The weekly spelling “contract” includes a list of options for using the words to complete the assignment.  My 4th grade daughter decided to do the “include each word in a story” option this week. So, my guest writer is nine years old. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I may have to include her writing more often. (Or, just post her stuff and say it’s mine. Familial plagiarism is ok right?)

I wanted to go outside into the agricultural delight known as my garden, but alas; I had the flu. I was so exhausted from constant stomach aches. I was working on my multiplication homework, page 2 of 30. I was thinking out loud. “Nine times -cough!- seven equals 63,” I said. “Ack!” I was so bored. I had no idea how I was going to finish all my work. I decided to put it aside and do something else. I picked up my journal and looked out my window to find 2 pigeons sitting on the ledge of my window. They looked so innocent nuzzling next to each other. I began to create an illustration of the two birds standing next to each other in the sunshine.How could I miss out on a beautiful day like this? I knew my mom would execute me for it, but I opened my window, not meaning to interrupt the pigeons’ relaxation. I managed to take a deep breath of the beauty that surrounded me. I remember regretting going out in the rain. But it was worth it. My dog and I had a lot of fun. Just at that moment, my German Shepherd, Charlie, jumped onto my bed and covered my face in kisses. I thought for a moment. Maybe there were some down sides to being sick, but there were up sides too! Not having to deal with the constant “blah, blah, blah” of the cafeteria, its capacity being 100 but always going over. More time at home. The possibilities were endless. I got back on my homework, with the thought still in my mind. Maybe there is a bright side to the flu.