Noses (or All about Boogers)

The holes in your nose are called nostrils. They are for smelling and breathing. When your nose is full of boogers you blow them out so they don't go into your mouth and you don't have to pick it. It make it easier to breathe too. - Zachary S., age 4

My daddy bleeds his nose and I get him a tissue and he turns it and puts it in his nose so it will stop.- Madison B., age 3

I'm not supposed to pick my nose because boogers get on my fingers and they get on the toys. Boogers are made of dirt and mucous. They are dirty!- Kodah C., age 4

My nose is used for smelling, not for picking! Picking your nose and eating it is yuck!

- Jack P., age 4

I blow my nose with a tissue because boogers are coming out. But only sometimes like when I'm crying and when I have a cold. When I have a cold I sneeze a lot and my nose gets sore.

- Abigail L., age 3

Noses are used for smelling hamburgers and cheeseburgers. When I smell yummy food I feel hungry. Smoke from a cigarette smells stinks and smoke from a campfire smells happy. A camp fire keeps you warm but you can get burned too so be careful. - Madelynn C., age 4

I have a nose. I can't breathe if I hold my nose and I sound silly when I talk. I breathe with my nose when all the air comes out and then it goes back in. - Erin B., age 3

I thought snakes do not have noses but they do. Two tiny holes on its face are the nose but you can't see it very easily.- Sean E., age 3

Your nose is in the middle of your face on the front of your head. You blow boogers into a tissue to get the boogers out. Never share a tissue, only a box of tissues.- Ashlyn S., age 3

We can smell stuff with our nose. Skunks smell bad. Carrots smell good- they smell like the ground because we pull them out of the ground. Dog poop is stinky. Apples smell good, especially when we make apple sauce and apple pie. - Chase M., age 4

You smell stuff when it's stinky. When your nose is full of boogies you can't smell anything and your voice sounds strange like when you block your nose with your fingers.

- Celeanah L., age 4

Earth Day Musings

All living things live on the planet Earth. We have to keep the homes for the animals clean. We keep garbage in the garbage can. We don't put schloppity schlop in the water because the butterflies and fish will die. I don't want to drink water that has schloppity schlop because it will make me sick like it makes the fish sick. All living things need clean water.- Madelynn C., age 4

We need trees because the animals eat nuts and fruit and leaves when they are hungry. On a very very very hot day I want to go under a tree because it's cooler when it's too sunny out. We need trees to breathe. Abigail L., age 4

We need bears. Some people need to eat bear and deer to stay alive and the skin is used to make a soft blanket and making shoes called moccasins for Indians. Bear and deer like to eat apples that grow on trees and people pick apples to make apple juice.- Kodah C., age 4

We need apple trees to eat apples and apples are food. People and bunnies and deers and bears and worms eat apples. Ladybugs eat aphids and aphids eat plants so we need ladybugs to eat the aphids so they don't eat the plants. 
                                                                                                            Erin B., age 4

I don't throw my garbage on the ground. Garbage is ugly and it's not good for the animals because it will make them sick. Animals need trees and clean water and a clean safe place to live. Garbage makes the Earth not safe for animals. 
                                                                                                      Zachary S., age 4

We have a beautiful garden at Growing Places. It's a nice place to play and animals come to live there. Fish live in the pond.. we have to keep the pond clean and take out the leaves so the fish can swim and breathe. Birds live in the garden too. We feed the birds and they eat the bugs. If we kill the bugs the birds won't have enough food.- Christian B., age 3

We plant trees for the animals so they can eat the leaves and fruit and bark. Animals like squirrels and birds like to make their nest in a tree. If animals live in a tree it protects from animals that want to eat them, like wolves.- Chase M., age 4

We have a garden at my house. Flowers grow and make the world beautiful. Butterflies love flowers and bees love flowers so they can make honey. 
                                                                                                        Ashlyn S., age 3

