 9th floor. "Finally!" I trudged. Scrambling through the hallway and having suitcases hitting my feet again and again, didn't stop me from searching for the apartment. I found the house and knocked on the door quickly. My aunt opened the door and greeted me with tons of kisses and hugs. I was kind of embarrassed, but not seeing my aunt for a huge chunk of time made me give her a big hug as well. I rushed quickly to room, got in my really comfy clothes and departed to the bathroom to freshen up. I really wanted to get comfortable because such a long drive worn me out. The drive was for 2 days, but we stopped at a hotel for the night. When I got out I could smell the food on the table and that reminded me of how starved I was. The smell drew me to the delicious food right away. Before the rest of my family could even sit and eat, I was done. Yeah! That's how starved I was! After dinner my eyes were getting really heavy. Whew! So much excitement in one day! I was worn out. I jumped into my comfy bed and snored away. Boy was I tired.
The next bright morning I woke up feeling fresh and ready for a new day. The rest of my family was already up and sitting down for breakfast.
"Finally you're awake!" my irritating brother sneered. "It's only 10 am, you idiot!" I retorted. I was sitting down for breakfast, when my mom gave an amazing news. "We're going to Niagara Falls. Get ready after breakfast." my mom alerted me.
"Sweet! I get to accomplish my 2nd reason for coming to Canada!" I bellowed enthusiasticly. After getting the news, I chugged the rest of my breakfast, rushed to the room, got changed and settled for Niagara Falls. I sat on the couch, waiting and waiting for the rest of my family to get ready.
"Tik Tok. Tik Tok." meandered the clock after every second. It felt like I was sitting there for hundred years. I hated waiting(as I mentioned before). 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes.The time just rised and rised again and again. Finally, after 45 minutes, everyone was ready to go. I was the first one out and in the car.I didn't want to waste another second to go see Niagara Falls.
"What's the rush? Niagara Falls isn't running away!" trudged my brother. "I know, but I am just so excited!" I replied.
The car ride was okay, but I was too into anticipating about how Niagara Falls features would be like.
When I walked into those gates, I got a happy, excited feeling starting to build up inside of me. Me and dad ran along to the ticket counter to get tickets, while the rest of my family and aunt and uncle were hanging around. I was excited to see Niagara Falls. It was my dream and the 2nd reason why I came to Canada in the first place. The line was kind of long, but not really. The line went fast and finally we were at the counter and ready to buy tickets. I grabbed the tickets off the counter and ran to the gates to enter Niagara Falls.
"Come on! Hurry up!" I screamed to the others. I didn't want to waste any more time to take the final step to accomplishing my reason for coming to Canada, while standing right in front of it. I opened those gates and at that time I could hear the sound of water scurrying and smell the watery scent. Wow is what I could just say. I was surprised of all of it's features. I stood there in shock and amazement, staring at the incredible miracle. We took pictures and video shots of Niagara Falls and us. Water splashed everywhere. I liked that! I didn't want to leave. I just loved it! It was sad when I had to leave without reminding me of that moment. So I scurried over to the souvenir shop and got a t shirt and a little glass thing of Niagara Falls. I knew these things would definitely remind me of that moment. That miracle will always be fresh and new in my mind.
The next day was kind of like a good bye day. There were people coming all day to say goodbye to us. It did feel sad but at least I had the souvenirs and gifts people gave us. There was huge party with tables full of food,plates,cups and bowls. There were rooms filled with people, little kids screaming and crying and so much noise you couldn't even hear a spoon drop. I was irritated by the noise and fuss, but hey that was the last day I was going to be in Canada, so I quickly changed my mood to happy. I felt touched, honored and special that my aunt and uncle went through all that trouble just for us.
Before the goodbye party started, my mom and I packed all of our bags so we could leave also after the party. I was so sad. I was seeing my aunt and uncle after so long, but then I was also happy that I got to meet them and go to Niagara Falls. As soon as everyone left, we gathered everything up and did our goodbye's.
Sitting in the car observing tree after tree was boring. Tiredness and sadness were covering me. Tiredness because of the party and sadness because of leaving. Even though I was leaving behind some good memories behind, they are and will always be in my heart.
The Incident Seven Years Ago
When I spotted that we were close to home I stopped reading, put my Powerpuff backpack onto my shoulders, and then I waited right by the door. When my dad’s friend slowed down and stayed like a statue on the driveway, I shouted to thank him. He nodded as he mouthed the words your welcome. After the van was out of my sight I skipped to the front door and rang the doorbell. I stood there for awhile so I peeked through the side window of the door and then I saw my mom coming closer to the front door. Right when she opened the door I started telling her all about my normal day.
In the middle of my “storytelling” my sister came downstairs to listen. When I finished talking about my day I felt my mouth was so dried up so I took 2 glasses of water. I guess I told them every single detail. Right after that we heard a weird, creepy, and kind of a scary noise from one of the baby monitors in the kitchen. The other one was by my baby brother’s crib.
My sister and I laughed thinking that it was one of my brother’s loud farts. Since my brother was taking a nap I wondered if he farted in his dream.
“It’s not funny,” my mother was trying to calm us down. “I am going to go upstairs to check on him,” she said as she got up to go.
As my sister and I waited for my mom to come downstairs again, we heard another noise coming from the baby monitor. My sister and I glanced at each other and started cracking up again. I hope my brother didn’t make MY room smell stinky. When I heard steps coming downstairs, I also heard crying.
I got up quickly to figure out if it was my mom crying or my brother. When I saw my mom tears rolling down I knew it was my mom. In her hands was my one year old baby brother. All of a sudden I felt a huge knot in my stomach, the kind you get so scared. I was so shocked and scared because this was the first time that I see my mom crying. I didn’t know how to calm her down like she always does for me. I got out of thinking in my mind. So I questioned…
"Mom why are you crying?" “He won’t wake up,” she cried while she was shaking him to wake him up.
My sister came to us rapidly to know what was happening.
After we tried to wake him up, he started to shake and some white stuff was coming out of his mouth which looked like rotten milk. I was so frightened that I felt my heart skip a beat or two. That was when my mom ran to the phone to call 911 and my dad. The ambulance came, put my brother on the stretcher, and took him to the ambulance truck on our slanted driveway. When they put him inside, my dad came all worried of what happened and what will. Then the ambulance people quickly decided that my mom should be by my brother in the truck while my dad, my sister, and I should go in the car. In the car ride to the hospital I pinched myself the whole time so I could wake up from this nightmare. But it never worked.
When we got to the hospital we waited two days for the results. In these two days I found out that when I’ll grow up I will never forget this incident and I wished a lot that everything will be fine with my brother.
After the doctor came to us and I saw a huge, happy smile on my parents’ faces, I was absolutely for sure that my wish came true. Everything was finally perfectly fine. The doctor told us that if you were five years old or younger and you have a fever you have some chance of getting a seizure. The doctor also said it doesn’t happen to every kid but somehow it happened to my brother. But I was the happiest that nothing happened to my sweet, cute, funny, adorable, best, baby brother.
In the middle of my “storytelling” my sister came downstairs to listen. When I finished talking about my day I felt my mouth was so dried up so I took 2 glasses of water. I guess I told them every single detail. Right after that we heard a weird, creepy, and kind of a scary noise from one of the baby monitors in the kitchen. The other one was by my baby brother’s crib.
My sister and I laughed thinking that it was one of my brother’s loud farts. Since my brother was taking a nap I wondered if he farted in his dream.
“It’s not funny,” my mother was trying to calm us down. “I am going to go upstairs to check on him,” she said as she got up to go.
As my sister and I waited for my mom to come downstairs again, we heard another noise coming from the baby monitor. My sister and I glanced at each other and started cracking up again. I hope my brother didn’t make MY room smell stinky. When I heard steps coming downstairs, I also heard crying.
I got up quickly to figure out if it was my mom crying or my brother. When I saw my mom tears rolling down I knew it was my mom. In her hands was my one year old baby brother. All of a sudden I felt a huge knot in my stomach, the kind you get so scared. I was so shocked and scared because this was the first time that I see my mom crying. I didn’t know how to calm her down like she always does for me. I got out of thinking in my mind. So I questioned…
"Mom why are you crying?" “He won’t wake up,” she cried while she was shaking him to wake him up.
My sister came to us rapidly to know what was happening.
After we tried to wake him up, he started to shake and some white stuff was coming out of his mouth which looked like rotten milk. I was so frightened that I felt my heart skip a beat or two. That was when my mom ran to the phone to call 911 and my dad. The ambulance came, put my brother on the stretcher, and took him to the ambulance truck on our slanted driveway. When they put him inside, my dad came all worried of what happened and what will. Then the ambulance people quickly decided that my mom should be by my brother in the truck while my dad, my sister, and I should go in the car. In the car ride to the hospital I pinched myself the whole time so I could wake up from this nightmare. But it never worked.
When we got to the hospital we waited two days for the results. In these two days I found out that when I’ll grow up I will never forget this incident and I wished a lot that everything will be fine with my brother.
After the doctor came to us and I saw a huge, happy smile on my parents’ faces, I was absolutely for sure that my wish came true. Everything was finally perfectly fine. The doctor told us that if you were five years old or younger and you have a fever you have some chance of getting a seizure. The doctor also said it doesn’t happen to every kid but somehow it happened to my brother. But I was the happiest that nothing happened to my sweet, cute, funny, adorable, best, baby brother.
Dog Hit by Car but Sill Alive?
Dog hit by car but still alive?
Mia was running around the house and a truck came at medium speed,
and she chased it. I knew she could catch it so I started to say “MIA!!!”. She
caught it and got hit by the car. At the hospital it was weird because my dog was hurt.
When we were at the hospital she was nervous and so was I. I could see the blood and it smelled weird. I felt weird because all of the hurt dogs and I like dogs. I wish I could have stayed with my dog when she was hurt. The cage was the same color as her, gray. I felt the cold ground on my bare feet. Then we waited.
We came back every day to see her. She was there for 2 weeks, over- night and all. She had a cage with pink fuzzy blankets. She seemed really lonely with no one to pet her. I thought she wasn't going to make it but she did. My dad got the choice to put her down or let her live, he picked live because he couldn't put her down.
When we went home I felt happy that she was home, but sad because she had to eat mushy food. We got home and she slept a lot. I thought she was turning lazy, but after a month she was back to normal and now she doesn't chase cars.
I got my wish that my dog didn't die. I was super happy. I don't have to worry about her chasing cars. Can you hear it, it's a car and there's no dog chasing it!
By, Carson D.
Mia was running around the house and a truck came at medium speed,
and she chased it. I knew she could catch it so I started to say “MIA!!!”. She
caught it and got hit by the car. At the hospital it was weird because my dog was hurt.
When we were at the hospital she was nervous and so was I. I could see the blood and it smelled weird. I felt weird because all of the hurt dogs and I like dogs. I wish I could have stayed with my dog when she was hurt. The cage was the same color as her, gray. I felt the cold ground on my bare feet. Then we waited.
We came back every day to see her. She was there for 2 weeks, over- night and all. She had a cage with pink fuzzy blankets. She seemed really lonely with no one to pet her. I thought she wasn't going to make it but she did. My dad got the choice to put her down or let her live, he picked live because he couldn't put her down.
When we went home I felt happy that she was home, but sad because she had to eat mushy food. We got home and she slept a lot. I thought she was turning lazy, but after a month she was back to normal and now she doesn't chase cars.
I got my wish that my dog didn't die. I was super happy. I don't have to worry about her chasing cars. Can you hear it, it's a car and there's no dog chasing it!
By, Carson D.
Minnesota Fun
Minnesota Fun
by Gus M.
We took Josh to the Embassy Suites in Minnesota, from Walnut Hills Elementary School. We were going there for the regional swim meet. Josh, Augie, and I talked the whole way there. Joshes dad was already at the hotel when we got there. Josh and I bolted out of the car and into the chilly air and finally into the warm hotel. My family checked in and unpacked. I sprinted down the hall to Josh’s room and we went looking for friends.
We met up with Evan, Grady, Sam, and Jared. We all walked around for a while and Cooper and Reese started to follow us. Then we started to play tag. We all play in the hotel because you can see across the big hole and to the other side. Lots of people hide when they play tag, so it gets pretty boring. But a few people end up getting bored and run around. It gets fun after that. I always act like an army guy. So I roll on the floor and jump behind a wall. I bet I look pretty stupid doing that.
I always stalk the person who is it. I still stay a floor down from them. You always want to take the stairs. So people playing tag cant see what floor your on.
