I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane . . .

Brent and I leave Wednesday evening. Whoo hoo! We arrive in NYC on Thursday morning for a day of adventure. Friday and Saturday are the National Convention at the Waldorf-Astoria. I'm done with my speech, it is mostly memorized, I got my gray hair colored to look brown again . . . I'm all set! My fabulous mother-in-law, Laura, is taking me for a massage and pedicure tomorrow for a very fun send off. (And she is watching the children for me while we are gone. Like I said, she's fabulous!)

I've been giving my speech to random people. I figure that if I can give my speech "out of my comfort zone" a couple of times each day (i.e. at the library 10 year celebration, at the bank, to my ballet class parents, in line at the grocery store . . . you get the idea) then when I give my speech in New York, I'll be so used to being outside of my comfort zone it will feel (almost) like my comfort zone. I'm not sure if it is working, but it's my plan! Wish me luck!

Book Review: Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

"That's so funny, I'm going to throw up!"

In my living room, I have an easel that holds my current favorite picture book for display (and quick reading access!) Right now, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! is on display.

I discovered this book through a friend's blog. She called it "gardenlicious". I was hoping for some inspiration for the children to want to get our garden up and going. We--meaning Brent--are taking baby steps to getting our garden planted. (As a result of deep rooted childhood experiences . . . gardening makes me grumpy!) Brent did a great job last year of building square foot garden boxes and putting soil in them. I don't think "we" planted anything. But, here comes another spring to keep trying! The book did it's job. We are now quite excited to plant a garden (even me)!

Mr. McGreely dreamed of planting a garden. One day he decides, "This is it! I'm going to plant a garden." He carefully hoes and sows and watches his garden grow. Then one night, three cute, but conniving, bunnies sneak into his garden. They chomp his blossoms, chew his stems, nibble his leaves and gnaw his sprouts. The wordplay is catchy and the darling illustrations intertwine perfectly with the text. As Mr. McGreely tries harder and harder to allow "no bunny" to enter his garden, the giggles get bigger and better!

We read the book after scripture snack. The children were enjoying giant ice cream cones (in celebration of Sophia passing off Minuet 3 in Book 3 and Coco passing off Go Tell Aunt Rhody) At the finale of the story the giggles turned to guffaws. . . and Coco raced around the counter to the garbage can calling out, "That's so funny, I'm going to throw up!"

Sidenote: The summertime consequence/punishment when I was growing up was, "Go pull 100 weeds." The winter consequence was "Go mate the socks." In a household with seven children this meant a lot of weeding and a lot of mating. (Of the socks!)But, it ruined me forever. Now I despise pulling weeds and mating socks. I must have been in trouble often to have such deep set antipathy toward such simple tasks!

Wanting More

Three weeks ago, I was talking to Brent about our upcoming trip to Oregon to see our niece's baptism. I felt very unsettled and anxious about leaving for a week. Brent thought about it for a couple of days, and said, "Maybe you should think about staying home." When he said that, I felt so relieved. It was the oddest thing, because I love family road trips, I wanted to visit our family in Oregon, and it would not be difficult to get substitutes for my ballet class and Primary music responsibilities. What was keeping me in Utah?

Well, last Monday, my Great Aunt Ila passed away (at age 90), and I learned that my parents from Texas and many family members from Canada, including my (fading) grandfather, would be in town. Had I gone to Portland, I would have missed out on this time with my mother's side of the family. I feel like the Lord took care me, and helped me to be in the best place this weekend.

Also, I love inspiring funerals. I came away from the family viewing and funeral so grateful for family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This funeral made me want "more". I want to love the scriptures more, be in contact with my loved ones more and seize more opportunities to build up others. I want to be more like Aunt Ila. . . I want to be more prepared to meet the Savior!

Book Review: Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

Aerie and I finished reading Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul today. It has been her morning read aloud for nearly nine weeks. Despite it's length, I am glad that we read it. I haven't really ever read Christian fiction before this book. I think that Aerie enjoyed it. I loved the discussions that resulted. (I give it four out of five stars.) It had a good message and Aerie didn't even realize it was Christian fiction until I pointed it out to her.

This book reminded me of C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia series. Kale Allerion, a slave girl, has a talent for finding dragon eggs. She is freed because of this talent and ends up on a quest to find a special egg that the evil Wizard Risto has stolen. On this quest, she learns about friendship, about confidence, about trusting others, and about trusting herself. Most importantly, she learns about her own self-worth. There is a lot of adventure and a lot of opportunity for good discussion. Once Aerie realized that Paladin was a symbol for Jesus and Wulder was like God, she really had a lot to talk about!

(Note: This book is difficult to read aloud. Kale has the talent of mind speaking--telepathic communication--and often thinks to herself. It was difficult to keep track of when she was speaking aloud, when she was thinking to herself, and when she was mind-speaking to another person. )

The author creates a fantasy world very different from our own, with seven "high" races created by Wulder, and seven "low" races created by Risto. It got a little confusing sometimes with the different races (o'rants, doneels, emerlindians, quiss) and the different animals (blimmets, druddums) and the different types of trees (borling, armagot, cygnot) but not so confusing that you lost track of who was what, etc.

A great girl power book that boys would enjoy as well. I would say eleven to fourteen year olds (and fantasy lovers of all ages) would most appreciate this book. Aerie is interested in reading the sequel but is frantically reading the 2010 Beehive Book Award nominees right now, so number two, DragonQuest, will have to wait. Our next reading read aloud book is My 100 Adventures by Polly Horvath.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

(I started marking favorite excerpts from the book about nearly 3/4 of the way through the book, so I probably missed a lot of good ones!)

