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

Thanksgiving 2012

I'm thankful for my brother Ben because we play games and he shows me how to somersault and he reads stories to me because he's learning how to read. I'm thankful for Mama because she makes projects with me and when I'm sad she helps me feel better. She reads to me when I go to bed and she tucks me in. She makes hotdogs and sandwiches when I'm hungry. I'm thankful for Daddy because he does fun stuff with me. He takes me for a ride to the store and sometimes he brings me here. I love to go to Growing Places. I love these rooms because I love to play with all the toys, especially the food and the blocks. I love to play with my friends. Jack is my favorite friend, and Maddy and Abbie too, because they do fun stuff with me. Sean E., age 3.

I'm thankful for you and Miss Jen because I love Growing Places so much because it's peaceful and quiet and I have lots of friends. I'm thankful for going to sleep and having nice dreams, but I'm not thankful for shadows because they scare me. I'm thankful for my Mom because when I'm scared she rocks me in the chair. When I wake up she gives me breakfast and she helps me get ready for the day so I can go to school. I'm thankful for Pooh Bear because he comes to school with me. I'm thankful for my dad because he goes to work to get money to buy food because if I don't have food I get a tummy ache.. I'm thankful for Jeffrey because he gives me hugs and kisses because he loves me so much and I love him. Erin B., age 3

I'm thankful for my toys and my brother Kyle and my sister Emily. We love to play together and help each other. I'm thankful for my mom because I love her so much. She makes dinner and gives me snacks and lunch. When I get sick she grabs the puke bucket. My Dad fixes the TV and the air conditioner. He tells me which berries are poisonous and keeps me safe from sharp things and other dangerous things like volcanoes. I'm thankful for Gramma because she does fun things like bounce balls. I'm thankful for the cookies that Mom makes for me with chocolate chips. Jack P., age 3

I'm thankful for the food that grows in gardens- corn and pineapples and beans and carrots. We need farmers to grow food. Sunshine and rain help the food grow. I'm thankful for refrigerators that keep the food cold and the store that has people to sell the food. I'm thankful for Dads and Moms because they cook the food for me to eat. I love corn on the cob and peanut butter and jelly. The food goes in my tummy so I'm not hungry and it goes in my brain to make me smart. Abigail L., age 3

I'm thankful for my family. JP is my Dad. He cuts down trees so Grampa can burn wood so it gets warmin the house. I'm thankful for my Grampa because he makes maple syrup and I love to eat it on sausage and waffles. I'm not thankful for my microwave anymore because it broke. I'm thankul for my mom because I love her and she loves me and she got me a goody bag. I'm thankful for my dog because he licks me and puts his paw on my mommy. He loves me because he's happy to see me when I get home. I'm thankful for my grandmas because they do fun stuff with me, like make cookies and watch TV. Chase M., age 3

I'm thankful for trees and cool breeze and food, sunlight and stores, lights, fire extinguishers and fire trucks and dryness and playgrounds and fun and balls and my friends and my family and trucks to ride in and Growing Places because it's so fun. I'm thankful for zoos because we can see animals that live on the other side of the world and they protect the animals that are endangered. I'm thankful that I'm an animal rescuer because I save animals that are in danger. I'm so thankful for animals because they are so cute and they can eat disgusting rotting predators that don't smell very good. We need animals for food sometimes, like chicken. I'm thankful for restaurants that have chicken and chocolate chip pancakes. Nolan D., age 4

I'm thankful for my home. Auri comes to my house but she doesn't live there, but Josh and Mom and Aurora and Lily do. We have a whole bunch of toys- puzzles, games and blocks. I'm thankful for my toys because I love to play. I love my warm cozy bed because it's soft to sleep in when I'm tired. I'm thankful for the table because that's where we eat dinner together. I'm thankful for turkey and hotdogs and chicken and sausage. I'm thankful for my mom and for money too. I'm thankful for my sisters because they help me and we pick grass to feed to our bunnies- Snowy and Rosie and Christopher. At my house we have chickens that eat bugs and lay eggs for us to eat. I'm thankful for our cows because they give us milk. I'm thankful for our ducks and the pond they swim in. I'm thankful for Mommy and Josh because they take care of us and all the animals. And I’m thankful for the couch because it's good for flipping on and it's squishy. Kodah C., age 4

