During our book tour stop in Palo Alto, someone brought us the funniest gift. It wasn’t a ceramic animal. It wasn’t cupcakes. It wasn’t stickers for Clara. It was a thin set of stapled paper that looked like this:
Inside was this note:
“Dear Sherry & John (And Clara & Burger), I have been a loyal blog reader since Fall 2010. I am currently a teacher and I thought it could be fun for you to see what kids think makes a house comfortable, fun, and exciting to live in. Therefore, I had them freewrite about their future house or their dream home. Enjoy! – Jacqueline”
The dozen or so entries are sweet, imaginative and – well – hilarious. It’s funny to see how some kids were very specific about the layout and size, while others liked to note the wall colors and the decorations. Here’s just a random sampling of our favorite lines:
And a few more favorites:
- There’s laser turrets and mini guns… also rocket launchers on every floor.
- My future, but mythical house, would look ordinary on the outside but mysterious inside.
- There would be a room made of candy. And there would be a room where griffins and mermaids would be.
- It sits on a 90 acre area with a 12 acre lake for fishing with friends. It also has a 40 acre golfing course. My house is 999,999 square feet.
- My house would be a cottage. The outside walls would be white, like a glowing sort of white. The window sills lined with “two-lips” and pansies.
- My door is made of wood just like the stables. The handle looks like it’s made of gold, though it isn’t.
- There are thirteen rooms, five restrooms, two living rooms, two hot tubs, two swimming pools and there are three water beds in each room and it’s so awesome. The end. Thank you for listening.
So a big thanks to teacher Jacqueline for the fun idea (and gift) and a big thanks to her students Tori, Jaxon, Lauren, Brayden, Axel, Olivia, Stevie, Shane, Colette, Sammy, and the one unnamed entry.
Natalia says
“My door is made of wood just like the stables. The handle looks like it’s made of gold, though it isn’t.”
Haha! A lot of these cracked me up but for some reason this one really amused me. It’s funny that they can say whatever they want about their imaginary house but this kid had to specify that it looks like gold but really isn’t. What a fun gift :)
Kathy says
These are hilarious and sweet!!! Thanks for making my day. :)
Momcat says
I think the kid with the party room (“with animals!”) and disco ball hit it out of the park!!
I know a few party animals…..
Mellissa says
This made my day, I love that kids express so much imagination!
Sarah says
These are hilarious!
Did you know that you guys have been nominated as finalists for Parents Magazine’s ‘Most likely to wow you with photos or videos?’ I just came across it on Facebook!
Sarah says
Oops, forgot to post the link! Hopefully it works!
https://www.facebook.com/parentsmagazine?sk=app_124605674371692&app_data
Young House Life says
Aw that’s so sweet!
xo
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
This was hysterical. I love the 999,999 acre house because that kid does math like me! And note to Jacqueline: I’d keep one eye on that Skeleton Fireplace kid. Just sayin’….sheesh…lol
My best, Lynn
Heather says
This. Is. Amazing. Kids are the best. Thanks for sharing!!!
Krissy says
Too cute! I love hearing what kids say, they always have me laughing.
Brandi says
So adorable! Kids day the darnedest things!!
jenny says
LOLZ. these are priceless. I hope each of their parents has a file somewhere to keep all these gems forever :)
On a similar note, when I was in elementary school, the art teacher made each class paint a large picture of their dream home. mine was a 3 story white mansion with ponies and waterslides and flying carpets. My brother drew a “house at night” in which he prettymuch just colored everything black….haha. My mom framed them both and they are still hanging somewhere! oh, kids are funny :)
Young House Life says
Haha, that’s hilarious!
xo
s
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
Sure, 999,999 square feet…’cause a million-square-foot house would just be ridiculous.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
That’s hilarious! I feel like that last kid seems like a future person on that Doomsdayers show, haha
Trude says
OMG too funny!! Couldn’t help but LOL at work!
Mina says
This just totally made my morning! As a teacher myself, I just about died with these!! I teach teens, but I could totally see them come up with some of these! Loving the disco ball! Woop! Woop! : )
Casey says
This is HILARIOUS. Seriously, best gift ever. I am dying laughing.
I always tell people listening to the things that come out of my (young) kids’ mouths is my favorite thing that’s happened in life, ever. I can’t wait to continue listening and laughing as they grow. Kids are just SO stinkin funny!
terryn says
Omg, the wording is amazing. Particularly…
“As you approach my house, you’ll notice that it resembles the White House”
“The handle looks like it’s made of gold, though it isn’t.”
“…and there are three water beds in each room and it’s so awesome. The end. Thank you for listening.”
I lol’d. This post put me in a great mood.