Sometimes while sitting in the classes that I attend with my students, I do the assignments that they are working on, just for kicks and giggles.
This assignment happens to be an 8th grade Language Arts assignment. It was fun!! I keep making changes to my poem when I think of something else, or another memory is triggered.
Below my poem I will enter the assignment instructions so you can try it yourself. Leave me a copy in the comments section.
Lara Rogers Tampas
I am from the smell of leather, cotton, springs, and books.
I am from a loving, active, laughing home.
I am from Russian Olives, Irises, leaves, thunder storms, the smell of the earth right after rain, and stars.
I am from Candlelight Soup Suppers, Forced Family Fun, Half a Rogers & Half a Fox, and now a Tampas.
I am from immovable; know what they want and what they believe, and being a perfectionist.
I am from “Be Good, Have Fun, Learn a Lot”, “Charley Chickety is going to sit on your lip", "'There's no crying in baseball'", and Service.
I am from a Love of Heavenly Father, a Faith in Jesus Christ, an education is important, and FAMILY is everything.
I am from green, earthy Iowa, the oasis of an otherwise brown Idaho, salty lakes of Utah, Europe, Scandinavia, and strong Pioneer stock. Roast Beef on Sundays, Corn Beef and cabbage, potatoes, and corn you eat like a typewriter.
I am from traveling in an Old Model T from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, a listening ear, surviving the Queens, UFO’s in Ogallala, Nebraska, and miles and miles of road traveled, back and forth across the Plaines.
I am from pictures, boots, clocks, and Lilliput Lane. But more importantly, I’m from compassion, determination, generosity, grace, quiet dignity, and learned minds.
Instructions:
I am from ________(specific, ordinary item), from _______________(specific, ordinary item-or brand name), and _____________ (an item you really love).
I am from the ___________________ (home description...adjective, sensory detail.)
I am from ______________ (plant, flower, natural item), the ____________ (plant, flower, natural detail).
I am from __________ (family tradition) and ____(family trait), from __________ (name of family member) and ______(another family name), and _____________ (family name).
I am from the ______ (description of a family personaliy traid) and _______
(another family personality trait).
I am from ________ (something you were told as a child) and _________ (another thing your were told as a child).
I am from ________________ (something you really believe in), from ___________________ (further description, if possible).
I'm from ___________ (place of birth and family ancestry), from ________ and _____________(two food items representing your family).
From the _____________________(specific family story about a specific person and detail), the __________(another detail), and the __________________(another detail about another family member).
I am from ____ (description of family pictures, mementos, archinves and several more lines indicating the worth of these).
Try it, it's fun!
Happy writing!
Lara
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Thursday, July 1, 2010
May
May starts out with May day of course... Each year the kids and I have taken the first cuttings off our Lilac bush, and place little baskets of flowers on the door handles of the family and dear friends.
Ash's pinky finger got caught in her shovel while she was helping Paul weed.
She was so hysterical I had to get a picture. Literally two seconds after I snapped this picture she pulled her finger out
This is a picture of Byron Yankee, an old friend of our family, and mom's first principal in Nampa. This is at the opening of the Time Capsaul that was put into the wall of the cafeteria at the end of the first year that Greenhurst was open. I bet none of us thought that any of our children would go to Greenhurst when it was opened.
A typical day in the Life of Addie
Utahraptor
April
When it comes to anything science related, mom isn't good enough... We have to go to the family expert on science-granilani-, or that's Ash's thinking. She needed to do research on a dinosaur of her choice, and since we Rogers/Tampas Women never do anything the easy way, mom looked up a dinosaur none of us have heard of. Mom and Ash decided to do a to "scale" model of one of its claws. Ashlynn read several short paragraphs for information, and was able to answer questions mom asked her about them. We then put all those question together this Q&A peek-a-boo tri-fold. Ash recieved an E++ on it, and it was very different from all the other dioramas that the other students did. Mrs. Fred. even asked to have it for an example for next year. Ashlynn was so excited!!!
When it comes to anything science related, mom isn't good enough... We have to go to the family expert on science-granilani-, or that's Ash's thinking. She needed to do research on a dinosaur of her choice, and since we Rogers/Tampas Women never do anything the easy way, mom looked up a dinosaur none of us have heard of. Mom and Ash decided to do a to "scale" model of one of its claws. Ashlynn read several short paragraphs for information, and was able to answer questions mom asked her about them. We then put all those question together this Q&A peek-a-boo tri-fold. Ash recieved an E++ on it, and it was very different from all the other dioramas that the other students did. Mrs. Fred. even asked to have it for an example for next year. Ashlynn was so excited!!!
There's NO Crying in Baseball
March/April/May
One of dad's favorite quotes is from a League of Their Own, and Tom Hanks' Character is yelling at the girls and he says,"Are you crying, There's No Crying in Baseball.
On the morning of the leagues Jamboree, our team had to be there at 7:30 am for Pictures and an 8:30 game. We all know how unpredictable Idaho weather can be. One year we got sunburns at the Jamboree, because it was nearly 90. But it was so cold the kids were crying and didn't want to play.


