Silvester Family

Moving Day is Approaching

2011-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how much crap you can accumulate in 8 years of living in the same home!

As I am beginning the packing phase, since I am moving on Nov. 19th to a new home; I am learning we have alot of stuff.

It is a bitter sweet time for me I have also decided since this is the final phase of me realizing I am really divorced. My ex-husband and I built the home together we have lived in the past 8 years, and it is so surreal to be walking away from the home we built with the intent of never leaving. So needless to say I am very emotional on some days by knowing I am moving to a new to me home, with two kids and we don't know anyone whereas we are moving from a neighborhood that I love, and don't want to leave. But I need to be strong in hopes my children will adjust to their new home, and new life without their dad.

For now I have lots to do with packing each room in my home, and getting rid of lots of stuff too since my current home is almost 3700 sq. ft and my new house is almost 2000 sq ft. So elimination of items is in store! But also sometimes hard to do with all the centiments and items that bring back so many great memories of how my life once was.

My how life has changed

2011-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me how in one year just how much my life has changed...As some of you new I have recently gone through a separation period in May and filed for divorce from Chris. As of Sept. 19th I am officially divorced. I have two amazing kids which is one of the best things that came from my marriage of almost 10 years. Kennedy and Kelden are adjusting to our new lifestyle. Money is definitely more tight with one income, but were making it work. The kids are also learning to cope, knowing daddy is not around at this time (by his choice). I am sure eventually he will come around when he is ready, but also know we are both learning what to do in our new lives.

I have recently decided to try out the dating world, LOL. Let me tell you it is so different from when I was in high school and my first year of college. There are so many new ways of talking, dating, and asking people out whether its online, facebook, or texting. I feel like this blog will be my continuing efforts to inform you all of where im at emotionally, or how my little family is doing.

Holy Cow I am really bad at updating sorry

2010-05-11T18:06:00.001-07:00

Okay so as you can see I am really bad at updating this all the time. So to our followers so sorry! So we survived Christmas and this year it was fun we had a real tree and made treats and bread together etc. After the holidays I, {Shanell} decided to go back to college to get my degree from Weber State. So I was in school for the Spring, and now Summer Semester as well as Fall. I am just getting my associates for now and hope to finally decide what area I want to study for my bachelors I considering: Pre-Law, Elem. Education. Marketing and possible Finance. I know none really relate to each other got to love my likeability of all majors!!! Well Kennedy is now 4 and we are taking tours of local preschools. Kelden will be 3 in Sept. and yes we are considering the possibility of more but not sure when, and if we are going to have more. I love being a mom and Chris is a great dad so we are just enjoying the time.

I work full time at Layton Office Supply as an Account Executive, and part time at TownePlace Suites by Marriott as a guest service front desk staff. I also started my own networking group this past month called B2B Networking. So far it is going great our theme for May is Surfing.

Chris was laid off on Dec. 21st, but luckily found a great job the first week of Feb. He is now the Regional Director of Empire Community Painting. And definitely loves what he does.

well for now that is us. Gotta make cookies with the kids, and study for a test for school gotta love being busy all the time.

Shanell

Christmas Season... I LOVE IT!!!

2009-11-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hey All so as you know that I love the holidays and this year I am getting back to the basics. My dad who is amazing called and cut down a real tree for us this year! Thanks dad! We also have enjoyed watching the Christmas movies on TV, listening to the carols on the radio and I have been writing an new song. So life is crazy and busy but I totally love it! This year I have been really pondering what made me so happy at Christmas when i was a child, and I truly believe it wasn't about the toys, to me it was about the time we spent together as a family. It was the time of year when we did so much toegther as a family like skiing, caroling, sitting by the fire, and of course reading Christmas stories, the best of all was giving to others whether it was the festival of trees, donating to the boys and girls club, or just to a local family. I loved it. So this year as I reflect upon what I loved and the magic it brought to my life I am doing the same with my kids. So far it is so fun.

May each of you reflect upon the joy that the holidays once brought to you, and remember it and share it with all who are willing to hear it!

Happy Holidays!

Tis the Season... to shop!

