S-L-A-C-K-E-R

That would be me! I don't know what has happened to me, but I have not posted forever! I have a lot to catch up on so bear with me..

December 30th we had to say goodbye to Rich's grandma June Hunsaker McDonough. She lived to be 91 years old. We will miss her but find great comfort in knowing that Chels and grams are together :)

January was filled with more one more Dance Comp at Alta High, along with the 5A region Competition. Syracuse High Dance Line took 1st Place!! It was so exciting to see all that hard work those girls do pay off!

While waiting for awards, they do a drill down. Mckena took 3rd place! So that was kind of fun.

February started with yet more dance as we headed to UVU for the State Competition. The girls had high expectations and had been very "pumped up" by other judges and coaches about how well they could do at State. They ended up taking 8th place overall which is still very good for the 5A division, but when you have your hopes for top 5 at least and you fall short, there was a little bit of disappointment. Although they did amazing and as parents we could not be more proud. It has been 19 years since a Northern Region has won State... it is about time those Salt Lake schools have a run for their money. Maybe next year. The top 7 were all SL schools, then it was SHS. Really? Ughh....so close, yet so far!

Our missionary is doing so well. He has been transferred to Columbus Mississippi. Took some adjusting, but I think from his last letter he is doing just that! You can see pics of him and read his letters here

Shayla is working on her solo to compete this year, and is closely observing the Dance Line girls as she will be trying out herself at the end of April.

And last but not least... I have delayed posting about this, but it is what it is. At the end of November, we had to leave our home that we built and thought that we would be in forever. But do to the never ending Medical issues and Rich's closed business, that was no longer an option. But we feel that we have been watched over and cared for, as we were able to find a nice home to live in and still be in Syracuse so the girls did not have to change schools and could continue with their activities and friendships. We did not even have to change wards! So our callings and friendships all remain the same. It was hard for me to leave because of the memories that are attached to that home, but as my sweet Shayla reminded me, we take our memories with us. It is just a house, and the most important things came with us :)

We are working hard at getting back on our feet. It is actually amazing that we survived as long as we did. Because when your struggling for air... it can feel like a long way to the top. It has been a life lesson that we are still learning from. We are so incredibly blessed that Rich was able to get such a good job that he loves. And bonus... the new house (well new to us) has a pool! So yes, we can't wait for summer to create new memories and be together... after all, that is what it is all about!