tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11252422571144246922012-01-24T21:56:43.784-07:00Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-3079264141231177722012-01-24T21:47:00.002-07:002012-01-24T21:56:43.799-07:00

There are a lot of emotions involved with getting laid off from work. Some days are "Up" days and other days are "down" days. I have had one of each this week, and it's only Tuesday. The keys to having an "up" are 1) Get sufficient sleep at night. 2) Keeping busy during the day 3) Taking a walk every day and 4) Sneaking a nap in every day...especially on days that I don't sleep well. (which is

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-89951678859954265252012-01-14T10:49:00.007-07:002012-01-15T05:55:45.260-07:00

You know, we had a tough financial year last year. I won't go into all the things that "helped" with that state. Recently I added a more fervent prayer asking to be "financially blessed" this upcoming year. Then I got laid off from work this week. Hmm. Not quite what I had in mind when I asked for financial blessings. I worked for the company for 12.5 years. Software companies usually have nice

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-42502628367834789882011-12-23T21:58:00.003-07:002011-12-23T22:06:33.725-07:00

1. I am grateful I was able to clean my room today. It looks a lot better. 2. I'm grateful my daughter wants to learn how to make Christmas Candy from me. We made toffee tonight. She likes it when it's grainy and soft. Most of the time i make it it doesn't turn out, but she likes it anyway. 3. I'm having fun listening to "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. This is is a good time of year to listen or

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-76036304162097928262011-12-15T05:19:00.003-07:002011-12-15T05:24:42.454-07:00

1. I'm thankful I slept well last night. Some nights I don't. 2. I'm thankful that I only have two more days of work this week. But yesterday was busy. I hope I can keep up today. Why is it always like that right before a break?3. Grateful for my nice warm house, especially on a cold night.4. I'm thankful Jessica's project for ASL seemed to go together well. Even though she wanted to put ME into

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-63700061333677924422011-12-14T07:38:00.006-07:002011-12-14T07:49:53.201-07:00

1. I enjoyed driving through the neighborhood last night with Jessica. We enjoyed the lights and decorations. The frosty-the-snowmen reminded me of Grisham's "Skipping Christmas." It helps to remind ourselves once in awhile that Christmas is more than trying to keep up with the neighbors. 2. I'm glad that Chris has some overtime shifts this month. I miss having him around, but the extra money in

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-49105276075557053252011-12-13T07:32:00.003-07:002011-12-13T07:40:35.334-07:00

1. I am glad I didn't blog last night between 6:30 and 7pm. I was NOT happy. Jessica's call time at the school ended up being earlier than I expected...and traffic was bad on the freeway. I got her dropped off then went to the school at 7pm to pick her up...only to find her still performing. Mary, from the front office, let me in the front door and suggested I sit on the bench in the Commons area

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-62003162891250563722011-12-11T21:01:00.004-07:002011-12-11T21:12:41.157-07:00

1. Spent the day making lasagna...only to have it turn out runny. It tasted good but just wasn't right. I'm grateful that Chris did the dishes for me. I'm also grateful that Jessica and Justin ate dinner.2. Enjoyed choir practice this afternoon. We're singing one of my all-time favorites "What Child is This" next week. We're also singing a nice arrangement of We Three Kinds and Carol of the

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-26507481288929768542011-12-10T21:40:00.002-07:002011-12-11T08:55:03.497-07:00

1. I'm tired. I did a lot today and I'll probably pay for it tomorrow. But I'm grateful I had a TON of help to clean the church this morning. 2. I had fun seeing the kids at the ward Christmas breakfast this morning. I had fun seeing the big kids too. (ie: adults.)3. I had fun seeing the lunar eclipse this morning. 4. I'm grateful I have a good start on the three batches of Lasagna I need to make

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-12166849288617411082011-12-09T16:22:00.005-07:002011-12-09T16:29:32.747-07:00

