spring

Garden almost planted thanks to Al and Blake. Blake said he hadn't planted a garden since he was 10. He was out there barefoot and enjoying it. I confess I wish I'd taken a picture for his sisters. I love spring but it sure is alot of hard work. Can't wait for some hammock time.

COUSINS FOR COUSINS

Hi Campbell Cousins, family and friends. I've started this blog for Tori and Maddie in hopes of lifting their spirits and also providing some financial aid. 

The project I chose to do for them is crochet headbands. I will need lots of crocheters, some help with marketing and shipping. The headband are very easy to make, the flower is a bit tricky, but is so pretty. I will have the pattern and hopefully some pics posted here by Friday of this week.

Notice the two colors of font, they are Tori and Maddie's favorite colors. So, I want to make the headbands uniform and in these two colors as a sign of support. The cost for one will be $5.00 and other than shipping, the money will go to their family. 

I'm hoping, actually praying for lots of helping hands. My goal is to have 200 headbands done by the 20th of January. If we get 20 crocheters, that's only 10 each. It takes about an hour to make one. I know other people besides family will help.

This is a worthy cause, I feel very strongly about. We have so many wonderful cousins and I know we can do this. 

'Because we have been given much' has stuck in my mind the past few weeks...it's our turn to give back some blessings.

Please check this blog often, I will keep it updated with how things are going and what we need help with.

I'm open for ideas and any suggestions...you ALL rock.

God bless Tori and Maddie.

Love,  Vicky

Reflection

It's been awhile since I posted, Here it is August 2012. I guess my thoughts are mostly about my husband tonight. He turns 60 tomorrow and I'm starting to panic a bit because I'm next. I am so proud of the man he is and grateful for his unconditional love for me. He's the quiet, supportive gentle half to my wild, crazy and on the go personality. We have fun together. It's been a busy stressful summer and I'm nowhere near ready for another winter of cold and sometimes pain-the joints don't like the cold. I'm not ready to be sixty yet. Can I really be there? My mind says NO in a very loud voice. I'm glad to be alive after losing my parents at such young ages. I feel good most of the time, I enjoy life and keeping busy with new challenges and experiences. I love life and the pleasure of living and working hard and creating and loving. 
  I had fun watching hummingbirds yesterday at the top of Bear Lake...there were so many of them in many colors and it was pure joy to sit and take pics and just watch those small creatures. I'm glad we stopped.  I've had fun with my kids and grandkids this summer-I've missed being with Tran's. We've had good times with our neighbors-I so appreciate their help. My youngest daughter is moving soon and we will be alone, yet not alone. I will  miss her smile and our time together. She's the last to leave the valley. My son has been through some trials this year-how i pray for him to be healthy and wise. I am so thankful I have the Lord to talk to. He is indeed my strength. 
    Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL. Hope we live healthy, happy and long together. Thanks for being my friend, my love and my anchor. I love you, Vic 

Why does life have to be so hard? Al's mom has had a rough life, losing her parents as a child, now her husband has been gone a year and she is now in a nursing home, she can;t talk or remember much, she's lost weight and it broke my heart to see her today as she was hugging Al. She has taught me alot over the years. I regret not saying thanks more than I did. So, I'm saying thanks now to her, to Al, to my family, to my siblings, and most of all to my Savior, He has made eternal families possible and I pray that I will have my loved ones forever and be worthy of all the blessings God has in store and for those I receive daily. I want to make a goal to be more grateful and aware of life and others.
Happy March to my loved ones, Vic

Belgium

Yeah..I'm going to see my kids. Hope Belgium is ready for this grandma

Frogs

So, I like frogs, real ones, cutesy ones, yard trash ones. They make me smile. I have a couple on my desk. I'd like to get some live ones and have an aquarium for them. Last year I made a frog quilt-all flannel, lime green and hot pink-kind of sassy...like me. This has no great meaning-just one of God's creations that I find fun and cute. Have a hopping good day!!

FAMILIES MATTER MOST!!!

