Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year, we started a Thanksgiving tradition where the kids wrote and then recited a poem or memorized one and then recited it. I'll be honest and admit that there were moans and groans about this exercise when it was first presented, but they adjusted quickly and when the works were completed, they each were excited to share what they had done. The Andersons and Colemans also participated, but I'll let Marian and Rachel share their children's poems on their blogs. (hint hint)

I LOVE TO SWIM
by Austin Ayers (14)

I love to swim.
I do it everyday at the Aerofit gym.
I put on my goggles and swim cap,
then I swim lap after lap after lap.
I practice hard for every race,
in hopes that I can get first place.
I am going to swim.
I am going to swim the 400 I.M.
I step up on the block my heart is beating fast,
if I want to win, I cannot get passed.
He says, "Take your mark!" and everything gets slow,
then I hear the beep and that means go.
I dive into the great big pool,
the water feels refreshing and cool.
I swim the first 100 butterfly.
At the end I feel like my arms will die.
Then I swim on my back.
It's no time to slow down and no time to slack.
Next I go from back to breaststroke--the slowest one.
I have to go hard,the race is not done.
Now I'm onto free, with a 100 to go.
I have to push through. There is not time for going slow.
Three turns later, I am almost done.
I can see the finish but my arms weigh a ton.
I touch the wall. I finished first place.
Man O man, what a race!
I get out. I feel proud of myself.
Now I have won another ribbon to put on my shelf.

THANKSGIVING DAY
by Addison Ayers (12)

I am thankful for today
and for the food's nice display.
I am thankful for family and friends
and for the Lord, on whom I depend.
I am thankful for my pets
and for the turkey who was caught in a net.
. . .for God's Son who died on the cross.
He is my Lord and my boss.
Those are the things I am thankful for.
Those are the things I do not ignore.


THE DALMATIAN VIOLATION
by Anna-Kate Ayers (10)

I have an appreciation for a certain classification
of a black and white combination which is the dalmatian.
My fascination with this great creation
is my motivation for a future conversation
with my relations for a dalmatian.

In my desperation with a bit of temptation
along with the expectation of no cooperation,
with much determiniation, I found a location and
with great celebration I bought the dalmatian.
But my violation has brought my interrogation.


I HAVE TO MAKE
by Ayden Ayers (8)

My name is Ayden James
and I like to create
with glue, glitter, popsicle sticks
and anything that's ornate.
No project is too small,
nor idea seems too great.
There's only one condition:
that it fit in the Lone Star state.
Bake, rake, break, shake
all of these things are great.
But most of all, I guess it's fate,
I desperately have to. . .make.

TURKEY
by Asa Ayers (5)

Today is Thanksgiving day
and we will eat some turkey.
Then it's time for Christmas
when everyone is perky.
It's not the best time of year for poor, old Mr. Turkey.
Gobble, gobble, gobble. . .BANG!
Now he's turkey jerkey.