1. I'm glad it's Friday. 2. I love the weather. Blue skies and no precipitation. No wind either.3. I'm glad Chris was off work today so he could run the kids around. 4. I had a productive week. 5. Finished the book The Templar Legacy. I'm in the middle of reading The Secret Garden ... which is a much happier book to read. Both on the Kindle...the Templar Legacy as a digital library check out. The

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-89741145667401627162011-12-08T08:51:00.004-07:002011-12-08T09:05:10.851-07:00

1. I'm glad yesterday was extra busy at work. It makes the time go by quickly. 2. I'm glad Justin likes pizza. It makes it easy to feed him. 3. I'm glad Jessica could sing with the ladies at Relief Society last night. We sang "Breath of Heaven" as a three part women's choir. 4. I enjoy seeing the lights around town. 5. I'm grateful that it's not quite as cold this morning. It's either that, or

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-28421099343773587722011-12-07T08:32:00.004-07:002011-12-07T08:38:08.542-07:00

1. I'm glad that no one noticed the mis-matched pair of earrings I wore all day yesterday. Although, that might explain the funny look one of the development managers gave me at work.2. I'm glad that my new coat FINALLY arrived. it's wool and warm! And it's been COLD outside!3. I'm glad I got 8 hours of sleep. 4. I'm grateful I have paid vacation. I have two weeks off over the Christmas break.5.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-37739044908171073742011-12-06T08:25:00.003-07:002011-12-06T08:36:00.295-07:00

I'm going to take this blog a different route. I've enjoyed reading "Gratitude Journals" in a blog and I will try to post something every day. I could split the blog off, but don't see why ... i don't write here much anyway. 1. I'm glad that I went to the Lehi Christmas Choir Concert last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to see the show choir "Encore" and Jessica performing along with

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-53598973258965954972011-10-10T08:57:00.004-06:002011-10-10T09:01:54.012-06:00

I have blanks in my memory. There is a particular person from my past who has reappeared in the present. Even though I keep a journal I realize I have major gaps in that record of my life. Now my ghosts haunt me. Over the weekend found an address book from the past and found names in there that continue to haunt me. Although, sometimes I wonder if I want to remember. Maybe this is just a blessing

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-29178305565059225682011-10-03T13:33:00.007-06:002011-10-03T13:50:09.513-06:00

September 1986 I was in a singles ward that met at Utah Valley University, known as "the Tech" at the time. I called it the "Tech Ward" as did most of the people who attended with me. The Tech Ward had people who lived at home, lived in apartments. Some went to BYU, some went to the Tech, and some just worked. When I arrived at the Tech Ward I did so with a long-time friend. We checked it out and

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-531068021283832122011-10-03T13:09:00.004-06:002011-10-03T13:28:17.363-06:00

I realized late last night that my little sister turns 40 today. I called her this morning to let her know I was thinking about her.Chris is losing weight, but I'm gaining it. What gives? I need to walk more. I'm still concerned about the swelling in his leg he had surgery on. I'll keep encouraging him to walk though. Jessica has amazing talent(s). She took a sewing class last year at my

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-90789446617963964292011-09-21T06:58:00.006-06:002011-09-21T07:09:14.598-06:00

We went to Yellowstone last week. "We" is defined as Chris and I as well as Justin. Jess and Jeremy were left to fend for themselves. We had a wonderful time. It was nice to just get away for a few days. I am thankful for neighbors who helped keep an eye out for Jessica. Jess called one particular neighbor every day to report that she was ok. I appreciate all the extra "mom's" who helped to make

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-90239438417850831572011-09-20T08:02:00.008-06:002011-09-21T06:57:18.195-06:00

Since Chris's knee surgery a few weeks ago I've had a slow trickle of bills arriving in the mail. I also get email reminders about new EOB's (or explanation of benefits) on our insurance website. So, then I have to track the bills from the doctors and make sure they sync up with what the insurance says they paid. Then I get to compare the receipts of what I've actually already paid. Every time he