"That's the problem all too many times. . . ambition, pride. In some cases it's dangerous to want to be better and prove it."

"When you beat back that pride that wants to say, 'I'm big' then you are in a position to learn."

"Quests are quite interesting except for the uncomfortable parts."

"Still, he can't cook. He's my friend though, and you have to make allowances for friends. None of them are perfect. Very few of them can cook."

"You are more than my servant. You are my friend, my child, my vision of the future."

Sometimes the order of importance of our responsibilities shifts. What was crucial at one moment moves down to second place, or third, under different circumstances.

"Nothing? You went to university so that in a time of crisis you come up with nothing? Preposterous. We should have brought a plumber instead of a librarian!"

The wizard often complained about Librettowit's lack of culinary skill, to which the tumanhofer replied, "I'm a librarian."

"Librarians are handy."

(I have a secret desire to become a children's librarian, so the librarian quotes were quite funny to me!)

Dancing With the Stars Speech

(Utah State Convention Speech: March 6, 2010)

There was a time in my life that I thought . . . this is it, this is what happiness feels like.

I had just returned from a summer studying law in London, and was on the verge of finishing graduate school. I was right on track for my dream career. Everything was going exactly the way I had planned. Then one night I made a terrible mistake that derailed my plans: I went dancing.

It was a double date, and turned out to be my first date with my husband Brent. . . sort of. He was on the date, and I was on the date, and we danced the night away. But, technically he was not exactly MY date.

Brent had won many dance contests, and had taught country dancing since high school. I think his date felt a little overwhelmed, and I know mine didn’t even want to try to compete. So, Brent asked if I would give it a try.

It was my second time country dancing, and he had his work cut out for him. I’m not a natural dancer. Even after 15 years of dancing with him, I still need him to whisper slow-slow-quick-quick-slow-slow when we two step.

I worried a little about stepping on his toes, but I was still WILLING TO TRY. I might not have had the natural aptitude that some other people are blessed with, but I could use skills that I did posses to make things turn out JUST RIGHT for us. I also discovered that in order to make some of the lifts work, you have to look up, trust your partner, and jump.

I’m not any more of a natural at mothering than I am a natural at dancing. At our wedding reception, my sister asked my mother, “Do you think Shauna will ever have children?” My mother hesitated, then replied, “Oh, I think she will have one… just to say she did it.”

It wasn’t that I had anything against motherhood, I just couldn’t see how a child would fit into all my other plans: education, a prestigious career, travel, adventure . . . not to mention buying a closet-full of fabulous shoes. Luckily, something changed within me, and I listened when God whispered to me that His plan was for me to become a mother. I soon found that knowing that I was supposed to have a child didn’t answer all of the other questions that motherhood inevitably brings. God didn’t tell me how it was all going to work; He only asked if I was willing to try.

Five children later, motherhood has been a never-ending series of “willing to try moments,” –some great and some not. When my daughter played Annie in a community play, I volunteered to make her costume. After hours of cutting, sewing, and several extra trips to the fabric store I was finished. (NOT with the dress, though.) I stormed to the computer, Googled “Little Orphan Annie costumes’ and ended my misery. Thank goodness for EBay!

That first night dancing, it became clear to me that I didn’t have the natural talent, grace or rhythm of many of the dancers, and that I didn’t do things the same way they did. But I quickly recognized that I did have some skills from my years in gymnastics and cheerleading that while a little unconventional, could work out just right.

Similarly, I don’t have the same talents that seem to come so naturally to other mothers. Growing up, I watched my 4’10” 95 pound mother knead a ball of bread dough in a huge stainless steel bowl. She kneaded with her arms in the dough past her elbows and used her entire body weight to fold in the dough.

Can you believe I used to be embarrassed of my brown bag lunches with sandwiches made from homemade bread? In contrast, I have used my automatic bread making machine—a wedding gift—three times in the past 15 years. Twice successfully.

Fortunately, God did bless me with other talents that I can use to be the “just right” mother for my children. NOT all of them are talents you would find on a Mother Aptitude Test, but they have worked for me.

In second grade, most of my grades were good, but next to “Uses Time Wisely” my teacher had marked an unprecedented S (for Superior) TRIPLE PLUS! I’m still proud of that report card! I may not be the best cook in the work, but I have a talent for making sure that I have time to read to each child before they pour themselves a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast each morning. My children might never know how home-made bread tastes as a bedtime snack, but I make time so they will know how it feels to kneel with their mother before they go to sleep.

In law school, I discovered and developed a knack for negotiation. At that time, I never imagined that I would use that talent to coax my four-year old son down from the neighbor’s roof, explain to two toddlers that putting on shoes before going out to build a snowman is actually important, or convince my children that having a generous refund policy is essential after you sell garter snakes to all the neighborhood children.

God handpicks the children he sends to mothers. He knows perfectly the joys and challenges that will help us grow. And he has given each of us a unique set of skills that make us the “JUST RIGHT” mother of our unique children.

Capturing this sentiment perfectly, Desmond Tutu said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

My favorite wedding picture is of Brent and I doing a back arch. He is holding me high above his head, balancing me with one hand. I am arching backward, wedding dress flowing down, looking straight up to the sky. We did that lift for the first time our first night dancing, and it has become a fun thing to do at random times in our lives. (on cruise ships, in front of significant landmarks, even once (but only once) when I was seven months pregnant.) The key to getting the lift to work is that I have to look up, trust my partner, and jump.

