Way to go Clarissa

She did it!! She taught me how to create new looks for my blog. It's so much fun. We wrapped presents, talked and did some computer stuff. It was a fun night..amazing what you can learn from your kids. If I can do it-all of you can. Have a superb day. Love, Vic

frustration

I'm trying to make a holiday background and change my blog a bit....but I can't get it. Ya, I'm computer illiterate!!! But, not giving up.

Rambles

So when was your last physical?
Are you behind?
Have you had your mammies grammed lately?
Did you have to have a tetanus shot=they aren't fun!!
Are you taking care of your body and mind-we only get one chance. I heard someone say once we should never complain about our bodies because a third of God's children didn't get one.
So eat healthy, sleep deep. take time outs for you, breathe deep, feel, love, learn all you can and take time to share your talents. You are all amazing women and I love that we are family. Have a great day. Love, Vic
ps I HIT BELOW GOAL and my small clothes are big. Yeah it feels good and i have more energy O think I could kick the guys butts in basketball....not!

Wicked Witch

Halloween was so fun, even though Al missed it. He said he was dressed up as a trucker..ha. I had a fun night with the neighbors, a roaring fire, cute costumes, yummy food and great conversation. We shared lots of laughter. The weather was perfect long sleeve shirt weather.
I had a physical this week and for being 55, I'm doing ok. I love that I lost 32 pounds, my blood pressure is down and I've got more energy. And my size 8 pants were loose and baggy today-yeah. This fall has been amazing-I've looked for unusual leaves to put in my kitchen window, which is clean thanks to Al's help. The sun almost every morning warms up our bedroom and kicks starts my day. I've had new experiences at work, made new friends, planned a relief society party and finished reading and color marking my Book of Mormon. I love my scriptures-they give me joy, comfort, strength and hope. I get to talk in sacrament meeting this month on service...something I need to work on.
I've sung lots-with a not great voice, but at least I enjoy it, danced around the house while cleaning, got my Ellie groomed and she's so cute and smells so good. I've seen all my sisters and Kim and love that we are close. I went to Colorado in my bug, alone to visit the Thompson's and Tran's and had a blast. I went on some crazy, get me sick rides with the kids, picked out pumpkins, talked to my daughters and felt so much love. Clarissa paid me a very high compliment that really touched my heart. We were at Al's parents and she said I'd sacrifice my body for my grandkids. That meant lots and I would. I love my Al and our family so deeply sometimes it hurts.
Life is wonderful even on bad days...I love the Lord and my Savior with all my heart and appreciate all they do to guide and protect me and my loved ones. I really love the Campbell Connection Blog and how it keeps us in touch with each other through word and pictures. Thanks nieces and sisters.
To anyone who reads this, know that I appreciate all I have been given. Vic

Conference

Wow, I just watched the first session of conference. I've been praying for answers to some issues in my life. Many of the talks this morning were directed to me. I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life. I felt the answers of having hope, simplyfying my life, and learning to be more open to the spirit of the Holy Ghost. This week has been tough-I
have such mixed emotions about my church callings-I adore my primary class and activity days and The drama calling in our stake has allowed me to express talents and the love I have of writing. I will truly miss these callings. I know that Julie needs me at this time in her presidency and I am willing to be dedicated in serving my ward sisters. There are many lives in our ward that need to be touched. I am having a huge conflict on what jobs I need to do with work-three is overwhelming somedays. I just can't decide what to do. It would be wonderful to have nights and Sundays off. I'd miss the mall, it's a fun and colorful job, but that's the way I'm leaning at this time.
The fall has been so magnificent-the tress and mountains are so colorful. Our baby peach tree has glorious leaves on it, they are so small and cute. The roses and other flowers are still blooming strong and I'm getting a few veggies from the garden still. I love nature and it's beauty and diversity. Al and I had four wonderful days together last weekend-I miss him tons and look forward to having him home each time he comes. It's raining today and the temperature has dropped alot. I'm not ready for the cold-of course I'm that way every year. The snow and freezing temperatures are just too dreary.
I put up Halloween decor this week-I had decided not to, but I'm glad I did. I love October and the holiday and fun colors, treats, witches and ghosts. I've been putting Halloween things together for the kids this week-it's fun.
I'm looking forward to going to Colorado next week-hope the weather clears up.
One last thing....I hit 148 this week that's 30 pounds lost and I feel so much better and my clothes fit. I'm trying to live healthier and also learn new things. I have lots of skills I want to learn, countries and people I want to study and knowledge I want to gain.
Happy fall to all and I love you. Vic

Trucker Babe-that's me!!!

