My name is Katira LaShae Owens.  I live here in Liberty, kansas, with my mama and daddy, my little brother Payton (3) and little sister Larkin (6).  I am 9 years old and will be going into the fourth grade in the fall.

I was adopted when I was three years old (Payton's age).  I was adopted from China.  I have long, straight black hair, dark brown almond-shaped eyes, and olive-yellow skin.  I am very short and skinny; I look no older than six.  I am one of the smallest kids in my grade.  It's embarrassing sometimes.

Larkin and Payton are adopted, too.  Larkin is from China like I am, but Payton is from Kansas.  He was in foster care since he was a little baby, Mama told me.  I don't mind being adopted, but I wish people would stop staring at me or my sister because we don't look like our parents.  I think that is very rude.

When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian's assistant.  I love animals of all kinds, but horses and cats are my favorite.  I have a cat named "Spuds McKenzie" (he's an orange and white tomcat with short hair) and a horse named "Flash"; she is the color of cinnamon with a black mane and tail; she is very sweet and I love to ride her when the weather is nice.  I think I would be good as a veterinarian's assistant.

My best friend is named Chloe Massingill.  She is my age, but she is taller and heavier, with long, blond hair and blue eyes.  She looks like she could be a cheerleader or a movie actress.  Chloe loves to sing and act, so maybe a career in show business is in her future.  I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

I have been best friends with Chloe since kindergarten.  We met one day and we clicked.  Seh likes a lot of the same things I do, but she's more happier being on stage.  I can't sing a lick and if I get up in front of a whole roomful of people, I freeze, each and every time!

Well, I gotta go. It's time to eat lunch and then we are going to go to the park; it's supposed to be a pretty day today.  I will write in here again another day; until later, this is Katira Owens saying so long! God bless!

~Katira.  :)

~To be continued.~