I'm thankful for my mom and dad because they like me. They take care of me and Kayden. Kayden is my big sister. I'm thankful for her because she plays with me and she helps me with my homework. She reads to me sometimes. I'm thankful for Grammie because she brings me to school and she takes care of me when my mom goes to work. I'm thankful for dance class and for my binky at home in the kitchen. I'm thankful for Dansville because that's where I live and where I go to school. I'm thankful for Erin because she's my friend and I love to play with her and she keeps me company at school. Madison B., age 3

I'm thankful for my family because they love me so much. I love to give them hugs and cuddle with them and we go and play in the snow. I'm thankful for Miranda and Nicole. We play together and they help me if I can't reach the cupboard or the bananas or the paper towels. I'm thankful for Minnie and Murphy, our dogs, because they are part of our family. I'm thankful for cheese burgers because they are yummy in your tummy. Madelynn C., age 3

I'm thankful for my eyes so I can close them when I go to sleep. I'm thankful for my ears so I can listen to the birds and stories and puppies barking. I'm thankful for polka dots because I like them on my clothes. I'm thankful for Autumn because I like to pat her soft fur, and LilyLou because I like to play with her. I'm thankful for pizza because it's my favorite thing to eat. I'm thankful for my feet because I can tap on them. My mommy because she's my favorite person in the whole wide world. I'm thankful for baby dolls and babies and writing because it makes me happy to get big. I thankful for preschool because I love it and I love to see my friends everyday and play with all the toys and make beautiful projects and read stories and sing songs. I love that. Celeanah L., age 3

I'm thankful for the rain because it makes flowers and trees grow. We need trees for apples to grow, and birds and squirrels live in them and squirrels need the nuts tha grow in them. I'm thankful for showers and mommies because they make me warm and cozy. I'm thankful for the store because my mom can buy chicken nuggets and toast sticks. I'm thankful for giraffes. I'm thankful for yellow because it's my favorite color and corn on the cob and the leaves on the trees are yellow. And bananas and some books and butterflies, birds, and fish are yellow and they're beautiful. I'm thankful for my cozy bed because I can sleep in it when I'm tired. I'm thankful for Azlyn because she's my best friend, and my mom because she loves me and my dad because we like to eat together. Ashlyn S., age 3

I'm thankful for a Happy Birthday steak and apples because they are really yummy and you can make applesauce and apple pie. You can even make apple bread. I'm thankful for pumpkins because you can eat pumpkin pie and make jack-o-lanterns and we make pumpkin cookies with miss Jen. I'm thankful for Chuck E Cheese because it's my favorite place to go and there's a jeep that goes over and up. I'm thankful for the sun because it keeps me warm and happy. The rain doesn't make me happy but it makes the flowers grow, and seals and frogs and puppies and fish and ducks happy and i'm thankful for all of those. I'm thankful for Growing Places because we do special things like projects and I have lots of friends there.

Chase M., age 3

My Mama

I was in Mommy's tummy and I was crying because I didn't want to come out. She helped me grow up until I'm almost four. She kept me safe in her tummy and I got out and she keeps me safe now. She holds my hand when I cross the street, and she gives me good food that makes me strong. My favorite is noodles with butter, and apples and bananas. She gives me pancakes for breakfast. She puts me to sleep, and reads stories to me. Sometimes I have bad dreams and when I open my eyes I see my mommy. Sometimes when she goes away I want to find her but she is taking a shower. Sometimes I cry because I miss her, but then she comes back- every time she comes back. I can hug her so much because I love my mommy really so much. Macy Q., age 3

My Mom always lets me go outside by myself but sometimes she doesn't. But I tell her “No bad guy's gonna mess with me!” She brings me to Growing Places. I'm going to surprise her at the Mother's Day Tea and she's going to see my beautiful projects on my wall. She says “don't let Nate hit you on the head with a shovel” and she takes care of me when I’m bleeding and puts band-aids on my booboos. She kisses me when I’m sad and hugs me all the time. She loves me lotsa much and gives me huge hugs like bear hugs. I love my Mom real much! Evan, age 3

