~ from Jill

Today, I spent time going through my sons' schoolwork from the past year.
I sifted out the best examples, put the pages in those nifty protectors, and slipped them all into one big binder with a class picture on the front.

It's always amazing, how much they've grown academically each year, as well as emotionally: example, (from my 8-year old's spelling sentences from the Fall):

1. I used to be a baby.
2. Babies are cute.
3. Our neighbor had a bunny.
4. I like bunnies.
5. I do not have a friend.
6. I do not have any friends.
7. There is grass around our house.
8. I like to eat food.

Number five & seven broke my heart, then and now. As I write this he is playing with a neighbor-friend in the garage, eating popcorn. I think he would write different sentences today, I hope he would.

I also found this little gem of a poem from my older son (a gem because I can tell how hard it was for him to write it):


I Can’t Write a Poem

My fish ate my pencil
I don’t have a pencil
I have to use the bathroom
I’m so tired
I’m having a seizure
The sky is falling
My shoe is untied
I have a dental appointment
Is it time for lunch?
I’m in a coma
It’s a tornado
An earthquake
The ceiling is collapsing
My thumbs are gone
My brain just stopped
I’m going blind
Time’s up?
Uh Oh --
All I have is this dumb list of excuses.
You like it?
Really?
No kidding?
Thanks a lot.

-- It's such a blessing, being a mother :)