March Is Done!

I can't believe that it has been 31 days. What has happened since I started the SOL challenge, well...

*I learned that there is a word that rhymes with orange, sporange. (Yes that is a word. Look it up!)
* I had a long spring break
* I had Easter at home
* I had my first sleepover at my friend's house
* My sister was baptized
* I learned that Russia has a larger surface then Pluto
* Victor started saying, "Mommy, will you pray for me?"
* We got 300 backpacks for Backpacks Of Hope
*Of course I did the SOL Challenge

Wow! I didn't realize that I didn't really do much this month. Yet, I did do several things. I liked doing this SOL challenge. I think I did enough activities, and I learned some new things too. It's kinda crazy how Russia has a larger surface than the planet Pluto. (Yes I do consider Pluto a planet. I mean really how could we leave out a cute little Pluto)I did learn more at school, but that would be long and boring to name them all.

I'll just say, March was a nice month. I quite enjoyed it.

Almost Done

I wasn't sure about doing this whole Slice Of Life Challenge and everything, but I'm glad I did it. Even if other people think that it was a waste of time. Several times I came home from something late and I was so tired I wished that I could just skip one night, but I didn't.

I did all 30 posts so far and I commented on 3 posts from other kids doing the SOL Challenge. I knew that some of the other kids wouldn't post every day, but I decided that if I started this SOL Challenge I might as well complete it.

I am glad that it's almost over, but I will miss writing every day, so I might write more here. I will also miss reading other blogs that kids wrote. I really enjoyed reading them. I think that I will do the SOL Challenge next year too because I like how I can write for a purpose. Not because I just do it. I like people to actually read what I write. Not just me talking to them about it.

If you aren't doing the SOL Challenge, I encourage you to do it next year.

Alive Inside

I was just watching a documentary called, Alive Inside. It is about a man who went to nursing homes and gave some of the people who lost their memories, ipods. He played music for them, and they automatically started singing and dancing to the music. People who would just sit with their heads lowered would put their heads up and start talking, smiling, laughing, and especially, remembering. They would remember things that they had forgotten before. Times when they were little, playing with friends, their wedding day, all because of the music.

I was thinking about it and thought, why do we spend so much money on medication that only makes them worse. Nursing homes are giving the residents medicine that don't give them the most special thing which is their memories. Why do we spend so much money on medication when the total cost of giving a person their own personal music system would be $40?

I'll write more tomorrow when I see more, but for now, if you have Netflix, Watch Alive Inside. It is amazing to see the residents at a nursing home literally become alive inside.

Infinity Charter School

I go to a school called, Infinity. I started this year and I love it, because everything they do is focused on what YOU know. NOT what someone else knows. For example, one kid in my class, Alex, is really good at math, so he goes to the 8th grade classroom for math. For math, there are four groups so that my teacher can group people who learn the same way as the other kids in the group learn. Reading is the same.

Another reason why I love Infinity is because, they don't have science or social studies. They have something called Theme. Instead of separating the 2 subjects, they put them together to create Theme. Every year, each classroom has a different Theme. This year's Theme for the 4/5 class is, Ideas, Individuals, and Inventions. We are learning about the time of the French and Indian war to the end of the Civil War. They also tie Reading with Theme. During Reading time, we read books that are about the time period we are learning about in Theme. I think Theme is a great idea because, it combines 2 subjects into one so that you can learn so many different things.

I am really glad I moved to Infinity, because I learned so much already, and I love the staff and teachers, and the philosophy behind what they do at Infinity. If you want to learn more about ICS (Infinity Charter School), click below.

http://www.infinityschool.org/infinity/

Easter

We always go to my grandparents' house for Easter. We have a big meal, and an Easter egg hunt. I always loved that, but, this year my grandparents had to go to Florida. I was disappointed, until I learned that I learned that we were going to  a lady named, MaryJane. She recently had back surgery, and she missed communion at our church. We went to her house as a surprise, and we played some songs. We also had communion, because she was really upset. I was very happy that we got to do that for her, and I hope she was happy too.

