The Campa Lampas

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas has come and gone and unfortunately my camera is having issues and I wasn't able to retrieve my pictures. Thankfully my sister in laws took some good pictures and I was able to copy them.
My sister in laws have started a tradition of shopping together every Christmas season and having lunch together. I look forward to this day as we laugh, spend money, eat, and enjoy each other without having to worry about kids, grand kids, and husbands. So we decided to take a picture in front of Jewelie's Christmas tree before we headed to Chandler Mall. Turned out to be a great picture and day.

Me, Jewelie and Penny

While we were out shopping they talked me into buying a Christmas shirt. I didn't want to spend money on a shirt I will only wear once or twice during the year or one that looked like my mom would have worn. But, I have to admit it was a cute shirt and I wore it to the Christmas Eve family party and all day on Christmas.

This year Penny and Rick, my brother and sister in law, hosted the party. We had carne asada, beans, rice, salad, chips and salsa, Tommy's famous guacamole, jello salad, shrimp, and a ton of desserts. It was all really yummy!

This my brother in law Rick who finally got a plate after cooking the meat.

We had our white elephant gift exchange. Above is Angela, my niece. She is patiently waiting for the game to start. Below is the gift I picked. It's a drinking game, buy instead of beer they had root beer with it. Of course it got stolen, in fact all the gifts I picked got stolen. I guess that's the fun of the game.

These are my nieces, Jewelie's daughter and her sister in law. The little one sitting on her mom's lap is a cutie. She used to have red hair but it has turned more blond and very curly. She was a hoot to watch.

Jewelie trying on my shoes. I have really big feet so they didn't fit her.

Yep, this is most of us. We still have family in Florida and Mexico City. We missed them and hopefully they can join us one of these years.
Tommy and I spent Christmas Day with Peanuts family and then to my good friends Wendi's house. We had a blast and it was so much fun to spend time with her son who just returned home from his mission. We ate, laughed, played games and just enjoyed each other.
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a very Happy New Year!!

Why I Haven't Blogged

2011-12-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

First of all I had a birthday on October 28th, and that was at least 7 weeks ago, but that's my first excuse. Since I can never think of what I want for a gift, I figure home improvement things are good. When I painted my bathroom we had all chrome fixtures and I changed them to brushed nickle after we painted except for the sink, bathtub and shower fixtures. So I decided on sink fixtures. This is the before picture and if you look closely you can see where the gunk has eaten away part of the chrome. Yuck!!

New, shiny, pretty, brushed nickle fixture. I love it because the spout is taller and easier to get a glass or your mouth under when you brush your teeth!

The next reason I haven't blogged is because back in August, I bought a used dining table with 6 chairs at a thrift store. My current table on sits 4 people comfortably and you can squeeze 6, but it is a tight fit. I found this set and it was sturdy and in good condition, but as you can see, it needs a little bit of a face lift.

The seats were covered in this outdated blue and peach looking stuff. So off the the fabric store I went and found..............

this. It goes with the colors in my family room which is next to where the table sits. I'm excited to see what it will look like when I finish. That is if I ever finish!

Every spare moment has been working on these chairs. I put the stripping stuff on, but was not able to get to the chairs within the 48 hour time limit and I put it on 3 chairs. STUPID! I think I will stain the set black. Tommy tells me just to paint it but I want the wood grain to show through. Like it will be able to stained black! Oh well, we shall see.

This is after scraping and then I still had to sand them. The spindles in the chair take the longest and it has to be done by hand. Tommy took pity on me and bought me an oscillating tool that has a scraper and sander. So great to do the small areas, but still have to do some by hand and it's taking 4 to 5 hours to do 1 chairs. So far I have 2.99 chairs done. Next time I come up with an idea to do this just shoot me! Every spare moment has been sanding and I now wear a wrist brace every night and aspercream has become my new best friend!

I caught a cold last Sunday and just really wanted to not get out of bed. However, I had to teach my 11 year old Primary kids. Got up, showered, dressed, went to teach and then came home and died! Haven't been to the gym and I haven't sanded.

Since today was cold and overcast I figured what a good day to update the old blog!

Utah or Bust

2011-10-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

I've been home from Utah for 2 week and am just now getting around to blogging about my adventures. My friend Wendi, well honestly she is more like my sister but that's another post. Anyway she asked me if I would like to go with her to Utah to visit her daughter and son in law, Curt and Jacque, for 2 weeks. Of course I jumped at the opportunity! Wendi and I have a blast together and for some odd or maybe it's because we just get along so well, we don't tired of each other and very rarely fight. So, off we went. It took us 17 hours to get to Logan where Jacque lives and is attending school. (Stupid construction!) Anyway we finally got there and stayed up until 1:00 a.m. talking and laughing. Well the laughing never stopped and the talking was sometimes light, and sometimes deep, but it was all good!
So below is our trip in pictures. I wanted to see as many temples as possible, but this is all we could fine and it ended up being a rainy day when we set out to see them. I still got some good shots.

Mount Tippanogas temple. Not sure if I spelled that right.

Jordan River temple. It's very pretty, but not my favorite.

Bountiful temple at night. This is by far my most favorite picture. It is so majestic and so beautiful!

We also did a lot of eating.

This is a pasta dish at the firehouse grill. It was so tasty and they served us cheesy bread before so I was already kind of full on that, but still finished the WHOLE thing!

We stopped at this little ice cream shop in Kanab on the way up. I had a salad and then got 2 scoops of ice cream. Their 2 scoops was more like a half gallon of ice cream!

And of course....we shopped, and shopped, and shopped. Nothing like a brand new, comfortable Sketchers that you get on sale to wear so you can shop!

We saw hats and mittens that look like kittens! Hey I made a rhyme!!

We were in TJ Maxx, and Wendi found this chair that she fell in love with. She also looks pretty darn comfortable in that chair!.

We spent the night in Salt Lake City one night and Jacque did our hair and painted our toe nails. It was definitely an all girl night!

Wendi did Jacque's hair at her apartment. It turned out so cute and I don't even have a picture of the finished product. Just trust me!

The three of us did a temple session at the Logan Temple. Such a beautiful temple. It reminds me of a castle.

We went to Gardner's Village and they had the entire place decked out for Halloween and Fall. The place was packed but we were able to get a few shots without other people in the pictures.

She is so not a witch, but it was just too perfect of how the hat was hanging, so...
.

That's my twin sister with the hat on!!

Such a great time and so glad we were able to make the trip. Thanks Wendi, Curt, and Jacque for letting me be a part of your family for 2 weeks!!

My Funk

2011-09-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted anything and not so much because I haven't done anything wonderful, but more because I have been so lazy! August for me was such a horrible month. I really dislike the heat and the average temperature for August was 109 degrees. I pretty much went from getting up and exercising early, getting my cleaning done and errands run, that by the time it was 10:00 I was done for the day. So I spent most days parked in front of the TV or over at a friends and trying so hard not to spend money I didn't have. You know how when you're bored it's so easy to get out and spend, spend, spend. Well now that it is getting a little cooler, and I have a trip to Utah planned, I'm starting to get out of my funkiness.
Last week I decided to do a thorough cleaning of my house. I cleaned my kitchen from the top of the cupboards to the floor. I also cleaned out my closet. Oh what a chore that was! When all was said and done, three large black garbage bags full of clothes, shoes, bags, and other unwanted things that I don't wear. It felt so good to get rid of all the stuff that I hung onto for whatever the reason.
I bought at St. Vincent De Paul's thrift shop a dining room table and 6 chairs. I have been waiting for the weather to cool off a bit before I begin the job of stripping, re-staining, and reupholstering the chairs. I really am excited to begin the work and get it done and see how it looks in the house.
Well I still need to pack and get thinking about what to have for dinner. I'll post Utah pictures and before pictures of my soon to be new, refurbished, dining room set!

My Favorite All Time Movies

2011-08-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love to watch movies and some of my most favorite ones are the classics. If you haven't had a chance to watch any, let me know because I have most of the ones listed here. You won't regret it!!

Midnight Lace

This is an early Doris Day and Rex Harrison movie. The movie opens up with Kit Preston (Doris Day) walking through the London fog and she hears a voice tell her that they are going to kill her. Rex Harrison plays her husband and he doesn't believe her. That's all I want to say because I don't want to ruin the movie.

Rex Harrison and Doris Day

The Magic of Ordinary Days

This is such a sweet love story with Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich. Keri plays Livy, a young woman who is pregnant out of wedlock and very educated. Her father arranges a marriage to Ray Singleton, Skeet Ulrich. The movies is set in WWII and such a great love story. Who couldn't love Skeet Ulrich!!

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

Such a great comedy and if you've ever built a new home with your significant other, then you will get a kick out of this movie. My all time favorite actor, Cary Grant is the main character. You'll love the scene when his wife, Myrna Loy, is telling the painter what colors she wants painted in the new house.

Return to Me

Another great love story! My favorite scene is with all the older men dancing together. So cute and Carroll O'Connor does such a great job playing Minnie Driver's grandfather.

Hope Floats
Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. star and they make such a great couple. I love the dynamics between Bertie, Sandra Bullock's character, and her mother Ramona, Gena Rowland.

Who wouldn't want Harry Connick Jr. waiting for you with a bouquet of flowers!

My Big FAT Greek Wedding

Okay, this picture of Toula, Nia Vardalos, kind of reminds me of me when I was in high school. Yes, I was frump girl. I know, it's hard to believe, ha ha!! We had a Greek family that lived next door to us and this movie reminds me of them.

Check her out in her muchly adorned wedding gown!

The Help

I loved, loved, loved the book and the movie did not disappoint me. I won't say anything about it because I don't want to spoil it. Just remember, you is kind....you is smart....you is important!!

Sissy Spacek was so great as Hilly's mom!

What are some of your favorite movies?

Texas or Bust

2011-07-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

TEXAS

For the 4th of July, Tommy's brother invited us to meet him and his wife and his son's house in Kyle Texas. Kyle is north of San Antonio and since it was something different to do we decided to go. We packed the day that the power went out for 9 hours and if I had been on top of things, we would have left, but we wanted to make sure our dog was okay and that she had air conditioning. Yeah I know, she like my kid, but that's just the way it is.

We stopped just outside of New Mexico and saw this at the rest stop. Tommy couldn't resist taking a picture of this roadrunner made out of.....JUNK! It's actually kind of cool and Tommy signed his name to him to make sure everyone knew we were there.

Our first leg of the journey we drove to El Paso and stopped and got a hotel room for the night. El Paso kind of scares me because of the border town of Juarez, Mexico. It's amazing to me how close the cities are to each other with the river separating them. Anyway, on our second leg, we stopped in this little town of Fredricksburg Texas. The town was having a 4th of July celebration and we came upon this car that was parked on display. Once again, Tommy couldn't resist taking a picture.
All I got to say is that someone has a lot of time on their hands. The funny thing is that there was a sign posted that said, "This car is not for sale. If you want one, you'll have to make your own." Funny!!

We made it to Albert and Berenice's house on Saturday. They live in Kyle, which is a cute little town and their neighborhood has a pool so of course we had to use it.

Albert and Berenice have four girls and they are all about two years apart. So they have their hands full and it is never a dull moment! As you can see, all the girls like to hang onto their dad!

Esterlina, my sister in law and I had a great time together. Tommy's brother has always been a great example to us as well as his wife. I love spending time with them and we always have a ton of fun with them.

On Sunday, we got up and got dressed for church. Since we were all together and in our Sunday best clothes, Tommy snapped a picture of all of us. It was fast Sunday, so if we look pained it was because we hadn't eaten!!

We went to the outlet malls to shop and then to this bar-b-que place for a late lunch. It was a fun place. They had popcorn and lemonade you could buy while you waited for a table. They also had this duo singing folk songs. Do we look hungry?

We took a day and spent it in San Antonio to see the Alamo and do the river walk. Okay, I know that the Alamo has a huge historical significance, but I'm sorry, it's just a building and they wouldn't let you take pictures inside. I was disappointed!

After the Alamo, we went and did the river walk. It was pretty, but very hot, and humid. Not much to see but restaurants and hotels along the bank of the river.

Berenice is just a crack up and so much fun. She's a pretty darn good cook too!

Our next to last day there, we went to a place called Hamilton Pools. This was my favorite place! It is a swimming hole that is kind of out in the middle of nowhere. When it rains, there is a waterfall that spills into the pool.

In some areas the pool was 30 feet deep and there were HUGE fish and snapping turtles. The turtles were so cute, but we didn't get too close. We hiked down in with a large picnic of chicken, tortillas, hummus, tomatoes, crackers, cheese, and drinks. It was busy but fun and very relaxing.

I love this picture of Tommy...Isn't he cute!!

This is so not a flattering profile picture of me, but hey, it is what it is! This is the deep end of the pool and we are all standing and sitting on rocks.

After our stay in Kyle, we then went and spent a few days with a good friend in San Angelo. Unfortunately, Tommy kept forgetting to take his camera with him or I would have some great pictures of me wiping out on the tube being pulled by a speed boat.

OR BUST

Texas is all about the food and bar-b-que. I have never ate so much in my life and like I said earlier, Berenice is a really good cook. Bar-b-que chicken, enchiladas, homemade peach cobbler, ice cream, you name it, and I swear, we ate it! Tommy and I both came home with an extra five pounds to loose.

Sorry it's such a long post, but it sure was a lot of fun!!

Quilts

2011-06-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

When I was about 10 years old I begged my mom to teach me how to sew. For months she would tell me I was too young until one day she got tired of me pestering her about it that she finally did. I love to sew and bought my first sewing machine within the first year I was married. I think it cost me about $100. Well that same machine has been with me for over 30 years and no longer operates properly. So as I was listening to my friend Wendi talk, and I would go to her house and see all these wonderful things she would sew, that I decided to buy a brand new sewing machine. Wendi sews beautifully and is very creative in the things she makes....not like her friend who has to have a pattern for everything she does. Now, I haven't sewn for a very long time and still have not sewn anything on my new Bernina so Wendi had me come to her house and pick fabric out of her scraps, and vast assortment of fabrics she has collected so that I could start my own quilt. How generous is that!! So I have started to cut fabric to make my very first quilt. I can't tell you enough how excited I am! Did I say that I was excited? So I will post pictures of my project, but in the mean time, here are a few pictures of some quilts I came across while browsing the Internet.

I think these two quilts are very fun and bright. It looks like a ton of work but maybe I'll get good enough that I can create something like these.

I love the baby quilts. The one below is really cute and kind of funny! Since I don't have any grand babies yet, maybe I should just concentrate on non-gender specific baby quilts!

The one below reminds me of Noah's ark, although there isn't an ark in the picture. It is really cute and I would LOVE to make this for a grand baby or shower gift. We'll see!

This one is cute too! It doesn't look to hard and although I think this is meant to hang on a wall, I would make it so it fit a bed, or crib, or maybe my California king size bed! Actually, I do want to make one for my bed just one that is a little more grown up and sophisticated...Ha! Who am I kidding!!

Once again, did I tell you I was excited. I am doing the pattern a square within a square and poor Wendi had to explain it to me a million times. Hopefully after this quilt, we can talk about the weather or our husbands instead of her explaining it too me time after time!

M E X I C O

2011-05-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a little while since we have been home from our trip and I thought I would throw some pictures out there. I LOVE Mexico City! I LOVE the people! I LOVE the food! I LOVE everything about the place...so far! We are fortunate in that we have family that lives there and takes us to all the fun, beautiful, safe places to visit. They are so wonderful and so accommodating. I really love that the people don't have much, but what they have they take care of and they use. Family is the most important thing to them, as it should be for all of us. Well, let's get on with the pictures!

