Most people look up and admire the stars...a champion reaches out and grabs one.

Today was our Monthly academic celebration at school ~ otherwise known as BOBCAT RALLY.  This day is a huge highlight in our home.  And today was exceptionally great.

Katie was honored with several awards.  She earned a PERFECT attendance award...not a single absence all year!  (I jokingly told her teacher that she wanted to bug her for the full 180 days :).  She also was awarded the distiguished honor roll...straight A's all year!!  This was a special Bobcat Rally for Katie as it is her last one...she is heading off to middle school next year **insert anxious Mommy face here**.

Here she is with her pricipal, Mrs. Jansson.

Kayla also had a great Bobcat Rally.  She was also recognized as an Honor Roll recipient and Accelerated Reader.  She placed 2nd in the long jump and 4th for the 4 X 4 relay during the annual Track and Field Day.  Kayla crashed in bed before I could take pictures of her with all of her awards...I will get them tomorrow.

I am so proud of both of you.  You both work hard at school; work hard for your team and help out a ton at home.  Love you both!!

Family Fun

This week, we were lucky to have our Grandad Shelton visit us from Texas. And the icing on the cake rode in the back seat...sweet KAIDEN!  Although this was our first time meeting him, we all fell in love on sight.  He is the sweetest little guy...with the biggest heart.  We had a great time with them here.  We were all so sad to see them go...but we know that we will get to Texas soon to see everybody there.  Love you all!

My baby is growing...

Karlee with Mrs. Lynn, her teacher. 

I cannot believe that Karlee is ready to go to kindergarten!  It seems like just yesterday that I found out that she would be joining our family.  She is so full of life...energy and attitude in every step.  So smart (sometimes too much for her own good).  Karlee...you bless our life ever day with your smile and the sunshine that you scatter.  I can't wait to have you next door and get to eat lunch with you every day.  Love you bunches, sweetpea....you will ROCK  in kindergarten!

A letter to my girls...

My sweet little girls,

I decided that I needed to find a way to keep track of all of the wonderful memories that you have each provided us with.  I hope that you will come to find this as a place to look when you are seeking direction, inspiration or a good laugh.  First,  I cannot begin to tell you how much you are each loved.  Dad and I consider you our greatest treasure in life.  Your Heavenly Father has trusted us to do our best to make sure that we return to live with him as an eternal family...we may not always get it right, but always know that we HOPE for the best.  I am going to spend the summer trying to catch us up to now.  Katie...you just celebrated your 10th birthday.  Kayla...you are getting ready to turn 8.  Karlee just turned 5.  Love and kisses to each of you...you are the light of my life. 

Love,  Mommy