After my third child was born, I left a rewarding career to be a stay at home mother. Even though I knew it was right, I struggled to find joy in motherhood. Despite my healthy children, supportive husband, and other wonderful blessings, I told God that I hated my life, and I wanted to go back to work—THIS wasn’t working. I didn’t end up going back, but I did learn to find joy in motherhood.

I drove to a lookout area on the foothills of a mountain near my home in Springville. I poured out my heart to God and waited for his answer. I waited a long time, and nothing came. Then as I was driving down the mountain, I had the distinct thought, "What WILL make you happy?" It was so clear, it was almost as if a voice spoke to me. I pulled over and began writing. . . and pondering. What would make me happy?

I made quite a long list of things through the next few days. As I pondered the list, four categories became apparent. (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Spiritual). I began doing something in each of those categories each day for myself, with my children, and in my marriage. They were simple things at first, but I began to feel hope that daily consistent effort in these areas would lead me toward the things I desired for my family.

Over the years these topics have grown to become S.P.I.C.E.S.S. (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional, Skills and Social.) I try to help my husband, my children and myself set goals in these areas. It began with a small things each day, and has grown to something that is leading my family towards my hopes for our eternal happiness.

In mothering, God is my partner, and when I really need Him to lift me, all I have to do is look up, trust Him, and jump.

The joy I have found in mothering almost always starts with a willingness to try. Even though I may be different from other mothers, I know that God has given me unique talents to be the “JUST RIGHT” mother for my children. And when my joy in motherhood needs a lift, I am so grateful that all I have to do is look up, trust and jump.

Utah State Convention

Happy Birthday Song for Shauna.

Utah State AMI Convention: Chairpersons and Honored Mothers

The Utah State American Mothers Convention was on March 6, 2010. My 40th birthday!

For my birthday, Brent arranged to spend the night at Little America in Salt Lake. He had to arrange all sorts of little details (babysitter, substitutes for work, the ballet carpool) What a great gift!

We left Saturday evening and went to Salt Lake. We shopped at the Gateway, and got a few screaming deals (including fabulous hot pink wedge sandals--I love shoes!) We were looking for suits for AMI things and found nothing good. We did get to visit the book store, though! We ate at Costa Vida (I had fajita steak quesadillas, but unfortunately, I have really lost my taste for meat, so I ended up picking most of the steak out. I’m getting weird, I know! I’m catching “vegetarian” from Brent!) Then back to our hotel room to work on my speech. (Brent is an excellent corroborator. He helps take my ideas, notes and drafts and distills them into powerful, concise, logical words!) I had a long luxurious bath before bed. Great day!

I slept horribly at the hotel. I think I was latently nervous about my speech—partly because it wasn’t completely finished and polished yet and partly because the hotel had only fluffy, soft bits-of-nothing pillows. I like mine nearly solid foam. Brent was in heaven, though, he loves those kind of pillows. I got up early and began re-working and practicing my speech and getting ready. I had a great hair day! What a great birthday present. Yeah!

The luncheon was in Brigham City at the Maddox Lodge. The president of AMI, Lisa Klomp, invited everyone to sing to me for the meeting started. (I admit, it was fun to have 100 people singing Happy Birthday!) I gave my speech and it went really well. I wish that I had finished it earlier and had more time to polish it, but I felt like it turned out well.

We stayed around to talk and visit after the convention, and even did the “back arch lift” that I mentioned in my speech. (the pictures aren't great, but at least I have pictures of it!)

We stopped by Fashion Place Mall, (looking for suits and a MAC makeup counter) We didn’t really find anything . . . there was a makeup event and the store was a mad house!) But, we got a new red cover for my phone and ate yummy veggie pizza. Then we raced home to get ready for our soccer game (which included a 15 minute power nap for me). We tied the soccer game . . . and I had another “almost” goal . . . I’m getting better!

We went home and read to the children and tucked them in, then we went country dancing. We haven’t been country dancing in months! At home, Brent was saying a beautiful prayer before bed, (thanking God for me . . . isn't that kind?) but I heard only the first 3 seconds before I was completely asleep.

Sunday morning, Brent said, “We just spend the last 56 hours together. It makes me so happy to be with you.” “Mmmm, Me too!” Then he said the beautifully obvious, “We were definitely meant for each other.” I love that man!

Visiting the Legislature and Meeting Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert

MOY and Honor Mothers with Governor Gary R. Herbert

Shauna with a Utah pin presented by my State Senator.

Shauna and daughter in front of the Capitol Building.

Shirley Tong, Utah Mother of the Year 2010 and Shauna Bird Dunn

Shauna and Jodi Wilding, Utah Young Mother Coordinator

(isn't Jodi great?)

Reading the Utah State Legislature Official Citation Honoring American Mothers Inc.

February 26, 2010

The Utah Mother and Mother of Young Children for 2010 and the Merit Mothers were presented to the Governor and the Utah Legislature. The older children had activities to attend and we weren't sure how much waiting there would be, so we got a babysitter for the little ones. Aerie and Brent were able to attend. It ended up being a fabulous day for the three of us.

Brent suggested that I give Governor Herbert a book (because reading is my thing), and we ended up having enough time (and a parking angel) to get a book from Deseret Book. Unfortunately, there weren’t a ton of picture book choices, but we ended up choosing Sugar Cookies: Sweet Little Lessons on Love by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Jane Dyer. I wrote in the front, "Mothers teach amazing things through simple acts. Thank you for honoring all the mothers of Utah." and signed it with my name and "Utah Mother of Young Children 2010."