Ash was on the Lookouts this year. Her coach, Steve Green, was in mom and dad's ward.
The team spent a lot of time practicing hitting, and not so much on fielding. It's interesting, you can tell what the different teams coach's emphasised during practices when it came to the games. There was really only two teams in the league that had the whole package, but they were also the teams that had had little to no changes from last year, and had been together for the two year age bracket.
Ash had fun, but still had ants in her pants while waiting for the beep, beep, beep of the pitching machine. There were a total 5 girls in the league this year. The girls softball league called us several times trying to recruit her, but Ash is adamant, she doesn't want to play with the girls.





Ash was introduced to sunflower seeds this season. That is what she is trying to dig out of her back pocket, while she was playing second. Second base was the position where she made the most outs. She was also one of three kids on her team that could make the throw from third to first.

She had a fun season, and is always sad to see it end.
One of dad's favorite quotes is from a League of Their Own, and Tom Hanks' Character is yelling at the girls and he says,"Are you crying, There's No Crying in Baseball.
On the morning of the leagues Jamboree, our team had to be there at 7:30 am for Pictures and an 8:30 game. We all know how unpredictable Idaho weather can be. One year we got sunburns at the Jamboree, because it was nearly 90. But it was so cold the kids were crying and didn't want to play.
Ash was on the Lookouts this year. Her coach, Steve Green, was in mom and dad's ward.
The team spent a lot of time practicing hitting, and not so much on fielding. It's interesting, you can tell what the different teams coach's emphasised during practices when it came to the games. There was really only two teams in the league that had the whole package, but they were also the teams that had had little to no changes from last year, and had been together for the two year age bracket.
Ash had fun, but still had ants in her pants while waiting for the beep, beep, beep of the pitching machine. There were a total 5 girls in the league this year. The girls softball league called us several times trying to recruit her, but Ash is adamant, she doesn't want to play with the girls.
Ash was introduced to sunflower seeds this season. That is what she is trying to dig out of her back pocket, while she was playing second. Second base was the position where she made the most outs. She was also one of three kids on her team that could make the throw from third to first.
She had a fun season, and is always sad to see it end.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Remember Einstein
Easter
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Another Playmate
March
The kids have enjoyed having another person to play with, most of the time.
Brennen got mad one evening, and tore apart a little pillow, that had tons of little white foam balls in it. We spent most of the night and the rest of the week vacuuming them up.

Addie acquired her own Lear jet. She had fun jet setting with her big brother and sister to the different exotic destinations around our home.
The kids have enjoyed having another person to play with, most of the time.
Brennen got mad one evening, and tore apart a little pillow, that had tons of little white foam balls in it. We spent most of the night and the rest of the week vacuuming them up.
Addie acquired her own Lear jet. She had fun jet setting with her big brother and sister to the different exotic destinations around our home.
Leg Warmers
My ever creative little boy.
Much has Happened since January.
February 2010
One of the most significant things that is happened in our lives since January, is the Factory closing. The "Factory", as we called it, has been a huge part of our life here in Nampa. It is the reason WHY we live in Nampa.

I have a lot of memories that are centered around the Factory. Taking lunch to dad in the summer, riding our bikes or roller skating around the workroom, sleeping in the office when we were to sick to go to school, cleaning out storage units (i hated this one, because of all the creapies and crawlies- have I ever mentioned that I really hate mice!!!!-), and many, many more wonderful memories. We even lived there for 3 1/2 months while our house was being built, when I was 14. One year, I even took my students on a fieldtrip to the factory, (we had been down the road at another parents work place) and dad gracesously showed the kids how mattress are made.



I hope that my kids have some memories of the Factory too, but I'm afraid that they are to young.
I have never seen the Factory gutted before. It has always been full of innersprings, boxsprings, buildup tables, sewing tables, the gluestation, pad, quilt, foam, and at times rolls of cotton. It made me want to cry.

It just goes to show, that the economy we live in is constantly changing... That the consumers as a whole want bigger, and "better" for cheaper, and for the cost of living in the U.S., we can not continue to manufacture any goods here for us to be profitable. Thus in slaving our country to others, and putting our trust and relying on others that maynot be so kind or forgiving in the future.
There I feel better now!
One of the most significant things that is happened in our lives since January, is the Factory closing. The "Factory", as we called it, has been a huge part of our life here in Nampa. It is the reason WHY we live in Nampa.
I have a lot of memories that are centered around the Factory. Taking lunch to dad in the summer, riding our bikes or roller skating around the workroom, sleeping in the office when we were to sick to go to school, cleaning out storage units (i hated this one, because of all the creapies and crawlies- have I ever mentioned that I really hate mice!!!!-), and many, many more wonderful memories. We even lived there for 3 1/2 months while our house was being built, when I was 14. One year, I even took my students on a fieldtrip to the factory, (we had been down the road at another parents work place) and dad gracesously showed the kids how mattress are made.


