#20 of 30

So... I'm bringin these back! Today Jaden and I accompanied Matt to SUU while he worked on his applications. (Well... works on his applications. We're still here... after a brief dinner break for grumpy buns at grandmas we came back. :p) Since the laptop at our house has taken a MAJOR dive, I haven't even wanted to attempt turning it on, let alone try blogging. Computer labs to the rescue!
Today I was thinking about how I'm getting 'boring'. My Facebook, Instagram, texts, blogs, etc. all consist of the cutest little crush in my life. Totally not a bad thing! I mean, if you guys get sick of the baby overload, I'm sorry... but really. Who doesn't like cute babies? That being said, I realized I haven't posted anything that was solely me. (Ok Shan... let's sound vain here for a second...) I feel like in motherhood you find a new self, and it's your identity now. Again, totally not a bad thing. It's just that sometimes I miss feeling like Shannon is a separate person. I get a little lost in diapers and feedings and fighting naps (already. I know.) and tiny laundry, and I forget to have interests and hobbies. Maybe that was part of the job title when I signed up?

So. I started (finally) reading the stack of books Aunt Cherene let me borrow, I played the piano at my mom's and I decided I wanted to start blogging non poopy diaper related topics. ;) And ya know what? It feels really good to mix some of that in with being a mom. :) Life is pretty great. 

Number 20 out of the 30 things series (and if those are a distant memory to you too and you want to read them again- or whatever, here.) is:

Describe 3 significant memories of your childhood:

Well... I don't remember a whole lot of Kanab besides chopping Dallin Heaton's thumb because I wanted to be John Smith and make him be Pocahontas, and riding in those seats that attach on the back of a bike behind my mom/dad and being really worried we were going to tip right over. (Well, and I guess when that mean kid in church bit Simba's head off. Worst day of my life. ;) )
Circleville is most of what I knew as a kid, and there are SO many  memories from there! I loved our neighbors, they were like extra sets of grandparents. I loved that we lived on our own lane. (We called it 'Haunted House Lane' since the other houses were just old abandoned ones for such a long time.)
 The addition we built onto our house was so perfect, and the cozy wood burning stove was my favorite. I wish I could still build a bed of quilts in front of the stove and watch the snow falling through our french doors.
To narrow it down to three significant memories though, we'd have to start with 'my' bridge.
About half a mile down the road from our house was a bridge that I used to ride my bike to all the time in the Summer. It was my 'running away' hide out. Looking back now that seems stupid, since everyone could still see my bike tipped over at the top of the bridge. ;) I used to take my notebooks or camera or music there. It's where I wrote twitterpated letters. (Embarrassing) One summer when Aubree came to stay for a weekish, we went there to document wildlife pretty much every morning. :p We saw a sand hill crane (or something) one morning and I'm pretty sure we thought we were so cool for discovering one in Circleville! ;) I miss that runaway hideout sometimes.

I also remember the hours of playing Lion King in the pastures behind our house. Erin and I would run around on our hands and knees, lying in the tall grass, imagining all sorts of exciting adventures. I don't know how we could stand to crawl around that long outside, I don't think it was very comfortable. We'd always come back to the house with squashed bugs all over our legs. So gross, right? But we loved it! It's funny to me how impatient I am with being outside if it's windy or if there are bugs or something. It never phased us as kids!

I think the last memory I'm going to pick is when my friend, Katie, and I would drive around town in her golf cart giving 'tours'... to imaginary friends... in Piglatin. We were some cool kids, obviously. How many people do you know that can give you a tour in fluent Piglatin? ;)

#10 out of 30

Describe your most embarrassing moment:

Oh heavens. I have several. I mentioned in one of the other posts that Matt is the kind of person that doesn't let things bother him so he's honestly NEVER embarrassed.

Well I'm kind of the opposite. I've gotten a lot better over the past few years, I decided I hate feeling embarrassed and stewing over it for days afterwards so I needed to learn how to laugh things off. Sometimes it works but I'm still usually embarrassed anyway. Haha

... And now that I've really talked up my arsenal of embarrassing moments I'm having a hard time coming up with a mortifying one to tell you about. 

There was one time I thought I should probably drop out of school and hide under my bed for the rest of my life when I was in 8th (?) grade. 

The National Guard came to Piute High for some reason or another, and they brought a climbing wall to set up in our commons. Before I tell you about why I had to climb it even though I'm scared of heights, let me rewind to that morning. 