People need to take care of ducks because if the water isn't clean then they will get sick or die. When ducks go really far away they fly. There needs to be a Mom and a Dad so they can have babies that come out of eggs. Some animals eat the eggs and some animals eat the ducks. Some animals have to eat the ducks or there will be too many and the water will get too dirty. Turtles like to eat duck eggs. Owls like to eat small animals on the ground. I'm glad I’m not a small animal! Jack P., age 4

Spiders eat bugs but not ladybugs. Birds don't eat ladybugs either because they taste disgusting! Ladybugs eat the aphids so the aphids don't eat the plants. Birds eat worms and bugs. If we kill bugs the birds won't have enough food. And birds need food. Some birds eat fish and owls eat little animals and bugs.
                                                                                                   - Madison B., age 4

Owls need mice because if they can't find mice they won't be able to have enough food. If owls don't eat mice there will be too many mice and then they will come eat our snacks. Cobras are poison if they bite you or an animal like a lion, but people can make medicine from the poison. Sean E., age 4

                                                                                                                April  2013

Winter Solstice 2012

This is the time of year that the days start getting longer- there is more light and less darkness. We each have a light that makes another's world brighter, and there are people and things that make our world brighter. What kinds of things make your world brighter, or do you do to make someone else's world a better place?

I make Non happy when I go to her house, and then we make cookies for Papa and that makes him happy. Ashlyn, age 3

I make Mommy happy when I don't throw my toys at her but put them in the playroom instead. Christian, age 3

I make beautiful artwork for the wall and for the Christmas tree, and I say HoHoHo like Santa Claus. Evalani, age 3

I plant flowers with Grampa and it rains and makes a beautiful garden for everone to see. Flowers make everyone happy. Celeanah, age 3

I give some of my presents to people that I love. And I just be me. Chase, age 4

I help Mom grow food in my garden so we can eat it together. Kodah, age 4

I sweep the garden to clean the leaves that fall out of the trees. Then me and my brother jump in them. It's so much fun we laugh and laugh. Watching us makes Mommy and Daddy happy. Erin, age 3

My Mommy and Daddy and Grammie and Papa make me happy- like the sun makes me happy because we can play outside more. Madison, age 3

I love to sing because it makes my heart feel better. Madelynn, age 3

Peanut butter and jelly dinosaur sandwiches make my tummy happy, and Mommy Hugs are like sunshine in my heart. Chase, age 4

It made me really happy when I puked on my blanket and Daddy washed it and dried it because he loves me so much. Jack, age 3

Snuggling with Mama makes me happiest of all. When I play nicely with my brother Ben it makes us all happy like the sun shining. Sean, age 3

All About Peace and Being Peaceful

Mom's lap and reading stories. Taking a bath iPeace is sitting in myn warm water feels nice and smells good and makes me feel cozy. Froggie makes me feel peaceful because she smells good and feels soft and she's made of beautiful colors. And she's fun to play with.- Adalynn W., age 3

Peace means you have to be quiet, and you can't interrupt; making friends be happy; making clay beads for everyone because we share something we made together.- Nevaeh L., age 3

Going for a walk with Daddy makes me feel peaceful: it smells good outside and sometimes the sky is beautiful when it's red. Going on the slide is peaceful and fun but falling down is not peaceful because it hurts. - Annabelle R. age 3

I like to be naughty sometimes but being naughty is not peaceful. But I be careful with a pen and that is peaceful. Cats are peaceful. Running around makes me peaceful. Davin M., age 3

Singing a song and playing good is peaceful. Playing with a friend is happy. Sharing toys is peaceful. When my Mom makes cookies in the oven they smell really good and they make me feel peaceful. Dancing makes me feel peaceful too.- Kiera N., age 3

Peace smells and tastes like hot chocolate and marshmallows. It looks like flowers- pink and red and purple and blue flowers. It feels like when you touch flowers because they are very very soft too. Picking flowers for my Mom and putting them in water so they can be pretty on the table is Peace. Giuliana M., age 3

Flowers make me feel peaceful because I like the colors and the way they smell. Bananas make me feel peaceful- they taste good and they smell good and when I eat them I'm not hungry anymore. Being hungry is not peaceful and having an accident is not peaceful. But chocolate makes me feel peaceful because it smells and tastes so so good! Robin G., age 3

