love/hate..and God is good.

I have a serious love/hate relationship with blogging...and my computer in general!  I don't know why but I just cannot stand the thought of sitting down and typing up something worthwhile.  I am truly sorry.  I do still read and keep up with you all!

There have been some serious changes going on in our household during the last few months and the biggest one is this:

yes, yes..there's a baby in there and not just a few extra cheeseburgers!  I find it shocking how much I am showing..a belly is NOT normal for this girl so I've had a very hard time adjusting and feeling comfortable with myself.  I have been sicker than I even knew imaginable {could have contributed to the lack of blogging} but I am in high spirits that life will pick up as I move into the 2nd trimester!  Puhhhleasseeeee!  Greg and I are just so thankful for this blessing from God at HIS perfect timing. 

I really don't want to turn this blog into a baby journal, however, we live so far from family and friends and I just feel like there are certain things that don't belong on facebook so I might do a few posts on my journey through pregnancy. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season from our family to yours! 

justice.

I still remember exactly where I was when I met my friend's boyfriend (later-to-be husband). Wal-Mart. With my Mom. Right in front of the shoe department. I remember walking away from running into them and thinking, man, Shae has found a great guy. She is soooo happy.
I still remember exactly where I was when I received the text message. Living with my best in our tiny little house. Attempting to sleep on the futon in the living room because of all the sirens. June. Summer of 2008. Greg was in WI for his Annual Training with the Army Reserves.

As I read the text that June night my heart feel from my chest and onto the floor.  One of my lifelong best friend's husband had been murdered.  She LITERALLY is the most heartfelt, sweetest, kindest person you will ever meet.  How could this be happening to someone as precious as her?  They had only been married less than a year.  Why him, he was SUCH a great man?  He was so young and full of life.  Their newborn son is in the NICU fighting for his own life, why today?  So many questions.  

Many sad events and sleepless nights later, her newborn son went on to Heaven to be with his daddy.  Why does one person have to endure so much pain?  She is way to young to be experiencing this.  More questions.

Her and I have grown up together..cheering together for many, many years and then dancing together in college. If there was anyone on this Earth that deserved happiness..it was HER!

I cannot explain to you how greatly this affected her, me, and our entire community/state.  I hug a little tighter, pray without ceasing, and most of all, love more passionately.

Today, justice was served. Over 2 years later, he was found guilty of 1st degree murder.  Thank you GOD!
You can read/watch the story here.

{one of my fav moments of Shae}

Shae - I love you. Today, tomorrow, and forever. I pray that you feel Shawn's famous smile today more than ever and know that you are LOVED.  Thank you for being such a shining example of class, dignity, and pride.  You are remarkable and there is a special spot in heaven for you, my lady! 
"Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." Psalm 106:3 NIV

ready or not.

currently my yard/driveway look like this:

ohh yes. winter is here. ready or not.
this pic was actually taken on 10.10.10.

-I've had a few people contact me about living here/moving here...if you are one of them, leave me your email addy so I can be in touch! :)

you deserve the world.

Today is my sweet husband's 29th birthday.  He should know it by now..but I'm pretty fond of him! :) 

So, today..on your birthday, Greg...I love you more than yesterday, and the day before that!  I cannot begin to describe in this silly blog post how much JOY you bring to my life!  I cherish these birthdays we get to spend together!  Enjoy your day sweet boy...YOU deserve it!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Summer has came..and gone all too quickly!  While most of the country is gearing up for crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and most importantly a pumpkin spice latte..us southerns transported in Alaska are breaking out the 3-layer North Face jackets, hats & mittens, snow boots, and the thought of getting out of our car in 16 degree weather for a Starbucks makes us cringe. {because drive-thru Starbucks are unheard of here}

We have had a wonderful summer and used our time with nice weather to the fullest!  My best friend, Laura Beth came to visit in July...then Greg's parents visited...and my parents just left!  We LOVED having family and friends come see our home in Alaska and get to explore here...wish I could make everyone come! :)  I've got all kinds of beautiful pics from our excursions this summer, but for now, I'll keep this post short and sweet since it is a very special day on our calendar! 