At 5:00 pm we went out to eat at Majors with all of our friends. We played Big Buck Hunter. (A game that is in a lot of bars.) When the waitress got to our table we ordered our drinks. I ordered Root Beer, which is my most favorite drink ever. When we got refills we asked for some crayons and we drew what ever came to mind on a napkin. Everyone finished up at about 6:00 pm. We still drank pop for thirty minutes! Everyone was all so happy to talk to each other after a long week. At 6:45 when we got back to the hotel all the kids ran up stairs to the eighth floor, and at 7:00 three cops came in the hotel. You literally hold your breath because the hotel hires them to stop you from having fun. The cops walk around until 11:00 pm. You run around and you actually nervous for the first thirty minutes. But then you start to have some fun. Every cop caught me sprinting down halls. The first two times I wasn’t too lucky. But the third time was funny because I turned a corner and rammed in to a cop.
The next day it was the regional swim meet at the university of Minnesota Natatorium. People were from Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota. I thought I did really well at regionals. In the medley relay we were supposed to get fourth but we got third place. In my hundred yd IM (fly, back, breast, free) I got tenth place with a time of 1 minute 14 seconds. In my 50 yd fly my time was 31.23. And I got 13th place. In the free relay we got 5th place.
When we got home I ran to bed. My dad got me back out to brush my teeth. Then I did my homework. Which I did not enjoy. At school my teacher Ms. Hansen zoomed right up to me and questioned how I did. I told her I did great.
by Gus M.
We took Josh to the Embassy Suites in Minnesota, from Walnut Hills Elementary School. We were going there for the regional swim meet. Josh, Augie, and I talked the whole way there. Joshes dad was already at the hotel when we got there. Josh and I bolted out of the car and into the chilly air and finally into the warm hotel. My family checked in and unpacked. I sprinted down the hall to Josh’s room and we went looking for friends.
We met up with Evan, Grady, Sam, and Jared. We all walked around for a while and Cooper and Reese started to follow us. Then we started to play tag. We all play in the hotel because you can see across the big hole and to the other side. Lots of people hide when they play tag, so it gets pretty boring. But a few people end up getting bored and run around. It gets fun after that. I always act like an army guy. So I roll on the floor and jump behind a wall. I bet I look pretty stupid doing that.
I always stalk the person who is it. I still stay a floor down from them. You always want to take the stairs. So people playing tag cant see what floor your on.
At 5:00 pm we went out to eat at Majors with all of our friends. We played Big Buck Hunter. (A game that is in a lot of bars.) When the waitress got to our table we ordered our drinks. I ordered Root Beer, which is my most favorite drink ever. When we got refills we asked for some crayons and we drew what ever came to mind on a napkin. Everyone finished up at about 6:00 pm. We still drank pop for thirty minutes! Everyone was all so happy to talk to each other after a long week. At 6:45 when we got back to the hotel all the kids ran up stairs to the eighth floor, and at 7:00 three cops came in the hotel. You literally hold your breath because the hotel hires them to stop you from having fun. The cops walk around until 11:00 pm. You run around and you actually nervous for the first thirty minutes. But then you start to have some fun. Every cop caught me sprinting down halls. The first two times I wasn’t too lucky. But the third time was funny because I turned a corner and rammed in to a cop.
The next day it was the regional swim meet at the university of Minnesota Natatorium. People were from Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, South Dakota, and North Dakota. I thought I did really well at regionals. In the medley relay we were supposed to get fourth but we got third place. In my hundred yd IM (fly, back, breast, free) I got tenth place with a time of 1 minute 14 seconds. In my 50 yd fly my time was 31.23. And I got 13th place. In the free relay we got 5th place.
When we got home I ran to bed. My dad got me back out to brush my teeth. Then I did my homework. Which I did not enjoy. At school my teacher Ms. Hansen zoomed right up to me and questioned how I did. I told her I did great.
My Big Ski
My Big Ski
By: Emily L.
10-28-10
I dashed out the door, and I eagerly jumped in my aunt's car, then we sped off like we were in the Daytona 500. I couldn't wait to get to the lake! When we got to the parking lot of the docks I could smell the fresh clean water drifting in the air, perfect for skiing. I wandered down to the ankle high electric line and went across the rickety bridge to my aunt and uncle's boat, while I chattered to my cousin Kylee to relax. Then I sat down, I could feel the pressure of the boat lowering to the gassy green icky water at the dock. We then started backing up to head out for an evening adventure!
As we headed out for a perfect skiing spot, I could see the orange and yellow sun setting over the hills. When we got to an cove my uncle asked who wanted to go first I was scared "not me, not me, not me" I thought. "Emily, do you want to go?" my uncle asked. "ok, fine"I remarked, not really meaning it. I got my freezing cold lifejacket on, and leaped in to the just as cold water, so it evened out. As my mom and cousin threw out the rope the boat kept getting farther and farther away until it stopped. Then my dad helped me get the skis on. Now my feet felt like 50 pounds each.Then my dad asked if I was ready, so I said "yes." He gave a thumbs up to my uncle. I was scared, my hands were sweating in freezing cold water! Up I went "oh this wasn't so hard" then i fell unbalanced."Ok, maybe not." So I tried again and again, but on the 4th time I couldn't feel the water after I collapsed like the other three times. There I was up skiing with my mom and my cousin cheering. I felt incredible, like I could just fly and touch the sun setting in the distance.
When I got done skiing around the cove, I just let go I couldn't hold on anymore. My hands felt like pieces of rocks. Then my uncle and parents asked if I wanted to go again. So I answered "sure one more time." So I got the rope and went around again, the sun reflecting in my eyes. I flinged by where we started and let go again, letting my body hit the warm water."So you want to go again?"my mom requested. Breathlessly,"no" I said actually meaning it this time. So I swam over to the boat and held on to the ladder trying to ignore the motor as much as I could. Then I pulled off my 50 pound skis, and felt my wrinkly feet, now it felt weird to walk. I took off my lifejacket and sat down my body dripping tons of water on to the boat floor.
Then my uncle asked"does anyone want to cruise around the lake?" Then we all agreed that would be cool. So he started driving off, while it kept getting darker and darker."Hey" my brother exclaimed."What is that blinking light?" It looked like a water tower to me in the dark. But my uncle explained."That is a police watch, after sunset you can't ski or tube.""Oh, and that's the police boat"my uncle said gazing in the distance. I could see a boat like figure, but with tons of lights. When we got back to the dock I felt like I could just fall asleep. You couldn't really see anything either, so I carefully stepped out of the boat on to the dock, and sprinted back using all my energy to get back to the car, but still trying to ignore tripping on the electric line. Then I hopped in my aunt's car and waited for the rest of the family.
While my whole family drove off I thought,"I can't wait until we come back next year and ski in Branson."
By: Emily L.
10-28-10
I dashed out the door, and I eagerly jumped in my aunt's car, then we sped off like we were in the Daytona 500. I couldn't wait to get to the lake! When we got to the parking lot of the docks I could smell the fresh clean water drifting in the air, perfect for skiing. I wandered down to the ankle high electric line and went across the rickety bridge to my aunt and uncle's boat, while I chattered to my cousin Kylee to relax. Then I sat down, I could feel the pressure of the boat lowering to the gassy green icky water at the dock. We then started backing up to head out for an evening adventure!
As we headed out for a perfect skiing spot, I could see the orange and yellow sun setting over the hills. When we got to an cove my uncle asked who wanted to go first I was scared "not me, not me, not me" I thought. "Emily, do you want to go?" my uncle asked. "ok, fine"I remarked, not really meaning it. I got my freezing cold lifejacket on, and leaped in to the just as cold water, so it evened out. As my mom and cousin threw out the rope the boat kept getting farther and farther away until it stopped. Then my dad helped me get the skis on. Now my feet felt like 50 pounds each.Then my dad asked if I was ready, so I said "yes." He gave a thumbs up to my uncle. I was scared, my hands were sweating in freezing cold water! Up I went "oh this wasn't so hard" then i fell unbalanced."Ok, maybe not." So I tried again and again, but on the 4th time I couldn't feel the water after I collapsed like the other three times. There I was up skiing with my mom and my cousin cheering. I felt incredible, like I could just fly and touch the sun setting in the distance.
When I got done skiing around the cove, I just let go I couldn't hold on anymore. My hands felt like pieces of rocks. Then my uncle and parents asked if I wanted to go again. So I answered "sure one more time." So I got the rope and went around again, the sun reflecting in my eyes. I flinged by where we started and let go again, letting my body hit the warm water."So you want to go again?"my mom requested. Breathlessly,"no" I said actually meaning it this time. So I swam over to the boat and held on to the ladder trying to ignore the motor as much as I could. Then I pulled off my 50 pound skis, and felt my wrinkly feet, now it felt weird to walk. I took off my lifejacket and sat down my body dripping tons of water on to the boat floor.
Then my uncle asked"does anyone want to cruise around the lake?" Then we all agreed that would be cool. So he started driving off, while it kept getting darker and darker."Hey" my brother exclaimed."What is that blinking light?" It looked like a water tower to me in the dark. But my uncle explained."That is a police watch, after sunset you can't ski or tube.""Oh, and that's the police boat"my uncle said gazing in the distance. I could see a boat like figure, but with tons of lights. When we got back to the dock I felt like I could just fall asleep. You couldn't really see anything either, so I carefully stepped out of the boat on to the dock, and sprinted back using all my energy to get back to the car, but still trying to ignore tripping on the electric line. Then I hopped in my aunt's car and waited for the rest of the family.
While my whole family drove off I thought,"I can't wait until we come back next year and ski in Branson."
The Devil's Throat
The Devil's Throat
I can't believe we're going to a cave! I am so excited! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! My mom told me it is called the Devil's Throat. She said it was named that because whatever goes into the cave's river never comes out; like it is being swallowed. I wonder what we will find in there? Bones? Money? Lost people from the group before? I can't wait! I bet my sister's even more excited, even though she only likes souvineirs. I finish packing and go help my sister.
"Alex, time to go!" my mom yells.
"Finally!" I think on the inside, but on the outside I say "Ok Mom." We get in the car and start driving. My teeth clench with anxiety. It takes around an hour to get there, more or less. We park and have a quick lunch. Then we head in.
The first thing I do when I go in is shiver. My mom hands me my coat and holds my sister's hand. We head farther in and just when I am about to think this is a hoax, I hear the sound of trickling water. We push forward and see a river! And not just an itty-bitty one, but one that is gushing water. It is so big and powerful, that there was mist everywhere! I am about to take more of it in, when our guide points us to the stairs and explains that we have to climb over 300 steps to see what we came here for, the biggest cave waterfall in the world! I am scared of heights but I push forward and decide to climb. We climb and climb until my legs are about to give up when we see a bright light.
We are at the top! The light we see is the sun! I never thought I would be so glad to see the sun. We are standing on a stone platform with handrails. I push my way through the crowd of people until I see it. The biggest cave waterfall in the world! It looks like the tallest man in the world 100 times taller! After awhile our guide tells us to go back down the mountain when it hits me: we just went up a mountain from the inside! We walk back down sampling herbs from shops.
On the way back down, it feels like a lot longer walk then it was on the way up. My legs are aching by the time we get to the car.
"FINALLY" I choke. We all get in the car happy to sit down and when my mom puts the key in and turns it, the engine isn't going.
"Uh oh" we say in unison.
We keep turning it and turning it until it finally starts.
"Thank the lord" I say. We drive back home and laugh about how if we went any farther our legs would fall off.
"We should go again sometime" my mom says.
"That sounds fun" I say, and we all head home.
I can't believe we're going to a cave! I am so excited! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! My mom told me it is called the Devil's Throat. She said it was named that because whatever goes into the cave's river never comes out; like it is being swallowed. I wonder what we will find in there? Bones? Money? Lost people from the group before? I can't wait! I bet my sister's even more excited, even though she only likes souvineirs. I finish packing and go help my sister.
"Alex, time to go!" my mom yells.
"Finally!" I think on the inside, but on the outside I say "Ok Mom." We get in the car and start driving. My teeth clench with anxiety. It takes around an hour to get there, more or less. We park and have a quick lunch. Then we head in.
The first thing I do when I go in is shiver. My mom hands me my coat and holds my sister's hand. We head farther in and just when I am about to think this is a hoax, I hear the sound of trickling water. We push forward and see a river! And not just an itty-bitty one, but one that is gushing water. It is so big and powerful, that there was mist everywhere! I am about to take more of it in, when our guide points us to the stairs and explains that we have to climb over 300 steps to see what we came here for, the biggest cave waterfall in the world! I am scared of heights but I push forward and decide to climb. We climb and climb until my legs are about to give up when we see a bright light.
We are at the top! The light we see is the sun! I never thought I would be so glad to see the sun. We are standing on a stone platform with handrails. I push my way through the crowd of people until I see it. The biggest cave waterfall in the world! It looks like the tallest man in the world 100 times taller! After awhile our guide tells us to go back down the mountain when it hits me: we just went up a mountain from the inside! We walk back down sampling herbs from shops.
On the way back down, it feels like a lot longer walk then it was on the way up. My legs are aching by the time we get to the car.
"FINALLY" I choke. We all get in the car happy to sit down and when my mom puts the key in and turns it, the engine isn't going.
"Uh oh" we say in unison.
We keep turning it and turning it until it finally starts.
