not this cute anymore!I lost my voice over the long weekend... as well as the ability to type, apparently. We've had an insane couple of days-- and although I have much to report on our Valentine's Day party (as well as our fun weekend with surprise visitors) I am reporting on the reports my boys had to give yesterday.
President's day might be a vacation for most elementary school students, but it wasn't for ours. Ben and Luke were assigned reports on two of the most influential men ever to lead our nation. They had to do research, draw pictures and then give an oral dissertation on what they learned. Am I a grueling teacher or what? It actually turned out to be a pleasant experience for everyone.
Ben was assigned Abraham Lincoln and -like everything else he does- took on the challenge with great gusto! Did you know Abe Lincoln was the tallest president (6'4") as well as the first to have a beard and the first to be assassinated? Did you know he foresaw his death? His dreams were vivid and he told his wife several times that he didn't think he would live through his second term. A week before he died, he had a dream of a man crying in the White House. He sought the room where he heard the sobs coming from and found a casket. He asked the crying man who had died and the man replied, "The President." When he looked inside the coffin, he saw his own face. He truly was an example of courage, strength and perseverance. He was homeschooled most of his life and gained a love for reading at an early age. He was a brilliant communicator and an eloquent writer. He was slow to take an important step, but once he did, he never second-guessed his decision. He struggled with depression throughout his life... which is surprising because he loved to laugh. His unique sense of humor helped America get through a difficult time. He had four sons, but only one lived to be an adult. Abraham Lincoln's posterity lived for 2 short generations. Although he has no living descendants, he has become one of the most historical figures in our nation.
Luke was assigned to give a report on George Washington... and being the innovative (lazy) pragmatic child that he is, he figured showing GW's face on the dollar bill was much better than drawing his own picture. And who can argue with that? Luke and Daddy teamed up for a great report on the Father of our Country. Luke started his report by saying that if GW was still alive, he would be 277 years old.. It's also important to mention that George Washington was homeschooled... interesting, no? :) He took pride in everything he did. He was a hard worker, he was a military genius and a noble leader who refused a crown. During college I read several biographies on George Washington and was inspired by his story.. by his strength and character. Did you know that George Washington was in love with his best friend's wife? Sally Fairfax was married to George William Fairfax, who lived across Washington's beloved plantation, Mount Vernon. George Washington later married a short, amiable (and wealthy) widow, named Martha Custis. Although many reports show that they did not marry for love, over the years, their relationship grew and their love was genuine. And after reading this recent article, apparently Martha was a hottie. Who knew? And although Washington never had children of his own, he became the most famous Father in history.
Amidst all the turmoil and economic hardship, I can't help but feel grateful to live in such a wonderful country. I know the future may seem scary, but I believe that it's NOT by coincidence that we live in this land during THIS time. We each play significant, important roles. I am inspired by these two wonderful men who, despite their difficult circumstances, did more than they thought themselves capable of doing. I wonder if they understood the ripple effect their lives would have on MILLIONS of people. It truly is inspiring and makes me want to be a better mother, wife and citizen. It seems like there is a deficiency of core values in the world today. It's not easy raising kids to be strong, courageous, bright, faithful and honest. Video games, mindless TV, loud music and movies seem to be calling them in a different direction. But I know I can do better and BE better. This is a time to be grateful, a time to work harder, and to stand up for what we know to be right. May we all learn from the examples of those who sacrifice their lives for GOOD and may we be inspired to bring out the best in others.
President's day might be a vacation for most elementary school students, but it wasn't for ours. Ben and Luke were assigned reports on two of the most influential men ever to lead our nation. They had to do research, draw pictures and then give an oral dissertation on what they learned. Am I a grueling teacher or what? It actually turned out to be a pleasant experience for everyone.
Ben was assigned Abraham Lincoln and -like everything else he does- took on the challenge with great gusto! Did you know Abe Lincoln was the tallest president (6'4") as well as the first to have a beard and the first to be assassinated? Did you know he foresaw his death? His dreams were vivid and he told his wife several times that he didn't think he would live through his second term. A week before he died, he had a dream of a man crying in the White House. He sought the room where he heard the sobs coming from and found a casket. He asked the crying man who had died and the man replied, "The President." When he looked inside the coffin, he saw his own face. He truly was an example of courage, strength and perseverance. He was homeschooled most of his life and gained a love for reading at an early age. He was a brilliant communicator and an eloquent writer. He was slow to take an important step, but once he did, he never second-guessed his decision. He struggled with depression throughout his life... which is surprising because he loved to laugh. His unique sense of humor helped America get through a difficult time. He had four sons, but only one lived to be an adult. Abraham Lincoln's posterity lived for 2 short generations. Although he has no living descendants, he has become one of the most historical figures in our nation.
Luke was assigned to give a report on George Washington... and being the innovative (lazy) pragmatic child that he is, he figured showing GW's face on the dollar bill was much better than drawing his own picture. And who can argue with that? Luke and Daddy teamed up for a great report on the Father of our Country. Luke started his report by saying that if GW was still alive, he would be 277 years old.. It's also important to mention that George Washington was homeschooled... interesting, no? :) He took pride in everything he did. He was a hard worker, he was a military genius and a noble leader who refused a crown. During college I read several biographies on George Washington and was inspired by his story.. by his strength and character. Did you know that George Washington was in love with his best friend's wife? Sally Fairfax was married to George William Fairfax, who lived across Washington's beloved plantation, Mount Vernon. George Washington later married a short, amiable (and wealthy) widow, named Martha Custis. Although many reports show that they did not marry for love, over the years, their relationship grew and their love was genuine. And after reading this recent article, apparently Martha was a hottie. Who knew? And although Washington never had children of his own, he became the most famous Father in history.
Amidst all the turmoil and economic hardship, I can't help but feel grateful to live in such a wonderful country. I know the future may seem scary, but I believe that it's NOT by coincidence that we live in this land during THIS time. We each play significant, important roles. I am inspired by these two wonderful men who, despite their difficult circumstances, did more than they thought themselves capable of doing. I wonder if they understood the ripple effect their lives would have on MILLIONS of people. It truly is inspiring and makes me want to be a better mother, wife and citizen. It seems like there is a deficiency of core values in the world today. It's not easy raising kids to be strong, courageous, bright, faithful and honest. Video games, mindless TV, loud music and movies seem to be calling them in a different direction. But I know I can do better and BE better. This is a time to be grateful, a time to work harder, and to stand up for what we know to be right. May we all learn from the examples of those who sacrifice their lives for GOOD and may we be inspired to bring out the best in others.
Happy President's Day. There is hope shining brightly before us!
ps. If you're interested in hearing some of Ben and Luke's reports, mosey on over to our Video Blog
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