Governor Herbert was very personable, and commended our work as mothers. When he met Aerie he asked her age and she told him nine. He said, “So, third grade? Fourth grade?” Aerie simply said, “Yes.” (It is such a homeschool answer. And, it is what I often say to her, I can’t remember what grade she would actually be in anymore.) When I interjected that we homeschool, the governor said, “Oh, then you’re probably in eighth grade.” And Aerie said, “Well, I kind of am in eighth grade.” It was a hoot!

After being introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives, we took pictures in front of the Capitol Building. Then we asked Aerie if she’d like to go someplace nice for lunch. “Yeah, let’s go someplace nice . . . like IHOP!” (I guess that means nice as opposed to McDonalds or Golden Corral?) We ended up at the Garden Restaurant in the Joseph Smith Building. A violinist was playing in the foyer, and we stopped to listen. Aerie’s eyes were glowing. The violinist stopped to visit with us and encouraged Aerie to keep practicing. Aerie told her that she really wants to go to Nauvoo and be a music missionary there when she is a teenager. Now, she thinks it would be great to get to play at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, too. (I’m so grateful for inspirational “experiences”!)

The rest of the day was crazy. We raced home after our late (fancy!) lunch, got Sophia off to dance, and I took pictures of several picture books (Aerie and Sallie and Coco held them up for me . . . they were great helpers!), then we went to the Girl Scout Ranch by Grandma’s house and I read bedtime stories with the pictures projected on the wall so that all 120 people at the “indoor campout” could see them. (My friend, Chante H. is the Girl Scout event planner and asked me to do that.) Sophia was excited to get to spend time with G. (she considers G. her best friend even though they don’t get to see each other much.) And Aerie got to be with C.H. and L.B. (friends from Springville). Coco was very excited to play with Aerie’s friends . . . and thankfully, they let her. It was a hectic, but very rewarding day.

Shauna's YMOY Speech

February 6, 2010
The YMOY nominees across the nation were given the same speech topic: Motherhood: What Legacy Will I Leave? I thought about it (incessantly) for days, researched the word "Legacy", and then surprisingly, the speech came together quickly in one day. (I didn't memorize it that quickly, though!) Here it is.

Motherhood: What Legacy Will I Leave?

“Let’s play making dinner!” a little girl called to the other children in our church nursery play area.
“Okay!” My then three year old daughter, Sophia, responded.

As the little girl proceeded to get out the play kitchen bowls and mixing spoons and organize them on the counter, my (as it turns out—very observant) daughter said, “Ding! Ding! Ding! It’s ready!” and pulled out a plastic plate from the toy microwave oven.

I admit it. I am not the best cook in the world, I’m not even the best cook in my own home . . . I’m probably fifth out of seven. . . and that includes my children who aren’t old enough to turn on the stove.

I’m also not the best homemaker in the world. Once, to my delight, while visiting my mother-in-law, my four-year-old son said, “I’ll clean off the table for you, Grandma.” And then to my horror, I had to fish out three china dinner plates from the trash can . . . because that’s where a lot of the used dinner plates from our house belong.

There are lots of things I’m not the “best” at. There are lots of things I’m not even very good at . . .
But, I’m a really good “try-er.”

Charles Dickens said,
"Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart do to it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely, in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest."

I may not be the BEST at anything, but I am “thoroughly in earnest” about being a mother. I have devoted myself completely, in great aims and in small . . .
And it isn’t easy. Motherhood is hard. But, I keep trying.

I’m trying to leave my children a legacy. A legacy is something precious that you give to someone you love. It is something that keeps you alive—at least to your loved ones—even after you are gone.

Dr. Howard Thurman, former dean of Theology at Boston University, said,
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because the world needs . . . people who have come alive.”

Being a mother makes me come alive. Motherhood is discovery, adventure, disappointment, forgiveness, sorrow, thankfulness, pain, joy, love.

This precious thing—this LEGACY—I can leave to my loved ones is my life and my earnest efforts to become the best mother I can be. And hopefully, my efforts to come ALIVE –to be what the world needs—will inspire them to come alive—to keep trying, in great aims and small . . . to do hard things . . . to be what the world needs.

Note: the pictures is from our Dunn Family Reunion in Nauvoo. Sophia's friend, Gabby, is the extra family member.

Aerie's Introduction for Shauna's YMOY Speech

Brent was not able to get away from work the Saturday morning that I had my Young Mother interviews and speech. Aerie was excited to be the person to introduce me. She and Brent wrote the speech, and she delivered the introduction flawlessly. Many people afterward asked, "Is that girl in drama? Because she needs to be!"

My mom is Wonder Woman. I haven't found where she parks her Invisible Jet but no mere mortal could do all the things she does. She can create Book-Club Parties out of thin air, she can transform the gospel art kit into Scripture Snack, and her closet is actually Book Divaland. She manages to practice strings and piano with each of us, drive us to music lessons, dance, fencing, drama, activities, and orchestra, do all the other everyday mom things, but somehow still has time to wake each of us up and put us to bed with our own read aloud book. In case you hadn't noticed yet, she really likes books. I think because she is Wonder Woman, she also likes making up activities that start with the same letter. We set goals and talk about how things are going in Monday Mom Meetings, and we cut loose and have fun together during Family Fun Fridays. Coincidence? I think not! One Friday during a Nerf Gun Battle, I actually caught her blocking a bullet with her bracelet. Yep, my mom is definitely Wonder Woman.

Portfolio: Question 10

10. What could you do in your community and state to promote AMI programs?

I pledge to wage a vigorous campaign against abuse and violence in all its forms.