"Thank the lord" I say. We drive back home and laugh about how if we went any farther our legs would fall off.
"We should go again sometime" my mom says.
"That sounds fun" I say, and we all head home.
YUMM!!
By: Camryn G.
I was laying on the coach and I heard my name. I got up and bolted over to the pantry. I gripped the graham crackers. Then skipped to the fridge and grabbed the marshmallows and chocolate and slammed the door of the fridge. I can’t wait for marshmallows because I love the way they melt in my mouth.
Finally, time just as family. I sat by the fire overlooking Clear Lake seeing the city across the water. The lights shining bright and the moon reflecting off the water. We had a fun day tubing and boating but glad to rest. Then I was ready to eat some S’mores . Fire was hot, moon was out and sun went down and I could smell the smoke.
I was talking to the family about our day while putting a marshmallow on the metal stick. Then I watched it slowly get brown and you could tell it was melting in the middle. Just watching it was making my mouth water and my tummy hungry. I was so hungry my tummy was grumbling and it was queasy.
Finally! My marshmallow was nice and brown and crispy. If you were to squish it the inside would melt out on to your hand. So I walked to my mom as she was getting the crunchy graham crackers and the soft chocolate. When we put the marshmallow in between the graham crackers and the chocolate it was melting over the edges and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Finally my mom gave it to me and I licked the sweet marshmallow off the edge. Then I took my first bite. YUMM! It was so good! It was soft and crunchy at the same time. In the end after I finished it I got really thirsty. So I ran inside to grab a cup. I took a big gulp. I could feel it rush down my throat. It felt great! I took it back outside so I could look at the stars. When I looked up the stars were bright and the sky was dark blue the air got cool. Then my dad requested “I think it is time to go inside.”
As my family and I were walking back to the house we were getting tired. When we got inside my sister and I walked up stairs. When were walking up the stairs we decided it was my turn to choose the movie for the night. I was excited because then I would actually get to enjoy the movie. After I chose the movie we brushed our teeth and got into our cozy beds. Our beds are bunk beds mine is on the top and Jordyn’s is on the bottom. As we started the movie I got so tired. As I was closing my eyes I saw the calm water and it was quiet. I couldn’t wait for the next day. Then I whispered to Jordyn “I can’t wait till tomorrow! Hopefully it will be as fun as today was!”
The End
I was laying on the coach and I heard my name. I got up and bolted over to the pantry. I gripped the graham crackers. Then skipped to the fridge and grabbed the marshmallows and chocolate and slammed the door of the fridge. I can’t wait for marshmallows because I love the way they melt in my mouth.
Finally, time just as family. I sat by the fire overlooking Clear Lake seeing the city across the water. The lights shining bright and the moon reflecting off the water. We had a fun day tubing and boating but glad to rest. Then I was ready to eat some S’mores . Fire was hot, moon was out and sun went down and I could smell the smoke.
I was talking to the family about our day while putting a marshmallow on the metal stick. Then I watched it slowly get brown and you could tell it was melting in the middle. Just watching it was making my mouth water and my tummy hungry. I was so hungry my tummy was grumbling and it was queasy.
Finally! My marshmallow was nice and brown and crispy. If you were to squish it the inside would melt out on to your hand. So I walked to my mom as she was getting the crunchy graham crackers and the soft chocolate. When we put the marshmallow in between the graham crackers and the chocolate it was melting over the edges and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Finally my mom gave it to me and I licked the sweet marshmallow off the edge. Then I took my first bite. YUMM! It was so good! It was soft and crunchy at the same time. In the end after I finished it I got really thirsty. So I ran inside to grab a cup. I took a big gulp. I could feel it rush down my throat. It felt great! I took it back outside so I could look at the stars. When I looked up the stars were bright and the sky was dark blue the air got cool. Then my dad requested “I think it is time to go inside.”
As my family and I were walking back to the house we were getting tired. When we got inside my sister and I walked up stairs. When were walking up the stairs we decided it was my turn to choose the movie for the night. I was excited because then I would actually get to enjoy the movie. After I chose the movie we brushed our teeth and got into our cozy beds. Our beds are bunk beds mine is on the top and Jordyn’s is on the bottom. As we started the movie I got so tired. As I was closing my eyes I saw the calm water and it was quiet. I couldn’t wait for the next day. Then I whispered to Jordyn “I can’t wait till tomorrow! Hopefully it will be as fun as today was!”
The End
Stroller Rollers
………………………………………..By Kelli Fogt……………….................................
10-31-10
I was rushing to strap on my shoulder pads and helmet and get in the stroller I before started having second thoughts. Adrenaline was rushing through my body and my heart was pounding. I turned and looked at Mary Kate, my best friend, who nodded to show she was ready. Aaron, my older brother, got on the bike and glanced back at Mary Kate and I to make sure we were ready, then sped off pulling us behind him.
We were flying down the road when we heard the squeaking of car breaks. Mary Kate and I turned around to see how fast the car was coming and it was it wasn’t coming that fast but we still had to get out of the road so it could pass. I turned and stared at Mary Kate who had the same expression on her face as I did, confusion. What was I suppose to do when we were turning again?
I thought hard, and then finally I remembered what Aaron and Patrick, Mary Kate’s older brother, had told us to do if we had to make a turn, squeeze the break repeatedly to make sure we didn’t tip over. I did exactly what I was told to and we pulled into a driveway. The car drove by and a wave of relief passed over me. I could tell Mary Kate was relived to. I was so glad that I remembered what I suppose to do.
We got back on the road and went up to the top of Mary Kate’s street then we turned around and went back down. It was a hot summer day so I could feel the sun beating down on us and I could see the sweat on the back of Aaron’s neck. I wasn’t paying very much attention to what was going on, so when we tipped over it came as a surprise! Mary Kate and I spilled out the side.
I got up and there was a sharp pain in both my knees and my arm. I looked at my wounds and saw that they were only scrapes. I helped Mary Kate up and she was scraped up too. I was so glad that we were wearing the shoulder pads because if we hadn’t been we would probably have more than just scrapes. I looked up and Patrick was running our way.
“Are you ok?” Patrick asked when he reached us. “Yah.” Mary Kate and I responded in pain. “Are you sure?” Patrick asked not believing us. “Yah!” Mary Kate and I said trying to act like we weren’t in pain. “Well then, do you want to try it with two bikes now?” “Sure!” Mary Kate and I shot back with so much excitement that it came out as a scream. So we took the stroller and bike up their driveway, to the garage. Then Aaron and Patrick tied the second bike to the stroller with a bungee jump rope like the one that was already tied to the stroller.
After they were done doing that we walk the contraption back down to the middle of the street. Mary Kate and I got back in the stroller. We were so excited that we could help but smile. We gave Aaron and Patrick a thumbs up. We sped so fast down the road that the stroller actually went up on two wheels!!!!! We crashed back down on all three wheels, still speeding down the road! I was so amazed that we were still going!
We went up the street then turned around and came back down. We stopped in front of the driveway and got out. “THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!” Mary Kate and I screamed. “Can I try?” Evan, Mary Kate’s little brother, asked. “Sure.’’ Mary Kate and I replied kind of bummed that we had to give up the position of stroller rollers.
Mary Kate and I unstrapped our helmets and undid our shoulder pads and Mary Kate gave hers to Evan. ‘’ One second Evan! I’m really thirsty.’’ Patrick said tiredly walking to the fridge. ‘’Me too!’’ Aaron said following him. ‘’Hurry up!!!’’ Evan replied anxiously. When they got a drink, they got ready to go. Mary Kate and I told Evan how to control the stroller and they were off!
Mary Kate and I got bottles of water from the fridge. We were guzzling it when we heard the skidding of metal and squeaking of the bike breaks. ‘’ EVAN, ARE YOU OK?’’ Patrick screamed. The next thing I knew I was running down the road toward the crash. When Evan got up he was pretty badly scraped up! He was ok other than that. The rest of the day was a blur. I was just glad no one was severely hurt!
I had so much fun doing something out of the ordinary with my best friend! We do a lot of weird things but I think that if you are too careful you could miss some amazing opportunities! I am so glad I didn’t miss this one!!!!
10-31-10
I was rushing to strap on my shoulder pads and helmet and get in the stroller I before started having second thoughts. Adrenaline was rushing through my body and my heart was pounding. I turned and looked at Mary Kate, my best friend, who nodded to show she was ready. Aaron, my older brother, got on the bike and glanced back at Mary Kate and I to make sure we were ready, then sped off pulling us behind him.
We were flying down the road when we heard the squeaking of car breaks. Mary Kate and I turned around to see how fast the car was coming and it was it wasn’t coming that fast but we still had to get out of the road so it could pass. I turned and stared at Mary Kate who had the same expression on her face as I did, confusion. What was I suppose to do when we were turning again?
I thought hard, and then finally I remembered what Aaron and Patrick, Mary Kate’s older brother, had told us to do if we had to make a turn, squeeze the break repeatedly to make sure we didn’t tip over. I did exactly what I was told to and we pulled into a driveway. The car drove by and a wave of relief passed over me. I could tell Mary Kate was relived to. I was so glad that I remembered what I suppose to do.
We got back on the road and went up to the top of Mary Kate’s street then we turned around and went back down. It was a hot summer day so I could feel the sun beating down on us and I could see the sweat on the back of Aaron’s neck. I wasn’t paying very much attention to what was going on, so when we tipped over it came as a surprise! Mary Kate and I spilled out the side.
I got up and there was a sharp pain in both my knees and my arm. I looked at my wounds and saw that they were only scrapes. I helped Mary Kate up and she was scraped up too. I was so glad that we were wearing the shoulder pads because if we hadn’t been we would probably have more than just scrapes. I looked up and Patrick was running our way.
“Are you ok?” Patrick asked when he reached us. “Yah.” Mary Kate and I responded in pain. “Are you sure?” Patrick asked not believing us. “Yah!” Mary Kate and I said trying to act like we weren’t in pain. “Well then, do you want to try it with two bikes now?” “Sure!” Mary Kate and I shot back with so much excitement that it came out as a scream. So we took the stroller and bike up their driveway, to the garage. Then Aaron and Patrick tied the second bike to the stroller with a bungee jump rope like the one that was already tied to the stroller.
After they were done doing that we walk the contraption back down to the middle of the street. Mary Kate and I got back in the stroller. We were so excited that we could help but smile. We gave Aaron and Patrick a thumbs up. We sped so fast down the road that the stroller actually went up on two wheels!!!!! We crashed back down on all three wheels, still speeding down the road! I was so amazed that we were still going!
We went up the street then turned around and came back down. We stopped in front of the driveway and got out. “THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!” Mary Kate and I screamed. “Can I try?” Evan, Mary Kate’s little brother, asked. “Sure.’’ Mary Kate and I replied kind of bummed that we had to give up the position of stroller rollers.
Mary Kate and I unstrapped our helmets and undid our shoulder pads and Mary Kate gave hers to Evan. ‘’ One second Evan! I’m really thirsty.’’ Patrick said tiredly walking to the fridge. ‘’Me too!’’ Aaron said following him. ‘’Hurry up!!!’’ Evan replied anxiously. When they got a drink, they got ready to go. Mary Kate and I told Evan how to control the stroller and they were off!
Mary Kate and I got bottles of water from the fridge. We were guzzling it when we heard the skidding of metal and squeaking of the bike breaks. ‘’ EVAN, ARE YOU OK?’’ Patrick screamed. The next thing I knew I was running down the road toward the crash. When Evan got up he was pretty badly scraped up! He was ok other than that. The rest of the day was a blur. I was just glad no one was severely hurt!
I had so much fun doing something out of the ordinary with my best friend! We do a lot of weird things but I think that if you are too careful you could miss some amazing opportunities! I am so glad I didn’t miss this one!!!!
Nebraska's Tournament
Nebraska’s Tournament
I can’t believe that I have to wake up, at five o’clock in the morning, just for a soccer tournament! Well at six, we have to leave, so that’ll give me one hour to get ready. I thought.
Packing my things, I make sure I have everything I need before I leave. My brother was getting carried out by the time I was getting my bags. I wish I could be carried out. I thought to myself looking at my brother.
30 minutes later, we stopped for hot chocolate for our breakfast. (My brother was awake by then.) After we got hot chocolate, we started driving again. ”Careful your hot chocolate might be hot.” My mom said assuring. “No duh!” I snapped back. Tasting my hot chocolate, my tongue got burnt. Owww. I thought, that is hot. Fine I’ll just fall asleep to let it cool down.
Well turns out I fell asleep for an hour and now it’s cold. (Well actually, I didn’t find out it was cold until I tasted it. And trust me it was disgusting!)
Hearing cars zoom past us, I look out the window. Welcome to Iowa City! A sign exclaimed.
“Mom, how many more miles?” “I’d say about 3-4 more miles.”She answered. Great I thought. I’ll just go back to bed. I mumbled to myself feeling tired and worn out.
