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.