A Busy Slacker.

I'm pretty sure my title does not make sense...however that is the perfect description of how November and December have been for me. I have been sooooo busy since returning from Singapore which has resulted in slacking on our blog.

There is much to update everyone on. We are currently in Utah spending the holidays with Jared's family. We will be here for 10 days. This is the first Christmas I will spend away from my family... a little sad for me. However, I love my in-law family. They are truly the best and always so much fun to be around.

Last night they had their annual family party. Jared has a much bigger family than I. There were over 40+ people including MANY children. I thoroughly enjoying being around all the kids. The youngest person in our family these days is my little sister, Jocelyn, she is 17. The family gathering includes a Christmas program with performances and more, a white elephant gift exchange and the infamous spoons game.

The spoons game in this family is NO JOKE! They have had to limit the game to age 12 and up because things can get rowdy at times. The game usually starts with about 10-15 people. My dear husband has tried so hard to win this game for the past 5 years. He has been in the championship round each year. The past 4 years his cousin Shad and his wife Jenna have won. We are determined to win next year.

I will give a full update with pictures when we return home. Until then, we want to wish all of our family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

P.S. I had planned to do my Christmas cards when we came up to Utah. Shortly after we arrived, I realized I left them on our sofa. So, we want everyone to know we are thinking about them and that we hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Lots of love, The Kennedys

Quick Trip.

I got back from Singapore this past weekend. It was a whirlwind of a trip. Singapore is very humid and is one of the cleanest cities I have ever been to. Although we had no time to explore the city, I was able to check it out from our many cab rides. We (my boss Jill and I) did not buy one thing... boring I know, but we were all business on this trip. We underestimated the amount of work we needed to accomplish. We were sure that our last day would be spent shopping, not a chance! Jill and I worked our butts off. We put in over 40 hours in 3 days.

On our first day, we walked to get breakfast at a local coffee shop (see pic below). Little did we know that rainy season had just begun. As we were eating it started raining, when it rains, it literally pours! Of course we did not bring umbrellas. So, we ran from one place to another asking where we could buy umbrellas. Finally, someone told us the local 7-11 sold them. We decided it would be best to take off our shoes (we didn't want to ruin them) and roll up our jeans. By the time we made it to 7-11 we looked like we took a full on shower in our clothes. We walked back to our place barefoot in the pouring rain, people probably thought we were crazy. At least we got some good laughs out of the experience.

We were excited to get to the "flat" we are designing. I have never seen a penthouse like this, it is on the 63rd floor. It is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. The flat has many angles and curves. It was challenging and took our best problem solving skills. I think we came up with some great solutions and I cannot wait to see how it turns out. We are pressed for time as the entire place needs to be done in March. I would say to do a remodel, design, select furniture, fabrics, lighting etc. could NEVER be done in 3 months, especially in another country. However, we are making it happen. The crazy part is everything actually has to be ready a month prior because we have to ship it on a container to Singapore. Wish me luck as I become very busy these next few months. Good thing I love my job!!! **Sorry I did not take many pics...

This is the only pic I took of myself, behind me is the Raffles Hotel. It is a beautiful British Colonial style hotel and is one of the oldest hotels in Singapore. I loved all the architectural details, simply gorgeous. Please excuse my hair... major humidity!

This is the TCC aka known as the T_______Coffee Connoisseur. We never paid attention to what the "T" stands for. We ate here for every meal on the first day because we did not know where else to go, plus it was close to where we were staying. The decor inside is so charming and of course I did not take any pics of it. The food was tasty.

A quick pic of the city as we were trying to get a cab.

The view from the 63rd floor.

Another shot of the view off one of the decks, it is amazing. This is the area where all the containers of imported goods are unloaded.

Leaving on a BIG jet plane.

I am so blessed to love what I do for a living. It is nice to actually enjoy going to work. I am an Interior Designer for a company in Manhattan Beach. I have worked there for almost 2 years. Our crew is so fun, which makes for an entertaining atmosphere. I love working for this company and have been able to work on some great projects in the south bay. 