The Meaning of Easter

Imagine this. You wake up. Get into a big fancy dress, (or suit if your a boy) that is uncomfortable. Look everywhere for your shoes until you give up and put on flip flops. You are very stressed. It's Easter Sunday and everyone expects you to be perfect. You have to be the perfect family with the perfect children with the perfect little clothes.This is what happens on Easter Sunday.

The definition of Easter is, The most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and held (in the Western Church) between March 21 and April 25, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.

Easter is supposed to be the most important festival. Why don't we get as excited about Easter as we do Christmas. At Christmas time there are loads of decorations with Christmas trees, lights, and even songs. Why don't we celebrate Easter in the same way. Why don't we start talking about Easter a month before Palm Sunday? We should try to talk more about Easter like we would Christmas.

Easter is celebrated in so many ways. Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, big meals, and going to church. We take Jesus' life for granted. We can't understand what Jesus did for us. We don't realize what our life would be if Jesus  didn't do what he did. If He didn't die, and rise again, our life would mean nothing. We would have nothing. Take this Easter to remember what He did.

Happy Easter.

A Party

Last night I went to a party with my Sunday School class. The party was at our teacher's house. When we first got there it was light enough outside to play. We played outside until it was time for dinner. We talked about Passover, and how people celebrate it. My Sunday School class and I went into the dinning room to eat our dinner. We had "brinner" (breakfast for dinner), which included the following, waffles, bacon, fruit, and, my favorite, grape juice.

After we were finished we all went downstairs. We watched the Prince Of Egypt, played games, and one of the other girls burned 100 calories on the treadmill. She said it was harder than it looked, so I tried it for myself. (just saying, it wasn't that hard)

After about 30 minutes of the movie, we went back upstairs to make resurrection rolls. We got the dough and a marshmallow, then we covered the marshmallow in the dough. We then took our little ball of dough and dipped it in butter, then in cinnamon sugar. Mrs. Lehman, our Sunday School teacher, put the rolls in the oven, and we all went outside while they baked.

We played outside until the parents came because we weren't going to have enough time to finish the movie. After a little while my ride came to pick my friend and I up. we talked the whole way back to my house. I went to bed very tired, but I had a great time.

Victor Sayings

Victor is my little brother. He is adorable, cute, and stubborn. He does some very cute things. (and annoying things, but we'll keep them out of the blog for today) He says some very cute things too. Here are just a few of his most famous ones.

Saying: "Johny Cash is coming to my birfday porty"
Translation: Johny Cash is coming to my birthday party
Back Round: Dad showed Victor a Johnny Cash CD that he got for Christmas. Ever since then Victor has loved Johny Cash, so dad got the idea to have a Johny Cash themed birthday party. Dad is getting an old friend to pretend he's Johny Cash. Victor says this one all the time.

Saying: "I want my new pwasify!!!!"
Translation: "I want my new philosophy!!!!"
Back Round: There is a song from the Charlie Brown musical called My New Philosophy. He loves it  so much and asked for the song ALL DAY LONG.

Saying: "Mommy! I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!!!!!!!!!!" (Yes he yells this one)
Translation: just what it says above
Back Round: He heard the song No Longer Slaves, and he says this part over and over.

Saying: "Mommy! Pray for me!"
Translation: Same as above.
Back Round: We have no idea why he says this, but it isn't the worst thing for him to say.

So now you know. If you hear victor say any of these things you now know what they mean.

If You Ask Me...

Some say you become officially "old" when you are around 40-60,

I say you are officially "old" 5 years from however old you are now. (sorry if you in the age range of 40-60, but that is the false truth)

Some say you stop being cute at the age of five,

I say you never stop being cute until you don't want to be "cute" anymore. (that is around the time your father is embarrassing you in front of boys saying, "isn't she cute!?)