Making beads is peaceful. First I pick my favorite color Green, like the grass and the leaves on the trees. Those are peace. I made a green bead for Giuliana, Daniel, and Jonny and Zoe and Robin and me and some other kids like Annabelle. Matt B., age 4

Playing with the little cars makes me feel quiet and peaceful because it is peaceful. Grabbing is not peaceful. Listening is Peace. Running around in the Quiet Room is not peaceful because I might get hurt. That's not peaceful!, Daniel Y, age 3

My Mama is peaceful when I snuggle with her. My Daddy is peaceful when I read stories with him. Sharing with Zachary is very peaceful. Zoe S., age 2

My friends make me feel peaceful because they play with me and playing is fun. I don't grab from my friends and they don't grab from me. I say please can I have that when you're done? That's good manners and manners are peaceful.- Celeanah, age 3

Whining is not peaceful because it makes a ugly noise. Using words is peaceful. Grabbing is not peaceful. Riding my bike is peaceful because I love riding my bike. Falling off is not peaceful because it hurts! - Evalani, age 3

Asking “How's your day?” is peaceful. I'm peaceful at school because Growing Places is a peaceful place. Making huge messes at my house is not peaceful but picking them up is peaceful. Listening to my mom is peaceful. The pictures on the wall are peaceful. Sometimes I be mad and that is not peaceful.- Chase, age 3

Making a garden is peaceful. Trees grow in the garden and fruit grows in the trees. When I eat the fruit I’m not hungry anymore. Being hungry is not peaceful because it doesn't feel very good. You eat and when you eat with friends that is peaceful because you use manners like please and thank you.- Ashlyn, age 3

Fighting is not peaceful. Playing nicely with my friends, that is peaceful. Sharing is peaceful. Grabbing things is not peaceful. You have to wait for your turn. Christian, age 3

Riding in the car is peaceful because you see deer and bunnies, and the cows and the horses. Listening to music is peaceful. Riding in a truck with Ben is fun and fun is peaceful. Sean, age 3

Peace is playing nicely with my big brother, and Maddie helping my Mom put clothes in the dryer is peaceful. Working with my Dad and watching a movie is peace. Throwing things is not peaceful- it's naughty and naughty is not peaceful. Playing with my friends is peaceful. Growing Places is a peaceful place. Abbie, age 3

We have a garden that grows food- tomatoes, beans and onions and lettuce and squash. Food is peaceful because you eat it with your family. Good vegetables help you grow big and get strong just like Josh and that is peace too. Kodah, age 3

Peace is sitting in my mom's lap and reading stories. Colors are peaceful because they are beautiful like a sunset. Thunderstorms are not peaceful when they scare me when I'm sleeping. Scary is not peaceful. Jack, age 3

I feel peaceful when my Dad wakes me up because I love him and love is peaceful. Being angry does not feel peaceful. Hurting someone when you're angry is not peaceful. If I’m angry I can jump up and down. Roaring like a lion when I'm angry is peaceful. Closing my eyes and falling asleep is peaceful.- Erin, age 3

When Grammie reads me stories all the time I feel peaceful. Laughing makes me feel peaceful because I'm so happy. Snuggling with the kitties is peaceful but Bailey is not peaceful because he scratches. Minnie makes me feel peaceful even if I'm very sad because she is my friend. -Madison, age 3

Peace is quiet and playing with quiet toys. You need to share. That means giving the toy to someone else sometimes. Taking a toy away from someone is not peaceful. If someone has a toy you say please can I have that? And you wait for your turn. You say please can I have a turn on the rocking chair if someone else is using it. -Nolan, age 4

Peace is when rain comes pouring down out of the sky and I stay inside and watch it out the window. When the rain stops the sun comes out and we can play outside and that's peace. Rainbows are very peaceful because they have beautiful colors and make me feel happy. -Madalynn, age 3

                                                                                         

