FINALLY!!!

So if it hasn't been a big enough week already~ we thought we might add just a little more excitement! Friday night was Shayla's last dance solo competition. She competed advanced this year which proved to be a difficult level! She has danced well, but has come up short of taking 1st. That is until Friday when the judges awarded her First Place! She was thrilled to end the year on a positive note!

"Our 1st place Shay"

But before that on Thursday, April 28th, after 5 years, yes that is not a typo, 5 years of waiting, 2 surgeries and lots of patience, Mckena finally got her braces off!

Before.....

...and after!

Beautiful! I would highly recommend Dr. Bret Coleman. We love him and his whole staff! About a year into Mckena's treatment is when Chelsea was hurt, and Dr Coleman graciously wrote off the remainder of our balance. What a true act of kindness. :) We are forever grateful to him for that. It was a great blessing.

Also on Friday, I got a surprise call from Elder Franklin! President Holzapfel just wanted them to call home and let parents know that all was well with them from all the disaster that has hit. It was so great to hear his voice. He is well, and once again we feel blessed.

Saturday was the day we refer to as Chelsea's Angel Day. Four years ago on April 30th, 2007 was the day she returned to Heavenly Father. The day brings both memories of good and bad. But we had something to help keep our thoughts good. Sat was also Shayla's team dance comp. We had to be at Taylorsville High by 9:00 a.m. and we were there until 9:30 p.m.! Yikes... such a long day. But her team danced well, they took a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. I am so proud of my teams, they took all three 1st places! WOO HOO :)

Then last but not least, Mckena received her Patriarchal Blessing on Sunday after our Stake Conference. I have wanted her to get it for awhile now, but she didn't feel ready. I am proud of her for waiting and doing it when SHE wanted to. That has proved to be one of the more spiritual experiences for me as a mother. To be able to hear the blessing specifically to my children, directly from our loving Heavenly Father.

It was beautiful and I have to share: the moment Patriarch Doney began, I physically felt angels enter the room, and I know one of them had to be Chelsea. So grateful for those sacred tender mercies.

And after a week like that...... we all took a long Sunday nap!