WARNING: Lots of Pics with Lots of Captions

Don't you just LOVE summer?! We finally have time--or maybe take time--to do some of the things we love. The last couple weeks have been great as I am spending time doing things I love and being with people I love. I have definitely been reminded about just how grateful I am for all those people around me.


Kayla is already getting her "college" on, so I hurried to Rexburg to check-out her first place. (I really like her beadspread, don't you?!) She seems to be doing well so far, and I am sure she will be a great student! Sadly, Kayla had quite a bit of homework while I was up, so we didn't get too much "chill" time. We did have some fun doing homework--though I lacked a bit of focus--it has been a whole year since I was last in school! Also--my Pops decided to get her a Mac for graduation--a Mac--I don't even have one yet! The three of us get pretty spoiled by that man! The Sucher fam has finally been converted the the Mac OS!


Isn't she just beautiful!? I do have to thank Kayla and Kelli for introducing me to my new favorite song--"You Don't See" by the Duhks. Check that one out! Thank heavens for sisters that keep this girl updated on new music! I always come home with some new faves after visits!

The next morning, Kelli and I made a quick excursion to the local library and stopped by the Teton Flood Museum next door. It was a very interesting experience--I think I experienced nearly every emotion while at the flood. Here we are next to a replica of the Teton Dam before the flood. A new dam may be built in the future. It is amazing that the dam stood for only 8 months! There was a lot of opposition to the dam before it was built too. How ironic (and very sad).Here is a picture of the flood. I think I forget that things like this can happen even in Idaho. I found out later that my great-grandfather's house floated away during the flood. I couldn't help but cry as I watched people lose everything they had. We watched a very sobering video of the flood and really hope others get to see it too! Kelli and I were so impressed with all the LDS church and Red Cross did to help with the flood. Over 1 million volunteer man hours were provided within 8 days of the event! People really came together. My mom told me about how difficult it was to clean up the mess after the flood--a lot of service was definitely given at that time. I am so proud to be a member of the LDS church!

Now this little thing is pretty crazy! The flowers are made parially of HUMAN HAIR. They really must have used EVERYTHING back then! I was grossed out just enough to take a picture. I know that I should be fascinated by this, but my germaphobic personality forbids me to do so!


I took a picture of this ultra-thin cake pan from back-in-the-day because it reminds me that WE EAT TOO MUCH THESE DAYS! Let's be honest, our portion sizes have gotten out of control. Now, I am the first to dive into a gigantic cake--my family and friends know that I have no self-control in this area--but I am motivated to change. I could certainly use this little cake pan these days to cut a few calories in those sweets!

This is my Great-Grandma Grace! We made a quick stop in to visit the most optimistic woman in the WORLD! I only saw her about once each year growing up, and I wish I had spent more time with her. I am sure I can could learn a lot from her!

With our newly-discovered desires to become domestic goddesses, Kelli and I kicked off the beginning of our crafty endeavors by creating a super-easy family tree. Of course, a few things went wrong with my little tree, but I am just a beginner. Just watch out for me in the future--I will be crafting and decorating like a pro! Side note: Kelli has a knack for craftiness, so I am very excited for our monthly projects.

My friend Lisa had her baby shower, and boy is she one of those super-cute pregnant girls. She and Logan are going to have some BEAUTIFUL kids. I am excited for her and can't wait to meet the new little girl someday soon! Congrats, Lisa!

Dane's friend from Wendell (and one of the funniest people I know) brought his fiance up for a baby blessing and stayed at our place. I LOVE to have guests over, especially now that we have a guest room, so this was a treat. I met Rainee for the first time and just love her. I hope to see a lot of her at Beorchia family functions. Dallan is always invited to those--he is pretty much family. (Note to all--you can definitely stay over here if you need somewhere to stay!)

This cutie is my favorite girl ever. She is saying "cheese" for the picture and is wearing my shoes. I love visiting her house because she is so excited to see me. I feel like the most popular girl ever when I am there! I have to admit that I get exhausted from playing with her, and love that I get to be the "fun aunt" and head home when I am tired! I hope I will be a fun mom someday too!

Here is the other favorite little girl, who was just blessed! Isn't she sweet?! I have to be careful when I am around her because I really want to have some babies around here! Someday soon!

I just got back from the IACRAO Conference for Idaho college recruiters, admissions officers, and registrars. It was a great few days! One afternoon the ISU peeps visited Shoshone Falls with Brei and Jen, two super-cute recruiters from Boise Bible College. It was BEAUTIFUL there! Side note: I have some of the best co-workers around!

Here we are underneath another waterfall in Twin Falls. This one was GORGEOUS!

I am a pretty shy person, so not too many people get to see the crazy side of me. The "real me" loves to goof off, dance around, and do some pretty silly things. I guess I felt pretty comfortable with this group!

Here is a picture from a Snake River dinner boat tour we took for the conference. We got to eat a wonderful meal on a fun little boat while floating around. The food was great, but the company was better! I sat with a member of the AACRAO professional organization and can't wait to get involved on a national level now. She was quite a talented lady!

