My Nemesis

This is a step.   A step into the "kiddy" part of the pool. A section in our pool that looks like a spa but isn't. It's a pool for the babies with three little fountains. A Simple step nothing more. However, to me it's a symbol of a fading mind. Something I've worried about since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999.

Last August, I went off work on disability. By the end of the month, I knew getting my insurance company to pay despite two doctors' completing form after form saying I could no longer work, was going to require a miracle. I was stressed and thought sitting in the kiddy pool watching Sabby swim would be a good break. Plus the temperature was well into the 110 degree range and even with A.C. I was feeling hot and miserable. So, I changed into my swim suit and gathered my towel and prepared to "cool off" in water at least 98 degrees (but at least it was wet). I forgot that there is a step into this kiddy pool and stepped into the water, not here where the step is; but over to the side, crashed down 2 feet into water that wasn't nearly deep enough to break my fall.. and voila! Broke my leg at the knee; Was in the hospital for 3 days waited another week; went back into the hospital, had surgery and remained in the hospital then a nursing home for 3 weeks. I was in a wheel chair until just before Christmas when I graduated into crutches or cane. And I whined a lot! I did however eventually start getting disability checks. And I learned an appreciation for the strength of people who face forever in a wheel chair and still smile; who face forever being cared for, not able to even go into the bathroom alone and still laugh; not being able to go to the store without help and still get up everyday; not getting outside unless a loved one can lift the wheel chair out side and still get themselves to a job everyday. It is hard to explain but at once I learned to stop fearing  what MIGHT come with M.S. and to understand what may come. I also learned to more completely appreciate what I CAN do still. 

I still walk funny. 

Pool weather is back and I'm looking at this step again.... Yesterday I did two things; I took a picture of the damn thing and held Paul's hand while I stepped down ONTO THE STEP and waded into the kiddy pool... Yay Betty! When you see a step almost as big as the pool, it ONLY makes sense that you USE this step to get into the water!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Birthdays Birthdays

So it's been twenty-three years today Ricky. My youngest and my only blue eyed baby. You happily share your birthday with your little niece only you try to insist that her birthday be only about her. Your Older brother marvels that the parents who raised him are the same who raised you. Once, upon hearing him comment, I simply shrugged my shoulders and said "I'm tired Robbie" I'm so tired.. :)

From the first day you spoke, you argued. Me saying No, was always simply the starting point for your negotiations. You NEVER lied, you simply "beat me down" until I said yes. Going to "hang out" at the beach was always a No to your brother and sisters. I assume today, that there were times when I UNDERSTOOD your siblings to be at the movies or with a friend and they were actually "hanging" at the beach; at night. Once after a particularly bad hour with you and your "negotiations", "explanations" and "arguments", I had agreed to let you go to the beach that night with friends. As  I lay "bloodied" and exhausted on the couch, I heard you upstairs talking to the girl who wanted to go too. "No" I heard you say "you're not going to lie to your mom. I'll go with you and talk to her with you." I simply sighed as I lay there and quietly laughed, thinking, whoever that poor women is - she's screwed!

Your honesty reflects your bright star Ricky. You are honest in all things and in all ways. People are drawn to you. I know why - It's the light that shines from you. Your goodness. Your kindness. I remember you were willing to be suspended to defend a friend when you were young. Your questions about life when you were 5, 6 & 7.

My wish for you tonight is that you always walk in the light - banishing the dark shadows that can lurk when you least expect them. 

I love you.. My Vegas Baby... for always and for ever.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

My brand new baby boy 4/29/1985

Robbie teaching you to Crawl

You were 5

Senior Year

Sr. Picture

February 2003 ... A real sad day

10/07

Your Nieces and Nephew ADORE you Uncle Ricky

You make us so Proud

Six Today

How could it be already! That today you turn 6 Sabrina Cristine! 

A long hard awful day watching your mommy in so much pain and "no progress". Then suddenly the epidural to end Mommy's pain went "in too deep?" "went the wrong way?" and mommy couldn't breathe. So you came into this world during an emergency Sabby.

And worry, anger, fear and sorrow were replaced in an instant with unbelievable joy, when the doctor told me you and Mommy were just fine.

And to joy, we added Laughter and tears when the doctor answered my next question with a smile and a yes...."Is She a Red Head?" 

You my little Red Headed Treasure have filled our lives with laughter and joy for 6 years now. From your Great Escapes through windows when you were 18 months; Singing your self to sleep.  Your temper tantrum during Aunt Lyndsey's Wedding when you were two. "Sharing" Birthdays with Uncle Ricky, who will turn 23 tomorrow.  I learn so much from our conversations when I walk you home from school, or when I hear you play "by yourself?" when you're alone in your room.  Your Gran knows how quickly time goes and I know I will smile when I remember today and the Birthday Breakfast Order you gave Pappys this morning 10 years from today when  you get your drivers license. Pancakes with Sugar and Syrup Pappys! and Cut up Nicely.