I love my mom because she makes dinner and watches Dora with me. We go outside together and she puts lotion on me because we might get sunburn. She lets me go to Daddy's work. She takes me to Shelly's and to the store to buy groceries. She makes chicken salad for me- that's my favorite. She reads The Cat in the Hat and Bunny Rabbit. She snuggles up with me when it's time for bed. She makes me laugh and she loves me too! I love her three!- Dawsyn M., age 4

My mom is really tall. She tucks us into bed. She do's her homework. She goes to school to learn. She takes me to school so I can do lots of things and get bigger and learn and play with my friends. She takes me to the zoo, and to the park. She lets my friends come to my house so we can play. She makes pizza and pickles. Actually she doesn't make them but she gives them to me when my Dad brings them home. We go to the store where there is cold ice cream and I got ice cream at my house too. She teaches me how to brush my teeth. I help her make flowers. She played with Paxton while Dad helped me make a pumpkin for Halloween. We give each other presents. She gives me toys and I made a necklace for her. I love Mama “wery wery wery wery” much and she loves me too! Parker F., age 3

Mommy helped my brother in the hospital because he was sick and she takes care of me and gives me medicine when I'm so sick. She puts my brother to sleep. I go to sleep by myself but my Mom reads me stories because I have lots of books at my house. She makes potatoes and meat for dinner. She sings Twinkle little star how I wonder what you are. Mommy watches TV with me and she takes me places like the store. She brings me here because I like it so much. I love my Mom as much as the whole world. Renee T., age 3

My Mom takes care of me. She gives me food like eggs and good hotdogs that aren't spicy. She washes my clothes and cleans the house, and gives me a bath. She helps me do schooling with Ayla. She takes me out to eat at MacDonalds. She takes care of the animals- Sunshine, Nibble and Lily, and the babies,one is Badger,and Teddy and Sweetie. I help her. She gives me vitamins when I get sick. I think my mom is beautiful and I love her so much. Ben S., age 3

We have chickies at our house and Mama and Josh take care of them. She put them in a diaper box. She takes care of me and takes me to the doctor. She loves me soso much that she cleaned the sheets up when I puked in my bed. She makes me feel better when I cry and she plays with me and the blocks. She loves me and I love her so much., Kodah C., age 3

I have the best Mom ever because she puts the dishes away and makes dinner. She makes yummy chicken and dip, and she puts the chicken on my plate so I can dip it. She gives me strawberries and grapes. She buys my clothes so I can put them on my body so I don't get cold. Mommy yells at Marshall when he spits at me. She says “Pick up the toys", and we pick up the toys. She takes me to Vick's and to Tops when she goes to by food. When I was sick Mommy put that thing in my room so I can feel better. She reads Dora Dora and she reads the book that has lots of colors and maps and houses and eggs and doctors and elephants and cows and stuff. She puts me to bed and covers me with the blankets and sings ABC's and Jesus Loves Me, and Rock-a-by, Don't You Cry. And she kisses me goodnight. I love my Mom! Lily B., age 3

My mom holds me when I go to sleep. She reads stories and night night books. She goes to the carnival with the rocket and we get a fish in the water. She comes with me and Daddy and Reese when we get our Christmas tree at the Christmas tree farm. She keeps my house clean and she buys food for Daddy to cook. My Mom is beautiful because I love her, and Mommy loves me huge much. Quinn D., age 3

My Mom is Stacy. She exercises and helps me write my name and drives me to Grandma's house. She makes a lot of stuff for dinner. My favorite thing is a kind of fish. She brings me to the pond to go fishing and that's my favorite kind of fish! And she brings me to the doctor's when I'm sick- I don't know why I didn't think of that before! She loves me. She colors with me and writes with Griffin. That is a good mom. My mom is a great Mom. I love her 40 years much! Connor M., age 4 

 

My Mom- I love her so much because she helps lots of babies be born so much, but I miss her when she's gone. She feeds me gluten free food. Well she doesn't feed us but she cooks and gives us food. She lets me have green bubble gum, blue bubble gum, pink bubble gum, every kind of bubble gum in the world except for gluten bubble gum. And my mom likes to have the same bubble gum as me! She likes to tuck me in bed. She hugs me and pulls over the blankets and kisses me. She helps me make the bed on the floor sometimes. She loves me. I know she misses me when she's gone. And Mrs. Witte. They rhyme!! Lilyanna C., age 5