Isn't this amazing--this is in the Snake River. I think it is called the "Blue Heart." It is an area where a natural spring meets the river. I thought you could only see water that color in tropical places!

This is a picture of Thousand Springs. I love this place! The boat trip was so much fun. I really want to take Dane on it sometime! It is pretty pricey, so it wouldn't happen often, but it might be really fun for an anniversary or something like that!

That about sums the last couple weeks up! Hope everyone is having a great summer! Right now I summer would be here forever!

LOVE YOU, KAY!

As of yesterday, the Sucher girl presence at Hillcrest High School has officially ended. My youngest sister, Kayla, just graduated from Hillcrest last night! I anticipated lots of emotion for our grand exit, but you know--I think we are all just glad for Kayla to move on to bigger and better things. We know that high school is great, but college--well, college is much better! And boy, is Kayla heading right off. She starts school in like a week and a half! (I also think she is itching for some independence too--who isn't at that age?!) LOVE YOU, KAY!

Dane and I thought we would play a little trick on Sis. Kayla is one of the most genuine people ever, and she is very honest--even in times of gift-giving. She does have a hard time faking, pretending that she loves a gift when she really hates it. So, Dane and I got Kayla some terrible gift items at the dollar store, and Kayla tried to pretend she like the five items, but let's be honest--it was a bad gift. I told her that the calculator pen was the big gift, and she just smiled! Well, after she finished Dane and I told her that the real gift, some cash, was at the bottom of the bag. That is way more appropriate for her graduation. Dane and I had been waiting all day to see Kayla's reaction, and she was true to plan! LOVE YOU, KAY!

Lots of family came to support the graduate, so it was fun to have some bonding time. I was especially to see Dad and Darlene up for the event. We don't get to see them very often, so it is a special treat when we do. They are great supports of this clan! The whole group was sure to make sure Kayla could hear us from the rafters. We were quite the fan club tonight. At high school graduation you just have to be loud to represent. I don't think anyone missed Dad's "Way to go, Kay-Kay!" chant at the end of our roar. It was cute--and I dare say a step up from the "Sugar Bear" chant at my graduation. (Those are the little things you never forget and come to appreciate down the road!) The louder you are, the better. That was my person mantra for the evening! LOVE YOU, KAY!


















Last but not least, here is the Sucher clan, together after the crazy evening. We are all growing up! I can't believe it myself. I thought to end I would give a short "Ode to Kayla" remark! Kayla is one of the most fun-loving, true to heart girls around. I graduated about six years ago and wondered if the two of us would ever really be close--with the age difference and all. That girl is so mature for her age and so much fun to be around. She is one of my very best friends! Kayla is going to accomplish some pretty amazing things, so you should all watch out for her! LOVE YOU, KAY!

Summer of Reading

So, summer is a great time for my job. Less stress, less travel, and less hours! It is beautiful to get to work just 40 hours! Plus--I am finished with work at 4:00 and can squeeze in a workout before 5:00! This extra time equates to more reading time!

One thing I love most about summer is getting to read a bit more. I am a bit of a bookworm--actually, I think that runs in the family. (These pictures come from a small part of our Easter festivities--reading break!)

Anyway, I set a silly little goal of reading 25 books this summer. I know, it isn't super ambitious for many of you, but it will do for me. I have a lot of plans for this summer, and reading is only one of them!

I just finished book #1 of the summer--it only took a couple hours to read, so it was a great kick-off book! I read the third "Wimpy Kid" book: "The Final Straw." It wasn't the most difficult read of my life, but it was always good for a laugh.

I tell you, I can totally relate to these books. I am not in middle school anymore thankfully, but I do relive those days a bit when I read the book. I have experienced a ton of those situations before.

For those of you who also enjoy reading, feel free to send me book ideas. I am always game for a good read! Happy reading!

good giveaway, people (but I am not putting it on)

Okay, so my friend Jessica is doing a giveaway on her blog. I am generally not one to sign up for giveaways on blogs, but I figured, "What the hay, these are some cute earrings. Plus--Dane really likes it when I wear earrings, so I could use another pair." You guys--I rarely win anything, and I am really rooting for this one. I think I can get it! So, I generally don't post about things like this on my blog, but I will get an extra entry in there if I post about the giveaway. What do I have to lose?! I am "secreting" this giveaway (for those of you who know about "The Secret"), and I have some pretty good feeling about it.

Now, go and check out the giveaway. It is a good one. Also, Jess has a super-cute blog. She is a witty gal! You will probably want to keep reading her blog for some good recipes, laughs, and great book recommendations. I know that if you enter the giveaway, I will have less of a chance of getting the prize. Do it anyway! I promise I won't be offended!

Oh, you might want to know what blog it is--A Few Good Thing. Just give it a quick click!

Hope you are all doing well in "Blog Land!" Have a great Memorial Day weekend. I know I sure will!