Our niece and her family took us to this outdoor restaurant that was surrounded by a wooded area. It was nice, cool, and of course the food was great! As you can see, I LOVED what I got.

We were invited one evening to our nephew and his family's house to eat. Clockwise from me is Jose, my sister in law, Brenda and Monica her daughters, and Lorena, my nephew's wife. Their home is beautiful! It is very simply decorated and of course the food was so good!

One morning we went into the heart of the city and had churros and hot chocolate for breakfast. That same day, we had these very greasy, yummy tacos, and that night had some very rich food for dinner. Well let's just say that the next day I was miserable, and stayed in bed the entire day. Happy to report that it only lasted one day.

Tommy and I were able to attend a temple session at the Mexico City temple. The grounds were beautiful and the taxi ride was a hoot! Luckily, our taxi driver was so nice, his car was clean, and he was funny. It took us over an hour to get there and about 1.5 hours to get back.

This is Armando and he is getting dinner ready. On Easter we had a feast! Carne asada, grilled nopales, onion, beans, chorizo, tortillas, guacamole, and more. It was so divine!! I'm telling you it is all about the food, and they do it up good!

Monica and her family took us to the university to show us where her and her husband Paco work. It was such a nice relaxing day and we ate at the coffee shop there. On the grounds near the admin. building, all of the people that live nearby bring their dogs to run around. We aren't talking mutts either. Pure bread golden retrievers, st. Bernard's, and all other kind. I love dogs and I was in hog heaven!

We drove up to this small village to see the largest rock formation in the world. I know, boring, but the walk up had all these wonderful shops to buy all sorts of fun things. I really wish I could have brought a uhaul with me so I could by all the wonderful junk to bring home. Oh, yes, Montezuma decided to visit the day before, but I won the battle and climbed all the way to the bottom of the rock formation. Take that Montezuma!!

Before the hike to the rock thing, we stopped and ate at this hotel. It was so quaint and beautiful. I loved the arches and details on the arches. Above in front is Paco, then Armando, Jose, Monica, Armando Jr., Lorena, me and Tommy.

After our shopping trip, we went to this resort and spent a night and day. It was gorgeous! The pools had a natural hot spring and unfortunately, I didn't bring my suit. I was so tempted just to jump in. Note to self, never go anywhere without your suit! In the picture is Tommy, Karen, Rick, Iris, and me. Rick and Armando Jr. are twins.

We found this outside restaurant that served barbacoa, which is......drum roll........goat meat cooked in a pit. It was yummy and the soup they made from it was better than any soup I have ever had. They also made fresh corn tortillas. Once again, it's all about the food!!

On the way up to the resort we stopped and took a picture of all of us. Paco and Monica own land just outside the resort and will start building a vacation home this year. Can't wait!

This is a picture of the resort as you come in from the road above. Its so nice and secluded.

After the kids had eaten, the parents made them walk a few laps around the pool so they wouldn't get cramps. It was so funny watching them all walk around and around. They all got along great, and not one time did they fight with each other. Yes, there is only one boy cousin, but he's a good sport!

I can't wait to go back and I think I could even live there for a summer or maybe even long enough to serve a mission there. Hopefully we can get back, soon!

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day approaching I wanted to pay a tribute to my mom. She had a tough life, and was sick most of the time that I remember, but I still have some really great memories of her. My mom suffered from depression and had a bi-polar disorder that she battled most of my childhood and adult life. But considering all that she went through, I think she did a wonderful job of being a mom and wife.

Wasn't she a looker! She was a very pretty young lady and as she got older, and aged, she still had the prettiest skin ever. I remember her telling me to always wear sunscreen even though not much was known about sun damage and skin cancer. Every night she would wash and clean her face with ponds cold cream. I think that's why she had such pretty skin.

This is my mom with my sister, just outside their new home. My mom really loved us and she was quite the talented lady. She sewed most of our clothes, and taught me how to sew when I was in 6th grade. She made some beautiful dresses for me and my sister. Every Easter we were always decked out in matching dresses, shoes, and gloves. She also taught me to crochet and cook. I love to crochet, and really hate to cook so I guess the cooking lessons didn't help me too much!

My mom worked for Dr. Telford, a dentist in downtown Mesa as a dental assistant. She truly loved her job and was really good with people. I remember that when I was younger, she became a Welcome Wagon Hostess and would be gone 2 or 3 days a week, welcoming newcomers to the Mesa area. She made a lot of friends doing this and kept in touch with them long after she quit. She had a special talent of taking care of the elderly, and even though she sometimes complained about not having enough time for herself, she would faithfully go over and do whatever it was they needed at the time.

My dad worked night driving a truck and he would be gone for 2 nights at a time. Those were the nights that we had all the good stuff that my dad didn't like to eat for dinner. Like french toast, eggs, popcorn, and sometimes it was Sandy Drive In hamburgers. The best were the nights we would head to the drive in to watch movies. My sister, brother, and I would get dressed in our p.j.'s and always would fall asleep before the 2nd movie was over.

I was rather sickly when I was a child and these are the times I remember her the most. It didn't matter how tired or sick she was, she was always there to make sure I was okay. I remember having pneumonia and had been cooped up in the house for over 2 weeks. One night she decided that we were going to go for a short drive to get Dairy Queen and just get me out of the house to see some new scenery.

When I had braces on my teeth and had just been to the orthodontist, she would make me pancakes that night for dinner. The school's I attended were just down the street from our house. So come rain or shine, I walked to school, but when it was cold and rainy, my mom would meet me at the door with hot chocolate and a blanket to wrap up in.

As she got older and couldn't care for herself, she lived with me for 3 years. I really don't think I did her justice with the care I gave her. I was not very patient and I complained a lot. If I had to do things over again, I would have quit my job and taken care of her the way she deserved.

I love you and miss you! I hope that you will forgive me for complaining.

Mothers Day Certificate

2011-05-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am still in Mexico and usually don't enter raffles, but I would like to win this one. If you are looking for a great gift for you or your mom, visit the link below. It has some great deals!

http://codystephsunderhaus.blogspot.com

Mexico Bound

2011-04-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

We just finished watching a special on NBC about the drug cartels and the killing and violence going on in Mexico. Why we watched it I don't know because in just a few short days we are on our way to Mexico City to visit family. However, I'm really looking forward to the trip and to seeing family.

Tommy's brother lives in Mexico City and we go visit about every 3 years. The last time we were there, we had so much fun and a lot has happened while we were gone. My sister in law has battled a brain tumor and has won! I'm not sure what type of cancer or where it was located, but in my opinion, any brain tumor isn't good. They also have the nicest and loving est family and so I'm sure that she the best care they could give her. They have also sold and built another house. Armando, Tommy's brother is so talented in that he can build just about anything, as well as tile, plumb, and do the electrical. The last time we visited we were able to do a bit of traveling and see some of the prettiest towns in Mexico. We visited Morelli, which is where Tommy's mom was born. Such a pretty city! We also traveled to Leon to see Armando's son and family. Leon is known for leather as in shoes, jackets, wallets, etc...If we go again, I'm buying, buying, buying!!

Well wish us luck that we get there and return without incident, which I'm sure we will. Pictures and our travel experiences to come later! ADIOS MIS AMIGOS!!

Massage

2011-04-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

For most of you that know me, know that I have various and assorted knots in my shoulders from working out or stress. I have nothing to be stressed about so I think it's from my workouts. I also have problems with those muscles in my shoulders pulling and causing problems with my neck and headaches. I tend to not do anything about them until I am DYING and can't stand the pain any longer. Luckily for me, I happened upon a status update on facebook from a friend asking to trade massage for house cleaning. I like to clean. Yes, there I said it. I like to clean. It's my therapy, it's instant gratification for me. It make me feel good after it is done, that I have accomplished something that is visible. So I responded to her status and a deal was made. Three hours of cleaning for a 90 minute massage...I should say, 90 minutes of a painful HEAVEN! I say painful because when she hits those areas and follows them to get the "crackles" out, it hurts. But afterwards, it is so wonderful! I have been cleaning for about a month now and I know that I have gotten the better end of this deal. My last visit to her house for my trip to heaven was probably the best massage yet. My right shoulder and neck area was really tight and after about an hour of her massaging, and I mean DEEP massaging, my muscles finally relaxed. I am happy to report that since Wednesday, I haven't felt any knots and for the first time in a very LONG time, I am relaxed. I have been trying to be more aware of how I position my shoulders while sitting, sleeping, walking, working out, etc...I hug a pillow at night, and I think that has contributed to my knots. It has taken me a few nights to get used to not having the pillow, and now I no longer need it. I am looking forward to my next massage without having the pain of those tender areas. I love this arrangement! I am definitely getting the better end of this deal. Thanks Terina!

She's At It Again

2011-03-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have quite the talented daughter in law. She is so creative and patient! She has made several cakes for family members and co-workers. This is one that she did that turned out so awesome!

Whenever she decides to do one of her creations, it is a huge undertaking. Good thing I have plenty of counter space!

Andy usually helps in these creations, but I think he is mostly there so he can eat the cake that gets trimmed off.

The baked potato cake had about 7 layers of cake and frosting. This one was only 2 or maybe 3. Let's face it, I'm not that creative and I was just there for the cake scraps too!

Yes, it will be a guitar cake. My idea was to just frost the "rock band" guitar and have a store bought cake. Luckily she ignored me.

Cutting out the pattern.

Chocolate cake, my favorite!

The finished product. She used 2 cookie sheets so she could transport it more easily.

Rock on Shelley...whoever that is!

This was another cake she did. So very cute!

I'm so glad that I have a daughter in law that can do these things, because as I said before, I'm not that creative nor patient!!

Lazy Monday

2011-03-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, early afternoon, and I am still in my workout clothes. It's just one of those days where I just don't feel like doing anything or even showering. It's funny because yesterday on our way home from church Tommy asked me what my week was like. So, I'm telling him what my plans are, and I'm really trying to sound like I am busy so he doesn't think that I am lazy and don't do anything all day. However today is just a lazy Monday! I guess it is because after we get home from church, our Sunday's become very lazy too.
As I was getting ready for church yesterday I was looking at myself in the mirror and noticing that I really need to get a new do! My hair has had the same haircut for about 5 years, but it is easy and works. Last time I had it cut, I asked her to not cut it as short as she usually does because of all my cowlicks. So she left it longer, and I really didn't care for the cut. I go back in tomorrow and am going to have her cut it shorter again and I'll just deal with the "holes" I have after I style my hair.
I teach the 10 year old class in Primary and we have this one little girl that just drives me crazy! When we, (I team teach) got the class we asked them to share something that they all liked to do. Her response was that she liked to lie, and not as in lying down! So both me and my partner were like are we ever going to believe anything she says to us? Yesterday we posted some rules for the class and afterwords she asked, "What is a rule?" Just shoot me now because I think she is going to drive me to drink!!
So we went to Roosevelt a few weekends back and I will blog about it in my next post. I am such a bad blogger!

Has It Been This Long

2011-02-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't blogged for a very long time. I guess I haven't had much of a life and so I haven't had much to blog about. So, here is the scoop of the events in the life of the Campa's.

1. My niece got married. It was so much fun. Tommy and I danced like we were a whole lot younger than what we are! But it was family, and strangers I didn't know so who cares...right?

2. My friend Ginger came to visit from Texas. It was probably not a good time for her to come because she found out that her husband got laid off from his job. But she came and stayed for almost 2 weeks. We had a great time. Shopped, ate, exercised, shopped some more, and visited her family. We went to Prescott and spent the night. We shopped at the antique stores, ate at Murphy's, and brought home a pie from Berry's. They make the BEST pie!

3. I went to the doctor today because my allergies have been bugging me and I have this stupid rash on my back that I can't seem to get rid of. I also have been having problems with my hearing aid, so I wanted the doctor to make sure it wasn't wax built up in my ear. Well after $120.00 and 6 prescriptions later I find out that I also have a sinus infections and swollen glands. I went to the hearing aid place to find out that the piece that goes from my ear to the piece that sits behind the ear was not working. That was just a mere $50.00. At least I didn't have to pay another $1,500 for a brand new hearing aid. Seriously, I am blogging about a hearing aid? I am OLD!

4. I finally....FINALLY got my bedroom and bathroom painted. (Don't fall off of your chair!) I also got bedding to match the paint on the bed. It looks really good and I am very happy with it. I know, where are the pictures, well they are coming. I still have to replace a purple throw with something that will match the bedding and then I will post pictures. Keep in mind, I don't have any pictures yet, but I am looking.

5. Well Valentines Day came and went, with very little fanfare! Tommy got me a very sweet card and Andy and Peanut got me a card and some flowers. The card made me cry and the flowers were so pretty! Tommy and I don't really exchange gifts for Valentine's and that's okay. I would rather save the money for something big.

6. So this weekend we are headed up to Roosevelt for our annual trip. I have been dieting this week so I can go hog wild this weekend. The food is the highlight of the trip. Eat at El Rey on the way up. Steak and shrimp one night. Roast, carrots, potatoes one night. And that doesn't include the snacks and desserts. I know I will pay for it the week we get back, but I'll just have to spend a little more time at the gym the week we get back. Oh feel the burn!!

Well that about gets me caught up from the past few months. I will post pictures later of bedroom, Roosevelt, and whatever else comes to mind.

Happy Valentines Day (a day late!)

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2010-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

Well as usual, the Campa family celebrated Christmas with a big party. This year was not my year to host the event, but sister in law was too busy getting her daughter's wedding underway. We had so much fun and so much food, but as usual it was all almost gone! We had shredded beef for tacos, beans, rice, tamales, homemade salsa and guacamole, veggies, and some really great desserts. I gained 10 lbs just looking at all the stuff!

After we ate we played our annual white elephant gift exchange game. I love playing this game because for the last few years we have gotten such fun gifts. This year I got a night light that is a smaller version of the lamp the dad gets in the movie "A Christmas Story". Tommy got a piggy bank, shaped like a pig, that counts the change as you put it in. We already have $75.00 saved!

We all crammed into my family room to play all the games I had arranged. There were 30+ of us and we all had so much fun. Above is a picture of Penny, her son Michael, and his wife Alexa.

This is Tommy's brother Sergio and his wife Jewelie. Not sure what she is doing or even why she is doing it!

Peanut and Andy are patiently waiting for the gift exchange to start.

Opening up my first gift, which was a nightgown, but then had to switch with Jewelie and won the night light.

All of us, including the dog, on the stairs for are annual Christmas picture. I am at the very top with Penny.

The next morning after opening our gifts, we went over to Peanut's family and ate breakfast and watched Andy and Peanut open up their gifts. Yes, I went over in my pj's and no I did not take a shower. I did however put a bra on! Besides, all the Gerard's were in their pj's!

Melanie made Peanut an apron out of one of her bridesmaid dresses from her wedding. It zips in the front and of course we heard other various ideas on what else the dress could be used as. I so don't want to know!!

Andy got a couple of ties and he is giving Christina a lesson on how to properly tie a tie.

Jerry made breakfast for all of us. Omelets, waffles, fresh fruit, salsa, chips, and hot chocolate. There went another 10 lbs on the old body!!

While we were there, their son called from Russia and we were able to listen and talk with him. He is serving a mission and it was fun to listen and see how much he has grown up.

After breakfast we went home and cleaned up so we could go back and eat dinner. This is a picture of all of us before we ate. Jerry said that this year was lonely as only 7 of the 12 kids were home. Ha ha!! Anyway we had a great time. New Years day we are off to the Fiesta Bowl to watch the game. Don't ask me who is playing, let's just say I am going to people watch!