Increase Communication

The programs of AMI are designed to encourage and uplift mothers as well as strengthen the fight to build strong families. More mothers need to know about this organization. I majored in marketing in college and worked for some time in the marketing arena and therefore understand that sometimes the toughest battle is just getting the word out. To publicize American Mothers Inc., I intend to visit various City Council Meetings and other legislative meetings during their public comment period to make a formal statement describing AMI activities, and encourage family friendly legislation. I will also utilize social networking sites and public message boards to describe AMI activities, especially to build interfaith alliances and promote a formal celebration of National Mothers Prayer Day. I can write letters to the editors of newspapers and create a blog and an online newsletter of my “adventures in mothering” as an AMI representative.

Books for Babies

As a member of my local library Board of Directors, I was able to secure a sizeable grant to encourage literacy in young girls. The Books for Babies program parallels this objective. Although I cannot guarantee winning another grant, I will certainly try. I also have a reading presentation “The E’s and Ease of Helping Your Child Love Reading” that I can offer libraries and other groups throughout the state to inspire young mothers to read (more) to their children.

5^th Grade Essay Contest

Writing goes hand in hand with reading. Promoting this program through contact with local PTA Presidents and homeschool groups would dovetail nicely with my passion for reading. I will create flyers to post on Community Boards at local libraries and schools as well as an electronic flyer to inform homeschool, public school, and charter school groups of this opportunity for children.

Portfolio: Question 9

9. What specifically would you like to see done to promote the objectives of AMI?

I pledge to ask God’s help as a parent in today’s world.

As a member of American Mothers International, I am part of an “interfaith, non-profit, non-political organization [that works] as a dedicated force to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.” I have been uplifted, blessed, inspired, and supported through my attendance at meetings. I want the same for other mothers.

My introduction to AMI began with an email about National Mothers Prayer Day. That sparked my interest, and I began to do some research. Through that research I discovered the national AMI website, and was lead to the Utah state website. I attended the state convention in 2007 and have been an active participant ever since. I think other women of faith would be interested and inspired through participating in National Mothers Prayer Day.

What a powerful force for good . . . a national day of mothers praying together without regard for religious affiliation . . . “storming heaven” with our prayers of faith as we become, through prayer, “a dedicated force to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.”* I imagine hundreds, even thousands of mothers throughout our state and throughout our nation uniting in prayer on this day, gathering in homes and churches and synagogues to “harness the powers of heaven” in order to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and home.

I will organize a formal celebration of National Mothers Prayer Day—perhaps at multiple locations to accommodate the schedules of busy mothers. I will make a concerted effort to seek out women’s groups from differing faiths and invite them to participate in local chapter meetings and specifically attend the Prayer Day celebration. I have done this on a local level with neighbors and friends, but the time has come to seek beyond simple accessibility. I can use social networking sites (like Facebook) to reach hundreds of other mothers. I can invite women’s groups from my own faith and contact friends not of my own faith to invite their women’s groups to participate. I will take a more active role in promoting the objectives of AMI.

* Quotes taken from national AMI Web site: www.americanmothers.org

Portfolio: Question 8

8. What activities have you been involved in within your faith-based organization?

I pledge to support and promote positive programs for children and families.

My faith-based organization allows a lot of opportunity for service, and therefore, personal growth. Within my church, I have served mostly as a teacher—of children, teenagers, and adults. In the fourteen years that I have been a mother, nine of them have been spent teaching music to children. It is my absolute favorite responsibility. My husband has diagnosed me with a disease called O.T.T.D. (Over-The-Top-Disorder) and it manifests it quite evidently when I get to combine a passion (music) with another passion (teaching children) on top of another passion (the gospel of Jesus Christ.) We have a lot of fun together.

I have also had the opportunity to teach adults. One year, my assignment in the congregation was to teach an Enrichment lesson (a monthly meeting held on a week night in addition to Sunday meetings) on a pre-assigned topic. Besides teaching about the assigned topic, I made it a point to include the phrase “Heavenly Father wants you to succeed gloriously” in every lesson, and sought to uplift the fifteen or so women that regularly attended the meeting. I even wore a costume each month to emphasize my theme. By the end of this year of service, we had doubled the regular attendance of this meeting. I like to think that my lessons played a role in that increase.

I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with youth. I’ve been an advisor and counselor in my church’s organization for young women. I’ve also been invited on several occasions through the years to speak at special youth meetings outside my own congregation, such as Girl’s Camp firesides, New Beginnings, special Standards Nights, Evening of Excellence and Stake Youth Conferences.

Several years ago, I gave a presentation in church about my journey to law school and a career and finally to my decision to stay home full time with my children. My bishop recommended I submit the talk to our international church magazine. The result, an article called “Mother, Come Home,” was published in the April 2007 Ensign Magazine.

Portfolio: Question 7

7. In what ways do you and your husband seek to enrich your relationship?

I pledge to foster personal responsibility and respect in my home and community.

Before we were married, my husband Brent came to Texas to meet my parents and officially ask for my hand. Then he, my sister, and I drove back to school in Utah. I gave the wrong directions and promptly fell asleep. Three hours later when I woke up and realized what I had done, he didn’t even bat an eye. “It happens!” he said. I knew then that I was getting a really good deal.

It is easy to be married to such a kind, supportive man. He always opens the door for me. He makes sure I get a Sunday nap. He is careful to be kind to me, typically more careful than I am to return such kindness. I try, when I catch myself calling out to him in a harsh tone, to “change it to a compliment” and say something nice. He knows when I’m doing this and just grins at me.

