Me in Mosaic

I found this on my friend, Monique's, blog and I thought it was kind of fun and cool looking. Check it out!

Here's the deal... you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question):

1. What is your first name? (Shannon)

2. What is your favorite food? (chocolate)

3. What high school did you attend? (Sonora)

4. What is your favorite color? (red)

5. Who is your celebrity crush? (John Krasinski)

6. Favorite drink? (Shirley Temple)

7. Dream vacation? (Caribbean)

8. Favorite dessert? (crème brûlée )

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Mommy)

10. What do you love most in life? (family fun)

11. One word to describe you? (flip flops)

12. Your Flickr name? (shantastik)**My Flickr name didn't give any results, so I used my first name again.

Wanna play?: Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL’s into the Mosaic Maker (3 columns, 4 rows)... Enjoy!

Conference & Westonisms

We had a wonderful Conference weekend. My problem with Conference weekend is it always goes way too fast! We had friends over all weekend, so that was fun. We had a little get-together to watch the BYU-Utah State game. The game was kind of disappointing, but the company and pizza were good. Saturday and Sunday we had the Severinsen's watch Conference with us. We did a big, fun breakfast on Saturday and then just cinnamon rolls on Sunday. Weston was really good during the sessions. He slept through both afternoon sessions and played mostly quietly during the morning sessions. He also came in and listened when the prophet spoke. We ended up having to make paper bag prophets again and do the "Follow the Prophet" march. It was pretty cute.

Davin is in the super cute stage of babyness. He smiles so huge when he sees us. He is rolling over all the time, from his back to his tummy. The problem is that he is not a fan of being on his tummy, so as soon as he gets there he fusses until someone rolls him back over. I am going to have to just let him fuss and learn to roll himself back. Dav is such a great eater too. Hallelujah!

Weston is still a complete and total nut! He does a lot more pretend play now and I love it when he uses his imitation voice. He uses it when he's talking for a bad guy, a robot, a snake, or whatever. He also does a really hilarious imitation of Donald Duck. He is a really sweet, good kid. He got a new haircut this week and the lady there couldn't get over how good he behaved. He held still and didn't fuss or cry. Now he's workin' the spiky hair (when it has mousse in it). Poor Weston hasn't been getting as much blog time lately, so here are a few Westonisms.
As I have mentioned before, Weston is quite a chatterbox. He speaks really well and clearly, for a 2 year old. I love hearing the funny things he says. For example . . .

While I was rewinding Stewart Little 2 so that he could watch it:
"Mom, what's that noise? Is it charging?"

After I walked into the den and he appeared to be doing nothing (aka something mischievous) so I asked him what he was doing:
"I was just looking at that white guy." (our Napoleon Dynamite poster)

This morning when we all settled in to watch Conference:
"I got a bouncy ball to sit on so I can watch Conference."

When he gets off the phone with anybody:
"Bye bye, talk to you later, have a good day."

As for me, I am still loving my swimming. I swear, it keeps me sane. I am excited that I am going to be doing a Master's meet. I am trying to decide what events to enter. I'm not a huge fan of competition, but now that I'm old enough to not let it define me, I think it will be fun. I am trying to make the most of the last few days of warmth here in Utah. I think we will maybe go up to the Aviary at Liberty Park tomorrow. Once the highs are only in the 50's it's time to move to our indoor activities. Sad day. I loved this summer. What were your favorite summer activities this year?

High School High

Weston and I decorated for Halloween yesterday and it made me feel very festive. I'm excited that when we take down Halloween it will be time to put up Thanksgiving decorations . . . and when we take down Thanksgiving it will be time to put up CHRISTMAS decorations. Can I just mention that I don't care how ghetto it is: I love the dollar store. I love finding random fun stuff for a dollar! It's such a thrill. Anyway, there's not a whole lot exciting going on, so we're on a little tag kick. Don't feel obligated to read it, but it is about the "glory days" of high school.
1. Did you date someone from your high school? Um, not seriously. I went on dates with a few people, but my main high school boyfriend had already graduated high school and he went to a different high school in the district anyway.

2. What kind of car did you drive? Red '93 Ford Mustang. It was much less cool than it sounds. It had a problem with the battery where if you left the radio on when you turned off the car, it wouldn't start the next morning. Jumper cables, never left home without 'em. Nevertheless, good times in the mustang.

