REGION CHAMPS X3

They did it once, they did it twice, and the third time was just as nice!!
Syracuse Dance Line won their 3rd Region Championship last night. It was so fun! These girls have worked so hard and have come along way. There was a lot of talk about it being a rebuild year for Syracuse because they lost 13 seniors last year.
Well they showed Region 1 what champions are made of. Although it wasn't a sweep, we were happy to take 1st overall!  These are 28 of the most dedicated and hard working girls I know :)

  

                                              Shayla and her awesome coach Cristina :)


Shay and Rich, the proud dad   (look at him showing support for both girls Syracuse shirt, and UVU jacket)

Shayla and Kenlee~~ BFF's for years and livin the dance dream together!

        And me, the crazy dance mom and my beautiful Shay. Love this girl and so proud to be her mom.
        Now... ON TO STATE!!

January 2013

Welcome to 2013!
Lately I have had a desire to be diligent in capturing as many moments and memories I can this year. I always have had that desire, and do pretty good for the most part, but like other areas in my life.... I want to be better than I am! So, I vow to have my camera with me 75% of the time, to capture moments, document thoughts and to remember the details. I want a new video camera really really bad, but that will have to remain on my wish list for now.
I could not be happier to report, that the new year has found us healthy and happy. I do not take that for granted one bit! We are all settled in the new home we moved into mid September. The ward has been great, and it has been fun to meet new friends. I am teaching the Sunbeam class. Can you say ADORABLE!!! Wow, they are simply precious and it brings me JOY teaching those little ones. Rich was called to be the 1st Counselor in the newly called bishopric. He is a bit overwhelmed, but is enjoying serving in that capacity. Shayla is full swing into competition season, Mckena is adjusting to college life, and TJ is learning the hard knocks of the reality of becoming an adult. :)
So here is to 2013.. guaranteed to be filled with learning moments, challenges, tender mercies, as well as fun and enjoyment!

Sadies 2012

I have no excuse for being so behind on blogging, except for the fact that life is too darn busy!! I am determined to do better in the new year! As for now, I came across these pictures on my phone,(ya too busy to even grab my camera)  and realized I had not posted them in our little family blog. So here they are, terrible quality and all.

Shayla asked Adam Johnson to go with her to the dance. They had a fun little group, all the girls are on the Dance Line. They got cute jerseys that had Sadies 2012 on the front, and then they guys last name on the back! Too cute right?

Growing Family

13 adults +21 kids +1 angel + 1 photographer + 34 opinions = a difficult task!

But also a family I am blessed to be a part of.

A few weeks ago we thought we better get a family photo while we were all at home. Nicolle would be leaving in a few days to serve in the Korea mission. So here we are... one big happy family.

Being the married to the oldest in the family, it has been fun to watch this family grow. To see each one meet and marry their spouse, to see each little one born into this world brings cherished memories.

 Hard to believe this all began when 2 people fell in love :) Thank you mom and dad!

~ GRAND KIDS~

 kids and spouses

 My family...

Family pictures are still difficult for me, because they feel incomplete. I know it might sound crazy, but I actually know she is there in the picture somehow, we just can see her with our earthly eyes. It is those tender mercies that bring me comfort. I feel her very near to us, and part of our lives, for which feel forever grateful and do not take for granted. But for now.. this is my family of what you see. 

Rich~ the love of my life and very best friend

Me~ the mother and wife to this crew

Mckena~ college girl, loving life and dancing for UVU

TJ~ working and deciding what he wants to be when he grows up

Shayla~ the baby, yet mature beyond her years. 

And there shall my joy be!

Shayla's Turn

Being the youngest, Shayla has watched and waited for it be be her turn to get all dolled up and go to a dance. She also has a late birthday and didn't turn 16 until June, which meant more waiting.  But the waiting is over... Shayla was asked to Syracuse Homecoming Dance by Jace Webb. She had a great time and looked as dolled up as can be :) 

Mckena came home for the weekend to help her with her hair, and to see her off on her first dance! What a great a sister.

 Love this girl!

 And off they go!