Monday, June 29, 2009

Well, I tackled my closet today. All I can say is, Oh my! I decided to start at the bottom and work up. It did not take me long to realize that this job would probably not get completed today. In fact, I should be working on it now instead of on the computer. I will get back to it or we will have to find a new place to sleep!! On a positive note, I did find some shoes I had not seen in awhile!!

I am so enjoying my summer break from school. It's fun to be able to do some of the simpler things that I don't get to do during the school year. This seems like the first summer in quite awhile that I have really been able to slow down and enjoy.

I'm on the hunt for cute July 4th cupcakes. We went to Borders tonight and I went through a couple of books, but did not find anything. I will try to look on the Internet for ideas. My mom is planning on making ice cream on the 4th, so I don't want anything too sweet.

I guess it's time to do some reading.
C.



Sunday, June 28, 2009

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

It was a busy Saturday here. I promised not to complain too much about the heat this summer, but 109 is pretty hot. I spent the majority of the day cleaning and getting ready for my family to come over for dinner. I tried a new dessert I found called strawberry/banana pizza. I think everyone enjoyed it, but I would make a few adjustments the next time I make it. Very rich! I also had spaghetti, salad, bread and vegetables. This time of year in Arizona you try to figure out different things to make that don't require using your stove too much. I put the spaghetti in the crock pot which worked out really nicely. Now it's time to clean the kitchen up!

C.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I had the pleasure of visiting my dentist today. Hopefully you can detect the sarcasm. I thought I would be in and out with a simple filling in about 30-40 mins. Well, two and half hours and $600.00 later, I emerged with a temporary crown and another appointment to go get my permanent crown. I swear I have the worst teeth in the world!!! It's not like I don't get my teeth cleaned every six months or brush and floss daily (okay maybe not floss), but it seems like cavities follow me. My poor dentist!! I think I inherited my mom's small mouth and my dad's poor teeth!! I really make my dentist work for his money. He probably dreads seeing my almost as much as I dread going!!

Monday, June 15, 2009

I was finally able to finish cleaning the family room!!! Can I just say mini blinds are not fun!! And lucky me I have three more sets to do! Today, I also tackled the all allusive Longaberger baskets in the kitchen. When I was done removing the many layers of dust, they looked pretty good. Dust is a huge problem in Arizona. But what would you expect? This is the desert after all!!

My quest to find easy recipes continued tonight. I made my aunt's Mexican Lasagna. I thought it was too spicy. It definitely scored points for it's easiness. I just need to figure out how to tone down the spices. It is a keeper!!

Weekend recap - Saturday night we went over to my parents for hamburgers. We finished going through the rest of my uncle's things. Sunday after church we just sat home and relaxed. My parents came over later for popcorn. We had a nice little snack of watermelon waiting for them. It was very yummy!

After they left, we went for a drive (It doesn't take much to entertain us). We drove to a new shopping area in Scottsdale. A very impressive Apple store just recently opened there. It would not be my first choice in shopping, but it did look interesting.

Now I just need to figure out what to do about Father's Day. Summer is rolling along!

C.



Friday, June 12, 2009

I had a great Friday. I was really excited to be able to meet a teacher who I use to work with. I love summers when you have the opportunity to catch up with friends. She is a gifted teacher and I'm always amazed at all the things she does for her class.

My parents finally made it home!!! We met them for pizza along with my brother. Afterwards, we went over to their house as they had a few things for us that they had brought back from Kansas. My uncle, who recently passed away, collected roosters. My mom gave me one of his rosters that is made with decorated glass and lights up. It will always be a special keepsake. I think I have found a perfect place for it in my kitchen.

And yes....cleaning kind of took a back seat today. Oh well, there is always tomorrow!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I finally finished cleaning the office and laundry area today. Slowly I will get things marked off my list. If anything we should be able to at least breath better!! I'm meeting a friend in the morning and I have an appointment in the afternoon, so we will see how much I get done tomorrow.

I'm also trying to find new meals that are easy and quick that I can use when school starts back up. My cousin and mom told me about these Idaho potato mix made with 100% Idaho potatoes. We tried them tonight and they were not too bad. We will definitely have them again.

I'm excited that my parents are coming home tomorrow. They have been in Kansas for the last month. This is the longest period of time they have been gone. With the wedding, visiting relatives, and of course my uncle's funeral they have had a lot going on.


I guess this is all for now. Hope you have a wonderful Friday!!
C.

Monday, June 8, 2009

I'm tired!! I know it's summer, but I'm tired. After a week of classes and finishing up my certification, I finally get to start my summer break. What a great way to get things started by doing some housework. I have set-up a personal goal to tackle (and I mean tackle) one room in our condo every week to deep clean. I think I will start in the office tomorrow. I know it will not be fun, but when you are embarrassed to open the door, it's time to face your fears!!!

I usually don't mind too much reality t.v., but tonight I saw The Newlyweds. Oh my....I don't think this is one I will continue to watch!!!

I think I'm going to go to bed. Have a great evening!
C.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Well, to say it has been an emotional roller coaster the last few days would definitely be an understatement. My cousin's wedding was wonderful! It was planned and prepared so beautifully. I think I might be a fan of the color yellow now. I was able to spend most of Friday morning with her as she got her hair done and finished the last minute preparations. I like to think that I was her personal assistant (or slave as her sister said it). It was a lot of fun and the memories I will treasure forever. All of my cousins humored me and allowed a cousin picture to be taken before the wedding. I had wanted this pictured since last summer when she got engaged. I had found special cousin frames that I wanted to give to them as a special gift.

As wonderful as the day was, there was a cloud hanging over us. My uncle had been diagnosed with cancer eight months ago. Those months were very difficult on him both physically and emotionally. It seemed that every time he went to the doctor the news would be getting worse. The last few weeks, he had started to use an oxygen tank as his breathing had become very laboring. The pain was also becoming unbearable. The only thing that helped a little was morphine. Through the help of my dad and brother, he was able to attend all the wedding festivities. But it took just one look at him to realize that the cancer was winning the battle over his body. When I told him bye on Saturday afternoon, I knew I would probably not see him again this side of heaven. Later that evening while at home his health deteriorated rapidly and he was rushed to the hospital. He continued to fight, but finally his body could not take it anymore. He passed way yesterday morning at the age of 59.

I would ask that you keep my family in your prayers. Especially my grandma. Everyone says burying your child is the hardest thing for a parent to do. But God is still on his throne and I look forward to the day when I will be reunited with my uncle and others who have gone on before me. What a wonderful hope we have that this world is not our final home.

C.