Camp Cre8

It's funny how even though I realize that I'm not good at crafty things, my daughter had to give me a blunt reminder today.

Both of my girls went to Camp Cre8 where Nancy and Kristy have some adorable crafts for the girls to make.  You can check out their posts here and here.  These two ladies are brilliantly crafty and I'm proud to call them my friends.

On the ride home, Sweet Cheeks says "Mom, you should start a camp like this sometime."

I paused and looked at her with a mischevious grin as if to say "are you kidding me?  I'm not crafty."

She quickly figured out what my grin meant.

Then, she said "well, maybe you could do some type of cooking camp for kids."

I paused and, again, looked at her with a questionable grin.

Oh, yeah, she said.  You're not a good cook, either.

So, we left it at that.

Mom's not the greatest at everything....but she still tries her best and keeps a smile on her face!

Here's some of the cute stuff they made...

She did not want her picture taken.

Oh, well....mama needs her picture.

Great crafting by great Ladies.

Thanks, Kristy and Nancy.

You've made this summer camp a blast and a half.

Flashback Friday...it's me

Oh yeah, that's me in my training bra in 9th grade.

Prior to sun damage on my face and a dimple that didn't look like a wrinkle.

A freshman in high school.

Don't be jealous.

I was one foxy girl with a dream. To try out for the pom pom squad and make it.  And I did!  High school was a blast...minus the academics.

Remember the songs from the mid 70's?

Well, let me share a few of my favorites...

Do the Hustle

Night Fever

That's the Way (uh-huh uh-huh I like it)

Jive Talkin' by the Bee Gees

Right Back Where we Started From

(we're gonna get it right back to where we started from....love is good...love can be strong - we're gonna get it right back to where we started from)

The lyrics just rolled off my tongue as if I sang that song yesterday.

I feel my disco moves comin' back right now.

Left hand on my hip and right finger ready to point upward.
I loved dancing with the boys in the silky shirts.
Oh, sweet polyester blend of silkiness.
I miss you.

Funny how my eyeglass frames don't look a whole lot different than mine today.

Now, let me ask you.

Have you seen what the girls look like in 9th grade lately?

Was I just a R-E-A-L-L-Y slow bloomer?

Yes, I was!

Is it the hormones in the food that make today's girls look so much older?

Big difference between the girls of 2010 and the me of 1975.

Do share your favorite freshman pic soon and come back to tell me about it.

Sew this!

My dearest, T-Bone, was shocked to see that I was using

Sweet Cheek's new sewing machine.

He ran to get the camera and snapped these shots.

She said:  What?  I can sew.  I took Home Ec in middle school back in 1973.

(Maybe I should have left that detail out.)

He said:  This is camera worthy.  I've never seen you sew in the almost 15 years that I've known you.

She said:  Well, check me out.

It was a simple task.

Sweet Cheeks had a rip in the side seam of her shirt.

A simple, straight line and....done.

I gotta tell you.  It felt great to sew.  What next?

If you're a sewer, give me an idea of something

S-U-P-E-R easy that I could do next.

Step aside, Sweet Cheeks, this may become my machine.

Vroom, Vroom.

2010 Phrase

If you'll notice, I changed my header picture.
My 2 baby girls are now 7 and 9 years old.
Their baby pictures help remind me of why I chose my phrase for the year.
While searching through photos, I began to realize that my girls are almost half way to graduating from high school and going to college.
IT CAN'T BE!

As an older Mom, I notice that I'm a bit more flexible than some parents may be on what I consider insignificant stuff.  For example, from time-to-time, I will allow my kids .25 to buy a little dumpy toy from one of those vending machines.
It just happened on Sunday.
I know they're a waste of money.
I know my kids don't need them.
But, it did make them smile....and it's only a quarter.
Cheap entertainment in my book.
(Disclaimer:  I do not let my kids have everything they want and they are not spoiled.)

I tell T-Bone that we may not be grandparents because of our age.
If my daughters wait until they're 30 to marry
(which is the recommended age from us), then I'll be 70.

SAY WHAT???
You've got to be K-I-D-D-I-N-G!

God willing, I'll be in good shape and very mobile.
But I don't think I'll be the same type of grandma that a 50 year would be.

So, why not one word, you may ask?
I just kept coming back to a phrase in my search for one word.

Live for today!

My considerations included:

appreciate

(do laundry)

thankful

(get organized)

gratitude

efficient

(get back to work)

inspire
joy
peacefulness
growth

cheerful

(clean up this messy house)

Does anyone else have trouble focusing, like me??

While I was soul searching, I kept thinking about living for today.