To enrich our relationship, we have a weekly date night, we stay up late in the middle of the week talking together, and we read good books together. (We used to read aloud together, but I just kept reading ahead, so now we just get two copies of the book and read alongside each other.) We play on a co-ed soccer team, we hug and kiss in front of our children, and we slow dance in the kitchen.

Twice yearly, we go on a SPICESS (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional, Social and Skills) retreat. We spend the day together talking about our individual status in these areas, as well as each of our children’s progress, and how our family is doing in general. We set goals in these areas and talk of how we can help our children. We also go to a “spicy” restaurant for dinner.

Our wedding anniversary is March 18, and we celebrate the 18^th of every month as “Sweetheart Day.” Some months, we drop into bed at the end of the day and barely remember to say “Happy Sweetheart Day.” Other months we have a special, “extra” date to celebrate our day. We often enjoy a visit to our local temple to celebrate Sweetheart Day.

Brent is a great blessing in my life.

Portfolio: Question 6

6. In what ways do you seek to enrich your own life?

I pledge to serve my family and community through personal development as an individual, parent and citizen.

When I was a teenager, my mother painted a still life of an apple and read Les Miserables. She taught through her example that it is valuable and commendable as a mother to seek personal enrichment.

Within my community, I serve on the American Fork Library Board. As a member of the board, I have been able to speak at City Council meetings to present the library’s strengths and plead against major budget cuts. I was also able to obtain a sizeable grant for a new program we are beginning at the library, and will be taking a fun family tradition (Mother/Daughter Book Club Parties . . . emphasis on the party) to the community. I have also enjoyed serving on a local city council member’s campaign staff.

On a personal level, as a busy homeschooling mother of five active children, I have learned to multi-task and to squeeze “my” things into a day already packed full of worthy activities. I wake up before my children to exercise, study, and plan my day. I listen to taped educational lectures while getting ready in the mornings. I jump rope for five minutes five times a day to pack in a bit more exercise. I listen to audio books while I “put my house to bed” late at night. I do leg squats while I brush my teeth. I practice harp after my children are in bed. And I take “power” naps.

I try to “Gain a Proficiency Yearly.” Sometimes the proficiency picks itself, (i.e., “I can learn to mother young children” or “I can graduate from law school”.) But usually I ponder and plan through December and January—getting more and more excited about the possibilities for my next proficiency. My husband jokes that “my proficiency” is just an excuse to buy books, but through the years (since 1990) I have learned to do some pretty amazing things. I learned to play the harp at age 30 and the violin at 36. One year, I studied fitness and nutrition and lost 27 pounds. (I’ve kept 20 off!) I learned about photography and scrapbooking and was published in several nationally acclaimed magazines. I developed my skills as a public speaker, and spoke in numerous large meetings. I have run two marathons. Last year I studied ballet, earned pointe shoes, and even became a ballet teacher.

Portfolio: Question 5

5. What has influenced your understanding of what a mother and wife should be? How has this affected your life as a mother and wife?

I pledge to enhance the spiritual foundation of my home by precept and example.

“Mom, do you think Shauna will have any children?” my sister asked on my wedding day. My mother, an amazing example of finding delight in motherhood, was quite disappointed that I never wanted to have children. I wanted a career. I wanted to travel. My mother responded hopefully, “I think she will have one . . . just to say that she did it.” I have five children now, but it was a long, slow process to learn delight in being a mother.

Many years ago, when my children were quite young, I left a gratifying and rewarding career in corporate law to stay at home full-time with my children. I felt that I had left my dreams behind and I was somehow being punished and denied happiness despite doing what I felt called of God to do. One evening, I drove to a secluded spot that overlooked the city lights and poured out my heart to God. I explained that I was doing what He wanted me to do, yet I wasn’t happy. I think I actually told Him I hated my life. (An audacious statement, considering my healthy children, comfortable warm home, loving husband, and supportive extended family.) However, as I drove down the mountain, a thought came into my mind. “What will make you happy?” I knew the answer had to be carefully considered. I began writing lists of things that would truly make me happy—things in my roles as a mother, as a woman, as a wife. I created nearly four pages of things that I wanted within my family that would bring happiness.

As I pondered these pages, four categories (Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical, and Social) emerged. I began to see that I could find joy in the day-to-day aspects of motherhood by realizing that I was building toward eternity. I resolved to do something within each category each day for myself and with my children. These categories have now expanded to the acronym S.P.I.C.E.S.S. (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional, Social, and Skills) and activities that promote each of these areas have become an integral part of our daily family rhythm.

Portfolio: Question 4

4. What specific things do you do to nurture each child?

I pledge to encourage honesty, integrity, patriotism, and the application of moral values in every area

of American life beginning in my own home

“I’m awake, I’m awake! Keep reading!” My teenage son is a captive audience and willing to stay in bed for a few extra minutes, even if it includes listening to his mother reading a story. Reading individually with my children each day helps create opportunities to discuss important things in an unobtrusive manner. Often, these books become “Book Club Party” books. We have a fun time planning the craft, treat, story books and activities we will include at our Mother/Child Book Club Party. I try to allow each child one book club party per quarter. But they are so fun, I’ve had a child ask, “Can I have an extra Book Club Party instead of a birthday party this year?”

“Mom is my favorite mom because she’s the one who came up with birthday dates.” Each month, on the anniversary of the day of their birthday, we have a birthday date with each child. We do simple, inexpensive things, like visit a special park or stop by the pet shop just to look. One or both parents go on the date; the most important thing is that child feels individually loved.