My Christmas Wish List

2010-12-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to list all the things that I would love to have for Christmas. They're not extravagant or even expensive, but they are things that I am sure I won't get...and that's okay.
1. Okay, don't get me wrong, I love them and it has been okay with them here, but I would love it if they could afford to move out and start a home of their own. They want it just as much as I want it for them. We are hoping, praying, wishing that Andy can get a better, full-time job so they can do this. But until then.....

2. I want someone to paint my bedroom and bathroom. I have bought the paint, bought the new towel fixtures, and will soon by buying new faucets. So what's my problem, I don't know and probably am feeling overwhelmed by it all. One wall at a time, right?

3. I want to go away for a few days. I would settle for Tempe, Scottsdale, Tuba City. Really just a chance for Tommy and I to get away for awhile.

4. I want someone to teach me how to run properly, as in long distance running. I dream about it and every time I try, I end up with shin splints and problems with my Achilles tendon. It really stinks to get old!

5. I want a new wardrobe. I won't deny that I have a lot of clothes, but they're old and out of style. I used to love to shop for clothes and the last few years I just don't care or even want to shop. Maybe it's because I'm not working and those people that see me don't care.

6. I want to simplify my life and get rid of all the clutter. The problem is.....Tommy. His philosophy is as long as we have the room, why bother. I guess I need to accept his philosophy and just go with it.

7. I want my hair stylist to cut my hair so that I don't have all these stupid cow licks that stick up every time I blow my hair dry. I tell her every time and every time she cuts it the same way. I really don't want to change stylist, but come on. How hard is that!

8. I want a new dinning room set. My table top is scratched, nicked, and only seats 4 people. Every time we have company over, we cram each other at this little table. I have dropped so many hints and finally told Tommy how badly we needed something else. Well, that didn't work so I guess I'm just going to have to go buy it and then tell him.

9. I want to learn how to redo wood furniture. I'm not brave enough to just "go for it". Any hints?

10. Most of all is I want us all to be safe and happy.

Maybe in 2011 I'll finally get what I want! I'll keep you all posted.

Thanksgiving and Other Stuff

2010-11-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have been a very bad
blogger lately. Really there just hasn't been much to blog about. I will do a short update on all the non-happenings in the world of the Campa Lampa's.

We spent Thanksgiving day with Peanut's family. It was a fun day although I missed spending it with my family. I also forgot my camera so there aren't any pictures. DUH! Tommy did his usual golfing thing that morning and I went over to the Gerard's at about 11:00. All the girls and little guys went and saw Tangled. Cute movie! Then went back and finished making all the fixings for the dinner. Tommy finally got there and then we ate. I gotta say, the food was so good and the company was great, too! The best part about having Thanksgiving at someone else house is that you don't have to clean up. Actually they have 5 girls that did all the dishes while the rest of us laid around and watched football. All in all, it was a great day.

I have this little primary calling at church and teach the 7 year old. I am so not loving it. I have truly tried to put my heart into it and it just isn't happening. I need a serious attitude adjustment because I have a feeling that I am going to be there for a while. We had tithing settlement and I expressed my feelings to the bishop. If you know me at all, I really don't hold back if asked, so I spilled my guts out. Evidently, I am suppose to be there because nothing has happened. I have 10 kids in the class and a few of them are a challenge. When one gets going they all get going then mayhem erupts and I have lost all control. Lately, another adult has come into the class which has helped. I am moving up to an older class at the first of the year so I am hoping that the dynamics will change with an older class. I'm also hoping that my attitude will change as well!

Well the newlyweds are still here and Andy applied for a job at SRP. We are praying and keeping our fingers crossed that he gets the job. This will mean more money, insurance benefits for both of them, and the possibility that they can afford a place of their own. I love them both, but really would like for them to experience being on their own and truly being a married couple.

Well the Christmas decorations are out and I need to get them up. I get a little claustrophobic with all the extra stuff in my house. It's really not that much more, and I am always glad to get the stuff down and put away right after Christmas. So, I am off to decorate and grocery shop. I hate to grocery shop because then you have to put it away and then cook it! Such a vicious circle!!

The "Baked Potato" Cake

2010-10-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Peanut's dads 50th birthday and all of his kids got together and decided to throw him a surprise party. The oldest lives in Boise with her husband and another daughter lives in Rexburg with her husband. They flew in and stayed with other family members so he wouldn't know they were in town. Everyone had a part to do for they party and Peanut's was to make a cake. Since Jerry, her dad, is from Idaho, she decided to make a cake that would look like a baked potato. So she did a trial run a couple of weeks before the actual event, and that is the picture of how it turned out. But, since there were going to be a lot more people she had to make the cake a lot bigger.

The smaller version of the cake.

Eight cakes later, frozen, then frosted in between each layer, then cut to look like a potato. She covered it in marshmallow fondant so it wouldn't fall apart. The lighter area is where she had a wet paper towel on it. You'll see why as you scroll through the pictures. That is coco on the bottom of the pan so it would look like dirt.

These are nuts that she put red food coloring on to make it look like bacon bits.

Crushed up pistashio nuts with green food coloring for the chives.

A crushed oreo cookie with a little powdered sugar for the pepper.

She cut the top part of the fondant open so she could add the sour cream, (cool whip).

With the cool whip on top, she added frosting to the lighter colored part of the cake.

Adding the lettering, which was a tad frustrating cuz the stuff wouldn't come out very smooth.

The finished baked potato with all the fixins on top. She used yellow food coloring on some frosting to make it look like the butter. It was the hit of the night and mighty tasty I might add!

San Antonio and Other Events

2010-10-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

It's been FOREVER since I have blogged and I really don't have much to write about. However, I took a trip to see one of my BFF's. Ginger lives in San Angello, Texas and really wishes that she lived back in Colorado. The weather is very similar to ours except that it is a tad cooler, but more humid. I just happened to arrive when the weather was in the low 90's and was not all that bad. Arizona was still experiencing 108 to 110 degrees. It has been at least 20 years since I have seen her, and it was just like we had never been apart! We had so much fun!

This picture was taken the day I left. Her son was suppose to cut the grass and he kept putting it off, so I went ahead and took the picture anyway. But I really love the neighborhood she lives in and all the brick work on her house.

Every morning we would either go to the gym on the air force base, or go for a 4 mile walk. I decided to take my camera and got a picture of one of the homes we passed by. I would love to live in this house, but then I don't want the mortgage payment and I don't want to clean it!

We decided to paint her kitchen while I was there and this is the finished product. She loves the blue color and it went really well with all of her home decor.

Before, it was painted all white and the blue really gave it some definition.

The day after we finished painting, she took me to the older section of the town. They had a bunch of antique stores and this fun shop called Egg Meyers General Store. We spent a couple of hours in there. So many fun things to buy and not enough luggage space. Oh well, there is always next year! We ate in a place that was an old brothel. Very fancy inside and the waiter/owner was a little weird, but the food was good!This is the outside of the store. It's cute!

The only airport in San Angello is a little regional one and so flights in are really expensive. I flew to San Antonio which was about 3 1/2 hours away. So she and I drove back the day before my flight and spent the night. We were going to go to the river walk and a few other places, but it started raining. We were able to get out really quick and get a picture at the temple. I'm not sure what happened to the picture I was in, but it's just as well.

I've been home for a couple of weeks and decided to bottle some pinto beans. I've heard that if your jars aren't sealing to turn them upside down. I did and they sealed!

This is what I do in between cleaning, bottling beans, painting, and watching TV. I start petting on her side and this is how she always ends up.

Andy's favorite way to pass the time. Lounging on the bed with x-box controllers. Oh to be young and carefree!!

I caught Tommy in the recliner in our bedroom. When he's not golfing, he's watching golf. Right now the Ryder Cup has been on and he has recorded as much as he could.

No comments about the fact that my bedroom is still ugly, white, flat paint. I am still digesting the whole "what color do I paint it" thing!

And the Winner Is...

2010-09-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well actually, it was a tie. Most of you voted for picture numbers 2 and 6. I took some pictures of my bedroom, and can't believe I am posting them on my blog for the whole world to see. Well maybe not the whole world, but for my fellow blogger friends to see. So I have swallowed my pride and posted them below the two winners.

I really like this color and think that when I paint it will be really close to this color. My sweet daughter in law also likes this color and since comforters/bedspreads cost so much, and I don't want to spend the money, I can keep my current bedspread.

Can you picture my green bedspread I have in my room now with this? One word, YUCK!!

This is looking into my bathroom. I have way too much junk and will hopefully let go of it. After all, it is just stuff!

You can't really see the picture, but it's going too.

The really ugly floral thing about the bed is going along with the two pictures. So are the ugly pillows on the bed. I am sure that Tommy will have something to say about that. He lays in bed with all of them placed under, or on top of various body parts. It drives me crazy cause they end up on top of me in the middle of the night.
Yes, I have a very ugly rocker recliner in my room, but it is so stinking comfy that it will stay. I spend hours reading, napping, watching TV, etc...on it and just really can't part with it.
I will post pictures after I have completed this whole thing, but don't hold your breath that it will be anytime soon. It's still too hot and I am not painting until the temps drop down into the 80's!

What Color Do I Paint My Bedroom

2010-09-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, and follow my blog at all, then you know I am always painting. The problem now is that my bedroom has never been painted. Yes we still have the ugly, dirty, non-washable flat paint that was used when the house was built. Yes, I am ashamed to say that is the case. I can give you 100 excuses, like I stubbed my toe on the way to buy the paint, my car wouldn't start, I got the chicken pox and couldn't leave my house for two weeks, and yes the list would go on and on. When really the truth be told is that I haven't been able to commit a color of paint to my walls. My bedroom and bath are combined without any door (don't get me started on all the reasons of why I hate that) and the room is vaulted. So when I paint, it will be something that will last me until I either move or die, whichever comes first. So, all of my blogging friends, I picked out some pictures that had some paint colors I liked, and some I didn't, and am asking that you vote and let me know what you like. Granted I can't get new furniture, but I am thinking about painting my brass headboard black. (You can look at my "making the bed" post to see part of the room.) So vote away, give me suggestions, tell me to go jump in a lake, but give me an opinion!!

Picture #1

Picture #2

Picture #3

Picture #4

Picture #5

Picture #6

Peanut's Birthday

2010-08-26T09:58:00.001-07:00

My sweet daughter-in-law had her 21st birthday last week. I had to wait to blog about it because Andy decided to throw her a surprise birthday party for her and I didn't want to ruin it in case she were to read my blog.

We wanted to make this birthday special for her for several reasons. It is her first birthday as an official "Campa", and it was that milestone, 21st birthday. She had told Andy that all she wanted was a party, and being the sly, sneaky, man that he is, he had her convinced that he had dropped the ball and it wasn't going to happen. As a family, we went out to dinner at Dave and Buster's. They had a deal going on that if you ordered from the specific deal items, you get a $10.00 game card thrown in. The food wasn't fabulous, but it was okay but the games were fun. Andy and Tommy had fun shooting baskets and I just had fun watching. Peanut loved it! After wards we came home and had pie with birthday candles.

Andy and I made preparations the day before the party and bought all the party supplies and paper goods and delivered them to her brother's house so that the next day, her official birthday, he could hang out with her. He took her to Crackers for breakfast and they went shopping. Later that day he blindfolded her and drove to Queen Creek to where the party was and all of their friends surprised her. I asked him to take pictures of the party, but he forgot the camera. Luckily I got a couple of pictures of her in her cute outfit that the best mother-in-law in the world bought for her!

I saw this dress with one of my shopping friends and immediately thought of Peanut. It looks really cute on her and of course, it was on sale!!

I got Andy to pose with her before they left. She had a great day. "Happy Birthday, Peanut!!"

Making the Bed

2010-07-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

A few pictures are worth a thousand words.

When Tommy makes the bed......

When I make the bed.....

Any questions?

Work Tommy/Fun Tommy

2010-07-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

First of all, if my husband knew that I was blogging about him I would probably be in divorce court. But since he does not read or care about my blogging adventures, and if my friends will not mention it to him, hint, hint...then no harm done, right?
The month leading up to Andy's wedding and until the end of June I noticed a difference in Tommy. He was fun and nice, and pleasant to be around. I know that I probably drive him crazy, but he has put up with it for 30 years and I really think he is used to me now. Lately, work Tommy has been living in our house, and he is not so much fun. In fact, I want fun Tommy back. If you keep up with my blog, you know that I recently acquired hearing aides. They're not something that I really like, in fact the drive me crazy. The one thing the guy at the hearing place told me is that I still will not hear some things. Tommy is a bit of a low talker and there are moments I really don't hear him. Well he gets really angry with me and the whole "do you have your hearing aides in" comment pops out. I haven't heard that comment until work Tommy showed up at my house. I really try to pay attention, but sometimes I miss things. Yesterday, I was in the closet pulling my clothes out and getting ready to iron them for church. I didn't mention it to Tommy because I thought he already had a shirt ironed. Well when I came back in with my clothes he mentioned that he better go down and iron his stuff. I commented, "oh, I thought you had a shirt ironed. Why didn't you say anything?" He replies, "because you didn't ask me," and then was mad at me the rest of the morning. BRING BACK MY FUN TOMMY!!
He mentioned the other day that I was getting bored and should look for a part time job. I thought, yeah, it's summer and too hot to do anything, so yes I am a little bored. However, when the weather gets cooler I usually can find a lot to do to occupy my time. So I put in a application at Costco for a part-time job. I wouldn't mind going back to work if I could name my own hours and not have to work on Sundays. But I don't think that is in the cards. I worked full time for 30 years and really want to be able to do things I wasn't able to do when working. I guess maybe he is a little jealous of that.
I want you all to know that even though "work Tommy" has been here lately, and more so with me than anyone else. Fun Tommy pops up every so often and I am trying hard to see if I can bring him back.
Oh, one last thing. If you have any good recipes that you don't mind sharing, I would love to have them. I am getting so bored of cooking the same old thing for dinner week after week. My email is mpcampa@ cox.net
Thanks for letting me vent and ramble on. I feel so much better!

Anniversary Road Trip - Lots, and Lots of Pictures

2010-07-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

June 27th was our 30 year anniversary and we wanted to do it up good. Our first thought was a 2 week stay in Hawaii, but we started planning too late. Instead, we did a road trip through Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Our first stop was Las Vegas, Nevada. Tommy received a promotional letter for the Wynn/Encore resorts that offered a great deal on a king suite and show tickets, so we took them up on it. The show was great! Kind of a Cirque de Sole, but in water.

This is the view from our hotel. It doesn't look great during the day, but at night it was gorgeous with all the lights. We are on the 54th floor.

After leaving Las Vegas, we stopped in St. George, Utah on our way to Ogden, and took pictures of the temple and did a tour of Brigham Young's summer home. I loved St. George!

We stayed with our good friends, The Coys for a few days. This is their home and I loved all the greenery. They bought an older home and are fixing it up room by room. Thanks Coys for a great time! Our next stop was Boise, Idaho.

We stayed with our nephew, Chasqui and his family. This is his wife Claudia, and son Issac. She is the sweetest person and man can she cook! She made the best refried beans ever and homemade flour tortillas.

We are in front of Boise State University Bronco's statue.

The little guy in front is Josea and he was determined to have his picture taken with his shirt off. When his dad told him no, this was his next best option. Little stinker!
We left Boise and went back around through Twin Falls and Idaho Falls on our way to Wyoming.

This is at Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls. It is called the Niagara Falls of the west. It too was gorgeous!

We stopped at the temple in Idaho Falls and I wanted my picture taken in front of the flowers. As you can see, Tommy had to get the entire temple building in the shot.