Some say there is never enough time in the day,

I say there are 24 hours in the day and you saying there isn't enough time in the day just goes to show you that you are waisting your entire day doing something that is waisting your time. (seriously people! If we had more hours in the day, we would be complaining that there was to many hours in the day.)

Some say that you should do crazy things,

I say you should do crazy things if you aren't jumping of a cliff, dyeing your hair neon green, stepping on a cactus, or paying $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 for a pair of sneakers. (ok yes that would be a lot of money, but there are shoes that cost millions of dollars. Just saying there are starving children in Africa shoo don't have shoes!)

Some say don't take advice from a kid,

I say listen to me, and maybe a math genius for math help. (even though if you are an adult you should know your math facts)

Some say you should go clean your room,

I say you should go clean your room right now, because if you don't, you will have a very messy room.(ok, I should maybe go do that right now:)

My Name

Energetic
Dedicated
Effulgent
Noble

Joyful
Observant
Yare

Kind-hearted
Inspiring
Neat
Great

A Sleepover

Last night I went to my friend's house. We had some soup for dinner and then drove off to her house. When I got there I was greeted by a very happy and excited friend. I got my suitcase out of the trunk and got ready to have a great time.

We pulled my luggage up to the house and then my dad talked to my friend's mom and dad. We then went up stairs to talk. We talked for forever about what we were going to do, and then we ant back downstairs.

We made some hot cocoa for everyone, and then we served it. Of course we put whipped cream on top of our steaming hot drinks. We then went back upstairs, again. Right when we got up stairs we set up our beds. We picked our a movie and watched it.

There wasn't really anything else we did other than saying up really late, and falling asleep. In the morning we finished our movie while we cleaned up our blankets. We got dressed and brushed our teeth. Then we left to go back to my house, and that's about all there is to it. Even though it might seam weird, but I had a great time.

A Concert In New Jersey

Last night, we had a concert for a church in New Jersey. We had a 2 hour trip there, and then we set up the sound system. Dad, Ana, Shoun, Isaac, Hope, and I practiced some of our songs, and then we had our concert.

The concert went very well, and I had a lot of fun. I played one of my favorite songs, Miracles. It is such a pretty song and I think I did pretty well.

After the concert the lady who planed the concert told us that we HAVE to get some candy before we leave. Well, of course I got some. I wouldn't have let some good candy go to waste, and because she insisted we take some. Anyway, Hope got a Butterfingers bar and I got a crunch bar. After dad talked for forever, we packed up the van.

Dad told us to use the restroom before we leave so he wouldn't have to stop. Ana, Hope, and I went into the restroom. I had just started to wash my hands when Hope flushed the toilet and said, "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, ok I am fine now." Apparently Hope had her Butterfingers bar in her pocket, and when she sat up, her Butterfingers bar fell out.

For all those out there who either care about the candy, or the plumbing system, both were saved. The candy bar was rescued before the toilet flushed, and the plumbing was fine because the candy bar didn't go down.

My favorite part of Hope dropping the candy bar in the toilet was that she dropped a Butterfingers bar down the toilet. Ha ha! (Hope)fully you know what is so funny. Ok that was 2 puns in one paragraph.

Overall the whole experience was awesome and I had a great time!

Memories

I am going to tell you a few things I remember from when I was little. It was recently my brothers birthday so of course my mom wrote about him, Andrew, my oldest brother. Andrew used to make these James Blonde videos and when I recently watched them, I thought that I could write a post about some memories. I guess I thought of the idea because one of the memories is about the James Blonde videos.

Before I get to the stories, I will just say that some of the details might have been changed for your amusement and because I don't remember every detail.