2009-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Well as you probably know its Christmas Season! Ya! My favorite time of the year. So we were off this morning or late last night shopping of course. We got a hotel room for the night so the kids could swim and have a fun night. Chris' parents watched the kids for us while we shopped. We started at midnight at the midnight sales at a local mall, then off to all the regulars like Walmart, Kohl's, Office Depot, etc. We finished up and had a light breakfast at Gandolfo's and ended back at the hotel about 6:30 AM. Just in time for the kids to come back in our room at 7 when they woke up. Thankfully papa and grandma took them downstairs to the hotel breakfast so we could catch about an hour of zees. Well I totally love this time of year and am excited but also grateful for what I have. I am so blessed with an amazing husband who supports me in all my endeavors, and also for two perfectly great kids. Love ya Kenders and Keld keep learning and growing everyday like you do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome new job...

2009-11-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well I finally decided on Layton Office Supply for my new full time job. I also have will work the weekends back at TownePlace by Marriott too. My new adventure with work will be an exciting one where my comfort level will expand into cold calling. Gotta love it. But with the first selling day behind me I am looking forward to the challenge. So life is interesting and completely challenging all at once. I can definitely say this year is one for the books and one that I really don't want to remember. I call it the year people screwed me. Not to have a negative outlook though as I am a positive person... the year I learned how strong of a person I truly am, and the year I learned so much about my self, my relationships with others, and with God. So needless to say I can't wait for 2010!!! Bring it on!!! Well Happy Halloween, and Thanksgiving Blessings to you all!

Looking for new job...

2009-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

So yes I guess sometimes your luck changes. Well I, Shanell am in the process of looking for a new job. I have been in the sales industry now for a little over 6 1/2 years selling office supplies. I know pretty funny me selling pens etc. But I after losing my last job about a week ago now I am looking for another job. I have outside sales experience, I am great at multi tasking, customer service, and account management. I have a degree in Travel & Tourism from Penn Foster Career College. I would love all your help in my job search.

Thomas the Tank Birthday for Kelden Happy 2nd

2009-09-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Kelden's present from Grandma and Papa West a Thomas blow up toy with balls in it to jump in. Thanks papa and grandma he loves it!
All of his presents from his 2nd birthday. Can we say spoiled? You gotta do it though.
Here is my first attempt at being a "domesticated mom" when I cook as Chris does a lot of the cooking I usually screw up somehow. It is hard to see but the frosting is too runny and is sliding off the sides of his cake. But not too shabby I have to say at Kelden's birthday cake. Happy Birthday baby mommy and daddy love their little Boo.

Zoo Day Aug. 2009

2009-09-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Kendi and Kelden at the zoo. As you can see we had alot of crazy monkey's with us. Angie, Kendi, Kelden, Erick, and Corbyn. We love ya lots. Thanks papa and grandma West for taking us for the day.

2009-09-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Kenders 4 wheeling with Papa Silvester up at Evanston, Wyoming.
Kelden and Daddy 4 wheeling at Evanston campout.
Kenders being silly in the car on the way up to Evanston campout. She does love her pictures to be taken and always reminds us to snap a shot even if it is for a funny picture.

First Class Baby!

2009-09-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our 4 hour delay in Cancun. We got to ride home in style from the Denver airport. They flew us from Denver to Salt Lake first class.

Kayaking and coming home from Mexico

2009-09-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

The airplane home from Mexico.

Kendi Kayaking with mommy and daddy and Kelden at resort in mexico. Gotta love the duck tape to keep her cast dry.

XPLOR in Mexico

2009-09-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Punta Lagoona Monkeys

2009-09-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

COBA in MEXICO

2009-09-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

This funny guy road this little tut tut through Coba. He was like the tiniest little guy ever to hold all 4 of us.

2009-09-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jackson with Kendi

2009-09-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Kelden in Jackson

Jackson Hole Gotta Love the Outdoors!!

2009-09-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Vegas Babies!!

2009-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

D-Backs Game

2009-09-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

All of us the Arizona Diamond Backs Baseball game. Go D-Backs!

Arizona ghost town

2009-09-08T19:19:00.002-07:00

Here is a picture of us at the old mining Ghost Town in Arizona.

Kender's Broken Arm

2009-09-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is Kendi sporting her newest Pink Cast. She broke her arm on July 4th and got her cast off on August 19th!!

I FINALLY UPDATED... SPRING, and SUMMER 2009

2009-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOODNESS... SORRY I HAVEN"T UPDATED IN SO LONG!!!
Holy Cow. So much has happened since Feb. 2009.

