Lilly Sage

So I am sure you all want to hear about Little Miss Lilly even though she is not even born yet.

So let me start off by saying Robbie and I new that we were going to plan on having children soon and we kind of go with the flow with everything so that is how this all started.
I usually take birth control for 6 months and then I go off of it. Its really my own theory and no scientific aspect behind it. I take the lowest dose there is on the market and I only have 4 day menstrual cycles. However I have horrendous cramps that run down to my toes all the way up my spin, so being on birth control helps a lot with that. However I have this fear that my body will get used to it or some how make me not be able to get pregnant haha. So needless to say the previous months were during this time.

When I am off birth control my cycle is always a little off, and I can remember talking to Robbie like would it be bad timing if I got pregnant? He thought about it for a second and then just said no because our main goal was to be graduated from College and by the time you have the baby I should be graduated. Well two months later I was pregnant!  So we weren't trying but if it happened we weren't apposed to it.

At first I actually had a burst of energy and was getting up and getting ready for work. Then about week 4 or 5 hit and I was so sick that I couldn't leave the house. I can remember crying to Robbie because I was so confused why does this have to be so hard. Doctors, friends, and family said it will pass just wait till your 2nd trimester.... Well I ended up getting dehydrated and had to go in for 2 IV'S, they put Zofran in it and I have never felt so good and so hungry at the same time. Well getting the IV in was a little messy because I have Whipple veins which are really small. So she tried my left arm but then it stopped dripping so then she had to do my right arm. My left arm started to bleed out a little and yeah I lost it, I started to dry heave and I warned the nurse I am going to throw up. I had two needles in my arms so I couldn't hold anything so she grabbed a pan and yeah you know what happened. After that she cleaned my arm up and then got the IV going on my right arm. I proudly took a nap as that was going on.

Well after all that drama I  was put on two different nausea medicines. Zofran during the day and Phenergan (not sure about spelling) at night. Wow did I feel better, I was actually able to eat and it felt great. Well after a month the doctor wanted me to start to see if my body could handle it with out the medicine and needless to say I got really sick again and would just sit on the floor at work and try to see if it would pass. However it didn't and I lost 4 pounds. So the doctor stated well some women have to be on nausea medicine till they deliver you might be one of them. I said as long as I can take something I should be fine! However this time I just take one either in the morning or at night so that is better.

I kind of always said I hope its a girl at least I would feel better about being sick. Nothing against boys but I feel I wouldn't be as sick if it was a boy and maybe I'm right because we are having a little girl and oh how I am so excited!

When we went to find out what we were having, Lilly was laying on her tummy and didn't want to move so she looked like she was kicking at the camera and finally the nurse said well there you go its a girl!!!!! I almost cried but I didn't! It was really cool to see her and how funny she likes to lay on her tummy because I am the same way.. And I defiantly don't like people poking me and moving me when I sleep.

So now we are preparing for Robbie to graduate in April, yep about 6 weeks before baby is due! We are hoping to move before she is born and Robbie will start a new job some where but we shall see! She already seems a little like her mom so she may be eager to come out but hopefully not to early!

We are planning on being pretty simple with this baby, I live in a place where there are many women having babies, many which are due right around me! What I have learned is that most of the stuff you spend lots of money on you use maybe once and then end up giving away. So we are planning on having things from our baby shower, a pack and play with a raised part, and a few clothes and diapers and such. But we just figure if we need something we will just go out and buy it. Plus trying to move with a bunch of things doesn't seem ideal. So these next five months will be pretty fun but we are excited for all the new adventures to come plus to leave Rexburg!

Taylor Swift

So if you can't tell this post will be about Taylor Swift. If you know me or are my family and you ask who is Shanel's favorite singer? I am pretty sure 99% of the time they would say Taylor Swift. I can honestly say that Taylor Swift has been an example to me since I was in high school. We could relate in so many ways and we weren't even real friends. But her songs touch young girls and  now even women in so many ways. Between not fitting in, crushes that never notice you, to horrible break ups, and even bullying. I have talked on my blog about women just letting go of their judgments and just living their life. But recently Taylor Swift has shown me again why she is one of my examples and that is from this article.

A young girl about to start high school was feeling judge and never good enough and reached out to Taylor Swift. Not only did she respond she reminded us that people will just be MEAN. That no matter what you do it will not change because it is people that are the problem not just kids like Taylor stated.