By the time I woke, we were in Nebraska. Finally! I thought. Walking in I was star struck! It was huge and beautiful. While my mom got the key, which is actually a card I looked around. When she came back, we walked into the elevator. “The fifth floor Anthony.” My mom said while the doors were closing. After the doors opened, I followed the numbers to 5330. “Here it is mom.” I exclaimed once I found the room.
“Yes! I feel like my arms are going to fall off. Now let’s see if the cards work.” The light turned green. Walking in, I felt like I was in the wrong room. It was huge! “We’re just going to set our things down and go to Kaitlyn’s soccer game.” “Great,” I thought. “Just what I want to do. A soccer game and no exploring.” Back down to the lobby we go.
We won the game, 5-3. I was so excited that that was over so I could go to the pool to relax. Also I wanted to get out of my uniform. Where did I put my swimsuit? I thought. Finding it I walk to the bathroom to change, while my brother changes in the room.
Down at the pool, I text my teammates to come down. Hurry up! I thought. “Ok Anthony, we’re going to sit in the hot tub for 5 minutes then get out and jump into the pool.” I say looking down into the cold blue water of the pool. “Let’s do it!” says my brother excitedly. Walking into the hot tub, I feel my body warm up. It’s sooo hot! I think. Waiting for the five minutes to be up, I play with the bubbles it made.
A couple minutes later, we both got out of the hot tub and jumped into the pool. It was sooo cold I had to scream! Bubbles of air rose to the top of the 5 foot pool. I can’t wait to get back into the hot tub I thought. I burst into the air, found the ladder, and climbed out. “I’m going to keep doing that.” I thought and so I did. A minute later some of my teammates came, and I told them the plan.
After we were done swimming an hour later, I brought my brother back to our room to get changed back into our clothes. Right after we got changed, we went to my soccer game. Again we won, 3-1. Straight after my game we went to a store called Cabellas, which is a hunting store. Looking at guns I like them all. “I want that gun, and that one, and that one.” I thought. The place was huge! And it was right next to our hotel! After we were done with that we went to subway for lunch and then another soccer game. But this time we lost 2-3. I felt like we did a good job because we won two and lost one. That night we ordered pizza and breadsticks from Pizza Hut for dinner. This is sooo good! I thought. At 10:00 at night I went out to the bonfire. It feels so good I thought.
30 minutes later I went to bed. When I woke up the next morning I got all my things together, and go ready for the last game there. I didn’t want to go yet. But I still packed my things. We tied this game, 4-4, but we did well for our tournament.
Next morning, we brought all our things down to the lobby to leave. Looking around I think to myself. “I’m happy we are going home but sad we’re leaving.” Sitting in a chair, I wait for my mom to give back the card. “Let’s go.” I say. Grabbing my bags I walk to our silver Ford Escape. I put our bags in the back and slowly get into the car. “Can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.” I thought.
A couple minutes later we were driving on the road. I roll down the window. It’s sunny out, but there is a cool breeze hitting my face. “I wonder what they’re doing at home?” I ask my mom. “Probably enjoying the nice weather there is.” Replied my mom.
If only I could be there. I thought. In a couple hours I will be home sweet home.
When I got home, people started asking how my tournament went. “Good.” I said. “It was good.” A smile spread across my face. And then I knew I was home.
By: Kaitlyn G.
I can’t believe that I have to wake up, at five o’clock in the morning, just for a soccer tournament! Well at six, we have to leave, so that’ll give me one hour to get ready. I thought.
Packing my things, I make sure I have everything I need before I leave. My brother was getting carried out by the time I was getting my bags. I wish I could be carried out. I thought to myself looking at my brother.
30 minutes later, we stopped for hot chocolate for our breakfast. (My brother was awake by then.) After we got hot chocolate, we started driving again. ”Careful your hot chocolate might be hot.” My mom said assuring. “No duh!” I snapped back. Tasting my hot chocolate, my tongue got burnt. Owww. I thought, that is hot. Fine I’ll just fall asleep to let it cool down.
Well turns out I fell asleep for an hour and now it’s cold. (Well actually, I didn’t find out it was cold until I tasted it. And trust me it was disgusting!)
Hearing cars zoom past us, I look out the window. Welcome to Iowa City! A sign exclaimed.
“Mom, how many more miles?” “I’d say about 3-4 more miles.”She answered. Great I thought. I’ll just go back to bed. I mumbled to myself feeling tired and worn out.
By the time I woke, we were in Nebraska. Finally! I thought. Walking in I was star struck! It was huge and beautiful. While my mom got the key, which is actually a card I looked around. When she came back, we walked into the elevator. “The fifth floor Anthony.” My mom said while the doors were closing. After the doors opened, I followed the numbers to 5330. “Here it is mom.” I exclaimed once I found the room.
“Yes! I feel like my arms are going to fall off. Now let’s see if the cards work.” The light turned green. Walking in, I felt like I was in the wrong room. It was huge! “We’re just going to set our things down and go to Kaitlyn’s soccer game.” “Great,” I thought. “Just what I want to do. A soccer game and no exploring.” Back down to the lobby we go.
We won the game, 5-3. I was so excited that that was over so I could go to the pool to relax. Also I wanted to get out of my uniform. Where did I put my swimsuit? I thought. Finding it I walk to the bathroom to change, while my brother changes in the room.
Down at the pool, I text my teammates to come down. Hurry up! I thought. “Ok Anthony, we’re going to sit in the hot tub for 5 minutes then get out and jump into the pool.” I say looking down into the cold blue water of the pool. “Let’s do it!” says my brother excitedly. Walking into the hot tub, I feel my body warm up. It’s sooo hot! I think. Waiting for the five minutes to be up, I play with the bubbles it made.
A couple minutes later, we both got out of the hot tub and jumped into the pool. It was sooo cold I had to scream! Bubbles of air rose to the top of the 5 foot pool. I can’t wait to get back into the hot tub I thought. I burst into the air, found the ladder, and climbed out. “I’m going to keep doing that.” I thought and so I did. A minute later some of my teammates came, and I told them the plan.
After we were done swimming an hour later, I brought my brother back to our room to get changed back into our clothes. Right after we got changed, we went to my soccer game. Again we won, 3-1. Straight after my game we went to a store called Cabellas, which is a hunting store. Looking at guns I like them all. “I want that gun, and that one, and that one.” I thought. The place was huge! And it was right next to our hotel! After we were done with that we went to subway for lunch and then another soccer game. But this time we lost 2-3. I felt like we did a good job because we won two and lost one. That night we ordered pizza and breadsticks from Pizza Hut for dinner. This is sooo good! I thought. At 10:00 at night I went out to the bonfire. It feels so good I thought.
30 minutes later I went to bed. When I woke up the next morning I got all my things together, and go ready for the last game there. I didn’t want to go yet. But I still packed my things. We tied this game, 4-4, but we did well for our tournament.
Next morning, we brought all our things down to the lobby to leave. Looking around I think to myself. “I’m happy we are going home but sad we’re leaving.” Sitting in a chair, I wait for my mom to give back the card. “Let’s go.” I say. Grabbing my bags I walk to our silver Ford Escape. I put our bags in the back and slowly get into the car. “Can’t wait to sleep in my own bed.” I thought.
A couple minutes later we were driving on the road. I roll down the window. It’s sunny out, but there is a cool breeze hitting my face. “I wonder what they’re doing at home?” I ask my mom. “Probably enjoying the nice weather there is.” Replied my mom.
If only I could be there. I thought. In a couple hours I will be home sweet home.
When I got home, people started asking how my tournament went. “Good.” I said. “It was good.” A smile spread across my face. And then I knew I was home.
By: Kaitlyn G.
The Mall of America
I munched the last bit of my pancakes and then darted through the door. I was sitting in the car waiting for my dad to finish packing the cooler. I then turned on the radio and started jamming to the music. The music was booming until we actually started to move because my brother turned it off.
So we drove down there and checked into the Hilton. The pool was gigantic. It had a waterslide and everything you could ever imagine in that pool. We all had dinner at
IHOP. I had French toast, which happens to be my favorite dish at IHOP.
Later we went to the mall and checked things out. There were tons of stores with four levels in the whole mall. There was an indoor adventure park. When we got back to the hotel we had to get ready for bed.
We went to the mall again the next day but all of us went to the indoor adventure park this time and rode a lot of rides. It was really fun having and experience like this. I enjoyed hanging out with my family and having the time of my life.
I ate Chinese for lunch at Panda Express. I had orange chicken with steamed rice. MMMMMM! My favorite. I almost got to buy my very first American Girl Doll ever. I absolutely loved climbing in the SpongeBob Jungle Gym. Climbing is so fun. I liked it a lot.
The next day we mostly just walked around and checked out the different kinds of stores. I just can’t believe we didn’t buy anything except food. I mean we went to the biggest mall in the U.S. and we only bought food. I ate steak at this place called Johnny Rockets.
The morning after we went home. I was so exhausted I fell asleep in the car on the ride back. Sitting in that car was so boring. I just lounged around and played a couple games of ping-pong with my brother, Mason. That night we all had a wonderful sleep.
By:Megan H.
So we drove down there and checked into the Hilton. The pool was gigantic. It had a waterslide and everything you could ever imagine in that pool. We all had dinner at
IHOP. I had French toast, which happens to be my favorite dish at IHOP.
Later we went to the mall and checked things out. There were tons of stores with four levels in the whole mall. There was an indoor adventure park. When we got back to the hotel we had to get ready for bed.
We went to the mall again the next day but all of us went to the indoor adventure park this time and rode a lot of rides. It was really fun having and experience like this. I enjoyed hanging out with my family and having the time of my life.
I ate Chinese for lunch at Panda Express. I had orange chicken with steamed rice. MMMMMM! My favorite. I almost got to buy my very first American Girl Doll ever. I absolutely loved climbing in the SpongeBob Jungle Gym. Climbing is so fun. I liked it a lot.
The next day we mostly just walked around and checked out the different kinds of stores. I just can’t believe we didn’t buy anything except food. I mean we went to the biggest mall in the U.S. and we only bought food. I ate steak at this place called Johnny Rockets.
The morning after we went home. I was so exhausted I fell asleep in the car on the ride back. Sitting in that car was so boring. I just lounged around and played a couple games of ping-pong with my brother, Mason. That night we all had a wonderful sleep.
By:Megan H.
Lucky Me
Lucky Me
Friday October 29, 2010
I ran upstairs, brushed my teeth, made my bed, sprinted downstairs, and inquired my mom
“Can I go see if the new kid can play?”
She said I could, so I ran outside.
I was 4, and super shy, so I slowly walk up the street I start to have second thoughts. I start stalling by closely admiring the For Sale sign, noticing little features on the house, or just some other little thing. Then his mom comes outside to get the mail, and she sees me. Panic fills up inside me, my stomach starts to turn. I feel like running, but I don’t. I don’t know what made me do it, probably the thought of finally having a new friend. Then the new neighbor’s mom asks me if I want to come inside and play. I reply yes. I very slowly start walking inside, then I wonder what if he’s mean, blind, deaf, or some other thing? But I ignore that thought and keep walking.
When I first get inside, I don’t know what to think. Then I see him, blonde hair, bluish green eyes, and freckles. We both seem scared and just stand there, I wonder what to do when suddenly, he bolts away and is upstairs hiding in his room. I pictured this moment, this morning, and it looked completely different. His mom and I both walk upstairs and I start to wonder if running was a smart move, but before I could, his mom is trying really hard to get Ryan to come out of his room. Now I really hope he’s not weird. But I clear that thought. When I exit my mind and re-enter reality, he’s still not out.
After about 10 minutes of trying to convince him to come out, the door opens about an inch and his right eye peeks out, he looks around then “BANG!” his door slams closed again. Finally it’s silent and his mom opens the door and I squeeze in, but his mom stays out. I look around and see his room is a lot like mine, same fan, similar wallpaper, similar bedding. At that moment I knew we would become best friends.
I see him and I say “ Hi I’m Evan,”
And he says “ Hi I’m Ryan,”
Both of our voices sound shaky.
Then he asks, “ Do you want to go to the basement and play?”
“Sure!” I reply. So then we bolt past his mom to the basement.
We go downstairs, not knowing what to do. We finally decide to play with his Hot Wheels cars. We realize we’re a lot alike. Although he has changed me a lot, I used to think sports were ok, but now I love them. After awhile his mom called us up for lunch, we had macaroni & cheese. YUM! After lunch I realize how lucky I am to have a friend like him. We went back downstairs only to find a future of friendship ahead of us.
By : Evan D.
Friday October 29, 2010
I ran upstairs, brushed my teeth, made my bed, sprinted downstairs, and inquired my mom
“Can I go see if the new kid can play?”
She said I could, so I ran outside.