The picture is pretty self explanatory and Wyoming in the summer is so green and lush. We don't see much of that in the summertime in Arizona. We stayed in Teton Village at an older hotel, but it was still nice. Can't beat the free breakfast!

Just outside of Jellystone, oh I mean Yellowstone. teehee!

Tommy and I after a short hike up to see Old Faithful blow her stack.

Old Faithful in the background, clearing her throat, getting ready to shoot in the air.

We had such a great time and saw the most beautiful countryside. Amazing how great we got along and didn't want to come home. Maybe next year for our 31st anniversary we will make it to Hawaii.

The Happenings

2010-07-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in June so I will try to give a quick update. BEWARE! This may be a really boring post!!

1. Andy and Peanut returned home from their honeymoon and moved into their (his old) bedroom. Got their (her old) bedroom furniture arranged and the bed set up. I have to admit that at first it was weird to have them sleeping in the same room. Now I just hope I don't hear anything!

2. Tommy and I went on a road trip to Las Vegas, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. I have pictures to post, but they are on the other computer and I haven't had time to decide what I want to post. Bare with me and I will get them posted sometime next week. We had a wonderful time and the weather was great! I want to move to Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming during the summer cause it was so incredibly green and beautiful!

3. Started my diet and exercise routine again. Before the wedding I lost 20 pounds and when I came back from vacation, I only gained 1, which is good considering all the stuff we ate. I still would like to loose 10 more, but we will see.

4. Saw Eclipse, the 3rd movie of the Twilight saga, twice! And no, Tommy did not go with me. Okay, I admit that I am a little overboard with it, but it was really good! I also thought that the book was the best of the four and that they did a good job of following the book in the movie. Now I can hardly wait for the next movie to come out, or at least the DVD for this one. Tommy and I saw Knight and Day. I liked it. Even though Tom Cruise is a little weird, I still like his movies, and Cameron Diaz was great!

5. I thought that I would take it easy this week and not do too much, but I have been gone most of the week, and have spent way too much money! I am not even sure I can tell you what it was spent on, other than food and shelter! I did buy an Oreck steam cleaner/wand. If you know me at all, this is my most coveted purchase of all. Yes, it has an attachment to scrub and steam the tile grout clean, and another attachment to steam away stuff in the shower and bathroom. I am so excited to use it! (It doesn't take much to make me happy!)

6. Doctor appointments, and doctor appointments. Went today to the doctor to see about the hives that won't go away on my forehead. Have tried it all to get rid of them and nothing seems to be working. He thinks it is related to allergies which I am already taking an allergy pill. He gave me a nose spray and a drug that has steroids in it. I really don't want to take the steroids cause of the side affects. I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week for something else and I will see what he has to say.

Well I think that is about the end of the happenings, as boring as they are. Sorry, but it is what it is. Happy 4th of July and please be safe!

The Project Part two and Some Wedding Photos

2010-06-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a busy week I have had. I was hoping that after the reception I would MAKE myself rest and relax, but if you know me at all, that so didn't happen. I decided on Sunday to stay home from church and rest. I slept most of the day Sunday, and had no problem sleeping through the night. I woke up refreshed and raring to go. I decided to pain the "problem" or also know as Andy's bedroom. I have to say, it was much easier to do when you don't have to work around all the stuff. I got it done and I think it turned out nice. Andy and Peanut really like the color and I am thinking of using the same color to do my bathroom.

If you read my previous post, this is the wall the TV was on. The box you see has a small entertainment center for the TV and all the movies and Cd's.

I love her bedroom furniture and it looks so nice with the new paint color.

These two walls were red and surprisingly, I only had to do 2 coats to cover it.

This is how I got ready for the wedding; acrylic nails and a pedicure. Yes, the polish is black!

Two days before, they went and had their pictures taken in the evening so it wouldn't be so hot. I got a couple of pictures of them getting ready.

She had her friend come over to do her hair and makeup. They are in my bathroom and let me tell you, I had to hurry and pick up all the stuff all over the vanity and close my closet door. I usually hang my bra on the doorknob and thought that wouldn't be too attractive to have in her pictures!

Love, love, love her hair. Her sister made the flower that she is wearing. So cute!

Andy and Peanut coming out of the temple after their sealing. There were four brides ahead of her waiting to exit, so they had until all the pictures had been taken.

I love this picture! It is all of the little boys that stood around and waited for them to come out of the temple. They were so cute and actually really good sports!

These are my closest friends and have been around since Andy was a baby. They have watched him grow up along with their own kids. Wendi, Me, Diane, and Jeanette. You guys are the best!

Doesn't Tommy look good in his tux? I think so!!

Tomorrow, Tommy and I are off on a road trip and to celebrate our 30 year anniversary. I'll post pictures when I get back.

The "Project"

2010-05-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 weeks I have been after Andy to get his room cleaned out and all the stuff he wants to keep packed away. He started yesterday. Peanut has a bedroom set that she is bringing with her, so all of the furniture and the bed needs to be cleaned off to make room for the new stuff. Below are pictures of what he needs to do. Noticed I said "HE" needs to do. I hurt my back moving furniture and cleaning so I really haven't been able to help, besides, whose room is this!

Notice the black thing with the TV on it, and the thing in the corner by the dog bed. Well that is all going away. And yeah, he has a lot of Cd's, DVDs, and games. Oh, the dog has to find somewhere else to sleep....poor Lady!
I had hopes of painting the room before the move, but that is so not going to happen right now. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

This stuff on the floor came out of his closet. How can one kid collect so much stuff? Oh yeah, he is mine and Tommy's child. Of course my stuff are treasures!

His bed, it is never made and usually covered with clean and or dirty clothes. Wow, Peanut has a lot of work to do to get him in shape!

The nightstand that is usually covered in a lot more papers than what you see. If you will notice at the bottom of the stand by the wall is a bill that I am sure he put there so he won't forget to pay it.

I only took a picture of half of the open closet. The other side is just as scary as this side. That other ugly black CD holder is going too.

His TV stand with all of his Xbox stuff is another matter. I'm not sure Peanut will tolerate all that stuff in their bedroom. Of course the TV stand is going and I bought a long bookcase looking thing at Ikea for them to store movies and such, but I am sure it will fill up fast.

I really didn't think that all this stuff would end up in my loft area. If you know me at all, I can't stand to have all this clutter around and right now it is bugging the heck out of me. Deep cleansing breaths!!

The ugly black thing is out of his bedroom along with the tall bookcase thing. I just didn't want it in my loft. He is going to try to sell some of this stuff on Craigslist, and I think the oak stuff will sell. So get a stinking picture of the stuff and then move it outside!!
This too shall pass, we hope!

Wedding Plan Update

2010-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from tomorrow, my one and only child will be married. I am excited and a little sad all at the same time. Yes, I want him to make this step, and I am gaining a daughter, but it will be so different. He is ready. She is ready. So this is the next step for them. Today we went and bought their temple clothing and I almost cried when the lady helping us mention how this was so exciting. So many mixed emotions along with all the excitement.
We still have a few more things to do to be completely ready. Last Thursday, we spent most of the day stuffing, labeling, and sealing the wedding invitations. I noticed as we were stuffing them that they forgot to put where they were registered. Thank goodness for Staples! I ran and got the perforated business cards and was able to print and add them to the invitation. That night was her bridal shower, so we were up until 1:00 a.m. getting them ready to mail. At 1:15 a.m. Andy went to several post offices so they would get sent out and delivered.

They both need to go through their stuff and dejunk, pack up the stuff they want to keep but don't use all the time, and sell some unneeded furniture. Andy keeps promising me that he will get in and get his room ready for her to move in, but as yet, nothing has been done. We still need to get the centerpieces made, and pick up some corsages and boutonnieres we forgot to order the first time. I need to get the grooms dinner menu planned out and food bought and made.
I am working really hard to loose weight so I can look nice for pictures. I got my hair cut and colored but am not sure if I like the haircut. It's straighter than I normally wear it, and a little shorter in the back. Tommy hasn't said he hates it, so I guess that means it looks okay to him. Actually, he never really says anything about my hair unless I put a clip or bobby pin in it to get it off of my face.

Well, this post has gotten way too long and way too boring, but that's how my life is and that is not necessarily a bad thing. So, ready or not, this wedding is going to happen!!

Sand, Sun and Fun

2010-05-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

This last week I went with my good friend, Wendi and some of her good friends, to Oceanside and spent a glorious 5 days on the beach. We had such a great time! We laughed, shopped, read, napped, they ate, I was dieting, and just vegged.

This is the view from the little back yard of the condo.

After we arrived, we headed to the grocery store to stock up on the essentials. Chocolate, cookies, ice cream and all the other basics you need while at the beach. Wendi decided to ride the little car while we were there.

We decided to go do a session in the San Diego temple. I had been there for a wedding but never really got to see the inside of it. It is just as beautiful inside as it is outside.

Nan was our cook. Actually she is an awesome cook and she made sure our Sunday night dinner of roast, potatoes, gravy, carrots, and rolls was ready and didn't burn. It was yummy!!

Nan and Marcy sat outside and watched the sunset over the ocean. It was a tad cool, but beautiful.

We took a walk down to the pier and had a poor unsuspecting soul take our picture.

This pelican decided to land on the fence at the pier and pose for pictures. He wasn't fazed by the people walking back and forth, but almost bit a lady who thought it would be fun to try and pet him.

Glenda on one of the futons, trying to relax. She was a hoot!

The six of us posing in our Sunday night "comfy" clothes. As you can see, Nan didn't get the memo about wearing black.

Thanks Wendi for a great time, I really needed it!!

Freda's Visit

2010-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

This last week, my cousin from Arkansas came for a short visit. Only one other cousin has come to Phoenix, and she was here on a business trip, and I only got to see her when we had dinner, so this was a real treat for me. Other than Nancy making her visit, this is the only other relative Tommy has met. In the past, he has never wanted to go with me to my reunions, but he is now warming up to the idea.

Tommy took the day off and we drove to Roosevelt Lake via Tortilla Flats. We stopped and got a few pictures along the way.

You can't visit Tortilla Flat and miss getting your picture taken with the famous toliet lid!

Or the wooden Indian. (or should I say, wooden Native American.)

We stopped at the dam and as you can see, the desert was in full bloom.

We went shopping and bless her heart, she was a real trooper when we took my soon to be daughter in law. It was the night she arrived and we shopped for over 3 long hours. She was tired, but never complained. She was in hog heaven when we found a needlepoint shop. I don't needlepoint, but it was fun to look at all the beautiful creations others had made. Tommy had stopped at Ranch Market and bought some carne asada that we threw on the grill. We ate it with some beans, homemade flour tortillas from Superior, and Tommy's famous homemade salsa. The highlight was the blackberry bread pudding we brought home from Crackers.
We had a great visit and I hope that she can find the time to come visit us again!

What? What? What?

2010-04-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

I can truly say that for the last 15 years of my life, the question I have asked the most is the one word question of "What"? I have not been able to hear well for a long time. I knew I had a hearing loss in one ear, but never thought it affected both ears, and that it is bad as it is. This all came about when I mentioned to Tommy that is snoring was very loud and that he often quits breathing when he is in a deep sleep. I would often not be able to get to sleep if I didn't fall asleep before he did, and I would spend many nights kicking his leg so that he would start breathing again. So we came to an agreement that if he went and had a sleep study done, I would go and have a hearing test. He was also getting extremely agitated at my constant "what?" questions. He found out that he has sleep apnea, and I found out that I have a hearing loss. I knew that a (one) hearing aide was in my future, but I didn't count on it being both ears. So now the question is; Can you see it?

When I got them, my hair was a little longer, and you really couldn't even see them, but yesterday I got a hair cut and now, well, there they are! I really don't want to be vain about the whole thing, but I really don't like that you can see them. Should I change my hair style? I was hoping that even with the hair cut, my hair would still be long enough to hide them. I love the fact that I can hear just about every thing; the material on my pants rubbing together as I walk, the loud clicking noise of the keyboard as I type, and even the dog's sighs when she is sleeping. Honestly, it really is nice to be able to hear. I however hate the fact that it is really difficult to talk on the phone. I usually end up pulling one of them out so I can hear the person on the other end of the line. They guy at the hearing center told me to hold the phone up high over my ear, but ya, that's not working so well. I also hate that I can't judge how loud or soft I am talking, and that to me I sound like I have fallen down into a well cause my voice echoes. By the end of the day, my left ear is so sore that I can't hardly wear it. I don't know if my glasses need adjusting, or if it is the position of the hearing aid.
Sorry that this is kind of a boring post about hearing aides, but who else am I gonna gripe to except to my blogging friends. Let's all hope that something drastic doesn't happen where I loose all my teeth and have to get dentures!

Todays Project Is....

2010-03-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday I was released from being the Relief Society president and called to be a Primary teacher for the 6 year old class. Since I retired from the City of Mesa, I have had really busy callings in the church, so Monday came rolling along and there wasn't much to do. I kind of sat around the house and just enjoyed the day, and that's how it has been the past week. My sweet husband thought I was going into some kind of depression cause when he got home from work, there I was, laying on the couch watching TV. I told him I wasn't used to not having anything to do and that in a few weeks I would get my groove going and wouldn't miss the down time at all. Besides, while he is gone I keep busy and rarely have the TV on at all. So he decided that I needed a project to do while he was at work.

Yes, he picked oranges off our tree and had me juice and freeze them. Andy came home from school and asked if he could help, so in about an hour we had a large pitcher, and 6 quart size freezer bags full of fresh orange juice. I am really hoping that he doesn't want me to juice lemons cause the tree is full of them!
This past week I went with Peanut to pick out silk flowers for her wedding bouquet, boutonnieres, and the mom corsages. Thanks to my friend Wendi, she was able to get an okay from one of her friends to use her company name and get the flowers at wholesale. The flower designer at the warehouse was able to help us get some really pretty flowers along with fillers for the arrangement. She is even adding some "bling" to the bouquet, which Peanut loves. When it is done, I will post a picture of them.
Well I best be off, cause I am sure that if Tommy catches me goofing off, he'll find another project for me to do. Got to love him!!

Random Thoughts

2010-03-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I finished painting my spare bedroom, which really is just a junk room. Why did I paint it if it is just a junk room, you might ask? Well I'm kind of weird that way. For some reason, even though junk finds it way into the room, it looks so much better painted than the ugly, flat, white paint. My goal is to have it all organized with extra shelving so that when Peanut and Andy are married, they will have a place to store all their wedding gifts. Oh, did I tell you, yes, they will be living with us. Which brings me to my next HUGE project....Andy's room. Does the name porky pig bring any vision to your mind? I love him, but his room is a pig sty! Maybe I'll just wait and let Peanut deal with it. Would that be mean? Would I have set the stage for them to have a big, huge fight? Maybe.

I think I have a touch of spring fever this week. All I want to do is sit outside and read a book, or sit out in the sun and try to get some color to my white legs. I need to find a good book to read. Anyone have any suggestions? Too bad I am not rich and could travel to Europe or some other exotic place. Wouldn't that be great!

Anybody out there want to buy an oak bookcase for $40.00? I posted it on Craigs list but I thought why not put it out on my blog too. If you're interested, leave me a comment and I'll contact you.

Well as I sit here wasting time, because you know the spring fever thing, I am feeling a bit guilty because I am not engaged in doing something. I'm sure if I sit here a little longer that feeling will pass. Have a great spring break!

Head Hurts

2010-03-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Did and didn't have a fun day today. Last week, Andy got sick with a cold and I think I have been trying to catch it from him. So today I sat around and did NADA! I have listed the pros and cons of not doing anything today.

Con - Didn't exercise today or walk the dog.
Pro - Stayed in my pj's until noon.