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-52621667550703970222011-09-06T21:01:00.005-06:002011-09-06T21:13:25.093-06:00

So, I've been a regular journal writer since I was about 8 years old. The entries were spotty at first, but as I got older and writing became less of a chore I wrote more and more. I have several hardbound journals. I always find it almost magical to read through them ... even now ... first to remind me what I did, and then what I hoped to be. For many years now I've typed my journal on the

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-72447916750799151262011-09-01T10:14:00.003-06:002011-09-01T10:34:31.359-06:00

My last post was 1 year ago today. It's been an eventful year, and one I'd like to not have to repeat again. Since this is my blog, and my space, I write what I want. 1. I met a friend of Jeremy's last night. She wanted to meet us. Her name is Sydney and she's from Maine. She's here in Utah for Massage Therapy school. She's a really nice girl and I was glad she wanted to meet us. We had a nice

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-18332419754678974542010-09-01T14:46:00.004-06:002010-09-01T14:53:32.872-06:00

September already? I can't believe this year has flown by so fast. Except for August. August just crawled for me since I had surgery on August 2nd and I've been at home (ie: didn't go to work) the entire month. The first week it was sleeping. A lot. I couldn't even watch a movie without sleeping most of the way through it. Then it was on to the book reading phase for the next two weeks or so. I

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-51429259254419121712010-08-31T08:31:00.001-06:002010-08-31T08:33:26.453-06:00

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -- Mark Twain

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-44676534135595501602010-07-19T13:51:00.002-06:002010-07-19T13:53:32.266-06:00

I had a realization last week. It's that I've never been on Lake Powell. I've been to Lake Powell, but never on the lake. Although with my motion sickness maybe that's a good thing.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-16783709217912887552010-06-16T09:44:00.001-06:002010-06-16T09:46:13.145-06:00

Took my test for the second time last Tuesday, June 8th and FINALLY passed the PMP exam. So grateful that my goal was reached, but I'm glad that I can also get back to life.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-18020410501343474772010-03-19T15:56:00.004-06:002010-03-19T16:00:14.166-06:00

I should post once a month, right? I've updated my book club list for the next year. I found 3 books today. "The Help" was at Costco. "The Shack" was at DI. and I bought "Fairest" at Deseret Book. At least I can start reading today. I'll have to keep an eye out for the other books.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-91905613209565055232010-02-06T08:34:00.004-07:002010-02-06T08:39:31.625-07:00

I can't wait until it warms up enough that I can get on my bike again. Here's a picture. I've done a lot of walking this week. It will be nice when I can alternate or at least have the bike as a choice too.I bought this basic Trek mountain bike last fall. Nothing fancy. I was impressed that the people at the store were so helpful too. A properly adjusted bike doesn't bother my knees and has made

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-27655518506679789942010-02-04T14:01:00.005-07:002010-02-04T14:08:32.696-07:00

I haven't seen Wicked yet, but this quote has really left me thinking..."I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn and we are led to those, who help us most to grow--if we let them, and we can help them in return... "Wicked"

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-24470899104871800112010-01-16T20:08:00.006-07:002010-01-16T20:15:24.630-07:00

Wow! 100 years ago today my Grandma Hancock was born in a little town called Grace, Idaho. She passed away several years ago, but I have some wonderful memories of her. Some of the traditions she has passed on are my love for sweet/cinnamon rolls, sewing, and Dutch Oven cooking. I remember her sweet rolls were the best tasting ever. I remember her showing me how to sew using her treadle machine.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-63099625493725634882010-01-12T10:52:00.003-07:002010-01-12T11:00:53.981-07:00

I'm doing the teeth bleaching thing. It's something I've wanted to do for awhile. The price was right at my dentist's office and so I jumped at the chance. I gagged when they were taking the impression of my teeth. I about gave up then. I got the bleaching trays yesterday and once again I was reminded that my gag reflex is strong. So, this morning I tried the self-portrait to get a before/after