Happy Birthday Honey. We love you forever and Always.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

6 months Old.. 

With Pappys early 2004

Fixing Gran's Hair with Cousin Makayla Early 2004

Trimming the Tree with Pappys 12/05

Smiling at Gran, this morning!

Cooking with Betty....Sort of

Being that Katie was married for almost 4 years to a man who controlled all the money.. That SHE earned and would not allow her to buy food (he ate out with his friends every night) other than what she needed one day at a time, Katie never really learned how to cook for a family. To be honest, I didn't cook that much when I worked. Paul beat me home by 3 hours and I usually walked in to a full house and dinner ready. I had my meals but Katie didn't show much interest in learning..soo. I digress.

Since I'm home all day and even though Paul swears he doesn't hate me for sitting home on my back side all day while he works, I still think he should probably come home to dinner. I've decided lately to um take Katie under my wing and teach her to cook. Sadly, I'm not much of one. I've always enjoyed reading other blogs where they give cooking tutorials complete with Pictures! Not to be Outdone and sure to humiliate myself :) 

Here's Stuffed Bell Peppers a la Betty ! :)

Sabby's Ready to Learn too!

.

Yes I use Hamburger Not Turkey. Fry up the Hamburger with Onions

Add the Tomato  Sauce and Sloppy Joe Packets 

Sabby's Checking out the Peppers

Rice for However many People will be eating

Slice off the tops of the Green Peppers

Fill them with the Sloppy Joe Sauce Mix

Yeah... Sabby Got Bored

Bake for about 15 minutes or until the Cheese melts

This really doesn't look very pretty

Serve with Canned Pears ... Or healthier fruits 

In our case, Sabby enjoyed the Sloppy Joes On Hot Dog Buns!

Thanks everyone for reading my Blog today.  :)

A Right of Passage

Seems to me that Little Girls, at some point, when they're between 3 & 6 will get their hands on a pair of scissors regardless of how careful Mom or Dad ... Or Gran are. My daughters did. Katie, being 2.5 years older than Lyndsey, cut Lyndsey's hair twice; once, even cutting her ear.

Katie had thin hair which I kept in a little bob. Lyndsey's hair was long, going all the down her back by the age of 3. In my

 case, it was Katie's jealousy that caused the HAIRCUT FROM HELL and got rid of Lyndsey's long curls. In Sabby's case, twice now, it's been curiosity. Friday night she had a playdate with a little friend. According to Sabby.... They EACH cut their own hair. These Pictures are of Sabby after the trip to Fantastic Sams to "fix" the problem. She feels positively grown up.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

     

Giving Gran the Big Smile with her new bangs  

The back is layered now like a grown up lady

Saguaro National Forest

 

What a Day! 

Paul and I had a wonderful day; Even went on some Nature Trails. I Have seen some beautiful Macros on some other Blogs and practiced some of that today.

The Desert is in Bloom now.   

   White Flowers on this Saguaro's Arm

The Saguaro's are not yet in full bloom but their "hats" are starting to pop up  and soon the Saguaro National Forest will be in full bloom.  I've never been a big Fan of Desert Views.. until I moved to AZ. Here the deserts are quite different than they were in CA. For one thing, Once you cross the Colorado River into AZ we have the Saguaros. The desert earth is more colorful too with Orange and Golds all around us.

Paul Loves Exploring whenever he can

We stayed in bed until almost 8:30 watching TV and drinking coffee, so we got a late start but as it turns out, The Saguaro National Forest is actually North of Tucson so the drive was not as long as I anticipated.

After a full day of walking and driving around the "forest" I'm tired but couldn't wait to download my new photos and do some experimental work.. the Color-Less Saguaro on the top right of my Blog.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Paul Walking down into the wash, where

            I wouldn't follow 

 

I don't know the name of this Cactus, but the 

                Blooms are Beautiful

My Good Friend Julee

The Last Job I had was for a Truck Leasing Company in Phoenix. My "Career Life" was as a Lease Processor. The AZ Boss there and the office manager pretty much restored my belief that People ( the Employer) are basically good people who really care about the people who work for them. I'd always held that belief but "out grew" it and became a big believer in Unions and the need for them. I digress.

One of the people I worked with at this great company was Julee. A girl much younger than me... Ok... Younger than my oldest child. Julee was kind of quiet and I was pretty sure she didn't have much use for me. We worked "the early shift" together and over some time we got to know each other pretty well. She was planning her wedding when I got to the "Company" so we bonded over that. One day she sent me an i.m. (Instant Message) asking but assuring it was WAY OK for me to say no, to come as a back up photographer at her wedding. I said SURE.  Well the worst thing happened JUST before the ceremony started. I had the exact symptoms I'd had nearly a year before when I had a heart attack. My worst fear was of the paramedics coming in with sirens blaring during the service, so I told a co-worker of ours to tell Julee I was sorry but not feeling well and drove to the hospital nearby. Turned out it was the first of the Pulmonary Embolisms I'd be getting.  I digress again! It was also the start of a fantastic Friendship. We've laughed since that day that if it all happened now... I'd have her bring over the cake after the wedding and we'd share it in the ICU. Julee would do that too. Together we were the Photographers at her Cousin's wedding last April. :) What a wedding it was too.