First off we had a great spring and a fun summer! We went on a few trips also. Lets see first off we went to Arizona and Vegas. It was a great week. We spent time with my wonderful cousins and aunt and uncle while we stayed in Phoenix. It was really hot like 102-106 that week and that was at the end of May. But it was really fun. We were able to use some of our condo points for the condo and stayed at this really neat area where there was a wildlife refuge. So there were wild rabbits everywhere that the kids had a blast chasing each day. In Phoenix we were able to learn about Indians and go to a museum about them. The kids thought that was pretty cool. We also swam everyday which was lots of fun. Another fun adventure was when we went to this real life ghost Town. It was really cool and had lots of trains, mining things and fun pics. One other activity was when we went the D-Backs game. Or {Diamond Backs} This is the MLB team in Arizona. It was really funny because Chris plays softball with his work and Kennedy asked if all the people came to watch her daddy play baseball. She did not quite understand that he would not be playing in the game.

Let's see after Arizona we drove back through Vegas. And what can we say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Just kidding. Vegas was great we traded in more points to stay in one of our favorite condos called Desert Paradise. It is about 2 miles off the strip so we don't have to worry about noise or lights. The kids loved the lights and Kelden's favorite by far were the fountains at the Bellagio. Since our nanny came with us on this adventure she was able to stay with the kids and put them to bed at night while we went to some shows. We went and saw the V show which was awesome and I would totally see again. We also saw the funniest hypnotist show I have ever seen. Then after our week of adventure we called it good and came home.

So after that we were home and worked for about a month or so.

And guess what happened... on July 4th Kenders broke her arm. She was sliding down a slide to jump in the pool and had done so many times. As she was walking up the stairs to get on the slide she fell about 3 or 4 foot down and hit the cement with her left arm. She broke both bones and got a bright pink cast. Luckily it healed about 6 weeks later. But she was in a cast for most of the summer.

The we packed up the camper trailer and headed for one of our favorite spots... Jackson Hole, Wy. This was my family's campout!!! The campout which we usually take over Labor Day every year was switched to the middle of July due to my sister having a baby and the other sister getting married. It was so much fun. The kids played in the dirt and saw some buffalo's and other animals. This is one campout we look forward to every year. It was also great having my mom, Reed and Bari and their kids, and papa and grandma Lunt, and Krista and Cort, and Jaimie and Ryan come too.

After Jackson we literally only had a few hours to pack. We left Jackson on the morning of the 19th of July and left for Mexico in the wee early morning on the 20th. I say wee early as we had to be at the airport by 4:30 AM. Luckily my husband's parents live about 10 minutes from airport. So we slept there. This was Kelden's first flight and Kender's second flight. They did great!!! The first leg they just slept and the second to Cancun they did really good until about the last hour where they wanted to get off the plane and be done. Needless to say they did pretty good for a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old.

In Mexico we stayed at this fun all inclusive resort called Catalonia Riveria Maya. It was in a town called Puerto Adventura. We loved it!!! Chris' parents were kind enough to pay for everyone for their Christmas Present. It was a fabulous trip. While we were there we were able to Kayak with the kids in this little Ocean Lagoon. We also hiked in the jungle and found wild spider monkey's totally awesome that was in a town called Punta Lagoona. We hiked up the big pyramid at Coba which is a Maya ruin. Chris and I even had a day by ourselves while Papa and Grandma watched the kids, we went to this place called XPLOR. It was totally cool. There was zip lines, and 4x4's and caves etc. It was an amazing trip. Thanks Papa and Grandma Silvester we love you!!

Let's see after we got back from Mexico life definitely has not settled down. The next weekender trip was a few weeks after Mexico. We were able to go to Evanston, WY and see Chris' extended family on a ranch up there. It was a fun trip filled with Pinochle card games, 4 wheeler's and of course horse back riding. It was a great trip and fun to see and hang out with everyone.

We also had showers...We were able to have a baby shower right before Mexico for Krista, and a few weeks after Mexico a Bridal shower and batchlorette party for Jaimiers!!! I am so excited for both of my sister's on their new adventures of mommyhood and marriage.

One of the days during the summer we also had a great time at the local Zoo. There were lots of baby animals and Angie, Corbyn and Erick and papa and grandma West were able to come.