Once when Andrew was making a new video for his James Blonde collection. The "big kids" as Hope, my little sister, and I called them would always get on our nerves. We had a little pink princess scooter that we would ride around the neighborhood. We loved that thing even though it wouldn't go very fast at all. If I were to guess it would probably go about 1 mile an hour. Anyway, when Andrew was making another movie, he needed several things to use for transportation for one of the scenes. Such as scooters and bikes. Andrew needed to use the scooter and Hope and I weren't so pleased, but we handed it over reluctantly.

Hope and I then returned to our room to have a good gossip about how weird and annoying they were. We then spied on them until they returned the pink princess bike. Speaking of spying on Andrew this was one of Hope and I's favorite activity. We would put on our little pink coats. (it was the next best option after black especially because in all the barbie spy movies she wore pink) We would put on our pink shades and find some pens of hair clips to pretend that they were video cameras or phones that looked like pens. We would then hide all over the house and spy on on any annoying brothers we could find. It was a very interesting activity and we could practically anything for spy gadgets.

I am sorry but I have to go now. I might right about this subject again if I don't know what to write about. Bye for now!

Answer to Yesterday's Riddle

Ah yes those cute little purple flowers. If you guessed the riddle from yesterday, you know that my post today is about crocuses.

I always loved the way that they came up before any other flowers even showed signs of blooming. They seem like they are the bravest of all flowers because you can see them even before all the snow has melted away. Imagine this, you are at a big show and a little man came out and said, "Hello everyone! I am here to preform for you before the other flowers arrive, so sit back relax and enjoy the beginning of spring!" Crocuses are just like that because they are like an entrée. They give you  a little sample of the "real deal".

I have to say that they are my favorite spring flowers. I love them and I hope to see crocuses again soon.

Riddle For Spring

What is purple,

Beautiful,

Welcomes spring on even some colder days,

Blooms in bright grass,

The height of a mouse,

Covers itself in a "blanket" to welcome the night,

Stretches it's petals the morning,

It's the color of bright delicious plum,

Can you guess me?

I rhymes with something you should be doing right now,

focus, focus, focus,



if you can guess this riddle, write your answer in the comments bellow. I will write about the answer tomorrow.

Easter Break

Today was my last day for another week and a half! Tomorrow and Friday I am off because of parent teacher conferences, and the whole next week is off for Easter. I am so exited because I am having two friends over! One for a few hours and one for a sleepover! (We are still planing the details so it isn't final, but I included it because I hope it will be)

I feel bad for all those out there who don't get a long spring break like I do, but hey, I get 180 days of school just like you. It will even out in the end.

I am also exited for spring break because it is spring! the flowers are starting to grow. The sky is getting bluer and bluer ever day! I love spring so much, and I hope to enjoy it over my 1 and 1/2 week long break! (not to brag but I have over a WEEK LONG BREAK!)

Free Ice Cream Day!

Today at school we were talking about how it’s national ice cream day. Of course someone mentioned that Dairy Queen has free ice cream. I wanted to tell my mom about the free ice cream, but of course I forgot.

I was at violin lessons and my teacher brought up the subject that Dairy Queen has free ice cream today. I immediately remembered what that kid at school said.

Well I am sure you know what happens next. We are now driving to Dairy Queen to grab our free ice cream. I can’t wait. Everyone out there who is reading this, happy National Ice Cream Day!!!!!

My Field Trip Reflection

On March 10, 2016, the 3/4 and 4/5 class went to Fort McHenry for a field trip. The bus drive was an hour and a half long drive, but it didn't feel to long. Once we arrived we went inside the visitors center. A ranger told us to stay OFF the cannons. After we heard this lecture many times, we went another room to watch a video. The video was very interesting, and at the end of the video, the screen lifted up to reveal a window showing the fort. The view was so pretty especially because you could see the flag. After the video we went outside for another fun activity.

When we got outside, a ranger talked to us about the video. We then got to hold a replica of the second flag that the Americans lifted up in the Battle of Baltimore. The flag felt heavier that a million cannon balls. He then told us that it was 30 x 42 feet big! He also said that each star was 2 feet point to point. Each stripe was 2 feet wide too. To be aloud to roll up the flag, we had to answer several questions right. We finally got the flag rolled up and then we headed for the fort.