2011 and a new goal to post more often

So, here it is February 2011, Blake just turned 27 and I'm wondering why life goes by so fast. Seems like just yesterday I was dressing him in tiny levis and cool t-shirts, watching him play soccer, eat pizza and tease his sisters. I miss my "mommy" years, when the kids were all home each night, we'd eat together, talk, play games and just be. They were years of trials, ups and downs, mostly ups, sacrifices. They were years that we made some great memories together and some memories I chose to forget. And now, they are all gone from the nest, living their own lives in many different locations. My four beautiful daughters and my good looking son. And that is how it should be. And I will be content, missing them, but content.
We have been blessed with ten fantastic grandkids-five guys, five gals. They are the joy of my life, the laugh lines around my eyes, the snuggles my arms crave, the secret sharers, the giggles, the people who get me through on hard days. They are a continuation of who I am...my posterity. And I am grateful for each of them. Having a teenage grandson is killing me though-he was just a little boy dressed up like Blue and singing to us. Once again, where did the time go?
Last flew by on wings of lightning and I feel like I missed parts of it. I vow this year to live each day more fully, love more freely and laugh until I cry more often...not hard to do, I'm surrounded by fun friends, family and co-workers. I want to get into better shape physically, spiritually and mentally. I'm teaching yoga twice a week- not as a professional, but I'm learning. I start piano lessons this month-a dream I've had since I was a small child, I want to write more, enlarge my home business 'Fancy That', and attend my 40 year class reunion confident int he woman I've become.
Oh yes, it's gonna be a good year a real good year!!!

My aha day

So I had a great week. Busy but so rewarding. I went to the farmers market in Paradise and sold a few things, I was asked to bring items into a new business call Violet Hill for consignment, they took all I had, plus my antique hats. It's a cute shop run by two twenty something girls. I also am selling stuff at Cox Honey, a shop in Tremonton, and hopefully at Beadles in Logan. It's a fun hobby, not getting rich, but enjoying keeping busy.
On Thursday I tool the red hat ladies to a cabin in Blacksmith Fork canyon for a picnic. We ate, laughed and had a fun afternoon. I took a few moments and walked down to the river. I waded in , then sat on the bank and watched black and white butterflies..they were about 2 inced wide. The flowers were gorgeous, the river was amazing to hear as it flowed over the rocks, the sky was blue and the sun warm. Then a green backed hummingbird came right by me and skimmed the water and dipped its bill into drink for several minutes I just sat fascinated and enjoyed it's beauty. It was the perfect moment...clean mountain air and all of the above. I could have stayed all day in that spot.
Thank you Father in Heaven for that wonderful, perfect moment of pure peace and bliss. It filled the oil in my lamp to overflowing. It was what I needed most in my life to rejuvenate.
I loved being with Shawna and Wendy on Friday and Saturday. It was healing to see Becky and Paul and know see for myself that they were ok. It is truly a miracle that my brother in law is alive and going to be ok-he has a long haul ahead, but he can do it. I have to say though, that being mooned by him wasn't anything I ever thought I'd experieicne in this life...I have the photos to prove it. Hope they get home soon.
Our lavender field 5K was fun, I was worried I'd be too slow or hot etc. but I had fun, saw lots of people, enjoyed the purple fields and the fresh air. We did it in 40 minutes, next year we will do it in better time and hope to run at least a mile of the race. I have to say it got into my blood-I
loved the feel of the racers running by and the finish line. Girls we did it-not a hard feat, but after Shawna's fall, I wasn't sure she could walk another mile...way to grit your teeth and cowboy up sis. Next year I'll be in better shape and have stronger knees.
A good week, a good Sunday today and now we start all over again. Hoping for some hammock time tonight with Al. Life is good and I'm grateful for my family, freedom, my faith in God and gratitude for his love. Love to all, Vic