So as you can see our summer was crazy and we were gone a lot. It is always fun to go, but also makes you truly appreciate what you have at home.

So what's new now... I put my creative hat to work and I have been doing a little bit of my own song writing. I love to try new things and be creative so this year for mother's day I gave my mom a song about my baby brother who is serving the Lord on an LDS mission in Uganda. And now I am writing my sister a song for her wedding.

For work...I am in "show season" for work. So I am traveling a little bit for work. Last week I was in Idaho Falls, this week I am home and the next the following week I am St. George. I still have to fit in Boise, and Moab but we will see when we can get a break to see those folks.

Other then that you all know me, I am looking for Christmas presents for the kids and planning my next trip like always.

Well here is a funny thing Kennedy our 3.5 year old said today. She asked the nanny where her daddy has the flatteries. She was actually looking for batteries for a toy. Funny huh!

Last thing, Kelden just turned two Sunday so we had a funny experience. This year due to budget we decided to make Keld a birthday cake. We made a sheet cake then frosted it with green frosting so it would look like grass kind of. Then we put brown frosting to look like railroad tracks and a Thomas the tank engine on the tracks along with a big number 2 candle. It was really funny cuz the frosting wasn't thick enough so it was like sliding off the cake but it still work and the kids did not even notice. Keld had a fun birthday he got lots of trains and a few Thomas the Train DVD's as he loves Thomas. He also got this really cool inflatable Thomas that has little balls in it to jump in. He had a really fun birthday. It is crazy to think our baby is two!!

Well I better run for now... now that you are all caught up. We love you all lots.

2009-02-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Kendi has now turned 3!!! Yesterday was Kennedy's birthday. It was a bitter sweet day she was able to turn 3 years old, but on another note we were all saddened by the passing of Chris' grandmother yesterday morning. Kendi definitely loved her great grandma Brant and doesn't understand when she says great grandma was able to fly to Heavenly Father and kiss her brother Jesus.

We were able to take Kennedy to Chuck E Cheese and have a fun night eating pizza and playing games. We love our little girl and are so proud of her accomplishments in her life.

Happy Birthday baby girl! Mommy and daddy love their little princess!

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Kelden was so excited to get his baseball set!
Kendi was so excited that Santa had brought her presents. She even told Chris and I when we told her Santa had come that she must have been very good the day before!

Baking cookies for Santa...

2008-12-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

At Kohl's we were able to find these cute Santa helper aprons. Here is a photo of the kids baking Christmas treats for Santa.

Las Vegas Dec. 2008

2008-12-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids and I in Vegas on the strip. They loved the lights!

Las Vegas Condo

2008-12-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of the kids at our condo in Las Vegas! They loved Vegas but mostly they loved the turn table in our dining room in the center of the table. Kendi, Kelden and Mommy went to Vegas with the kids nanny, Kristi the first week of Dec. for a few days. I was attending a travel show for my new agency and decided we all needed a vacation. Chris unfortunately had to stay home and work.

Cousins? Or should we say brothers almost?

2008-12-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

Kelden and Erick. They have been best buddies since they were born! Even though they are cousins they act like brothers most of the time including the whole sibling fighting over toys they do that well!

Park City Condo over Thanksgiving weekend

2008-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids at our condo in Park City! They had lots of fun with Uncle Brant and Auntie Jill, as well as Kim and Danny and Papa and Grandma Silvester. Thanks for making it a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend of shopping, swimming, movie night, and of course game nights.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Silvester's! I hope you all have had a great holiday! We have just finished up with the presents and of course santa! Well just wanted to tell all of you Happy Holidays!

2008-11-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone... I thought I would add this photo of Kennedy and Kelden and daddy at our Ward's trunk or treat for Halloween this year!