She sent the invitations for the 30th Anniversary Party a couple of weeks ago. Got on a Plane with little Emilee; came to AZ for a whirlwind trip; brought the very popular Taco Salad and brought the cake. The same cake she'd had at her wedding that I wasn't around for.  :)    Last January (2007) Katie decided to give CA another try. I supported her decision, but thought my heart would break. In TRUE JULEE style. She said "F" them. I'M here; You're Part of MY family... And so it was that Julee saved my life. While Paul worked so many weekends and holidays at Rawhide, I spent Thanksgiving, Mother's day and celebrated Birthdays with Julee and her family and when my kids were out for whatever holiday it was; they came too. Julee  didn't invite me; Rather, she told me I'd be coming. When I turned 55, Julee planned the party - We went to Peter Piper Pizza at lunch where I celebrated being 55 with my dearest friends and Daughter #3 Julee. 

     

I started hearing from my daughter Lyndsey.. "Who's this Julee person"? They've met a few times and now Lyndsey loves Julee too. Katee always has. Ricky thinks she's HOT especially the Packer Tatoo on her ankle!!!

When Julee left our company and followed her dream back to Green Bay last year; the boss was so sad; her co-workers were sad; I was SO sad. We held it together because we knew her dream was coming true. I miss Julee everyday; but in the relatively short time we worked and "played" together, a bond was formed that not even my fear of flying will break.

Hey Julee, Ricky is planning on moving out in May... you have YOUR room back! :)

Have a good day everyone and thanks for Taking the time to read my blog today.

Coming up for Air

I'm out of bed and coming up for air now. That was a nasty bug. Started, Stayed and Settled in my Chest. Breathing is still hard. I see the Doctor today so am hoping to get the cough medicine that works. I think there's got to be a better way to control the making of Meth than to deprive this middle aged lady of the "good stuff" to stop the congestion and cough! I don't mind giving them my personal information to purchase the "good stuff", it's when they tell my daughter, "She doesn't need both Day Time and Night Time", that I get a little pissy. I digress!

Sunday we had a friend over for a barbecue and I got to practice taking pictures. However the kids thought it great fun to hide from Me!

It was a great day though, nice and relaxing. 

Yesterday Paul wanted to see "where MC85 goes".  MC85 is the 2 lane highway connecting the 10 to the 8 in Western AZ. It's also known as "the way" to Rocky Point a Popular Mexican beach area for Arizonians. The Saquaros are starting to bloom. In Gold Canyon (on the Far Eastern Side of the Valley) the blooms were red; yesterday the Saquaros were wearing "hats" of White. The skies were not so blue yesterday which makes my photos seem faded. There is a lot of construction on the MC85 these days which stirs up the dirt and contributes to poor air Quality.

A Roadrunner we met on the road

I love the hats!

Love this guy too!

They're not quite in full bloom yet but I've ALMOST talked Paul into a day drive down South of Tucson - The Saquaro National Park... Where there are many of these great "trees" and hopefully bluer skies.

Have a great day everyone and thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

 

Great Expectations

Katie and Sabby just got home a little while ago. Sabby's Graduation Pictures have come in. I know someday I'll be looking at the real thing.. as in her High School Graduation Picture. She'll be beautiful, no doubt, but the radiance and innocence won't be the same. Little Sabby's already been hurt by life in some ways. But looking at her little face in this picture it is clear to me that my Red Headed Treasure still expects life to be exciting, rich and mankind (most of them) to be at her beck and call. I hope I'll be here to see her play out her life. I hope she'll lead a happy and full life, whatever she does. I hope   she gives back to the world and makes it a better place because she was here. I hope they all do. I hope she celebrates all the good this world can be and acknowledges but doesn't dwell on the bad or evil in it. I hope she learns from bad relationships she may enter but not dwell on them. I hope she will continue forever to look at people, FIRST as potential friends and not fear them as potential enemies.

I hope in 12 years I will look at her high school graduation picture and smile; still seeing all the great expectations in her eyes and her smile. I believe I will smile then and remember this one. Maybe look it up. Every picture, I've ever taken, or purchased or had given to me is safely scanned, with 2 back ups. I'll remember what a cutie she was when she was five. How she played and talked to the make believe people in her little world. I'll remember how pappys kept cheese cut up for her to "go with her whine". I'll remember how she ran down the little hill every day with her hands in the air and waited just where I told her to for me to catch up, so we could cross the street behind our house together. 

From now until then, Sabby and I will make many memories together. Looking at this smile of excitement as she prepares to "graduate" from Kindergarden will rank among the sweetest of my memories. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog tonight. 