July

Happy Freedom Day. I love this holiday-red, white and blue, waving flags, singing, cookouts and it's warm. I'm so thankful to be free and live in this land. This summer has been crazy busy, but so worthwhile. I've been walking each night getting in shape for a 5k walk in the lavendar fields in Mona, and to keep in shape. Since I had the heart stress test, I've been trying hard to eat healthy, walk and let things og-it's a long process, but will happen. I had a fantastic summer reunion with the Campbell Clan in Rupert, Idaho...close by our old dairy. I had fun trying to karaoke with my sisters, we made watch bands, talked, played and had fun being together. We missed all who couldn't come. It was the perfect family place. Thanks Becky and Paul for the work and fun, you rock!
Thanks Jen and boys for coming with me and for the talks, laughter and fun while you were all here. We cooked out, played Payday and cards, lounged, played in the water and shared memories. I love my family. In June, I also got promoted to director at the senior center-more hours and pay raise..I'm pumped! Al's here, but we don't get tons of time together awake, at least we are under the same roof.
I've got my Fancy That business going..selling head wraps, wire rings, It's and pillows. It's slow, but picking up a bit. I have to be busy and it;s fun to create. I love skypeing with the kids and I'm so glad for the technology that allows me see my families faces while we talk.
Sweet Victory--arm wrestling Jen and Clar and I beat them both-Clar called me a tough broad-not sure that was a compliment, but it was funny.
Glad to be alive...I got caught up in waves while on araft at Hyrum Dma and got way out of my comfort zone and I couldn't see Al, my anchor. I yelled until my throat hurt and prayed so hard that I wouldn't tip over. I was so scared...yes, I'm a non swimmer and I didn't have a life jacket on. Thanks to Surf for alerting the others I needed some help and to the life gaurd who came and otwed me in on a jet ski...I admit I was embarrassed, but too glad to get out of the water to care. I had nightmares for two nights.
I'm loving the flowers, heat, fresh morning air and want summer to slow down and stay for a long long time.
Grateful to the Lord for preserving my brother in law's life after his cycle accident...heal fast Paul. Thankful also to two soldiers in my family who just got sent overseas...I love and appreciate you both. Love to my siblings. More love and hugs to my kids and grandkids. Even more love thoughts to my honey. Happy Fourth, Vic

A little bit of everything

So, here it is May 2010 and I've been a slacker about writing on my blog. I have such a demanding schedule and social life....whatever. Actually, I do keep busy. I'm ready for spring and warmer weather, enough of this 50 degree stuff. I've loved some new experiences this spring: using a chain saw, teaching myself how to run the tiller, I'll pay for that one with a sore arm, watching dozens of hummingbirds in our apricot tree...up close, like within 6 inches of my face, enjoying the dozens of Holland tulips we got when we were there...they have mass produced and are gorgeous, having girl time with my neighbors, having my Al back home...it has been an adjustment and all I can say is it's a good thing he loves me, is patient and forgives easily...because I can get witchy. I admit I got very independent while he was on the road and I like things my way-I'm learning how to share my time, work and life again and it's been harder than I thought it would be. Some advice...don't let your man drive truck, unless you are with him. It's hard to adjust. Babe, it's good to have you home.
We lost Al's dad on March 1st and too late I realized I didn't express to him how I appreciated him. He was an amazing man, funny, caring, a tease, smart, humble and faithful. He tolerated alot this past few years and he kept his dignity and sense of humor...I'm sure he's having a joyous reunion with his family. Thanks dad for being part of my life. I've had three dad's...mine own, whom I miss more than words could tell, Al's dad and Gordon Luke, who filled a part of my heart when my dad died. Three great men, whom I admire and love.
I've been asked to join a literary club ,it could be an interesting experience, these are the elite ladies of the area....No, I'm not hoity toity. I do want to meet new people..I love meeting people and learning from them and I hope I teach others as well as learn. Tonight, I sang camp songs with Braden and Ryan and planted potatoes with Kolby...see, I have fun neighbors, we laugh alot and have some fun times.
I'm looking forward to summer reunions, laying in the hammock, growing my garden, writing, doing more humanitarian projects, and spending time with Al. I had a great time with my sisters this month...thanks. I'm loving my new crochet passion-headbands and wraps. I'm donating part of the money I make to the cancer foundation in honor of my mom who didn't survive and my daughter who did. I admire them both for their courage. I now have a daughter who is a nurse and I'm proud of her sticking out the tough years. Of course, I'm proud of all my family and I love them so much and miss them all...oh to have the dream of my heart and be close to all of them. I am happy they are having new and exciting experiences. My love, thoughts and prayers are with them at all times.
I have some amazing friends, who I have learned to trust and rely on...thanks Tina, Jodie and Shannon and families....you have pulled me through some tough times and buoyed my spirit more than you will ever know. I love you all.
I've learned alot this last year about being prepared for emergencies, storage, spiritual preparedness and trusting in the Lord. He has been by my side always, but I have noticed it more this past two years being on my own. I have learned to rely on him and gain strength, to turn my fears and tears over to him and to trust that he will take care of my family...for they were his first and always will be. I love the senses he gave me to enjoy the creations of this earth. I am so thankful for fresh air, blue skies, color, music, nature, the taste of food and the coolness of water as it soaks my throat. I am so blessed and I acknowledge God's hand in all that is good in my life. I love my family far and near, those who are here and those who have gone on. Thanks for being mine. Love to all, Vic

