The Upcoming School Year = EXCITED!

Let me just say that I am EXCITED to begin our school year, because the books this year sound overall exciting, aanndd, we're studying the Eastern Hemisphere (China, Korea, Japan, and India, basically). I guess you could say these books are going to have SUPER special meaning to me. :) I've already taken a peek into a few books, but most of them I've just read the description. These are the ones I'm particularly interested in:

Shadow Spinner-

Each night, Sharazadan begins another story, and each morning, the Sultan lets her live another day, providing that her story caught his attention. But alas, after a thousand nights, Sharazadan is running out of tales. This is where Marjan's story begins....It falls to Marjan to go out into the city and find stragglers and travellers from all over and listen to their stories, then bring them back to Sharazadan.

The Kite Flyers-

Young-sup and Kee-sup are brothers in Korea in 1473. Both must come to terms with the privileges and responsibilities associated with their birth order.

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze-

Young Fu, 13, enters the streets of 1920's China. Even though the world is different from Young Fu's time, this story still reflects Modern China-Making friends, making mistakes, and making one's way in the world.

My Report on Betsy Ross

My mom had me do a report (or, I wanted to do it) on Betsy Ross, the young lady that sewed the first American flag. But, real quick, before I start, I want to thank everyone for the sweet comments on my post that was on yesterday about Matty. It made me feel a lot better knowing that you all are there comforting me. Thanks! Alright, on with the assignment!

Betsy Ross was born on January 1st, 1752. She was first named Elizabeth Griscom. She got the name Betsy from her real name, Elizabeth. Her parents' names were Samuel and Rebecca Griscom. She grew up as a quaker. She went to a quaker school where usually, you would learn stitchery and sewing and politeness and tea hosting and things of that sort, however, she learned sewing and embroidery at home. She lived a very simple life where plain simple dresses were a luxury.

She grew up and married John Ross. When she grew up, she, of course, became a seamstress too. She made the American flag after a visit from George Washington, Robert Morris, and her husband's uncle. She showed how to cut a perfect star with just a pair of scissors, that is, if the fabric is folded correctly. The story wasn't told until Betsy's grandson let it out.

She died on January 30th, 1836. She is remembered as a great, American, hero.

Here, she was sewing the flag. You can see in the next pic where she is showing it to, George Washington, that it had 13 stars, rather than 50. That was because they had just become independent and they only had the 13 colonies, or states, of America.




Showing it to Mr. President. =D



I took a picture of the "Betsy Flag" in our living room hanging over our fireplace. My mom just said that the "Betsy Flag" is one of her favorite things in our house. Here it is:





Blessings,
Joy =D

Mexican Girl Diary

My mom gave me an assignment (well, the big Sonlight book said to). I have to imagine that I'm a Mexican girl traveling to California in the year 1781. Here goes!


Febuary 2nd, 1781.

Hola. I am a 10 year old Mexican Nina`. My name is Amaya. Today twelve Mexican families-23 men and women and 21 children-are leaving Alamos, Mexico. Today is also my birthday. My Papa`, my Mama`, and my 4 year old brother are going to California. The trip will be hard, the voyage long. But my family is strong. My Papa` knows many things. But I will miss the families who are staying behind. My best amigo, Maria`, her Papa`, Mama`, and 4 year old brother are coming though!!!! We will have best of times! Well, Mama` is calling to me. We are still loading because Mama` is bringing her furniture with her as most Senora`s are not. I have to help. But, before I leave I want to show you my doll that I am bringing for company. Her name is Rosita`. I named her after the wisest woman in Alamos, Senorita` Rosita. Here she is:



Until tomorrow,
Amaya