the secret is not in your hand or your eye or your voice, my aunt once told me. the secret is in your heart.
- storypeople




yesterday, kiele was presented with her 'hope of america' award by the kiwanis club. it was held at a local restaurant. the local kiwanis club was there. the school principals were there. the kids. and the parents. we all had breakfast and then the presentations began.

i knew i was in trouble when i was getting teary when the other kids were receiving their awards.

the students were called up by school.
and the principal would talk about the child.
then...it happened.
they asked the parents to speak.
i wanted to crawl under my chair.

so kiele and lillian go up and the principal talks about each of them.
and then the parents.
lillian's mom and dad. and me and the little ones (steve couldn't get off work).
the kiwanis lady passed me the mic and...
i couldn't say a single word without bursting into tears.
yep, standing in front of everyone crying.
to the point that i think snot flew out of my nose.
oh--my--gosh!

every time i have to talk about kiele in public, i get teary. okay...yea, it's actually more than just a bit teary. but anyways. tears of joy, for sure. she has exceeded my every hope and dream for her. i think i've said this before but i so believe it...i have no doubt that kiele will have some huge impact on this world when she grows up. i'm so darn proud of her!!