I do still LOVE fall even if it ultrafast here in AK, like 2 weeks fast!  Last October I was in NC welcoming my twin nephews into the world and Betty Crocker'd it up!  I adore pumpkin flavored anything so when I found a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies I knew I had to try!  My first attempt last year was a huge hit with my family so I decided to break out the recipe box again last week.  They did not disappoint and I had many people on my facebook ask for the recipe..so here it is:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 1/2 C Spiced Pumpkin {Add more pumpkin if you like a more cakey cookie, less if you like it firmer}
3/4 C Sugar
1/2 C Oil
1 Egg
2 C Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Milk
1 C Chocolate Chips {or as many as you like}
1 tsp Vanilla
Nuts {optional}
Dissolve baking soda in milk; set aside. In a large bowl add pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg; stir. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Enjoy!

In Loving Memory. Cohen.

{click here to read more}

toys running the streets and day 8. a photo that makes you angry/sad.

ok..back on track.  It was the Summer Solstice weekend here in AK and if you have ever been in Alaska you know that Summer Solstice=tons of fun!  Our days & nights were jammed packed full of activities, one of them being a 10k!  I am so proud of myself for completing the 6.2 miles and for actually running 6 of those 6.2 miles!  This was my very first 10k and I absolutely LOVED it!  Greg and I have already decided to try our first 1/2 marathon in August..training mode has taken over!  Here in our town of Alaska the Midnight Sun 10k Run is a sight to be seen!  Some people dress up in costumes to celebrate the 24-hours of sunlight and of course, I participated.  I'm not exactly one to let fun times slip by...
10,000 points to whoever can guess what we were? :) 

pre-race:

post-race:

We seriously felt like celebrities the entire race {and no, I ran in pink tennis shoes, not the pink heels}!  Kids, and adults, went bananas for us!  I've never taken so many pictures for people in my life..it only confirms that I was wrong to not trust my gut and audition for Tinkerbell at Disney World the summer I graduated from college!  And because I just love my husband & his hilarious ways, I have to show you guys this pic!

It takes one creative man to figure out how to wear cowboy boots AND run a 10k!  Nice work, babe!

So..speaking of running/working-out/in-shape{ness}.  Here's my day 8 pics:

Angry: because I don't look like this anymore.

Sad: because I did it the complete wrong way.

But ya know what?  I'm happy now.  That's more than I can say for myself back then.  Both these pics were taken when I was a Senior in College ('07) and honestly, I was a tad-bit crazy brained about working out.  I woke up, worked out, went to class, went for a long run, went to work, worked out, attended my group x classes, then went to dance practice, and usually ate a hot dog {no bun} for dinner. No joke. Too much on the body?  Absolutely.  I saw the gym as an opportunity to relieve stress and so I smothered myself in it.  Sure, I would love to look like this again, and by training the proper way I hope to obtain my goal.  First stop, 5k on the 4th of July! 

day 7. a photo that makes you happy.

experiencing life with him by my side.

This was as we were leaving our wedding reception..happy, excited, giddy...

It feels as if we are constantly waving goodbye.  Either to our family & friends{moving to far away places}, to each other {deployments, training, etc}, or to our new friends at each Army destination {PCS}.  But I think what makes me happy about waving goodbye, a normally sad event...is knowing that I'm following the life God has laid out for me.  And that life is being a wife to that handsome man by my side.

day 6. tickles my fancy.

Since today is all about tickling my fancy, here's what REALLY hit home with me today.

My husband just finished up a training class last night for the Army and earned a new badge.  {so proud of you babe!}  This class was one of the toughest things Greg has encountered in a very long time...only approximately 30 passed and the class started with near 70 students.  I can't even begin to tell you how many hours my poor husband spent with his nose in the books during the past 3 weeks.  Literally, the extent of our conversations went something like this:

Me: Welcome home

Greg: Thanks baby.

