Music to my Ears

Chelsea, Brooke, Heidi

Yesterday we we were able to attend the Homecoming of one of Chelsea's dearest friends Brooke Evans. She had a wonderful mission and shared with me some experiences and testified to me that there were many times she felt Chelsea's spirit. She said she knew that Chels was there testifing and touching hearts along with other unseen beings as she worked in the Trail Center talking about Pioneers and those who had gone on before us. I could have listened to her talk for hours, and wanted to hear more, but I was not the only one there to welcome her home.

Pioneer Trek

Chelsea has a testimony of the Pioneers

April 2007 in Arizona over Spring Break

There was also another friend of Chelsea's attending the homecoming with his mom. He introduced me as, "This is Chelsea's mom." That is a title I have not heard in a while, but I will gladly hold it forever!

Mother/Daugher "make over your mom" YW night

Girls Camp ~ Chelsea's first year

This month brings those darn outburst of heartache and tears as we both celebrate her birthday and mourn her loss. But the GOSPEL IS TRUE, and I am so thankful for the gospel the blessings of ETERNAL LIFE. Because of the Gospel I was able and am still able to experience so many special times with her. So with that, you can see why all these things were MUSIC TO MY EARS!

23 Years of...

Love, trails, struggles, compassion, work, no work, kids, loss, heartache, communicating, fun, vacations, hospital stays, apartment living, house building, moving, laughs, tears, companionship, disappointments, surprises, joy, date nights, temple trips, and did I mention love? And yes.... I would do it all over again, and hope that we have at least another 23 + years ahead of us still.

(making sure there is no lipstick on my teeth)

Rich and I celebrated our 23 Wedding Anniversary on March 22. When I met this sweet guy of mine 24 years ago, I had no idea what lied ahead of us. The struggles that we would go through of losing our beautiful daughter Chelsea, who had brought so much light and life to our family, brought so many other difficulties along with it. But the blessings of our Temple marriage have far exceeded my expectations! I did not anticipate such struggles in life, and yet with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, we have been able to strengthen our marriage and love one another on a level I did not know existed. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and led me to such a man that would love me, care for me, and our family, and most importantly take me to the Temple. I want nothing less than for my children to find the one for them that will bring such happiness and blessings to their lives.

Shayla sent me the cutest text on our anniversary, it read: Happy Anniversary I love you and I'm so glad you have such a good marriage :) Have a good day.

And with that... we did!

Shayla's Turn

Shayla's comp season has begun! First competition was this last weekend. Shayla took 2nd place on her solo, (which Mckena choreographed for her) and did a great job!! Then her team took 1st place on all 4 dances! They have worked hard and looked amazing. Shayla's best friend came to support her. It was a fun weekend!

Sisters by Fate~ Friends by Choice

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!