Con - Didn't finish painting and getting the spare bedroom organized.
Pro - Got caught up on all the TV shows I had on the DVR. There were way too many!

Con - Ate a very large portion of buttered popcorn, and then my head hurt worse.
Pro - Had a couple of pieces of chocolate and that made me feel better.

Con - Really needed to work on Relief Society stuff, but I watched way too much TV.
Pro - Went to Enrichment and felt like that was enough Relief Society for one day.

Hopefully tomorrow, or should I say today since it is already past midnight, I will have a more productive day. I have this anxiety that with a wedding coming up in June that time is running out. In the middle of April, I have a cousin coming from out of town to stay with me and my guest room needs to be gutted and cleaned. However, that can't happen until I get the painting done in the upstairs bedroom. I also need to look for a dress to wear at the wedding reception, a dress or skirt to wear the day they get married, and a dress or skirt to wear when they go through the temple. I also would like to get Andy's bedroom repainted and cleaned out before they move into that room. Oh, so much to do and so little time. No wonder my head hurts!

Dum Dum de Dum

2010-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful weekend we had. Andy finally proposed to Antoinette, (Peanut). I have been keeping this a secret for almost 2 weeks and let me just say it has been hard! They have been dating for not quite a year and I could tell that things were progressing along. A few weeks ago he told me that he had asked Jerry, one of her dads, for her hand in marriage.

He finally got the ring and this past Saturday he went to her work, Papa Kelsey's, and took his friend Nathan and his sister Jessica with him. These two can play and sing just about anything. Nathan has a band and the song Andy asked him to play was "Wait for the Moment". Andy was a sport and said I could go and take the pictures.

Peanut didn't know we were coming and Andy positioned himself so that she couldn't see the door. We walked in and Nate and Jessica started playing and singing.

They sounded so great and the song is such a pretty song and perfect for a proposal! Peanut was trying her best not to cry, and so was I!

The restaurant wasn't too busy, but they definitely had everyone's attention.

The proposal and the placing the ring on her finger.

This is the hug after the kiss. I missed the kiss because I couldn't get around to the other side of the wall fast enough.

The ring is gorgeous and goes with the pretty girl!

Thanks to Jessica and Nate for taking time out of their busy day to make this event so special. I think they both could start a career doing this for others.

I am so happy to get a daughter so I am not the only female in my little family. She is great and I am so happy that she will become a part of our family!

My Tongue...Ouch!!

2010-02-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well you are probably wondering why I am posting about my tongue and I am too. Maybe my life has gotten so boring that I am starting to post really strange things. Anyway, here goes.
I have had a small lesion on the tip of my tongue for almost 2 years. Underneath the lesion is a taste bud that every so often gets inflamed and then the lesion swells, and bugs me. A few weeks ago I was at the dentist and mentioned it and he suggested I get it removed. Well first thing this morning I went and had it cut out. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. They numbed my tongue with Novocaine, and I have to say, it was not a pleasant thing. But once it took affect, I felt nothing. The strange part is having a very numb tongue! Can't talk very clearly and the stitches feel very strange, but so far it doesn't hurt. I am sure once all of the numbness wears off, it will be pretty tender.
Well here is a before and after picture. Sorry, but the after picture isn't very clear, but you can see enough. I know, no pictures at all would be enough!

Before
After

I'ts Time

2010-02-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I thought to myself that was time to make some changes in my life. Not big, huge, "I'm having a mid life crisis" change, but just some simple things to make life a little easier and not stressful. I know that I retired from work about 3 years ago and that I shouldn't have stress in my life, but somehow it just creeps in.

1. I need to do something about my lack of hearing. I am constantly riding Tommy about his snoring and not breathing when he sleeps, so we made a deal that if he had that checked out, I would have my hearing checked out. Well he has the appointment for the sleep study, but I have yet to make the appointment to get the hearing checked. It is really frustrating because I can't hear people when they whisper, and it is especially bad when there is a lot of background noise. I also have to have the TV up really loud in order to hear everything. I was thinking I would wait until October, but I guess I should go in a little sooner than that.

2. Maybe try to cut back on my TV watching time. I watch way too much TV! I am a HUGE procrastinator and the problem is because I tivo stuff and then I have to make the time to watch it, and I really want to watch it. Monday through Thursday there is always something, 24, Lost, NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, The Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy, Fringe, Bones, Law and Order SVU, The Gilmore Girls, and the list goes on. This list doesn't include any great old movies I can find. Anyway I have noticed that I will sit and watch and a thought will come to me to go buy paint for my spare bedroom, but I just ignore the thought and I never get it bought.

3. Cut back on my carbohydrate intake. Now I am not going to try to do the Adkins diet, but I really think it would be beneficial for me to cut way back on the sweets, breads, crackers, pasta, rice, potato carbs. I started this because I noticed my eating was getting way out of hand and I was feeling really crappy. I've done it for 3 days, and thought I was going to die the first 2 days, but today wasn't awful. I even went to lunch with some friends and stayed cleared of the carbs. Hopefully I can keep with it.

4. Say something nice to my family everyday instead of being my sarcastic self. I really noticed that I don't say thank you as much as I should and nit pick and stuff that is really not very important. I have to say the life at the Campa household has been so much better the last few days.

5. Not be so hard on myself. Of course, we are all our worst critics, but seriously, why? Life's too short to not be happy with who we are. Yeah, I do want to make changes, but just changes that will make me happy with myself. Not like I'm going to go out and do liposuction, but feel better mentally and physically. Tommy got a wake up call from the doctor the other day and I think it made us both want to change a little.

Well that's my list. It's not too long, and it's not too hard to do. Who knows, by next month you could all see a newer and more improved Marilyn!

Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain

2010-01-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

I love the rain and maybe it's because we haven't seen much of it the last few years. Growing up, we had a rainy season and the desert would just bloom. But, there is nothing like a good winter storm. All I want to do is curl up with a blanket, a good book, or maybe watch an old Cary Grant movie.

I went shopping the other day and scored big time on a pair of brown boots. When I was in Arkansas, I found a pair of black boots and regretted that I didn't buy a pair of brown ones. I was so excited when Dillards had their boots on sale and they had a pair in my size.

Well I am off to get a shower and curl up on the couch with my blanket and a movie. I am thinking that maybe I'll watch Charade or Mr. Blanding's Builds his Dream House. Ahhhhh!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

Every year for Christmas, the Campa's get together on Christmas Eve and have a huge dinner and gift exchange. This year it was at my sister in law's, Jewelie. We had a really great time. Tons of yummy Mexican food, carne asada, beans, rice, chips, guacamole, you name it, we had it! Many desserts to add to the already 5 extra pounds I had gained at Thanksgiving. There is always the rest of the year to loose it, right?
The highlight of the evening is the white elephant exchange we all do. Last year Tommy snagged the coveted Mr. Potato Head, and this year, I was able to snag the
red socks with fur.
Andrew, my niece's son was not happy to get them, so I think I did him a favor by stealing them. I had to steal them back many times before the end of the game. But aren't they cute?
Here are some of the pictures from our event.

My sister in law, Penny with her goodies. I stole the socks from her and she was the better woman and picked from the pile of unopened gifts. What a gal!

My cute nieces, Monica, Angela, and Tasha. They are the best!

Andy, Peanut, and me. Peanut was very carefully looking at all the gifts so she could pick wisely!

The whole gang including my sister in law, Jewelie's family. There are many of us, and every year we add one or two more to the family. In a few more years we may have to look into renting a hall to hold are party, but who would we leave out? They are all so great that I can't think of a better family I would rather be a part of! Love them all!!

Birthday Wishes

2009-12-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to Tommy, happy birthday to Tommy, Happy birthday dear Tommy, happy birthday to you! Well the blog post is a tad late as his birthday was on the 10th, but the sentiment is still there.

Every year I find myself in the same predicament...what to buy for the hardest person in the world to shop for his birthday, and also for Christmas. I happen to be at Bed, Bath and Beyond and there it was.....the gift. It was a homedic 4 ft. long heating pad that had massage settings. I thought it was the perfect gift since he is always setting in the recliner with a small heating pad on his back. With this he could lay in bed and have heat and massage. So the night of his birthday he tried it. He hated it. Said it didn't deliver enough heat and the massage wasn't that great. So I took it back to the store and gave him the money. "Happy birthday, dear. Now you can knock yourself out and get what you want." I think he spent it on a round of golf, which is probably what I should have bought in the first place.
We were at Sam's Club on Saturday and I noticed he was hanging around a DVD/Video recorder/player. As I approached he went off to get something else. So I asked, "is that what you would like for Christmas?" His reply, "Oh, I don't know. I saw one at Costco that cost more, but I'm just not sure." Okay, he tends to play the let's go to a thousand stores to check prices game and then ends up buying it at the first place we first looked. So I put it in my basket and purchased the item. At least this time I know that it is something he wants and likes.

I Have a Cold

2009-12-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I have been busy getting ready for Enrichment. We put on a Christmas program that took weeks to get ready. After going, going, going and then finally the night of the program, I started feeling really icky. The next day I had the wonderful winter cold that comes when the weather turns cold. First Peanut, Andy's girlfriend gets sick, then within a few days Andy caught it, now me. Look out Tommy! Of course I haven't been to the gym in weeks, which bums me out cause just when I feel like I am making headway, something happens that throws me back a few weeks.
I went and saw New Moon the other day and actually liked it better the 2nd time. I was able to pay better attention to what was going on and the theater was more quiet cause there was hardly anyone in there. I guess I should read the 3rd book again to get ready for that movie. It is in a long line of books that I need to read.
I better quit blogging and go get my Christmas cards addressed. I am hoping that I will let myself slow down and enjoy the Christmas season.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

I usually get depressed at Thanksgiving, but something changed this year. Tommy leaves in the morning and goes golfing, and Andy is off to play football or spend the day with his girlfriend. This year I decided that I was not going to let myself get depressed. I took the time to put up the Christmas decorations and do a bit of cleaning. It worked out perfectly cause by the time I was finished, Tommy was home and it was time to leave.
This year we went to Tommy's brother house for Thanksgiving. I don't have any pictures to post cause the camera wouldn't work, so I left it at home. But, we had such a great time. My sister in law is the party queen. She knows how to put together a spread that Martha Stewart would envy! We had 3 turkeys, 2 of them were deep fried and quite tasty, thanks to her daughter and son in law. We had all the fixin's to go with them. I thought I would try a new apple crisp recipe. It was the hit of the night. I brought home barely enough for one serving.
I made a list of the things that I am thankful for and have put them in an area that I can look at when I do get depressed. They are:

My small but wonderful family. Hopefully, Andy will be adding and making our family a bit larger.
The means that have been bestowed upon us to afford our home and to pay for life's necessities. I also have a husband that believes in saving.
My health. Luckily I don't have all the issues that my mom and sister had to deal with. Now more than ever I think about that and what a short time my sister had on this earth. I miss her every day.
The atonement of Jesus Christ, and a kind and loving Father in Heaven who I know loves me.
GREAT friends.
A TV that I can escape to and don't have to watch every sporting event.

It's a small list, and there is much more that I could add, but for now this will do. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and have your own list of thankful things.

Arkansas

2009-11-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

This past October my friend Wendi and I went to Arkansas for a family reunion on my dad's side. Wendi has become an adopted member of my family. In fact, they look more forward to seeing her than me.! When we walked into the senior center at Hartford, they all rushed to give her a big hug, then me. My aunt Imogene, and my cousin Wendolyn, just love her! My dad grew up in Hartford, which is a tiny speck on the map, close to the Oklahoma border. I look forward to going every year, but with the economy the way it has been, I have only been able to go every other year. Andy has been one year with me, and that was good enough for him, and Tommy is not to hip on the idea, but I think he I may be able to get him there once, after he retires. It amazes me at how much fun the two of us have in a place no one would think would be fun. First, it is beautiful country and the weather was cool. We spend the days in all the little shops and fabric stores, search the cemetery's for my ancestors, and just get a huge kick out of the customs of the people from the south. Thanks Wendi for sacrificing a few days out of your very busy life to go with me. You're the greatest!

I have attached some of the pictures from out trip.

In front of a quaint little restaurant in the older downtown area of Van Buren.

Somebody's door, but it made a great picture!

Let's just hold out the camera and see what kind of picture we get.
Not too bad.

In front of an old brick store.

Most of the remaining "Pitchford" clan.
These are my dad's remaining siblings and spouses. Aunt Imogene,
Uncle Ronald, Aunt Mary, Uncle Hap, and Aunt Marticia. Gotta love
some of those names!

Another Year Older, Not Sure if I'm Another Year Wiser

2009-11-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday I had a birthday. When you get to be 50+ years, you don't celebrate like you used to. I guess all the hoopla isn't so important anymore. Tommy kept pestering me about a gift. I really couldn't thing of anything, and I really don't need anything. Besides all the stuff I want is way too expensive. So we spent a very relaxing day watching movies. That night we went to dinner with Andy and Peanut to Texas Roadhouse. Thank you Tommy and Andy for not telling the waitress it was my birthday. I really didn't want to be humiliated on a saddle while they sang to me.
I have been thinking about what I have learned in life and why I have had the experiences I have had. This is what I have learned:
Since most of my family is gone, I have learned that there will always by people close to me that will love and care for me just as my family would.
I have learned to express my feelings and to let those around me know that I love and care about them.
I have learned not to talk to Tommy while he is watching sports. He really won't hear me anyway.
I have learned that I can communicate with Andy better since he has gotten older.
I have learned not to get upset over things I have no control over.
I have learned that I can choose to have an good or bad attitude.
I have learned that even though I am older, I don't have to act older and can still have fun.
Gee, I guess maybe I have gotten a little bit wiser with my age!

It's Just Money

2009-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

If you read my previous blog then you know about all the air conditioning problems and the $$$ that was paid for a new compressor. What's the old saying; "When it rains it pours" and it's a down pour in my neck of the woods.
First let me say that we have double coverage on our health insurance. With all the health stuff I have had in the past, I am too scared not to have both insurance companies. The bills from my surgery are starting to come in and evidently my insurance didn't pay as much as we had hoped for. I just paid the hospital bill and that was a chunk of change, and now the anesthesiologist bill is forth coming and it looks like it will be another large chunk of change. I got sick this last week with a sinus infection and had to have heavy antibiotics so the bone graph wouldn't get infected. More $$$.
Andy is in desperate need for new clothes. If he was working full time I would have him buy his own, but he's not and he paid for his tuition this semester so I guess I could spring for some new clothes, right? Then I got some much needed new glasses, more $$$.

This morning we noticed the dog was walking funny. At first I thought it was her hip, but she didn't growl or cry out when we touched it. In fact, I took her on a walk and she seemed fine. Andy tells me after the walk that there is a growth on her back paw between the pads. So off to the vet we go. After an hour of poking, probing, examining, and draining, they're not sure what it is, but could be a tumor. Now we wait and see if the inflammation goes down and then they will determine if it has to be cut out or it just may be an infection. Now the dog is taking antibiotics and steroids. More $$$.

As mentioned in my previous blog, I am going to Arkansas to a family reunion. But, I guess I will be window shopping and not spending anything until the down pour passes. I wonder if I can survive for 4 days on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!!