[a few hours later]

Me: I love you, here's your dinner.

Greg: Thanks Shan..I love you too.

[a few hours later]

Me: Going to bed now..I love you.

Greg: I love you too..sweet dreams.

repeat next day.

And that's it.  For three weeks, I saw my husband physically at night, but mentally, he was checked out..and for good reason.  Finally, when he arrived back to our house Tuesday night at 11pm, sweaty, hungry, dirty, dusty, sun-burnt, and drained..all of his hardwork had officially paid off! :)  I don't know if me or him was more excited for that moment!  Where am I going with all this??

Well, yesterday, my husband had a much deserved day off!  We slept in...lounged on the couch, he got to take a nap (which I can't remember the last time he did) while I went to lunch with my girlfriends {love them!}, we went around town & even bought our first vegetable plant, came home to cook dinner together, went for a fabulous walk beside the river on post, cleaned our house, put lampshades on, shredded some files, caught up on DVR shows, and fell asleep side by side.

My day was jammed packed FULL of little moments.  Ya know, those moments where you pinch yourself because you can't really believe this is real life.  The moments where you have the biggest smile slapped across your face and you can't get it off.  The moments where you are absolutely 100% positive that this is where you are supposed to be and who you are supposed to be with.  Just the two of us...

Moving on, Greg and I both know that we are going to be parents. one day. Lord-willing. Unlike Carrie & Big...SATC reference ;)..we don't want it just be the two of us, forever.  Rather it be by having a biological child or by adoption, our family will grow..and we both sooooo look forward to that day when God blesses us with the gift of a child.  Isn't it that we are always eager and anxious for the next stage in life?  Maybe it's finding Mr. Right, Graduating from college, Marrying Mr. Right, Having your first child, retiring & traveling with Mr. Right...the next stage in life seems way more appealing than where we are now.  I've always lived like this, and when I look back on my past memories [high school, college, our wedding] I wish I would have embraced them more and appreciated them for the awesome moments they were.

All of my little moments I've had with my husband recently have made me appreciate the here and now.  God has us here for a very specific reason and it feels great to just enjoy it...today.  And that, my friends, tickles my fancy.

day 5. favorite quote(s).

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
                  -Jeremiah 29:11


"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
                  -Psalm 37:4

day 4. favorite book(s).

no surprises here. addiction.

this book is AMAZING.

and this book is fabulous, the movie absolutely STINKS.  I honestly wish I would have never gone to see it...

And for a fav. children's book {which I cannot wait to read to our child(ren) one day}

day 3. favorite tv show(s).

Love the Army Wives show on Lifetime. Sure, some of it is complete and total ridiculousness, however, I'm still hooked.  And as sad as it may be, some of my non-military friends enjoy the show and get a tiny little glimpse into my life.

If you come into my house and flip on the TV..there about a 99.9% chance it will be on HGTV.  My favorite channel of all time!  I am obsessed with home decor and home buying/selling...Greg and I have always had a lifetime goal to flip a house one day & we make such a great team!  He's the handyman and I'm the one with design & style knowledge! :) Here's a couple of my favorites:

Again, love anything related to dance and this show never disappoints.

And last, but certainly not least, this is my favorite duo!  If I ever got the chance to meet Stacy London I think my life would be complete! {but hopefully not because I got put on the show!}

day 2. favorite movie.(s)

there it is...I'm coming out of the closet.  I'm a happily married 25-year old who has a ridiculous love for the Twilight Saga.  Team Edward by the way! 10 million points to whoever can tell me what my favorite day in June is going to be?
How embarassing....no, really. Whoever opened up every Twilight book and Twilight movie and inserted crack cocaine....you should have to pay for this.

Moving on..here are a few other fan favorites:

Can it get any better than this?!? I'm a BIG dance movie fan.