Once my Mom was jumping on the trampoline with me. After school me and my Mom go do something. She makes me dinner. Sometimes she makes me Ramen noodles. Sometimes we go to Burger King together. She puts me to bed- she makes sure I have my DS because that's what makes me go to sleep. She works in the garden. One time Miss Ruth gave me some flowers from her garden and I helped my Mom plant them in our garden. She lets my cousins Hannah and Zachary and Matthew come to play at my house. I love my mom and she loves me. Aaron M., age 3

My mom always gives me a hug and lets me watch movies on the computer. My mom always makes me go to bed when I really want to watch movies. Sometimes she falls asleep and when she falls asleep I watch movies. She cooks for me- sometimes chicken nuggets with ketchup. Her favorite color is purple. Kim takes care of me when I’m sick by taking me to the doctors- but I do not like doctors. Mommy puts me to bed. She sometimes sings me bedtime songs. She walks with me when I ride my bike. She watches us play in the grass but my little sister likes to go in the road but Kim keeps her safe. Sometimes I don't listen but my mom keeps us safe from dangerous things. I think I should listen to my mom because she knows what's right. My mom loves me and I love her. I love to be with her and I'm so happy Kim is my own Mother. Nolan D., age 4

I love my Mom so much!! First thing she does is tucks me in bed and the second thing she does is kiss and hug me. She lets me go to Growing Places. I love coming here! She keeps me safe. She doesn't let me play in the road and she doesn't let me eat stuff that isn't food. She takes me to the doctor when I'm sick. She plays cars with me and she takes me to the playground and to ride my bike at BackBack Park. I can put clothes on by myself because my mom showed me how. She has a lot of stuff to do and I help her. She helps me when my foot's stuck. She makes red pasta and chicken, and she gets pizza at the pizza store. She goes to work every day but she stays home in the summertime and we play play play! I love that!! Ethan L., age 4

All Around the World In the Winter

In the summer it's hot and in the winter it's cold. The butterflies fly far away and birds fly far away because it's cold here and warm someplace else. When it's cold the leaves fall off the trees. When it's always warm the trees get really really tall. The birds and the butterflies rest up high in the tree. They stay safe from the coyotes because the coyotes can't climb trees and eat them up. The coyotes can eat the animals on the ground but chipmunks go to sleep under the ground so the coyotes can't see them. The chipmunk keeps nuts in the ground where he sleeps so he can eat the nuts and the coyote can't see him. Coyotes eat rabbits and chickens and eggs, and you hear them at night. By Ben S., age 2

Bees go in their nest in the trees when it gets cold. Frogs go in the bottom of the pond in the muck. Eeeew! Turtles do too. The fish go in the water at the bottom of the pond because it's warmer down there. Mice go in a tiny little hole in the ground. Skunks might go in a cave. Bears go in a cave- but not the same one. Skunks spray stinky out of their tail and make the bear mad! So he has to live someplace else, like underground. Birds go in the trees to get out of the snow. When it's not snowing they eat worms but when it snows they go to the bird feeders. By Connor M., age 4

Penguins and polar bears and reindeer and Santa Claus like winter. They always live in winter and never summer. It rains in the summer and makes sticky mud. Polar bears and penguins don't like sticky mud. Polar bears are white. Snow is white! Mud is brown. If the polar bears roll in the mud they can't be white. By Kodah C., age 2

The desert is sunny and hot. Sometimes it rains in the desert but only a tiny bit. Camels live in the desert. They don't need too much water because they have a bump on their back. When it gets windy the sand hurts your eyes and your skin. The people wear clothes that cover their face and skin so the sand doesn't hurt and the sun doesn't burn their skin because it is sunny sunny sunny there. But if they cover their eyes too much they might walk into cactus. Then you would get poked very badly with sharp pokey things! By Lilyanna C., age 4

Snow is kind of slippery and you fall down. If you go out in bare feet they get freezing cold. You have to wear snow boots so you don't ruin your new shoes and they keep your feet warm. You don't wear snow boots in the summer- you go barefoot or wear shoes. The ground gets too hot because it is summer and it's hot. Sometimes it never snows so the kids never wear snow boots and snow pants. In some places it's always summer! But I like snow! By Evan B., age 3

Bananas cannot grow in places that snow because they need lots of summer. Snow water is too cold but they need to grow where it rains and rains. Some kids live where it never snow and it's always summer. They even have a banana tree in their yard! They don't go sledding and make snow angels and they don't shovel the sidewalk cuz it's not snowing- ever. They can go to the beach and they can go to the playground. They can wear bathing suits and go barefoot whenever they want- even in the winter because it's always summer! By Lily B., age 3.

