Category Archives: News and Events

Throwback Post: Successfully Infecting People with the HappY Virus

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December 20 2012:

Keep on Keepin on Spreading HappYness! We have successfully infected more people with the HappY Virus!

Message I received today from someone in Canada:

“Hi Camilla! Got my book today and I’m so looking forward to curling up with my tea to read it! I also can’t believe it got here before Christmas! Hope you’re all ready for the holidays. A and I followed your lead and spread some love. We made simple treats that A could help with and she delivered them to all of our neighbours. We also delivered to an older couple up the street that we don’t really know….and their reaction warmed my heart. They were so grateful for a very simple gesture that they came to our house a few days later with a story book for my kids and to say thank you. It’s always nice to make new friends.”

**MARCH 6 2023 UPDATE** – This was about my first published book, “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance”. Go here to learn more:

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Throwback Post: Multicultural Bugs on Two Roads With Swings and Snow

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December 20 2013:

I thought I got away without getting the icky stomach bug Thomas had last weekend. I woke up this morning grateful for a toilet to hug and a warm bed to caress my aching body. Grateful for a son that made his sister’s and his breakfast and has been entertaining both of them while my body gets rid of this bug … This little bug has literally swept me off my feet!

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December 20 2012:

The Road Not Taken … Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost

Having a ball at Multi-cultural night at HDMS!!! Go Team Member T Go!!! I do so love this school and the variety of people who are a part of it!!


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December 20 2011:

Picking up Lillian from her therapies. ST, OT and PT adventures!!! Doing better at swinging.


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December 20 2009:

Just Fun!

Chad Basil the First Update – Growing More Comfortable, Safe and Expressive

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February 26 2023

Chad Basil the First

Basil grows more comfortable in his new home, assuming correctly that everything is his to explore, play with, or eat. 😂

He still doesn’t get in our laps or cuddle. But has jumped on the bed twice to sit near Thomas or me. He adores Thomas (which is great since he’s Thomas’s cat and will go with Thomas to college.)

Basil had his 1 year checkup at the vet a few weeks ago. He loves his carrier. So much so that I’ve left it out for him.

He has much to say when Thomas is taking too long coming out of the bedroom in the mornings.

I love my grand kitty to pieces. ❤️❤️❤️

Happy Birthday to Camilla

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February 26 2023

Birthday breakfast. Warm and fresh. 😋😋😋

Thomas sang the Happy Birthday song to me and then we dove into the peanut butter pie.
Lillian tasted it! That’s a big step for her. She said it tastes good, but too nutty.
Starting off 53 a lilt bit nutty I guess. Love it! 🎉🥜💝🌹🫣👀🫣🥜🌹💝🎉

Birthday sky and me, from morning to late afternoon. 💙🎉💙

Throwback Post: Great Food and Nog

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December 19 2014:

Gluten free fried chicken nuggets again tonight … but made different! Changed up the batter and coating! This time the batter was an egg and coconut milk and the coating was flaxseed meal, almond flour and coconut flour. I liked this even better than the gluten free flour used last night!! Think Thomas and Lillian liked it too! It’s all gone! Have chicken, will see how many different ways I can cook it!

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December 19 2013:

Team TLC got treated to dinner last night before multicultural night. Thank you so very much Lois! Sunbeams of love and hugs to you!


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December 19 2010:

Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup, Garlic Bread and homemade Tiramisu at The Romano Casa = Tummy and Taste buds Happiness!!!

Oh, and homemade spiked Eggnog to finish it all off!! I’ve got THE BEST Step-Father in the whole entire world!!!

Throwback Post: Multicultural Night While Subbing With Good Food

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December 18 2014:

Great multicultural event last night at HDMS. Thomas did an awesome job performing a traditional Australian song along with his classmates. Lillian has been sick but she didn’t want to miss out.