I was 4, and super shy, so I slowly walk up the street I start to have second thoughts. I start stalling by closely admiring the For Sale sign, noticing little features on the house, or just some other little thing. Then his mom comes outside to get the mail, and she sees me. Panic fills up inside me, my stomach starts to turn. I feel like running, but I don’t. I don’t know what made me do it, probably the thought of finally having a new friend. Then the new neighbor’s mom asks me if I want to come inside and play. I reply yes. I very slowly start walking inside, then I wonder what if he’s mean, blind, deaf, or some other thing? But I ignore that thought and keep walking.
When I first get inside, I don’t know what to think. Then I see him, blonde hair, bluish green eyes, and freckles. We both seem scared and just stand there, I wonder what to do when suddenly, he bolts away and is upstairs hiding in his room. I pictured this moment, this morning, and it looked completely different. His mom and I both walk upstairs and I start to wonder if running was a smart move, but before I could, his mom is trying really hard to get Ryan to come out of his room. Now I really hope he’s not weird. But I clear that thought. When I exit my mind and re-enter reality, he’s still not out.
After about 10 minutes of trying to convince him to come out, the door opens about an inch and his right eye peeks out, he looks around then “BANG!” his door slams closed again. Finally it’s silent and his mom opens the door and I squeeze in, but his mom stays out. I look around and see his room is a lot like mine, same fan, similar wallpaper, similar bedding. At that moment I knew we would become best friends.
I see him and I say “ Hi I’m Evan,”
And he says “ Hi I’m Ryan,”
Both of our voices sound shaky.
Then he asks, “ Do you want to go to the basement and play?”
“Sure!” I reply. So then we bolt past his mom to the basement.
We go downstairs, not knowing what to do. We finally decide to play with his Hot Wheels cars. We realize we’re a lot alike. Although he has changed me a lot, I used to think sports were ok, but now I love them. After awhile his mom called us up for lunch, we had macaroni & cheese. YUM! After lunch I realize how lucky I am to have a friend like him. We went back downstairs only to find a future of friendship ahead of us.
By : Evan D.
Crash, Boom, Crack...Mom
Crash, Boom, Crack….MOM!!
Have you ever marveled what it would be like to smash your finger (or thumb) in a hinge of a door? I have. I was helping my mom construct my brothers’ bunk beds, when exactly that happened….to my brother.
My mom and I were functioning as fast as we could (trying to get done before dinner) without messing up. Basically, we were working as fast as snails. Finally we got the first bed built. ½ way there! I was about to say something, when my brother, Benjamin’s piercing shriek rang through the house. Horror scenes overflowed in my mind. What could be wrong? My mom bolted out the door and up the stairs to find out what was wrong. I soon proceeded after her, tears assembling behind my eyes because I was worrying so much.
When I reached my mom, I found Elizabeth (my sister) shaking and crying. I was pretty sure I heard her apologizing over and over again for something in between sobs. Uh, oh, I thought. That can’t be good. Then I saw Benjamin. His thumb was black, blue, and purple. My first contemplation was, EEEWWWW!! Then I felt bad and wondered what had happened. Tears blinding his eyes, a look of pain, distress, and horror extended over his face. It was heart breaking. My mom mouthed five words; slammed, in, hinge, of, door.
My mom hoisted Benjamin up and asked me to get him some ice and Tylenol. I was so worried! I kept pondering if he had broken it or not. I practically sprinted to get the Tylenol and ice, but when I tried to bestow them to him, he refused. In my head, the same thought came over and over again; what are we going to do!?
My mom was running out of options. I could see the frustration and worry in her face. She instructed me to call the Spinellis. I called, wondering what I was going to say. No Answer. I called again. No Answer. Worry slowly crept into my mind even more. My mom told me to call the McKellars. Again, no answer. I called again. No Answer (were none of our doctors home?).
Finally, without inquiring of my mom, I called my dad. He told me to do the same thing (after all, great minds think a like :D). Soon, I just gave the phone to my mom. I was really worried.
Soon, my dad arrived home. He said that it was not broken or sprained (thankfully), but said that the nail would probably fall off. I was thankful and disgusted at the same time. My mom said that Benjamin should just go lie down and try to fall asleep so that what had happened would hopefully escape his memory so that he would be in less pain. I was so-o-o-o relieved!
When we finally arrived at the doctors, the swelling had started big time. He presented us with some medicine to give to Benjamin. I am so glad that he didn’t break his thumb. When we arrived home, my mom and I went back to constructing the beds.
-Kristina I.
Have you ever marveled what it would be like to smash your finger (or thumb) in a hinge of a door? I have. I was helping my mom construct my brothers’ bunk beds, when exactly that happened….to my brother.
My mom and I were functioning as fast as we could (trying to get done before dinner) without messing up. Basically, we were working as fast as snails. Finally we got the first bed built. ½ way there! I was about to say something, when my brother, Benjamin’s piercing shriek rang through the house. Horror scenes overflowed in my mind. What could be wrong? My mom bolted out the door and up the stairs to find out what was wrong. I soon proceeded after her, tears assembling behind my eyes because I was worrying so much.
When I reached my mom, I found Elizabeth (my sister) shaking and crying. I was pretty sure I heard her apologizing over and over again for something in between sobs. Uh, oh, I thought. That can’t be good. Then I saw Benjamin. His thumb was black, blue, and purple. My first contemplation was, EEEWWWW!! Then I felt bad and wondered what had happened. Tears blinding his eyes, a look of pain, distress, and horror extended over his face. It was heart breaking. My mom mouthed five words; slammed, in, hinge, of, door.
My mom hoisted Benjamin up and asked me to get him some ice and Tylenol. I was so worried! I kept pondering if he had broken it or not. I practically sprinted to get the Tylenol and ice, but when I tried to bestow them to him, he refused. In my head, the same thought came over and over again; what are we going to do!?
My mom was running out of options. I could see the frustration and worry in her face. She instructed me to call the Spinellis. I called, wondering what I was going to say. No Answer. I called again. No Answer. Worry slowly crept into my mind even more. My mom told me to call the McKellars. Again, no answer. I called again. No Answer (were none of our doctors home?).
Finally, without inquiring of my mom, I called my dad. He told me to do the same thing (after all, great minds think a like :D). Soon, I just gave the phone to my mom. I was really worried.
Soon, my dad arrived home. He said that it was not broken or sprained (thankfully), but said that the nail would probably fall off. I was thankful and disgusted at the same time. My mom said that Benjamin should just go lie down and try to fall asleep so that what had happened would hopefully escape his memory so that he would be in less pain. I was so-o-o-o relieved!
When we finally arrived at the doctors, the swelling had started big time. He presented us with some medicine to give to Benjamin. I am so glad that he didn’t break his thumb. When we arrived home, my mom and I went back to constructing the beds.
-Kristina I.
Waiting
Waiting
by: Brillian qi-Bell
I stood there waiting. My mom was taking forever. “Well” I inquired. “Oh yeah someone’s coming to see you”. “I think I know who!” I exclaimed. I jumped for joy. My dark brown hair got in my face. Ahh it’s dark.
I rushed to the big school building. I was so excited. I had to inform everyone what happened last night. No one took any interest. I was so angry. I screamed a bit to loud while stomping my blue flip flop “HE ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR AND Has forgotten lately” my voice softened as I spoke. I was a bit scared of my voice. Along with others.
I waited impatiently. I hate waiting. I paced back and forwards. “ Where could she be?” I thought. It was Tab, my mom’s friend, who picked me up. We proceeded to her house. Waiting was over. Almost.
Great more waiting. When would he be here? I’ve been waiting this whole day exited waiting and where is he? I ran to my room upset after all the waiting and he doesn’t show up. Disappointment.
I heard a car. I rushed to the window. It was a black car. Could it be? After all this time? I was so happy I could well consume all the ice cream in the world. I rushed to the door and said “Dad ! you’re here!” . Finally. The waiting was over.
by: Brillian qi-Bell
I stood there waiting. My mom was taking forever. “Well” I inquired. “Oh yeah someone’s coming to see you”. “I think I know who!” I exclaimed. I jumped for joy. My dark brown hair got in my face. Ahh it’s dark.
I rushed to the big school building. I was so excited. I had to inform everyone what happened last night. No one took any interest. I was so angry. I screamed a bit to loud while stomping my blue flip flop “HE ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR AND Has forgotten lately” my voice softened as I spoke. I was a bit scared of my voice. Along with others.
I waited impatiently. I hate waiting. I paced back and forwards. “ Where could she be?” I thought. It was Tab, my mom’s friend, who picked me up. We proceeded to her house. Waiting was over. Almost.
Great more waiting. When would he be here? I’ve been waiting this whole day exited waiting and where is he? I ran to my room upset after all the waiting and he doesn’t show up. Disappointment.
I heard a car. I rushed to the window. It was a black car. Could it be? After all this time? I was so happy I could well consume all the ice cream in the world. I rushed to the door and said “Dad ! you’re here!” . Finally. The waiting was over.
Squish
Squish
By: Jenna S.
It was all an accident. I didn’t mean to discover it, but good thing I did.
It was a school night, I had to go to bed in half an hour. I wanted to squeeze in a little episode of “Survivor.” So I went over to the T.V. in the living room. I analyzed the recorded list, not there. I had to go downstairs. I did not want to go downstairs by myself. So I almost went to bed. But then I decided I wasn’t tired yet. I ran downstairs. With my first step, I hadn’t realized it. But then it hit me. My feet were icy cold and so was the carpet. EEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!
I took a few more steps and I realized this wasn’t just a little, fixable leak in the ceiling, this was a flood!! The carpet didn’t have standing water so it looked completely normal. The carpet was soaking wet underneath! My feet were numb they were so cold so I raced to dry land and screamed for my mother. Thoughts were scrambling around in my brain. I couldn’t think straight!
“Mom!!!” I screamed.
She came down examining the situation. She was quiet for a moment. I froze for what she would say next. “She may be mad,” I thought looking at the options. She finally said, “Well………” I could tell she didn’t know how to react.
“Maybe we should call Dad,” I suggested bravely.
“No, he’s coaching.”
“But he’d know what to do!” I urged.
“Well, I can handle this too. We’ll just call some friends to see if they have more fans, okay Jenna?” She said, seeing the doubt in my eyes.
“Okay,” I said quietly, still thinking Dad should know about this. I was thinking, “How will I ever get to bed on time? I had Map Testing the next day!”
Well, my mom finally called my dad. Of course, he didn’t answer because he was currently coaching my brother’s baseball team. So we called our neighbors, Bryce and Michelle. They were having their baby, Ryan, the next day so we didn’t want to bother them too much. They had some fans for us which really helped! They wanted to help more, but we told them no, they needed to get their rest. So next we called our friends who live 15 minutes away. They had two shop-vacs, which we really needed, so we drove over there. On our way there my dad called back, but my mom couldn’t answer because she was driving. So I answered.
I told him all about it, and then he said, “How mad do you think Mom is on a scale of one to ten?”
“Well, 4 or 3, I’d say she’s not mad, but she doesn’t know what to do next, you know?”
“Yeah, alright I’ll meet you at home.”
“Okay, love you, bye.”
When we got home, people were swarming our driveway. They had fans and dehumidifiers. So we quickly said goodnight to our neighbors and brought the equipment downstairs.
Once we had turned on all the fans, shop-vacs, and dehumidifiers, it was as loud as a show of fireworks that never ended.
I was so pooped out, I couldn’t fall a sleep because of that noise!
My mom finally said I had to go to bed. I had Map Testing the next day, and she saw me drifting off a bit, so off to bed I went. The noise was so hectic, when I went upstairs my ears went crazy. However with the door shut tightly, I could only hear the equipment faintly in my bedroom.
I went straight to bed. I didn’t brush my teeth or change into pajamas, just walked straight to bed. I had a review of the day in my mind. I realized I never got to watch that episode of “Survivor” that I had wanted to squeeze in. But I guess if I hadn’t followed my conscience, I never would have discovered this. “Boy,” I thought, “That would have been a huge surprise for the next person that went down there!”
By: Jenna S.
It was all an accident. I didn’t mean to discover it, but good thing I did.
It was a school night, I had to go to bed in half an hour. I wanted to squeeze in a little episode of “Survivor.” So I went over to the T.V. in the living room. I analyzed the recorded list, not there. I had to go downstairs. I did not want to go downstairs by myself. So I almost went to bed. But then I decided I wasn’t tired yet. I ran downstairs. With my first step, I hadn’t realized it. But then it hit me. My feet were icy cold and so was the carpet. EEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!
I took a few more steps and I realized this wasn’t just a little, fixable leak in the ceiling, this was a flood!! The carpet didn’t have standing water so it looked completely normal. The carpet was soaking wet underneath! My feet were numb they were so cold so I raced to dry land and screamed for my mother. Thoughts were scrambling around in my brain. I couldn’t think straight!
“Mom!!!” I screamed.
She came down examining the situation. She was quiet for a moment. I froze for what she would say next. “She may be mad,” I thought looking at the options. She finally said, “Well………” I could tell she didn’t know how to react.
“Maybe we should call Dad,” I suggested bravely.
“No, he’s coaching.”