During “Tuck-In Time” at night, I pray individually with each of the children. They know that when I am praying next to them, I am praying ONLY for them. Often, we discuss our prayers. I try to let my children know how precious they are to me and how grateful I am for them. Also, I keep a circle journal with each of my children and we write regular notes to each other in our special books.

“Because we don’t have cows!” is my answer when a child asks why they have to practice their music. Daily music practice has many benefits, not the least of which is teaching a strong work ethic—just like working on a dairy farm. I try to make practicing a pleasant experience for all of us. (It’s a goal I continuously work toward!) They don’t love it so much . . . but they will. They also don’t love media restrictions. We allow only three “free” hours of media on Saturday night, but they can earn more media time through additional instrument practice or extra family work. They don’t think of that family rule as nurturing . . . but they will.

Portfolio: Question 3

3. On a daily basis, what do you feel is your most important function?

I pledge to remember that with God, all things are possible.

A favorite quote says, “A mother’s love perceives no impossibilities.” Many years ago I spoke to a friend with nearly fifteen siblings. Half of them were adopted or foster siblings. All of the children from this family turned out to be happy, contributing, competent adults. This family produced several multi-million dollar business owners, many talented musicians, and some really amazing parents, despite stories of a somewhat (ahem!) scatter-brained mother. I asked my friend, “How did your mother do it? How did everyone turn out so well?” The answer was love. My friend said, “She just loved us to success.” This has become my central goal in motherhood. I want my children to know that I love them. Sometimes it is tough love, sometimes it is sappy, goofy love, but it is always unconditional and freely given. I am constantly telling them “I love you no matter what!” I want to “love them to success” . . . however they choose to define success!

Loving my children goes beyond just telling them that I love them. They need to comprehend my love for them through my words and actions. I kiss and hug them. I leave notes for them—often in surprising places! In homeschool, I help them learn to love learning. I help them learn to work and to serve. I help them learn to give their best efforts. (One family saying is: Well done is DUNN done!) I take them to church and help them discover that God loves them even more than I do. And I pray, a lot, for the capacity to love them to success.

“We can do that, but first we have to ___________.” Fill in the blank with clean your room, practice cello or other such task. When my daughter Coco was five, I was struggling with her strong personality. Praying and pondering helped me discover that I was a large part of the problem. The lesson I thought I was teaching, “work before play” was coming across to her as “I will love

you if . . .” I repented. I worked to do or say twenty positive things to her before anything that could be considered negative each day. I learned to proactively hug her and say, “Let’s be together. First we’ll clean your room, and then we can play a game. I love being with you.” It was a small change, but it has made all the difference. My most important function is to love my children to success.

Portfolio: Question 2

2. Do you have a special, planned family time each week?
I pledge to love, nurture, and educate my children remembering the power and influence of a joyful home.

A few years ago, I felt inspired to start Fun Family Friday. I had been thinking and praying about keeping my children close to me during their impending teenage years and about creating a family where everyone wants to be together forever. We plan a fun activity each week. Friends are often included in our family activity, and the children are strongly encouraged to schedule outside activities around Fun Family Friday. Some of our favorite activities have been neighborhood water balloon fights, marshmallow gun wars, paintball, indoor sock hockey, swimming, and movie nights.

My husband works every week night, so we enjoy “Family Home Morning” each Monday morning. Family members rotate through special assignments, including Lesson Leader, Treat, Testimony, Talent, Prayer Meister, Song Meister and Activity Chooser. We also have calendaring, journal writing, and a family game. Jenga and “Extreme Spoons” are favorites.

Sundays are called “Family Day.” After church, we invite a family or two from our congregation to enjoy root beer floats. (It’s easier than making dinner, and everybody usually likes them!) After our guests leave, we have Sunday Stations, which include journal writing, scripture reading, letter writing or card making, and working on church achievement awards. We try to set apart Sunday as a holy day by not playing outside with friends or doing other activities like computer games. Sunday stations help us remember that Sunday is a different day from other days in the week. Sunday dinner together is also an important part of the week. Traditionally, Dad (the vegetarian) makes a roast on Sundays, but now our fourteen year old son Malachi likes to prepare steak for his sisters—so we let him! After the blessing on the food, we discuss what the children learned in their Sunday School lessons. On Sundays, we often enjoy a family game, and sometimes I can convince my children to give a mini orchestra recital. The important thing is that we spend the day together.

Portfolio: Question 1

1. Write a brief description of your favorite family activities.

I pledge to seek opportunities to strengthen my family by working, playing, serving and praying together.

Louisa May Alcott said, “She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.” Guilty as charged. My alter-ego, the Book Diva, Book-a-neer or Book Fairy (depending on my mood) comes sweeping, sauntering or flitting down from Book Diva Land (my closet). My arms piled high with brightly colored boxes, (filled with a personally selected book for each child), I wait for the cheers to subside, and in my best Zsa Zsa Gabor voice, ask each child in turn, “Have you been a good reader ’zis veek, Daa-hling?” I feel like a rock star when fifteen minutes later, mild-mannered Mom returns to see all five children curled up on our worn, comfy couch immersed in their Book Diva books!

“If Mom got elected president, she would make us clean all day!” (I’m really not that bad.) My younger children squabble over who gets to blow the whistle to start Tidy Time: “Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!” means “Come Right Now!” We divvy out cleaning assignments . . . and each child gets to choose a favorite “cleaning” song on the iPod. Sometimes (at the children’s request) we “motivate” with pings from the homemade PVC pipe marshmallow gun. We can get the main floor tidy in under six songs. (Even including soup ladle karaoke breaks!)