Sometimes it just rains all winter. The ground gets too muddy. The sun comes out and dries it. When it rains and rains and rains the plants and trees and flowers grow into a jungle. Monkeys live in the jungle, and giant snakes and parrots that are green and yellow and red and orange birds. The jungle is filled with butterflies because it never snows and butterflies do not fly in the snow because it is too cold. By Renee T., age 3

I like summer because you can go in the sprinkler. I have a old sprinkler but it doesn't work. Running in the sprinkler is like running in the rain. The sprinkler makes the grass all wet and the rain makes the grass all wet so it can grow. When it doesn't rain the grass is hot and scratchy, and when it rains it's cool and soft and nice to roll in.. By Quinn D., age 3

It's cold and the trees blow in the winter. So you stay in the house and paint and play. My daddy paints my wall in the winter. We don't go in the zoo in the winter because the monkeys stay inside, not outside. In some places it's always summer and the monkeys live in jungle and play in the trees all day long. They sleep in the night and when it's morning time they climb in the trees and get a banana. But they can't live when it's winter because bananas can't grow when there is winter and monkeys love bananas! By Parker F., age 3

It's cold in the winter time. The grass goes to sleep. When it snows it makes a blanket. When the leaves fall off the trees the trees go to sleep. The chipmunks go to sleep in the ground. They sleep in a chipmunk room and they keep nuts in a different chipmunk room and they go potty in a different room in their hole. Chipmunks do not like snow so they sleep all winter long like the trees and the grass. Bears go to sleep in a cave. I go to sleep in my warm house and my blankets keep me warm and cozy. By Macy Q,, age 3

I would like it to be summer always because I like to go to the playground and ride my bike. I have a big boy bike but you can't ride a bike when it's all snow because it gets stuck in the snow and you fall down. You can't move your legs very easily when you have snow pants on but you can when you wear shorts and just pants. Ethan L., age 4

I like to make a snowman in the winter. You roll the balls- three different sizes. First you make a big one for the bottom, then smaller, then smallest of the head. you make a nose with a carrot and use rocks for the eyes. You put a scarf on his neck. I like white the best buy blue shows better on the snow. Then you make the arms with sticks that you find on the ground. Some kids live where there is no snow. But that means it's summer all the time. That would be awesome! Some places in the world it snows when it's summer and it's HOT in the winter! Here it is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. By Dawsyn M., age 4

All About the Sun

The sun is really really hot because it's a big ball of fire far far away in the sky. If the sun shines it gets warmer. It's so bright, it hurts my eyes when I look at it. By Connor M., age 3

The sun feels warm on skin. It feels like butterflies dancing and bees stinging. The sun helps us get morning time. It makes rainbows when it's raining. It makes the sky red and purple and pink early in the night. By Lilyanna C., age 4

The sun smells like melting snow. And green grass growing. It smells like flowers in the garden; and mud. And it smells like the cows in the barn and swimming in the pool. It smells like pizza; no- pizza looks like the sun. The sun is like round bubbles floating in the air. By Lily B., age 3

The sun is good for making daytime and it goes away to sleep at night. When it wakes up it's daytime again. By Ben S., age 2

The sun is kept up in the air. It comes out of the ground in the morning and goes to sleep in the ground at night. It shines in the water and on spider webs. When the sun makes the pond hot the fish go in the leaves; it's cool there. The sun makes the caterpillar into a butterfly. It brings the birds when it gets summer. By Kodah C., age 2

The moon looks like night time sun but it doesn't hurt my eyes. Sometimes it looks like cookie monster took a bite. It won't burn like the sun. The sun makes the moon shine. The moon is a planet. You can see the man in the moon but there's not really a man in the moon. It's the sun shining on the mountains up there. by Dawsyn M., age 3

The sun hurts your eyes because it's so bright. I have to put the thing that hooks on the window when I go in the car. Or you can wear black glasses like Mommy- they're called sun glasses. Some people call them shades. By Ethan L., age 3

