Standing Talll!!!

People say I’m a mini version of her, but I really don’t like them saying that. They also say that whenever they see me, I remind them of a little Aimee. There are good and bad traits she has. My mom and I are almost the same. I inherited most of her genes and most of them I am grateful for. We look alike, say the same things, and act the same. She is someone I look up to constantly.  

My mom set very special examples for me. When I was little, she set important rules and boundaries for me. Those rules prepared me for things that I would face in the world. They inspired me to be special and different than everyone else and not to be of the world. She is somewhat patient, but didn’t bring that gene down. I will have to learn patience and wisdom through her guidance. When I tell her what I did, she almost always corrects me into what I should have done.

I see what a good wife should be through her examples at home. She teaches me how to care for a family and husband and how to work inside and out of the home. I learned how to be a hard and diligent worker from the direction of my mother. In 2003, my parents adopted two boys who lived with their grandparents, who went to our church. My dad and mom prayed about taking them in and decided to make them part of our family. It took a lot of time to go through the process of foster care and eventually adoption. My mom got tired out a lot because of the time put into the boys.

My mom is always involved with church, which is another example for me to do as I grow up and become an adult. I am already involved with playing piano for evening church, which she encouraged me to do. She is also the leader of praise team, as I am also.

My mom is a person I admire and honor. She has been there for me and will always be. I hope I will be as good as a mom and a wife as she is.  She runs the household smoothly and has a healthy relationship with her husband. I strive to be like her and will always be looking up to her. God has put her as my mom for a special reason and purpose. God has the perfect people in my life to guide me on my way through life.

Me and my black sista

Dramatic vs. Maturity   

Kourtney TeBrake

English 9

Mrs. Pollema

    Often times, younger siblings get compared to older siblings. Everyone wants to be recognized as an individual, and not always compared to their older sibling. After all, the world would be one boring place if everyone was the same. The Bible even talks about being one body, but many parts. Therefore, people who are different have different roles and bring different perspectives into the world. They make the world bright and colorful because of their thoughts, creativity, and talents. This is true of family members as well. Though Kendra and Kourtney are of the same family, their personalities, individual talents, and passions are unique and together they bring life to the TeBrake home.

Kendra and Kourtney have different attitudes, hobbies, and talents. First of all, Kendra is a junior and Kourtney is a freshman. Kendra loves the outdoors and working with her hands. She is more mature than her age. She is also blessed with patience, which helps her family out a lot.  Kourtney prefers to work alone at home where no one can bother her. She can work outside but can also work in the house, and prefers domestic activities like baking and sewing. Kourtney has patience but not as much as her older sister does. This likely is due to the fact that she is closer in age to her younger brothers who often torment and tease her. Even though they often get mistaken for each other, Kendra resembles her father while Kourtney looks more like her mother. Kendra likes most foods and is willing to try new food, on the other hand, Kourtney is a very picky eater. Kourtney is more “dramatic and energetic” than Kendra, but Kendra can be more outgoing and talkative than Kourtney.

Even though they are different in many ways, they share some of the same interests. Both sisters are very musical and and are active in piano. However, Kendra plays the violin, while Kourtney plays the horn. Kendra is more advanced in piano because of her age.  Both girls enjoy the lake and could spend most of the their free time water skiing, tubing, and knee boarding.

While Kendra and Kourtney have different traits, they get along so well as sisters. They make each other’s weaknesses strong and their strengths even stronger. God created them to live in harmony with each other because they are different but also because their differences and similarities complement each other. 

So here it is....you guys might not agree with me.

Under the influence

    English   

Kourtney TeBrake

Teenagers sneak into the theaters often just to see R- rated movies. There is even a website that takes you step by step to sneak into a theatre. Teenagers are smarter than adults give them credit for. R-rated movies include large amounts of sexual content, language, and drugs. R-rated movies are restricted for children under the age of 17 unless accompanied by an adult.  It is the opinion of the writer that kids under 17 should not be allowed to even rent a R-rated movie. Why do people watch movies that give them nightmares? If you see a sign that says restricted, you don’t go near it. The same goes for movies, you don’t watch a rated R movie because it is restricted.

Studies show that R-rated movies have increased teen’s violent behavior and experiments of drugs, drinking, and sex. These movies may lead to early drinking and influenced them into being “risk takers”.  Kids who are under the age of 17 should not be able to rent R- rated movies either. These kids are getting R-rated movies with no problem. Older teenagers should not be permitted to see or even rent a R-rated movie. It gives the child a bigger chance to have problems in life. Studies say that the kids who watch R-rated movies have a very high chance experimenting drugs, alcohol, and sex. They get involved with things they probably would have never got in if it hadn’t been exposed to the movies that were restricted. The more kids watch R-rated movies, they want more and more of that entertainment. Kids become attached and under the influence of these types of movies. Movies are just as strong as alcohol or porn. They draw in teenagers and addict them. Certain movies can trash and pollute our minds. They pervert our minds and disregard what our parents taught us. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” What goes in must go out. Risky behaviors are often the result of a change in attitudes and values. One must protect his mind from immoral thoughts, actions, and language.  Movies are only entertainment so we really don’t need to watch them. James 1:27 also says, “...keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Most R-rated movies are trash, but some have very valid points. Passion for Christ is R- rated but show gruesome scene that make us look at Christ’s suffering different. I challenge you to discern what you are watching and only take good stuff away from it. But when the movie is too horrible that no good can come out of it, when you should stop and make something better of your time.