These children that are growing up now are learning from everyone around them, how to act, how to talk, and how to treat people. We are the problem a lot of the time, because we judge people for their dreams and for some reason get jealous when those around us are more talented or express their dreams. But why? Why do we do that?

Is it pride, jealousy or all of the above? Taylor reminded me today to look at myself and remind myself to NOT be the problem today. To be a better person today and to not let anyone crush my dreams no matter who they are.

Think about her new song "Shake it Off", she reminds us that no matter who we are we will be judged, we will be put down. But how we react to those critics is what really matters. Let go of those that have hurt you in the past or even today and be the person you want to be!

So yes I love Taylor Swift because even as a celebrity she is herself and no one else. That's what makes her a great a example in my eyes. Sure she dates a lot people but so did I, sure she talks about her break ups, and enemies but who doesn't. She just reminds us that she is human, makes mistakes and in the end puts the words right into our mouth that we wish we said at that moment in our lives!

So my challenge for those that just gave a judgment today is to look at yourself, how is that judgment helping those around you or the person you are judging?

My challenge to those that feel judged don't let their insecurities make you insecure! You are perfect in the eyes of God and talented in your own way. Do the things you want to do and let the "haters hate". And remember Taylor Swift has felt what you feel! So find a song that relates and just dance until you feel better! That's what I do ;)

Thoughts from a Relief Society President

 

So if you don't know what Relief Society is in the LDS church its a pretty amazing organization. Women of 18 years and older of the church are part of Relief Society. As sisters we grow together, help each other, and look after each other. That is the purpose of Relief Society! If you want to read more about it here is a link.



Well in my Ward I am the Relief Society President of a newly married student ward. My presidency and I are over 80-140 sisters! With that comes a lot of different circumstances, personalities, and back grounds! Its actually quiet amazing if you think about it. I have the privilege to help these ladies and be guided by the spirit to help them in any way.

I have seen a lot of amazing things happen  in this ward. I go to a ward that 85-95% members are active, and visiting teaching and home teaching is a lot higher then in most family wards. I have made a lot of friends and gotten to know more people then in any calling I have ever had.

One of the best things I take from my calling is the people that sit next to me during Relief Society! My first and second counselors and secretary. I have had two 1st counselors, three 2nd counselors, and have had the same secretary nice the very beginning, and its only been 10 months! I have been blessed with these sisters in my life. They have all taught me something different! Such as when to stand up for myself and the women around me. It is easy to sit on the side lines but as a leader in my ward I need to give my thoughts and opinions. I have learned how to see people more Christ like and to realize we all have some limitations in our life. I have learned the willingness to serve even when life becomes hard or things change in our life. I have learned to not take upon myself to much. I have learned that my calling is important but my husband is even more important. I and those around me need to be able to be with their families. To make meetings productive and not excessive or to long! To rely on these sisters to do their very best! I look up to these sisters because they have a strength or values that I struggle with. We help up lift each other and to make each other better. To see the women we are over not only as human but as sisters!

I feel I am so blessed to have this calling and not only learn a lot about myself but to learn about others as well. To feel the spirit guiding me to those that need me and I need them! The spirit continually guides me to do my very best! I love you all! I hope that ever sister will find a love for Relief Society as I have!

"Forgive and Forget" Words of Wisdom!

So this post isn't dramatic but it is truth, well what I consider truth. So I guess take it however you want.

I had a conversation with one of my friends the other week and this has been on my mind a lot. I consider myself and nice person, who means well, but also makes mistakes, and I may say the wrong things at the wrong time! Yeah it happens... Why does this happen? Well because I am human. To be human means that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes. However being human also means I will not get a long with everyone, and not everyone will like me, no matter how nice I am.

This is the circle of life, it is VERY rare when I don't "like" someone, usually it is because of my insecurities. Or we simple live different lives. However I would never go out of my way to brutally be mean to them or even talk behind their back. That just isn't right! I feel that no matter how much that person bugs me I should give them some respect. We have agency to choose what we do in this life, however we don't have the ability to choose the consequence whether good or bad. So I would rather be nice to someone then mean!

I believe however if you are trying to be a good person, and trying your very best at what ever you are doing. You NEVER have to apologize for who you are. Especially as a women, we all have different dreams and out looks on life. We learn differently, we fell spiritually in different ways, we dress differently, we act differently, and so on..... But two thing we have in common is we are human and we are women! What more do I need to say besides, stop putting people down because they are different then you! Love them unconditional and hope the very best for them!