2008-11-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

Greetings All- Wow! How time flys when the holidays approach! Well we have been busy preparing for Thanksgiving at our home this year. We are also taking some time with the kids as I have the whole week of Thanksgiving off from work to spend with them making pies, and just hanging out! We are also preparing to go to our condo in PC for Thanksgiving weekend! We are excited to be able to have fun and shop the great sales at the outlets this year. Immediately following Thanksgiving weekend the kids and I and their nanny, Kristi are off to Las Vegas, or as Kendi says Vegas. There is a travel show in Las Vegas so we are packing up the family other then Chris, as he has to stay and work. We are leaving on Monday as I have to work my St. George route on Mon and Tues. and then off to Vegas for Wed and back home Thurs night. A quick trip but the kids will have fun swimming at the condo pool in Vegas. It's all work for me, and I hate gambling which is good since most people drop at least one hundred bucks at Vegas. Well we are preparing for the holidays and getting ready for the upcoming year!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Shanell

2008-11-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Greetings All... Well with Halloween officially over, and the remainder of the holidays soon on there way it is a great time to reflect at how truly blessed I am. Every day I pray and thank my heavenly father for my greatest gifts, my family Chris, Kenders, and Kelden. They have truly blessed my life and I am so happy to be a part of their life. As I reflect back on this past year with the end of 2008 fast approaching and soon will be time for those infamous New Year's resolutions I think back to my resolutions for this year. One of mine was to become closer to my heavenly father and I can honestly say I finally have accomplished one of my resolutions for once! I have never felt so close to my savior as I have these past few months. I know without a doubt that this wonderful gospel is true. With all the politics in the news lately I am so glad that I don't live in California with all the protestors at the Temple, and how scary that would be.

Well needless to say, we are very happy to be alive, have jobs to support our small family, and we are grateful for the chance and opportunity to have our children whom heavenly father has given us as a special gift.

This past few weeks I have spent some time with just the kids and we have been making cookies, and baking as Kendi loves that. I also have just played with them and laughed with them. We finally started FHE this past week. We bought those living scriptures DVD's before we had kids so we pulled one out and we were able to learn about Harriet Tubman this past week. It is really cool to hear Kendi tell me about her and how she walked a very long way to get to a better land as Kendi explains.

Well we are preparing for the holidays by Christmas shopping... Yes I love this holiday and shop all year round. We are also busy planning what to bring to Papa and Grandma Ilestor's as {Kenndedy says Grandma Silvester}. On Thanksgiving night we get the opportunity to go to our condo with Chris' family and spend the weekend, shopping, skiing, and hanging out. The day after we get back home from the condo in Park City, the kids and I are on our way to Las Vegas!!!! No not for gambling as I think it is a dumb thing to waste money, but on to a travel show, but not before we stop in St. George overnight to see some of my customers. Then we will return home and have a funfilled holiday season as mommy has 10 days off right by Christmas and New Years!

Well have a great holiday season!

Love,

Shanell

Kids Halloween Pics...2008

2008-10-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all.... Well here is some pics of Kennedy and Kelden in their new halloween costumes!!! Kelden is a Penguin this year! Kennedy is a Flower this year! Enjoy your festivities we are sure enjoying ours!

Brant and Jills Wedding...Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

2008-10-11T18:08:00.003-07:00

After Brant's wedding...

2008-10-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

Well of course, I could not find my digital camera for Brant and Jill's wedding. So I don't have any pictures from that yet, but here are some after the wedding.... we all had a great time.

Daddy and Kelden all tuckered out from the wedding.
Kennedy snoozing on the couch.
Mommy and Kennedy resting together.

Crazy hair day...spending time in brothers room.

2008-10-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Kennedy and Kelden watching "toons" cartoons in Kelden's bedroom. We just switched to direct TV so now Kelden has a TV in his room to watch toons.
Here is one of our new favorite pictures. They love photos if you can't tell. The kids love spending time together and sometimes get along like this photo.

Swinging at papa and grandma "ilestors..."

2008-10-10T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here are the kids at papa and grandma silvester's house. They love to spend time swinging on the swing set together and lounging on the hammack. We love you papa and grandma and love to spend time with you.
Kennedy being independent and swinging by herself. But she always says mommy and daddy watch me... and take a picture of me. She definitely loves her photo taken and loves to be the center of attention which is sometimes hard with a little brother.

Spaghetti anyone?

2008-10-10T13:44:00.001-07:00

Kelden loves spaghetti. This is one of his favorite meals and I think you can see why... he loves to make a big mess when he eats.
Kennedy loves her pagetti as she calls it. As you can see she is only a little bit cleaner then her baby brother.

Go Big or Go Home?....