Exhilaration!!

Friday night fun...it's snowing, straight down, large flakes, kind of warm and I'm outside with my neighbors. We shoveled everyone out, then like a dummy, I threw a snowball and so it began. We had quite a wet fight, I got my face washed and even made a snow angel. I felt so alive and full of energy...even though it still snowed and had to be shoveled again that night, I had a blast. I think I need to invest in some snowpants and waterproof gloves.
I've been dejunking my home and it feels so good to get rid of stuff. I have more to go, then I want to do some painting.
My Al had two days at home and we had a neighbor party with good soup and mafia games, Pit and Signs. It was nice to hold his hand in church...and now he's off to Wisconsin and I'm back to cleaning and the usual week of work.
Hope all of you are well...January is almost over...yeah. Love, Vic

Long time/no post

So, it's been awhile since I blogged on here. I can't believe how fast 2009 flew by. I had a good year. The highlight was having all the family but Cody and Blake here at the same time. What a wild, wacky, wonderful time. I loved the truck trip to Tennesee with Al and being bounced around for a week. Actually, it was fun adn I got some great barn photos. I did alot of canning, freezing and drying this fall. It's nice to have the food come from our yard.
The trips to Colorado were super. Devin got baptized and I got to be a witch with 6 of the grandkids. We've seen some amazing sights this year as we've traveled. Going to New Jersey was a blast and we pulled off the surprise..yeah. Amanda didn't know I was coming. She graduated from nursing school adn they got their house in Pennsylvania. It was great to have Jen, Jess and Clarissa and families here for Thanksgiving. We've been able to spend some fun time with Tran's and I know it's going to be a killer to have them move to Belgium in Feb. I want to be there for our 40th anniversary in two years. It's been hard not to see Blake much, he's had a struggle the last few weeks, losing his job etc. Being a mom never gets easier, but it's the best job ever and the rewards are fabulous.
I've shared some fun times with my siblings this year also. They are the best.
I have to admit, I can put on a good front when I need to. Having Al gone all the time is hard. But he loves it and is working hard. I'm thankful for him and the love we share. I've been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors, good places to work and a super ward.
Keeping busy is a blessing and even though I've had two naps this week-both in the guest room with the sun steaming in, I do keep myself entertained with projects etc. I even got some writing on my latest story done. I'm taking my time on it-two years now.
Bring on 2010- I'm ready. I've got goals made and already dejunked stuff. And even though I'm not invincible, I feel good, I'm wearing a size 6 and I've got energy to get things done. Thanks to family and friends for love, laughs, memories and sharing. Vic

HOORAY

The month of madness is over and I'm still breathing. It was a wild, hard working, fun, spiritual month and I had some great experiences and met new friends. It's April 1st and we got more snow again...no shock there. At work we had a band come for the program and the drummer played a solo Wipeout from years ago. He was in his sixties, but man he could rock. It was really fun to hear. They did some Johnny Cash and it reminded me of dad. Now, I'm watching Australia and hanging out with my dog and Blake's dog...they are asleep, so they are good company! I'm so excited for sisters weekend and also for conference this week and two days off in a row. Saturday, I'm modeling at the mall-shoes, clothes, ourses and jewelry...fun, I got to pick out all of my outfits and accessories. Now, I just need to not trip over the heels. Our murder mystery at work was fun, our pioneer program was well attended and quite emotional. I love to write and direct. Someday, maybe my book will get finished. I'm glad I got the weekend with Al, at least part of it. Happy Spring to all of you who are getting sunshine, send some to our valley.
Be daring, dance lots and do something nice for someone each day.

