"Happy Holidays!"

I am still having issues with my laptop so it will be going to another computer Dr tomorrow. First of all Thank you Cindy for updating my blog. It looks great! I love you! The Christmas Holiday is here and I have enjoyed decorating and getting ready for the celebration of our Savior! Church was awesome today. The sacrament talk that was given was on another Birthday that is this months and that is Joseph Smiths. How grateful are we that he was chosen to receive revelation to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. I personally am so grateful for this and for my testimony of the gospel. I was so touched by this talk and with the Christmas hymns that where sung and I somewhat emotional. I love this holiday. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year! I love you!

Computer Virus!!!

Sorry no post or new blog stuff. My laptop has a bad virus. Hang in there with me. My blog should be up soon.

"Happy Thanksgiving Everyone"

Sorry I have not posted for a while. Been sick still and lost my job. Oh the economy! Anyway I am alive. I have the Turkey in the oven, stuffing done, yams done, table set. Looks good. We have had lots of rain and it adds so much for the festivities. I love it. I am missing my family. I can not say anymore or I will start to break down. Kristin and Clint and Jeane Natalies sister in law will be coming for dinner. It will be nice to have them here. Football, Football and more Football! That is what Craig is doing right now. Watching Football. Yesterday after I was coming home from taking Josh and Merideth to the airport, it stoped raining for a few mins, and I looked out the car window and there it was 2 outstanding rainbows!!! I was so touched to see them. So clear, bright and colorful I almost had to pull over to just stop and look. It was so intense. I am so thankful for rainbows and the promise that comes with it. I am so thankful for the rain we have had the past 2 days. I am thankful for my family. No words can discribe my love for them. They have touched my life in so many ways. There constant example and counsel I get from them, there is no price. I have no idea what I would do without them. The give me peace and comfort everyday of my life. I am thankful for all of my extended family who have been there for me as well. My parents who give me space and counsel and support when they see I need something. I love you all very much and am so thankful that you are all in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!

"Feeling somewhat better"

This is what I feel I need to keep up with blowing my nose all the time! This flu is horriable!

"Tucker Family Dinner"

Curtis and His Uncle Stephen. Curtis and Craigs Fathers Brother.

Craig's brother Curtis was down in Arizona for a few days. He drives this huge 18 wheel kitchen around the country for the Susan G. Komen walk for breast cancer. He sets up this huge kitchen and gets it ready for the cooks. He also goes to flood areas and fire areas. Feeds the fireman, that work hard on a 24/7 shift. He goes where ever his company sends him. He also drives a huge Refrigeration truck as well. You should see it. I have never seen a Frig that big in my life. So he is here in AZ for the walk and wanted to take everyone out to dinner. So off we went to MaMa's. I was still under the weather, but we went anyway. Had a coughing attack on the way home and I thought I was going to die. We don't see him often because of his travels. But when he is in town it is fun to get together. Even if it is only for a few hours. He will be back for Christmas. He has come along way in his life and we are proud that he has made so many good changes in his life to be where he is today. Thanks again for dinner Curtis. See you at Christmas.

Still sick

"Feeling Sick"

I got the bug! This is exaclty how I feel. Even stayed home from church. A little fever sore throat and blowing my nose till I feel like my head is going to come off. Thank goodness the Thanksgiving weekend is coming up so I can sleep in and doing nothing but be quite. I need the rest. I have been running around with this new job and everything else I have not had any time to just relaxI guess it has just caught up with me.

"Nothing like a bowl of soup"!

Since I am not feeling well, with a sore throat, and it is cool, soup was on the menu for dinner tonight. I just notice, that this is my second post on food and what we had for dinner. Oh well. Cheddar Potato Soup with chicken in it. It was so good and so hearty. I love soup when I don't feel good. I got up early with Mom and we went to help a family in the ward that was having a wedding reception in there backyard. I was not up to it at all. But once we got there, it all went well. There where only 2 other sisters there to help. We got a lot done and where done by 4 this afternoon. Dad showed up as well to help with putting some lights up in some trees. I could not stay to see the end product, I was fading fast. I am sure mom will give the scoop later.