2008-10-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

Kelden's first birthday party. Talk about going big or go home? We rented this large inflatable slide for all the kids and adults to play on for the day. It was lots of fun. Kennedy still asks where the slide went?
Kelden got a baby 4-wheeler from papa and grandma "ilestor" Silvester. Kennedy calls them papa and grandma ilestor. papa and grandma West also gave him a baby tractor to ride on as well. He and Kennedy love them the bikes the best and ride them each day.
Kelden's birthday cake. He of course loved the sugar high.
Kelden is very independent and he would climb up the stairs on the slide all by himself. It took him awhile to get up there but he loved it. He would meet daddy at the top and dad would make sure he was ready to go down the slide again by himself. Over all it was a great celebration and we want to thank everyone for there support and love. We love you.

West Family camping trip Jackson Hole WY over Labor Day!

2008-10-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our Labor Day West Family camp out. We travel to Jackson Hole, WY in hopes of seeing some bears. This year we did see a black bear in a tree near are camp site. You will see some pics of us on our hike at Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake is in Teton National Park. We all loved the camping trip despite it raining the last couple of days. You can see us backpacking with the kids at the Jenny Lake hike. The kids were able to ride the boat across and meet us at the waterfall with grandma West and the others while Papa West, Chris and I decided we would like to hike over to the water fall. It was a fabulous 2 mile hike. We were able to hike back with the kids. Thanks to papa and grandma West for helping us to learn about nature. We loved Jackson Hole as always and look forward to it each year! Others who came and enjoyed Jackson with us were: Chad and Christi Lunt and girls, great grandma and papa Lunt, great grandma West, Auntie Jaimie and Ryan, and Auntie Krista and Uncle Cort. Overall we had a great time with all of you. Thanks for the memories.

More pics from August Silvester Campout!

2008-10-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Top:
Kendi just chillin with her daddy! She is definitely daddy's little princess.

Next:
Kenders first horseback ride with Uncle Ned! She loves horses and is no longer afraid of them!

Below: Kennedy and Kelden hanging out by the horses at the ranch!

Bottom:
Kelden, Daddy {Chris} and Kennedy on the 4-wheeler!

We were able to borrow papa and grandma West's 4-wheeler and take some time by ourselves for some off-roading in the Uintah's during our Silvester Family Campout! Overall it was a fabulous weekend!

Kennedy at Silvester Family Campout!

2008-10-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here is Kendi riding on daddy's shoulders! This is in August in Evanston, WY at Silvester Family Campout! Thanks great papa and great grandma for this fun weekend!

2008-10-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week! Last weekend Brant and Jill Chris' brother and new bride were able to get married! They were married on Oct. 4th at Aspen Landing Reception center in SLC, Utah. It was a great event and a fabulous wedding! I truly believe weddings remind us of our own wedding day, and bring us closer as husband and wife. Kendi did great as the flower girl! It was pretty funny because she through all her flowers at the top of the stairs and still had the stairs and a walk way before she was done with her part in the wedding. It was really funny because after she walked down two stairs she realized she did not have any flowers left, and ran back up the stairs to collect what she could before the wedding planner told her it was okay and keep walking! Kelden was the most beautiful ring bearer. Although he will not walk by himself, so I held him as we both walked down the aisle carrying the ring pillow. The baby tuxedo he wore was very cute and Kennedy called her gold dress her princess dress! She still wants to wear it every day! She also turns on music every day and walks around the house carrying flowers, and anything she can find like a bouquet. She tells us she is going to marry Brant and Jill.

This weekend was very busy with the wedding but it was also a great spiritual boost as we were able to catch the last two sessions of conference! I get so excited when it comes time to hear the prophet speak to us. As we all know with the economy the way it is, and the financial crisis of banks and mortgage companies it is always good to hear the reassurance of the prophet Thomas S Monson. I definitely cannot wait until the next conference in the spring time.

Life is still very busy with work, and soon to be busy with family functions as the holidays are fast approaching! Christmas shopping anyone? I know it is scary to think about and I am a total Christmas person! This year we purchased a condo/time share and will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving evening and the remainder of the weekend in our condo at the Canyons resort! I am looking forward to the weekend with Chris' family and the skiing, {snowboarding for me} as I am finally not pregnant this year!!!! I am also looking forward to the day after thanksgiving shopping at the outlet mall! For those of you who do not get into this it is an extremely fun day to save a ton of money and run in craziness to get to the best deals! If you have kids... it is a must!