Another man talked to us about the Battle of Baltimore. he talked to us about the difference between pirates and privateers. Pirates steal from anyone they can find while privateers steal from only their country's enemy. He also told us that a few American privateers took hyenas that were for the prince from a British ship. After he was finished talking, we explored the fort. when you stood in the center of the fort it looked like a very tiny village. In the buildings there were hospitals, prison cells, and beds. After about 15 minutes of looking around, we went to eat lunch.

We ate lunch and then we took pictures. After the parents finished taking their 1,000,000 pictures of us, we went into the bus. We got back to the school and had extra recess. Overall I had a great time and can't wait for our next field trip.

My Strong Subject

Some people are really good at math. They are learning how to do long division in first grade.

Some people are really good at reading. They are reading The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe in kindergarten.

Some people who are good with history and they know every date when every war started and ended.

Then there are people like me who are exactly average and aren't crazy or nerdy at all in these subjects. I do have a subject that I am good at, if I do say so myself, and that is writing!

Every kid in my class HATES writing. Everyone except for me. While they are whining about having to write a persuasive letter I am clapping my hands and saying, "Thank you Ms. Keefer for letting us do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Right now in writing we were supposed to write a persuasive letter about anything they choose. I was finished with my final copy before some of they kids even started their ruff draft.

I was told I could just free write because I was already finished with all my other projects so I started thinking about what I should write about. I decided to write another persuasive letter to my teacher about why we should be aloud to bring pillows and blankets from home for DEAR (Drop Everything And Read)

The previous week it was Dr. Suess day and we were aloud to bring pillows and blankets from home for DEAR. It was so awesome I wrote the letter. I was finished with the letter in 3 writing times.(about 135 minutes)

The next day I handed it to my teacher and she thought it was so good she brought it to the teacher's staff meeting. The principal read the letter aloud for all the teachers! The teachers thought it was so good that even the middle school teachers said they wanted to use it as an example for their students!

I am glad that I am talented in this way because I can write fast! Really fast! I can finish a writing assignment in a flash. I really hope I will love writing forever so when I am old and grey I can write a book about my life. I also want anyone out that hates writing to know that if you try hard enough to write about something that you are interested in then you can have a lot more fun.

Lots And Lots Of Popcorn

I decided to make popcorn for an after supper dessert. I used a popcorn maker that you use over the stove. I usually just make popcorn in the microwave so I didn't know just how many popcorn kernels I would need to make about a mixing bowl amount of popcorn.

I poured the popcorn kernels into the popcorn maker and turned on the stove top. It felt like an hour before the popcorn finally popped. I looked inside the popcorn maker and my mouth dropped. There was enough popcorn to feed an army! Almost.I poured the popcorn into a big bowl and realized that the bowl I was using wasn't even big enough!

We all ate a LOT of popcorn tonight and I'm still eating some now! At least we now know that If we ever run out of food during a snow storm, that we have plenty of popcorn to feed us all!

I am pretty sure we had more than this combined

Just Another Normal Friday

Yesterday everything was crazy especially because of the field trip to Fort McHenry. (see yesterday's blog) 

Today everything was pretty normal. I went to school, did the normal math, reading, writing, and we had art today too! I personally love art so I love Fridays because we have art. Nothing weird or unusual happened at school. Nothing crazy or unnatural. 

The only this that was different was that we had book buddies today. My book buddy, Talia, is VERY shy and has NEVER, and I mean EVER even once said a word to me! She never even smiled! She sits there listening to me read a book while everyone else's book buddy is reading the book to them! Still it was normal.

When I got home, mom wasn't there so I made dinner which was pizza, salad, and my own cake! The cake was made with a mix, but whatever. (I CAN make a cake from scratch just in case you were wondering) I gave Victor a bath and then, well, it is 7:22 and I'm writing this.

