And the winner is....

Shayla Franklin for 8th grade officer! Phew. She did it! It felt like a long wait. The voting was yesterday, but they did not find out until 8th period today. But it was worth the wait. I got a phone call from Shayla right after school. I was holding my breath as I waited for the news. Her little excited voice, "MOM?" "ya" "I WON!" "whoo hoo" breathe! She came out to the car with a grin from ear to ear. Holding her campaign posters and an additional one they gave her announcing the win. It says:

She was a great candidate,
her posters were first rate.
We know she'll add some spark,
she won't leave you in the dark.
Flashin' her thumbs up sign,
She will shine as she starts '09.
She won't be caught doing a sin,
good job Shayla Franklin

She told me the others that made it too, and then about those who didn't make it. You feel bad, knowing they are disappointed. One was Shayla's good friend, and they were both hoping to win, so they could do it together next year. But no such luck. She was a good friend though, she congratulated Shayla, and told her it was okay because she got to be a 7th grade officer. Cute girls.

So the next step is they have "interviews" after school on Monday to decide who is Pres, Vice, etc. But for now we are just happy with the win!

Heaven got another Chelsea today.

My heart is broken today. My cousin's little 8 year old daughter, who's name is also Chelsea, passed away last night. Totally unexpected. I can not get the parents off my mind today. I know that feeling they have today, and yet I am still at a loss as to what to say, and what to do? So I pray, and pray some more, both for peace and comfort for them, and direction to know what to do.
One thing I know, is that my Chelsea was there to great her, and heaven was blessed by another Chelsea today.

VOTE FOR SHAYLA~

We spent the weekend campaigning! Well at least making posters. Shayla is running for 8th grade officer at the Jr High. She wanted to run last year, but because she was at the charter school, she was not able to. So she jumped at the chance to run this year. We made four posters (max. allowed), went to the school early, 6:30 to be exact, because it is important to find the "prime spots" and got to work.
As we entered the school, I could tell we were rookies! It was a sight to behold! Ladders, tape, parents, onlookers, campaign managers, all scrambling for "THE" spot. We only had tape scissors and glue, (for any repairs needed) I immediately called Rich and said.."Bring the ladder!" We quickly claimed our 4 spots and then double secured the edges with packing tape.
Then it was time to check out the competition. You see everything from over the top, to .. well you know. She felt proud of her posters, but we quickly realized we should have put her first and last name. And there is a new school being built that some students will go to, so we also should have put the school. Live and learn! But it is about campaigning, so Vote for Shayla....Shayla Franklin that is!

"March"ing On

Isn't it so crazy how fast time seems to go these days? I always wonder if I am making the most of my time as one trial is replaced with another. I think in these difficult and trying times we live in, we just need to press forward and continue marching on!
We don't have to look far to find someone with heartache, stress, or trials going on in their lives, for it is all around. Some are more private, others are more obvious. But one thing for certain is we all have them. It is how we handle them where the testing comes in.
An important lesson I have learned ( from experience as the receiver) is to do our part to help comfort, bring joy, ease the burden of others. President Kimball said. "It is usually through others that prayers are answered." We should not second guess what we should do, or worry if it is a dumb idea, just do it! When done with care, the receiver will know it came from the heart. "March" on this month and notice those who need our help, and somehow maybe our worries will become less trying.

Chick Time

The girls and I got to go to the Rascal Flatts concert on Thursday night. It was so fun! I love spending time with my girls. Mckena's friend Madi invited her to go with her for her birthday, then it turned out that Madi's mom, Vicki, had some extra tickets, and invited me and Shay to tag along too! Chelsea is the one who got me hooked on their music, and the CD that came out while Chelsea was recovering had special meaning to us. "My Wish" seemed like it was written for her! And I heard "Stand" one day on the way to Primary Childrens and cried the whole way because I totally related to it. So I have to say I felt Chels was there with us to in a way.