I've been trying for a couple of days to upload a modified slide show of the party. I keep getting error signals. I like this one a lot of Izzy & Conner (Cousins and Best Friends extraordinaire) at Chucky Cheese. Carla took this video while she and Rob had FIVE of the cousins OVERNIGHT in February. Since I'm unable to upload the one I want; I'll want the one I can upload. 

Still mostly down with a bad cough and chest cold so I've done the "cosmetic" kind of housework and am going back to bed. Poor Paul - He's sick too and still working. 

Ahhh Retirement.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Musings

Today has been a very quiet day. Paul has it off and despite our plans to "do something" fun; we've taken it very easy instead. I turned some of the many photos from this weekend into a slide show set to a favorite song.."The Voyage" by the Irish Tenors; Cleaned up a bit inside and outside. Right now, I've got MSNBC on watching the Pope about to lead "Vespers". I remember as a young child.. o.k. I am still guilty...getting bored during mass or other church services. Timing everything to "how much longer till I can leave". Or in the words of Izabella during Madi and Conner's Baptism.."Daddy, I want to go outside..FOREVER". As I got older I wasn't so bad. ANYWAY, as I see all the pomp and circumstance of the service in WA, I feel that same feeling I felt as a child.. "Gosh I feel sorry for the Pope.. He ALWAYS has to be in church". Yeah :) no matter how old I get, I seem never to grow up.. 

This picture is one of my grandchildren but I got the idea of making it a "Museum Piece" from Sandy on Main Dusty Blog - One of my favorite blogs.

Paul and I are headed out to dinner now. Hope you all had a great day and thanks for taking the time to read my blog today. 

Lots of Memories today

Today, Paul and I have been married 30 years. It's hard to believe so many years have passed. Paul's young bride of 30 years ago is now a middle aged somewhat overweight woman.

Our life together has been awesome!

 Together, after 6 months of marriage we watched, prayed and waited for 3 months while our extremely premature baby (Katie) fought low birth weight (1lb 11oz) lung failure, full body infections, and liver failure to come home to us.

In 1979, Scott, our nephew moved in to finish grade school at St. Paul's near us. He lived with us for a year. Many memories of that year Scott - Yelling at YOU when Uncle Paul threw you through a wall in our hallway during a moment of rough housing comes to mind.  I love you Scott. St. Nicholas Eeast Day 12/79

We went on to have two more children, Lyndsey in 1981 and Ricky in 1985. 

I use to tell Robbi he was my easiest pregnancy. My wedding ring had his birthstones embedded in it (He called them his dots). Through the ups and downs of those first few years, I made a lot of mistakes being Rob's mom and sometimes I just plain sucked at motherhood. We didn't give up, Robbie and I and beyond measure I am grateful he calls me mom. I love you Rob you have always been such a great son; made us proud and set the bar for your younger brother and sisters. Raised as a BabyBoomer, I always anticipated that I'd stay home and raise my children one day. Because of home prices and some bad money choices we made (credit cards) I worked through most of the years we raised our children. They turned out wonderfully despite this partly due, I'm sure to the fact that Paul's mom helped in a major way with child care throughout their growing up years. It wasn't the perfect way I'd always envisioned but it was our way and I believe our life was good. These four children; now adults are the only four people in the world who got to call Paul Flocken Dad. Truly Lucky People.

  

While raising our brood of four, we had ups, downs, and sideways. Long hours at work for Paul and sometimes me. We had family gatherings, small trips, celebrated birthdays and lived like most families do. Throughout the years we struggled to afford life, we had joy and laughter, sadness and awful struggles. Coming home and feeling life would never be ok; picking up and going back to work "O.K." the next day. PTA meetings; girl scout leadership and neighborhood cookie chairman.  Baptisms; First Communions; Confirmations. So much joy; so much happiness; some grief and some sorrow, NEVER outweighing the good times.

 All these occasions come to mind tonight. We moved out of Chino in 89 and finished raising our family in a beautiful Small town of Murrieta (not so small these days). That's where Rob met a pretty young girl named Carla, now our daughter in law and a beautiful woman and mother of Maddy & Conner. 

Katie met her high school sweetheart, Randy and they got married in 2001. Sabrina followed a year later. Randy didn't grow up though so in Sabrina's word's "Well Gran, my mom and I.. We moved on". Lyndsey gave us Makayla in 2001, our beautiful little brown eyed vixen. Lyndsey didn't move with us to Phoenix in 2003 and shortly after we moved, she met Victor. They were married in 2004 and added Izabella and Sophie to their brood. In the years since we moved to Phoenix, Ricky has been away to college, lived in Temecula with friends he grew up with in Murrieta, and now, lives with us in Phoenix-- I would say that your story has yet to be finished Ricky; but 56 years on this earth has taught me that our stories are never finished. They change through out our lives and continue on through our children and their children. Nana and Grampa Eny's stories are still being told. So are Oma and Popa's.

