And the winner is …

Okay, Tom didn't win but he did get 2nd place People's Choice Award in the Annual Ward Chili Cook-off! The winners were decided by a popular vote (tickets in a jar) and Tom was 1 ticket away from winning. BTW ... Chelsea and T.J. forgot to vote ... we all know that means Tom actually won. We're still trying to decide if we're gonna let them live. (hee hee)

Fundraisers ... AAACK!

This is how we found Evie after the girls brought home their World's Finest Chocolate candy bar fundraisers from school! I dread these things ... mostly because I usually eat more than they sell!

Student of the Month . . . at the very least

Kaylee was honored as the January 2008 Central Upper Elementary Student of the Month ... Congratulations Kaylee!

To quote her teacher, Ms. Nees "You always have a smile no your sweet face, a positive attitude and kind words for those around you. You are a great role model for your classmates and peers. I admire your ability to make your own decisions and awesome choices. You are a sweetie and most definitely appreciated for the things that you do!"
I most emphatically agree! She is her own person ... she confidently makes her choices even though they're not always the most popular ones. She is a leader and an example to her family by reading her scriptures nightly and saying her prayers morning and night. (I'm telling ya folks, this one is raising herself!)
Kaylee is a talented musician while playing the clarinet in the 6th grade band and an avid dancer, with ballet being her heart and soul! (BTW ... those are ornaments she hung on her clarinet and in her hair.) She's the Beehive class President at church and is actively working on her Personal Progress. Two weeks ago she decided to "adopt a grandma" from one of the nursing homes behind our house. We discussed the information she needed and the questions she would need to ask the nurses before visiting anyone specific. Very courageously she and I walked to the nursing home and she explained her mission to the nurse. The activities nurse was contacted and a patient was selected. Her name is Helen and she loves to crochet. Now, 2 or 3 times a week she walks to the home and visits Helen. She brings her knitting and they work on projects together. Sunday Helen gave Kaylee a crocheted outfit for her Barbie. I hope she continues this relationship for a long time.