Yup just a normal Friday.

Fort McHenry Field Trip

Today my class and I went to Fort McHenry. When we first got there we got a speech about how we behave at the fort. We were told several times to stay OFF the cannons because people in the past have climbed on them. After we heard this message many times, we watched a video about the battle at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.

After the video we walked outside and talked to a ranger about what we just learned in the video. He talked to us about how even when the battle was so bad the Americans still kept the flag waving high. The American army even replaced the normal flag that they had above the fort with a bigger flag! They replaced the flag to show the British that they were't going to give up. We even got to hold a replica of the second flag that they raised. It took 2 classes plus 6 chaperones to hop the flag because it measured 30 x 42 feet! Each star was 2 feet from point to point! It was the biggest flag I have ever seen!

Then we got to enter the fort! It was so cool! We met up with another ranger who talked to us into more detail about the battle. Did you know that the at the beginning of the battle the British outnumbered us 5 to 1! That means that 1 U. S. soldier would have to fight 5 British soldiers! He told us that this war was so important because it gave Americans confidence because they defeated the strangest country in the world at the time!

We even had some time afterward to look around the fort. I went into one of the buildings were they held British captives. The prison cells were so dark and cold (even though it was hot outside so imagine that when it would be really cold outside!) I'm glad I was not a prisoner of war.

The most important thing that I will remember about this trip is that out National Anthem was written there by Francis Scott Key! This is a trip I won't forget!

Crazy Weather

Today's high was 78 degrees. 1 week ago it was 55 degrees. Exactly 1 month ago it was 36 degrees.
Crazy wether for March. Today I didn't take my jacket out of my backpack because it was so hot! Last week I was freezing! I can't believe it was this hot today. 78 degrees when it was 55 degrees just a week ago! I can't believe it! I just cannot believe it!!!!! I love this crazy weather. (even though it is crazy and unpredictable)

The 75 Degree Weather

I finally didn't have to take a winter coat to school today. I only took a thin jacket that I put away at recess. I was finally warm enough to spend all day outside without needing to shiver at all. I wish I could have been outside longer because it was so nice outside.

little flowers were blooming and everything was green instead of white. I heard little birds singing so lovely that anyone who was having a bad day would feel happy for at least a few seconds just because of hearing them sing their songs. I am so glad that today was 75 degree weather and tomorrow is supposed to be the same!

Instead of sitting on your computer, iPod, iPad, tablet, phone. or anything else that has a screen, get outside! Sit and listen to the lovely sounds of spring!

I'm Getting Gerbils! (2nd time)

As you may already know, I had two little gerbils for about 5 years. I had a black one and a grey and white one, and they where the cutest little creatures you ever did see (at least in my opinion) I loved having pets because I could play with them when ever I was bored.

After me having them for 5 years, (gerbils are supposed to live for 3 or for years and they lasted 5 for me!) they died. I was sad, but thankfully the world didn't run out of gerbils so I am proud to announce that I am getting gerbils!!!!!!!!!!! I am really excited, and when I get them I'll post a picture of them!

Seeing Star Wars!

The first time I saw Star Wars was actually in the movie theatre seeing Star Wars 7! I hadn't seen any of the others but I still saw the 7th.

I was really excited when I got into my dad's car. We drove off to the movie theatre and we got some snacks and we got our tickets and went inside.

The first part of the movie was so good but everything got better and better after that. My favorite character would have to be Ray because she is so awesome. I liked when she beat Kylo Ren because he totally got crushed by her!

I recommend watching this movie because it is awesome! Go home and watch STAR WARS! NOW!

Deborah Sampson

Once again I am doing the March Slice Of Life challenge. I decided to post something I did for a history contest this year. Here it is and I hope you enjoy it.