Wow, what a ride. Being in a semi truck for over a week was quite the experience. I loved the scenery, laughing with my Al, making him slow down for pictures and lots of rest stops so I could stretch and run with our dog. I didn't like the hard mattress on the top bunk or the extra sore behind, but the rest was great. The Dakotas were awesome, Wisconsin was so pretty-I loved the cranberry bogs. Minnesota was my favorite with all the lakes, rolling hills, old barns and silos, I was very impressed with that state. Thanks Al for a fun trip, the talks and butt pinching to get me into the truck and for being with you. It was good to get back home to our soft bed, the green yard and extra long showers. I do miss my babe when he's on the road. I need to get some pics posted.
September is such a nostalgic month for me-I know winter is coming and I will miss the beauty of the summer flowers, the fresh pine scented air in the morning, the fresh fruit and veggies and all the fun of summer. I do love the fall leaves, the crisp air, apples and jackets. If I could just skip the cold of winter I'd be happier. Oh, well, we have seasons for a reason and I do have a fantastic mountain view. Happy fall!!! Vic

It's been awhile since I took time to write. The summer has been great, being with my parents families, my sisters and nieces and especially a weekend at Breckenridge with my four fabulous daughters. We had a wonderful time hanging out. I do miss Blake's company. I've had a blast with my neighbors, the water fights, doing crafts, teaching them to sew, cookouts, doing yard work with them and just laughing. I will miss the fun during the winter months. I went to Mama Mia and loved it...although Pierce can't sing, he's still hot. Can an older woman still say that??? I get to go trucking with my honey this week, it will be good to get some alone time with him and see some new sights. Someday I'll figure out how to post some new pictures. Oh yeah, I also lost twenty three pounds and feel great....nine more to go to goal and I'm in all my size ten clothes aiming for an eight. Happy end of summer.
Enjoy some sunsets and dance each day!
Vic

I can't believe June is here already. It's been a crazy weather week-hot, cold, wind, rain-it's time for summer!!! Our yard is starting to shape up-there are so many gorgeous flowers in bloom and the garden's in ok condition. I've been watching fat robins and tiny hummingbirds visit the trees and flowers. I love nature and the beautiful creations God has placed here. I have fantastic neighbors who are willing to help when I get overwhelmed and I love their kids. We are ready to start having cookouts again-always fun. This summer, I get to spend time with my four daughters and I am so excited for our weekend in Colorado. I also get to see grandkids-Yeah! And both of my parents families are having reunions-so I'll see aunts and uncles galore. I had a wonderful sisters weekend with my five sisters and sister in law. I' ve learned some cardmaking tips and am enjoying that. Also, I'm trying to learn sign language from my daughter's vlog. It's going to be a busy summer. Enjoy! Grandma Vic

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2008. It was fun to talk to the grandkids and have Law's over. It's been a sort of quiet, restful day. A prelude to a busy week. I'm sitting here looking at the thousands of blossoms on the fruit trees and praying they won't freeze. I need to replenish our food storage. Thoughts of my mom have flitted in and out of my head all weekend. I wish she and dad were here. There are days when it would be nice to have a moms shoulder to cry on. I guess that's my sisters are for. There are just some things that sisters do that no one else can. I am so thankful for my beautiful daughters and for their love and care. My life is a blessed one and I can't complain-although sometimes I do. Anyway, it's been a good day. Spring is going by way to fast, April needs to come again and start over. I can't wait to sit in the swing outside and watch the bees and smell the lemon thyme and lavender. Awe...spring what bliss!
Love and hugs,
Grandmavic

The lovely month of May

It's finally May and we've had a beautiful day. I picked a gorgeous bouquet of tulips and they are making my kitchen so cheerful. My sister gave me a darling angel wind chime and it's hanging on our white birch tree, which is growing really tall. I had a super time with my six sisters this past week. We laughed, talked, shared memories, ate, shopped, made cards for hours and got little sleep. I wish we could start over and have another one.
I'm excited to have a mother daughter weekend this year. I hope we build many great memories. I love my four wonderful girls and appreciate the bonds they share. And I am grateful for the support they give their brother.
It's been a good day, church, sunshine, a peanut butter sandwich, all I needed was to have my Al here. Happy Spring!

