Accomplished Cyclists

Both girls learned how to ride two-wheel bikes today, thanks to some good friends. Various circumstances have made it difficult for the girls to practice, but they are now riding with confidence. Stopping can be a bit rough, but they are taking it in stride. They can even ride on gravel without falling. We are so proud of them!

A Golden Achievement!

The girls' basketball team won the gold medal at the State Finals Tournament today. Great job girls and way to go team! YOU ROCK!!!

Exciting News

Last week, the girls attended an open call for the National American Miss Pageant our state. We got a call this evening that both girls have been selected to participate in the state pageant in early July. They won't be competing against each other, as there are 5 age divisions.

We'll have more info soon. Check out the NAM website to get an idea of how it is run.

State Fair Talent Contest, part 2

The contest was to begin at noon, today. Since the girls were in the last group, they didn't perform until after 5 PM!

They didn't place among the 12 vocal groups, but they did their best and had fun. We couldn't ask more of them.

Two of the judges had some really positive comments and suggested that they both continue with their singing. One judge even stated that she could see real potential in the girls. Both Jules and Kitty have decided they want to compete again next year. So, after a bit of a break, we will begin looking at duets for them to consider.

Brava, girls, brava!

State Fair Talent Contest, part 1

The girls are entered in the State Fair Talent Contest in the Senior Vocal Group division. They are performing "What Is This Feeling?" from the musical WICKED. At 11AM, we will find out their performance time today. Unfortunately, we will not have access to the Internet at that time, so we cannot post an update about the schedule until after the contest is over.

The girls are able to participate in the talent contest, due to them winning in their division in the county contest.

While we are not expecting the girls to win, we do want them to do their best and to have fun. Regardless of the outcome, we are very proud of both girls for attempting this.

Please, wish them luck.

Sugar Less

We just got back from the dentist's Candy Buy Back event. We sold them 6 POUNDS of candy! We had collected the hard candy and lollipops we had around the house and added it to what we weeded out from last night's haul. As a result of this "sale", Kitty and Jules got $3 each. They put the money in their banks to wait until they decide what to buy. Or, they may use it as a donation for church.

Gifts they got from the dentist include a glowing toothbrush, dental floss and toothpaste.

Another Monumental Day in the Life of a Learner

This morning, before church, Kitty read the entire book, "Ten Apples up on Top", by herself. It is part of the Dr. Seuss series of young reader books.

Hurray, Kitty!!!!

Kitty's Best Day

Yesterday was a great day for Kitty. She believed that unless she was baptized, she could not have Jesus in her heart. Mommy explained that it was simply a ceremony. It was a way to show the world what she believed.

Kitty prayed, telling Jesus that she knew she was a sinner (explained to her as someone who did "bad" things, even if they were accidents), she asked to be forgiven and asked Jesus into her heart.

Kitty told Mommy and Jules that she felt different, felt better after she did this.

Jules had made a similar prayer a week or so before, when we were at family camp. She also said that she felt different.

Neither of these instances were instigated by Mommy, Daddy or anyone else. The girls came to these ideas and feelings on their own.

We are so proud of them!

It's Sprung!

We purchased a starter garden kit for Jules & Kitty. It's early to start planting yet, but these are flowers and it is an educational tool as well. We started them three days ago. Look at the progress so far. The girls are so excited!

Snow People, part 2

Today was warm - 40F. The snow warmed enough that the girls could make a snowman. Of course, their ideas were bigger than their muscles, so Mommy had to help with the biggest part. We found a long, curved pinecone to use as the smile, an eaten corncob from the squirrels that we broke into pieces for the eyes and nose. We even added a very little sprig of pine needles to use as a touch of hair.

The girls so love the outside!

Mommy, who are they?

Kitty woke up this morning and came into Mommy & Daddy's room saying she was wet. As we went to her room, she asked, "Mommy, who are they?", meaning the two people sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room.

Mommy replied, "Friends."

Kitty then asked, "Do you know them?"

Mommy assured Kitty, "Yes."

As Kitty was getting dressed, Mommy went back into the living room. Both Unca and G were giggling. Unca said that Kitty had come over to them, looked closely at their faces and then proceeded to Mommy's room.

Mommy went to check on Kitty and woke Jules, asking her to come into the living room.

Once Jules was there, she exclaimed, "Unca." At this point, both Unca and G sat up and greeted the girls. Kitty was still a bit unsure, as the last time she saw Unca, she was only three years old.

Unca and G are making pancakes and bacon for breakfast. We'll post more on today this evening.

I Can Read!

This morning, we had an historic event occur. Kitty read almost all of the Garfield comic strip from Sunday's comics by herself. She needed only a few hints.

This is cause for celebration!

Our little girl is growing up.

Toothless!

Kitty lost her third tooth today. She woke up with it in her mouth. Thank goodness she didn't swallow it!