"Homemade Hamburgers"

Yes we did have a nice burger like this for dinner. Lots of different lettuce on the bun. Yum it was delis. I can not eat both buns so I opt for just the bottom bun with all the goods on top. A nice Friday night dinner. The weather is perfect to BBQ. However I feel a sore throat coming on. So off to bed early tonight. Everyone have a great weekend.

"Making a Memory"

Today while I was at the grocery store and saw this package of gum. This gum always reminds me of my late Grandpa Davis. (my fathers, father) He always had this gum in his shirt pocket and his breath always smelled good! So I bought a pack, got in the car opened it up, could smell the "Doublement" smell, put a piece in my mouth and was taken back to some very sweet memories of my Grandpa Davis. He was so sweet and so kind to us grandchildren. I will always remember him with this "Doublement Gum" in his shirt pocket. I can still see it today. I miss him.

"A Fantastic Surprise"!

I get this phone call from my mom and she says "hurry come over your cousin Frank is here from California and he has about an hour for a visit." Thank goodness I only live 3 blocks from mom and dad. This is my cousin Frank from CA. He was out here having a meeting with some Judges on a case that he is working on and had some extra time before his plane left back to CA, so he called and said he was on his way over. What a fantastic surprise and a special visit we had. This is my cousin on my Dads side of the family. My fathers sister's son. He is awesome. I have not seen him for sometime so it was a good hour and half that we had to visit and get caught up on. I love it. Thanks Frank for taking the time to come by. I will treasure the time we all had while you where here. I love you.

"Trick or Treat"

Here is one of my "Trick or Treaters" taking a rest from walking. She is so adorable. My little neighborhood darlings! She was singing me a song with her fake microphone it was adorable! What she was singing I have no idea, but it did not matter, she was having a great time and she wanted to come to "Lisa's" house to sing and get some candy. We only had about 25 kids come by. Not like it used to be when we moved in the neighborhood 18 yrs ago. We would run out of candy. All the kids have grown up and have moved or gotten married. Life goes on.

Josh and Meredith came by, as did Mom and Dad. I have made "Ghoul-Ash" for dinner over noodles with a toss green salad and fresh steamed asparagus. It was delis. Mom brought a cake desert. She always makes a cake look like a million dollars. Thanks mom! She is always good with desserts. We had a good time passing out candy and just downloading from the week and visiting.

"Happy Birthday to My Dolly!"

Wow where does 25 years go? On this beautiful day a sweet little angel came to the Duffy family. A baby girl! Her name is Natalie! We where all so excited for her. She was perfect. Pink, perfect and screaming! But we didn't care at all she was finally here and in good shape. I was a Auntie again and I could hardly contain myself. She has a nick name. That is Dolly. She was so darling as a baby (and still is) that I called her Dolly. Because she looked like a doll. I used to sing the Hello Dolly song to and she in turn would just laugh. What a special young woman she has turned out to be. A lovely daughter, sister, and a wife and a child of God. I love you Natalie and I am so proud that you are my niece. Have a very Happy Birthday! Love you, Auntie.

"Last of the Halloween Decor"

This weekend was busy with the last of the Halloween decor and getting ready for the Trick or Treaters and some fall cleaning. When I get older kids at my door, before they get candy they must do a Trick. Boy do they get creative. And they work hard for the candy! It really is fun to watch them. Next week Thanksgiving things!! I love this time of year! Hope you all had a great Saturday.

"ANTS"!!!!

Yip.................... Guess what I came home too? Those Black annoying ants. Kitchen clean, no food out at all. Deep cleaned this weekend. So what is up with the Ants? You kill them and they come back in about 30 seconds. Where are they housing? What good are they? Can anyone tell me. I just ckd the kitchen and they are back! Got to go!

"My Halloween and Fall Decorations"

My Welcome Witch and her Black Cat!

My Fall and Halloween Mantel

Cookies on Sunday

I love to bake on Sunday when I have a chance. Nothing is better than some good chocolate chip cookies. Craig and Joshua, (my nephew) where watching Sunday football and I thought I would make them something to munch on. They where really good if I do say so myself.