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-63972074637269028502009-10-29T10:01:00.007-06:002009-10-29T10:11:55.265-06:00

I've had fun with CERT Training this past month.Here's some pictures of our fire night: Now, when I say I put out fires, I'm telling the truth.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-23307494096457680262009-10-23T14:34:00.004-06:002009-10-23T14:48:42.674-06:00

I've been in Project Management training all week long. It's for the PMI.ORG's PMP certification. In order to get the certification, there is a work requirement. For those of us without a bachelor's degree I need to find 7500 hours of specific related experience. I can look back on the past 8 years, which includes 16,640 hours of work. (that's an average of a 40 hour work per week for the past 8

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-682862867146824282009-10-20T07:43:00.004-06:002009-10-20T07:53:55.364-06:00

When I got married over 22 years ago I got the typical wedding gifts to start us out. Silverware, plates, cups, set of pots and pans, kitchen towels & dishcloths, kitchen utensils such as mixing bowls, and so on. Then I bought one 10" cast iron frying pan like my Mom had.Guess which of all my wedding gifts are STILL in use today? Yup, the cast iron frying pan. It is well-used, well-seasoned, and

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-87643841729590120332009-10-07T07:47:00.004-06:002009-10-07T08:03:42.305-06:00

Do you ever feel like all you do is go from one doctor visit to another? Now "doctor" can take many forms. Dentists, orthodontists, psychiatrists, family practitioner are all considered "doctors" and all require an appointment. It's not bad when the doctor is timely. Monday I sat in an office for almost 90 minutes before we were able to go home. Today the doctor we're visiting should be quick. In

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-80862378243467751992009-10-06T19:58:00.004-06:002009-10-06T20:12:24.219-06:00

I love to "can" or "bottle" food. Especially in the fall. I love seeing the finished product sitting on the counter. This fall I have done peaches, tomato sauce, and potatoes so far. I may be done, but we'll see. There might be more food to drop in my lap that just "has" to be taken care of. It's a hobby right now. I want to know how to do it in case I ever have to live off it. For now, it's

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-3146493328043023242009-10-03T00:55:00.000-06:002009-10-03T00:56:38.320-06:00

I learned a lot with my garden today as I picked the final harvest. It kind of reminded me of children. You work with them, feed them, water them, guide them, but there comes a day that you have to send them on their way. And that’s ok. There’s another season that will come, and we’ll learn similar lessons again with that season in our life. I learned that you need to stake the tomatoes BEFORE

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-347270312765974482009-10-02T08:34:00.006-06:002009-10-02T08:57:08.409-06:00

It's a beautiful day! I love fall weather, especially in Utah. The mountains have color, there is a touch of snow on Mt. Timpanogos, and the weather cools down. Although, this morning at 32 was a little chilly. Elizabeth Smart had her day in court. What a strong woman she has turned out to be! I remember vividly the day she was taken; it was just a day or two before my sister Becky got married. I

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-18332064036864865682009-10-01T09:06:00.003-06:002009-10-01T09:30:47.050-06:00

I think I'll blog more this month. Ok, they will probably be boring, but I'm going to do it. I realized I didn't post at all in September. Once we got past the initial shock of going back to school, things have been going relatively well. Sure, I still hear (on a regular basis) "Mom can I transfer out of my ____(fill in the blank) class?" Sigh. Doctor visit this afternoon for Justin. That means I

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-68434360049161324912009-08-25T10:27:00.002-06:002009-08-25T10:32:17.926-06:00

I don't like my kids in school for a LOT of reasons.I sort of understand how so many Mom's get excited about school. Gee, kids gone for a good chunk of the day, Mom's schedule rather than Kid's schedule, etc. Hmm. Their kids must do fine in school. Mine don't.I LIKE the kids at home. That means I don't have to deal with other people. We don't have to deal with their rules. We can live with ours.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-72022440594148686342009-08-17T14:13:00.007-06:002009-08-18T10:25:49.799-06:00

