Lisa McCumber Gandara

Taking some personal time

2009-10-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Friends; I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking some personal time off with my family, so I will probably not make any blog posts. One of my brothers is very sick and my family will be flying to Florida to be with him during this time. Please send out your prayers.

AidsWalk L.A., Ocgtober 18, 2009

2009-10-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have access!!!

2009-10-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it!!! I finally got in! Blogspot stopped granting me access to my account since July and they finally got it up!!! YAY!!! OMG! I have so many pictures and updates! Right now I'm on my way to tennis with the kids so I'll uplaod pics and info ASAP!!!!!

Just arrived in Vegas!

2009-07-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Jut a little update. Our flight this morning was delayed by 1 hour.. some kind of hydraulic problem on the plane. Janice and I are finally here and boy is it HOTTTTT! We did have fun though with the pilots and fans asking for pictures. We even got bumped up to 1st class and no charge for bagged overweight fees. (My bags are always over weight, just ask my husband.) We are now in line for the rental car then on our way to the hotel! I will keep updating as I can.

TTFN

Thank you to my friends and family!

2009-07-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Today was my "Good Luck Send Off Party". It was so amazing to feel the love and support from my family and friends. I have to thank Shana Smith, Mrs. Orange County that came with her daughter Christina, Shelly Munoz, Mrs. Murietta who came with her son Matthew Jen Wiersma, Mrs. Temecula and Amanda and Helen. These women, my friends, all drove 2 HOURS!!!!!! to come help me celebrate my journey to Mrs. United States. Actions speak louder than words, and my friend's effort today to attend clearly demonstrates their sincere and genuine friendship that was formed in only 2 days at the Mrs. California US Pageant. I know these are lasting friendships that I will cherish.

My family ...... you know who you are, your love never ceases to amaze me.

Thank you all again for sharing this experience with me .... please know you will be in my thoughts.

Love, Lisa

Hair by Cristophe!!

2009-07-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the pleasure of getting my hair cut by world famous Beverly Hills hairdresser and salon owner, Cristophe. Lana, a color specialist at the salon gave me an amazing head of beautiful blond hair! The experience alone of being at a top notch salon was, in itself, incredible. Cristophe is a genius and I couldn't thank him enough for being so generous.

Walk With Sally's "White Night White Lights" event with Gavin Rossdale

2009-07-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

4th of July Parade in Santa Monica

2009-07-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Santa Monica High School band.

The Mounted Santa Monica Officers

Look at this ride!!!

1929 fully restored Roadster

Allan, the owner of the car for over 50 years, was kind enough to be my escort for the parade.

Thank you Allan!!

more 4th of July

2009-07-14T21:33:00.001-07:00

Pictures from the MTV gifting suite

2009-07-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Jeff from 98 degrees My friend Giselle Uffens, CEO of Digitells, who went on to win Mrs. California America 2009

Pictures!!!

2009-07-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

L : Pro wrestlers at the MTV gifting suite 5/29/09

R: W/ Shelly Munoz and Janice McQueen ward

above L: Eric Estrada!!

above R:

Left: Hector Elizando

Oh, I have to tell you all about this!

2009-07-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 8th, my children were on a field trip at camp and set to arrive back at 6:00pm. I had a meeting in Santa Monica at 1:00 p.m., (that's about 20 minutes depending on traffic ... I live in L.A. so you never know). I finished the meeting at left around 4:15. Well that day, there was a brush fire ... it just so happened it was on the freeway I needed to use to get home. I sat in traffic for 3 HOURS!!!!! AAGGGHHHHH!!! Thank goodness for my great support system of friends. My girlfriend, Sarah, was able to pick my children up for me and keep them until I got there. Sarah, I love you!!! You are the best!!
That just goes to show you ... You never know whats going to happen in L.A.!!

Boy, it's been a great couple of weeks!!

2009-07-12T09:12:00.002-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted something. I have lots of pictures from different events I've been out, but I'm having some techie difficulties with my camera.
Also, I've been preparing for Nationals AND the kids are out of school. By the time I look at the clock, it's close to midnight and I'm DONE!
I promise to try and figure this picture thing out!!!!
Last night Janice, (my director) helped out with "White Nights White Lights". This is and event hosted by the Walk With Sally organization. We had a great time and met so many people. Not to mention, got to see Gavin Rossdale perform! It was very successful with over 800 people in attendance. I will post pics ... well, you know, as soon as I become a little more camera savvy!!!!!

Bring your family home to the dinner table!

2009-06-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

What is dinnertime like in your home? Is it convenient for family members to heat up their own meal in the microwave at different times and retreat to their own corners of the house?

For many families, eating dinner together has become a lost art—but it proves to be a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of youth substance abuse and to raise healthier children. Before family dinners go the way of the dinosaur, let’s make the effort to preserve family mealtime.

The facts are on the table: eating dinner together every night keeps the doors of communication open. It’s the perfect time and place to reconnect and to show your kids that they are your priority. Sitting across the table is where and when you can find out more about your children’s likes, dislikes, and daily life. Having this information can help you direct your children toward positive activities and behavior, reducing the likelihood that they will get involved with alcohol, tobacco, and/or illegal drugs.

Why Are Family Mealtimes Important?

By eating with your children, it is more likely that meals will be healthier and more balanced.¹

Compared to teens that have frequent family dinners, those who rarely have family dinners are three-and-a-half times more likely to have abused prescription drugs or an illegal drug other than marijuana.²
Girls who have five or more meals a week with their families are one-third less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, which can range from skipping meals to full-fledged anorexia or abusing diet pills.³
Parental influence and involvement is an important tool in preventing substance abuse. Regularly sitting down for a meal with your children is one way to connect with them and be involved with what is happening in their lives.

What Should We Talk About?

Ask everyone to share their favorite part or biggest challenge of the day.
Plan and then let the kids pick tasks for the next day's menu, preparation, and cleanup.
Exchange memories about your favorite family pastimes.
Discuss an activity the family can do together and then put it on the calendar.
Talk with your children about a book they are reading or a movie they have seen. It might turn into a family book club or a regular movie and popcorn night!
Ask the kids about their classes, homework, teachers, and upcoming assignments. Find out if they would like your help or want to brainstorm on an assignment.

The importance of regular family activities to share ideas and find out "what's happening" is a great way for a parent to be involved, discuss rules, monitor activities and friends, and be a good role model. The benefits of eating together will last long after your meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity. Take the family meal off the endangered species list and move it back to the VIP list

MTV Gifting Suite May 29 & 30

2009-06-15T20:23:00.001-07:00

Mickey from The Monkees

Kellen Lutz ......Emit from Twilight

Slash!!!

The Santa Monica Pier

2009-06-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Family at Il Forno

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Champion Ian, 1 in a million husband, John, Princess Ava, Captain Mason, and Mommy!

Mrs. California United States 2009 Pageant, May 16, 2009

2009-06-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Opening number

On stage questions

Swimsuit competition

Evening gown

Yay, I did it.....Vegas, here we come!

2009-06-01T15:36:00.000-07:00