Much to My AMAZEMENT!

Did you know- you probably all knew- that when you change your template it erases your side bars!!! So I'm loving the new background, just not loving having to put everything back! I'm finally back to blogging- wait, I said that last month, but I really do mean it this time! Whit and Liz made me feel guilty cause even they finally updated their blogs so now it's my turn- pictures next!

Brick Walls are There for a Reason-

They let us prove how badly we want something.

The other day I read a touching article in the WSJ about a professor at Carnegie Mellon and the lecture he gave. I have been thinking about it over and over ever since and thought I would share it with you. I have tried and tried to link it, but sorry- it just won't work- hopefully you can just cut and paste!

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119024238402033039-lMyQjAxMDE3OTIwMDIyNDAyWj.html

I love how this sweet man has taken this tragic event in his life and made it into a positive event- something I think I always struggle with doing. Lately (maybe it's my age or the fact no children are living at home) I wonder have I accomplished the things that I should have- the things that I maybe thought there were too many obstacles in my path to achieve. The dreams that I think about all the time accomplishing that I haven't made a priority in my life and that I let all the little things going on in my life get me off track.

It made me think about the people I know who went out and achieved a dream against some pretty tough obstacles- my husband who has worked hard every day since he was eleven to earn a living and has created an awesome business on his own by never giving up. My sister Debbie who went back to college with three children, not much support and graduated and has become a great third grade teacher. My daughter Mandy who tried, tried, tried, and finally on the fourth try became a cheerleader in highschool. My sil Diane who rose above some unbelievable challenges to raise her daughters with much grace. My nephew Matt who never gave up his dream of being a fireman and just got his job! Our friend Courtney who never lets her CF stop her. Those moms I watch at church every Sunday deal with all their little kids while their husbands aren't there with them. And all those others of you out there who make me smile with your ability to keep going!

So, this week I'll be praying for Professor Pausch and his family and be grateful that I got the chance to read about him- I only wish I could have been there to hear him give his lecture.

Cinderella in St. George

The second weekend in August we met in St. George to see a friend of ours daughter in "Cinderella". We picked Grandma up in Boulder City and everyone else drove down from Provo and Salt Lake. It is such a beautiful setting there- the theatre sits down in a red rock canyon. It was Emma's first play and she did great- even though it was two and a half hours and SO HOT!! She told us after that her favorite part was when the Prince kissed Cinderella!

Dinner with the Browns

In June our friends the Browns from our old neighborhood in Utah rented a beach house and we got the chance to have them over for a bbq. It was great seeing all their kids, spouses, and their children. They were such great neighbors and I consider it one of the best blessings in my life to have had the freindship of Gaye. It was so nice at Education Week I meet with her and my old next door neighbor Pat for dinner one night. I have such fun memories of our old neighborhood- water fights with hoses brought into the house, kids playing night games till late, parties, walks around the block. Gaye has always been an example to me of what we should be striving to be. She has dealt with the loss of a sweet daughter, teenagers, sickness, and the such that comes our way with a grace that astounds me. Gaye never failed to show my girls boundless fun and lots of love. The last several years she has been involved with an organization called "Reach the Children" which helps out in Africa- she now has a grant to develop a program dealing with AIDS there- wow! When I think of Elder Bednar's talk about "tender mercies" it makes me think of her in my life!

Ode to my GIRLS!

For the longest time it has been a dream of mine to go to Education Week with all of my daughters- I used to go when they were younger and see moms with their grown-up children and think how much fun it would be to share that as a family. So by some miracle it worked out this time!! Since three of the girls are now in Utah it of course made it much easier. I flew up Monday night, Whit flew in Wednesday, and we spent Thursday and Friday enjoying classes all together and did a little bit of shopping on Saturday before we flew home. What a blessing it was to have this time- a big thanks to Lynn who sacrificed not only being alone in the office but dealing with a sick Trixie and having to give her medicine! He never once said it would be hard to deal with everything, but just how happy he was that we could go- he is absolutely the best! We learned lots of great things in lots of great classes, but the most important thing we learned more about was each other and how fun it is to be together. I of course got lots of Emma and Sopie kisses too!! So thanks girls for being willing to join me this last week- it was awesome!

I LOVE BLOGGING!!

Okay, I know I haven't been the best at keeping caught up with my blog, but I love being able to check up with everyone! I think about how great it is- if Mandy hadn't started all this I wouldn't have been able to:

1. See pictures of my sweet grandbabies
2. Hear about the funny, sad, frustrating, sweet, inspiring stories from everyone
3. Keep in touch with friends I love who've moved far, far away
4. See what mischief my children and others children are up too
5. Watch pregnant bellies grow
6. Watch children grow in pictures when I wouldn't have the chance to see them
7. Share pictures and stories from my family
8. Reconnect with lost family members I've always loved
9. Feel lots of love from others and know people care
10. Read about the adventures of Grandma Hand

So, thanks to those of you I love for sharing your lives- you're an inspiration to me!! I'm off to Arizona tonight to help Chelsea pack her house for the move to Utah- didn't we just move her in??!! Love to you all- Susie

CHAPTER FOUR: The Day Before!

Okay, I have been a total and complete slacker about blogging- to my defense in the four weeks since the wedding I've had a bbq for 23, 3 days at girls camp, helped Whit and Ryan get settled, a trip to San Francisco, and the 4th of July! Oh, and I read the 6th Harry Potter book! So back to the wedding. Chelsea and Lindsey felt bad that they didn't have a chance to do a shower for Whit so they arranged a little party for the day before. Chels made dozens of trips to Old Navy and got shirts for everyone then had them printed with a cute saying. We all (17) went to our favorite nail place and had "ManiPedi's" (as Aunt Debbie calls them) then lunch afterwards at the house. It was a really fun day to spend with sisters, aunts, bridesmaids, cousins, and friends. Emma totally loved having her nails done- she is such a girl! Whit's bridesmaids Sydney and Kat had sweatsuits made up for them too- I think it was a great way to spend the day before. So thanks Chelsea and Liz for the great time!! So finally next- THE WEDDING!!