Sometimes friends hurt each others feelings. Sometimes they might hit you or make you bump your head. When my feelings are hurt I say I don't like you- you're not my friend anymore. I wanted to make her feel bad but now I feel bad. Now I feel grumpy. That is not peace...Dawsyn Mistretta, age 4

Peace means being calm. Peace is when my mommy and daddy read to me. Emma H., age 3

Peace looks like a soft breeze. Peace is when you can read a story. Peace is spending time with your family. Fighting is not peaceful. Killing someone is not peaceful. Peace makes the world better because peace makes the world more beautiful. Analea B., age 5

Peace is being quiet. Playing with kids is peaceful. Slapping is not peaceful. Peace is good because it helps me play. Colin B., age 3

Peace would be dark and quiet and soft. Peace is sharing and playing. Jacob O., age 3

Peace is sitting by the window and watching snowflakes fall. Peace is quietly drawing. Yelling is not peaceful. Listening is peaceful. Kyrie G., age 4

Peace is a big giant hug. Singing is peaceful but hitting is not peaceful. Sophia S., age 2

Peace is keeping the environment clean and healthy. Peace is giving. Peace is having a special talent. Peace would smell like a sweet flower and taste like your favorite food. War is not peaceful. Fighting and bickering and guns are not peaceful. Peace is good because peace keeps the peace wherever you are. Serena B., age 7

Peace means I love you. Peace feels warm. Yelling in your sister's ear is not peaceful. Peace helps people work together and everyone can pick up. Grace H., age 3

Peace is sitting quietly. Peace is being nice and kind. Being mean is not peaceful. Peace is good because it helps people be nice to each other. Elijah S., age 4

Peace is me sharing with my brother Jace. Playing football makes me feel happy and happy is peace. When Daddy puts me in time out and I want to get out of there, that's not peaceful. When Jace takes my helmet or anything, it's not peace. Caden C., age 3

Picking apples off the tree is peaceful. Drawing a picture is peaceful. Hugging and going to nursery school is peaceful. Being mean to someone is not peaceful. Madison W., age 3

Peace is quiet. We can't run in the yellow room at school because someone might get hurt and getting hurt is not peaceful. Coloring makes me feel peaceful. Amber H., age 3

Peace is being nice to everybody. Peace is saying I love you. I feel peaceful inside my house because it is my favorite place. You can't hit and grab. Just hugs and kisses. Madalynn H., age 3

Playing with the choo-choo trains makes me feel peaceful when Aiden helps me. Sitting in my mom's lap is peaceful. Reading stories is peaceful too. When I fight with my brothers I cry and that is not peaceful. Elliot A., age 3

2007 Peace is not running around the quiet room. It makes me feel calm like reading books with my Mom and taking a bath. - by Kyrie Gibson, age 3

Peace is coloring. It makes me feel quiet. A movie does too. And being with my Mommy. - by Courtney Rhodes, age 3

Peace is being calm and happy. My mommy makes me calm. And being with somebody when I go to sleep. - by Aidan Decker, age 3

Watching the snow is peace. Sitting with mommy is peace. Laughing is peace. -
by Sienna Montague, age 3

Peace is quiet. Being in this room. Playing nicely with my brother Jakers. Sitting in Mommy's lap. - by Timmy O'Toole, age 3

Smelling flowers and not grabbing and saying peaceful words. Giving people hugs and loving people. Watching the snow makes me feel peaceful and happy. -by Elizabeth Brice, age 5

Peace is quiet and calm. Holding one of my stuffed animals. Picking flowers with my daddy for my mommy because she likes flowers. And making tracks in snow.
-by Nathan Lafaye, age 3

Peace is quiet. Peace is sitting on Daddy's lap and reading Cinderella. And playing with my sister. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is peaceful. Sleeping is peace unless you are snoring. - by Erica Patanella, age 4

Peace is being good. Peace is saying sorry when you hurt someone. And when your parents ask you to do something and you do it.. - by Abigail Harrington, age 4

Peace is my blankie with butterflies. Mama reading books to me. A bath makes me feel warm. I feel peaceful when I'm in my room. And I feel peaceful in Miss Ruth's office. by Annaliese Petti, age 3