And, in my true multi-tasking form, I figured that many of the key words that I was considering actually fall under this "live for today" umbrella....

inspire my kids - TODAY

appreciate where my kids are TODAY
be cheerful - TODAY Is it just me or does anyone else notice that the Mom's tone/mood affects the whole family?  
appreciate my husband - TODAY
 
be thankful for all the people in my life - TODAY
 
show gratitude - TODAY

Enjoy living for today!

Beautiful Blogger Award to me? Thanks!

I am very honored to be given this award by my good friend,

Janna, Summer and Sarah.

Friday's are great!!!!

Now, I must list 7 random things about myself

and then nominate 7 other blogs for this prestigious award.

Let the randonmess begin...

1.  Noodle soup was spilt all over my couch and remote control last night

about 9:45pm.

2.  My hubby and I share our bed with....wait for it....our 3 dogs.

I know that's totally wierd for most of you to read.

I used to think that people who had 3 or more pets were really strange.

Now, I'm one of them.

I've been known to stop and help a runaway dog find its home in our neighborhood many a times.

I JUST L-O-V-E dogs.

3.  I'm sarcastic and try to be funny but it doesn't always work.

4.  My beloved hubby and I met while on a business trip and then had a long distance relationship for a year before I moved to sunny California.  While dating, we were able to see each other every weekend because AWA had a $39 RT special from AZ to CA.  Thank you AWA for helping us fall in love and nurture a long-lasting relationship.

5.  The only house cleaning I enjoy is scouring my kitchen sink with

a harsh abrasive that makes it shine like new.

6.  When I look in the mirror, I actually see myself 15 years ago

and 10 lbs. lighter.

7.  In high school, I was a pom pom girl and loved being in the spotlight.

I continued dancing and performing until I was 21.

I was a Phoenix Giant-ette, which is kind of like a dancer/performer for a baseball team.

I tried out to be a Phoenix Suns dancer and didn't make it.

Now I wonder how I ever got down to do the slips or up to do a leap.

Now, the good news....nominating 7 others for this award.

Some of my favorites have already been nominated, like The Goat and the Kid, No Really, I'm just saying, On the Brighter Side, SoSoBella and All a Flutter.  So I am giving some love to these fantastic ladies:

Definitely Maybe

Butterflies and Dragonflies

Simply Us Family

Sugar, Spice, and a little bit of life

Our Daily Big Top

1 Funky Woman

Graceful

Can't wait to learn some random-bits-of-goodies from you all.

Rack or Rack-free?

My excitement was out of control as I drove to my Orthodontist

for my 10:30 appointment.

I kept asking myself, will they come off or won't they?

This picture was taken at 10am just before heading out the door.

Got my fingers crossed.

The picture below was taken around 7pm after dinner was served,

dishes were washed and the kids were bathed and in jammies.

What do you think?

Oh, yeah!!

My teeth are free!!

Ah, it felt soooo good to run my tongue along my teeth and

not bleed from railroad tracks.

Flossing was the best.

I wanted to keep doing it all day long.

It slid inbetween my teeth like it was the first time - if you will.

(Hee Hee)

I was really surprised at how white they looked.

I expected some serious coffee stains.

Back to my Ortho in 2 weeks for my retainer.

I vow to wear my retainer F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!

The last meal

Oh my goodness - I'm so excited!!

Today may be the day.

Here's my last meal before the possibility of my rack being removed...

It's one of my favorite breakfasts and super easy to make....

plus it's low-fat and only 4 points (if you count Weight Watchers points).

I call it my Scrumptious Egg Scramble.

- take one egg

- about 5 cherubs - cut in half

- 2 slices of turkey

- 1 tbsp of feta

(or more, if I'm feeling naughty)

Scramble the eggs in your pan (saves an extra dirty bowl)

Cook it until mostly done.

Throw in your chopped turkey and feta

Add cut tomatoes last so they don't get too mushy.

YUM YUM!!

I've exercised.

I've eaten.

I'm having my coffee right this second.

Now, off to the shower.

Check back in later for the good news....hopefully!

Will they be gone or won't they??

I'm talking about my rack.

It may be all gone on January 7th.

You may think that I'm referring to some perky friends up top.

Oh, no, I'm not.

My rack, as I've so interestingly named it, is my pure, shiny silver that sits upon each and every tooth in my mouth.

Put on your sunglasses and take a closer look...

(Oh, where is the airbrush when you need it?)

Since I'm not one of the lucky girls who has a decent, eye catching rack,

I named my braces just that.

I figure that my braces do the same thing.

They draw the eye.

They bring a blank stare.
It may even be a turn-on to some.
Like the time I went into a undisclosed location and the guy who
worked there said "I like your braces.  They're sexy."
Did he just make a move on an old lady with braces?
He must be hard up.

When I first got these babies, back in March of 2008, you wouldn't find me opening my mouth for a big smile.  In fact, most of the pictures were a mouth-closed smile.  But, not any more.  I'm somewhat proud of my smile.  I don't hold back on showing these pearly silvers to all who stand in front of me....even though it shocks some folks.
 

