I am - poem by Emma

I am...
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I wonder how hedgehogs evolved on the earth.
I hear the wind, softly blowing as it rustles the trees branches.
I see a hedgehog climbing out from its hiding place to seek other shelter in the vast area of trees and open grass.
I want to follow it, but I do not for I shall not disturb it.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I pretend to be a hedgehog.
I feel the wind tugging at my hair, telling me to follow the hedgehog.
I touch the hedgehog's spiny fur.
I worry that it might prick me and that I will get hurt.
I cry as I feel the hedgehog's spiny fur enter my soft flesh.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs.
I understand now that I should not touch wild animals.
I say, let all hedgehogs be at peace in their green home.
I dream that all hedgehogs are not disturbed so they may be at peace.
I try to talk to the hedgehog, but it can not understand me and runs away into the dense green brush.
I hope that I will see that hedgehog again soon.
I am a patient girl who loves hedgehogs

Dad's Family

I really need to start going through all my photos. Some of them are so priceless.

Horseback Riding Competition April 18, 2009

Before the first competition of the day, Emma is ready.

Emma with her first place ribbon after the first competition!!!! The two competitions inbetween, Emma entered two events (Walkt/Trot/Canter Equitation [ages 11-17] and Pleasure Pony) that were for ages 11-17, and she came in 3rd in both events! I think she was the youngest one.

The last competition of the day, Emma won first place!!! A great way to finish the competition for Hunter Under Saddle Pony. Needless to say, Emma is so proud of herself as we are. (picture below is with Gail, who is Emma's wonderful instructor.

Emma's Social Studies Project - Traditional Japanese Room

Emma holding her traditional japanese house. She used a shoebox and made the table out of origami and pillows using origami paper.

Emma's drawing of a traditional screen.

Traditional origami crane and box. It was very hard to blow up. It is about 2 cm across.

The lamps were a challenge since we didn't know how to make a circular blow up origami shape. So we did the next best thing, made a big cube for an overhanging lamp. The japanese are minimalistic. This type of organized house really appeals to me.

Socks the Hamster arrival

Coming home. Shannon is Socks benefactor as well as Emma's wonderful tutor.