During our 30 years together, we buried our parents; mourned the loss of Paul's sister Anita; Lost good friends and members of our extended family. Each time we picked up and moved forward. 

Paul is out in the other room now wondering where I am on our anniversary so I'll end this rambling session.  I'll just go ahead and tell you that on the "balance sheet" of life, My assets far and away exceed the Liabilities. Our net worth is VERY healthy honey.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

What a DAY!

What a great day; Truly a day full of happiness and fun. Very few of us stayed dry. My nephew Scott and son, Robb saw to that. I've told Scott that I'm certain now that I can never ever do a backyard wedding. I'm pretty sure the bride and or groom would get pushed in before, during or most certainly after the wedding.  My son-in-law Victor advised that Ricky is cut off from making drinks in the future and Lyndsey (my daughter) is cut off from drinking them. 

 I'm so lucky; so happy and so thankful for all the years Paul and I have shared; for our family so large now; and our friends. 

I'm still processing things so I won't "talk on and on" here. 

I'll post some pictures instead.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

     

 

  

  

So much to say so little space!

As I posted earlier today, I shopped for the outfit I'm wearing tomorrow. Mervyns is next door to where Paul works so I stopped in to say hi. Something we've never been able to do in our time together; distance and types of jobs made that impossible.

I was hit with a realization walking to my car after sharing lunch with him. How many blessings; luck; good fortune; whatever name you choose to give it; I've had - we've had in life.

I got M.S. but late in life and I'm still walking; I had a major heart attack and have heart damage; but I'm here preparing for my 30th Anniversary - Wow. I remember Mr. Toad's wild ride to the Hospital 12/11/2004. I knew my heart was stopping and at one point I know I kept trying to tell the paramedic to tell my husband and kids I love them. He told me to tell them myself. Those guys really are heros. In the E.R. I finally got a chance to tell Paul, how much I loved him  and how great our 26 years together were for me. Later I wrote each of my kids to tell them how great they are. JUST in Case. How lucky is that. I'm here for another however many years to impart my great wisdom to my kids and give them all the unsolicited advise I'm able to. Great huh? And here I've found a platform - my blog to go on and on and on with my musings.. without annoying all my relatives.

Paul and I have spent 30 years together; we knew each other 3.5 months the day we got married; great luck there. And NO we weren't pregnant despite the rumors that circulated in those days. My mom just knew it was ok and despite the fact that our marriage would not be blessed by the church she'd worshipped in her entire life (Catholic), she set about making all the plans AND making all the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. She had 9 weeks total to plan the wedding and do everything. My eyes were glossed over with Romance and didn't care how things went. Poor mom. Thanks Mom. I miss you everyday but I know you are here. You and Dad.

I had wonderful parents and best of all, I knew that they were awesome BEFORE they passed. They died ten years ago this year within 12 days of each other. How awful it was and yet, how utterly perfect it was.

Last night Paul and I met Sandra, Steven, Jake, Scott, Lanette and Brianne at the Airport.(my picture up there is of Scott & Sandra with Aunt Betty)  They flew all the way from Oakland to be here this weekend for our big day. My niece Aly and Saul with both girls are coming to share the day from San Diego. All four of our kids along with all six of our grandkids will be here. Kathie and Robb, Sandi & Jim. Peggy will be here in spirit. 

My dear friend Julee; who literally saved me in early 2007 when Katie and Sabby moved back to CA and I thought my heart would break; surprised me and flew in from Green Bay yesterday with her little Emilee. She has advised that she needs to be a subject of one of my blogs one day btw.  She wasn't going to miss my big day and has advised this really is all about her. Sarah and Jeff and kids will be here to celebrate as well. What started as a special family gathering has turned ( for me) into an affirmation and reminder that my life is indeed blessed. 

I am blessed with the best most forgiving most wonderful people in my life.

I have four incredible kids and two incredible child in laws.. (?)

 Suzanne, I miss you, Andrew and crew. I remember Lyndsey's wedding and the beautiful hair style you put together for her when the hairdresser didn't show up. I remember you walking a screaming Sabby up the aisle. I remember you were just quietly there.

So, while there are about a bazillion things left to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow; I'm sitting back in my office writing about how lucky I am and how profoundly humbled by the wonderful people God has surrounded me with in this life.

Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling blog tonight.. Jeese two in one day. Does this woman EVER shut up?

"You Don't Want to Look Like a Billboard Betty!"