Well enjoy each day at a time and realize as the holidays approach... we are only on this earth for a short amount of time, and make memories that will last an eternity with your kids and family!

Love,

Shanell

2008-09-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Boise, Idaho! Yes this week for work I am in the lovely town of Boise, Idaho. My kids are so happy to have their nanny Kristi back home from Disneyland. Last week she was able to take a nice vacation break and stay near Disneyland with her sister and friend. Work for me is crazy and busy. It is what we call in the office supply industry "Show Season". This basically means freebies for our consumers as they walk around a room where we tell them about our new products and what they should be buying. We also give them a sample of a new pen or something like this. If you have never been they are fun... if you do these each week they ae okay but sometimes drag along as the time goes by really slowly some days.

Chris' job is very busy as well. He just brought on a bank and is in the process of switching over there customers to process credit cards with his company. He enjoys his line of work and is very happy he made the switch and move.

Chris' brother Brant is getting married this weekend! Yeah! Congrats to Brant and Jill! The kids are so excited and have been practicing throwing rose petals all week, as Kendi is the flower girl!

Well other then that work is busy and life is going well. We are so grateful to have a roof over our head and jobs that feed the family.

Love,

Shanell

Kelden is now 1!!!

2008-09-15T08:07:00.001-07:00

Yes it is true... we have survived a whole year with Kelden. He turned one years old on Sept. 6th! With all of his medical problems at the beginning I truly feel blessed to say that he is finally 1! We had a fun birthday celebration with both sides of our family! We rented one of those big blow up slides for 1/2 day so the kids would be entertained. A little over the top for a first birthday? Maybe, but it was great! The kids stayed entertained, Kelden had a great time opening up his gifts and eating cake! He also loved the slide as he was able to climb up the stairs by himself! Kendi had a great time as well. Although she did think it was her birthday, and the presents were hers. We explained her birthday was after santa comes, and on her birthday Kelden would not get any presents only her. She liked that it would be her birthday someday too!

Kendi has been really funny lately! When asked how old she is... she always says first and foremost "I turning pive." Or as we say 5. I always correct her and say No Kennedy remember you are two and a half. It's pretty funny to hear her tell people this!

Well other then Kelden's party now we are in full fletched wedding mode! Chris and I are not having another ceremony... his brother Brant is tying the knot! He is getting married to an amazing woman named Jill! She is fabulous and fits in with the family wonderfully! She is definitely the perfect match for Brant! They will be getting married on Oct. 4th! So we every weekend we have Bridal showers, or a Batchlorette party etc until the wedding on the 4th! Chris and I are truly proud of Brant and all his accomplishments in his life. We are so excited to have Jill be a part of our family. Kennedy and Kelden absolutely love their uncle Brant and are so excited to have a new Auntie Jill. Kendi calls them , "uncle Bran, and Auntie Jew. " Kenders will be their flower girl and Kelden will also walk down the aisle with Kenders. Maybe not exactly walk, as he does not want to do this by himself yet. He can walk with furniture, and people holding his hands but has not taken the first leap of faith as of yet. I know it will come and then watch out as he crawls super fast as it is. So when he walks he will just run everywhere. So needless to say we are excited to welcome Jill to the family. They have become one of our best friends and for this we are truly blessed.

Well other then the wedding we are getting prepared for the upcoming holidays! I am not a sponatneous person when it comes to the holidays. I like the plan the entire year and get things done as early as possible. Therefore Christmas shopping lasts all year. Not to mention we purchased the kids Halloween costumes in August! We are excited to have two toddlers and not babies this year. We will be enjoying watching the kids figure out what trick or treating is, and then seeing how they are with Santa Claus who is coming up fast as well. And before we know it 2008 will be closed and another year will begin.

Well I guess this is it for now! Remember to have a great Autumn with your family and kids. Get out there and carve pumpkins, go to a corn maze or just have a fun time at home. Remember your children are a gift from Heavenly Father and for that we should all be truly thankful. I know I am. Have a great day!
Love,

Shanell

First time for everything...

2008-08-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well I guess there is always a first time for everything... yes even I am now branching out to the blogging phase. I do think this is a great way to branch out and keep better track of family and friends. So here it goes.