Obviously we have our moral inclination and there is a time and place for that, if you mean it in the most loving way! However we should not be brutally naming each other, or hurting each other in any way. I was taught to love those even if they are different.

I'm not perfect and I don't always act perfect but that doesn't mean I'm not trying  to do my best or I'm not trying to get where I need to be. I just had a bad day, or something just didn't go right that day. Also, I just sometimes want to sit and watch tv ALL day, or eat a whole thing of cookie dough, and sometimes I just don't want to do anything! Call it laziness but I call it relaxation :)

Only one person has ever been perfect on this earth and that is Jesus Christ, but no one on this earth will ever be perfect. So stop judging, talking, or even being mean to that person! They don't deserve it and neither do you. I promise you that if you work on seeing people how Christ does you will not get upset as much or defensive! Just love people and realize they are different, they make mistakes and you are just the same! We should embrace people different then us, because they bring a different perspective and ideas.

So this is to those that feel judged, bullied, or even hurt! You are human and you will make mistakes, and so will those around you. "Forgive and Forget" the best words my father ever taught me, also "Don't dig in the grave yard, the past is the past"! Words of wisdom from the best dad. A man who has come before me, and knows what its like to be at my age! And now I pass it on for you!

P.S. no one has put me down or anything but I see a lot of girls around me doing it and I see the hurt it does.

Life as we know it

So a lot has happened in my life this year and its all exciting things.

Last October I started working at the Cocoa Lodge here in Rexburg. Its a delicious little Lodge filled with Chocolate and flavors. In the fall and winter they do flavored hot chocolate and in the spring and summer they make Frozen Hot Chocolate. Basically its cocoa powder in a frozen a drink, seriously the best thing I have had in a long time and very addicting.

 Well as this business started I was their to help Katie with all the social media. It was amazing to me all the things I found myself learning. The social media world is a crazy one and businesses really have to be on the ball in order to get people to "follow" and "like" them. However it is a great resource for advertising as well.

As fall semester was ending I was really dreading school and not really happy with my degree I had chosen. I looked at my graduation plan and noticed that I wouldn't graduate till 2 semesters after Robbie. This is a problem because Robbie and I want to move as soon as he graduates and gets a job. This got me thinking I am paying thousands of dollars to go to school to get a degree I don't even plan on using, just so I can have a piece of paper that says I graduated in something. So Robbie just said well just graduate with your associates, you must have that by now.. At first I thought excuse you, you are supposed to tell me to keep going. He then explained "Shanel I love you no matter what you do as long as you are happy!" Wow talk about husband of the year award.

So I prayed about it and it felt right for me. That's the thing, I loved school but could never find that path that was leading to something I was excited about and willing to work hard enough in those classes everyone hates. However I have found new ways to educate myself in the things I love, such as social media.

So as time went on Robbie told me about this job on Craig List for a real estate company here in town. I thought I have only had one job in an office and it was only for a couple months till I came back to school. There is no way I am qualified for this job. However Robbie said it is worth a try, so I put in my resume and I didn't hear anything for 3 weeks. I just figured oh I must not even qualify for the job. Then I got a phone call for an interview. I seriously looked up everything I could to prepare myself for this interview. When I got there it seemed good, we went through my resume and I started talking about my experience, when they started asking more about the social media aspect of my job with the Cocoa Lodge. I was like really all you guys interviewed me for was my experience with social media! Wow! haha

So after all the questions and going through what they would want from me in that aspect. They challenged me to come back with a plan if I got a second interview. I said ok I will prepare for that.
I was pretty shocked after that interview, I really was surprised. However being the girl I am, I started preparing a plan. I didn't even know if I had a second interview but I was excited. However by the end of that day they called me back to schedule a 2nd interview.

So for the next two days I did research and came up with a plan. I walked into the interview and talked with the owner of the company and his brother. They asked me a bunch more questions and then we went over my plan. We talked for over an hour, I finally had to say I needed to go to get to my job... Well I left confident and anxious, I was scared to get the job because of the people I worked with were so great to me. However, I think I would have been more sad if I didn't get the job. However within two hours of my 2nd interview they called to let me know that I got the job.

Seriously I didn't know whether to cry or scream!

Well I went through all the training and now I have been on my own for a couple weeks now. I re- organized the office and got everything clean and refreshed. Now I am starting on all the social media things with CountryWide Properties, Inc. . When I started the interview process with this company I felt like I had something ahead of me, that this was my path in life, or the beginning of something big.