Eighth grade Shannon was obnoxiously boy crazy. So she got up early all the time and had all sorts of ambition to look as cute as possible in attempts to snag her crushes attention. (No worries, it never really worked, just caused drama.) So I had on a super cute pink sweater that had a wide neckline. Well as most girls will agree with me, you can't just wear a regular bra with wide necklines, because then you have strap struggles. I had a strapless bra that was more of a sports bra with the option to remove the straps? I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to invent those because... well. Yeah. I'm getting ahead of myself.

So. Of course initially I didn't want to climb the wall, but then there was the boy of my heart's desires standing right there so I had to show off or something. (cue eyeroll) In my cute pink sweater without any strap struggles. 

I got about halfway up the climbing wall when suddenly I was feeling a bit more... free. 

(Insert small panic attack here.)

I was still going up but my bra was going down! And there were lots of students (and my CRUSH) standing at the bottom of the wall.

I promptly decided to repel down and shove my coat back on in record time. My friends were asking why didn't just finish, I was getting so close to the top! Why did I give up? 

... Well. Because my bra gave up. That's why.

I'm pretty sure I thought my world was about to end. :p 

But look at me now! Seven(ish) years later, still living and stuff. ;) Good thing my 8th grade figure didn't have much to show. However, I'm pretty sure I didn't take off my coat for the rest of the day. Haha Oh middle school.

#9 out of 30 (and a small job opportunity)

Ok ladies and gents, quick interjection before I ramble some more for this 30 things series. ;)
In case it's not obvious yet, I'm pregnant. (Woah! No way.) Therefore I'm going to have to quit my job, since there's only one of me here and no one can cover or hold my spot for a maternity leave, I'm just done here for good. Well, Dr. Williams didn't want me just putting it all over facebook, because last time he tried that he got some... interesting applicants? (I don't even know the whole story but I thought it would have been entertaining. :p) So here's my way around that. I don't know how else to spread the word without posting it somewhere... I'm antisocial and I don't get to see all of you face to face- not to mention I usually don't just strike up conversations with, "So I need you to replace me at my job and...".
But really. We do need more applicants. So, I've been working at Cedar City Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, it's at 1180 S. Sage Dr, Suite E (right next to Ninja, and Dickey's). I'm the 'Office Manager' for lack of a better word. Basically I've done receptionist things, and the office upkeep, as well as get patients started on a couple of different therapies that don't require a diploma from a chiropractic school. ;) It's part time, we're open Monday and Wednesday from 9-6 and Friday from 9-5.  (I usually average 23-25 hours a week.) It's pretty laid back, and drama free (except for when you get the really fun patients that are dramatic... but then it's just kind of entertainment value rather than workplace drama, right?). So. We don't have an application, but Dr. Williams is taking resume's and you can introduce yourself to him. My last day here is February 21st (since I haven't already said that in all my other posts haha) so he'd probably hire the second week of Feb so you could start training. :)
Anywho.... enough of my sales pitch, pass it on if you know anyone who's looking for a job. :)


And now for number 10 out of 30....
List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how:

Seriously? Ok have you guys heard the song, "For Good" from the Broadway musical Wicked??
(If not go listen... you'll love it. One of the girls from Frozen- which I still have yet to see- is voiced by Idina Menzel, who is Elphaba in Wicked... good stuff.)
Part of the song says, "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. ... You'll be with me like a hand print on my heart..."
I think I have at least a billion hand prints. I mean there are some tourists I met while I was working at Bryce that still come to mind every once in a while, and I think about the way they made me feel or what they helped me learn.
Now remember the part where I have incredible family? And then I married into incredible family. Remember how I've been blessed to have been in great wards with wonderful leaders.
And now tell me to pick only ten? ;) So, just so ya know, I think you're all great and honest to goodness, everyone reading this has probably influenced and taught me in one way or another.
(PS, these aren't in any particular order...)

1- Grammie Marilyn.
If you know my grandma you know she's probably the most patient, Christ-like examples you've ever met. My cousin Beans has a famous wisdom teeth removal quote when he said he only knew of 3 people that were a '10'. God, Ghandi, and Grandma Marilyn. That basically sums it up. ;) Gram is always, always doing something for someone else. She's always saying sweet prayers for all her kids and grand kids, and neighbor's kids, and... everyone! And I'm pretty sure that every time we've had a scary moment or trial in life we've called up for some "Grammie Marilyn prayers". I love to listen to her pray, you can absolutely without a doubt tell that she is talking to her Father in Heaven- and that he is definitely listening. Grandma is really good at teaching everyone through her example.