Sweet Spring

The daffodils are out, so now I know spring is really here, besides, the sun shone all day. It was a crazy week last week and I didn't pay much attention to the world around me. Th melodrama is over, no more practices, costumes or late nights worrying. I was very pleased with how well it turned out and was attended. I already have new ideas in my head for another one, but first a few days to breathe deep, soak my feet in bubbles, read a novel, listen to some music and make strawberry jam. And hopefully get some yardwork done. I'm still looking for another job. We just want to get out of debt. I have big plans to paint and redo the basement-we'll see how much energy I have. My dog is curled by my side sleeping, guess I'll join her.

Can life get any crazier?

So, the past few weeks have been a blur, with work, melodrama practice, trying to do a quilt for my sister, and I can't even think of the yard yet and it needs serious help. I need my grandkids here to tickle and to rejuvenate me. I did get to spend a whole 16 hours with my honey this week before he took off again. I can't wait for the end of the month and sisters weekend-where anything goes and laughter rules. It would be nice to actually have spring be warm, at least the snow is gone!! It's almost Friday and I think I'll actually sleep in on Sat. Yeah. Have a good one. Vic

Life really is a test

So it's Friday night and I can honestly say thank goodness the weeks about done. Working two jobs this week has been killing my feet-I need a three hour massage-one hour for each foot and one for my neck and shoulders. I've been having a melodrama practice three times a week now and keeping 32 people on track is almost impossible. I have so say though, they are doing quite well for a group of amateurs. My husband surprised me with a very short visit today, then he was back on the road again. I've been so excited about spring, but after walking around the yard, I'm a little bit worried about all the work that needs done.
Today, I got a visit at work and to my great surprise was asked to interview for a fantastic job opportunity. It will mean lots of hours, some traveling and sacrifices and much responsibility. The pay and benefits would be wonderful. If I'm offered it, it would mean some big life changes and much prayer to have the Lord's help with an answer.
I am looking forward to general conference next week and to hearing our new prophet speak and be sustained. I have found several answers to my concerns recently while reading the Book of Mormon. Mostly my concerns are for my family and for our precious grandkids. They are my life. It's late and I'm exhausted, but writing always helps. Night all.

Spring

I love spring. The warmth of the sun feels so great after the cold winter we've had. My feet are staying dry, I can wear jackets instead of heavy coats and my joints ache less. Yeah! Right now, I am enjoying a peaceful three hours before work. I just finished doing bills which is always depressing. Too bad everything we want isn't free. I am thankful that God's creations are free to enjoy. I can't wait for the birds to start building their nests in our trees and see the tulips we got from Holland bloom. Actually, there are patches of green in the lawn and I just thought of all the yardwork I need to do. That's ok, I do need four more hands though and it would go faster. Anyway, it's a happy spring day.

For my daughter

This blogging thing gets me very confused at times-an easy thing to do since my life is so crazy right now. It's a good thing I have a very patient daughter who answers my questions and gives me repeated directions on blogging and other computer mysteries. Considering I was brought up in the age of manual typewriters, just turning on a computer is a feat!
I just watched an amazing sunset out of my East window, then the sky turned all shades of blues and is now very black with starts sparkling. I really love all of the variety of nature God has created for his children. My dog is curled up by my feet, she looks like a miniature sheepdog...it's time for a haircut. A couple of my kids and I played had dinner and played a game tonight and I have to admit I actually was enjoying the Jack Johnson cd they were playing.
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day and I have this really great western hat-grass green with gold clovers all over it to wear. I really love holidays, so why not have some fun with them? It seems strange that Easter is also this week. Anyway, thanks Clar for getting me back on track.
Don't get pinched...grandma Vic

my daughter is a genius!