I do love my favorite group of girlfriends.

And drumroll please for the #1 movie of all time:

Oh yes..I can quote almost the ENTIRE movie.  I could watch this movie once a week for an entire year and never get sick of it..it's that fabulous!

day 1: a new challenge & favorite song.(s)

So today, I decided to start a new challenge.  It's 30 days of designated blogging material..I got the idea from Ashley at Daddy's Duty and decided to give it a try.
Day 01 - your favorite song
Day 02 - your favorite movie
Day 03 - your favorite television program
Day 04 - your favorite book
Day 05 - your favorite quote
Day 06 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 08 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 - a photo of you taken recently
Day 12 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - a fanfic
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a YouTube video
Day 24 - whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - this month, in great detail
Day 28 - this year, in great detail
Day 29 - hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - whatever tickles your fancy

Here goes nothing...
Day 1: Your favorite song.
Picking just one favorite song would just be a crime for me considering I absolutely LOVE music & have a wide range of favorites.  I like everything from classic rock, hip hop, pop, country, contemporary christian, and alternative.  So per true Shannon fashion...I'll mix up the rules & list a few..in no particular order.

A classic. How can you NOT love this song?  Brings back soooo many college memories.


Colbie Calliat..one of my favorite artists of all TIME. so organic and real.




You might kill me for posting this video..but I couldn't find a better version.  Oh well...my husband and I both adore OAR.  I think it's against the law to not..


And lastly...I leave you with one of the most influencial songs in my LIFE. Greg and I saw Brandon Heath in concert once & let's just say..I am forever changed.  I've wrote about this song before on this blog, but man, I so desperately have a longing for missions, both foreign & domestic, and this song only magnified that.


Back tomorrow with favorite movie(s). Happy Saturday!

handbag love at first sight.

so I must confess, I haven't gotten a new handbag since this little beauty came home with me back in August of 2009!  For those of you that know me, know that this is a miracle!  I love my handbags..before entering married world, I probably purchased a new bag once a month!  I can blame it on becoming a married lady, spending most of our disposable income on items for our 1st house, and mostly on the fact that there is NOWHERE to get designer handbags in our small-town, Alaska. 
During my freshman year of college, Vera Bradley hit my group of girlfriends as the "it" item..and well, let's just say that I probably could have kept Mrs. Vera earning a paycheck from my purchases alone!  Lately, I haven't really loved any of the new fabric choices or even style of bag.  My last Vera purchase was back in Easter of 2009!  But have you seen the new Spring/Summer collection?!?  My heart almost beat out of my chest when I saw the new patterns..and this Charleston tote.  can't. breathe.

Now if only I could pick which pattern I want?  They are so vastly different..maybe both??

During my visit home I was talking with my BFF {still haven't found anyone in AK to discuss these things with..more on that later} about how fashionable & chic bags with short handles AND shoulder straps are!  She just purchased the most adorable Guess Bag in this style and I was ahead of the game when I purchased that Coach bag last August. They really are the best of both worlds..if you don't have one yet, you must try the trend!

And this cha cha handbag..seriously?  ruffles. cute pattern. large enough for my purse belongs plus my packed lunch...perfection.  I need this for my school bag when I sub, right?  RIGHT!

I will forever believe the world would be a better place if there were more ruffles in it.

Typically, in the Lower 48, I would run to my nearest boutique that carries Vera and purchase these beauties, but living in the middle of dog-sledding, hunting & fishing country...there is only one place who actually carries Vera and I've yet to get up the nerve to go check out their selection.  My guess is that it's not so great...but I could be pleasantly surprised.  My little new-found secret to these beauties is Ebay!  I have found some new-with-tags Vera bags for the fraction of the price!  Who knew?!?  I'm pretty pumped about this discovery & will be participating soon!  I'll let ya know how the outcome is!