The sun makes bright in your eyes and makes me hot. And then I get thirsty thirst thirsty. Sometimes when I go out in the sun I get sweaty and water comes out of my skin and then I get thirsty thirsty thirsty again. By Macy Q., age 3

The sun is not made of anything. Well, it's kind of made out of paper but it can burn and it goes everywhere. But not under the trees. It can make people sick if they stay out too long and burns their skin red. By Aaron M., age 4

The sun is a yellow circle up in the sky. It has long points that come down and make us warm. By Quinn D., age 3

The sun goes up and down. When it goes up it's morning and when it goes down it's night time. Sometimes it goes in the clouds and you can't see it but it's not dark because the sun is up. Sun flowers are tall, tall flowers that try to touch the sun and they look like the sun too.- Parker F. , age 3

What Three and Four Year-Olds Are Thankful for

Mommy and Daddy because they give me hugs and kisses when they leave and when I go to bed and when I get hurt and when I'm sad and just because they love me. Playing because I like all the toys and my friends and my sister. My home because I see my Mommy and Daddy and Sister and Brynn, my dog, and I feel happiest there. Trees because things grow, like apples and oranges and the flowers in my dream and birds in their nest. Mommy cooking dinner so the food is ready when it's ready. School because I like playing with my friend Parker and the other kids- building blocks and making trains. Giraffes because they can eat tall trees and if I was a giraffe I could eat the apples right off the top of the tree and that would be great. Ethan L., age 3

My friends at school because I love to play with them. Mom because she takes care of me and she picks me up and she takes me to the doctor when I'm sick. Dr. Harter because she checks my bones and ears and throat and gives me bad medicine that I spit out but it makes me feel better. My Daddy because he takes care of me and he's going to put me at college. The snow because it's pretty but you have to be careful so the car doesn't slip on the pile in the road. Snacks, because we share at school and they taste yummy. Growing Places because I love my friends and the fish in the pond and my wall because I think it's beautiful.- Macy Q., age 3

My Mom and Dad because they love me and take care of me and give me dinner and brownies. My big brother because he loves to play with me and I love to play with him. My sister because she goes to school and she's really smart. Growing Places because it's my favorite place and I love to play there and eat snack and go in the garden and read stories and I have my own wall for my pictures. My dogs and cats because they are my friends when I don't have anyone else to play with. Sunshine because it's so warm and it's good for people because they are happier when the sun shines. Turkeys because I like to watch them in the woods; they look funny running around and they gobble. Drinks because when I'm thirsty that's just what I need.- Dawsyn M., age 3

I'm thankful for Mommy because she gives me food and strawberry milk and she takes care of me and my baby brother. My baby brother because I feed him and take care of him and he's going to play with me when he gets big. Apples because we can make applesauce. Purple because it's my favorite color. Flowers because they are pretty and they smell good and butterflies like them. Goats because they are so cute. Renee T., age 3

Big stars because they look pretty in the sky. Mommy because she feeds me and takes care of me and plays with me and takes me to school and I love her. Daddy because he takes me to work and where ever he goes I go with him so he doesn't have to go all by himself. Sissy because she's my best sister. Libby because she's my special dog. Gramma's house because that's where she takes care of me. Parker F., age 3

My Mom because she “milks” me. My Dad because he takes care of me and my baby Nettle. Baby Nettle because I like to make her stop crying. My home because Mom is there. My fire place because it keeps me warm. My window because I can see the chickens and it keeps me cool in the summer when it's hot. The chickens because they are friendly. Chocolate cake and chicken nuggets with ketchup because they are sweet. My friends at school because we play with all kinds of toys together. The garden at my school because it has lots of flowers and plants and a rainbow house and a giant caterpillar for hiding in and climbing on and jumping off. Nolan D., age 3

My mom because she gives me cereal and she takes care of me when I’m sick sometimes. My dad because I love to wrestle with him on his bed and play basketball with him. Lindsay because she's my big sister and she jumps on the trampoline and she goes for lots of walks with me. Britney because she takes me to Mike's pool when it's really hot. Buddy Bear because he keeps me company at night. My room because it has a bunch of toys flashlights and my bed. Spiderman because he saves people. My lawn mower because I like to help Dad and sometimes I mow Miss Ruth's grass.- Aaron M., age 3

My Dad because we play and paint the house and wrestle and I hug him. My mom because she's my mom, and she helps Daddy make dinner when I'm hungry. My brother because he plays with me and teaches me things he learns in school. Chinese food because I love it so much. Halloween because I love to eat candy. My school because I like to play soccer and run the fastest and make the huge giant puzzle with my friends. My birthday because Mommy and Daddy give me a cake.- Quinn D., age 3.