Initially, I was in shock.

These things take up a lot of room in my mouth.

I'll bet you remember how they feel.

A not-so-friendly look at having braces, in case you don't remember:

Bummer #1:  The sores in my mouth from the metal rubbing.

Bummer #2:  I began spitting a lot when I talk.
(TMI, right?)

Bummer #3:  The lovely food that remains stuck after a delicious meal.

Bummer #4:  The not-so-sexy feeling while you're kissin' your man.

and the top of the list...

Bummer #5:  Setting off metal detectors in places like CVS, Target, Old Navy, Ralphs, Rite Aid....and more.
Now, that's just good, clean fun.
My kids would look back and say "we're not stealing anything."

or is this the top of the list?...
Bummer #6:  My neighbor called me Ugly Betty.  Yeah, that's right.  I wear glasses and had braces so I fit the bill.  Major bummer.

Well, it may all be gone soon.

I'll post again on 1/7 with the big news.

Will they be gone or won't they?

Stay tuned!

Happy Things

My great friend, Nancy of The Goat and the Kid, tagged me on this.

I'm so happy!! (no pun intended).
Thanks, Nancy.  You definitely make me smile.

So, I have to list 10 things that make me happy,

smile or just make me feel good.
It was hard to limit this to 10 items, so here goes.

#1 Without a doubt it's my happy family.

I have an awesome husband, completely understanding and supportive,
smart, funny and handsome.

We don't spend a lot of time alone together.

What am I saying?

We spend a lot...A LOT...of time together because we both work from home....

in the same office space....

in the same kitchen area....

in the same bed every night!

It's all good.

When we do get away for a quick weekend, it's well worth it.

I actually begin to feel like a woman - not a Mom.

(I'm thinking about Shania Twain's song "Feel Like a Woman".)

You'll understand this reference soon.  Keep reading.

Oh, and my 2 adorable, sweet, healthy daughters.

Being Mom to these special little people is truly a blessing.

#2 Coffee...anytime, any day...all day!

You may be thinking - oh, she's a caffeine-a-holic just like me.
We do decaf over here, ladies.
I like to think that I'm naturally high!
John Denver's Rocky mountain high just popped into my head.
Sing it with me.

To give you a taste of my coffee, I'll tell you what my hubby thinks about it.
T-Bone calls my coffee a coffee-like-beverage because it's about 1/2 coffee with 1/4 milk + 1/4 hazelnut creamer...and 2 Spendas.

YUMMY!!!

Everyone can't do it black!
(that looks funny but I'm going to leave it there.)

This is a picture that Sugar Nugget drew of me with my coffee.

It's quite artistic, don't you think?

#3 Our new backyard pool with fantastic bbq and festive palapa.
This investment in our backyard has brought a lot of good times.
(Sng reference:  Let the good times roll.)
Can't wait until spring and summer.

Not the best photo, but it's too dark right now to take another.

#4  Flannel PJs and warm, fuzzy socks!
I do most of my bloggin while wearing these babies.

Oh, they are so comfy and warm.
I literally wear them more than 1/2 of the year because
we keep our house a toasty 67 degrees (sometimes cooler).
Oh yeah - note my sarcasm on the toasty reference above.

#5  Reality shows, snacking in front of the TV and sleeping.
Wait a minute...that's 3 things.
Well, not really.  I'll explain.
After the girls go to bed, T-Bone and I have our nighttime,
relaxation ritual, as follows:
get a snack,
choose reality show from Tivo'd list
watch and munch
go to bed
You see, it really is just one thing.

#6  My Dogs

Yes - all 3 of them.  Call me crazy but I love the furry critters.
Bailey, Max and Carly have a GREAT life here!

Bailey - age 11

Max - age 3

and our little rascal, Carly.

#7  Singing

For those of you who have heard my lovely voice, you're
probably saying "oh, no she did-n't".
Yes - I love belting out a tune.
Any tune.  Any time.  Made up or the real thing.
Mimicking a tune that springs to mind when I'm doing
something is a daily occurence.
I even made up a song that I sing while preparing the dog food.
Weird, huh?

#8  Having a glass-half-full mentality.

It sure makes life brighter.

#9  Sweet Treats
I'm not picky.
Cake.
Pie.
Ice Cream.
Candy.
Chocolate.
Baked goods.
Carb-o-li-cious!

#10  Blogging!
Why is it so addictive?
Who cares.
Just do it, I say!


Well, this was fun!!!

Some of my favorite blogs that make me smile have already been tagged.
They are:
The Goat and the Kid
SoSoBella
2 Cool for my Mini Van
Lemonade Makin' Mama
All a Flutter
Flower Patch Farmgirl
oh, there are many more.