"Oktober Fest"

This post is a week late, but I wanted to post it anyway. Craig and went to Oktober Fest last weekend. It was so much fun. Lots of great German food, German Music bands that came all the way from Germany, lot's of dancers with in Durndel Dress and men there Lederhosen! It was so fun! We loved it. However the weather was very windy and it got so cold when the sun went down. I was so glad that I brought a blanket. This is the 3rd year that we have gone and have enjoyed it very much. Lot's of people speaking German and just enjoying the fun. I love my heritage.

"My Dog and a Twenty"!!!

Where should I begin! I had gone to the store on Thursday to pick up something for dinner and got additional twenty for me. Well I had left my briefcase on the floor open and had not put the twenty in my wallet like I should have. Well the dog was in the house, and if you do not pay attention to her, she gets in trouble!!!! Well I was upstairs and here this "Lisa get down here the dog has your money"! Ok, what in the heck and I supposed to do! I tell you! The dog was running around the house with this $20 in her mouth. Hiding underneath the coffee table, droll running out of her mouth, and in a dogs mind laughing at Craig and I. This big black silly dog with a grin on her snout etc. Craig was yelling "she is going to swallow it and than what honey?" "There goes a twenty"! You can guess what my response was. "We will have to watch for a deposit in the back yard dear"! He just looked at me. Finally she released it. Wet and gross. It dried out, and the next morning Craig asked if I had any extra money. I did and gave him the twenty that Maxine had!

Conference

Wow. Conference was great! Loved Bro. Oaks talk on the proper Sacrament Meeting, how to prepare, how to even dress. Can't wait to get the Ensign to read his talk. So many awesome things where taught. 5 new Temples Yea! I love the Temple. Second session with the primary children singing. So sweet and tender. Than after second session watch the movie "Other Side of Heaven." Oh my, I was so touched by that movie. I am going to buy it. I did not know it was based on a true story. Well need to run, Spoken Word is on and than conference. I am making hash brown quiche Cindy's recipe! Thanks Cindy it is the best quiche ever!

"Pawdi-cures"

Well this morning was filled with early grocery shopping, conference and a visit to the Vet for a shot and a "Pawdi-cure"! Oh my this is a big thing. My dog looks fantastic with her new cut and shaped paw-nails! She is a hoot. She was so good, per Daddy, that she came home and cuddled with Mom and had a frosty paw! This is her favorite past time. Hanging out with the pack leader! Frosty paws is frozen juice (grape Juice half juice and half water) in a small zip lock like tupperware container. She licks it like she is having a bottle. She lays down on her back and you hold her like a baby likes to be held. It really is a crazy thing to see this 110 rottie do this. When she was a puppy we used to hold her like that until we she got to big. She still like to do this, however you have to sit on the floor. Yea maybe a picture one day so that you can really see what this big bundle love is all about. Second session of conference in 10 mind. Bye.

"TGIF"

Need I say More!

"Dog Park"

Well we decided to take Maxine to the Dog Park. There is usually no one there in the afternoon. So off we went. The dog was so excited to go "Bye Bye" she about wet her pants. We get to the park and I thought she would be running every where. Nope! That dog walked the perimeter of the park and smelled and peed everywhere. She would squeeze out a drop if it meant to mark her scent. Dogs! That dog got in the car laid down in back until we got home. Ok, she was tired from WALKING not Running WALKING. I think she OD on dog smell. We have not heard a peep out her since we got home. It was a fun day with her. I love my dog!

"The Result"

I am not too happy with the results! I really wanted Cloris to go home. I really have had enough of her. However Kim just did not do anything. I felt like she just walked around the dance floor. Like Bruno said she has the goods she just did not use them. Loved Kim and Warren doing there dance again tonight. He is adorable! I hope he does good next week. Does anyone know what the dance is for next week? I never hear them announce it. Do they and I am just missing it? Let me know.

"Dancing"

Who is going home tonight!? Please let it be Cloris! I can't take it anymore. First night ok. Second night horrible, third night, no MORE PLEASE! Ok my favorite! Warren Sapp! Love him!!!!! What a joy to watch him. Ok what our your predictions!???

"Eagle Court of Honor"

This Sunday we spent a special evening with Evans Family on honoring Justin Evans in receiving his Eagle! We had a great dinner at the Evans home and than headed off to the church for the event. There where 5 young men receiving there Eagle on Sunday. I had never been to an court of honor before. It was awesome. Lots of great talks given, introduction of these young men. Afterwards the mothers of these boys made fantastic Chocolate English Trifle for dessert. Soo good and rich. Thanks for inviting us to share this milestone with you. We love you.