I hope that my kids have some memories of the Factory too, but I'm afraid that they are to young.
I have never seen the Factory gutted before. It has always been full of innersprings, boxsprings, buildup tables, sewing tables, the gluestation, pad, quilt, foam, and at times rolls of cotton. It made me want to cry.
It just goes to show, that the economy we live in is constantly changing... That the consumers as a whole want bigger, and "better" for cheaper, and for the cost of living in the U.S., we can not continue to manufacture any goods here for us to be profitable. Thus in slaving our country to others, and putting our trust and relying on others that maynot be so kind or forgiving in the future.
There I feel better now!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Adelaide @ SIX months
With Addie probably being our last baby, I don't want her to get any bigger. I want her to stay in each stage forever. But she keeps growing!!!
She has so much personality, and the way she gazes at everything, you know synopsis's are firing and burning everything to memory.
The first thing everyone says when they see her, is what a SMILEY baby she is.
Because Paul and my work schedules over lap by 1/2 hour, Paul drops Brenn and Addie off to me about 10 minutes before school's over. Everyone wants to hold Addie!!! "Uncle Stuart" (my boss) being at the top of the list. Several honorary grandparents and "uncles" have pictures of her in their classrooms and offices.
It's funny.
She just has one of those spirits that draws you in.
I hope it lasts.
Sweet Potatoes: Pricless
Great-Grandma's Piano
I mentioned in an earlier blog that Paul's Grandma Pat gave us her piano. In turn, we kept it a secret until Christmas, and told Ash when she unwrapped a picture of a piano. Since then, she asked everyday when we would be going to go get it. On National Freedom Day, Paul rented a U-Haul and with dads help (Mark and Cousin Jim's on the other end), he went and got the piano. Let's just say, the thing is heavier then it looks.
Then for two weeks, Ash kept asking when Kamee (one of my good friend Kolene's daughters) was going to start giving her piano lessons. Kamee was sick last Sunday, and so Ash gave her younger sister Tiffani a message to tell her.
Long Story Short:
Ash starts piano lessons February 1st.


Then for two weeks, Ash kept asking when Kamee (one of my good friend Kolene's daughters) was going to start giving her piano lessons. Kamee was sick last Sunday, and so Ash gave her younger sister Tiffani a message to tell her.
Long Story Short:
Ash starts piano lessons February 1st.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Blogging Up!!!!!!!!
Christmas 2009:
Addie's First Christmas
All though it was Addie's first Christmas, we didn't get many pictures of her...and not one in her super cute outfit by herself. We only allow our kids to ask for one gift they really want. And they only get "three gifts" symbolizing the gifts the wise men gave baby Jesus.
This year the requests were: Ash wanted a Bopit game, and Brennen wanted a "Polar Express Train" (one that he had seen at JCPennies when I was getting the kids pictures done...it cost $200 on sale!!! And then on Christmas eve he found a real Polar Express train in a really weird place and it was much cheaper, but oh well.)
Ash got a bopit, color explosion, dart gun (from Brennen-it did have 2, "so they could play it together";) ), a new bike, and her great-grandma's piano (which she is really excited about), Leapster games, and a Hannah Montana Karaoke.
Brenn got two new Thomas Characters trains- Fearless Freddy and Hero, Leapster games, Legos, and transformers.
Addie got teething toys.
And they all got Clothes Thanks to Auntie Kir and Papa Dave and granilani!!! This is mommy's favorite!!!!
This toy has a working battery operated screwdriver and ratchet. You use them you put together planes, trains, and automobiles. Brennen has spent hours playing with this toy.
Ash & her 2nd cousin Haddon- He is 1 month 1 day younger
Addie's Carseat Game
How to play: Arch your back and go rigged as a board.
Addie's First Christmas
All though it was Addie's first Christmas, we didn't get many pictures of her...and not one in her super cute outfit by herself. We only allow our kids to ask for one gift they really want. And they only get "three gifts" symbolizing the gifts the wise men gave baby Jesus.
This year the requests were: Ash wanted a Bopit game, and Brennen wanted a "Polar Express Train" (one that he had seen at JCPennies when I was getting the kids pictures done...it cost $200 on sale!!! And then on Christmas eve he found a real Polar Express train in a really weird place and it was much cheaper, but oh well.)
Ash got a bopit, color explosion, dart gun (from Brennen-it did have 2, "so they could play it together";) ), a new bike, and her great-grandma's piano (which she is really excited about), Leapster games, and a Hannah Montana Karaoke.
Brenn got two new Thomas Characters trains- Fearless Freddy and Hero, Leapster games, Legos, and transformers.
Addie got teething toys.
And they all got Clothes Thanks to Auntie Kir and Papa Dave and granilani!!! This is mommy's favorite!!!!
This toy has a working battery operated screwdriver and ratchet. You use them you put together planes, trains, and automobiles. Brennen has spent hours playing with this toy.
Ash & her 2nd cousin Haddon- He is 1 month 1 day younger
Addie's Carseat Game
How to play: Arch your back and go rigged as a board.
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