I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but I always think about going back to school. I’m sure that it’s just the “back-to-school” season that does it to me. Usually the “feeling” subsides within a few days, but sometimes it pesters me for weeks.The Bachelor’s of General Studies at BYU (BGS) sounds interesting, especially since I’m a former BYU student. There is also a program at UVSC,

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-73004576858036111982009-08-11T16:01:00.004-06:002009-08-11T16:54:32.754-06:00

Someone on one of the websites I frequent asked recently "WHEN DID YOU GET THE PREPAREDNESS BUG?"Here was my response. I grew up with food storage, gardening, sewing our own clothes, canning food each fall, making our own bread, etc.I took piano lessons from age 8 to 16. My piano teacher had a HUGE garden, she made her own bread, and taught others how to be frugal. I watched her family each week

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-86004555393215389592009-07-10T16:01:00.006-06:002010-03-05T15:54:11.788-07:00

The other day I checked out the book "Ox-Bow Incident" from the library. Then I remembered it was on a banned book list and so I wanted to do some investigating before I read it. I found the list below and was surprised to see the titles on this particular list. I'd still like to read the book. Some of these books are some of the best books I've ever read! Sure, not all are for children or teens,

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-71276307841757461552009-07-09T10:52:00.001-06:002009-07-09T10:53:45.728-06:00

Sorry, no pictures today. My garden is looking ok. The tomato cages keep getting tipped over when it’s windy outside. The plants are looking pretty good though. There are some dry leaves, but most of the plant looks healthy. The peas are completely dried up. Some of the cucumbers I planted in June never came up. I think next year I need to plant lettuce and spinach in the shade of another plant

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-83447475288120654572009-06-19T09:05:00.004-06:002009-06-19T09:12:54.965-06:00

I've had a lot of fun with my square foot garden this year. There's nothing like a little stress relief by putting your hands in the soil, or by having a nice BIG spinach salad! Here are some pictures.Here's a view of the first box:Here's another view of the first box: Here's a view of the second box:Here's another view of the second box (see that broccoli!)

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-83330876770287917242009-06-02T13:35:00.001-06:002009-06-02T13:35:51.353-06:00

You know, I remember in high school saying I wanted to marry someone from outside the state of Utah and move far away. I remember saying I'd NEVER marry someone from Utah, NEVER someone from Orem, and most specifically NEVER someone from Mountain View High school (my High school). Ick. the guys there weren't what I wanted.A funny feeling came over me whenever I said this.Well, a few years out of

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-41930710401882191372009-05-29T11:23:00.003-06:002009-05-29T11:38:17.060-06:00

Well, yesterday was the big day that my 19 year old moved out. We knew it was the day because his bed disappeared. (I told him he could take the bed with him.) His bike also disappeared, and a bunch of clothes...(there wasn't as much to sort through this morning.)I'm still not sure how I feel about it. As he came to the house last night to get something to eat (already?) and to get his freshly

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-31200618096907700192009-05-24T11:38:00.001-06:002009-05-24T11:39:37.920-06:00

I don't know why I thought of it this morning, but since we're planning to go to Preston tomorrow, maybe that's why. I'll explain in a minute.My husband's dad's family has their family reunion each year in Preston Idaho on the family property. It usually consists of dutch oven chicken, potatoes, and all the side dishes people bring. It's certainly worth the drive. We usually just make it a day

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-57378258541401070212009-05-18T14:12:00.005-06:002009-05-18T15:56:34.246-06:00

How can one piano recital change so many things? And we weren't even performing!I have wanted a piano for the 20+ years I've been married. I bought a little keyboard from Costco a few years ago and it has been ok, but the key weight is different than a piano, and it's not a full-sized keyboard. It has helped pique Jessica's interest in music/piano though and I've been amazed at how she has been

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-78391794970382661502009-05-14T21:16:00.003-06:002009-05-14T21:26:38.381-06:00