Justin pining a "Thank you Mom Pin" on Gwen

Gwen pining on the Eagle Pin on Justin.

"A New Vacuum"

This past weekend was a hoot. Went to vacuum and you guessed the vacuum would not suck. Craig and work on that darn thing for a while and said forget it. Give me the credit card I am going to Sears! So off we went. Got a nice Kenmore with great features. I love it. The carpet is fluffy and the drapes got a good vacuuming as well. So nice! I love a new appliance.

"Dancing with the Stars"!

Don't have a lot of time to post the morning as I am getting ready for work. Loved the show! I thought I was going to wet my pants with Ms. Leitchman. She made the show. Also love Warren Sapp. Our big teddy bear! I will comment more later.

"Game Night at the Readings"

Arlene helping mom after a breakdown of laughter!

I hope I can put this funny and hysterical evening in words! Ok here goes. Our family has some dear friends from our old ward in Torrance. They are the Readings! We have know them since, oh let me see for about 47yrs. Well Sister Reading and her oldest daughter live out here in AZ now. Well we all have decided that at least once a month we will all get together and have dinner and play games. So this past Saturday we had it on Ronda's and Arlene's home in Surprise. Ronda cooked and made really good Beef Stroganoff. Yummy! And than excellent pumpkin pie for desert. A little taste of Autumn. It was great!

Well Ronda and Arlene have the game called "3 and 4's". A card game. 3 decks of cards are in this game. So I asked who was going to shuffle. Well are Arlene says "no need to scuffle" and she whips out the deck scuffler like the ones in Vegas! I thought I was going to wet my pant. So Craig and my Dad start scuffling the cards for about 10 mins. Come on guys! It must be a guy thing. So we started to play the game and noticed that mom did not have anymore cards. We asked what was wrong and she politely told us she could not hold the cards because of her arititis in her thumbs. That was fine so Arlene said "lets play Mexican train". A domino's game. Sounds great. So we get all the domino's passed out and the game is being explained and all of sudden dad says "wait are these domino's in color? I can't see color!" I just about lost it. And than Mom and Dad starting laughing so hard, we where all about on the floor. Dad said "you might has well hang a handicap sign on mom and I". "Thank goodness I can count"! The night continued with these two. Dad is a good card and a good game player. I was shocked to see these two in action with games. It was so much fun. Than mom would say things like "well I just put that card down." And Arlene would lean over and tell her "Sigie we are playing domino's" and we would just fall apart with laughter. It was so awesome medicine for all of us. I love to laugh. I will cherish that evening that I had with them and to see them play games like that and just laugh at themselves and with all of us. It was great! Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Ronda thinking about how she is going to win the game! Well she needed a calculator to add up her losing point's. We laught again. Needing the calculator!

Let me Recap Saturday!

Ok here we go. First was Super Saturday with Kristin at her ward. Mom and I went out to lend a helping hand. So much fun, great food for lunch and most of all awesome sisters to visit with. It was a great day. Kristin had so orginzed it was perfect. Sister just walked in came to the ck in table, Kristin ckd them in and ck there craft out. I just work perfectly. Great Job Krisitn.

These are the Nativity Glass Blocks there where made. Very nice. However I can not find the finished picture that I took. Anyway you get the idea. These are beautiful with the lights inside them. Uncle Ward drilled all 84 holes in the glass blocks.

Here is a little girl that made a ring for herself. Too cute!

Super Saturday and Game Night!

I am so tired right now, but trust me SS awesome and game night, lets just say, Mexican Train, and my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Need I say more! Details later! I just about wet my pants. I have pictures. I never laugh so hard in my life. I could barely play the game.

Calling all Dancers!

I will be watching will you!?

Craving Mexian Food

I have been craving some good Mexican food and some goooood salsa today. I called Craig he too was wanting some Mexican food. On my way home from work, there is a great Mexican restaurant called Carolina's!! Oh my, they do have some great tacos, and awesome guacamole and salsa. Oh it just hit the spot! That place was crowded at 3:30pm this afternoon. I could not believe it. Yes I can, it really is so tasty. They are always busy. So that was dinner. When you all come out we will go!

