Dear blog,
I am sorry you have been neglected as of late. Here is the update about the kids. I hope you enjoy.

Jade has been selected as a member of the National Junior Honor Society at her middle school. She has been earning straight A's as far back as Kindergarten. To be considered in the NJHS, the students need to receive an invitation to apply. Then to be considered as a member, the students have to write up their service experiences, hours, and extracurricular activities as well as an essay describing themselves as an upholder of the five standards of the Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Citizenship, and Character. There were about 200 applicants. She is one of the 35 kids who got picked at the end.

Aspen's elementary school held a yearbook cover contest. She made it to the one of the sixth finalists. All six drawings were posted by the school entrance for the students to have a chance to vote. And of course, she WON!! (Why wouldn't she?)
Her drawing is going to be the cover for the yearbook! Awesome job, Aspen!

I found something authored by Kirin recently. It's titled "Candy Mystery"
This is what he wrote:

Published: Febuary 2, 2011
Author's birthday: April 11, 2003
Age:7 1/2

Candy Mystery

January 28,2011 - CASE OF THE MISSING CANDIES
1 clue mystery
Candy: Twix
Thief: Sage
Clue: Tx (Twix) wrapper found under Sage's bed

Febuary 1, 2011 - CASE OF THE MISSING CANDIES
Candies: Pez
Theif:Sage
Clues:
1. Sage told me that she had went under my bed. Sage said she didn't eat my pez. (Why would she say that if she didn't eat them?) Only strawberry pez left, Sage knew that was my least favorite, so she left me with those and ate the others.
2. Pez wrappers under my bed.

Kirin is turning 8 in April. We challenged him to finish reading the Book of Mormon before his baptism. He reached the goal by November of last year. He memorized all 13 articles of faith when he was about 6. He knows his scriptures well and is now reading the Bible by his own will.

Jade and Aspen will make their appearance together in the cluster concert at the end of the month. Aspen is the 1st chair violinist. Jade plays the cello, and she can smell 1st chair coming her way soon. Jade with her fellow music friends at school will also perform with a Chinese orchestra who is visiting the U.S. Apparently they love Lady GaGa in China and to be a hospitable host, Jade's school orchestra will perform a mix of three of her pieces.