2- Grandma Barton.
For one, Grandma Barton is a fabulous cook. The only problem is she cooks like my mom does, (and I think her mother...) which means that there is a serious lack of recipes. :) She knows how to throw things together until it looks right and it always tastes amazing! Grandma Barton scrambled eggs are still my favorite scrambled eggs ever, and her meals are just perfect. I don't think I've ever eaten something at her house that I didn't like.
Another thing that I've always admired about grandma, is that she has a knack for learning, and she loves it. She's always reading, but she doesn't just read fluff (like I do.) When I was living with them she always had something new to teach me that she learned from what she was reading. Grandma Barton isn't afraid to have her own opinion, but she's never ever forceful or mean about it. She's got a quiet strength so she can be firm, but you always still feel completely loved and cared for. :) When I was little and was about to 'run away' and pout I remember she stopped me and told me I didn't need to do that, but I didn't feel scolded. I hope someday I can figure out that balance too. :)

3- Mrs. Esplin, my AP English teacher.
For one, she had us read a play score (A Raisin in the Sun, I think) and managed to help me like it. I usually think play scores are boring. I'd rather watch the play or read a book in story form. :p
Mrs. Esplin has such a great sense of humor, but knew how to get us all back to work. The thing that I appreciate the most about her, though, is the ability she has to make all her students feel important and loved. I remember after she found out about a rough patch I was going through, she pulled me into her office and just gave me a big, teary hug. :)

4- My Mom. :)
You got a run down of how awesome both my parents are in #3 of 30... so you obviously know that they've taught me and influenced me in countless ways. Blame my hormones, but today I'm really stuck on how I'd like to just be the clone of my mom as a mother when Jaden and other babies get to our house. :)
She was the one who was home with us all day, so I think we got way more discipline from my mom than my dad, but she always 'showed an increase of love afterward'. I love that she spent so much time reading to us, and that she always made sure we had books and things to learn from around our home. I love that she was always making play dough and letting us completely destroy her clean kitchen with our creations. ;) I love that she made us feel like we were the trickiest kids in the world when she'd watch us show off on the trampoline. (Guys. We were not the trickiest kids in the world. But she made us feel that way.) I love that she made sure that Erin and I weren't forgotten or left out when the twins were born.
I also really love that my mom is a missionary. There's a song, The Light from an EFY cd that I remember my mom playing when we'd be in the car and talking about how it made her feel on fire with the gospel and like she needed to do more to be a light and share what we believe. She's made friends and been able to do that over the years, and I admire the way she does. She's not pushy, she just shares what she loves with those she cares about. She's a genuine friend first, and her example kind of takes care of the rest. :) (That's something that I feel like I really struggle with, so hopefully I can learn to be more like her.)

5- My dad.
I feel like my dad is really good at being level headed and calm when we're in trouble. That sounds... I don't know what. But I mean it as a compliment, haha. I feel like it'd be hard not to just yell and be frustrated when your kids are defiant and just blatantly ignore what you've asked them to do or not to do. (Which... ya know... I did sometimes.) My dad is good at keeping his voice calm and talking through things with us. He's pretty even tempered. My dad also has this awesome gift for teaching and speaking. I'm jealous that he can get up and be sitting on the stand in church listening to the first people give their talks, and if he gets the feeling he needs to talk about something else he can just whip out a different talk in like five minutes. Do you know how fun it'd be to be able to do that? I used to think that it was just something he had, that maybe I didn't inherit. Now I realize it's because he spends so much time with the Lord in the scriptures. He's prepared lots and lots of lessons and talks and so he's familiar with the gospel in a way that I'm not (yet). I've learned from him that it's really important to be that familiar with the scriptures and gospel teachings, especially now in our society. There's so much in there that helps us through every single obstacle we might face, but we have to have read it and know it before it'll do us any good. Right? :)

6- Sherida, my PE Teacher/YW leader/Volleyball coach/....
Sherida was in a lot of different areas of my life when we lived in Piute, and besides having one of the brightest outlooks on life that I've seen, she was someone who helped me see me. I've never been the most self confident person, and so when I was doing the 7th-8th grade volleyball stuff I wasn't bad... I just was shy and undermined myself a lot because I didn't feel like I was as good as any of the other girls. Sherida sat me down and told me I could do it, that I had the ability, I just needed to give myself some credit and believe in myself. Obviously I'm not a sports star by any means, but I'm pretty sure I got better after that because I felt more confident. She helped me learn that it's ok to think you're ok. :)