 Kathie, My twin sister, was the first to carefully advise me a couple of years ago, that darker colors really were best for me. sigh, she was right of course, but I remember being a little pissy with her along with all of the clerks at the dress barn, on my first ever trip to the larger size side of the store. When I had a heart attack in 2004, I quit smoking, loosing my very very best friend ever and for a few months tried to replace this good friend in my life with chocolate drum sticks. I haven't been thin in many years, but I left the ok zone in 2005 and went on over to the HEAVY SET side of life. Heart failure reared it's ugly head in late 2005 and that only made things worse. For whatever reason, shortly after going on disability last August, I started loosing weight. I've lost about 25 pounds; not enough to put be on Vogue of course but enough to be able to shop in the 6-14 size section of the stores. I'm between sizes now, (never mind which ones) which brings me to the point of this story. I went out today to purchase a new outfit for tomorrow's gathering. Wanting NOT to look overweight and wondering which size to go with (larger? smaller?) I tried taking camera photos of myself in the dressing room of myself and my backside. I sent them to my sister---the twin--- for her opinion. She didn't know what I was trying to do and called to say..WHAT?  Upon hearing my plight and re-checking the photos I sent, imparted the following words of wisdom.."Always always go with the larger size and watch the bright green Betty; "  You DON'T want to look like a Billboard tomorrow! Those words rang in my ears as I stood in line and paid for the bright green and linen outfit I decided to purchased anyway. They'll be ringing in my ears long after the day is over tomorrow; everytime I look at photos of the day.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today.

The Faces I Love and Miss

What an incredibly beautiful day here in Buckeye. Hard to believe they're predicting low 90's by Saturday. I spent some time in the yard "cleaning". It's like another room to straighten and clean sometimes. Oh yeah and I remember why you don't empty the bag of shock if you're down wind of the bag!

How DO you keep your cute butt with That Diet?

  I just learned I could upload videos... This is My personal favorite!

Right now I'm SO excited. I just heard from Lanette (my niece);  they're (Lanette, my nephew Scott & Great Niece Brianne) landing at Sky Harbor tonight and Ricky and I along with Sabby will be driving to meet them and wait for Sandra and Steven (my niece and nephew and their little boy, my great Nephew Jake) to land. Hugs and kisses all around then they'll take off to Camp Verde to Aunt Sandi's house where they'll visit for a couple of days until Saturday.... The

Big Day.

 .    

 

Just because.. I thought I'd post a picture of the faces I miss so much and will be seeing on

Saturday

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I am getting so excited. 

Have a good day everyone and thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Long Day

Well, My list got longer and I guess all that hard work I did today helped me feel better! 

Driveway Washed down - CHECK; Weeds in Front pulled - CHECK; Floors Vacuumed  and Washed -- CHECK (All 1.5 square miles of them!); Laundry done - CHECK;  Pictures copied, edited and transferred to new picture frame from Rob and Carla - CHECK ( actually, I can put many more in - but my neck hurts!)

On the list that won't get done today - Pull weeds in backyard; food shopping & Backyard clean up after Shane. - That's what tomorrow is for. Besides, I needed my three hour nap to recover from all that work this morning-- CHECK!

I've posted a couple of my 30 years of memories pics here. 

2/78

     

 Wedding Day Bliss

   

New Flocken Family 4/78

   

  12/06 Present from my kids

   

Tombstone 1998

   

 January 05

August 02

 

Easter 2005

Gran's Miracle 12/04

Ah yes... Time takes its toll.

 

Paul and Me Lyndsey & Victor's Wedding

Ricky, Katie, Rob & Lyndsey 4/05

Pappys, Gran and the "Crew) 4/05

Not enough here of my son and daughter in law. You guys know who loves ya! You're in the MOVING picture! 

Hope you all had a great day today. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Great, Just Great

I woke up yesterday feeling kind of scratchy. I worried for a while I was getting sick but over the course of the morning; I started feeling better and decided it was allergies. Yesterday Evening I accepted I might have a small cold. This morning I woke up SICK. I can't remember the last time I had a bad cold.. Of course that's not something I would remember anyway so it could have been in February... and here we are 4 days before the big weekend I wake up and in the words of my niece Kat, I'm sicky. The kind that starts in your chest and goes right into the bad cough and cold.

Shortly before it got dark last night; I looked out onto the freshly cleaned yard and saw white pieces of something all over the yard. Closer inspection showed me that Shane (Our Border Collie Puppy) had relieved us of one of our pillows and emptied the contents throughout the yard... I JUST CLEANED THAT "ROOM"! 

It's Tuesday and I just remembered we forgot yesterday, to call the rental people to firm up the rental of a couple of tables for Saturday. We still don't know if we're getting a jumper for the kids or not and the Temperature WILL reach the 90's by Saturday. Any sons, daughters, nieces or nephews and friends reading this post who are planning on coming this weekend... Bring the bathing suits!

I'm going to make a very short list of what I should do today and crawl back to bed! 

Have a good day everyone and thanks for reading my blog today.

Happy Birthday Makayla

Happy Birthday Makayla!

Our Special little Sweetheart! You are 7! This I cannot Believe! You are kind; you are loving; you are stubborn; you have a beautiful soul. You get as excited about what others get on Christmas Morning as what you get. Your little sisters ADORE you - and that says so much about YOU. This is your special day and from what I've been hearing - your seventh birthday when you are born on the 7th of the month is Most special. 

