Dear Peter,

How was your day? We have been busy, and spent the day at the District 4-H Roundup. The nephew competed in the Poetry category, with "Casey at the Bat". He took 2nd Place! :-) We were thrilled for him.

Now, preparing for this did not come without some headaches. I'm talking about MY headaches. :-) Being homeschoolers we turn EVERYTHING into teachable moments. Some of these "teachable moments" come in the form of "learning things the hard way". Let me explain.

When he was preparing for Roundup at the County level I made the mistake of letting him overhear that "the poem did NOT HAVE to be memorized for County, but DID have to be for District" so, he chose not to have it memorized. Now, I tried to reason with him by saying, "If you memorize it now for county that is less work you have to do for district, AND you'll get more points from the judges if you have your's memorized and the others do not". (I'm pretty sure he was hearing the whole "Charlie Brown" wah, wah, wah... at this point)

Now, you would think that would he would just say, "That's a great idea Aunt Wendy, let's do it! And I will be so much the better person by working hard." Yeah, right.... this is a 10 year old we're talking about. So, needless to say, it was not memorized at County. I also made the mistake of suggesting he carry a baseball bat as part of his "act". His reply, "If I carry the bat I can't hold the binder with the poem". So, no bat. He took 2nd place at County, so he did move on to District.

Last week we got the judges comments from the County Roundup, so we would know what to work on for District. Now, this is the first time we have seen any comments or suggestions the judges made. David got 94 out of a possible 100 points. I was VERY proud. The judges had only 2 suggestions.

Your just dying to know what they are aren't you?

Take a wild guess......



Yep, 1) MEMORIZE THE POEM AND 2) CARRY A BASEBALL BAT.


I tell you, my tongue still hurts from biting it to keep from saying "I told you so". I did however look at him and say, "Hmm, why didn't we think of that?" No response.

SO, we spent about a week memorizing the ENTIRE poem. You notice how I said "we" there? Yeah, I worked with him EVERYDAY, and memorized it too. (I am not sure if you are aware of just how LONG this poem is, but trust me when I say it is LONG.) Anyway, I tried to be encouraging. When he wanted to quit I kept going over the "Do your best", "Remember the 4-H motto 'make the best better'", "do your best to please God, not man", "Be proud of your effort", "this is building character", "one day you will thank me", etc....... and the whole time I'm wondering if ANY OF IT is sinking in. (Again, I'm thinking the whole "Charlie Brown Syndrom") On Wednesday he got through the entire thing, and the look of pride and excitement on his face made it all worth it. :-)

Then, today he went into the room to compete. He made one request of me that broke my heart, but I understood. He asked that I NOT come in to watch him. He said I would make him nervous. I was sad, but I understood, and did not want to hinder him. So, I sat in the hallway.

That's right, Peter, I sat in the hall, outside the door for over an hour!

Every person who came out asked me if I wanted to come in, and I told them (with a smile on my face) "No, thank you. I don't want to make him nervous". Afterwards everyone who came out said how wonderful he did, and that he should be very proud of himself. :-) Then, when they announced him as the second place winner he beamed from ear to ear. I guess sitting in the hall wasn't so bad. I guess the speeches and the headaches were worth it. And, I'm glad it's over......at least until the Project Show in May.... OY! By the way, I'm still waiting for that "thank you".

Love,
Wendy Darling

Dear Peter,

I hope you and the Lost Boys are doing well. Has Captain Hook been giving you trouble?

I have been "out of pocket" for a couple of days, sorry. Take a look at these pictures and it will tell you what I have been up to. ;-) I hope to take the cake decorating class this summer. I have most of the stuff for the class, and the money. Now I just need the TIME. ;-)

Love,

Wendy Darling

Dear Peter,

Happy Easter! :-) I hope the local church does not mind my "borrowing" the last two pictures on the right from their website. The nephew was in the play The Passion last night and tonight. I saw both performances, and was moved to tears both times.

I know that it seems "mechanical" to think of the resurrection of Christ at Easter, but seeing this play made it so "real" to me. From seeing Jesus teaching and healing, to seeing him ride into the church on a REAL donkey. Then, seeing him be beaten and crucified. Everyone involved did such an awesome job making it dramatic and realistic. Then, as the choir and actors belted out the song "He's Alive", and Jesus emerged from the tomb in a cloud of smoke the audience responded with triumphant shouts and clapping like thunder. :-) I couldn't help but get emotional, and cry unashamedly. It made me wish everyone I knew who is not saved was there to see it!

As a result, 4 children were saved this evening, and I believe many more will make the decision soon, based on what they saw tonight. :-)

It was a wonderful way for all of us to forget about eggs, bunnies and Easter baskets; and to focus on the real reason we celebrate Easter. We celebrate because Christ did not remain dead, He DID rise, and will come again. :-)

I left that play with two feelings. One of pride for my nephew doing so well, as well as our friends who were also in the play. And with an excited,renewed spirit. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

Dear Perer,

I have been taking a lot of pictures of flowers lately. I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I posted them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7468555@N03 Stop by, and if you like what you see leave a comment. :-)

OH, don't forget to see the post below and go register to win the vacuum cleaner! :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling