Bout Shan Bdan

Last month a woman in our ward's (church congregation) Relief Society (church's womens' organization) asked if I'd be willing to fill out a questionnaire for the month's spot light in the news letter. I said, "Sure!" She said, "The more the better." I put a lot. 


Thought I'd share what I wrote. It's someone's birthday, by the way... and learning more about that someone seems kind of appropriate ;) 

Relief Society Spotlight

1. Where were you born?
1. I was born in Kissimmee, Florida (where Disney World is located and is adjacent to Orlando).

Where did you grow up?

2. Me and my family moved from Florida when I was 3, to the Birmingham, Alabama area. We settled in Columbiana, AL when I was in the fourth grade (still in the B’ham area) and my parents are still there!
2. If married, how long? How did you meet?
1. Been married for almost 7 years (April 20^th in the anniversary). We met in October of 2003… My father was the Branch President of the Columbiana Branch and was holding a missionary meeting with all the Elders Quorum, High Priests, and the two sets of missionaries assigned to our Branch. I was in my room, working on my high school senior English homework, and decided to go to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. While on my way I went through the living room, and caught sight of the new missionary transfers. And there Matt was, all missionaried up, sitting along the back wall. Later in the evening when the refreshments were served we were introduced… Actually I asked the four missionaries for help on a word I was having trouble defining (for homework). It was all pretty hilarious. None had a clue what “metonymy” meant, but they sure tried!
3. If you have children, how many? Ages? Grandkids?
1. We have three boys: Isaac is 5 years old, Eli is 2.5 years old, and Titus is 18 months old. No grandkids.
4. How many brothers and sisters do you have and where do you fit in?
1. I’m the oldest of 3 girls. Both my sisters are in Rexburg, ID going to school.
5. What are some of the different places you have lived? Where was your favorite? Why?
1. Well I’ve lived in Florida, Alabama, and now Idaho—Rexburg and Boise. Each place is unique and has great things to offer. Since we are going to be doing Active Duty ARMY, I have a lot of excitement about our future and where we might be stationed from time to time. Hoping to be in Hawaii first, or at least some place warm with long summers and mild winters… I LOVE to be outside. The more opportunity for me and my boys to play in grass and trees, the better.
6. What is your favorite food?
1. My favorite food… Hmm… my favorite food… Honestly, I love me some fried chicken and tator-tots. I don’t eat it much, or ever, but I can still dream of deep, hot oil! But what I could eat everyday are sandwiches. All sorts! Banana and peanut butter, dill pickle and peanut butter, turkey clubs, gourmet grilled cheese, tuna fish and peas… I could go on and on.
7. What are some things that you enjoy doing? Hobbies?
1. I really enjoy reading, writing, running, and designing.  
2. Reading: I love to read non-fiction histories, sociological/anthropological studies, historical fiction, young adult fiction, mystery, and little bit of fantasy … not too much into love stories.
3. Writing: I just love to write. I keep a blog of our family, which helps me not get too rusty.
4. Running: Without running my brain would be shot. I’m not great at it, but I’m getting better. Longer-ish distances (like 10 miles) are my favorite. I’m a tortoise, for sure! No world records for this woman.
8. What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
1. When I was in 8^th grade I was on the Middle School basketball team. I was really upset after a close loss on the road, I walked into the locker room and threw my jersey on the ground. I then heard gasps, and “Shannon!” I looked up and saw the whole Boys Basketball team looking at me. Apparently we were sharing the locker room for the away game, and apparently seeing me in a sports bra was shocking to the young men.
9. Did you go to college? Where? What is your degree?
1. I went to a small liberal arts school in Alabama for a semester, University of Montevallo, and then transferred to Brigham Young University-Idaho. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies.
10. Do you work? Where? What do you do? Nope, nope!
11. How did you meet your spouse? See question 3.
12. Share a dream that you have or something you would like to do or see some day.
1. I’d love to go back to school and pursue a masters, then a doctorate. Probably in Cultural Anthropology, though there are many subjects that I enjoy.
2. One day I’d like to run a marathon. Even as early as next June for the Teton Dam Marathon, which finishes in Rexburg.
3. I want to see Ireland, and follow the river Shannon.
13. What is your favorite book and movie?
1. The most significant book, which had the greatest impact on me, is Les Miserables. I read the unabridged version in 10^th grade, just because. I didn’t know its popularity, or even that there was a play based on it. I read it because it looked big and hard, and I wanted to see if I could do it. After I finished I had a great sense of accomplishment, and realized that I could do hard things, and be in harder classes.
2. I think I could watch “Return to Me” every day.
14. What are some of the callings you have had in the church? Which was your favorite and why?
1. I’ve been in the Primary Presidency and the secretary, the Relief Society secretary, Compassionate Service Leader, Marriage and Family Relations teacher, Achievement Days Leader, and Primary Teacher… I really don’t have a favorite. I’ve learned a lot from each calling, and each had brought wonderful insight and blessings.

16. Who is your favorite prophet and why?
1. I love President Thomas S. Monson, and President Gordon B. Hinckley.  These are the two the I know the most, and I could/can feel their love for all members of the church. And President Hinckley’s wife rocked! Hilarious woman.
17. Do you have a favorite scripture? Why?
1. 1 Nephi 17:13, “And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promise land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.”
2. In our first year of marriage Husband Matt was deployed to Iraq. I was in school, living in single housing with 5 roommates, and feeling a bit lost. During that time I was very faithful in my scripture study, and I found a lot of peace in the scriptures. I had questions about what road Matt and I were on, and wondering how we were going to turn out. This scripture answered those questions and let me know that we were on the right track, doing the right things. And that the Lord would provide a way and be our light.

Chri'muh Crew

All of my fam (sisters, parents, bro-in-law, nephew, and parents' dog) came to mine and Matt's home for Chri'muh! 

We've all been so excited for this holiday and get together. My parents and dog live in Alabama; my sisters, bro-in-law, and nephew are in Rexburg; and we are in Boise. Kind of all apart, and needing some good 'ol family time. 

Though a flu-like-bug swept through the house, and no one was left untouched (except dog), we did have a good time. Lots of laughter, games, and food. It's good to be together, and it's good to have a wonderful time. 

Here are the individual shots we took of everyone. There wasn't a day where all of us were feeling well, so a big group photo was out of the question. But at least we documented ourselves, and have some pictures to look back on!

(So this isn't the way that I wanted to organize the photos in this post, but if Blogger doesn't want to work with me, then FINE! And yes, I wanted to do a super dramatic photo. I'm all drama.)

Every Gear Shall Bow,

every rotor confess... 

About a week before Christmas I came down stairs, took a look to my left, and had do a double take. Our nativity scene, which had been carefully placed and told to the boys explicitly "not to touch," had additional pieces. These pieces, though not found in the original Bible text, had great reverence towards what lay before them. 

PS, I love Isaac. 

Easy Peasy Sunday

How long has it been since going to church didn't seem like an enormously hard chore?! Before Eli was born, back in April of 2009. Here's what happened after he was born: 

• Eli is a heart baby, and between his first two surgeries (April of 2009, and August of 2009) we weren't supposed to take him to public places. 
• No church for Eli, Matt and I took turns.
• During the winter of 2009 he wasn't supposed to be in public places because of possible respiratory infections/viruses.  
• No church for Eli, Matt and I took turns.
• Titus was born (June of 2010) while Eli was just 14 months old, so we had two babies during church in Summer and Fall of 2010. 
• Both Matt and I out in the halls with Eli and Titus during almost all 3 hours.
• During winter of 2010 Eli wasn't supposed to be in public places because of heart issues and possible respiratory infections/viruses... and that winter all the kids were sick a lot. 
• No church for Eli and at least one other sick kid, Matt and I took turns. 
• Spring, Summer, Fall of 2011 we have had crazy baby Titus running around and not wanting to sit through Sunday School.
• Either me or Matt out in the halls with Titus during the 3 hours. 
• On top of all this all of our church times the past 3 years have been in the afternoon. 
• Afternoon is prime napping time, so even on a good Sunday the two little boys were crazy and tired.

ALL THIS HAS CHANGED! 

• Eli has had all of his surgeries, so we don't have to keep him from Nursery during the winter (oxygen saturation is now in the mid 90s, so he can deal with respiratory infections/viruses like a "normal" kid).
• Titus is now 18 months old and can go to Nursery (Sunday school for 18 month - 3 year olds).
• And Church time at the start of the year will be 9 o'clock!! HOORAY!! 

Matt and I can even hold callings, and able to perform them well. 

I'm the CTR 4 year olds Primary Teacher (Primary Sunday School).

Matt is has been called as an Elder's Quorum Teacher (Men's Sunday School). 

Isaac is in CTR 4 class, but will be changing to the CTR 5 class at the start of the year. (CTR stands for Choose The Right.)

Eli is in Nursery, and will be during the whole next year.

Titus' first Sunday in Nursery was two days ago! Wow!

We took pictures of the boys before church Sunday, December 11th, 2011.
Here is their awesomeness and their cuteness, and before their hair cuts 4 days later... enjoy!

Noodle Heads

I had the two little boys to myself the other night, and we enjoyed a good pasta and hot-dog dinner. 

They decided to put their pasta noodles in their hair. They are silly. 

                        

A Super Holiday!

School is out, holiday decorations are up, and family is coming in. 

It's going to be a super holiday season!

Don't you think?

Yummy "C-yoll!"

Daddy serves the best breakfasts! 

How each boy pronounces the word "cereal:" 

Isaac, "tear-re-al" 

Eli, "cear-we-ol" 

Titus, "c-yoll"

Deck the Tree

Last Wednesday we put up a Christmas Tree. A real one. The first for our family. This was neither intentional, nor unintentional. 

For some years we even have a tree! I mean come on, we lived in a tiny apartment and weren't even going to be home for Christmas... and I was pregnant! Who wants to take care of a tree when pregnant?

So we went to Home Depot, picked out a tree, a base, some lights, and had some fun. 

I had all these grand ideas about decorating, but those went to squat. Our current tree just has a butt load of lights, some of the burlap garland, and no ornaments. Maybe next year.  

Before the pictures, I'll just say this: Titus took the job of decorating very seriously. It was hard to get him off the tree ornament job. Eli just wanted to throw them, and Isaac was making sure all the ornaments were above his brothers' heads. 

Shark Obsession

When Isaac was a wee lil lad he was way into the ferocious sharks! At one point Matt and I could name 50 shark species, easy... + whales, dolphins, all sorts of other sea life... It was a lot of information.

The two little boys, Eli and Titus, are now taking this obsession upon themselves. All of our shark and ocean books have been collected, all of the plastic shark replicas are now out, and Planet Earth's "Shallow Seas" episode is once again played very often.

In Their 50/50 Shirts

Matt's paternal grandparents are pretty awesome people (actually both sides are). Within the last year and a bit they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 50/50 shirts were given to every member of the family to commemorate this event... What is 50/50? Well, 50 people in 50 years!

We are all supposed to take pictures in the shirts, doing awesome things...

Here's Eli in August, surviving open heart surgery. Pretty awesome!

... Last week I got them all in their shirts and took some fun pictures. What's awesome about them is that the boys are just being themselves. And I think each boy is pretty awesome, so it wasn't too hard to get fun pictures of them. 

Like Titus eating beans, then rubbing them all over his face:

 Or Isaac building an airplane from this extra large building stars:

Isaac again, trying to control his younger brothers, which doesn't usually work out:

Eli crying, saying, "I need a hair cut!" Not really, but he does need a hair cut:

These two brothers having fun in our "cow tunnel:"

Then all three brothers having fun in the "cow tunnel:"

I have some ideas for mine and Matt's t-shirts. Those pictures will be awesome, and extreme! So watch out rest of the 50/50 family!