7 years ago, You were born 9.7 and nurses from other areas on the floor were coming in to get a look at this big baby.  Gran's little Bruiser!  I get sad when I think of how fast you're growing but soon remember that this IS most exciting. We love you Baby Girl and can't wait to see you Saturday.

I remember Aunt Carla and Aunt Aly crying with joy when you first popped out.

 How carefully I cropped to show nothing in the picture mommy may not want in there :) They're wiping off your face here and your Aunts are hugging and laughing and crying.

 

And everyone got a chance to hold you!

 Aunt Katie;  Your Gran and Pappys Your Uncles Ricky and Rob      Your Aunt Kathie got her turn!

   

  Poor Uncle Ricky - The whole process just tired him out.

Happy Birthday Honey. You are cherished.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Memories of this special day

Today marks 7 years since the day Aunt Kathie, Aunt Carla, Aunt Aly and I made memories together. We started  out looking at new houses in Murrieta. This we did while waiting for Kaiser to "be ready" for Lyndsey to be admitted for an induced labor. Little .. well at 9.7 pounds, she wasn't so little.. Makayla was going to be born. I wanted April 6th to be her birthday; Her Grammy in Louisiana wanted the 7th. We were both happy for either day was almost here after many false alarms, we were 2 weeks past her due date.

That night I slept through the slumber party in Lyndsey's room as we waited for her Cervix to dilate. Carla, Aly & Lyndsey stayed up late talking about all sorts of inappropriate things.. so I've been told. They had a great time. We'd brought the Motor home for tired coaches to get some rest during the long night ahead. Not sure if Carla or Aly used it.. But either way.

You were MUCH anticipated Makayla and the world awaited you with much joy and love; from   

Louisiana to Las Vegas to Murrieta, to 

San Diego there was much excitement to welcome you to this world. You've been a joy to us all for 7 years now and it all began (well sort of) this afternoon; Friday April 6th, 2001.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Getting Ready

On April 15th, Paul and I will be married for 30 years. Gosh that's more than half my life! Our 30 years together have been filled with challenges, and touched by Grief and Sorrow; Mostly, though,  they've been filled with Joy and Laughter and an ever growing Love.  Our kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, my sister from Phoenix, Paul's sister from Camp Verde and close friends from my previous job are getting together to celebrate this milestone.  30 years isn't a typically big Anniversary for Parties, but the Party we'd always planned to throw on our 25th wasn't possible as we were in the middle of our move from Murrieta to Phoenix and well, with my recent health history, I figured, why wait for the 40th?

Two days ago I noticed DIRTY BASEBOARDS through out the house and things just got worse from there. Katie and I got busy yesterday and Sabby and Ricky soon joined the cleaning Crew.

"Working" with Little Sabby is quite an experience; I find myself smiling and eventually running for the camera. I taught her how to properly dust chairs and the dinning room table yesterday as her Nana taught her Gran 50 years ago. She did a very good job and during her hard work, we chatted. Actually Sabby chattered. Most of her sentences start with either Gran? or Well.  The subjects ranged from "This dusting is AMAZING" and GRAN?... I think I'm worried I'll miss you a lot when my Mommy and I are ready to move; she really knew how to get Gran with , "Gran"?  " Yes Sabby"  "I really love you Gran". 

 After doing a "fabulous job" with the chairs and table,  went on to help clean the kitchen cabinets. I told her that Maple was her Nana's favorite wood and that's why our kitchen cabinets were Maple so we clean them with a special cleaner.  Sabby's method of spraying cabinet cleaner is the close up and use the whole bottle approach.  

When she finished her Amazing job cleaning cabinets, she wanted more work to do. I decided to switch from spray cleaners to wipes and set her to work   cleaning the many picture frames in the entry. She was ready for a break shortly after that. Ricky is reviewing the area we will be using to set up the bar. :)

I busied myself mostly with trying to unclog our unclogable vacuum hose and then realizing that wasn't the vacuum that works anyway, and cleaning many of our nick-nacs. Once I finally notice the dirt, I get pretty crazy trying to clean everything. 

Getting Oma's 25 year Anniversary  cups ready to pass on to Sandi and Jim who celebrated 25 years the end of March. These cups were, I believe, used by Sandi and Paul's Grand Parents on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary some 60 years ago.

 Getting Sam cleaned and ready  for his place on the bar; holding our Tecela (sp). Before anyone might take offense, Sam is a gift from our son in law, Victor, who is from Mexico.

Today we do taxes YIKES and maybe get ourselves to Costco to look for paper supplies in bulk.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post today.

You can't color Dark with Light, no really you can't!

For any of you who don't know; my natural hair color is white; not gray - I'm one of them who went white; early.  Well I have a bad habit of occasionally deciding to color my hair - Kind of a light auburn the color, sort of, my hair before the graying process started in my early 20's.