Well as m0st of you know Chris and I have been married now for just over 6.5 years. On Dec. 13th it will be our 7th year anniversary. Although we have had our ups and downs in married life, it has been a true blessing to be married to my best friend, and wonderful husband. We now have two amazing children Kennedy age 2.5 and Kelden 11 months.

Chris and I {Shanell} keep very busy with work, and life. Chris is now selling credit card processing to business' he is now the 3rd best sales person for Eliot Management Group nationwide and was offered a great job to advance within the company. He was offered a District Sales Manager job where he would be in charge of 14 states and all the sales force within those states. We both decided the 6 figure salary would not be worth the move to the East Coast, and never seeing Chris as he would be traveling each week. So with much thought we turned down the position and are here to stay in Utah for now.

I {Shanell} stay busy working as a manufacturer's representative a big name for sale rep. I work for Milne & Associates which is out of Englewood, CO. I get the wonderful opportunity of working from my home office, and traveling some between Southern Utah, and Idaho. I hold sales meetings, sales trainings, and give reps some samples of new Office Supplies, and show whats new for business furniture. It is a great job, and very fun and rewarding to be able to see my kids most days, and work from home alot of the time. I also have finished my degree in Travel and Tourism, from Penn Foster Career School. I have my travel agent license and we {Chris and I} have just opened our own travel agency. We named it: Streamline Travel LLC. I am truly excited to be finished with school, and also am glad that I have finally accomplished my dream of owning my own business and becoming a travel agent. We have a website for the agency where you can book your own travel http://streamlinetravel.agenthub.net

Kennedy is our little princess. She is busy to say the least. She is an amazing daughter! She has blessed our life with here presence since she was born on Feb. 12, 2006. She is 2.5 years old now, and with that comes the terrible twos, throwing fits, and potty training. On most days she is pretty good, and tries to share with her little brother, and play nicely. But at least once per day we have to stop the tantrum of Kelden took my blankie and I want all of the ones available in the house for me. But I guess this is part of the age. Kenders or Kendi as we call her loves to stack things... yes stack! Anything possible whether it be spoons, forks, toys, cards, puzzle pieces etc. She loves to stack them up as tall as she can. Then she places them all on the floor in a perfect row. It is amazing to see just how smart she truly is. She also loves to count and learn colors, and numbers. Thanks for Dora on TV she is even picking up some Spanish words. We also try and teach her how to count from 1-10 in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean.

Kelden is our little prince. He has alot different temperment then Kennedy ever had. He is very much to say a MaMa's boy. If I am around or even close to him he wants me to hold him, or pay attention to him. He is now 11 months old and we are planning his 1st birthday party! He was born on Sept. 6th 2007. He has been an amazing child, but has had so many health problems since he was born. He was due on Sept. 30th so as you can see he was born almost 3.5 weeks early or at 36.5 weeks. When I gave birth to him, he was breathing and doing well and thankfully did not have any complications at delivery, as was able to go home the next day from the hospital. The very next week at 7 days old he was struggling to breathe and was a turning at grayish blue at about 11 PM at night. Chris took him up to Wee Care Pediatrics and they rushed him to McKay Dee by ambulance. The Dr.s had told us one of his lungs was not working properly and he would be in the NICU. As I lived at the hospital for the next three days waiting to praying that my son would live. It was a scary experience and one that I hope will never have to do again. I remember while I was nursing him in the NICU and it was just Kelden and I... I remember telling him, if angels were coming to him to don't go with them, and stay with mommy because I needed him in my life. To say the least with that experience my testimony of the power of the priesthood has grown in leaps and bounds. A few days later, he was sent home with a monitor that would wake us up if he stopped breathing. Thank goodness it never happened again! The next month later he aquired pink eye. So we were giving him drops every few hours. And in Jan. 2008 he went in for his 4 month check up and was diagnosed with RSV and was placed in the hospital for another few days. Thank goodness since then we have had no problems to report other then the common cold.

After everything that has happened this past year...I am blessed and grateful to know how precious life is, and how wonderful family is. My family and Chris' family has helped us so much by watching Kennedy while I was in the hospital alot with Kelden. They also help all the time with Free babysitting of both kids so Chris and I can rejuvinate our relationship with a date night.

Well hopefully this is enough to get us starting on our quest to blog. We love you all, and our so happy you are apart of our lives.