I am fortunate enough to be able to travel to Singapore this Saturday for work. I will be working with my boss on a 6,000 square foot penthouse right in the middle of the city. This is going to be such a great experience. Not only to be able to travel, but also to do a project that is completely different than anything I have ever worked on. I am sooooo excited!!!

Summer Part 2.

Jared and I are fortunate to have awesome friends that invite us every year to join them in Catalina. Their family has owned a home on the island for many years and all the kids take turns spending holiday weekends there. We have fun hanging out, playing cards, riding mopeds, eating pizza, napping, snorkeling, cooking and much more. Thanks for the good times Daines'.

If you didn't know already... one of Jared's hobbies is collecting sea glass. He has educated himself on all the different colors, age qualities and more. Jared has collected A LOT of sea glass. If you

visit our home you can see for yourself. After searching different beaches on the island, he finally found a rocky beach that had lots of sea glass. I know this may not seem exciting to you, but to Jared, it made his day. I will occasionally join Jared in his quest to find these gems and I admit, I enjoy it. I get excited when I find one that is rare (he has taught me about rare red pieces) because I know it will make Jared excited too. 

This summer, my Mom, Maren, Rhiannon, Matty, Trisha and I went to the Poison concert. We went to see them at Pala Casino. My uncle Jim (my mom's brother and Trisha's dad) was Brett Michaels' (the lead singer) body guard. Unfortunately, my uncle passed away in 1988. Shortly after his death, Brett wrote a song called, "Something To Believe In" about my uncle. So, our family has always had a special place in our hearts for Poison. 

Brett Michaels (not the best picture)

Mom, Trish, Maren, Matty and Rhizi

My older sis and I

Matty and Rhizi

Rock'in out

This next event did not technically happen this summer. It actually happened 2 weeks ago. Jared graduated with his Masters in Education. This is one of my moments to brag about how amazing my husband is. He worked so hard for the past year and a half. Jared pushed through school while we were dating and even when planning our wedding. He was so diligent in his school work and always strived to go above and beyond. Jared graduated with a 4.0!! I am so proud of him. Congrats Hub!

Engaged.

CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Brian and his sweet girlfriend (now fiance) Anne. They got engaged last weekend in Dana Point, on the beach. Brian put together an amazing set up, definitely a night that would sweep any girl off her feet. He had a table for two right off the water, tiki torches, dinner and more. A perfect set up to pop the question.

Brian is not only one of my favorite boy cousins, but he is also one of my best friends. I am thrilled that he has found an awesome girl that can keep up with him and his humor. Although, I have not been able to spend much time with Anne, I know that she is sweet, patient and funny. I have heard nothing but great things about her from Brian of course, but also from my good friends. I am so happy to have another girl in our family. Brian and Anne are perfect together and we are looking forward to their wedding in January.

Migraines and Watermelon.

I have to complain for a few seconds about migraines. I unfortunately get migraines from time to time, usually once a month or so.  I don't know if they are caused from stress, the skipping of lunch because I get wrapped up at work or the times when I am constantly at the computer. Funny how all the possible reasons are work related even though I really do enjoy my job. Nevertheless, I got one on Monday and Tuesday this week....so unfair. When the symptoms begin, I try to get home asap because I usually get very sick. I know when one is coming on because I start to have blurry vision in one eye. This is not good, especially since I got both migraines while driving (not safe) this week. In the past, Jared had to guide me home over the phone. I know that sounds impossible, but I was also lost at the time because I tried to take side streets to avoid traffic. 

Nevertheless, the one thing (aside from medicine) that helps calm my stomach and makes me feel better is watermelon. It also happens to be one of my favorite foods, win-win situation. So, last night in my rush to get home, I stopped by the store hoping that they would still have watermelon since it is not in season. Lucky for me they had 2 large pre-cut packages left. I'm finishing it off this morning for breakfast. Migraine is gone and I'm off to work.

Summer.