More classroom wisdom … Subbing again in Boundary Peak today. Little did I know that the road to becoming a substitute teacher would be beneficial to not only supporting my little family but also a gift for Lillian’s transition to middle school.

My IEP friends will understand … I know all the middle school teachers, they know me, I know the students, they know me, they know in advance that Lillian is a special young lady. I know which teacher will be the perfect fit with Lillian. What a blessing for this to all line up! Grateful, grateful, grateful!

Not only am I grateful beyond words for being needed as a sub every day this week at HDMS, but I’ve gotten food every day this week. Social studies students had presentations all this week about their heritage; which included bringing food made from family recipes! I’ve had fried chicken, apple pie, meatballs, fettuccine, rice, fudge, sour cream donuts, sushi, tamales, pumpkin pie, and other stuff! Good golly! And, it keeps coming!

Gluten free fried chicken nuggets were a hit tonight. Lillian says, “I’m getting tired of chicken.” Frankly, I was too. So, how ’bout this? Yep! She loved it. Thomas went back 3 times for more. Yum!


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December 18 2013:

Look who stopped in for a tour today!

My heart is simply bursting with gratitude, love and confidence. It’s only been 5 days since I wrote and shared the Christmas Miracle blog post. My little family is surrounded and drenched in love and kindness. The kindness of others is soaking into every cell of my body and all throughout the infinity of my soul. I shall pay your kindness forward one day in the not so distant future.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” -Audrey Hepburn

Tonight at HDMS’ Multicultural night a beautiful, kind friend gave me an envelope. She said you’ll have to read my facebook post when you get home to see the story that goes with what’s inside that envelope.

Here’s that post … “A Christmas Angel revealed. In this world with so many negative things being blasted out on the news let me tell you about the kindness of strangers. Yesterday I read a post from a friend in need, and i decided to give her a small cash gift when i saw her next. So with this thought tucked in to my heart i went home to meet a plumber who was called to my condo to unclog a backed up toilet.

Lucky for me it wasn’t serious and the plumber was done in 15 minutes. He was very friendly and kind and tho I appreciated the service I knew his minimum charge was probably going to be close to $90…I was close it was $85…but as I prepared to write the check he said….you are such a nice lady…i am only going to charge you $65!

My eyes danced and i thanked him. I said…” I want you to know that I will pay this kindness forward, and the money you saved me will go to a most deserving lady and her kids! Thank you so!” and then I hugged him…the plumber was shy and self conscience as he was dirty. But I didn’t care I was so happy….then the plumber reached into his pocket and gave me $20, he said..”please give this to your friend as well.” I said, “no really you’ve done enough really”. But he insisted.

So tonight I have double the cash to give to my friend…what”s more I have the sweet gift of the kindness of a stranger. For me to give was simple…I am vested in my friend and her families well being…but the plumber well…an angel if I’ve ever met one. Thank you “Sam” from AM PM Discount Drains and Plumbing may God bless your path as you have blessed mine…”

If anyone knows Sam the Plumber please express my overflowing gratitude to him. This has touched my heart dearly. Another eye sweating moment. Thank you for your love, kindness and support Corinne G Dunn … YOU are amazing at being YOU!! xoxo

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Tonight was the big night! Thomas got to show off his multicultural project about Peru. He enjoyed and had so much fun putting this together … and now I know how to make a diorama too!


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December 18 2011:

Birthday party adventures for Thomas! Happy Birthday to his classmate Emma! Having Fun!


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December 18 2010:

Now that’s a festive Christmas drink – Apple Martini at The Romano Casa (Frank C. Romano Jr).

Throwback Post: A Day in December Throughout the Years

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December 17 2015:

Extra Team TLC movie night

“Barbie – A Perfect Christmas”

“Although I don’t like the way this begins, I do like that it’s ultimately about the perfect Christmas being within and not without. Fun music and magical too.” -Me

Lillian says, “Good, exciting, good moral, Christmasy, good music, good theme, and awesome.”