“Scripture Snack” is a favorite daily tradition (nearly 12 years!). As long as the children remind me to start before 8:00 p.m., (and they very rarely forget) we read a scripture story, eat a snack, and then quiz each other on details of the story. We try to make the questions just hard enough so they don’t need to use the “Phone a Sibling” lifeline.

Other Favorite Family Activities

Family Bedtime Read Aloud Bathroom Brigade (weekly family service projects) Morning Family and Personal Scripture Study “Bookstore treats” after a recital Annual Snow Day Celebration "Happy Birthday Jesus!” Neighborhood Party Cinnamon rolls for Sunday breakfast

Love Day Lunch Family Clappings Throwing Tin The Joanna Song Sock Hockey Movie stumps and quizzers Been There, DUNN that!

The Essay: What I Find Most Fulfilling in Family Life as a Young Mother.

Wow! This was difficult. To narrow down what I find MOST fulfilling, and then to fit it onto one page. Here goes:

“Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”

~Swami Sivananda

Finding fulfillment in motherhood was not something that came easily to me. When I left the corporate path to stay at home with my children I envisioned that my great sacrifice would merit a smooth ride to maternal bliss. Instead, I found myself scraping dried oatmeal from the kitchen walls while trying to comfort a colicky baby and keep the toddler from streaking out the front door . . . again. At night, I would kneel and ask, “Heavenly Father, why on Earth did you have me get two graduate degrees if I was going to end up incessantly changing diapers and Band-Aids, scrubbing floors, mating socks, refereeing quarrels, and coercing reluctant musicians?”

God did not answer me immediately or all at once, but I heard Him whispering when my three year old son prayed, asking Him to heal a little sister’s smashed finger; when I listened as my twelve year old daughter “buried the hatchet” and comforted a younger sister after a hard day; when my nine year old sneaked into the baby’s room to whisper a favorite bedtime story; and each time I discover a crayoned note under my pillow. I felt Him answer as I sat in the living room and listened to a (slightly off key) Mother’s Day recital. My children played and sang, “Mother, I love you. Mother, I do. Father in Heaven has sent me to you.” God’s answer to my exasperated prayer is, “My child, can’t you see? You aren’t a maid, a nanny, or a chauffeur. With My help, you are becoming something truly great.”

At times I still struggle to see the divinity in my daily activities. It is easy to lose the vision and view raising children as little more than nature’s way of ensuring survival of the species. Nature, however, did not make me a mother. God offered me the chance to participate in creation, and I chose to accept it. He gave me intelligence, creativity and a desire for greatness for a reason—to enable me to pour my heart, might, mind, and soul into my divine role as a mother—to give me success.

A wise Christian leader* noted, “To do well those things which God ordained is the truest greatness.” My fulfillment comes as I use my God-given gifts in pursuit of true greatness; through the struggle to discover—and the joy of finding—the divinity in what I do as a mother each day.

* Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1982, p. 19

The Portfolio: Biography

Shauna Bird Dunn was born in Provo, Utah, and raised in an Air Force family. She has lived in six states and two foreign countries. After serving an LDS mission in Finland, she earned a Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Shauna worked in corporate law for several years before deciding to stay at home full time.

Shauna currently homeschools her five children, serves on the Board of Directors for American Fork Library, and serves on the planning board for her local AMI chapter. She is an avid (rabid!) reader and enjoys running, public speaking, playing harp, practicing Suzuki music with her five children, dancing, and napping. She resides in American Fork, Utah and is living happily ever after with her true love, Brent.

Where It All Began

On February 6, 2010, I was selected as Utah's Young Mother of the Year for 2010! (My children have been scoffing . . . "YOUNG Mother? Aren't you turning 40 this year?") It really means mother of young children. (To be eligible, all of my children must be under age 18.) So, now the adventure begins. The state convention/luncheon is March 6 (which happens to be my birthday!) and then the national convention is in New York City. (At the Waldorf-Astoria . . .whoo hoo!)

I was nominated by my local chapter of American Mothers (see the chapter blog at www.americanmothers.wordpress.org or the national website at www.americanmothers.org) and then had to write up a portfolio, including ten (hard! Well--hard to answer in just one page) questions and an essay. Then yesterday, I had to present a 3 minute speech and have an interview with a panel of three judges, and put up a small display. (I only remember one of the judge's names--Michalene Grassli--the former General Primary President and also former Utah Mother of the Year)

There were two other mothers that were nominated for Young Mother, and four for Mother of the Year. I liked getting to know them, hearing their speeches, seeing their displays, and looking at their portfolios. It makes me look forward to the other amazing mothers I'll be able to learn from in the coming year!

The picture is of my display. I included a picture book treasury, a family journal, lots of pictures (including general family pictures, reading together, service projects and book club parties), a copy of my Ensign article, a family picture, a balloon bouquet (I'm really enjoying that Christmas present!), a jump rope, the book "All We Need is You and Me" that I gave Brent for Valentines Day, and Sallie's violin. I had little cards explaining why I choose the items for the display.

Intent

What is my "intent" with this blog?

I want a place to "catch" my memories this year while serving as Utah's Mother of Young Children 2010.

I also want to share the joy that I feel as a wife and mother. I know what it is like to hate being a mother, to feel trapped. I also know what it is like to find joy and fulfillment as a mother. Hopefully, by sharing my ups and downs, I'll be able to help others along their path to find fulfillment and joy in their callings as mothers.

I am far from perfect. But, I keep trying. I have learned to find joy and fulfillment in my calling as a mother.