3. What is your most embarrassing moment in high school? There were plenty of moments that I was embarrassed in high school, but the most stand-out typical one was the first day of summer school I tripped walking down the 6 stairs from the upper quad to the lower quad while staring at my friends. It was hard to miss. I think it was summer before my sophomore year.

4. Were you a party animal? I would more describe it as social butterfly. I didn't make much of an appearance on the party scene, until the end of my senior year and that was kind of a weird time. Anyway, I liked to do stuff and play, but not so much party.

5. Were you considered a flirt? Probably. I think I am flirty by nature. I don't always mean to flirt, but high school I probably meant to. I liked boys and usually they liked me. Not sure if that was always a good thing, but I think flirting is fun.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Choir. I did Vocal Ensemble. We rehearsed in the morning right after seminary. We wore hideous outfits with sparkly VESTS and performed at elementary schools and the like. The best part was always the spring musical.

7. Were you a nerd? Still am! I was smart and in AP classes and stuff. I think I only got a few B's in high school and most of those were in math. I also had braces and big glasses (pre-contacts days) my freshman year. The nerdy appearance improved significantly after that first year of high school. Oh well. I am still a silly, somewhat naive, smart, loves to read nerd.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? I was on varsity swim team for 3 years. It was so much fun. I also did non-varsity volleyball my freshman year and Drill Team my sophomore year.

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No. Even the narcs liked me. We would just hang out and chat when I was out of class. That is a big benefit of being a nerd. You can totally get away with stuff because everyone assumes you are a good person . . . I mean I totally am an angel. :)

10. Can you still sing the fight song? Nope. We had one we sang at the end of football games, but I can't remember any of it.

11. Who were your favorite teachers? Hmm . . . Mr. Loescher, my Trig teacher. He was cool and told good stories. He also gave me a much undeserved A- in Trig. Also, I liked all my English teachers, Ms. Blevins and Ms. Middleton, especially. I also really liked my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Rutledge. No one else really liked her. She was kind of tough, but I thought she was a really good teacher and structured. She liked me too, that helps.

12. Where did you sit during lunch? On this little outcropping in the corner of the hall outside the library. It was our spot. Some people came and went, but the core group was always there. Woohoo Old School Reunion 10/19/08!

13. School Mascot? Zapata. It is a Mexican Raider. So we were usually called the Raiders, but the people who dressed up were called Zapatas and they wore flirty, flouncy little Mexican looking dresses and big sombreros. It was pretty lame. Also, they made the school repaint the mascot on the building so you couldn't "tell" it was carrying guns and wearing bullets. LAME. You could totally still tell.

14. Did you go to homecoming and with who? I'm having a hard time remembering. I went to another school's homecoming my Senior year with Collier. I went to my junior year Homecoming with my HS boyfriend, Ryan. That was fun because I wore the most amazing dress and went with someone I knew and liked. We had a great time.

15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Nah. Too many mood swings. Too much insecurity. It was fun and it's fun to reminisce about, but I don't think I would want to do it again. I don't have any regrets.

16. What do you remember most about graduation? Getting my makeup done with Sarah beforehand and looking like a hooker. I had to wipe it off before the ceremony. Oh well. I also remember all my flowers from my Hawaiian YW leaders. It was exciting. Ugh, also the song "I Hope You Dance" was performed. Can you say cliche?

17. Where did you go senior skip day? We didn't have an official one, but I took plenty of my own. I mostly just would skip and go to lunch with Sarah. Nothing too exciting or dangerous.

18. Have you gained weight since then? 8 years and 2 kids later, yes. Pretty sure I'll never be in as good of shape as I was in high school.

19. Who was your prom date? Jeremy wow I can't remember his last name all of a sudden. We went to his prom and it was probably the worst date of my life. I also went to my senior prom with Eric Davis. Also, not a highlight. Homecomings were much better.

20. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? I'm planning on it, but it depends on when it is and if I will be able to make it to CA then. I would like to see more people from high school though. I think it's fun to see how people's lives turn out.

21. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Stop stressing about grades . . . none of it matters as soon as you get into college. Also, don't be so insecure about clothes, weight, looks, boys etc. You look gorgeous, you are fun and interesting, enjoy life!

Your Happy Smiling Face

Davin was being so cute and making me laugh when he woke up from his nap just now. I think I definitely captured his little happy, laughing grin. I love this baby so mcuh and I can't wait to see how his personality comes out in the next several years. Also, I had to post him wearing his BYU-Idaho shirt for Mel and Brad. Rexburg, whatup?!? Dav wasn't so sure about me sneaking in on his camera time, but he still looks pretty adorable, I think. Stay tuned for a little tag at the end of this post.

THE FIVE

10 years ago I:
1. had just started my sophomore year at Sonora High School.
2. was on the Raiderette Drill Team.
3. had just chopped off my hair and gotten layers (you know, like Jennifer Aniston).
4. woke up at 4:45am every day for early morning seminary.
5. had just returned from my first trip to NYC and decided that I wanted to live there someday.

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. mop bathroom floors
2. empty the dishwasher
3. get Weston's hair cut
4. call Lex to plan a bridal shower
5. watch at least one more episode of "How I Met Your Mother"

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. cottage cheese with wheat thins
2. anything and everything chocolate (especially peanut M&M's)
3. apple with peanut butter
4. peanut butter and chocolate chip granola bars
5. Harvest Cheddar Sunchips

5 things I'd do if I were a millionaire:
1. buy a bigger house
2. buy a bigger car (I can't fit a Sam's Club trip in my trunk these days)
3. go to Hawaii with my whole family and to Europe (specifically Germany) with just Ian
4. probably buy homes for my family too (especially Joy, at least 3500 square feet)
5. buy myself a whole new wardrobe, advised by the chick on "What Not to Wear"

5 places I've lived:
1. La Habra, CA-with my parents
2. Provo, UT-in the dorms and several different apartments
3. New York City, NY-tiny 1 bedroom apartment in a slightly ghetto area, it was awesome.
4. Murray, UT-where we lived when Weston was born
5. Kearns, UT-our first house!

5 jobs I've had:
1. delivery job for a pharmacy in Fullerton
2. piano teacher
3. computer support dispatcher
4. receptionist at a talent agency (interesting. . .)
5. Recreation Therapist!!!

The Best of Feelings . . .

This weekend we were incredibly busy. I didn't see Davin on Saturday at all after 9am.

Friday morning I drove around Salt Lake City and went mattress shopping with my friend. It was actually pretty fun, especially the being chased by bees at McDonald's part. Also, laying on mattresses is always fun. Anyway, that afternoon we went and picked up Ian from work and went to Eagle Mountain for his chiropractor appointment. His back is still kind of sore, but better. Since we were all the way in Eagle Mountain already we decided to stay and hang out with the Burton's, so we had pizza and let the boys play until bedtime. Once the kidlets were in bed we watched "Run, Fatboy, Run." It sounds stupid, but we really enjoyed it. Very funny and sweet.

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to the temple. We ended up not making it in until the 10 o'clock session. We had such a nice time though. I actually was feeling pretty awake and alert for having such a late Friday night. Big shout-out THANKS to Ireland for babysitting for free for us. We so appreciate it.

We didn't end up getting home until 12:30pm, so we ate lunch and put Weston down for a nap and then I headed out to run a couple errands and then went to Sanctuary Day Spa where I finally used my gift certificate for a massage (from my birthday in March). I LOVE Sanctuary. It is such a nice place. I love being pampered and massages are the best. It was great. Thanks again for the gift honey (and for staying with the boys)!
I missed Ian heading out to the mall, so when I got home they were gone and I threw on a skirt and went to the Relief Society broadcast. I was glad I could be there. It is always nice to hear some inspiring words. I also got to mingle a little bit with the stake. I know literally no one, so it was good to meet a couple people.

Sunday I went to choir only to find out that I will be in CA when they are going to sing. I swear I am always gone when they sing. Over the entire time we have lived in this ward I think I have only actually sung with the choir 1 time. How sad. Oh well, at least I will be around for Christmas this year. I also taught Young Women's, which was only ok. I hate the dating lesson. It feels so lame. Anyway, it was a very busy weekend.