These are the blogs that I enjoy and would love to hear from:

Tag, you're it...
No, really, I'm just saying
On the Bright Side
No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane
Whatever
With Enough Coffee I could rule the World
Definitely, Maybe


Copy and paste the above Happy 101 header to your blog.
Tell me who and what makes you happy.

Have a happy day!

Simple things...Love notes

It's the season to appreciate the simple things in life.

To be thankful.

I am thankful for my 2 beautiful daughters.

My "professional students".

I call them "professional students"

because it's their job to go to school and learn.

I congratulate them on doing a good job at work.

Studying hard.

Getting good grades on their tests.

Doing their best.

Well, my little professional students are gone for 6 hours a day.

I throw in these little love stickies into their lunch boxes.

E-V-E-R-Y   D-A-Y!!

A little encouragement.

('cause elementary school can have some rough social spots)

A little love.

('cause everyone wants to feel loved)

A little reminder that Mom is proud of them

and always thinking about them.

Come to think of it, years ago I would write

T-Bone sticky loves notes.

I'd put them in his briefcase.

I'd stick them to the bathroom mirror.

I'd stick 'em to the steering wheel of his car.

I'd even stick 'em to the potty.

I think it's time to write some stickies for my Love.

I am sooo thankful for him.

I can't imagine life without him.

I was born a poor black child...

Well, not really.

That was actually from the movie "The Jerk" with Steve Martin.

But I feel like I fit into that culture very well.

In fact, last week while on the set of Better Off Ted with Sweet Cheeks,

I totally.....and, I mean totally,

fit in with two fantastic women of color.

My demeanor changed.

I became a black chick (in a very white-chick body) just by sitting and talking with them.

I was swaying my head left to right.

Saying "ummmm-huh" with attitude.

Workin' the "that's right, girl!" when appropriate.

I noticed that these Ladies exuded such an heir of confidence about them.

An "I deserve the best" attitude.

A "look at me" ummmm-huh posture.

On the other hand, they show a fiery side.

A "don't mess with me, girl" aura.

A "noooo you did-n't" viewpoint.

I just love that!

All this while strutting their baby-got-back figures.

It's no wonder I fit in.

Three-vents! Most events comes in 3's

It's wierd how unexpected events usually come in 3's.

The most recent three-vent (my way of attempting to make the words creative) included...

Three-vent #1:

Driving through a huge, wet, fresh mound of white paint on the road.

This didn't look like a gallon of paint but a 5 or 10 gallon size.

The splatter went all over!

Off to the car wash for a $150 detail and paint-picking extravaganza

(yes, the detailers had to pick off some of the paint).

Luckily, it all came off, but the ever-so-delightful

white color still gleams on my rubber tires.

A daily reminder of my stupid mistake!

Three-vent #2:

The refridgerator went on the blink.

I'm not just talking the refridgerator....it was the freezer, too.

And, it had to completely die the day after I did $300 worth of damage

at the grocery store.

Ahhhh, this fridge has been quite a pain since we bought it new in 2002.

Yes, it's a Maytag which is known to be one of the best brands for appliances.

Well, not in this case.  We've encountered many problems, including broken

ice maker (2x), freezer door replacement, water/ice dispenser replacement,

leaky water hose for the water dispenser...

and the most recent three-vent where the whole thing just gave out.

Luckily, we bought an extra 5 year service plan which I renewed for another 3 years.

Ahhhhh, electronics!

I know you're probably expecting another not-so-fun three-vent,

but I've got some good news...

Three-vent #3....

F - O - U - N - D!

Beautiful diamond pendant (almost 2 carats - but whose counting?)

that was lost almost a year ago.

This gorgeous diamond, which does not photograph well, was left for me

when my Dad passed away almost 9 years ago.

I had it placed into this pendant and just love it!

Rewind to almost a year ago at Christmastime when we go visit my family in Arizona.

I packed all my things, including my jewelry individually in zipper bags.

While unpacking in Arizona, I couldn't find the necklace and thought I left it at home.

Two weeks later upon returning home....still missing.

I searched high and low.  T-Bone searched high and low.

I asked Sweet Cheeks and Nugget if they

had been playing in my jewelry....they said "no, Mama".

So, I chalked it up to a loss.  Bummed, yes!

Crying and freaking out...no.

It's an object, not a human life, right?

So, I count my blessings and move on.

The unexpected moment came while I was clearing out my closet to

fit my new boots, shoes and handbag.

I began searching through a plastic bag that had many little zipper bags inside;

like toiletries, etc.

And, just lookey what I found!  My beautiful pendant!

A few joyful tears came with the excitement!

T-Bone wondered how I could have this emotion when finding the necklace

and had none when I thought it was lost.

Let's hope that many months pass before another three-vent invades my life.