TJ will be part of the 1st graduating class of Syracuse High School 2009! We have been very happy with the new High School, and as TJ leaves, Mckena enters. It is so hard for me to believe that Mckena is going to High School. Ahhh, what is happening, can't we slow this process down a little? But she is going to have a fun, but busy year. She made the DANCE LINE! There were 38 girls that tried out and 24 made it, Mckena being one of those 24! But that means there were 14 let down girls... some of those being Mckena's friends, so it was bittersweet.
We are so proud of Mckena, she has really been working for years to accomplish this. She even passed up trying out for cheer, as to not risk falling behind on her dance technique. The unexpected news was that the coaches also chose her to be the Sophomore officer! We are not 100% sure what that means or entails yet, but we feel it a compliment and I know she will do her best with her responsibilities.
We are also so proud of our graduate TJ, I think he is actually going to pull it off! phew! He kept telling me, "Mom, don't worry, I am going to graduate!" Well, he was right.
Sorry to beam a little, but I am a proud parent. Way to go kids... I love you :)

Chelsea's Garden

What a beautiful Memorial Day. We had a family breakfast at Grandma & Grandpa's, then we all made our way to the cemetery. My youngest little niece who was born 1 month after Chelsea's accident, who is now 2 yrs old said the cutest thing. She said, "I put flowers on Chelsea's garden." My heart melted, I thought that was the cutest thing, so that is what we are calling it now, Chelsea's garden! There were many beautiful flowers, butterflies, and tokens of remembrance. It is so nice to be surrounded by so many who love her...still.
With Chelsea being the oldest grandchild, she has 19 younger cousins. It is neat to Rich and I how much they seem to know her and talk about her so often. I am grateful for that and hope they never forget her. Family is such a blessing. I feel so blessed to have married into such an amazing one :)

TJ the Grad

TJ gradutated from Seminary last night! yipee! What a proud moment. I did not take my camera though, ugh I was not thinking. Although my friend took a fews pics for me after. So when I get those I will share, for he always tries to make a fashion statement.
He is so anxious to graduate from school now. Just a few more weeks bud, hang in there!
These are his Senior Pictures... I tried to be frugal and took them myself. They are not the best, but not bad for the price. (FREE) I printed some in black and white too, these are some of my favs.
In a way it is our first child to graduate, we were not able to go through all the "normal" steps with Chelsea's graduation. But it also brings back memories of all the nice things that were done in order for Chelsea to graduate, and honor all her hard 11 years of excellent grades and citizenship to recieve a diploma!

Bummer!

Little miss Shayla was playing softball in gym class, slipped on the mud, landed on her wrist weird, and the result... a fractured wrist! She did not think it was broken, and so we waited a day or so. Shayla is not a fan of going to the Dr. so when she told me we better go get it checked, I knew she must be hurting. She was mostly disappointed because she had her final dance comp this weekend. It was in Provo, so we went down Friday night to stay the night. Unfortunately we were not smart enough to get the waterproof kind. We tried to wrap it so she could swim but it didn't work. A few changes were made in her dances, but she danced like a pro!! She did not let it stop her one bit, she was a team player for sure.

Where I Stood

Thanks to the inspiration of my friend Janet, I figured out how to post this video! Mckena competed her solo again last week at a dance competition, and she took a GOLD ranking, (which is the highest I might proudly add.) She really wished I would have taped the first comp, because she feels like she danced it better. I have a hard time, taping her because I get nervous and like to watch! This time she had a slight costume malfunction, (her bra was falling off, oops minor detail) and was a bit distracted! She was mostly frustrated that she did not hit her aerial! :( But overall, I am still so proud of her and think she did a great job! So I hope you enjoy watching her dance to "Where I Stood."