Idaho Jan

A classic black Express shirt I found at the DI for $3.00! Gotta love that store. (I'll show full size later.)

This is my co-worker and friend Emma. She was married March 21 to Matthew Bowen. She has beautiful red hair and is very happy to have found her handsome husband. Hey Dallan, Jacki on the left is one of your Rexburbia.com fans. She's my boss and along with her is her niece Sarah whom I work with too. Funny people! This is the bride's parents Jeneane and Darrell. Jeneane passed away five days after this photo was taken. She was one of the aides at our school that just joined us this year. A bitter, sweet time for their family. Thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ, families will be together again.

On March 25 we had our Relief Society Celebration. This is our presidency. Nancy, Janie (our pres.) Patty (our ward coupon queen), and I'm the secretary. I'm grateful to be learning from such terrific sisters! The meal: potato/ham, salad, rolls, dessert (cake and ice cream). Some of the crowd there. We had about 56 dedicated sisters join us for good food (I didn't eat the dessert :-), sweet socializing, and purposeful program. Thanks to Heidi and Patty and the committee.

I had to post my most favorite meal. I found the recipe in a magazine and adapted it to one serving. It has 1 green pepper chopped, 1/2 c garbanzo beans, 1/2 oz pepperoni, 1/2 oz cheese, 1/2 c spagetti sauce, cumin, and a sprinkle of dried chili peppers. Then after I cook it in the microwave 3 minutes, I sprinkle my carrots on top and dig in! I also have 1 oz corn tortilla chips, 1/2 c salsa, and a 1/2 c jello. It's a great meal. You should try it sometime!

Mandy's Stella is on the way to Virginia. This couple stopped by to get it on Saturday. I looked at their outfit and thought, where in the world are they going to put it! But they must be good at what they do because they rearranged the furniture in their truck and got the Stella on. This is what some couples do nowadays for income...travel around delivering furniture or goods from one end of the country to the other. We had a nice day today and too bad we didn't take the Stella for a ride before it left. But I'm sure Mandy will be enjoying it very soon in Virginia. It is a way cute scooter.

This was my coupon file (empty now) and it was getting stretched to the max. So I came up with an idea that even I was surprised about. I had a bag downstairs that I got from Porters and I could never find a use for it. I think it had been down there for at least 3 or 4 years doing nothing. Well, I pulled it out and found a GREAT use for it. I took the plastic files out of the old container and put them in the Porter's bag. They fit perfect! These are some of my dividers I made. The coupos are in envelopes in between the labels. This is the coupon clutch I have now! The files are in the center and there are pockets all around the outside for things like: my grocery list, coupon cutter, checkbook, receipts, and even my keys. The booklet in the background is called "The Food Storage Shopper" planner I found here and I REALLY like it. I downloaded all the pages for free and I also had a notebook handy out in the garage. I've got my list, I've got my plan, and now

Dale said it was a good day of puttering. This what he was up to... So that's what was slowing down the water flow. He said since he didn't have any hair that is MUST be mine. Today it all got put back together. What a great guy! Finding the right pipe attachment was the hard part. We were 3 days without the bathroom sink in operation... I am a happy camper now!

Zane, my son, talking about his job(s). He is now also starting to work on his Masters at Victoria's urging and I think he will do great. Lots of studying, but he's got the smarts to do it (like all of my awesome children!).

Getting together at Bajio's in Rexburg on Saturday. Music loud, conversation fun, Dale's mood...priceless! Peyton just woke up from a nap, but all is well when she's in Mom's lap. Lori and Rilee joined us. Wow, first time in a long time to get together. Lori is telling us about her new business opportunities with "Miss Ruby Sue" products. You go girl! My granddaugher cute little Faye. She has the sweetest smile, she loves to make cookies, and loves to read. Dale an Lori at the restaurant. The food was pretty good and company was great.

Last Sunday this was handed out in Relief Society and I thought it was so cute! It really is two Hershey Nugget candies! I think I'll save this one. Hopefully Dale won't discover it really is candy. I think they are safe tho, because he doesn't read this blog!

I was sitting in Stake Conference Sunday and remembered I had my camera with me. Do I dare? I turned off my flash and documented the moment. No one noticed except the baby in front of me who just spit up on his dad's shoulder. Good distraction my friend! It was a great meeting. Elder Brent H. Nielson was the visiting authority (of the Seventy) and I like that he spoke about what to do in these strained economic times. I took notes to review when I feel blue from listening to NPR.

Last week we had a coupon class for our Enrichment activity. We met at Patty' home and these are a few of the items she recently bought at KMart on the double coupon deal. They were amazngly low prices. More items purchased. It is like a game. You learn the rules, keep on the lookout for combining sales and coupons and this equals very little out of pocket spending. Here's our ward coupon queen! Patty knows her prices, has been doing this over a year and shows us how even in Rexburg we can beat the budget bullies! Elizabeth was showing me and Keysha her method for filing. It can be quite a task but maybe if I take it slow and easy, I can save some money too.

One way to keep warm in Rexburg...sit on a heating pad! Works great!

Dale was working Saturday night so this is what I ddid when I was home alone-- I try a new recipe. This is going to be flatbread. I put the ingredients into my processor... Made of corn, wheat, salt, and milk. Divide the dough and then I put one of the balls onto a flat surface, covered with wax paper. Notice, the cookie sheet is on the floor. Then I stand on the top cookie sheet so as to flatten the dough extra good. (I learned this technique from an old college roommate who taught us how to make tortillas.) This is what it ended up like. So then I cooked it in a hot fry pan, browning it on both sides. I topped it with black beans, salsa, and salad. Very filling and oh so good. So what to you do when you're home alone?