Then, because I can't stand the white streak that appears within 2.5 weeks and the constant touch ups, I try stripping my hair color back to white.. Well, either the products have changed or I've gotten more stupid with age, because my hair will fry before the yellows and oranges are gone. 

This time when deciding I would go back to white FOREVER, I really did an awful job. 

My hair still has snow white roots; auburn stripes, yellow stripes and oh yes, Orange bangs.

No problem, I'll just color with blond; I'm reminded again what that girl told me a few years back in the beauty supply store, "You can't cover Dark with Light Ma'am". Kind of snippy.  I still see white roots; auburn stripes (not the nice vertical ones - the horizontal ones), yellow stripes and my bangs are still Orange.. Except for the snow white roots.

Any more bleaching could prove very bad for my fried, multi-colored hair and there are way way more other things on which to spend 100.00 this week than professional hair color repair... like some of my prescriptions now long over due for renewal. Have I ever bitched here on the cost of CO PAYS for some of this stuff?!

My kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews will be here next weekend to help Paul and I celebrate our 30th. I hope to get a family portrait.. hmm - there's a memory. (Is that a HAT on Gran's head?)

So, I guess, it's back (for NOW) to an inexpensive - darker color.

To those of you with Real lives I know this is silly and inconsequential but there you go.

No pictures today - 

Thanks for taking the time ... Really thanks, to read my blog today.

Beans Make You Fart!

 Living with Sabby these last two years has been a series of discoveries. One thing, I've discovered, is that We live with Sabby, she does not live with her Gran & Pappys. I hope she sees life this way forever. The weather has gotten warmer here in the Valley and Paul has taken to doing work around the yard without his shirt. A couple of days ago, Sabrina was playing in the yard while he worked and in a voice that carried far into the other yards on the street, advised her Pappys that she could see his Privates!!! Paul was startled into silence even though his first thought was to loudly inform her and any neighbors who might have heard that "NO SHE COULDN'T"  Yesterday while he took a break from yard work, and sat shirtless by the pool, admiring his freshly cut lawn, Sabrina walked by, glanced over at him and as she continued walking said "Pappys put on a shirt".. She does have such a talent of reminding us of our proper place in this world. 

Since Paul had yesterday off, we decided to grill up the last of the Mickey Mouse Hamburgers and finish off some left over beans for dinner. Just Pappys, Gran and Sabby. She wanted no part of the beans; something she usually enjoys. Paul was teasing her by pretending to add some to her plate. She started reaching with her fork only to pull back. Finally she tilted her head, reached over, grabbed the plate, started eating and announced in her "all knowing wisdom" ... Gran, Beans make you FART.  I've learned to NEVER try to guess what's going on in her little Red Head.

I should confess here that Paul has already taught Sabby how to make the "Fart Sound" with her mouth, so we weren't really shocked. We just laughed at her wisdom and her real reason for initially turning her nose up at the thought of eating beans.

It's good, no wonderful, to have such ready access to this five year old's thoughts; especially through the eyes of a GrandMother. 

I should also confess now that, without thought Paul and I both burst into song, teaching Sabby the Bean Song... Beans Beans the Tropical Fruit, the more you eat.....

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Happy Birthday Annie'Re!!

Happy Birthday Lyndsey! Paul didn't care for the name AnneMarie so I stuck it in as your Middle Name. For your first few years I called you Annie'Ree. Dad always called you Lyndsey or Lyners.

Your Big Brother Robbie, called you Annie Re for short. It stuck. Your Nana always called you Annie and Aunt Peggy still does.  You            

 were VERY precocious as a toddler and little girl. You didn't much like my boss teasing you   

when you were 2 so you told him to "Hut UP!"  When you were 3, after an especially bad hour at toys R Us, you asked if I was "Super Pissed?" You have made me proud every day of your life.  When you were in High School, you risked your social standing to defend and befriend the Special Ed kids. You knew the risks better than most of standing up and defending your friends in Special Ed because during Jr High School, I had to take you out of school for a month to give you a break from the teasing, isolation and harassment you endured from you classmates. The high school FOR YOU, instituted the Humanitarian Award at the School and you were, of course, the First Recipient.

They even wrote about you in our Local Paper.

Now, you're a Mom; you're such a good mom and I watch you make memories with your girls every day during my visits. Makayla has inherited your joy for life and others; Izzy has inherited your preciousness - as evidenced at the Restaurant, the first time she told me she was gonna kick my ass. Sophie has inherited your strength as evidenced by her survival of lethal amounts of bilirubin (sp) and Blood Transfusion when she was a week old. They all have your smile.

You haven't YET realized your dream of being an award winning Actress, but I hope you KNOW how well you have done and are doing. Your children and their joy and laughter will be your greatest Legacy Lyndsey, regardless of the number of Academy Awards you may win some day.

And yes, You will ALWAYS be my Annie'Re. Happy Birthday Honey; Thank you for the Joy and Laughter you've brought to me for 27 years now. I love you Every Day.