I not only have the real estate company, all the agents have other businesses that they run, they also need my help on the social media as well. So I am always busy and have plenty to do which is really nice.

We shall see where this takes me in life, its amazing how far a little job at a chocolate shop can start you on a bigger path to greater things!

Bridget's Baby Shower!

One of my Counselors was Pregnant so I decided to put on a baby shower for her. Really I jut like putting on parties so its a good excuse =).

The colors are pink and gray! Which if anyone knows me I love the color pink and really anything sparkly!

So I decided to do a sweet but simple theme.

I bought some tissue paper and made some tissue flowers
I bought the pink fans from Amazon
Then I just used streamers that I had from previous parties

In stead of onesies I had the girls decorate the bib's. I feel that as a mom it maybe hard to use the onesies. My mother also says that babies can never have to many bib's also these bib's have plastic behind them. That prevents their food from seeping through.

The Food I simply did some veggies, cupcakes, and smokies.

However one thing I learned from this. Is don't put the smokies in the crock pot over night on low. Thats to long for them. Simply put the smokies in the crock pot in the morning or a couple hours before the party. 

I also had pink lemonaid, mason jars and the cute chevron straws.

I had a lot of fun with these ladies and I think Bridget got a lot of nice things for her little girl!! 

Oh and Bridget had her baby on Wed morning and Stephanie and I went to go visit them that night! We fell in love with Ms. Vienna

Heavenly Father Trusts You

Being a Relief Society President for a newly married ward may seem to be easier then other wards. Yes most of us are around the same age and most of us have families at the same stages. However since October when I was sustained as the Relief Society President I have noticed a few things. 1 never assume people have it all together. I have encountered situations where I thought wow that sister has it all together and is so strong. Then I come to find out why they are strong and also what their weakness are. Sometimes actually a lot of the time I struggle to understand what many sisters are going through. I have been very blessed in my life to have a supportive family, supportive and caring husband, and many blessing placed upon us at this time in our life. I have a blessing that states that I will have a "charmed" life if I live worthy. I never new what that meant at 16, however I knew I had a big job on this earth. Sometimes I feel that Heavenly Father trusts me with to much. Some moments I can not see or know what I am supposed to do. However I have known that through action I can make a difference.

Heavenly Father has trained me from a young age to act, pray, and then do. He always has me make a decision then to ask him if it right. For the most part he doesn't disagree. I have found that if you have a righteous decision God will bless you with the path you choose. For instance (as a women) we have the option to choose to go on a mission or not. Now that the age limit has been lowered to 19 I feel that many young women may face a choice. Should I stay or should I go. Many return missionaries may face rejection due to a young girl going on a mission rather then perusing a marriage at that moment.

Mission and marriage are NOT bad decisions, both have their places, and both can come sooner or later in life. For me I always thought I would serve a mission, however my husband came first. For me I didn't question whether to go on a mission or get married because I had the guidance of the Holy Ghost throughout the whole time I was dating my husband (which was 8 months). Then I continued to get that reassurance when we were engaged (which was 4 months). The age limit was still 21 and I did get married when I was 19 (almost 20) so I had at least 2 years before that pressure came on me.

The whole point of this post is that decisions are hard. The reason we are here is to make decisions and learn from them. However it is easy for use to regret our decision. As women we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to "make the right decision" when in fact Heavenly Father trusts you. He also Trusts you to trust him. Sometimes our path has a lot of bumps and sometimes our path doesn't. Those bumps/trials can come from some of our decisions. However we must remember that if the Lord said OK, then tomorrow it is still going to be a good decision.

Stacey's Baby Shower

Sorry everyone I forgot to add this Last Summer!

I have been putting together one of my really good friends baby shower which has been a lot of fun.
here colors are orange, navy blue, and gray and can I just say I love the colors. The decoration have really come together and here is where I got all my ideas

First were the invites you can use this really for any occasion and they look professional and cute.
You can find a lot of cute party labels, and other things you need for the party there also.

Second was the banner, I unfortunately do not have a cricket so I had to go to a local craft store and use their cut outs but they are supper cute. I did Orange flags, with navy blue letters and then cute and Elephant out and put it in the middle. This idea came from my own head =) I really love making banners. (You can kinda see it here, sadly I didn't get a picture!)