“But he’d know what to do!” I urged.
“Well, I can handle this too. We’ll just call some friends to see if they have more fans, okay Jenna?” She said, seeing the doubt in my eyes.
“Okay,” I said quietly, still thinking Dad should know about this. I was thinking, “How will I ever get to bed on time? I had Map Testing the next day!”
Well, my mom finally called my dad. Of course, he didn’t answer because he was currently coaching my brother’s baseball team. So we called our neighbors, Bryce and Michelle. They were having their baby, Ryan, the next day so we didn’t want to bother them too much. They had some fans for us which really helped! They wanted to help more, but we told them no, they needed to get their rest. So next we called our friends who live 15 minutes away. They had two shop-vacs, which we really needed, so we drove over there. On our way there my dad called back, but my mom couldn’t answer because she was driving. So I answered.
I told him all about it, and then he said, “How mad do you think Mom is on a scale of one to ten?”
“Well, 4 or 3, I’d say she’s not mad, but she doesn’t know what to do next, you know?”
“Yeah, alright I’ll meet you at home.”
“Okay, love you, bye.”
When we got home, people were swarming our driveway. They had fans and dehumidifiers. So we quickly said goodnight to our neighbors and brought the equipment downstairs.
Once we had turned on all the fans, shop-vacs, and dehumidifiers, it was as loud as a show of fireworks that never ended.
I was so pooped out, I couldn’t fall a sleep because of that noise!
My mom finally said I had to go to bed. I had Map Testing the next day, and she saw me drifting off a bit, so off to bed I went. The noise was so hectic, when I went upstairs my ears went crazy. However with the door shut tightly, I could only hear the equipment faintly in my bedroom.
I went straight to bed. I didn’t brush my teeth or change into pajamas, just walked straight to bed. I had a review of the day in my mind. I realized I never got to watch that episode of “Survivor” that I had wanted to squeeze in. But I guess if I hadn’t followed my conscience, I never would have discovered this. “Boy,” I thought, “That would have been a huge surprise for the next person that went down there!”
Football 24/7
Football 24/7
By Jackson L.
I snatched my Ben Rothlisburger jersey and dashed downstairs! I put on my shoes in record time and wizzed through the door! My dad honked. The honk still screaming in my ear,I bounded into the car. We were off to Kansas City!
After we went to a World war 1 musium and a craft place called kaliedoscope, we got to our hotel and met Ryan Malliard.
“Hi Ryan,” I yelled across the parking lot.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing much,” he replied. He always says that. Sometimes it gets annoying and old. But right then didn’t matter, because in less than tweny four hours we would be in Arrow Head Stadium watching the Chiefs play the Steelers!
After than conversation we decided to go swimming. We were swimming when three other kids came. Ryan had a mini football so we played that with them. But when they were trying to get the ball, they would always scratch us up. So at the end we had scratches all over us.
“That hurt,” I explained.
“Yea,” Ryan replied dumbly. I managed a little chuckle but that was it.
After we showered we went greedily to a resturant. There was a long line but we waited. In line Ryan would sing this really annoying song called “Meet me hal’ve way”.
Ryan would sing “meet me hal’ve way.”
I would yell “stop it.” But he never would.
Finally when we got to the front of the line, Ryan wanted a hot dog. So we all ordered. The cashier said all of our orders to his cooks, and then when he got to Ryan’s order, he said “one kid dog.” We all laughed, hard. I could see Ryan’s face starting to get red like a tomato, so I said I was sorry and we got our food.
After we ate I asked Ryan if it was worth the 1 hour to 45 minute wait.
He said “Yes.” That was funny because it was a place known for its BBQ, and he got a hot dog.
When we got back to our hotel, we went to sleep, fast.
I could hear Ryan calling my name, so I scribbled my last pick, Pittsburgh over Kansas City! I made a mad dash to the balcony. Once outside the fresh air hit me. It felt so good to be outside, a little chilly because the November breeze. But still a perfect day for a football game!
“Jackson,” Ryan yelled from the opposite balcony.
“Yea,” I replied sleepily.
“Do you want to play a football game?” he asked.
“Two football games in a day,”I replied. Then it hit me. Together on a team we were unstopable. “Awesome,” I said, my whole expresion changing.
Once outside we were ready, Ryan in his Chief jersey, me in my Steelers jersy. Five other kids came to play. We let them have the ball first but first play Ryan intercepted the pass! So we had the ball. Ryan threw a streaking pass to me, and I danced along the sidelinefor a touchdown! It went like that untill the big game.
Our hotel was right across the sreet from Arrow Head Stadium, so we started walking. I was relieved that it was a short walk, and we didn’t have to find parking. Once we got there, there was a long line. I was getting frustrated because it was the second long line we’ve waited in, in 24 hours. Finally, we got to the front and got into the stadium. My dad left us because he and his buddies had better seats. I was kind of jealous but our seats were still good, when we got to them. Then first kickoff the Chiefs scored a touchdown! The fans went nuts.
“Yes,” Ryan bragged.
“That will change,” I shot back. But it never did. It went into overtime. In overtime, the Steelers QB Ben Rothlisburger got a concusion. So the back up came in, but still, they ended up loosing by 3 points. I was dissapointed on how they played. On the way out all of the Chief fans were singing this really irritating song, it went like…
“ay oh ay oh ay oh oh ay oh.”
After we got out of the statium everybody exept my dad jumped into Ryan’s car and left our hotel. Since the Steelers lost I hoped that the other good team in the division lost. The game wasn’t over yet. It ended up going into overtime. The Bengals ended up loosing by three.
I started celebrating. And that was the end of our K.C. trip and my first NFL game.
By Jackson L.
I snatched my Ben Rothlisburger jersey and dashed downstairs! I put on my shoes in record time and wizzed through the door! My dad honked. The honk still screaming in my ear,I bounded into the car. We were off to Kansas City!
After we went to a World war 1 musium and a craft place called kaliedoscope, we got to our hotel and met Ryan Malliard.
“Hi Ryan,” I yelled across the parking lot.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing much,” he replied. He always says that. Sometimes it gets annoying and old. But right then didn’t matter, because in less than tweny four hours we would be in Arrow Head Stadium watching the Chiefs play the Steelers!
After than conversation we decided to go swimming. We were swimming when three other kids came. Ryan had a mini football so we played that with them. But when they were trying to get the ball, they would always scratch us up. So at the end we had scratches all over us.
“That hurt,” I explained.
“Yea,” Ryan replied dumbly. I managed a little chuckle but that was it.
After we showered we went greedily to a resturant. There was a long line but we waited. In line Ryan would sing this really annoying song called “Meet me hal’ve way”.
Ryan would sing “meet me hal’ve way.”
I would yell “stop it.” But he never would.
Finally when we got to the front of the line, Ryan wanted a hot dog. So we all ordered. The cashier said all of our orders to his cooks, and then when he got to Ryan’s order, he said “one kid dog.” We all laughed, hard. I could see Ryan’s face starting to get red like a tomato, so I said I was sorry and we got our food.
After we ate I asked Ryan if it was worth the 1 hour to 45 minute wait.
He said “Yes.” That was funny because it was a place known for its BBQ, and he got a hot dog.
When we got back to our hotel, we went to sleep, fast.
I could hear Ryan calling my name, so I scribbled my last pick, Pittsburgh over Kansas City! I made a mad dash to the balcony. Once outside the fresh air hit me. It felt so good to be outside, a little chilly because the November breeze. But still a perfect day for a football game!
“Jackson,” Ryan yelled from the opposite balcony.
“Yea,” I replied sleepily.
“Do you want to play a football game?” he asked.
“Two football games in a day,”I replied. Then it hit me. Together on a team we were unstopable. “Awesome,” I said, my whole expresion changing.
Once outside we were ready, Ryan in his Chief jersey, me in my Steelers jersy. Five other kids came to play. We let them have the ball first but first play Ryan intercepted the pass! So we had the ball. Ryan threw a streaking pass to me, and I danced along the sidelinefor a touchdown! It went like that untill the big game.
Our hotel was right across the sreet from Arrow Head Stadium, so we started walking. I was relieved that it was a short walk, and we didn’t have to find parking. Once we got there, there was a long line. I was getting frustrated because it was the second long line we’ve waited in, in 24 hours. Finally, we got to the front and got into the stadium. My dad left us because he and his buddies had better seats. I was kind of jealous but our seats were still good, when we got to them. Then first kickoff the Chiefs scored a touchdown! The fans went nuts.
“Yes,” Ryan bragged.
“That will change,” I shot back. But it never did. It went into overtime. In overtime, the Steelers QB Ben Rothlisburger got a concusion. So the back up came in, but still, they ended up loosing by 3 points. I was dissapointed on how they played. On the way out all of the Chief fans were singing this really irritating song, it went like…
“ay oh ay oh ay oh oh ay oh.”
After we got out of the statium everybody exept my dad jumped into Ryan’s car and left our hotel. Since the Steelers lost I hoped that the other good team in the division lost. The game wasn’t over yet. It ended up going into overtime. The Bengals ended up loosing by three.
I started celebrating. And that was the end of our K.C. trip and my first NFL game.
First Wreck
“Ahhh! Help!” my cousin and I shrieked for our lives. There’s dust and rocks soaring everywhere. The world just seemed as If it had stopped. This all began when……..
We reached the top speed! We had no traction to the ground what’s so ever nut then we made a sharp turn. Not such a good idea though because it went up hill. We couldn’t make it up when it was that steep. “Oh no,” my cousin slams her foot down on the gas as hard as she could to at least try to make it up but that didn’t help. I knew something bad was going to happen. We started to flip backwards. “Help,” as we screamed for our lives.
Once we quit flipping we ended up upside down. My cousin and I were still in our seat belts dangling from our seats. I reached for my seat belt. Click. I dropped from my seat to the hard asphalt. Ouch I yelled. You could smell all the dust that ran all around us. After I got my seat belt off I got out of my seat to the other side of the go-kart and bolted to my cousin on the other side of the go-kart to help her get out. I quickly reached for her seat belt. She dropped from her seat with a hard bang. My cousin and I didn’t know what to do. “Should we tell them,” I wondered?
We started to think of ideas but none of them we ended up doing. Finally we come up with an idea. “We should go to the door and you run in while I go tell m mom what happened.” I suggested.
“Ok sounds good.” My cousin answered.
As we started toward the door I was terrified to tell my mom what happened. I peeked in to see if the coast was clear. It was. My cousin ran in the door and into the bathroom and I ran to go find my mom. I finally found her. I took a deep breath and said “mom…. Ashley and I wrecked the go-kart.”
“Where’s Ashley?” My mom questioned.
“In the bathroom,” I replied.
My mom and me go and get her mom and go to see what she was doing. Then we got to the bathroom to see what Ashley was doing. When we got there she was crying and wiping off all the dust off her face. Ashley and I had scrapes and bruise everywhere. We both could move though so we knew we didn’t break anything. We were both relieved.
Our mom’s helped us get all the dust and blood off of us. Once I had told my mom it had felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Ashley and I both agreed we wouldn’t go on the go-kart next time, at least not for awhile.
Now I’ve told you about the accident you now know why I’m not a fan of go-karts.
We reached the top speed! We had no traction to the ground what’s so ever nut then we made a sharp turn. Not such a good idea though because it went up hill. We couldn’t make it up when it was that steep. “Oh no,” my cousin slams her foot down on the gas as hard as she could to at least try to make it up but that didn’t help. I knew something bad was going to happen. We started to flip backwards. “Help,” as we screamed for our lives.
Once we quit flipping we ended up upside down. My cousin and I were still in our seat belts dangling from our seats. I reached for my seat belt. Click. I dropped from my seat to the hard asphalt. Ouch I yelled. You could smell all the dust that ran all around us. After I got my seat belt off I got out of my seat to the other side of the go-kart and bolted to my cousin on the other side of the go-kart to help her get out. I quickly reached for her seat belt. She dropped from her seat with a hard bang. My cousin and I didn’t know what to do. “Should we tell them,” I wondered?
We started to think of ideas but none of them we ended up doing. Finally we come up with an idea. “We should go to the door and you run in while I go tell m mom what happened.” I suggested.
“Ok sounds good.” My cousin answered.
As we started toward the door I was terrified to tell my mom what happened. I peeked in to see if the coast was clear. It was. My cousin ran in the door and into the bathroom and I ran to go find my mom. I finally found her. I took a deep breath and said “mom…. Ashley and I wrecked the go-kart.”
“Where’s Ashley?” My mom questioned.
“In the bathroom,” I replied.
My mom and me go and get her mom and go to see what she was doing. Then we got to the bathroom to see what Ashley was doing. When we got there she was crying and wiping off all the dust off her face. Ashley and I had scrapes and bruise everywhere. We both could move though so we knew we didn’t break anything. We were both relieved.
Our mom’s helped us get all the dust and blood off of us. Once I had told my mom it had felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Ashley and I both agreed we wouldn’t go on the go-kart next time, at least not for awhile.