brain clog

So in the previous post, I was typing too fast and having fun writing and and forgot to spell check, so sorry for the mistakes and we had egg and sausage casserole not hand and sausage. Hey, we're all human! Vic

Sunny Sunday

Oh what a beautiful morning. The sun is steaming through our bedroom window and I have a peaceful cd on.. I survive the week and I'm grateful to still be standing. The yellow and purple crocuses are up and so cute and I picked some pussy willows from our tree and brought them in. They always remind me on mom. Ellie and I drove to Layton to go bra shopping at Victoria's Secret-she stayed in the car of course. Nothing like a new bra to lift you up-literally. I had a neat experience on Saturday-my good friend Susy Harper was at the mall and through a wierd series of things, I got to see her for a few minutes. She has been very sick for the past year. She looks good and it thrilled my heart to hug her again. We've done a heap of living and raising kids as families.
Saturday nightr our neighbors had a green party-we all green food-yummy potatoes, hand and sausage casserole, coleslaw, desserts, m&m's and limes. We talked and played mafia for awhile. It's always fun, but I wish Al could have been there. Blake, Clar, Nate and Lindsey and her baby girl came over on Weds. I came home from the temple and Blake had made a very tasty meal of chicken fajitas with peppers, onions, crushed pineapple and cilantro, plus chips and queso and taquitos. It was really good. Clar brought out fresh strawberry pie...it was all yummy and fun. Thanks kids!
Today I get to attend the Draper temple dedication and I'm very excited. Our Lord's work is moving forth with greater speed and whenever we get a new temple, it's a wonderful blessing for all of mankind. We are so blessed, even with trials and worries. I'm so glad we have family to rely on and I know that I could count on all of my family, sisters, Kim, their honeys and our neices and nephews. It's so nice to have that knowledge and also the privilege of putting names in the temple for family members who are ill or struggling.
Have a fantastic spring day...Love ya, Vic

March madness hits home

My March Madness week wasn't basketball. It started on the 8th with speaking in church, conducting in Relief Society and having Al here for the weekend. Worked Monday and we got 24 inches of fresh snow, bought and delivered groceries in that snow for the birthday party at RS. By 8:00 I was frozen and exhausted, oh yeah, I got stuck twice, but I did get some gorgeous photos.
Tuesday-missed work from back problems caused Monday, got things ready for Wednesday and did some cleaning and Blake and his dog came for two days, so I had fun watching them. Wednesday-worked, spent hours at the church for RS-it turned out good and the food was yummy, I had lots to unload and dishtowels to wash. Thursday, worked a few hours, went visiting teaching to four sisters, and got home at 7:30-oh yeah, I drove a van full of red hat ladies to Paradise for a tea party that was fun. I have been a neglectful mom and grandma this week and feel bad. Blake went home and I was not happy to find dog hair and some surprises she'd left downstairs. Friday, I worked, got a script for a murder mystery passed out and then went to Cox honey to work. Al was home when I got off. We went out for Mexican, then did laundry and crashed. Saturday I worked, did more laundry, got groceries, made a good southwest soup, did bills, got a very nice foot rub and had some fudge, and also lost a couple pounds this week. I think I have a sinus and ear infection again. I am now friends with my big yellow ball-I can almost stretch my head to the floor. Sunday, I had five meetings, Al made whole wheat pancakes for breakfast-yum, then he ground wheat and I made my very first ever homemade whole wheat bread. It's a bit flat but tastes good. We had home teachers here until 9:00, then Al crashed and I'm goofing around, but it's close to bed time. This next week is going to be overloaded. I work 3 days at the city, two days at Cox, 1 day at the mall, I have two play practices, lots of phone calls to make, a newsletter to finish for work, I want to go to the temple Wednesday and to the 13th ward RS in Logan on Tues. with my friend Janet. I have a chiropractor appt. Monday and hopefully can get in to check my ears. I also want to make cookies and green food for our neighbor party on Saturday and my visiting teachers are coming Friday. Plus, I have some sewing to do, some writing to finish up for the play and some props to gather. I colored my hair again..no more gray for a few weeks and Al shaved his beard. I also conduct this week, was asked to do sharing time in Primary on grandmas and have a ticket to the Draper temple dedication.
Now, I'm not complaining, it's good to be busy, good to be strong, good to be needed, and the sun's been shining for two days. The snow is melting, the fat robins are back and the daffodils are poking through the ground. I love spring, I hope we have millions of fruit tree blossoms and none of them freeze. I hope our rapsberries and blackberries produce and the garden is full of delicious abundance. I had the neatest experience during the sacrament today, I caught myself smiling for no real reason, then this warm feeling hit and my mind said I'm happy...Iam and content and ok with life. Sure there are worries and problems and stresses, but I'm alive and I feel like doing something great and the house is warm and smells like bread and I've done some dancing and singing and loving, I just need some girl talk with my girls and some grandkid chats with my munchkins. Life is good...I feel peace and lots of joy and it's been a long time coming. I love and I'm loved back. I have a great support system, Al, the kids, the grandkids, my sisters and nieces, and the guys in the family, my ward family, our good neighbors and co-workers. And I know who I am and that God loves me and you. Wow, this is long, sorry, I just felt overwhelmed with so many emotions. Have a great spring day. Love, Vic
Take time to meditate-it makes a diference. Oh yeah and dance a little each day.

