Oh the Drama

Emma fell off the swing in our backyard the other day. I had her come in and lay on the couch. This is a summary of our conversation.

Emma-I hit my head. I think I lost my memory.
me- what is your name?
Emma- I don't remember.
me-okay, well your name is Penelope.
Emma-no, it's not.
me- how do you know? If you can't remember then I'm going to call you Penelope. How old are you?
Emma- I don't remember
me- 5?
Emma- no
me- 6?
Emma- I don't remember
me- 7?
Emma- no

Emma- Mom?
me- hey, you remember me?!
Emma- no... hey you...

Emma- I think I have my memory back, but I think my heart is falling. (clasps her hands over her chest dramatically)
me- I think you're fine.
Emma- no, it is my heart...

Birds Beware!!

When I was in first grade we hatched some chicks from eggs. Then our class kept two in a big caged area outside of our room. Every weekend a student got to take the chicks home. I waited impatiently for my turn and finally it came. I brought the chickens home and my mom and I set them on our large front porch. I went to the park to play with my siblings, but was called back home early. The sun had moved and the chickens had overheated. They were almost dead. I still remember their eyes rolling back in their little heads. My dad buried them in our back yard at a mini funeral that I refused to attend. I was very distraught. I couldn't stand the thought of facing my class on Monday. My grandparents took me out Sunday to visit some of my grandma's brothers under the guise of "looking for replacement chickens." They just wanted to distract me.
Fast forward to now. I am somewhat afraid of birds, their eyes freak me out. I try to pretend that they don't bother me and I will even hold your bird if you have it out. I want to not be afraid of them so I pretend that I am not afraid. I think I am cursed though. We have had four birds build nests in our yard over the last several years. First, it was a dove in the apricot tree. We took pictures and showed the kids. I tried to stand my ground when we made eye contact. Then one day we went out and all the eggs were broken on the ground. Next, we had a nest with two birds and eggs. Then one day they disappeared. Third, a bird went to that same next and laid some eggs. They hatched and we had little babies we would watch try to learn to fly then one day I saw a crow swoop down and grab the little babies and fly away with the momma bird chasing him. I was really upset. Then about a week ago another bird built a nest and laid four little blue eggs. I showed the kids and we would check on them everyday. Then two days ago the mom and eggs were all gone. Like I said, cursed.