Third are the geometric shapes (instead of lanterns). These are made from tissue paper and are super easy to do. I liked this better because Stacey is having a boy and doing tissue flowers or lanterns just seem a little girly to me. I just love this and its unique to anything I have seen.

Fourth would be the activities. So we have 3 activities that we are having the girls do.

1. The guest book: instead of a guest book we are doing this cute picture with a baby elephant hanging from "string" which people will write their names on cut-out dots and then glue them on the picture. This way Stacey has a record of who came and can use it as decoration for the babies room. (the link doesn't show you how to make this, but its pretty easy to print a calendar off and buy a stamp that matches the theme)

1. The diaper changing bucket: This is for the ladies that are attending to write encouraging messages to Stacey, so when she has those late night baby changes she can be reminded of all the women who love her.

1. Decorating Onsie's: We want the ladies to be able decorate a onsie for Stacey so she has a little piece of her friends with her when she leaves in September.

Today, Tomorrow, and Forever!

So day marks my 6th day of Body Rock 30 day challenge. Wow do I really love it, its crazy because I usually get really bored with work outs but not with these. They are different and challenging each day. I also am beginning to feel stronger which is great. I have really found motivation in posting pictures after each work out and getting great responses and encouragement from all my friends and family.

I read something that really got me thinking. On one of my friends blogs Yours Sincerely. She talks about how our actions and what we do and say on Facebook, Tweeter, Instagram and Ext can really influence people and how they think of us. I have actually thought about this a lot lately as well. I have actually been adding people that inspire me to my Instagram feeds and Facebook such as Al Fox (Carraway), Mormon.org/facebook , and so on. So as I am looking through my feeds I can get inspiration. Sometimes I read an article that someone has shared/posted and I get upset about something in it or disagree with something and then I will scroll down and read a scripture verse. Sometimes I even read a different article and it is uplifting and positive.

I think thats what motivates me to post my picture. I hope it inspires you and makes you want to get up and accomplish your goals and dreams.

It is said that it takes 2 weeks to create a habit, bad or good. So if you make one bad choice and then let that choice define you. You will create a pattern of bad decisions (Thats just my own thought). However if you make a bad decision and then choose to make a better one the next time, that is called progress. One thing I have learned especially in my calling in my ward. Is that I am not perfect, I am not able to be the super women I would like to be. I will make wrong decision and I will hopefully make good decision. But one thing is for sure I learn from my mistakes.

This life is all about learning and making decisions. Whether they are good or bad. That is up to us. We have agency to choose how we act, talk, react, and even criticize. One thing is for sure we can always change, and always make better choices.

I hope I motivated you or got you thinking today!!

If you don't mind sharing, what are some of your goals or habits you would like to start?

What a Great Week!

So this week I finally started a 30 day challenge with #bodyrocktv  they have this awesome 30 day challenge where they send you a 12 MINUTE work out. Let me tell you it kicks my butt. I am sore after 4 days and I am so happy its day 5 (resting day). Now I have no excuse for not working out or going to the gym! I have 12 minutes in my day to do this. My goal for January is to continue the 30 day challenge to not give up no matter how sore I get.

I hope you are all accomplishing your goals you have set for the new year. If you haven't set any goals take sometime and really think about things you want to change. Make sure they are realistic for you and that you have some kind of system to keep you motivated. My motivation for this 30 day challenge are the fact that it is 12 minutes and how pathetic it would be not to keep going. =) I also am tired of not feel comfortable in a swim suit. So I figured instead of complaining and winning the whole summer, I would work hard these next 6 months. Then really enjoy myself a little more this summer.

Also last winter was my first winter in Idaho and lets just say I can't wait for it to be my last! I really struggled with my work out routines and gained 10 pounds. I also watched way to much t.v. and eat a lot of junk food. So I now have two jobs and a full time calling in my ward that keep me busy and then now my 12 minute work outs to keep me fit and feeling good.

The thing about working out is not to become this over muscular woMAN, but for me to feel better about myself and to help the winter go by a littler faster. Do things that make you feel good, and helps you forget about the bad just for a lithe bit. Girl time is a must for all women. Single, married, ext. Do over look it or forget it, because one day you will wake up and wonder where all your friends have gone. Believe me it has happened to me.

Some things to look forward to: Oh and I will be giving one of my friends a baby shower in February so stay tuned for all the fun decorations I do! The color theme is Grey and Pink! My favorite!