Merry Christmas from the Shelley Family!

This year has certainly been an eventful one for the Shelley family! It all began with Jesse starting a new job in January at Fetzers Architectural Woodwork. He started out working in the shop learning all of the skills of woodworking, and then got a new position working in the office there which is where he is currently at. Sitting at a desk all day is very different from what he is used to, but he works very hard at providing for our family and does a great job at that. He is also flying in his spare time (which he doesn’t have much of these days). He is working on getting a little side business started doing aerial photography. Then he can make a little extra money doing the two things he loves and is so good at; taking pictures and flying an airplane!

Laura completed her internship in the counseling office at Mountain View High School in the end of March. This completed her Masters degree from Utah State University in Psychology with licensure as a school guidance counselor. This was a huge accomplishment for her, and she officially graduated in May.

Also in May, we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family. Brynn Marie Shelley was born on May 6^th 2008 at 11:01 pm. She came three days past her due date after Laura was finally induced for having high blood pressure. Everything went so smoothly, and we were so excited to finally have this beautiful baby here. Later that month, Laura’s mom came out for a visit from Pennsylvania to see her first grandchild!

In July, we headed to Pennsylvania to show Brynn off to Laura’s family, and take her on her first big trip. She did so well on the airplane (must be a natural flyer like her dad). We had a great visit with Laura’s family and friends. Brynn got to go to her first amusement park (Hersheypark), where she even got to ride a couple rides! We also took Jesse’s sister Adrienne along and showed her some of the sites in good old Pennsylvania. Later that month, we headed up to Yellowstone for Jesse’s family reunion. It was so much fun to see Old Faithful and spend time with Jesse’s family. We always look forward to this summer trip!

In August, Laura returned to work part time at Utah Valley University. Who watched Brynn you might ask… well she went back to work with mom. The office turned into a little nursery and Brynn quickly became the most popular girl at UVU! Laura was so thankful to still be able to be with her almost all of the time. This lasted for a few months, and then Laura officially quit her Academic Advising job in mid October and took on a new role as a stay at home mom. It has definitely been a huge sacrifice and a big adjustment, but has been so worth it.

The main highlight of our year has obviously been Brynn. She is such an amazing little girl, and we feel so lucky to have her as a part of our family. She is now seven and a half months old, and has already developed such a fun and spunky personality. She loves to talk (saying dada and mama constantly), roll all over, play darts with dad, try new foods, and wave (especially at herself in the mirror). We can’t believe how quickly time has flown by since she has been born.

We are also so thankful at this Christmas season for our Savior Jesus Christ who gave us all the ultimate gift. We are also thankful for our family and friends for all of the love and support you have all given to us. May your holiday season be filled with joy!

With Love,

The Shelley Family