Daddy because I love him. Mommy because she takes special care of me. My boys [brothers] because they keep me safe and play with me. Pappy and Gramiere because I love to go to their house. My cat, but she just died. Carrots because I eat them and they're my favorite. Pink and Purple because they are so beautiful, and Mommy is going to paint my wall pink. My room because I like to sleep in my bed and play with my babies and that's where they live. My blankies and my big stroller because I feel warm and cozy. Tops because I want to get food for my dinner tonight. - Lily B., age 3

Sunshine because it gives us sun so we can have morning time and fun playing outside and working to carry firewood so we can have camp fires and toast marshmallows. My body because it works really well for flipping and running around in circles. Mommy because she takes care of me when I’m sick and she loves me more than anybody in the whole wide world. My dance teacher because she is teaching me how to dance. Josh because he's my step dad and I love him so much. My brother and sister and Auri because we all live together. Growing Places because it's a nice peaceful place to be.

Lilyanna C., age 4

My fingers because I can wiggle them, and scratch my back, and pick things up, and suck on them. Mommy because she gives me hugs and kisses and stuff. My sister because she's my friend and I love her. School because I love my friends. Sleeping in my nice warm bed. Butterflies because I can catch them high in the sky and they are beautiful. My garden because it gives me food. Bees because they buzz and make honey, and I love honey because it's sweet. -Kodah C., age 2

Mommy and Daddy and Griffin because they are my family. Growing Places because I play with my kids and we go in the garden and play play play....Horses because I see them when I’m in the car. My house because it has my toys, and I eat dinner there, and go to sleep there. Birds because they eat worms, and got wings, and make pretty sounds. My pool because I can go swimming when it's hot.

Connor M., age 3

Mommy because she takes care of me when I am sick, and takes me to the doctors. She loves me more than anyone and she's like magic. The park because I love to go play there. My friends because we love to play together, and share things, and laugh, and run around. Goats and pigs because I like the way they sound. Firetrucks because they put out fires. Lollypops because they taste good. Cash registers because they help people buy food. The pond at school because it has fishies, and they play hide and go seek in the lilies. Evan B., age 3

Fall 2011

Fall

The leaves fall off the trees and you have to rake. You throw the leaves on the road where the cars go by and the leave sucker comes by. The leave sucker is a special vacuum cleaner for the leaves. If you use the other vacuum cleaner the leaves will get stuck. Aaron, age 3

In the fall I don't see my Mommy so much because she has to go to school all the time and my dad goes to work. My sister and me stay with Auntie Gramma. Sometimes I call her Mommy by mistake, but I don't like that because I already have a Mommy and I only need one mommy and one Daddy and one sister Abbie. Ethan, age 3

It rains lots of times. The leaves can get wet and fall off the trees. The dirt can get wet and turn to mud. If you walk in it your shoes can get muddy. Turtles like mud to stay warm when it's too cold. Frogs do too- I even saw the picture in the book. They go in the mud at the bottom of the pond. When people get muddy they gotta take a nice warm bath. The turtle takes a bath in the pond! Parker, age 3

Where does Applesauce come from?

We went to the apple farm. It's called a orchard because it has lots of apple trees. We had to use something special so we could reach the apples high in the tree. We put the apples in buckets. Lots of apples fell on the ground. They are bruised. The deer will eat them in the winter. Sawyer, age 4

We made applesauce. First you have to wash the apples so you can get them clean. You wash them with a cloth in a big pan of water. Sometimes the water goes all over the floor and then you slip so you need a big towel to stand on. Lily, age 3

You cut the apples into little pieces because if you don't cut them it will take a very very long time to cook them. Some were red and some were yellow and red, and some were green, and some were little and some were huge. Stars and seeds are what you find when you cut them open. Nolan, age 3