What is it with pain? I come back from vacation having managed the pain just fine, but for the last several days all I have is PAIN.Pain in the joints; pain in the knees; pain in the hips; general muscle fatigue. Overwhelming tiredness.Ok, the cold doesn't help and I know I've been fighting one...I have about 10 tender points which lead to the fibromyalgia diagnosis, but technically you need 11

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-36950600949502473552009-05-09T18:39:00.003-06:002009-05-09T19:06:20.522-06:00

We had layoffs at work this week while I was still on vacation. I had my blackberry with me all week and had reception until Tuesday when we went to Zions. Well, layoffs were TUESDAY!As we were headed back to St. George I checked my email. I found two email messages from my Mom. I could read part of both subject lines. One said "I am home" and the other said "Good News." I chose to open the "Good

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-85433473684165621902009-05-08T14:28:00.004-06:002009-05-08T14:42:58.305-06:00

I'll admit we don't take a lot of formal vacations. But this year since my daughter was headed to Southern California for the Heritage Music Festival I decided to make a family vacation out of it. Her school choir director invited her to still go with the group, even though we're not attending the school.Here was our general itinerary:AnaheimSt. GeorgeOk, you want more info? Here it is:

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-1605924146099518722009-04-04T22:29:00.004-06:002009-04-04T23:01:36.725-06:00

Chris's 1st cousin is Neil L. Andersen, the newly sustained Apostle. Elder Andersen's mother is a Keller.I'm amazed. I'm awed. I'm amazed most especially at the thoughts I've had for over the past year. Last fall when there was a vacancy in the Quorum of the 12 I had the thought "Elder Andersen," but then quickly thought "Oh, I shouldn't aspire to knowing someone with such a high call!"But it

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-24845555074228866552009-04-03T10:43:00.001-06:002009-04-03T10:43:03.153-06:00

So the other night Jessica and I watched the 1940's version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It was a 2 hour movie starring Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy and Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet. I'll admit there were things in the movie that I like better than the 5 hour BBC version starring Colin Firth. First, I like that more emotion was apparent in Elizabeth and Jane. They just seem too

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-23390000139951099072009-03-11T16:07:00.002-06:002009-03-11T16:09:11.240-06:00

Jessica never ceases to amaze me. On the 8th grade Literature list for A2 are a lot of Sherlock Holmes books. I thought "Oh, she'll never read these. They look like a list for boys!"I was wrong.We were at Barnes and Noble Monday and she saw me looking at Volume 1 of the Doyle books (there are two volumes). She asked if we could buy the books so she could read Sherlock Holmes. Huh? She wanted to

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-77624799020514110122009-03-03T11:20:00.005-07:002009-03-03T11:42:14.136-07:00

February 23, 2009 I pulled Jessica out of Lincoln Academy and brought her home for school. The reasons are varied, but we feel strongly that this is what Heavenly Father wants us to do right now. After much prayer, Jessica approached us and asked that she be allowed to home school and explained why. We have both been praying about what she should do for high school. She sat me down and explained

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-52152045221434412702009-02-26T09:15:00.004-07:002009-02-26T09:18:36.474-07:00

Justin's girlfriend broke up with him last night and he is just heartbroken. He cried and cried. He can't tell me all the things she said. I heard somewhere in the story something about her ex-boyfriend. He hung up on her after she said "I want to break up."He immediately called me after hanging up with her – he was just in tears "please come home!"I kept him on the phone and I talked with him

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-66370278851274293062009-02-09T16:51:00.002-07:002009-02-26T09:19:36.234-07:00

I spent all day Saturday at the Heritage Makers Regional's in Sandy Utah. I had fun being with Andrea all day, but I also had fun meeting a LOT of wonderful other ladies. I am also impressed with Doug Cloward, the CEO of Heritage Makers.I believe this is a company that can really make a difference in people's lives. I have SO many stories to tell, so where do I begin?Stories can be a LOT of

