The Richardsons

At Abegail's school, they have two different teachers. One for math and science and the other for social studies, reading, and writing. Abegail liked them both but her afternoon teacher, Ms. Pixton had a baby in February and was out for the rest of the year. Abegail came home one day and said, "We got a new teacher, Mr. Sullivan. He is very strict. He calls us young lady and young man." Every day Abegail came home with more stories about Mr. Sullivan. The stories changed from being scared of her new teacher to wanting to do well for him. Turns out Mr. Sullivan is a tall, basketball tall, African American man. He is the first black teacher Abegail has had. And he has a gift. He wasn't a teacher traditionally but retired and now subs in. He has two grown children and he would tell the kids how they went to the best school in the country, William and Mary, because they worked hard. By the end of the year, Mr. Sullivan had the children writing essays. You ...

Have you ever had an alpaca in your front yard?? It is a very strange feeling. We figured since we already lived on a funny farm that we'd bring a miniature zoo to the house to make the picture complete. So for Annie's birthday party we had "Squeals on Wheels" come to the house. I have never had a miniature pony (named Little Jack) and 25 kids at my house before. 25 kids, you would think Annie was homecoming queen, but you add in our three kids, our three cousins, 12 neighbors and few friends from class and you get to 25 pretty fast. It was quite a rowdy scene. The Squeals on Wheels lady said when she arrived, "oh you just had cake?" No, we haven't had the cake yet. "Oh, dear, " she mumbled. I saw one neighbor friend, named Shorty walking home with half our broken pinata, and a party hat full of candy. "Where are you going?" I asked. "I can't take it anymore," said the 6 year old, I'm headed home. She came ...

This year we got smart, OK take that with a grain of salt. But we decide to have Annie's birthday party before school ended so everyone would be able to come and no on would be out of town. 25 kids later, we will go back to original plan of having it in the summer next year. But there's nothing like having that many kids come to your house to motivate you to unpack and put away all the nails, hammers, and screwdrivers. So here are a few of the rooms in our house. Annie had a farm themed birthday so she wanted a cow and pony cake. Her friend Rubi helped us make them. Annie told Rubi, "My mom always has to make my cakes." Yes, deal with it. But she really liked them in the end, I don't think the batter was bad either. Family Room, a room we didn't have in the old house, we live in here Living room, for calm and peacefulness, unfortunately it wasn't soundproofed Toy room, or soccer room, yes you may play with the ball in here Abegail's room Kitch...

Abegail had to write an essay in Social Studies, "If I had the power to change something I would change.." This is what she wrote. Yes, She got an A++ If I had the power to change anything I would change Liberia because it had a war in 1989 and it ended in 2003. I was only three. I would make better schools and better houses. I would make sure everyone has a job. Another thing I would change is the hungry. I would make sure everyone has enough food. I will make sure everyone has an easy life. Also put flowers and plants in their yards. I would make Africa the way it used to be. Plants and flowers all around and people swimming in the beach and running along the shore. The reason why I would change Liberia is I know how life is there. Although it is gonna take a long time I will try hard. Also work hard in school and everything I do in life. That's what I would change if I had the power to change something.

Eman came up with the idea for his room all on his own. A Liberian flag on one wall, an American one on the other, decorated in red white and blue. Annie's room is all pink and it is awesome! Abegail had her first strings concert last week. 120 kids, they did great. The teacher is a gem.