7- My sisters. (Yes, that's a 4-in-1 and maybe cheating... we're going with it.)
Each of them have their strengths that I admire and have learned from, and they're turning into some of my very best friends as the years go by. :) Maybe we're all finally growing up. ;)
Erin- from the time she was little she was always a more sensitive little soul. She was very sensitive to things that were wrong- they upset her more than they did me. In elementary she stood up to a little girl for what she believed and didn't let the other little girl bully her out of it. Erin's also one of the fastest readers I've ever known and she retains it really well. (She must be related to Grandma Barton!)
Marissa- is the happy as a whistle kid. :) I admire the way things don't fluff her feathers too much. She's also a constant source of laughter and entertainment because she's ok with being her. :)
Megan- is always aware of how to present herself. She always looks put together, and she's aware of how to act in situations. And I think she's a more tender hearted person. :)
Brianne- is our mad scientist, and artist. She got a clay kit for Christmas and she's made some of the coolest little minions and tiny owls out of it that are honest to goodness impressive. I can't ever make things look the way I want them to, and she's good at things like that. And I think Bri is a fairly self confident person- which is a big deal in our family because we've all been super bashful. She seems pretty comfortable in her own skin and I hope she hangs onto that. :)

8- Cherene, my aunt. :)
Aunt Cherene has always invested a lot of time into her nieces and nephews. We used to have niece and nephew parties almost every year before everyone got older and acquired super busy schedules. :) These weren't just, 'oh let's hang out together' parties, these were elaborately planned out, themed parties. My favorite is still the CSI party that she did for Aubree, Justin and I. We had CSI t-shirts, she turned us loose on SUU campus with our little new watches to find all the clues. (One of them required us to buy something at the food court, which is always a good clue right? ;) ) We even did fingerprinting with super glue and plastic baggies to get prints off of plastic cups. Pretty sweet right?
Aunt Cherene has also made sure that we had opportunities to enjoy the arts via plays. :) I've really come to love and appreciate plays because of her. And I now enjoy 'rhapsodizing' because she took us to see Cyrano de Bergerac. (Which is still one of my favorites!) I talk like I know Brian Vaughn personally as a best buddy now too haha. (I have babysat his oldest daughter though, thanks to Child Care!) Aunt Cherene has a fun and creative outlook on everything too. :) Some of my best quotes in my quote book come from her! I've been pretty lucky to have another mother figure through her.

9- Matt.
Matt is the peanut butter to my jelly, and the practical to my drama. ;) He really does balance me out so well, which has taught me a lot of things since he tends to be more of my opposites. He's responsible when I'm too spontaneous, he's humorous when I'm grumpy, he's prayerful when I'm worried about things, and he's patient when I'm... well, not. :p When I met him in church, although I did see his dashing good looks, the first thing I noticed was that he was genuinely doing his calling. And then that he was genuinely paying attention in Sunday school and sharing his thoughts in a way that didn't scream, "Hey ladies, look how spiritual I am." (Which... I mean, in a singles ward that's kind of the vibe you get a lot of times.) When we finally started talking and we went for a drive up Ephraim Canyon and talked for 6 hours straight :p I was impressed with the importance he put on the gospel and his family, and again, it didn't come across as showing off how spiritual and great he was. It was genuine. (I think that's probably my top word to describe Matt, actually. Genuine.) Another thing that I'm learning from him (emphasis on learnING. As in it's definitely still a work in progress) is not to let things embarrass or bother me. I don't think anything ever embarrasses Matt. Like honestly. I can't think of a time that I've seen him embarrassed, or even heard him say that he ever was. He just doesn't let things get to him. :) And I like that, because he's always himself no matter who he's around.

10- Everyone else! :) Haha but seriously I can't narrow it down. I want to just write about every cool person in my life! I've watched lots of friends and family members take on some really tough trials with amazing strength. So... there's my cheater last one. :) I think you all are beautiful, wonderful, and inspirational people. :) Thanks for being YOU!

If you're having a rough day... just try these. ;)

I'm going to end up on Dr. Phil where he tells me I have problems but he won't sugar coat them, because I'd eat that too. ;)
Seriously though, these will be an addiction. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Chocolate (heavenly) Chip Cookies
This recipe I got from my friend, Maren. :) I taught her sweet girls piano lessons when I was a Junior in High School. And they were so little! When Matt and I got married in August  Maren and her girls helped out at our Cedar reception. (I wish we got a picture of them, so you could see how beautiful they all are!) Anywho. Maren gave me a stack of their favorite recipes: typed, printed and laminated. I seriously loved it! I've used her cookie recipe several times since our wedding. :) It probably shows. ;)
1 C shortening 1 C butter or margarine 1 1/2 C granulated sugar 1 1/2 C brown sugar 4 eeggs 4 1/2 C flour 1 tsp salt 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 bag chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups) (unless you're like me and you just dump the whole thing in. And wish you had more.)