Then there was this morning. I had my dentist appointment this morning at 8am. I actually made it out of the house before Weston woke up, which made things easier.

I was sure that I was going to have like 10 cavities since I hadn't been to the dentist for almost 2 years. I am so excited to report that I had ZERO cavities. I did have a little spot that would have probably turned into a cavity, so I got a sealant put on it, but other than that, it was pretty uneventful. Once again, I was told that I needed my wisdom teeth out, however, this new dentist has an oral surgeon on staff that comes in once a month and can do anesthesia and everything, so I can get all 4 of my wisdom teeth out while put under for $120! I can't believe how much cheaper it is going to be! Thank you Verite for shelling out for the good dental coverage: 90%. I am finally home and on the computer for the first time in days. I was almost going through withdrawals (apparently that is the correct spelling). It is nice to have a little down time to catch up on laundry, dishes and blogging.

BTW, Mom, did I win the dentist bet? I do believe you owe me some See's in October. :)

Happy Half Year!

My baby is 6 months old today! I just can't believe how quickly that went by. We are a little behind, so he doesn't have his 6 month check-up until the middle of October, but in other updates, he is finally sort of sleeping through the night. Most nights he still wakes up once, but goes right back to sleep after I put his binki back in and re-tuck him in. He has started eating baby food (just carrots so far) and he enjoys his sweet potato puffs. He is mellow and happy and we all just adore him. Yesterday I got out the walker for him. He is growing up so fast!
THE PAST 6 MONTHS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
The amazing Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Swing. It has only been in the last month that he has transitioned to napping in his crib. We still pawn him off on the swing in the early morning when we want a little more sleep. This swing is a lifesaver!
Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion Mobile. This mobile, which I thought was overpriced when we bought it for Weston, was worth every penny. Both my boys have loved it. Davin would lay and watch it and babble for 15-30 minutes at a time. It can still keep him entertained for at least 5-10 minutes while I help Weston at the potty or whatever. It also sings him to sleep sometimes.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Poor Dav had/has really bad eczema and horrible diaper rash his first few weeks. I have probably used about 5 tubes of this in the last 6 months. Nothing else seems to work as well. I also swear by (against my will because it feels nasty on my skin) Eucerin Plus lotion for keeping the eczema away.
I love my boppy. It is the ONLY comfortable way for me to nurse. I still use it to feed bottles to Davin so my arms don't get tired. I also love it for helping him practice sitting up on his own. If he falls it doesn't hurt (unless he nose dives, which happens a lot more than it should).
Gerber Flannel Burp Cloths. These are far and away my favorite burp cloths. Not too big and thick, not too small and wimpy. They are soft, have cute patterns and wash well. I think I have 12 or something and I use them ALL the time from day one.
In addition to all my favorite baby gear (the list could go on, but I named the favs I use on a daily basis, the essentials), the past 6 months would not have been possible without Ian reconnecting me to adult, outside world life and helping out with both the boys. Getting up with Weston when I had been up 3 times with Davin and taking Weston to the park so I could get stuff done in the evenings, etc. Thanks babe. I am nowhere near ready to do this all again anytime soon, so don't ask, but it is kind of sad to see the newborn phase at an end.

Case of the Monday's

10 Things I'm Happy About Today:
1. The rain stopped and the sun came out during the hour and a half I was grocery shopping this morning.
2. I LOVE the new genius function on itunes! (it creates playlists for me based on one song I feel like listening to)
3. I scheduled a massage for this Saturday.
4. It's my awesome, cute, fun, always-online-to-chat-with-me, little sister's 22nd birthday today, so we get to call and sing when Weston wakes up from his nap. :) Happy Birthday Jules!
5. I finally did some organizing of the pantry and garage food. I enjoy being organized.
6. I got a 20 minute nap.
7. I love watching my boys play together. Weston likes to make Davin laugh and he also is helpful in giving back all the toys that Dav throws on the floor from his high chair.
8. I am planning on watching "While You Were Sleeping" tonight since Ian will be working late. Me, my movie and a bowl of ice cream.
9. I feel so good that I rolled myself out of bed at 5:45am this morning to swim, even though I was still in full on dream mode and it was raining.
10. Story time is back in full swing. I love having a built-in activity involving other children and learning at least once a week right down the street!