Fall Is In The Air

2009-10-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

I hope the heat has decided to go away, at least until next summer. Early Saturday morning Tommy and I got up and started our chores so we could listen to conference. I was upstairs making the bed when Tommy asked if I smelt something burning. Well since my surgery, I haven't smelled much of anything at all. But, I did notice that it wasn't very cool upstairs. He went outside to check the air conditioner and saw that one of the capacitors was burned to a crisp. Luckily, it wasn't too hot outside, but by the afternoon, it was pretty darn hot upstairs. Saturday night we opened up the windows and slept in our bed with the fan on. I got up and noticed the fan was off and turned it back on. The minute I fell back asleep Tommy would get up and turn it off. Finally, I went downstairs to sleep in the spare bedroom. About 15 minutes later, down comes Tommy who tells me it is too hot to sleep upstairs. No wonder, you keep turning the fan off! Sunday we slept upstairs and I actually got a little cold. He went and got the parts to fix the unit, installed the new capacitor, only to find out that the compressor had gone out. Geez, how much is that going to cost? It's only money, right? So again we are without air in the upstairs and hopefully the weather will hold out.

I went to the "nose guy" today so he could probe and see how the bone graph is healing. It's doing good and I go back in a month for my final appointment. WooHoo!! So glad to be getting back to normal, or whatever normal was. I am looking forward to my family reunion in the foreign country of Arkansas. You wouldn't think Arkansas would be the funnest place to go, but Wendi and I always have a good time. Besides, she is the only one that will make the trek with me as Andy went once, and that was enough. Tommy refuses to go as he was in the southern states while in boot camp. I guess that wasn't a pleasant experience for him. My relatives just don't understand, but it is what it is. Maybe some day he will have a change of heart, but I'm not holding my breath!

The Fall Line Up

2009-09-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

All during the summer months, I look forward to the new fall shows and the continuation of all my favorites. But really, how much TV can I watch! Tommy and I decided to watch "Flash Forward" which is one of the new programs. It is rare that he will sit and get interested in an ongoing series. Afterwords he asks, "so how did you like it?" My response was, "I liked it, what about you?" His comment was he hates shows that go on and on. Well duh! It's a series, you have to commit. We'll see if he does or not. Now I have one more show to add to the madness.
So downstairs I had one TV recording Fringe, and upstairs I had the other TV recording Bones and Grey's Anatomy. This was just the Thursday lineup. Monday through Wednesday is just as bad. If I haven't been able to watch, I have recorded them and watched them the next morning. Somebody, please stop the madness! I have committed to too many programs, and I just can't stop watching them. What am I going to do when Lost and my all time favorite 24 returns?

What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up

2009-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Since retiring from the City of Mesa, I have often wondered if I missed the boat. I started working there fresh out of high school, and to be honest I never thought of it as my career. It was just a job to earn money to spend. Well as it happened, 30 years passed by and I was still working there. I first started as a cashier taking utility payments, moved to become a public works assistant, which was just a glorified name for a phone center person. I ended up supervising, which was no fun at all, and then ended as a plans examiner. Now that I am retired I wonder if I should go back to school and study..............what? Let's face it, I am entering the twilight years if you figure that 40 is middle age. I still don't really know what I am interested in, and can you teach a slightly older than middle aged dog new tricks? Maybe I should think about going to cooking school and learn to make all the delicious foods out there. My sister in laws can make a 7 course dinner out of scraps laying around their refrigerator. Or maybe become a computer programmer. However, I don't think pounding on the keyboard and yelling at the PC counts as programming it. Maybe I should just relish in the thought that I am retired, which I do everyday, buy I really need to appreciate that I have done my time. I guess I am feeling a tad guilty cause I am not working. Well I know what will make this feeling pass, I am off to eat the M & M's I have stashed away. Hope you all figure out what you want to be when you grow up!

Flowers and Gratitude

2009-09-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

The perks about having surgery is all the wonderful food and flowers that you get. Well I didn't take a picture of the food, but I did of the flowers. First my good friend brought me Gerber daisies, and the next day another dear friend brought over a bouquet of field flowers. Then Tommy's brother Rick and his wife Penny brought some more. The result is the picture below of all the flowers combined into one. They are so pretty and really brightened up my day as well as my kitchen.

Today, I was visiting with anther dear, who gave me a book and a cute magnet for my refrigerator, and the door bell rang. Inside was the most beautiful bouquet baby roses. They were sent from a childhood friend that I still keep in contact with. She has moved around a lot, but has finally settled down in Tucson. They are so pretty and it really brightened my day.

I have had friends clean my bathroom, take me to the doctor, grocery shopping, and vacuum my floor. Not to mention all the cards, meals, and phone calls that I have received. All of you have a special place in my heart.

It has been a very humbling experience to have all the wonderful friends and family do so much for me. I guess I am a little prideful because I don't like to accept service. It's because I think I can do it all myself. I am learning that it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and to be grateful when you receive it. Thanks again to all of you!

San Diego and Bust, Nose!

2009-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

I know that the title to this post is rather strange, but just stay with me and you will see why. Before my surgery, Tommy thought it would be a good idea to take a family vacation and go to San Diego and Magic Mountain. At first I just wanted to get the surgery out of the way, but am so glad that we went. I had made up my mind that no matter what happened, what I ate, when I ate it, and how much I ate didn't matter. I was going to have fun.

Our first day in San Diego we went to the beach and while Andy, Aaron, and Tommy boogie boarded, I sat in a beach chair with my book and read. The weather was gorgeous and the water wasn't too cold. As you see by the pictures, the boys had a blast!

Andy coming in with Aaron behind him.

The look of a content young man in the ocean.

The next day, we decided to go to Sea World. We haven't been there in forever and the morning was cool, but it got HOT during the daylight hours. Andy was not being cooperative when it came to taking a picture with is mom.

He can't already be tired, cause we had just came in the gate.

We saw every show they had and of course, Shamu was one of them. The night showing of Shamu was the best in my opinion.

Inside the bubble of the shark tank. Doesn't seem like that little bubble can keep you safe from the sharks. Wonder if their thinking, "hey, here's lunch"!

Andy and Aaron decided to ride the Neptune ride at about 6:00 p.m. This would have been a good idea at 1:00 since they got soaked!

Happy, but cold!

We ate at old town San Diego at the Mexican cafe and it was sooooo good! We left Sea World and went to Costco and had hot dogs, pizza, churros, and gelato. Okay, I didn't eat all of that, but I did taste all of it! After Sea World, the boys were hungry so off to In N Out for burgers and fries.

The next day we left and headed to Valencia but had to stop at the donuttery and by a dozen doughnuts. Of course they are to die for. It was nearing lunch time and Tommy and Andy wanted menudo. I was craving pozole and I think Aaron was a little scared but was a good sport. We stopped at Los Sanchez and ate. They give you a huge plate of chips with cheese and guacamole before your meal. The bowls of pozole and menudo were HUGE and they came with tortillas, and all the vegetable trimmings. That night we ate sub sandwiches and doughnuts.

The next day at Magic Mountain we decided to eat there. Had Panda and funnel cake for dinner. Can I just say, I was ready to bust! It took a few days for all the junk to work it's way out, but boy was it fun!

Tuesday was my surgery and I came home with a tampon up my nose! Along with a few stints to help me breathe and saline solution to loosen up the "crusties" I should be better in no time. This Tuesday the tampon comes out along with the stints which will help me breathe better when laying down. I have a month of recovery and no heavy stuff. Since I don't want to have to do this again, I will definitely follow the rules!

Update on the Room

2009-08-16T17:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, I finally finished painting! It took a gruelling 2 weeks and a sore body to finish, but it is done. Everything has been moved back, but no art work on the walls. Can't decide if I want to put up all the family pictures I had, or just go really simple with a few. I went to Ikea the other day to price book shelves and pick up some white, shear curtains. Got a great deal on the curtains, but I have to hem them, so they aren't up yet. I think I will wait on the bookshelves to see if I can use them in the "junk" room.
This week we are headed out to San Diego and Magic Mountain. No upside down rides for me, so I will be taking a book to read. Hopefully it will be cooler than here. Stay tuned for the next blog as I hope to post pictures from our little trip.

Headaches

2009-08-09T16:16:00.001-07:00

I hate headaches. I think they are the most annoying things to get. Sometimes you take medicine and they go away, and sometimes they linger on and on. I have debated on whether or not I should share somethings. I don't like to let others, well other than my family and really close friends, know when I am sick or if I have "things" to deal with. Well today I thought I would share, besides, no one really reads my blog!
Lately, I have had headaches, a lot of them. Today when I got up I had a headache, a bad one. I recently went to the doctor and he sent me to get a CT scan which showed that there is a bone missing in my sinus cavity, exposing my brain, and leaking small amounts of spinal fluid. I was sent to an ENT, who sent me to a otolargologist who specializes in these types of things. He probed up my nose, not a pleasant experience, and saw the exposed brain on a computer monitor. I was able to wear these special goggles and saw what he saw. Many years ago I had sinus surgery and the surgeon removed a piece of bone that should not have been removed. I will not pursue a law suit and am very grateful that I never had meningitis, as that could have been life threatening. I left the office feeling nervous, a little scared, but glad that I had an answer to the headache problem. My family wanted to go on a short vacation to Magic Mountain, which I doubt I will ride the roller coasters, but wanted to be with my family. The thought of twisting, upside down turning didn't sound pleasing to me, so I am going to go and read a book. My surgery is scheduled for the 25th. As the date gets closer, I am getting more and more nervous about it. I really worry about my church calling. I worry about visiting teaching and the new move in visits. I worry that I am putting added pressure on the women who serve with me to take up the slack. I know, I am a bit of a worry wart, but that's who I am.
Thanks for listening and hopefully my next blog will be pictures of my completed room!

The Late Summer Project

2009-08-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Since the end of last year I have told myself I was going to paint my loft. So every month I think about it, but never do anything about it. When Tommy and I made our way to Home Depot, Lowe's, or any other store that sells paint, I would grab a couple of paint chip samples. It took me forever to decide on a color, and it was a color I have already used in my house. Finally in March I bought the paint, and it sat for months in the garage. Last week I decided that I would work just 2 hours a day on prepping the room and painting. As you can see, I have a little bit done, but I have only been able to work on it 2 days this week. My excuse is that if I don't start in the morning, it is too late to start. Besides, who wants to start painting after you have already showered and done your hair. My goal is to have it completed before we leave on vacation. Below are some before pictures. Hopefully by my next blog, I will have some BEAUTIFUL after pictures!

Big furniture to move. Humm....maybe that's why I have procrastinated!

A good start, but still need to move the junk on top.

Need to get new art and no, the ladder is

not part of the art!
More big furniture.

Today....

2009-07-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have been toying for awhile about painting my loft upstairs and keep thinking that I really should get started. However I seemed to have lost my "mojo". Saturday, I took the paint and fixed some of the bloopers I did when I painted the stairway, which is a different color than the loft will be. Well, that's as far as I got. Today I decided I would tape off the areas and then just paint a little at a time. Well I got part of it taped and then went into the bedroom to answer the phone. I made the mistake of sitting down in the recliner and ended up taking a nap instead. Woke up to the the phone ringing with the roll of blue painters tape still on my arm like a bracelet. These long summer days are killing my enthusiasm to do anything productive. I feel like a sloth cause all I want to do is eat and sleep. It really doesn't help that my husband comes walking in the door at 2:00 from work. I need to learn to just do my thing and not get bothered by the fact that he is home and kind of under foot. I don't know how women do it when their husbands work from home. I am so used to doing my own thing and not having to say where I am going or what I am doing. Not that it matters to him, I'm just not used to it. I guess I had better learn really fast, cause I think retirement for him is in the near future!

My Day

2009-07-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

With the heat of summer here and the long days, I really haven't felt like doing much of anything so I thought it would be fun to share my nothing days.
First. I tend to wake up at the most unheard of hour in the morning. This morning it was the ripe old hour of 4:30 a.m. Why, you might ask? I don't know but it sure is annoying especially when all you really want to do is sleep in like your 21 year old kid who has no problem sleeping in until 10:30 or 11:00.
Second. I think about going to the gym to get my cardio work out in. I start out really dedicated and committed on Monday, but by Wednesday my dedication has waned. I really have tried to make the effort to get there 4 days a week, but sometimes I just don't have it in me.
Third. Make my bed and head off downstairs to get a drink of water and take medications. I feel so old! My mother got up and took medications first thing in the morning. When did I become my mom?
Fourth. Since I am already downstairs, and it is quiet, and no one is around to steel the remote on the TV I start my channel surfing to see if there is a good movie on TCM or one later that I can record. This is the ONLY time I am able to have the downstairs TV to myself. Either Andy is home or Tommy comes home early from work and I am bannished upstairs to watch in the bedroom.
Fifth. I am up and down the stairs at least 50 times a day because half way up or half way down I have forgotten something and need to go back and get it. You would think I would look like Twiggy with all the up and down the stairs walking I do. I think it is because when I am downstairs I usually pop a chocolate in my mouth and if I am upstairs, I am on my way downstairs to get a chocolate.
Sixth. I stew for hours trying to think of something creative to fix for dinner. It is always a gamble to plan dinner at my house cause either they are not hungry, or they don't want what I have planned to cook. So, all my stewing goes to waste cause I usually give up and we do a grab night. Right now I blame it on the heat. I am going to have to come up with another excuse when the weather starts to cool.
Seventh. I faithfully watch the Gilmore Girls during the week. I have seen all of the series at least 5 times and still laugh at it.
Eighth. Nap time.
Ninth. When evening hits, this is the time I get glued to the TV. I am ashamed to admit that I am hooked on just about all of the evening programs. When I can't watch them, I record them. It truly is a sickness.
Tenth. Eight or nine p.m. comes rolling around and Tommy and I head upstairs to lay on the bed and watch whatever might be on. I think this is why I wake up so stinking early is cause once the head hits the pillow I am out. At least most of the time, and if I don't fall asleep before Tommy, he keeps me awake snoring. I do tend to wake up around 1:00 a.m. to check and make sure Andy is in and all the lights are out. I really need to try to get a more excitement into me life and then maybe I can stay awake a little longer.
(Sorry for the long and I am sure BORING post!!)

Fourth of July Weekend

2009-07-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am kind of late posting for the 4th of July, but as I always say, better late than never, right? Our good friends, Marc and Jeanette invited us to their family's cabin up near Tonto Village for the weekend. Tommy and I were so excited to get away from the heat and responsibilities that we jumped at the chance to go. We had a great time of eating, reading, relaxing, driving, and sleeping. Below are some of the pictures from our trip.

This is the front of the cabin. It has a great porch swing that you can relax and watch all the birds and squirrels come up to eat the feed that was put out for them.

Tommy and I relaxing in the swing.

The beautiful green lawn in front of the cabin.

Jeanette and I taking a ride around the property.

Relaxing and reading in the hammock.

Jeanette and Nate taking a break.

The "grandpa" tree.

We went to Bison Ranch and saw these cute baby pigs in the petting zoo. The rabbitt wanted to get inside the cage to get away from all the little kids trying to hold him.

Thanks so much to our good friends for the great time we had!

Blah, Blah, Blah...

2009-06-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

The last few weeks, I have felt very blah. I have a very quiet life, most of the time, and don't really have "earth shaking, exciting" news to blog. A lot of times I just like to sit in my house and enjoy the peace and quiet, in fact, I relish the peace and quiet. Since Eddie has moved out our lives have become what they were, simple. Yes I did the Snoopy happy dance the day he left. Not that I don't care for Eddie, but the next time any of Andy's friends ask to live with us the answer is NO! Now Marilyn, repeat after me, the answer is NO. So the last few days has been much less stressful. I have even taken a nap during the day. I'm retired, isn't that what you're suppose to do? And with the dog days of summer, a nap sounds divine!
Tommy and I have been talking about if we are going to take a family vacation this year. So far, we can't seem to figure out where we want to go, and even if we want to go anywhere. It's kind of sad to think that we can't come up with a summer vacation destination. Sure there are places I would love to see, but they all take too much planning and $$$. I guess we need to plan a little further ahead of time. So this year I think our vacation will be spent in the good old sunny Mesa metropolis, which really won't be a vacation cause I'm sure that I will still have to cook and clean. YUCK! So for next year, send me your favorite vacation suggestions, and please nothing with the word "camping" in it!!