So, now I have only one blog not the three accidentally created. Thanks to my very talented and patient youngest daughter. More later. Vic

Snow days

So, we've had many days of snow the past month, it's very cold and shoveling out has been a real pain. I look forward to the spring, my favorite season when the earth comes back to life. I can't wait to see the tulips we brought back from Holland, they seem to grow more beautiful each spring. The sun peeked through the windows for a few moments today and the warmth felt so good. The light made my mountains sparkle in that few moments. Each window of our little home looks out upon a different mountain view. My favorite is the view I get when I'm sitting at the kitchen table. I see the beauty that grows in our yard, the flag waving cheerfully from our flagpole, and in the distance the magnificent sunsets over the mountains. I love when the sky turns shades of pinks, purples and brilliant oranges, then they softly fade into the dark of night and the stars come out to play. Nature is such a wonderful gift, there is so much pleasure from even the smallest of things. The graceful hummingbirds, the little blue forget me knots, the shimmery essence of a dragonfly and the wind blowing through our aspen trees. A couple of summers ago, I remember sitting by the herb garden and I noticed a spider spinning a web. At first, I thought yuck, then I got interested in the web itself and how the sun made it glisten. I left it undisturbed and marveled at how such a small creature could make something so lacy and precise. God loves all of his creations, what a great thing to know.

Our prophet

As I have pondered the death of President Hinckley, I am filled with gratitude that I have known him and loved him. It was a thrill to sit in several meetings in Salt Lake where he was present. The hush as he walked into a room was so reverent. I will always picture him in my heart as he'd wave and smile his huge smile. His funeral today was a wonderful tribute to a son and servant of God. Thank you dear prophet for blessing my life.

Graceful Aging

I'm a proud grandma who refuses to get old gracefully. My hair will stay dark, I hope the wrinkles take their time appearing and I don't want my upper half to sag. I love dancing as I get ready for work. Music can move me to tears and make me want to work harder and enjoy life more. I wish I could sing. I love frogs. They are so cute and odd. Hummingbirds fascinate me. I am an avid gardener. I love life!

Here we go again

Here we go again. So my last blog didn't go through, so I'm not giving up. It's a very cold day here -1 at 7:00 p.m. So I'm snuggled in a warm blanket my daughter gave me last year and my puppy Ellie is curled up also. What does fifty plus woman put on a blog? I don't know, so here are my random thoughts.
First, I'm missing my husband of 35 years, he's on the road and it's been a month since he's been home. Can't wait to see him. I have lots of interests and hobbies. I love collecting hats, purses and gloves. I love to do creative writing and I adore reading almost anything I can. My goals for the year are to publish a short story, play the piano, get in better shape and see my ten adorable grandkids more often.
Nature moves me...the mountains, oceans and colors of flowers. I love sunsets and winter in Island Park. I was there last week and it looked like someone had dropped huge bowls of whipped frosting on the pine trees and then threw handfuls of glitter on them. It was breathtaking.
Right now, I enjoy watching the food network...Emeril rocks and Paula Deen makes me smile. My four year old Indy loves her also.
Anyway, that's my ramblings for now. Life is my passion and I want to dance and sing my way through it. Vic

Al & I

My first blog, so hope it's good!

So, here I am in 2008, I just turned 55 and to me that is a huge milestone. I was scared to turn 50, that's when my dad died, but after living through that year, I decided I'd do my best to grow old, but not without a fight. I want to run through meadows and pick flowers, wade in icy cold stream, sing at the top of my lungs, even though I sound awful. I want to write to my hearts content, read, eat ice cream at midnight, I know it's not healthy. I want to dance more, love more, laugh tons more, and let my creativity out. I have so many ideas floating around in my brain of things to do and see and enjoy. Yes, kids I do still have a functioning brain.
Here it is 8:00 on a Sunday night. I'm missing my Al and wishing he were here to hug. I think having him gone on weekends is the hardest. I know he's enjoying life on the road.
I'm writing a melodrama and having a blast with it. It will be presented for twice in April and I'm very excited. My goal now is to finish writing a Christmas story and get it published and to learn to play the piano. My son taught me how to rip and burn music last night and it was a joy to put a small portion of the music I love together. Yeah...something new learned and it's only January 13th.
Some of the things that make me..ME are books, music, and absolute love for flowers and gardening, the pleasure I get from nature, my wonderful family of five, four great son in laws, and ten adorable grandkids and My husband of 35 years. I also love popcorn, licorice, Spanish food and halibut. We have a super dog who is small, feisty and so much fun, we call her Miss Ellie.
Anyway, it's been theraputic to do a bit of writing and to anyone who read this...take time to look at the sky, dance a little each day and smile at strangers. Grandma Vic