How to Make a Banana Split

Banana Splits are one of my most favorite desserts. Next week, you will make one for me. 
Prepare or gather the following materials.

1. 3 scoops of vanilla ice-cream
2. a banana
3. 2-3 teaspoons of chocolate syrup
4. 2-3 teaspoons of strawberry jam or syrup
5. 2-3 teaspoons of pineapple syrup
6. 3 maraschino cherries
7. whipped cream
8. chopped peanuts
9. a flat dish and spoon

1. Scoop three scoops of vanilla ice-cream and place them on the dish in a row.
2. Slice the banana in half length wise.
3. Place each half on either side of the three vanilla scoops.
4.. Pour the chocolate syrup onto the first scoop of ice-cream.
5. Pour the strawberry syrup over the second scoop of ice-cream.
6. Pour the pineapple syrup over the third scoop of ice-cream.
7. Get the whipped cream and shake the can.
8. Turn the can upside down.
9. Use your thumb to press the nozzle and spray some whipped cream in a circular fashion on each scoop of ice-cream.
10. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.
11. Place a cherry on top of each scoop.
12. Eat and enjoy.

Me? A Poet? ......Not!

Last week, we studied poetry. Did you have fun? Did you learn something new? I did. You see, I never formally learned about poetry. Oh, I've read it and enjoy it, but it sometimes is difficult for me to understand it.
However, I try to have a good attitude about learning new things. And guess what? I enjoyed the unit we learned together in class. I learned that poetry is just another way to express your thoughts in a more creative way.

Writing class: what did you learn?

An Attitude of Gratitude

November marks the beginning of the holiday season for me. I get excited about cooking my family's favorite foods, and seeing cousins, uncles, and nieces. Sometimes, the holidays get a little frustrating for me. The shopping malls are crowded, people seem to be in a rush, and I tend to get into a panic about finding the right present for my loved ones. Often, I have to take a deep breath and remind myself what the holidays are all about. There is a "reason for the season" as people say; my reason is to be grateful. I am most grateful for my family, my health, and my home.

My family is the most precious thing I own. It is mine. My daughters are unique individuals and are growing up to be the most sincere and humble human beings I know. Whoever marries them will be lucky individuals indeed! My husband is loving and supporting, and always makes me laugh. His humor makes me relax and not worry over the little things in life.

Five years ago, I had a cancerous tumor removed. I remember hearing the doctor say; "You have cancer". I thought my life was coming to an end. Well,  surgery removed the tumor and I was on my way to recovery. This event helped me to realize that my health is precious and my responsibility is to take care of my body, so that when I get sick again, my body will know how to fight against disease. Exercising regularly and eating well is important to me and I thank God everyday for each new day I am given.

I realize that my home is a possession that can be destroyed or taken away. A home is something that is replaceable, unlike my family; however, my home is my sanctuary.  I love being home. I love cooking, cleaning, gardening, and taking care of chickens and fruit trees. I am thankful that my home has been able to provide shelter and love for people outside of my immediate family. Sharing my home with others has been my greatest joy.

As the holidays approach, I will enjoy the celebrations, the presents, and the food. I will cherish the time I get to spend with my young nieces and nephews and their children. All the while, I will be grateful and give thanks everyday for the many blessings I have in my loved ones, my well being, and the dwelling I can share with other people.

My Papa

I didn't know much about my dad as I was growing up. He was always at work or working in the garden. The earliest memories I have of him are not pleasant ones. You see, my mom and dad fought alot, in fact, they fought every day. I am sad to say that when they divorced, I was quite happy to not have to listen to that arguing and sometimes violent outbursts anymore.
I went on with my life, had three daughters as I mentioned before.
One day, I got a call from my dad. I was quite surprised to hear from him. It had been 30 years! He said he wanted to get to know his children. Well, as you can imagine, most of my brothers and sisters said; No way!
I didn't really blame them. Why should we give him our time when he neglected to share his time with us as we were growing up? I don't know what struck my heart, but I decided to say yes, and eventually invited my dad to live with us for a time. I wanted to get to know this man, and I really wanted my children to know their grandpa. I have so many memories to share with you, but, will only share this one with you. The year he spent in our home was one of the most memorable times of my life. I got the chance to know my dad, my papa, and learned that forgiveness is a powerful thing.

All About Me

My name is Esther Andrews. I am -- years old and have lived in Ojai for the last twenty years. I have worked at Ojai Valley School for seven years. I grew up in a small town named Fillmore, which is about twenty miles west of Ojai. After graduating from high school, I went to a beauty academy and became a hairdresser, and then a teacher.
Shortly after, I met my future husband and we dated for the next five years. In the meantime, I ran my own business and gained a lot of experience with finances, management, and communication skills. I loved being independent of an employer. I owned my business for ten years and during that time, I had married David, my husband, and had three daughters: Michaela, Sarah,and Janae.
It was shortly after the birth of my youngest daughter, that I felt a need to stay home with my children, so I sold my business and stayed home. I even set up a home school so I could spend more time with my children. That was when I realized that I really loved teaching. The decision was made right there and then to go back to school to earn a degree.
I loved school! I loved learning about history, language, and especially how children learn. I earned my degrees and was hired here to work as a second-language teacher.
Many young individuals such as yourself already know what occupation they will train for. My experience was a little different. I never dreamt of becoming a teacher. What about you? Have you decided what you will train for?
On your next assignment tell me all about yourself and your plans for the future. Your rough-typed draft is due on Thursday, September 15th. Please save your draft, with it properly labeled and place it in the Handin drive.

Welcome to OVS!

Hello students,
Mrs. Cassidy and I are very excited about the upcoming year and hope you are too. You will be challenged in this class. Are you ready? Are you ready to work harder than you've ever worked before? I can promise you one thing. If you work hard your learning experience will be exponential. Hmm. What did I mean by that?

Your first assignment for this class is to set up your blog. You will receive instructions shortly. The next assignment is to check this blog once a week for additional assignments. What do you think I meant by your learning being exponential?
Respond to this post by Monday, September 12th.