Tomorrow we have a big day. Mom and I are going out to help Kristin with her wards "Super Saturday". Kristin is the homemaking counselor. They are making the cutest things! She really has a good eye for nice things to make. The sister really enjoy it. Watch for Pictures. Than my girlfriend lives out there, so we are all going over there for dinner and game night. Oh it is hysterical! We laugh so hard. Last time we went we played "Yahtzee" Guess who won? My Mother!!! She was getting Yahtzee every roll of the dice. We where laughing so hard. So fun! Watch for pictures. Need to run to Costco to pick up rolls for Kristin for the luncheon tomorrow.

Another Piece of Gods Country

This is my favorite time of the year, the begining of fall and winter! This is a beautiful Sunset here in AZ that I wanted to share with you. The sun is going down early and coming up late. We never change time here either. I love it. The days are still in the low 90's and cool down quick to the low 70's. I love it. You can still swim. The pool is refreshing and delightful! Even our dog still is swiming, that does not stop her even in the winter. She still manages to get a little swim in once in a while. She is a hoot! I just wanted to share another piece of Gods country with you! Hope you all had a great day! I did! Love you

"We are back and we did good"

Ok, so we pulled up to Costco and he said to me "you get a basket and I will get a basket". Oh my this is not going to be good. Craig was pushing his cart so fast I could barely keep up with him. I was looking and the Roasted Almonds, and he had already found that big bag of Peanuts, Beef Jerky and Cereal in his cart, I had nothing. So I go and get the staple things, toothpaste, some vitamin's, shampoo etc. He is already down 2 isles with stuff in his basket. We had to have a discussion on what we where going to get. I did not want to get up to the register and I pass out because of what we bought. So we did. I should have had him make a list before we went. Next time. Ok the grand total $276.00 and some change. I think we did good. We even bought dinner for tonight. A roasted chicken for 5.99 I can't buy a chicken for that and Roast it. It was big too. So that was our evening.

Help we are going to Costco!!!

That's right, Help! All of a sudden my husband feels the need to go to Costco. I go too Costco, not him. The last time he went with me he took his own basket and I had mine. That never is never a good sign when he wants he own basket. We always have bet on how much it is going to be. So we had two baskets loaded down, he thought it was only going to be like $350.00 I looked at him and said "you really do not do much shopping honey" , "it is going to be at least $700.00." He said I hope not. It rang up $850.00! Now WHAT in the HECK did we BUY!!!! I thought he was going to pass out. He got pure white in the face. It really was funny. I will get back to you later when we get back and let you know the outcome! It better be simple.

The Day After

Well I did it! My lesson for RS is over. Here is a picture of my table. I did bring some cinnamon rolls for them to munch on while I taught. It is like a tradition in our ward. It really is alot fun and the sisters enjoy it. As you know the Lesson was on Living Revelation. It was a good lesson. I learned so much and the authority of who receives revelation. I felt very much in touch with spirit while teaching and just went with it. I was exhausted when it was done. But I would do it again. The love the teachings of Joseph Smith I am glad it is a 2yr book. I am grateful for my friends who helped me with my lesson. Gwen and Ronda. Gwen and I both taught the same lesson this Sunday and Ronda taught the lesson in her Ward 2 weeks ago. Thank you both for you thoughts and the awesome handouts. It work out perfectly.

Relief Society Lesson

I am up early to reveiw my RSLesson one more time. Its quite a good time to review. I will report back later today. I am a little nervous. Say a prayer for me. Lesson #16 page 195. If you want to read it.

Relief Society Board Leadership Meeting

Today has been so busy with getting ready for my RS Lesson, laundry, some grocery shopping etc. Ladies you now what I mean. Well I had a RS Board Meeting tonight. It was bring a salad to share with 20 sisters. I was so tired and so not in the mood for a meeting. However I have been called to the RS Board and needed to go. I got ready, got my salad tray ready and went and picked up mom. She too is on the board as Compassionate Service Leader. She got in the car she too was tired from there High Priest dinner last night that her and dad where in charge of. I thought before I pick her up I would have a little prayer to get me in a better frame of mind. I did that, got in the car put on some quite Christmas Music and drove to the church. We got there and the spirit was so strong. It told me this is where I needed to be. I could feel this overwhelming feeling leave me. The spirit told me that all would be fine. My lesson would be fine and I would be able to get the lesson out the way it should be. By the spirit. One of the questions that was brought up in our meeting was "Do we inquire of the lord, regarding our callings to stay on track?" Prayer really works. This was proven to me tonight.