Dear Mother,

Today General Henry Knox discharged me from the army. I guess to understand why

and how this happened I should start from the very beginning. Ever since the

Revolutionary War started I thought about joining the army. The only problem was

that I am a women and woman are supposed to do cleaning, cooking, and they are to

raise a good proper family. I never stopped thinking about joining and becoming a

great soldier even though I could get in huge trouble.


I still remember those months when I couldn’t make up my mind. I became a teacher

in 1779 in a Middleborough public school. On May 20, 1782 I finally decided to

enroll in the army. I was very handy when it came to knitting so I knitted a scarf and

wrapped my chest. I dressed in men’s clothes and walked out the door to visit you.

Remember that day when a man named Robert Shurtliff came to your door? It

wasn’t a man. It was me. My heart was pounding louder than drums being trampled

by elephants. I decided the best way to test my disguise was to test it on you. Who

would know me better than you? If you didn’t know who I was than I knew my

disguise was perfect. As you know it was perfect. I went down the street to enroll in

the army.

I remember my mind racing as I signed not my name but the name Robert Shurtliff. I

was so afraid that someone would see me and know it was me! I knew the risk

would be worth it. I would be doing something that no other women I knew would

dare to do. They would be too scared and run off like wild chickens being chased by

dogs. I felt very proud that day and was the happiest person alive.

I went through so many ups and downs. More than once I felt so tired and ready to

give up that I couldn’t stand it anymore. I felt as if I just had to give up. All I had to do

was tell someone I was a girl and I know they would not have let me stay. I decided

to stay and keep going no matter what.

Once I was with a group of soldiers and we were loading our bags with food to take

to our camp. All of the sudden a group of Tory soldiers came and started shooting at

us. I was so scared I could barely move. I was shot in the leg and I got a cut in my

forehead. The doctor healed my cut but I never said a word about my leg. I knew

that doctors made you undress to take a bullet out of your leg and he would for sure

find I was not a man. I couldn’t back down so I drank the alcohol the doctor gave me

for the pain and I pulled the bullet out of my leg. The pain was worse than I ever felt

in my life. My blood was gushing all over my hands.  I nearly fainted from the pain. I

kept going. Never stop, I kept saying to myself. Never stop. My leg never fully

recovered and it still troubles me today. All I can do is keep going and trust that I’ll

be all right.

Like I said, my leg never fully healed and in 1783 it caused me to become ill. The

doctor who was taking care of me found out I was a woman. He never told anyone

because he believed in my cause. The trouble was his niece fell in love with me and

the truth had to come out.  I told the general that I was indeed a girl and he gave me

an honorary discharge from the army. I dressed back into my old clothes and one of

my friends from the army saw me and had no clue who I was. I felt proud of how I

had such a good disguise that a soldier who I lived with never knew who I was.

I know you may not be happy with what I did but I want you to know this: I am very

proud of my history. I am proud of my country and proud of how I never gave up. I

hope people will one day talk about me and feel brave to deal with whatever they

face in life.

Sincerely,

Deborah Sampson

The first night of our Disney Cruise

2 summers ago I went on a Disney Cruise ship with my family, cousins, and mom mom and pop pop.

We had to drive to Florida and once we got there we parked and then my family and I waited in line for forever! finally we got to enter the ship.

We ate lunch and then we went to our room.  Our room was next to our cousins' room and our grandparent's room.

We met up with everyone and then we had a ship wreck drill. After that we ate dinner and went to the pool. Time went by so fast and we had to go to bed. We were really tired but we knew that we would have more fun tomorrow.

My Obsession With AIO

Ever since I was about 7 I have loved Adventures In Odessey (AIO). It is a radio show about a man named Mr. Whitiker and he owns an ice cream shop called Whit's End. The kids that come to his shop call him Whit. They have lots of adventures together including mysteries and Bible stories. They put all their episodes on CD and I have about 7 different albums. I think you should try listening to at least 1 adventure and I hope you like them as much as I do.

