Hi. My name is Susan. I grew up in what I perceive as a typical rural "Leave It to Beaver" midwestern family in central Missouri. I am the oldest of four children and the only girl. I feel that I have a close relationship with my parents, and my brothers and their families--including my six nieces and nephews. When we all get together Grandma's house is lively! 

I believe that communication is one of the strengths of our relationship. We talk to each other a lot, and not a day goes by where we don't give each other a hug and say, "I love you." We respect each other's intelligence, and support each other's professional endeavors. We are extremely compatible and do not tire of each other's company. Financially, we place similar values on money and generally agree on how we should spend and invest our income.  

On areas where we disagree (and we do occasionally), we freely express how we feel about the situation to each other. Then after a thorough discussion, we either compromise or on that occasion where it's very important to one of us that no compromise be made, the other usually acquiesces. However, this situation rarely comes up. In the 15+ years we've been married, we really haven't argued about anything important. Most of our disagreements are along the lines of me wanting him to throw away something like old magazines and him wanting to keep it.

One of the best decisions I ever made was to marry my husband. He has allowed me to grow and accomplish things that would not have been possible in most other relationships. He's a good provider, a great dad, and I love him very much. Together we make a good team, and I believe we can accomplish anything if we put our minds to it. 

Shortly after relocating to Texas, we were blessed with the adoption of our son Corey. This was one of the happiest events of our lives. I was able to stay home with our son for a couple of years. I believe the first year especially is vitally important to the child's development. I loved rocking Corey to sleep, singing chorus after chorus of Row, Row, Row Your Boat--his favorite. There is nothing more peaceful than rocking a baby to sleep. At nine months he used to listen intently while I read him a complete book of nursery rhymes, and my personal favorite, Green Eggs and Ham. Now, of course though I miss the baby days, he has grown up to be an ever more interesting, bright, happy individual whom we both adore. 

Now I will try to tell you a little more about me. I am a hard-working, sometimes stubborn, but always caring person. I like romantic movies with a happy ending and suspense thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat. I like to sew and embroider, and always have several projects underway. I have a Texas star quilt I am working on. I enjoy cooking and baking bread. I have a great recipe for English toffee. I like to have friends over for dinner. I love amusement parks, especially the roller coasters. I get a strong urge to plant a garden every spring. I love animals, and we go to the zoo quite often. My favorite is the San Diego zoo. I like theater and ballet. I play the piano. I like working jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games with Corey. I like surfing the Web, especially CNNFN and the Motley Fool. I love to travel. I like to sleep in on rainy days. I like the smell of my kitchen after I've finished scrubbing it. I like to take a walk with my family after dinner in the evenings. I like anything chocolate. I am happy; I like who I am and what I have accomplished. I have a great husband and wonderful son. I have a smart dog that always stays within the boundaries of our yard and loves to play fetch. I have a brown tabby cat that loves to play with rubber bands and finds running faucets fascinating. I consider myself lucky in many ways. 

I hope this gives you a feel for who I am. If you wish to know anything else, just ask. Again, thank you for taking the time to read our letters. Please feel free to contact us--we'd love to hear from you! 

--Susan