So let's hear it..are you a Vera fan?!?  My cousin who is a dire-hard fashionista absolutely HATES the bags.  She calls them quilted grandma bags!  I think you either love them or hate them..but when the right pattern comes along, I'm a fan!

{and my husband just made complete fun of me for doing an entire blog post about my love for the new Vera Bradley bags. Dear Laura Beth, hurry up to Alaska so I can rave about this kind of stuff with a real-life girly girl!} :)

hello south.

hi.
i'm shannon.
what happened to me?!?

My blog has become so lame lately..I do apologize.  Moving on...I went for a week-long visit to my homestate of North Carolina in the middle of May and boy, was it AMAZING!  I made up for lost time with my family, Greg's family, best friends, and most definately my nephews!  It was a total spur-of-the-moment trip...like as in, booked my flight 4 days in advance, trip.  My husband had a field training exercise during that week and school had just let out for summer.  Well, what's a girl to do when her husband leaves, no job opportunities, and a hurtful longing to see everyone?  Head straight for below the Mason Dixon line!

I shopped till I dropped with my Mom {hello Target, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, Goodwill, THE MALL} and had a terrible time getting all my finds back to AK!  Holy worst airport experience ever known to man!  Ate at places I used to take for granted, i.e. Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Crackerbarrel, Fatz Cafe, and Sonic just to name a few..and actually lost 4lbs!  How that happens, I'll never know!  I blame it on all the butter Southern cooking has in it! :) I spent every possible second I could with the 3 little boys who have captured my heart...Landon, Jackson, & Alex! 

As well as had some amazing girls nights..man, do I miss those!  I loved seeing some of my favorite girls again, childhood friendships and dance team reunions...there is just nothing like a really comfortable friendship!  It did feel like I never even left..and to me, that is priceless!  {Katie, are you still nervous?!?} I know for a fact that we will be eighty year old ladies still having girls nights...even if it means in the nursing home lobby! 

While I did have a fabulous week in NC, my heart longed for a certain handsome soldier and our cute little place we call home here in the great white north!  The entire time I was in the south I felt like I was in a foreign country...it's true, like a totally different world! 

And speaking of girlfriends..I just found out my best friend, maid-of-honor, non-blood related sister, is coming to visit me here in AK the first couple of weeks in July!  Excited wouldn't even cover it..our 1st Alaskan visitor!

This is us the night her and Katie surprised me with a stretch escalade full of all of my favorite girlfriends at my doorstep during my wedding week!  There are no words to describe the feeling I had when I found out I was moving to Alaska after Greg and I got married.  That meant life without Laura Beth?!?  Her and I have a very long history together..all the way since grade-school.  Danced and lived together all through college and even moved into a house together when we graduated from WCU.  Where there was one, there was the other.  Very rarely did you see one of us without the other close by.  Usually people always asked, where's the other one? :)  Typing it all out just doesn't do our friendship justice...it's probably one of the most bizarre and wonderful things on this earth since high heels were invented.   

To sum it all up, we've done life together.  And Alaska has been our 1st "seperation".  I just cannot WAIT to share AK & our new home with her..until then, you can find me prepping our guest room with any and all things she loves! :)

p.s.- we might or might not have went on our 1st Alaskan camping experience last weekend!  More to come on that event later..oh, and the BIG city of Anchorage!  Hope everyone is doing well!  I do still read your blogs & oh-so-enjoy keeping up with each of you! 

sunshine & turquoise.

67 degrees today in Alaska...we'll take it!