Ender's Game Book review mmmmmmmmmmhhhhmm!

Ender’s Game

Kourtney TeBrake

    Have you ever believed there were aliens who were going to conquer the world and innahilate the human race? Or are you ever scared that a green one-eyed monster is going to eat you when you’re sleeping? In this world, a 6 year old boy named Ender Wiggins is being trained to save the world from the buggers. Ender is being manipulated and challenged in Battle School. This is no ordinary school and is located in space. Boys and girls who are extremely smart are getting used to no gravity and the change of direction. Orson Scott Card puts a twist on reality in Ender’s Game. This genius boy is being pushed to his limit. Soon after one incident people are worried about his life.

Ender lives on earth with his parents, brother and sister. Ender was created to save the earth. The government allowed Ender’s parents to have one more child because their kids were geniuses. This earth allowed only two kids per family. But the government decided his siblings weren’t the right people to sit in the commander position. Ender was constantly being teased and called a “third”. Ender had a monitor that the government gave him. The monitor saw everything he did. Kids at Ender’s school were jealous and envied Ender. Once the monitor came off of Ender, the kids bullied him until he had no more patience.

Ender is isolated by the adults, as a result he will focus on his studies and not get caught up in friendships. Ender didn’t really have any friends, therefore, people picked fights with Ender, but he always won. Ender killed two boys by the time he ended school. Ender hated the adults and the decisions they made, but he always came out on the top. They challenged so many times, Ender become weary and couldn’t think clearly anymore. But after all the challenges, Ender Wiggins was the winner.

Ender is the top student at the school, and therefore, starts Command school. Command school teaches kids how to command an army to fight against the buggers. He was “made” to be the Commander of the International Fleet to obliterate the buggers and their home land. The little genius soon is coached by a veteran of the war before this time. Mazer was the commander who killed some of the buggers but not all. Mazer knows everything there is to know about the buggers. He is giving Ender all his knowledge about the earlier war. The adults order Ender to play a game against Mazer. Ender gets up early and goes to bed late. Remember now he is 12. These kids are trained to kill at first site of the enemy. Ender plays many games against Mazer. Or so he thinks. He is given leaders who have their own little armies. Ender commands the leader and the leaders command the soldiers. After mulitple battles between Mazer the game stops all of a sudden. Ender is told horrific news and goes through depression because of it.

This science fiction story is interesting and draws people in. When you are reading you don’t know what is going to happen next. Orson Scott Card has an extreme imagination like a creative child. He puts you on the edge of your seat and keeps you reading on and on. You will find yourself creating pictures in your mind from the action in the book. I encourage people to read this science fiction story. I was intrigued and I couldn’t put the book down. Despite the harsh language said by the kids, it was very well written.

ok..so here is my fiction story.

Til death do us part?

The first bell rang as Alex snuck around the corner to catch a glimpse of Leah. Leah was chatting with her friends by the lockers not caring if she was late or not. Alex was an athletic, smart, and handsome 17 year-old boy. Leah was also athletic, the pretty, and popular girl of the school. Leah needs to have it her way or no way. She was the life of the party. On the other hand, Alex was a sensitive guy, who thinks of others first. Alex and Leah met at school when they were in 8th grade but didn’t date each other until they were juniors.

Alex and Leah met after school by their cars. They talked about the day, classes that they enjoyed or hated. After 30 minutes went past, they decided it was time to go home. Leah got in her car and started pulling out of the school parking lot, her phone slipped out of her hand and dropped by her feet. She was struggling to get a hold of it, and barely touched it. Her eyes couldn’t see what she was doing. Before she knew it, Leah’s head jerked and the air bag came at her. A witness saw the accident and sprinted toward the scene. When he saw the wreck, he froze.

The small town of Evans, Minnesota was mourning at the funeral of Leah Smith, who passed away 2 days ago. The 80-degree day was a comfortable day to be outside and to say good-bye to Miss Smith. About 20 people stood on the green grass of the graveyard looking at the flowers draping over the casket. Her friends wept in each other’s arm.

Alex had the hardest time, and he was still in awe that his precious Leah is gone. He didn’t even tell he loved her yet. He had so many plans for them to do together. The tears streaming down his face stung his soft skin. He stood by Leah’s parents to support them during this miserable time. Soon the ceremony ended and everyone wandered home.