Minority

I realize that I am a member of many majorities in Southeast Idaho--I am LDS, and I am Caucasian. Because of this, I can't always relate, understand, or empathize with some other groups. I have friends from all backgrounds and am incredibly grateful for them. We have so much in common and have a great time together. However, we all know that some of our friends face more barriers--negative stereotypes, lack of support from others, and even just being misunderstood by others. I really don't think I will ever understand some of the struggles and barriers they face. I appreciate and recognize how easy my life is. I also appreciate how beautiful the lives of my friends really are! They are my heroes!

In December my co-worker Guillermo told me about the Hispanic Youth Symposium. I fell in love and wanted to participate from the moment I heard about the program. Well, months flew by, and I actually just arrived home from the conference a few hours ago. (I am exhausted after about 3.5 hours of sleep and refuse to do anything that requires lots of energy tonight, so I chose to blog!)

I will post pictures later this week, but I have to say that I had a life-changing experience. I fell in love with the culture, the music, the language, and the people! I plan to attend next year's symposium and WILL speak some decent Spanish by then. Just wait and see!

I was, for one of the very first times, a minority. I felt at times like a bit of an outsider--I didn't understand some jokes, couldn't master some of those dance moves, and couldn't truly relate to experiences people shared. I felt a bit left out--however, I was surrounded by about 400 extremely loving people. I was accepted and included every step of the way. I may not completely fit in--but I felt like I really did. I was part of their familia!

Why don't we all include others a bit more, share a bit more, forget differences a bit more, teach others a bit more? I hope to remember those who may feel out of place, who may not feel included. We really are all one big familia!

Si, se puede!

Some Stress Relief

I won't lie--life around here has been a bit stressful.

Dane has been so busy with working 40 hours a week, group projects, and the upcoming "Finals Week." (I think that week deserves to be capitalized, simply because of the stress and emotion that even thinking of that week evokes!) I can't tell you how grateful I am not to have finals week right now!

Work has been crazy, with layoffs, budget cuts, and complete departmental changes in my office. I generally feel optimistic, but so many negative things have happened to my group! I can't help but feel protective and supportive, but I hate being around so much negative energy! I want to stand up for the people around me, but I don't want to be so negative while doing so! Today I spent a lot of time listening to complaints, and I even gave in and participated. I love my job and feel like the stress helps me to work harder and better. There has been a lot of negative stress these past few days, however. I had a productive workday, but the negative energy around me was a bit challenging. I am trying so hard to be positive for the long-haul, and I am a bit disappointed that I gave in these last few days and complained so much. Tomorrow I will be better!


Anyway, for the next few days, I am going to post about some of my stress-relievers. (Maybe I won't feel quite as stressed out as a result!) I think tonight I will just do some chores and relax---oh, and finish my new favorite book--today's true stress-reliever!

Now, please don't judge me about this book choice. I am an avid reader and appreciate most genres and styles of fiction. Yesterday I purchased "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. (I have a new goal of obtaining at least one book per month to support my dream of a beautiful and full library.) I can't tell you how much I LOVE these books! Thanks, Kelli and Kayla! I hope I don't annoy Dane too much with all of my laughter while reading. I laugh so hard that I cry when I read these books.

Now, I am not telling everyone to run out and buy this particular book--I think it is written for a middle school-aged audience! Some of you, understandably, may not enjoy such books. Right now it is just doing its trick--relieving some stress!

Until I finally put my pictures onto this computer, here is a picture of the book! (I got the picture from http://pgteenspace.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/wimpykid.jpg.

Oh, and I think there is a movie based on the books coming out this summer. I can't wait!

First Timer

So, for the first time, I am really getting into American Idol. In the past I wondered what this silly craze was about, but I am now hooked. Doesn't it always seem to work that way?!

In the past I really only made it to the end of the initial auditions--you know, where only really good singers and the really awkward moments are shown. I felt terrible for some of the people who were only shown to make people laugh. Those poor peeps!

I think that Simon can be pretty brutal sometimes, but I have to admit I like his honestly. I love people who have the ability to say what they truly think and feel. Now, I do believe that we have to watch this instinct at times to protect ourselves and others. Sometimes we say just a little too much!

Back to the show--I am going out on a limb here to predict the final two. Does anyone agree with me?

My first pick is Adam Lambert--he is definitely a shoe-in. I had kinda liked the Gary Joules version of "Mad World" before last week, but I fell in love with the song when Adam sang it. Whew! I had goose-bumps at the end of that show! One last thing--his hair is fabulous!


I don't expect others to agree with my second choice, but I have to stay true! I just love Allison. She has a unique voice and beautiful look. Now, if you know me, I am a pretty plain person--but I have always secretly dreamed of having crazy, standout looks. I applaud people that set themselves apart...in positive attitude, dress, hair color, personality, etc! Go, Allison!


Quick note: I got the pictures from americanidol.com (I am a college graduate who reveres and yet fears plagiarism laws!)