February 25th 2009

Check out our smiling faces. Al's home for a day, so we're having fun doing some computer junk. By the way, it's raining for the 4th day here in the valley. Man are we ready for sunshine. Have a happy day and take time to BREATHE! Vic

Monday Morning

Happy. Kim and family's President's day...no workand I've got Rascal Flatts cranked up. I actually got a few extra hours of sleep and I don't even feel guilty. Al called and was just driving through Island Park. He spent a few days home this week. We had fun at the show and going out to eat.
So, I finally gave in and went into a chiropractor-first time. Years of stress. lifting and shoveling very heavy snow last week pushed the pain level over the edge. After one treatment I actually can feel a difference, but I have a ways to go and some home therapy to keep up on. I've been drinking tons of water.Thursday I totalled it up and I'd had 140 ounces-yes I was up all night. My friend and I just finished writing a stake trek drama. Now I'm writing a murder mystery for work about the great chefs of Europe..anyone want to come and act??
It was fun to go to Idaho Falls and see Blake, Cherise, Kim and families. Cash was so cute with Ellie. I'm a spud at heart but I do love my Utah mountains and valley. I've been taking tons of old barn pictures-they are pieces of history and I'm having fun. Also, we've had literally dozens and dozens of fat robins all over the trees in our yard. I snapped lots of pics. They were so fun to watch and listen to. It was great to talk to the grandkids this week-they are such little teases. Their Granny Smith nickname is funny-after the apple. They are so cute and bring me so much joy. Love to my family near and far, Grandma Vic
Oh yeah, Clar got me on facebook last night...do I look as old as my classmates...hope not.

Dang Dog

So Blake has a puppy-half boxer and half mastiff-she is adorable. Since we saw her at Christmas she's gained weight and height. If any of you saw Marley and Me, you'll relate to the experience she gave us today. It's Monday Jan. 12th, I was at work and Blake went to lunch with friends so he locked Chiquita (real name Stout) in the bathroom. When he got home, she'd pooped all over, ripped up a whole roll of toilet paper and took an inch and a half of paint off the door and trashed a pair of my reading glasses. She was in deep crap. If she wasn't so dang cute-Id kick her buns. Anyway, what a mess to clean up. Blake had things fairly under control before I got home. I put her in the kitchen behind a gate blocked with chairs and went in to clorox the floor-I heard a crash and looked up to see her face in mine. Needless to say I had to give her hugs. She's just so cute. Oh yeah, our Ellie doesn't tolerate her well, she's jealous. It was actually funny to know Blake is responsible for her and had to clean the crap. Nice payback for all the times I've cleaned up his messes. Anyway, it was an experience. Have a good one. Vic