Press listen online underneath the adventure you want to listen too.

http://www.whitsend.org/radio

The Year Of 2015

In the year of 2015:



I went to a new school,


Had a new foster sister


lost a new foster sister


Saw my sister as Peter Pan in Peter Pan


Saw Star Wars for the first time!


Went to camp YoliJwa for the first time

Try, Try, and Try Again

I started playing violin when I was 4 years old. Sometimes I would wish I could stop. And others I wanted to just quite playing the violin, but I always decided not to. I kept going. I'm so glad I didn't stop playing.When I play the violin I am surrounded by music coming from MY own violin. I practice the same section of the song I'm playing until I play it perfectly. Sometimes it takes forever and I  want to give up. But I always say to myself, keep going you WILL get it. I always get it in the end and I am proud of my little accomplishment.

If anyone reading this is doing something hard, keep trying because you WILL get it and even if you don't, you will know that you did your best.

Deborah Sampson!

Here is Something I wrote about Deborah Sampson for a History contest. I hope you enjoy it.

Dear Mother,

Today General Henry Knox discharged me from the army. I guess to understand why and how this happened I should start from the very beginning. Ever since the Revolutionary War started I thought about joining the army. The only problem was that I am a women and woman are supposed to do cleaning, cooking, and they are to raise a good proper family. I never stopped thinking about joining and becoming a great soldier even though I could get in huge trouble.

I still remember those months when I couldn’t make up my mind. I became a teacher in 1779 in a Middleborough public school. On May 20, 1782 I finally decided to enroll in the army. I was very handy when it came to knitting so I knitted a scarf and wrapped my chest. I dressed in men’s clothes and walked out the door to visit you.

Remember that day when a man named Robert Shurtliff came to your door? It wasn’t a man. It was me. My heart was pounding louder than drums being trampled by elephants. I decided the best way to test my disguise was to test it on you. Who would know me better than you? If you didn’t know who I was than I knew my disguise was perfect. As you know it was perfect. I went down the street to enroll in the army.

I remember my mind racing as I signed not my name but the name Robert Shurtliff. I was so afraid that someone would see me and know it was me! I knew the risk would be worth it. I would be doing something that no other women I knew would dare to do. They would be too scared and run off like wild chickens being chased by dogs. I felt very proud that day and was the happiest person alive.

I went through so many ups and downs. More than once I felt so tired and ready to give up that I couldn’t stand it anymore. I felt as if I just had to give up. All I had to do was tell someone I was a girl and I know they would not have let me stay. I decided to stay and keep going no matter what.

Once I was with a group of soldiers and we were loading our bags with food to take to our camp. All of the sudden a group of Tory soldiers came and started shooting at us. I was so scared I could barely move. I was shot in the leg and I got a cut in my forehead. The doctor healed my cut but I never said a word about my leg. I knew that doctors made you undress to take a bullet out of your leg and he would for sure find I was not a man. I couldn’t back down so I drank the alcohol the doctor gave me for the pain and I pulled the bullet out of my leg. The pain was worse than I ever felt in my life. My blood was gushing all over my hands.  I nearly fainted from the pain. I kept going. Never stop, I kept saying to myself. Never stop. My leg never fully recovered and it still troubles me today. All I can do is keep going and trust that I’ll be all right.

Like I said, my leg never fully healed and in 1783 it caused me to become ill. The doctor who was taking care of me found out I was a woman. He never told anyone because he believed in my cause. The trouble was his niece fell in love with me and the truth had to come out.  I told the general that I was indeed a girl and he gave me an honorary discharge from the army. I dressed back into my old clothes and one of my friends from the army saw me and had no clue who I was. I felt proud of how I had such a good disguise that a soldier who I lived with never knew who I was.

I know you may not be happy with what I did but I want you to know this: I am very proud of my history. I am proud of my country and proud of how I never gave up. I hope people will one day talk about me and feel brave to deal with whatever they face in life.

Sincerely,

Deborah Sampson