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-30009322852395630642009-01-29T08:32:00.002-07:002009-01-29T08:41:50.977-07:00

I made the BEST enchiladas last night for dinner. The best part was that they were EASY and QUICK – two MUSTS for a working mom. I used "medium," sauce this time, but next time I'll have to use mild. The medium was too hot for Jessica. But Justin & I liked it hotter! Within 5 minutes – literally, I had the pan of enchiladas ready to go into the oven.The recipe was on the back of the sauce can.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-22854409156242005832009-01-28T21:40:00.006-07:002009-01-28T22:01:58.166-07:00

Ok, I'll admit I've never done a lot of scrapbooking. I've done some very basic pages, but not a lot on the page but a little journaling and a few pictures.I've never even done what some might call "digi-scrapping" or using digital means to preserve my memories.BUT...For the longest time I've had journals (volumes in fact) that I've wanted to preserve somehow.And of course, I have these

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-54010122031890644402009-01-25T10:48:00.006-07:002009-01-28T22:02:22.476-07:00

Sisters in the Muse Book Club 2009 and BeyondHostessBookAuthorDateSusan KRoll of Thunder, Hear My CryMildred TaylorFeb 18thLaura LGone With the WindMargaret MitchellMar 18thLisaAll Around the TownMary Higgins ClarkApr 22ndNicoleUncle Tom's CabinHarriet Beecher StoweMay 20thJoanLooking for Salvation at the Dairy QueenSusan GilmoreJune 17thClissThe

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-4748934831711724782009-01-22T10:30:00.007-07:002009-01-22T15:38:43.936-07:00

I had fun at book club last night, even though I was very tired. I'm glad we sat at the dining room table. I would have fallen asleep if we would have sat on the couch! We discussed "Ladies Auxiliary" by Tova Mirvis and we had Jewish food of Challah bread and latkeys.My book is next month. I selected a Newbery Award book "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" by Mildred Taylor. I wanted a shorter,

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-21142683903097184642009-01-19T16:33:00.001-07:002009-01-19T16:33:48.278-07:00

Ok, being new at this blogging stuff, I'm trying a blog post using Word. Then when I publish it, my blog should be updated. We'll see what happens.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-33061164959220873652009-01-19T11:32:00.005-07:002009-01-19T11:39:23.411-07:00

My sister mentioned to my Mom recently how overwhelmed she was seeing how many books I read. She wondered when I have time to read! So, I wrote this, reminding myself why I read and keep track of what I've read: I've kept a reading journal for the past 6 years with the books I've read, and I'm entering information about all of those books into Goodreads. With each entry I make sure that the "date

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-4213077981604058102009-01-17T22:44:00.002-07:002009-01-17T22:48:48.969-07:00

Last week, in preparation for our favorite show 24, I knew our Tivo box was giving out...so what do I do? I head down to the nearest BestBuy and buy the new DVR box for DirecTV.I guess I was thinking I could just upgrade it in a matter of minutes...Well, after labeling all the cables on the OLD system, I found the new system doesn't have all the same connections.AGH!!Now what?Well, it wasn't done

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-2680963513097074942009-01-17T11:51:00.004-07:002009-01-17T11:54:40.205-07:00

I just got back from the Lehi Legacy Center annual pass sale. Wow! Last year I stood in line for over 45 minutes, so today I brought a book. Surprise! I didn't have to wait long. I hardly had time to fill out the application and write the check. So COOL!!For $27 a month for the next year, our family once again has passes to the Legacy Center.http://www.lehi-ut.gov/legacycenter/index.php

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1125242257114424692.post-78661660466901099632009-01-16T22:27:00.002-07:002009-01-16T22:30:51.207-07:00

Ok, but it's night, and I've been looking at blogs all evening. I've decided on a name; agreed to the blogger rules; and now I've hit the ground running! Eventually I'll get it figured out. Thus the name of my blog: I Can Figure it Out

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175689765059875043noreply@blogger.com0