Now I’ve told you about the accident you now know why I’m not a fan of go-karts.
A WILD RIDE
I hopped into the van. I was as giddy as a child on Christmas morning. I was so eager. As our car glided smoothly along the pavement, I was practically out of my seat. I wasn’t aware of the long six hour drive ahead of me.
The drive was so long! When we got there, we were all happy. We got to our room and I was in awe. Our hotel room was huge! We had our own kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms. We unpacked and I was ready to swim. I loved Wisconsin Dells already.
The first night we were ready to swim. We ventured to one of the water parks. One of the rides was like you were in a raft during a hurricane. I was freaking out because I was scared. My mom said if I rode the hurricane, I could get my hair braided. Earlier I had asked if I could get my hair braided. Of course I was a scaredy cat and cried when we got done. But I still got my hair braided.
That night we went out to eat at a restaurant called Moose Jaws. I had the best food! It was SO good! They had a gift shop and we each selected something out. I got a tiny stuffed animal moose. It was a great dinner.
One of the days we went to a pool called The Mammoth. It was my favorite. The pool was huge and it was usually on wave mode. We were jumping up and down and I jumped with my legs behind me. I didn’t know how shallow it was and unfortunately, it was pretty shallow. “OW!” I said to myself. I landed on my knee. It didn’t hurt but when I got out, blood started showing up. Before I knew it, there was blood all over my knee. My mom and I went over to the first aid area. They wiped it with this certain stuff and then it started to sting. But later I just went swimming again.
In The Mammoth room there was a water slide. I am a big fan of water slides, especially if I’m in a raft and it is long. It was my all time favorite slide. I really enjoyed going on it over and over again.
Later my dad took my brothers and I to the back corner of the huge room. My brothers and I got a caricature done for my mom. It felt like HOURS before it was done. “Can I quit smiling yet?” I mumbled. But it was worth the wait because it turned out great! That was my favorite day at Wisconsin Dells.
I didn’t want the day to come when we had to start packing for home. I was especially not looking forward to leaving because this time I knew how long the drive was going to be. TOO LONG! When we got home I was glad.
When we got home and unpacked… well I’m not really sure what happened after that. Some memories have faded but some are as clear as a glass window, like the long walks from hotel room to water parks back to hotel room. But I do remember that was one of my favorite vacations.
The drive was so long! When we got there, we were all happy. We got to our room and I was in awe. Our hotel room was huge! We had our own kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms. We unpacked and I was ready to swim. I loved Wisconsin Dells already.
The first night we were ready to swim. We ventured to one of the water parks. One of the rides was like you were in a raft during a hurricane. I was freaking out because I was scared. My mom said if I rode the hurricane, I could get my hair braided. Earlier I had asked if I could get my hair braided. Of course I was a scaredy cat and cried when we got done. But I still got my hair braided.
That night we went out to eat at a restaurant called Moose Jaws. I had the best food! It was SO good! They had a gift shop and we each selected something out. I got a tiny stuffed animal moose. It was a great dinner.
One of the days we went to a pool called The Mammoth. It was my favorite. The pool was huge and it was usually on wave mode. We were jumping up and down and I jumped with my legs behind me. I didn’t know how shallow it was and unfortunately, it was pretty shallow. “OW!” I said to myself. I landed on my knee. It didn’t hurt but when I got out, blood started showing up. Before I knew it, there was blood all over my knee. My mom and I went over to the first aid area. They wiped it with this certain stuff and then it started to sting. But later I just went swimming again.
In The Mammoth room there was a water slide. I am a big fan of water slides, especially if I’m in a raft and it is long. It was my all time favorite slide. I really enjoyed going on it over and over again.
Later my dad took my brothers and I to the back corner of the huge room. My brothers and I got a caricature done for my mom. It felt like HOURS before it was done. “Can I quit smiling yet?” I mumbled. But it was worth the wait because it turned out great! That was my favorite day at Wisconsin Dells.
I didn’t want the day to come when we had to start packing for home. I was especially not looking forward to leaving because this time I knew how long the drive was going to be. TOO LONG! When we got home I was glad.
When we got home and unpacked… well I’m not really sure what happened after that. Some memories have faded but some are as clear as a glass window, like the long walks from hotel room to water parks back to hotel room. But I do remember that was one of my favorite vacations.
Love, Passion, and Feelings
Love, Passion, and Feelings
By: Kai C.
For Nasim, Our love is never-ending
Chicago. I wonder what's in store. I will never forget the foul yet welcoming stench, city lights, people talking, and beeping taxis. And now it comes to life before my eyes once again.
I didn't want to leave, not yet anyway. “Dad, I don't want to leave to leave yet," I whimpered. “But there’s a surprise at home you don't want to miss!" I brightened up at the thought and his enthusiasm. We were in the car all ready to go to Grandma Joyce's, in other words, Family Central. "Ok," I announced, “Let’s go!" I wonder what the surprise is, I thought. Ooooo, maybe it's a pony, was my first thought. Noooo, too funky, Grandma wouldn't like that. Maybe it's a new dog, or a new guppy, or.....
My mind trailed off to the many possibilities of surprise. I was just fine where I was.
I got out of the car and waited for dad to get my bags. He acted so normal not excited like the rest of the family would be. I opened Grandma's door and yelled," Hey Grandma Joyce, its Kai!" I knew my result would people running like Neanderthals toward me. Well they weren’t Neanderthals but after many gasps around the house they soon found their way to the door to greet me. I haven’t visited in a while and knew they missed me. I missed them too of course. When they had faded out and walked away after many question, I saw Jocelyn. She is my step mom and she is having another baby. Wow she sure looked tall. Her stomach looked like it was going to explode! “That’s 4 siblings, not so bad," I thought," What about my spotlight?"
I had grown up with the attention on me. When Nyela was born, she was always with the family so when I came along the spotlight was on me. She didn't know what to name him a Nya and I had ideas a plenty." Jacob, Benjamin, Sarah!"
“It’s a boy." “oh, Sari!" All the kids so far names started with N. Nyela, and Naomi. Anyway I was happy on the out side, but on the inside I knew my Baby Kai Spotlight was fading away.
Jocelyn and Dad sat me on the couch. "Oh great," I thought,"A talk." I felt like running to the living room and banging on the piano like a mad-women. But, I stayed calm on the outside, not letting anyone know how crazy I was going on the inside. They explained to me that they were having a baby on February 2, 2008. I tuned out of the conversation and faced my little sister Naomi, I hadn't got to see her when she was born or when she turned one or 2. I felt bad knowing this was one of our first encounters and she was already 2 years old. "What if this happens with the new baby?" I asked myself. I sank it to the cool leather sofa and imagined myself with the new baby. I rest back and tapped my feet to the rhythm of Naomi's breathing. It's good to be home.
I felt relieved to know that I would be visiting again soon. I would get to see Nasim! That is what Jocelyn named him. It was my father's middle name. Every night I thought of what he would look like. "I hope he looks like me" I had said to myself that night. Growing up anyone who wasn't a girl was foreign to me but I always got along with pets... and boys. I remember the first time I saw nasim, just a newborn. He had small, round eyes, the tiniest version of my gigantic nose and plump, peach colored lips. Nasim smiled a toothless smile that sent me over the edge. He was MINE! MY little brother, in MY family. The love between us never ended. Even when he had pneumonia and receiving constant asthma attacks, I was at his side when I could. Even when he threw up or blew up the bathroom, we were best friends no matter what happened in the whole wide world. Nothing at all. Except for me moving to Iowa.
I held Nasim for the last time before I departed. Have you ever held something so precious to you that if you bent or squeezed it, it would break? Nasim was ever so precious to me and life would be SO different in another state. But once again, it's life. The family nicknamed him Simi without my consent. I thought it didn't fit but was cute. A couple months later I heard he was talking! His first word was Family! I called a lot and listened to him gurgle and babble, but now he was talking! I was elated. Family is all you need and everything.
Thank YOU!
By: Kai C.
For Nasim, Our love is never-ending
Chicago. I wonder what's in store. I will never forget the foul yet welcoming stench, city lights, people talking, and beeping taxis. And now it comes to life before my eyes once again.
I didn't want to leave, not yet anyway. “Dad, I don't want to leave to leave yet," I whimpered. “But there’s a surprise at home you don't want to miss!" I brightened up at the thought and his enthusiasm. We were in the car all ready to go to Grandma Joyce's, in other words, Family Central. "Ok," I announced, “Let’s go!" I wonder what the surprise is, I thought. Ooooo, maybe it's a pony, was my first thought. Noooo, too funky, Grandma wouldn't like that. Maybe it's a new dog, or a new guppy, or.....
My mind trailed off to the many possibilities of surprise. I was just fine where I was.
I got out of the car and waited for dad to get my bags. He acted so normal not excited like the rest of the family would be. I opened Grandma's door and yelled," Hey Grandma Joyce, its Kai!" I knew my result would people running like Neanderthals toward me. Well they weren’t Neanderthals but after many gasps around the house they soon found their way to the door to greet me. I haven’t visited in a while and knew they missed me. I missed them too of course. When they had faded out and walked away after many question, I saw Jocelyn. She is my step mom and she is having another baby. Wow she sure looked tall. Her stomach looked like it was going to explode! “That’s 4 siblings, not so bad," I thought," What about my spotlight?"
I had grown up with the attention on me. When Nyela was born, she was always with the family so when I came along the spotlight was on me. She didn't know what to name him a Nya and I had ideas a plenty." Jacob, Benjamin, Sarah!"
“It’s a boy." “oh, Sari!" All the kids so far names started with N. Nyela, and Naomi. Anyway I was happy on the out side, but on the inside I knew my Baby Kai Spotlight was fading away.
Jocelyn and Dad sat me on the couch. "Oh great," I thought,"A talk." I felt like running to the living room and banging on the piano like a mad-women. But, I stayed calm on the outside, not letting anyone know how crazy I was going on the inside. They explained to me that they were having a baby on February 2, 2008. I tuned out of the conversation and faced my little sister Naomi, I hadn't got to see her when she was born or when she turned one or 2. I felt bad knowing this was one of our first encounters and she was already 2 years old. "What if this happens with the new baby?" I asked myself. I sank it to the cool leather sofa and imagined myself with the new baby. I rest back and tapped my feet to the rhythm of Naomi's breathing. It's good to be home.
I felt relieved to know that I would be visiting again soon. I would get to see Nasim! That is what Jocelyn named him. It was my father's middle name. Every night I thought of what he would look like. "I hope he looks like me" I had said to myself that night. Growing up anyone who wasn't a girl was foreign to me but I always got along with pets... and boys. I remember the first time I saw nasim, just a newborn. He had small, round eyes, the tiniest version of my gigantic nose and plump, peach colored lips. Nasim smiled a toothless smile that sent me over the edge. He was MINE! MY little brother, in MY family. The love between us never ended. Even when he had pneumonia and receiving constant asthma attacks, I was at his side when I could. Even when he threw up or blew up the bathroom, we were best friends no matter what happened in the whole wide world. Nothing at all. Except for me moving to Iowa.
I held Nasim for the last time before I departed. Have you ever held something so precious to you that if you bent or squeezed it, it would break? Nasim was ever so precious to me and life would be SO different in another state. But once again, it's life. The family nicknamed him Simi without my consent. I thought it didn't fit but was cute. A couple months later I heard he was talking! His first word was Family! I called a lot and listened to him gurgle and babble, but now he was talking! I was elated. Family is all you need and everything.
Thank YOU!
Air Soft Wars
I was yelling “Connor where are you?” Then he pops out and yells, “I’m right here!” Then I pause. He has his finger on the trigger then I yell “don’t shoot!” he has the gun pointed at my lip, he wait’s about 5-10 sec. and pulls the trigger. Then I scream and my mom and dad come running over with Connor’s mom. I’m telling my dad what happened while Connor is telling both of our moms a lie. (Like always) After that I tell my mom what really happened. Then out of the blue he scream’s you liar. I was furious. I was so mad I thought I was going to punch him, but my mom stopped me and told me not to go by him. After that I barely used my air soft gun again.
The next day I was inside, not wanting to go back outside. I was still furious with Connor; I did not fell well at all. I was still wondering if Connor was going to apologize to me. I was still mad at him because he did it on purpose. I started to walk outside and I can see everyone at Connor’s driveway and they were staring at me. I didn’t want to know if they were talking about me. At that time I was sad and mad at the same time. I was wandering if he would say it was my fault.
The next day I felt OK. Still disipointed at what he did to me. I never wanted to talk to him again. He was probably never going to say sorry for what he did.
The next day he called to apologize, but I did not accept the apology.
By: Logan R.
The next day I was inside, not wanting to go back outside. I was still furious with Connor; I did not fell well at all. I was still wondering if Connor was going to apologize to me. I was still mad at him because he did it on purpose. I started to walk outside and I can see everyone at Connor’s driveway and they were staring at me. I didn’t want to know if they were talking about me. At that time I was sad and mad at the same time. I was wandering if he would say it was my fault.