Well I took a picture of moms and my salads. Mom brought an awesome green salad. It was fantastic with a homemade poppy seed dressing. She always does a good salad. I had help from the store. Chicken salad and a really good Marconi and cheese salad. I will admit, when I need help with something quick that I can not make, the store deli comes in handy. Again the evening turned out great and I am feeling good.

"I am not cooking tonight dear"

Yes tonight was out to dinner night! Craigs Uncle owns and Italian restaurant in Fountain Hills. So off we went. We called Josh and Mere to see if they wanted to meet us up there for dinner. They did. So we all hopped in our buggies and off we went. Josh and I had the special. Shrimp Fettuccine, chicken, mushrooms, salad and garlic bread. Mere was good. She had a spinach enchilada. Yes I know that is not Italian, the restaurant has a Cantina side as well so you get both if you want. She had her eye on the prize at the end. That is right a Bazookie!!!! She wanted to save room for some good sweet! It is chocolate chip dough cooked slightly, than topped with vanilla ice cream, and than whip cream, served hot. It really is sooo good. We had a great time kids. Thanks for meeting us up there. Next time pizza in the park with games and with our friends and family. When it gets cooler.
Here is Mere with her Prize!!

Or is this her prize!?! I guess both!

"Remember 911" Where were you?

I remember this day all too well. I had the TV on the Today Show in the bedroom. Craig had worked the late shift he was in the guest bedroom. I heard Katie Curic say something to the effect like what in the heck is going on. I looked over, and there, another plane had crashed into the last tower of the World Trade Center. I was in shock. I thought that the pilots where having engine trouble and that this was some kind of horrible accident. Than as the commandeering kept going on, and the trade centers began to crumble we all knew that is was some kind of premeditated act on America. I went to work and all of my colleges where all in the state of shock. Our phones where not even ringing. Our district manager called and said to close the office, go home and be with your family. It truly has changed our country and how we do so many things. I love this country I live in America. I am proud to be an American. I will never forget.

"An Arizona "Haboob" Dust Storm"

Well here it is and Arizona Haboob. Meaning a big nasty dust storm. It is going on right now as I type this. Then usually behind it is a thunderstorm. These can be very dangerous, and can make your pool dirty along with everything else. This came rolling in around 5 this evening. Even the weather man said that he has seen many Haboob, but this one was huge and very intense. They warn people to get off the road and if you are on the freeway to and can not see to pull off as far as you can and turn your lights off. Wait........ok now it is raining. Tomorrow will be a mess. So the weekend will be fun cleaning up. That is what you get when you live in AZ. Wait.............a little thunder now! Sometimes the storms can be little fun too and very wild. One time several years ago, Cindy, Duff and kids where all here for Memorial Day, well we had an early monsoon that day. Clouds rolled in, wind came up and the brand new BBQ went whipping across the patio and almost ended up in the pool. Luckily we had some quick moving people that stopped the BBQ from landing the pool. Now we have a built in. Much better.

"Help Mosquitos!!!"

I need help! I have a mosquito somewhere in the house or when I go outside, I am bitten up everywhere. Does anyone have any good remedies to stop the itching? My bites are big, red and itchy. I found myself itching in the middle of the night. Anything ideas will help. Thanks.

More of back a few months photos

Here is the newest Bride my neice Natalie Duffy married July 25hth in the Newport Beach Temple. Another fantastic day!

Grandpa with granddaugher Christine and grandson Shaun. All three look sharp!! I love this picture of the three of them.

Christine and Shaun. Lounging after the reception.

Another fantastic cake.

Grandma and her three Duffy Grandsons.

My favorite nephews. I love you all so much. Handsome as ever!!

Big kiss after the wedding ceramony on Temple grounds in Newport Beach.