The Beach

2009-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

If you read my last post then you know that I spent a glorious week at Oceanside on the beach. Thanks to Tommy who sacrificed and stayed home to make sure the boys didn't burn the house down. Wendi, who is like my sister, invited me along with ALL of her kids. It was a packed house, but none of us seemed to mind. Below are a few pictures.

The view from just below the condo that we stayed in.

Yep, this is me on the beach. I showed you my pretty toes after Stephanie (Wendi's daughter in law) gave me a pedicure.

Jackie and Curtis after a day of body surfing and laying on the beach. I think they got a little too much sun.

We were wall to wall air mattresses. Luckily, they gave me the spare bedroom.

This is baby Anna, Wendi's oldest sons daughter. They came on Thursday and she was so cute. She has flaming red hair, like her dad.

This is Jordan, Wendi's youngest son getting his nostrils waxed. Why you might ask? I really don't know, but it was dang funny when she pulled the wax out.

This is Wendi and me on the steps in California Adventure. What a great friend she is. Well really her whole family is like family to me. Thanks Wendi for the great time!!

Going to Cali

2009-05-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today I have spent most of the day cleaning, doing laundry, and packing to go stay a week with my dearest friend and her family. Just me and her family, but once again, JUST ME!! No boys to worry about, and yes I feel a little guilty about leaving Tommy to deal with them, but he gave me the thumbs up to go. This week it seems like everything that could break or go wrong in the house has. Besides all the issues from my previous blog, we have replaced the garage door opener and now my dryer is on the fritz-taking 2 hours to dry one load of clothes. I am so looking forward to getting out of the heat and doing nothing more than relaxing, and possible some shopping. Well if you know me at all then shopping is definitely in the agenda. Hopefully I will have some awesome pictures to post and to scrap book. See you in a week!

It Comes in Threes?

2009-05-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when one thing breaks, 3 or 4 things follow suit? Last month the battery in my car died, last week the batter in Tommy's car died. Okay, I know that periodically it does happen, and so grateful that it happened where we could get someone to quickly jump the car. But, 2 batteries within a month, come on. Then the garage door started acting up. It would go up half way, stop, then back down it would go. Since Tommy parks in the third bay, he never really had to deal with it. So finally he gets out and takes a look at the thing and notices that it is starting to crack and bend in the center. He was so nice to give me the third bay parking spot so I don't have to get out and lift open the door, back out, get out of the car and close the door. We now have to replace the entire garage door. We're not talking any small amount of change to do this! Yes, a mere $729.00 plus tax. Then, last Sunday morning I was ironing clothes for church and my iron goes out. I hate spending $80.00 to $100.00 on an iron, but want to get something that will last. So I broke down and bought a Rowenta in hopes that it will last longer than my last iron. I think he next thing to bread around here will be me! I have been trying to go to the gym 4 days a week. This morning I was up at 5:00 so I could do cardio before my work out. I thought I was going to die. Every muscle and bone in my poor body hurt. My knees were cracking, my elbow was throbbing and I had a stiff neck. Yep, I think I am next!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-09T19:16:00.001-07:00

Today is Saturday, the day before Mother's Day and as I was going about my daily chores I got to thinking that why can't they dedicate a whole week or weekend to mothers? I had a class that I went to that began at 10:00 this morning. Yesterday was really hectic so I got up at 6:30 so I could clean bathrooms and get my laundry started. After the bathrooms I had time to vacuum and mop my floors. I needed to give myself a good 1/2 hour so I could get showered, put on makeup, iron clothes, and be out the door by 9:15 so I could pick up my friend and head to Phoenix for the class. The class was over by 3:15 or so and we left to head to Walmart to buy a couple of cards and a mothers day gift. I got home at 4:30 to find a note from my dear husband telling me he had gotten home from the father and sons outing and now was out golfing. Andy and Eddie were both asleep on their beds and I still had laundry to wash and fold. What the life my men have; sleeping, golfing, not a care in the world. I know I should have just let all of it go, but then I would have to deal with a HUGE mess on Monday and I wouldn't be able to relax on Sunday. Tomorrow I am not doing anything. No cooking, no dishes, no picking up, NADA! It is going to be MY day. To all of you mothers, mothers to be, grandmothers, and wonderful women, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Nothing New

2009-04-25T19:04:00.001-07:00

I haven't had much happening to post on my blog, and what has isn't exactly blog worthy. This past week I had been sick with the stomach flu. I spent a lovely 3 days getting to know the porcelain god more than I ever wanted. The good thing is that nothing really tastes good. Since I had Mexican food the night the flu started, the thought of any kind of green sauce or any type or place to eat Mexican food doesn't thrill me. I have been craving chocolate as that seems to never go away! Now Tommy has been sick with the head, throat thing and has been moping around the house for the past few days. It is so hard to get caught up on housework when your spouse is sick and complains because I won't sit down. Hello! Who else around here is going to get things done. I did notice that he wasn't too sick to golf on Friday, so there is no more sympathy!
Tonight Andy brought his girlfriend over to eat with us. As we were talking I found that there are things in my son's past that I really didn't need to know. I was a very good kid in school and was way too afraid to get in trouble. I guess because my older sister was quite the hellion and I saw all the trouble my parents went through. Well tonight I found out about the many times that he spent in study hall or whatever it is called when you get in trouble at school. Of course now we can laugh about it, but I would have been so mortified back then. Luckily he has grown up a bit and college tends to change your perspective on life. Since he's been paying for his education he takes it a little more seriously. Yeah, he's growing up!!

Facebook

2009-03-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

My groovy sister-in-law sent me a request to join facebook, and even though I was a little leary, I joined. I loved keeping in touch with friends here, and even found friends out of state that I haven't seen or communicated with in years. I love reading the updates, viewing the photos, and just the trivial stuff everyone posts. That is, I loved it up until Saturday when I went to view a you tube video that someone sent me. I uploaded a virus into my computer that my virus protection software was unable to clean or to quarantine. I tried everything to remove the stupid virus, and then gave up. I got mad and went to the face book web site and deleted my page. We took our PC to my very talented brother-in-law and he is going to clean it for us. Luckily I have a friend that gave me a computer and I have access to Internet and email. Well this morning I had second thoughts about deleting my face book account. It really is the only contact I have with some of my friends, and it is a good way to see what Andy is up to. So this morning I reactivated my account and learned my lesson.
Over the weekend was my brother-in-law's birthday/retirement party and his wife had a big to do for him. It was so much fun to see everyone, and the food was so good! I have to say, Jewelie can cook. She had fried ravioli, rigatoni, and some other pasta dish that was so good. Andy brought his girlfriend with him and they ribbed her endlessly. She was a good sport about it and had fun. Tommy is thinking of retiring in the nest few years so I better be saving my pennies so I can give him a retirement party too. Jewelie set the bar way to high, cause I am not that good of cook!

Just Rambling On

2009-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

I don't have any cute pictures to post or anything clever to say, just want to ramble on about my week and life in general. It has been a week since Eddie has moved in and things are going good. He now has a car and a way to get to and from work. On Thursday he goes and takes the test for his GED. I hope he passes. He has now moved into the downstairs bedroom and has been very diligent about keeping it clean and tidy. He know if he doesn't that momma Marilyn will be on the rampage!
I've gotten into canning lately. I went in with three other ladies and bought a canning pressure cooker. This Wednesday we are getting together and I am going to can chicken. I bought the "Canning Book for Dummies" at one of the stores. It has some good information in it and maybe I will become proficient and no longer be the canning dummy!
Yesterday after church I spent all day watching about 7 episodes of Alias. I am at the end of the series and just can't finish it fast enough. The sad thing is that I kept falling asleep and had to rewind the DVD so I could see what I missed. I really need to get my life back and finish this stupid thing! I have the same issue with the Gilmore Girls. I watch all the reruns on TV and have seen it about 4 times now. You would think I could miss an episode or two, but no!
I have procrastinated the morning away blogging, reading blogs, looking at elements to change my blog. I really need to get busy!

My Other Sons

2009-03-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

My son has made some awesome friends. Some have made some serious mistakes in their life, but they are still very good boys. Two of them I am especially close to, and think of them as my own. They have been on family vacations with us, stayed days at at time with us, and have been a part of our family. One in particular has brought him back to his home away from home. I am truly glad that we can be here to help him out and pray for him everyday. He is here to stay with us until he can afford and/or figure out what it is he wants and needs to do. I hope and pray that he can work things out and turn his life around so he can be a successful young man.

Ten Things That I Hate

2009-03-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

1. Devoting time to a television program only to have them kill off one of the characters that I love. Last night on 24 they killed off Bill Buchanan. How dare they!

2. Family members that won't empty the dishwasher. Instead they keep piling the dishes in the sink hoping that they will magically make it to the dishwasher.

3. Basal cell skin cancer. I have a huge area on my cheek this is all scabby from the cream I use to get rid of the basal cell. It looks like I have a few more on my upper lip area and chin.

4. Needles, which is ironic because I give myself a shot everyday.

5. People that think the world revolves around them. Hello, there are others on this planet!

6. Spiders. Doesn't matter if they are big or small, I hate them all.

7. Tattoos. Sorry if you have one as I don't mean to be critical or judgemental, but they are just going to sag when you get older and they are so permanent.

8. Diet, exercise, diet only to gain 2 pounds or not loose any at all.

9. Dog hair. I know, I have a dog so it doesn't make any sense, but it still bugs me.

10. About a week before my hair appointment when my hair gets long and I can't do anything with it

Just Walking

2009-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

I love to walk in the mornings. It is so beautiful, peaceful, quiet, and cool outside. It is kind of my time to ponder lifes problems and think of what my day entails. However there are some mornings that I just want to stay in bed and sleep. I have made the mistake of routinely getting up and taking my dog on my walks. She loves to get out and she senses when our usual time of departure is. Now if I even attempt to sleep in, she wanders around my bedroom, whining and jumping up to make it impossible to sleep. Dang Dog! It's funny cause on Saturday and Sunday she knows it is a non-walk day and leaves me alone. As I get dressed, she starts whining louder especially when the shoes come on. She paces and circles the coffee table, darts under my legs as I tie my shoes and then nose bumps me on my way to get the leash. It makes me laugh that a simple thing as taking her for a walk makes her so happy. I guess there is a lesson for me to learn and that is to take pleasure in the simple things in life. When someone calls to set up a lunch date, or go get frozen yogurt, I do get excited. Mind you I don't wag my tail or whine, but I get that excitement of being able to spend time with good friends and family. So, if you are in the mood to get out of the house for a little while, I'm the one to call!

Family

2009-02-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

The Pitchford Gang-circa 1968
I thought that today would be a good day to do some scrap booking. I have a lot of scrap book pages I have created but cannot seem to commit a picture to the pages. Most of my family pictures are really old and they have to be scanned into photo shop, re-sized, color edited, etc...you get the point. Well it has been about 2 hours since I started this project, and still have not committed any pictures to a page. I have found a bunch of old family pictures that I thought would be fun to post. So here they are.

The Pitchford's & Campa's-circa early 1980's

Me and Tommy

Andy at about 9 months old

Roosevelt 2009

2009-02-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

Every year for about the last 12 years, we have been going to Roosevelt Lake over Presidents Day weekend with our good friends The Lemieux's. We stay in the housing that was built when the dam on the lake was constructed. So, it is not a fancy place, and they have made a lot of improvements to the houses and the recreation room, but it is fun and relaxing. Mostly we eat, watch movies, eat, go for short hikes, eat, play games, eat, and then eat some more. We eat stuff we can't afford to eat all the time because;

1-because we would all weigh 300 lbs. each, and

2-we can't afford to spend that much in groceries.

We have stuff like rib eye steaks, shrimp scampi, crescent rolls, brownies and ice cream, roast, chorizo burros, cheese crisps, apple crisp with ice cream, root beer floats, etc... (you get the idea!) And that isn't even mentioning the snacks.

The kids stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing xbox, or the wii, while us old folks make it to 10:00 and then off to bed we go. Every year we keep thinking that as our kids get older, get married, start having their own families that they won't want to come the next year. However, they all seem to want to keep coming. Soon we will outgrow the 2 houses we rent.

Attached are some pictures from this years fun weekend.

Marc, Whitney and Marcus

The Campa and Lemieux gang

Tommy golfing into the lake

Andy, just being himself!

Ten Things

2009-02-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Ten things that I Love:

1. My family who are just as crazy and fun as I am.

Check out the face on Tommy!

2. My Arkansas roots. (A little redneck in my blood!)

My dad's brothers, Hap, Bud, and Ronald and sister Mary.

3. My dog because she doesn't argue with me.

Lady and Me

4. Scrapbooking. It gives me a chance to relax and create.

My sister Gayle when she was a baby.

5. My home, especially when it is cold and really hot outside.

6. My friends as they are more like my family.

7. Having been given the opportunity to be a mom. (see the previous blog entry!)

Look at that form!

8. Vacumming. I know it is weird but it is my therapy!

9. Mexico. The food, the people, you name it!

Tommy, Me, Josie, and Iris

10. My heritage.

My Dana Grandparents. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my Pitchford Grandparents.

Twenty One

2009-02-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Approximately 21 years and 4 months ago someone came into my life that changed everything. For approximately 8 years of our married life Tommy and I struggled with infertility. I recall every morning waking up and the first thing I did was place a thermometer in my mouth and chart it so we could tell when I ovulated. Then there was all the laproscopic, and laser surgeries along with the fertility drugs and all the procedures that went with it, that after 7 years I had enough. We proceeded with adoption through the state and then waited. One day in June I received a phone call that there was a 4 month old baby boy available. The catch was that the parents were not severed from him and so we would have to do foster/adopt, which means he would live in our home until he was legally free for us to adopt. His foster parents home was in north Phoenix, but it could have been in Montana because we just couldn't get there fast enough! He looked just like Tommy and after our first visit I knew he was suppose to be a part of our family. After 14 months of waiting and a scary incident with an aunt who tried to block the adoption, he was FINALLY ours. Today Andy turned 21 and it seems like it was just yesterday we were introduced to this perfect little 4 month old. He is an awesome young man, who is not only nice looking, but is smart and compassionate. I don't like to argue with him because he always seems to have a valid reason and if I feel like I am loosing I pull the MOM card. However that doesn't happen too often. Below are some of the pictures of him I love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDY!!

State Championship-Senior Year

Christmas 2008-Notice the chin hair!

On the beach in San Diego with Jacob.

Rock Band-Derek and Andy

Funky

2009-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have been in a funk for the past week. Besides the issue with my back, I haven't been able to get back into the swing of my normal routine.

Mondays - Fridays I get out of bed and dressed into my workout clothes. Hit the gym and do cardio, with Tuesdays and Thursdays dedicated to strength training. Come home, walk the dog and then do whatever household chores need to be done. I then do visits, home improvement projects, scrapbook, take care of relief society needs, read, and do whatever shopping needs to be done. This exercise routine gets me going in the mornings so I have the energy to do the other things. Lately, I haven't wanted or felt like doing anything. No exercise, no reading, not scrap booking, NADA! This morning I got up and walked the dog but that's as far as I got. Now it is close to 11:00 a.m. and I haven't accomplished much of anything. (except the daily vacuuming ritual) Geez, what gives? I think I am scared to delve into the whole exercise routing and re-injure my back. I am also feeling a tad guilty that I had to stay down most of this past week. After being in the work force for the past 30+ years, it has been a trial to not feel guilty for not being busy 24/7 after I retired. For whatever reason I think I have to be busy all the time. It certainly makes the day go by faster, and I am a lot happier. There is always a new day tomorrow to gradually work my way back. But today I think I will just not worry about it.