Summer is our favorite time of the year, with the exception of the 1 week we spend in Utah during the winter. Jared and I love to be in warm weather (who doesn't?) and like to spend time outside. We are fortunate enough to live close to the beach and try to go as often as possible. There were not too many opportunities this summer as I was very busy with work. However, I work in downtown Manhattan Beach, so at least I get to see the ocean everyday. The downside is, I get to see everyone walking to and from the beach, which totally bums me out! I always wonder, "don't these people work?" I will honestly say, that I am completely jealous.

We were out of town most of the weekends this summer, so much that our ward thought we were not coming back. One word to describe a majority of our summer is WEDDINGS. Jared and I traveled to Houston, Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Arcadia, Rocklin (Northern California), my home town Temecula and Vernal, UT (180 miles east of Salt Lake City).

Jason & Jen - Houston, TX

Jason and Jared have been friends since kindergarten. For Jared, this reception was a mini high school reunion. It was interesting to see him revert back into his high school days. We had a great time. While in Houston, we stayed with Jared's brother, Darrell. He has 2 little boys that are adorable. It was great to be able to spend extra time with our family, especially since we only see them once a year. I had never been to Houston... I loved it!

Fred & Kristi - Hollywood

Kristi and I have been friends for a couple years. We met at the Los Angeles Temple putting up Christmas lights. I was lucky enough to be in this wedding. Being a part of a 20 person wedding party was so much fun. Their wedding was at Yamishiro in Hollywood. It is an amazing location, with awesome views. 

Ronney & Nicole - Manhattan Beach

I know Nicole through my cousin Trisha. Nicole and Ronney had a very upbeat and entertaining reception. We had a fun night of laughing and dancing. Jared and I now play on a softball team with them. We love the Cowboy and Barney....Ball'in!

Steven & Kristin - Los Angeles/Arcadia

Jared and Steven have been friends since their first year at BYU together. Jared is pretty much a part of Steve's family. This was the first wedding in the temple that we had been to, aside from our own of course. Steven and Kristin had a beautiful reception at the Daines' residence. We had so much fun catching up with friends and the food was so yummy! 

Ben & Saskia - Rocklin

Jared and Ben have been friends since high school. Ben and Saskia live in Amsterdam and Saskia is Dutch. Their reception was a combination of American traditions and Dutch traditions. It was so interesting and so much fun. We sang songs in Dutch, danced and danced some more. We went to the wedding with our best friends, the Thrapps. We definitely made some great memories that we will never forget. 

Greg & Athena - San Diego/Temecula

Greg and I have been friends since high school. Greg and Athena had a beautiful outdoor reception. I was in love with the traditional house where the reception was held. It was a warm summer night and we had a great time. It was fun to reunite with our little group from high school (we missed Lauren) that I have not seen for quite some time. Everyone is married and spread apart, I suppose that is the nature of life.

Jeff & Hillary - Salt Lake City/Vernal

Hillary and I met in Provo a few years ago after learning that we dated the same guy. We became such good friends. We traveled back and forth from Las Vegas to California to visit each other. I am so happy that Hillary has found her mate. She deserves it. Jared, Trisha and I traveled out to Vernal for their reception. We had no idea how far away it was, what a surprise! The drive was long and scenic at times. Although the trek was unexpected, it was worth it to see them. I am so glad we went. I would not have missed it for anything.

Stay tuned for Summer Part 2...

Giving In.

I am giving into the blogging world. I have always said I would not post my life for all to read about. However, I have to confess that I have been a blog stalker for some time now. I find myself indulged in the happenings of family, friends, designers, moms and people I don't even know. I'm going to give it a shot for the following reasons:

1) It will be great to have a journal filled with photographs for my future children.

2) I think it is a good way to keep up with people you don't get to talk to or see often.

3) It is a unique way of learning so many different things.

That is enough for me to do it. I can't promise that our blog will be amazing, but I will give it my best shot. So, here goes...

We got married this year. Not to sound cliche, but we both agree that is was the best day of our lives.