Thomas says, “Good, amazing, good moral, and seasonal.”


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December 17 2014:

More cool autumn sunset love .. 2014

Subbing in Boundary Peak today … Love the wall wisdom around here.


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December 17 2013:

Beautiful, blue, and frosty sky to greet us this morning! It is truly an amazing day! xoxo

I am free! I no longer give my power away to this situation …. FREEDOM!!! Thank you more than words could ever express to everyone for your support, encouragement, kind words and for sharing the blog post I wrote last Friday. “It is time to turn the page on this chapter of my life’s journey. I choose to do this with my face turned to the sun with a heart full of happiness, gratitude and excitement. This is taking every ounce of courage I’ve got in me. I rarely ask for help for myself. Perhaps I’ve been saving it up for a big whopper! I’m asking now. I believe this to be a beneficent and abundant world and I am moved by something larger than my ego to do this. I am infused with a mysterious strength to …. ”

Help Team TLC With A Christmas Miracle

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December 17 2012:

Team TLC has been spreading happYness every day this month by spreading at least one (if not more) acts of kindness. I incorporated it into our Advent calendar this year … We will continue to do this into the future … If we want more kindness, love and happiness in this World, we must put it out there ..

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Just home from a gathering with my WOW sisters … Words of Wisdom shared from one of my WOW sisters. This particular WOW sister was speaking to her 80 something year old mom the other day who has a slight “dusting” of dementia. Mom was asked, “Any words of wisdom to share Mom before we hang up?” … Mom, “Keep your pecker up!” Now!!! That’s some GREAT advise!! Thanks for the laughter, thanks for the tears, thanks for being my life line, thanks for lighting my candle. I LOVE you all so very deeply!! Susan Hill, Cheri Hill, Kymberlee Simantel, Emma Auriemma McKay, Jamie Cooke, Clare Rice Dreyer, Rachel Flower, Lisa Mantkus … You were missed sorely Glenna E Smith!!!

Follow your path and the angels will appear … Thank you for the gift slipped in my pocket tonight from one of my WOW sisters. Made my eyes sweat … My head meets the pillow tonight a blessed and grateful woman.

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December 17 2011:

Out for a short adventure starting with some goodies!!!

We have such awesome views here … Makes for good mini adventures!! Beautiful!

Movie night for Team TLC … I’m so happy and blessed and just plain giddy to be sitting here watching this with my two kiddos. Ahhhhhhhhhh …


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December 17 2010:

Just back from morning adventures of one Lillian Christmas show, one stop at the grocery store, one stop at Kohl’s, one Thomas Christmas show, one stop at Office Depot and a partridge in a pear tree!! Now Thomas is shoveling the driveway for me! Picture upcoming! WooHoo! Almost hot chocolate time too!

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Man of the House shoveling the driveway earlier today! Did it all by himself! Go Thomas Go!!

Tom & Jerry’s at The Romano Casa (Frank C. Romano Jr)! Pretty Yummy!!

Old Treasures: Romano’s Downtown Bowl – Yuma, Arizona

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February 21 2023

I recently helped Lillian organize her closet and found the stash of pencils Frank gave to us. Frank’s dad, Frank, owned a bowling alley in Yuma, Arizona in the early 60’s.

The erasers held up as one would expect for a 60 something year old eraser! Hard as bricks! Otherwise they are great!

We will never run out of pencils. I suspect this stash (more than pictured) will outlast me! 🎳🎳🎳

I was inspired after sharing the pencils photo on social media. Look what I found! A 1960’s postcard with the bowling alley pictured! So cool! I love digging into things like this! It’s like a treasure hunt. 💝

Now I’m inspired to make this into a gift for my step-father. I’ve ordered the postcard from a seller on eBay. I’ll pair it with a couple of pencils and see if I can find a 60’s photo of his dad. I’m so excited! (Any Romanos who see this: Don’t tell Frank. It’s a surprise.)