The next day I felt OK. Still disipointed at what he did to me. I never wanted to talk to him again. He was probably never going to say sorry for what he did.
The next day he called to apologize, but I did not accept the apology.
By: Logan R.
The Big Red Fire Truck
Sunday October 31, 2010
The Big Red Fire Truck
When I was about 4 years old my family and I were driving to the small town of Estherville in Iowa, to see our Grandparents. Once we got to their house I scrambled out of the car, so excited to see my Grandparents. I bolted up to their garage finding my Grandpa tinkering with some wood. He turned around and saw me and smiled. I returned his smile with a giggle and a hug. He smelled of sawdust and their house. After everyone unpacked our things, my Grandpa said “I have a surprise for you!”
He went over to one of the custom made wooden shelves and pulled down a red plastic fire truck. I smiled and he set it on the ground in front of me. “COOL!’’ I yelled. I jumped into it and felt the urge to peddle off into the driveway. I started to peddle as fast as I could towards my mom. I circled up in front of her standing next to the car tired from a long drive. She put on a small but noticeable smile. That satisfied me and I rode off again. I was so much more excited than I was at first. It was like it was a real fire truck since I was so little!
Then finally the time came to leave the little white house, the big tree in the front yard, and even my grandpas small little workshop. Before we left we ate some good breakfast and said our goodbyes. I rode in the bright red fire truck with homemade ladders on the side one more time. I was sad we had to leave. Even more because I couldn’t take to fire truck home to show all my friends.
On the way of the long drive home we stopped dairy queen and I was slightly happier again. We drove past lots of brick buildings and small houses. We even passed some small little farms, before we finally got to out house in West Des Moines.
Tragically after a couple of years my loving grandpa, who had given me the fire truck had passed away. So we made the three-hour drive back to the small little house. We got there and cleaned the scruffy basement, with all the cobwebs and boxes. We finished with task after task trying to make the house look good for us to sell it. We came across the forgotten fire truck. When we finished cleaning we put it in the back trunk and drove back home.
Now that big red fire truck with the homemade ladder and the small little peddles now sits in our garage, waiting for its next adventure.
-Ashton J. Nelson
The Big Red Fire Truck
When I was about 4 years old my family and I were driving to the small town of Estherville in Iowa, to see our Grandparents. Once we got to their house I scrambled out of the car, so excited to see my Grandparents. I bolted up to their garage finding my Grandpa tinkering with some wood. He turned around and saw me and smiled. I returned his smile with a giggle and a hug. He smelled of sawdust and their house. After everyone unpacked our things, my Grandpa said “I have a surprise for you!”
He went over to one of the custom made wooden shelves and pulled down a red plastic fire truck. I smiled and he set it on the ground in front of me. “COOL!’’ I yelled. I jumped into it and felt the urge to peddle off into the driveway. I started to peddle as fast as I could towards my mom. I circled up in front of her standing next to the car tired from a long drive. She put on a small but noticeable smile. That satisfied me and I rode off again. I was so much more excited than I was at first. It was like it was a real fire truck since I was so little!
Then finally the time came to leave the little white house, the big tree in the front yard, and even my grandpas small little workshop. Before we left we ate some good breakfast and said our goodbyes. I rode in the bright red fire truck with homemade ladders on the side one more time. I was sad we had to leave. Even more because I couldn’t take to fire truck home to show all my friends.
On the way of the long drive home we stopped dairy queen and I was slightly happier again. We drove past lots of brick buildings and small houses. We even passed some small little farms, before we finally got to out house in West Des Moines.
Tragically after a couple of years my loving grandpa, who had given me the fire truck had passed away. So we made the three-hour drive back to the small little house. We got there and cleaned the scruffy basement, with all the cobwebs and boxes. We finished with task after task trying to make the house look good for us to sell it. We came across the forgotten fire truck. When we finished cleaning we put it in the back trunk and drove back home.
Now that big red fire truck with the homemade ladder and the small little peddles now sits in our garage, waiting for its next adventure.
-Ashton J. Nelson
The Best Christmas Ever
I walked out the airport doors and stretched my legs. I was so thankful to get off the plane. I breathed in the crisp air. I was tired, hungry, and I missed home.
We waited outside for a while. I was so excited for the Christmas ahead of me. I hoped my first Christmas in Atlanta would be fun. It seemed like it took forever for the car to come.
Finally when the car came my uncle and my cousin Anusha got out. I was excited to see them. It made me feel happy and less homesick.
It was really awkward between my younger cousin and me in the car we didn’t talk at all. I was happy when the ride was over.
The same awkwardness occurred between my older cousin and me later that day. But soon we started talking more and I had no homesickness.
My cousins and me did a lot of things together. We watched TV, played games, it was really fun. It felt good to spend time with my family. I was very thankful.
Time flew by very fast. Before we knew it, it was Christmas Eve.
I remember on Christmas Eve how excited everyone was for Christmas. I woke up the next morning almost completely forgetting it was Christmas, well until I saw the presents.
There were so many in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. It was very overwhelming, in a good way of course.
We all sat down together and opened presents. Everyone was happy and excited. Me especially. I never wanted to leave.
Unfortunately the trip had to come to an end. I felt sad. We said our goodbyes in front of the driveway. We didn’t want to leave but we had to or we would miss our flight.
We drove off. I tried to think positive, like I would get to go home and sleep in my own bed. It was an eventful trip that I would never forget.
By Unnati K. ☺
We waited outside for a while. I was so excited for the Christmas ahead of me. I hoped my first Christmas in Atlanta would be fun. It seemed like it took forever for the car to come.
Finally when the car came my uncle and my cousin Anusha got out. I was excited to see them. It made me feel happy and less homesick.
It was really awkward between my younger cousin and me in the car we didn’t talk at all. I was happy when the ride was over.
The same awkwardness occurred between my older cousin and me later that day. But soon we started talking more and I had no homesickness.
My cousins and me did a lot of things together. We watched TV, played games, it was really fun. It felt good to spend time with my family. I was very thankful.
Time flew by very fast. Before we knew it, it was Christmas Eve.
I remember on Christmas Eve how excited everyone was for Christmas. I woke up the next morning almost completely forgetting it was Christmas, well until I saw the presents.
There were so many in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. It was very overwhelming, in a good way of course.
We all sat down together and opened presents. Everyone was happy and excited. Me especially. I never wanted to leave.
Unfortunately the trip had to come to an end. I felt sad. We said our goodbyes in front of the driveway. We didn’t want to leave but we had to or we would miss our flight.
We drove off. I tried to think positive, like I would get to go home and sleep in my own bed. It was an eventful trip that I would never forget.
By Unnati K. ☺
The Amazing Trip I Will Never Forget!
The Amazing Trip I Will Never Forget!
I could hear the rumble of the tires as we were driving. “When are we going to get there?” I was thinking in my head. I just wanted to get out of that car. It’s such a long ride to South Dakota. We decided to burst out songs to waste the time.
We were on our way to the campground and I was admiring the mountains in amazement. “I wish I could climb up them” I said. Then all of a sudden my dad stopped driving because there were buffalo in the middle of the road. So we got out of the car and took pictures with them. Then we finally went on our way and got to the campground.
The next morning we took a hike up a mountain. I don’t know how my mom felt because she is afraid of heights. We also ate lunch on top of the mountain. It was really fun! That same day we also went to Mount Rushmore because the hike was close by. We had this guy talk about Mount Rushmore and I was about to fall asleep because it was so boring!
The next day we went to the Flintstone Campground. Right when we got there it started to rain like crazy. The rain didn’t stop us from playing at the theme park. My mom was just taking pictures and videos of us. It was so fun! When we got back to our camper I was soaking wet.
When it was our final day we were just hanging around the camp ground. It was sad that we had to leave the next day. It was really fun the last day because my brother was being silly. He took my sunglasses, which were way too small for him because I was little, and a straw hat and did all these tricks with his scooter he brought. My mom was taking video of it the whole time.
When we woke up the next morning we had to leave. I didn’t want to leave because I had a blast in South Dakota. My mom videotaped and took a lot of pictures of everything we did. I was very sad we had to leave but we had a great time. BY: Alexis P. 11/1/10
I could hear the rumble of the tires as we were driving. “When are we going to get there?” I was thinking in my head. I just wanted to get out of that car. It’s such a long ride to South Dakota. We decided to burst out songs to waste the time.
We were on our way to the campground and I was admiring the mountains in amazement. “I wish I could climb up them” I said. Then all of a sudden my dad stopped driving because there were buffalo in the middle of the road. So we got out of the car and took pictures with them. Then we finally went on our way and got to the campground.
The next morning we took a hike up a mountain. I don’t know how my mom felt because she is afraid of heights. We also ate lunch on top of the mountain. It was really fun! That same day we also went to Mount Rushmore because the hike was close by. We had this guy talk about Mount Rushmore and I was about to fall asleep because it was so boring!
The next day we went to the Flintstone Campground. Right when we got there it started to rain like crazy. The rain didn’t stop us from playing at the theme park. My mom was just taking pictures and videos of us. It was so fun! When we got back to our camper I was soaking wet.
When it was our final day we were just hanging around the camp ground. It was sad that we had to leave the next day. It was really fun the last day because my brother was being silly. He took my sunglasses, which were way too small for him because I was little, and a straw hat and did all these tricks with his scooter he brought. My mom was taking video of it the whole time.
When we woke up the next morning we had to leave. I didn’t want to leave because I had a blast in South Dakota. My mom videotaped and took a lot of pictures of everything we did. I was very sad we had to leave but we had a great time. BY: Alexis P. 11/1/10
The Fun Airsoft War
The Fun Airsoft War
In one of my airsoft wars I was running away from one of my friends. I was thinking to myself, “Drew, you don’t want to let up or else you’re done for”! So I kept on running. I was about to round a corner and I was thinking to myself then, “Drew, you don’t want to go around that corner”, but then I went around the corner and got shot right in the chest.
Flashback: So I was riding my bike over to Cade’s house to have an airsoft war. I was just hauling on my bike to go over there with my gun on my back and it was very heavy. My back was hurting and then I finally got to Cade’s house and my back hurt even more. When I got there we picked teams and I was with Cade and Reece and Carson were on a team and we began a war.
Cade and I went to hide first and it was at Cade’s house so he knew all the good hiding spots. We went to one of his good hiding spots under his deck and his deck is big, so we could fit real easily. Then we hear Reece and Carson coming so we stay still. They came sprinting as if they knew where we were so we shot through the holes in his deck and he missed Carson but I hit Reece.
I just shot Reece and now he is in pain and Cade and I are laughing at him. We went to the front to pick more teams. I really wanted to be on Reece’s team and it worked cause we ended up being partners. We let Cade and Carson hide and we counted to sixty and went out to find them.
After Reece and I counted we went out to find them. We were walking and trying to be quiet and we were both looking around. Then Cade pops out at us so we try shooting him but we missed and so we ran. When we were running, Reece got hit so I ran harder. I was about to run around a corner and Carson was right there and he shot me right in the chest. It didn’t feel good, I was in pain.
So after I got shot I was sitting in front of Cade’s house and we were talking about the war. So we talked for a while then I learned to never turn a corner in an airsoft war without looking because if you do you will probably get shot.
By: Drew J.
In one of my airsoft wars I was running away from one of my friends. I was thinking to myself, “Drew, you don’t want to let up or else you’re done for”! So I kept on running. I was about to round a corner and I was thinking to myself then, “Drew, you don’t want to go around that corner”, but then I went around the corner and got shot right in the chest.
Flashback: So I was riding my bike over to Cade’s house to have an airsoft war. I was just hauling on my bike to go over there with my gun on my back and it was very heavy. My back was hurting and then I finally got to Cade’s house and my back hurt even more. When I got there we picked teams and I was with Cade and Reece and Carson were on a team and we began a war.
Cade and I went to hide first and it was at Cade’s house so he knew all the good hiding spots. We went to one of his good hiding spots under his deck and his deck is big, so we could fit real easily. Then we hear Reece and Carson coming so we stay still. They came sprinting as if they knew where we were so we shot through the holes in his deck and he missed Carson but I hit Reece.
I just shot Reece and now he is in pain and Cade and I are laughing at him. We went to the front to pick more teams. I really wanted to be on Reece’s team and it worked cause we ended up being partners. We let Cade and Carson hide and we counted to sixty and went out to find them.
After Reece and I counted we went out to find them. We were walking and trying to be quiet and we were both looking around. Then Cade pops out at us so we try shooting him but we missed and so we ran. When we were running, Reece got hit so I ran harder. I was about to run around a corner and Carson was right there and he shot me right in the chest. It didn’t feel good, I was in pain.
So after I got shot I was sitting in front of Cade’s house and we were talking about the war. So we talked for a while then I learned to never turn a corner in an airsoft war without looking because if you do you will probably get shot.
By: Drew J.
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