Cream margarine, shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in dry ingredients.

Add chocolate chips. Bake at 350 F on greased cookie sheet approximately 10 minutes (until the edges are lightly browned.)

(The first time I made them I over cooked them. Seriously, they'll look doughy still on the inside, and kind of puffy, but if the edges are starting to turn golden then take them out and they'll be soo chewy and delicious!)

I've been using a small 'ice cream scoop' for these, it makes things go more smoothly. :) Plus they look better, because they're uniform! 

Points for visual... double points for taste! :)

... because who needs to shower?

While my handsome homework buddy is still sleeping, I might procrastinate a little this morning. ;) As I was looking through SD cards for my Kolob pictures/ any other recent adventure I haven't blogged yet pictures... I found these treasures! Maybe it'll just be another boring photo dump post for you guys, but it seriously brought back so many memories from last year for me. :) I think that's why I love pictures so much. And music. They hold SO much more than what you see/hear. Haven't you ever heard a song that made you suddenly go back to a specific time and you feel and think the same things you did at that time? (this is one of those songs for me.) I kinda love it. (Probably because otherwise I'd have Alzheimers and never remember anything in my life. :p)  The very first night I met all my new roommates  in Pinetree 2 apt 9 :)

And my mom had bought us an oreo ice cream cake to
schmooze the new roommies :)

 A day that the twins, my dad and I hung out at

the farm and went on a short horse ride around 

the farm. :)

I just remember being so stinkin happy about basically everything in life. I was at a really good place with my school, with who I was, with my scripture study, and being healthy, and prioritized... I just loved this day. I was with family and nothing could bring me off of cloud nine. (And there wasn't even a boy involved! Which, sad to say, is a big deal for me. :p All through high school I felt like I had to have someone to be awesome. And Last year, I decided that was nonsense! Which is also why it's funny that the year/semester I decided I wasn't dating, I didn't need a guy, I was totally and perfectly content with just me, she friends, and homework... that's when I met my Prince Charming. Ironic?)

Decorating our apartment for Lisa's 

birthday

Chelsi

Fabi :) 

Sami (who is now Sister LeFevre in Antofagasta Chile :) )
Kaytie, and Chelsi

Fabi (Haha she was my bathroom share-er and work out
buddy and I miss her sense of humor sometimes :) )

Chelsi, Kristen, and Sami

(pretend it's not a horribly blurry picture. We were singing.
in the dark.)
Lisa, Kaytie, and Kristen

Obviously the cake was delicious ;)

 My little room at Pine tree last year. :) I honest to goodness miss my cute little tiny room. Last year was my best year of college (as a single lady. :) This year is pretty great, but very different and not as collegey feeling.)

Haha my innovative earring storage ;) It worked
great until I had to open and close the blinds. :/

The cute little house that was right outside my window. 

Pinterest party at Tori's! I spent a LOT of time with Tor last year. Lots of girl's nights and walks and baking. :) I loved being able to become closer friends with Tori, since we didn't spend tons of time together our freshman year. 

Tori and Sami with our pinterest cream cheese and bacon
jalepeno poppers. (Yes. I will find and post that recipe soon)

One of our things last year was going on a Maverik run for
some Dr. Pepper to get us through homework or our girls
parties. :p

Our valentine's oreos. :)

 One of our many 'sleep overs' in our front room. :) That hallway was so tiny it was hilarious to watch us all try and squish our mattresses down to the front room. Especially since we'd always put the long couch in the hall to make room for all of our beds!

Kaytie, Kristen, Chelsi

Kaytie and Kristen

Kaytie adn Chelsi

Haha note how we have ZERO room between
the couch and the wall. If we had to get to the
bathroom there was a good deal of Mission
Impossible tuck and rolling and all kinds
of graceful leaps. ;)

Aaand the aftermath of moving the bed out for the sleepover

Me, and Chelsi (I used to do my hair curly a lot more... I should
start doing that again, I kinda like it. :p Matt will just have
to deal with it. (he likes my hair straight much much better))

Lisa cooking up something good :) Probably her creamy tuna
something or other. Smelled strong, but tasted amazing!

Kaytie, Chelsi, and Kristen

 Back when it was still warm enough to run around in just a onesie or shorts... :p One of the times I babysat at my apartment rather than their house, Matt came home and was playing the guitar (probably at Alida's insistence, she has quite the crush on him ;p) and Ryan thought it was the greatest thing ever! :)

Ahh... Warm fuzzies :)