We put the little pieces in the pot. You have to add a little bit of water because it helps the apples cook. You put the pot on the stove to cook the apples.- Lilyanna, age 4

We cook the apples on the stove. The apples just get smooshty and very hot and the apple mush is full of seeds and skin and bubbly juice too. It's very very hot so only the teacher can touch the pot and stir the apples. Lily, age 3

Then you put the hot mushy apples in the cranker. It's called a Foley food mill. When you turn the crank the apple sauce goes in the holes into the other pot and the seeds and skin stay in the top. Then it is really apple sauce! But it's still too hot to eat and it's already time to go home! Lilyanna, age 4

Halloween

We carved pumpkins at Growing Places. Mommy made two pumpkins. My dad sat in the corner and made a bat and everything else on his pumpkin. I helped mommy cut the pumpkin. We had to get the seeds out. They were cold and messy. We put the pumpkins in the garden. Then we had pizza with lots of other kids and moms and dads. My pumpkin was a witch. It was a funny witch, not scary. And I went trick or treating too. I went to peoples house. They thought I was a walking stick and gave me lots of candy. Dawsyn, age 3

I helped Mommy and Daddy with scooping out the sticky in my big huge pumpkin and tried to get the pumpkin really clean inside. Teacher never ever saw a clean pumpkin like that! My hands were on the pumpkin face and the face was surprised. They I listened to scary stories. I was going on the float but it broke. Mommy said it sank! Macy, age 3

For Halloween I was captain America and my brother was Superman. I was going to ride on the float with the other kids and all the pumpkins but Daddy didn't come because the tractor battery didn't work. I ran really fast to the parade, and went trick or treating and I ate lots of candy at home! Quinn, age 3

It was Halloween. You say trick or treat so you can get candy. You have to wear costumes for Halloween and real clothes aren't costumes. Some costumes are beautiful, like lady bugs and butterflies and princesses. Some are scary. Monsters, wolves, witches and ghosts are scary. Pumpkins and clowns are silly. Mama takes me trick or treating. When someone gives you candy you say thank you and take it home and share it. Lily, age 3

Fire Safety Week

You spray a hose to put the fire out. But first you have to get out of the house because there's fire and you don't want to get burned. Fire is hot and dangerous and crackly and smoky and you can't breathe very well because too much smoke makes you cough. That's why you got to get out of the house. Ethan, age 3

If you find matches you need to give them to a grown-up because they are not for children. They would get burned. Matches are to start fires and fires are hot so don't touch fire or you can get burned.

Macy, age 3

Fire trucks are red. Fire is red and hot. Very very hot. A fire man and the fireman's puppy go get the people out of the fire. Quinn, age 3

Fire fighters drive fire engines to the fire. They spray the fire with water because they're scared the fire will burn them and it will. But they're brave aren't they because they help people even if they are scared. Fire fighters are like super heroes. Dawsyn, age 3

Firefighters wear scary coats and helmets because the fire is going to burn them and their special clothes keep them safe. They hose the fire and turn it off. Never hide if there is a fire. Get out!

Parker, age 3

Everybody screams when there is a big fire in the house because it's so scary. You have to jump out the window or stay on the roof so your mom can come get you, and then you run away as fast as you can. Concrete doesn't burn so you should go on the sidewalk or find your mom and dad and sister by the tree or at Miss Ruth's house. Aaron, age 3

Fire is hot. I can't touch it because I will get burned. I see fire in my fire stove and don't want to get burned so I got to stay back. My mom puts wood in the stove to keep me warm. When we go camping in my tent my dad makes a fire to sit around it. Ben, age 2

My Daddy puts wood in the fire so I can make marshmallows. You blow on them because they're really really hot. A stove is hot and kids can't use the stove because you can burn yourself. I burned myself on my mom's stove and cried and I got to get ice on it and a band aid on it. Lily, age 3

Fire fighters have to wear a suit so the fire doesn't burn them. They wear a hat so they don't get bonked on the head with burning stuff. Fire trucks are red so everyone can see it and get out of the way. It makes a loud noise to get people out of the way. I have to cover my ears because it is so loud it hurts my ears. Evan, age 3

You put logs in the fire and it becomes big. Me and my dad do it together because it's hard work and it's dangerous for little boys. Nolan, age 3