Happy, Happy, Happy, NOT!!

2009-01-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

When I sit down to post on my blog I feel as though I need to write about upbeat things that have happened with fun pictures. Well this is not one of those weeks. Last week I hurt my back and my wrist and I think it was when I did the wii fit. There's this yoga move that has you doing a push up and then twisting so your body is balanced on one hand and leg. I'm sure that is when I hurt my wrist, but I'm not sure when I hurt my back. All last week my back hurt, but I have lower back pain and thought it would just go away. On Saturday I decided to scrub the grout in my kitchen floor and that put it over the edge. I don't like to complain and I really don't like to air my injury's for all to read. I think that everything has to be nice and sweet. I "blog stalk" and read about others who are having trials and write about how grateful they are for the things they have. I too am grateful for all I have, but right now I HURT! I have been to chiropractor and he messed with my back and I thought, great I should be feeling better. This morning I hurt worse than before. I have to wear a wrist stint when I sleep and during most of the day. It's ugly and when I turn over in the bed at night, it wakes me up. I know, you are all saying, "chin up you big baby". Well what I have to say to you is WAAAAA!!

The Season Has Started

2009-01-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

I don't watch much daytime TV, except the Gilmore Girls, but I am a bit of a couch potato when it comes evening time. I am already hooked on NCIS, Law & Order SVU, Fringe, Criminal Minds, Lost, and, drum roll please...24. I love 24. I have been going through major with drawls since it has been off the air. Last night was the BIG 2 hour season premier and my eyes were glued to the TV set. Now we have another 2 hours tonight. I have trained my family not to talk to me while it is on. They tease me right up until the moment the program starts. If you call my house I will not talk unless it is during a commercial, or just not answer the phone. (Good R.S President I am!) I get so "into" the show that I have a hard time falling asleep after watching. I know, I am nuts!! I am very excited to see "Tony" back on the show and see if he really is a bad dude or maybe there is some major plot twist that will have him working undercover. I think I need help so will someone please help me stop the madness?

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-01T12:49:00.001-08:00

Well it's that time of year where I make my resolutions only to break them within the next few weeks. This year I have decided to write down goals, not resolutions, and post them to remind me of how I can be a better person in this coming year. Below is my list, but they are not listed in any particular importance. My goals are:

1. Learn to prepare more nutritious and a wider variety of meals for my family.

2. Drop some much needed lbs. so my clothes will fit, again. This particular goal is standard every year. I make it so my doctor won't yell at me when I go for my diabetes screening.

3. Read and study my scriptures every day.

4. Be more compassionate to those around me.

5. Do all I can to help my son.

6. Not be so hard on myself and learn to love myself no matter how I look or how many times I mess up.

7. Attend the temple at least once a month.

8. Be of more service to the sisters in my ward.

9. Finish painting my house. It's a never ending project for me. I had this same goal last year, but didn't quite make it.

10. Show and express my love to my family no matter how irritated I get.

I think that with some hard work and a change in my habits I should be able to reach and make these a new and better habit in my life. WISH ME LUCK!!

The Campa Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone, but the Campa Christmas Eve party will live on in the hearts of all that were there. Actually, we had a lot of fun and ate to our hearts content, or maybe just till the food ran out.

My two groovy sister in laws brought yummy food and for the first time in my life, I decided to cook a prime rib roast. It took longer than I anticipated, but was very yummy!

After we ate, we decided to take a family picture and got a bit creative. As you can see, we are quite the fun bunch.

I love my family and am so glad that I am a part of this wild and crazy bunch!

"Santa Spud", Tommy's white elephant gift.

Things I Need To Do

2008-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

1. Finish visiting teaching and email my report to Carla.

2. Buy gift cards for a few members on the Relief Society Board.

3. Finish my gifts for the Visiting Teaching Supervisors and get them delivered.

4. Finish my Christmas shopping and hopefully get Tommy his birthday gift, as soon as he tells me what he wants.

5. Do the laundry and bake my goodies to take to the ward party.

6. Plan the menu, shop, and make food assignments for the annual Campa Christmas Eve party. Yep, we are hosting this year.

7. Finish addressing and mailing Christmas Cards.

8. Make goodies for Tommy to take to his home teaching families.

9. Grocery shop for the next week.

10. Take four Advil because just reading this list is giving me a HUGE headache!!

The Finished Product

2008-12-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

After one week of climbing a 20 ft. ladder, my living room a disaster, an aching back and sore muscles, my room is finally done! The edger didn't work, but thanks to a tip from a friend, I taped off where the 2 paint colors met and used modge podge to seal the edge of the tape; painted over my boo boos and waited until the paint was not wet, but not completely dry. Pulled up the tape, and wallah! clean edge! Now to tackle my loft, spare bedroom, and the master bedroom and bath. UGH!

Let's Paint

2008-12-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

I had a brilliant idea to paint 2 accent walls in my living room with a dark mossy green paint. The rest of the room is a light beige so I know I need to be very careful as I no longer have any more or the original paint. I tape it off on Friday, and paint all day Saturday. Got most of it painted but notice that the top of the ledge also needs to be painted as you can see it from the loft area. Up and down the 18 foot ladder I go, and finally finish painting at 1:30 this afternoon. I peel the tape off and now have all these boo boos to fix because the stupid tape leaked. The commercial on TV never shows any paint leakage when you use their tape. What gives! Off to the paint store I go to buy more of the original living room paint color so I can fix my mistakes.
I'm lucky they still make that color. While at the store I see this wonderful looking edger that I
buy. Yeah I know, what a sucker. Tomorrow I will try out my new fangled edgers so wish me luck! I'll post pictures if I can get the card reader on the computer to work.

WHEW, Glad It's the Weekend!

2008-11-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

This past week has been a crazy one. It started Monday when Brenda and I went to buy 13 turkeys. We started at Albertsons because theirs were on sale, however the ad stated "one per customer." Hum, we need more than one, so we talk to the store manager. No, we either have to go through the line 13 times, get 11 of our friends to come and buy a turkey, or try our luck at another store. We left the store and headed for Bashas, but they didn't have turkey's on sale and we had to have them by Tuesday. Back to Albertsons we go. We load up 13 turkeys and then proceed to the self check isle. What's the difference of going through the regular line 13 times, or just doing 13 separate transactions at the self check isle? We figure if you won't just ring them up at the sale price all at once, then your customers can wait while we do it ourselves. Now finding a place to store the turkeys. Luckily, Crystall, Brenda, Valerie, and myself are able to squeeze turkeys into our freezers.

Tuesday it was off the YW/YM to get Thanksgiving boxes assembled. Once again, I am glad that I am serving in relief society as I would be in an early grave if I were with the youth. But, the boxes got assembled and delivered with their help and those fine leaders that have the patience of Job.

Wednesday I do my visting teaching which never takes just a short time. But it is done and I am glad I was able to see my newly formed visiting teaching friends.

Thursday. What is that leaking from the bottom of the freezer? Oh no, my freezer items are not frozen! Our reliable, stand up freezer has died and I have a ton of meat that needs to be frozen or refrigerated. My freezer in my fridge is very small and very packed. Luckily Brenda is home and can take those meats that are not completely defrosted. The rest goes in the trash.

10:00 a. m. on Friday, Tommy and I are off to Costco to look at freezers, however upon arriving we find out they don't sell freezers. Where was it that Sheila said the Sears scratch and dent store is? She's not home so off to Best Buy to price compare, and maybe Andy can get us a deal. (perks of having a son that work for Best Buy) The size we want is $750 and they don't have one in stock. Off to Spencers Appliances and the exact same freezer is on sale for $550. (Andy can't get that big of a discount) Now off to the warehouse to pick up the freezer. By the time the freezer is home, old one is pulled out, and new one installed, it is 5:00p.m. We still have to get ready and go to a wedding reception. By the time we finally get home it is 8:45 p.m. and we are both exhausted.
I am glad today is Saturday and we are back to the normal every Saturday routine!

The Haircut

2008-11-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a good hair day, because I didn't have to style it! Have decided to let it grow, just a little while longer and then we'll see what happens@

Good Hair Day/Bad Hair Day

2008-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Every day I basically do the same thing, especially when I style my hair. I wet it, add a styling product to it, blow it dry, and then if it needs it, I add a few quick curls with the iron, hairspray and I'm done. Most of the time, this process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Then why is it that some days the hair looks GREAT, and others, it looks TERRIBLE.

When I wake up in the mornings, I wake in the same position I did when I fell asleep, so why does my hair look like I slept on the top of my head? One side is pushed up with a very large lump on top and flat down at the sides. The other side of my head has hair going every which way and no amount of combing will make it lay flat. And the back looks like I put large pin curls in it with setting jell! Since I don't shower before I go exercise, I throw a headband in it and hope that the majority of hair is laying in down and that I don't look like an alien of some sort. Maybe that is why I get such strange looks at the gym! Often Tommy will ask me if I am going out looking like I haven't taken a comb to my hair. The best is when he sings "Isn't She Lovely".

I have had the same hair style for over 4 years now and thought I would change it. So I started growing it out, just a little so I could have a new, fresh look. Well tomorrow is haircut day and I am thinking that maybe the 4 year old hair style isn't so bad. It was easy, quick, and I had fewer bad hair days. I will let you know if I cave in and cut it!

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-11-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well not quite the happiest, but it was pretty darn fun!

When we arrived we went searching for our favorite Mexican restaurant. Drove right to the site of an empty lot! We were DEVASTATED! We spent the next 45 minutes looking to see if The Brothers Sanchez had been relocated to a different area. We finally found a phone booth with a set of yellow pages and saw there was listed a "Los Sanchez" restaurant. Took note of the address and away we went. We still couldn't find it, so we settled for Outback.

Friday was our day at California Adventure and it was a blast! We walked on to most of the rides, and the longest we waited was 20 minutes for the Toy Story ride, which was so much fun. Who ever came up with the arcade thing should get some kind of recognition, cause it was a hoot! Loved all the rides, but still refuse to go on the huge open tower thing that shoots you up into the air with your feet dangling. You know, that high up and nothing to hold you in but this little strap. Anyway, we were done with everything by 3:30, so we waited and saw the parade and left by 5:30.

Saturday was Disneyland and it was packed! We found out that they were filming for a Christmas special to air on Christmas Day. So we stayed away from Main Street where the filming was and worked our way around the park. For as many people as there were, we only waited about 20 minutes for a ride. By 4:30, we had rode all the rides and were ready to leave. So we stayed and watched one of the parades, did some shopping and left the park. On the way we decided to see if we could find our restaurant. We started down the street that was in the address and there it was! We must have driven past it a couple of times the night before. I had enchilada's, and Tommy had mole. (Yuck, I'm not a fan!) We went back to the hotel with our tummies full, our feet tired, and very happy.

BAD BLOGGER

2008-11-04T08:37:00.001-08:00

I have been a very bad blogger lately, however it has not been entirely my fault. About three weeks ago, Andy decides he is going to work magic on our computer. Alas, the magic was that he deleted our video driver. I'm an sure he didn't do this on purpose, but we have been without the family computer for over three weeks. (no email addresses, no passwords, no pictures to scrapbook...you get the idea!) My good friend from Tucson gave me a computer before this all happened, but I didn't have all my stuff transferred over. My very smart brother-in-law was able to repair our PC without having to rebuild it and we picked it up last night. Today, I am a very happy girl!

My birthday came and went without much fanfare, which was okay. I have decided that as I get older the birthdays don't matter as much as they used to. Tommy has kept after me to give him ideas on what to buy me for a gift. and all I have said is that I want to run away for a few days. Well my wish is about to come true. Tommy and I are headed for the happiest place on earth! It has been about 5 to 6 years since I have been to Disneyland, and have never been to California Adventureland. I am so excited to go! My friend Wendi, and her husband just returned and she gave me the "skinny" on what to do in California Adventureland. Can't wait to ride the Tower of Terror and the roller coaster with the mouse ears. I so can't wait to have funnel cake, churros, and eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant that is actually outside of Disneyland park, "Los Santos." So, look for Disneyland pictures with the next post!

I'm Out!!

2008-10-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

I have been dieting for a little over 2 weeks now and have not lost, but gained 2 pounds. Why is it that I can work out 5 days a week, cut back on eating, and still gain weight? So I called my friend and told her, "I'm done!" I gotta say that it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off of my shoulders. Too bad it couldn't have been my hips or my tummy! Maybe now that I can quit obsessing over it, I can relax and actually loose a few pounds. We'll see.

Tommy has started a new work shift where he works every other Saturday and on the weekends he doesn't work, he has Friday through Monday off. It has been hard for me to get use to this schedule. First of all, I can't turn on the vacuum because he can't hear the TV. (If you know me and my obsession with vacuuming everyday, then you know how hard this is.) Second, when I get ready to leave I get the "where are you going, and when are you coming back" drill. I hope retirement is not too soon. Maybe I can talk him into picking up a second job. Just Kidding!

Just Another Monday

2008-10-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

I started a contest with a friend to see who could loose the most weight. We are each putting in $10.00 and whoevere looses the most weight for that week wins the $20.00. So yesterday after the first session of conference, her and husband come over with a plate of homemade, wheat, cinnamon rolls. We started our diets on Thursday and I have gotta say, it's been dang HARD! But, I did fine up until yesterday when the plate of cinnamon rolls arrived. First I just stared at them thinking that maybe I was having a dream, then I tasted just a little corner. Well, that did it. I ATE THE WHOLE THING! Boy was it good. I went to bed with an upset stomach and am regretting my lack of self control, but I am back on the wagon today!

The Campa Lampas

Christmas 2011

Why I Haven't Blogged

Utah or Bust

My Funk

My Favorite All Time Movies

Texas or Bust

Quilts

*M E X I C O*

Mother's Day

Mothers Day Certificate

Mexico Bound

Massage

She's At It Again

Lazy Monday

Has It Been This Long

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

My Christmas Wish List

Thanksgiving and Other Stuff

The "Baked Potato" Cake

San Antonio and Other Events

And the Winner Is...

What Color Do I Paint My Bedroom

Peanut's Birthday

Making the Bed

Work Tommy/Fun Tommy

Anniversary Road Trip - Lots, and Lots of Pictures

The Happenings

The Project Part two and Some Wedding Photos

The "Project"

Wedding Plan Update

Sand, Sun and Fun

Freda's Visit

What? What? What?

Todays Project Is....

Random Thoughts

Head Hurts

Dum Dum de Dum

My Tongue...Ouch!!

I'ts Time

Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain

Christmas Eve

Birthday Wishes

I Have a Cold

Thanksgiving

Arkansas

Another Year Older, Not Sure if I'm Another Year Wiser

It's Just Money

Fall Is In The Air

The Fall Line Up

What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up

Flowers and Gratitude

San Diego and Bust, Nose!

Update on the Room

Headaches

The Late Summer Project

Today....

My Day

Fourth of July Weekend

Blah, Blah, Blah...

The Beach

Going to Cali

It Comes in Threes?

Mother's Day

Nothing New

Facebook

Just Rambling On

My Other Sons

Ten Things That I Hate

Just Walking

Family

Roosevelt 2009

Ten Things

Twenty One

Funky

Happy, Happy, Happy, NOT!!

The Season Has Started

New Years Resolutions

The Campa Christmas Eve

Things I Need To Do

M E X I C O