Star Student

Ellie is the 'Star Student' this month at her Elementary School! This is a very high honor, and it is given to her by the principal. A special ceremony is done at the school, where she is awarded the 'Star Student' and given a prize. Then they take her picture with the principal and hang it up in the hall of the school. We are so proud of her! Her teacher nominated her for working hard to earn their classes 'Top Student'. Way to go Ellie!

Congrats Brina!

Congratulations Sabrina! Sabrina's academic team made it to district competition! That is a huge accomplishment! They have worked really hard in their regular season meets, and that has won them a spot in the district. She has her first competition in district this week, and we are all excited to see how she does in this next round. Good luck Sabrina, we know you will do a great job!

Sad Passing

Dee's cousin, Collin Steel's wife, Laura Steel passed away on February 1st. She was an amazing lady. She left behind her husband and 2 small sons. She was an amazing musician and was very profound in bearing her testimony of the Savior through music. If you would like to hear any of her music, it is available for free download at: www.laurasteelmusic.com They played two of her songs at the funeral, one performed by her sisters ("Wounded Lamb") and one a recording of her own voice performing ("Amazing"). She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Collin, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your boys. We love you.

Round 3

Yet another amazing performance by Sabrina. This week in the Academic Games, Sabrina's team squashed the competition (Westlake Jr. High) 19 to 16. This weeks subject was "the privacy issues vs. the convenience of medical records being made available online." She was awesome! Congrats again Sabrina, and good luck this week against Jefferson Jr!

First Manicure

Ellie got her very first professional manicure! Mom decided that Ellie was getting old enough, that she needed to see some of the great parts about being a lady, so we took her to get a manicure. She felt very important, as the manicurist soaked her hands, clipped her cuticles, massaged her hands and made her nails beautiful. I think she has now been spoiled and will never settle for a 'manicure by mom' again!

Feeding The Homeless

We are so lucky. Each year the Young Men and Young Women have the opportunity to go uptown and feed the homeless.

This year was no exception. Ken is the deacon's advisor, so he was able to go with us this year, and he made an awesome bodygaurd! This is always the YW favorite activity of the year. The people are always so very grateful for the hot food, and it really makes us appreciate all that we have.

Super Reader!

Ellie is officially our Super Reader! In her new ALPS class at school, they have a requirement to read 30 minutes each day and then do a "reading response" each night to tell what they have read. She has not missed a monthly reading goal yet, and she has a whopping 41 AR reading points so far this year! This is a huge requirement, and she has worked really hard to make it! Two of her favorite books this year are the classics: "Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing" and "Ramona Quimby Age 8". We are very proud of her for making these goals and really working hard each and every day! Way to go Ellie!