Brigade Ball was a good time.  I love seeing my husband all dressed up! Enjoy a couple of pics:

{don't hate on the screen door...you know you're loving it}

On Saturdays, Greg and I have been little worker bees trying to make this house a "home".  Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of having my own "area" in the house..a dressing room!  Complete with a vanity, tons of girly vintage glam decor, and even a mannequin wearing my wedding dress.  Hey, a girl can dream right?!?  Well, our house isn't big enough for that yet...our 2 spare rooms are being used as an office/craft room and guest room.  We do have a little nook at the top of our stairs and I just knew it would be perfect for a vanity area!  I absolutely CANNOT stand up to put on my makeup and dry my hair.  You can go right ahead and call me spoiled, a diva, whatever...doesn't bother me! :)
We went to Fred Meyers [one of the ONLY places to shop here] and found a fairly decent desk and random chair.  For some, that would have been ok..but for me, I wanted to personalize it! In turquoise...my fav. accent color & new chair fabric!  Here are a few before & after pics..

This is before...minus the chair cover. I had already gotten to that!

 and after...

I have jewelry overload so we made this cute necklace & earring holder out of plywood, fabric, and cabinet knobs/pulls. 

 And I had no probem filling it! 

all decorated!

This past weekend Greg and I built a privacy fence in our backyard.  One would think that a privacy fence would be a normal thing that came with a row house..but apparently not in AK!  Our neighbors have about a million kids that are SUPER loud, annoying, and constantly running right at our windows!  And I'm a big fan of sitting outside every night after work..so privacy was much needed!  Thank goodness I married a handy-man & I'm becoming quite the fan of powertools myself! Here's a few pics of that project:

Next up on our agenda: GARDEN! :)  I never thought I would enjoy such "wife" things, but I'm really having a blast!  Now, the real question is...should I paint the fence a pale yellow or leave it au natural?!?  Hope everyone is having a great week!

la.la.la.

In bullets because that's how I roll today.

• I ordered this dress for the brigade ball next Friday. It.is.gorgeous on and cannot wait to see it all hemmed up and looking pretty!  I really wanted a colored dress this time, ya'll saw my last dress for the OCS Formal and it was black too, but I just couldn't pass this one up!  Something about black makes me feel extra classy! :)  Pics to come of that event!

Kinda reminds you of this, no?!?

• I have been subbing at the elementary school on post in Pre-K and L.O.V.I.N.G. IT!  I am soooo excited to have found an age group that I enjoy working with and I'm 100% sure this is what I wanna do with my life!  The morning session is Intensive Resource kids (most are autistic or DS) and the afternoon is just regular Pre-K.  They are all so, so precious!  I leave my heart in each of their backpacks (not bookbags Ms. Shannon, as I was told by one of my students) when they walk out the door each afternoon!  The lead Pre-K teacher liked me so much, she called me personally to ask if I could come back again the next day! Then, as I was leaving today, we had a little convo about my intentions..she asked if I was seeking full-time employment and to def. put her down as a reference and she would keep her eyes and ears open for me!  I think she really wants me at her school!  I am just sooo excited about the direction I am in!  It might seem kinda crazy since I have a Business Bachelors degree, but I was just not happy sitting in an office all day!  My heart is happy working with kids! :)
• Speaking of working at an elementary school on post...why must my husband's rank be the first question people ask me??  It's happened at least 27 times this week.  Absolutely ridiculous.  I do NOT wear my husbands rank on my sleeve..or my purse (have you seen those things?  The ACU transformed into a pocketbook...I know you have..at least once.  In the PX. Commissary.)  Anywaysss, the most info you are getting from me is his Unit. What does that have to do with how I work with children?  Geez, crazy Army Wives, lay off.
• I really want to coach again...soon!  I miss cheer & dance sooo much!

• My oldest nephew(the one in the middle) is saying my name now & I cannot even begin tell you how amazing it is to hear it.  I could snatch him right up and kiss all over his face ...via skype of course :)

• And I dont even need to go there on how stinkin' down-right, against-the-law adorable the twins are!
• I am reallyyyyyyy missing these girls. It physically hurts...has anyone else experienced this or am I just a nut job?

P.C.

• I really want Lee to win American Idol. Such a nice kid doing something great with his life.
• My husband ROCKS..even if he gets irritated when I make him go on walks after dinner.
• It is now staying daylight till 10:30pm...Come on summertime!