Proud Parents

I got a letter in the mail the other day that made me cry.  Nowadays the mail from my physical mailbox is pretty boring.  No more hand written letters, or postcards, unless it is close to a holiday or birthday.  This letter was addressed to "The Parents of Grace Hopple".  I thought maybe it was about first grade or maybe a notice about paperwork she needed.  But, it was way better than that!  It was a letter notifying us that Grace had been selected to receive the American Citizenship Award.  It gave the criteria for the award.
-participates in school and/or community service
-shows a positive attitude toward classmates, school and community
-displays an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility
-POSSESS' STRENGTH OF CHARACTER AND THE COURAGE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT
-promotes citizenship with their school or community through other activities.
I didn't really tear up until that 4th criteria.  
We have had our struggles with her this year. You can read about one of them here.  But she is also really incredible.  And I sometimes forget that when, sometimes, all I can see is the bad.  It is by the grace of God that these kids go out of this house everyday into the world and "posses strength of character and the courage to do what is right".  Please pray with me that it continues as they get older!

please excuse her yogurt lips and the red around her eyes (her friend did her makeup for her...)