After a few months of mourning, Alex finally was beginning to date. He spotted a jaw-dropping junior girl. Her name was Katie Lindbergh. She was the star of the basketball team. But she resisted the temptation of dating, until Alex came along.

Alex was not like the others. He caught her eyes and she smiled at him whenever she saw him. Finally Alex stood up and asked her if they could go out to dinner some night. Katie was waiting for this to happen and said yes.  After the first night they were becoming more and more serious. They spent a lot of time together. They came to each other’s houses and talked with their parents. Both parents approved of the boy or girl their kid was attracted to. The couple was into their 4th month together. But Alex felt more and more comfortable about finding another girl. Alex was constantly being reminded of Leah when he was looking at Katie.  

“Do you ever think about Leah’s death?” asked Katie.

“Why do you ask?” questioned Alex.

“Cause you seem distracted when you’re with me.”

“Nah, just thinking about things between you and me”

“Okay, if you need to talk, you can always come to me.” sympathized Katie. She was known to be a listener with all her friends.

“I’ll remember that!” Alex smiled and sealed it with a kiss.

During the next few weeks, Alex was depressed. He laid around at home, his parents were worried about him but didn’t mention this to anyone. At school, he joked around with his friends like normal. No one noticed that in the inside he was really hurting. There was no more basketball, so his days were filled with school. He put on a façade for Katie during his dates, and also with his parents. Katie was suspicious about Alex and worried about him but didn’t say anything; for she knew it was not her place to talk about it.

They went to the arcade and played for about an hour. They went to get some ice cream, and shared a shake. They spent the night talking about how life was going to be after high school. Alex wasn’t like himself; he didn’t have the glow in his eyes that attracted Katie to him in the first place. When Katie was talking to him, he would sometimes zone out and get distracted. Finally, the clock struck eleven. Alex drove Katie to her house and walked her up to the front door.

Katie said, “I had a really great time tonight, Alex.”

“That’s good, I had a good night with you too.”

There was a long pause before Katie dove in to ask him something. “You don’t seem yourself anymore, you need help. I’m worried about you, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“I just have things on my mind, and I keep thinking about them. I’m fine, don’t worry.”
“Ok, whatever you say. Just know that I love you.”

And that’s what hit Alex. He was shocked at what Katie said, and turned away so Katie couldn’t see his tear-filled eyes. He was speechless. He walked back to his car. He got in and realized his biggest mistake. Katie was tearing up still outside the door while looking at Alex driving away. She couldn’t understand what just happened.

When Alex was driving home from Katie’s house, he couldn’t stop thinking about his precious Leah. When Alex got home, he spotted his dad’s gun in the garage when he was going in the house. He thought about it, but didn’t want to try.

After his shower, he went into room and struggled with his homework, like usual. He wasn’t an A-student like Katie. Alex snuck into the garage while his parents were sleeping. With the gun in his hand, he closed his bedroom door. He thought over and over how his life was a mess. But suddenly he thought about his Katie. He thought about his times he had with her. How she made him laugh so hard he fell over, how she made him feel like himself, and how they were planning their big day when they become one. He thought about how everyone would feel if he pulled the trigger. He had his finger on the trigger and was putting pressure on it and then something happened in his mind, with one motion it could be the end.

        His mind switched gears, he couldn’t deal with this. He knew how many people he would hurt. Alex thought everyone would mourn for him. Katie wouldn’t be the same. He thought Leah wouldn’t approve of him doing this. He has his whole life in front of him, high school, college, marriage, kids, and grandparents. He thought of his options and threw down his gun. His parents woke up to a loud boom.

Expectations

My expectations for my future husband is: he has to be dependant on God and deep in his faith. He has to be okay with 4-6 kids and my parents. (of course!) He should be a clean and pure gentleman. He should support me and our kids in all I do and correct me if I am wrong. He should be self-controlled and patience. When we are old he should still kiss me and whisper something in my ear when he goes off to work. He should want go excellent Christian education for our kids and be an active part in their lives. He should be a loving but disciplining father. He will never leave my side and also love me no matter what. Til death do us part.

Sympathy Passage

Do you ever have it when you feel like you're not good enough for other people? Do you feel like no one could be more lonely than you? I have that every so often. I feel no one likes me. When you wake up are you ready to face to day? Ever feel like everyone is smarter, pretties, richer, skinnier, more happy than you? If you say yes to everyone question, change your mind. Ask God what he thinks of you. He made you 1-of-a-kind, perfect, exactly what he wanted. Ever have a plan and God switches it? Ever think you're gonna physically live and die alone. God has a perfect plan that can never be shaken.

Now listen up ya'll cause this is it. After that little sympathy passage, don't feel sorry for yourself!!! God loves you just the way you are and that's all that matters.