A Calf for Marti

Marti woke up and jumped out of bed. Today was Marti's birthday. She was eight years old. She was very excited. Her father and mother told her last week that it would be a very special day.

Marti knew that all birthdays were special. What could be VERY special about this one? She had been thinking about it for a whole week! She just couldn't wait. She wanted to find out now!

Marti put on her clothes. She ran down the stairs. She found her mother in the kitchen.

"Mom, Mom," she said, "what is so special about today?"

Marti's mother just shook her head. "You will find out soon enough," she said.

"But I can't wait," Marti said.

Her mother smiled. She didn't say anything.

Marti ate her breakfast. She ate very fast. The pancakes, bacon, orange juice, and milk were gone in a flash.

She ran out to the barn. Her father was feeding the horses.

"Papa, Papa," she shouted, "what is so special about today?"