New Blog site

I can no longer update blogs on this site, so I've moved...http://bettyjf1.blogspot.com/  Not sure How to get the word out since these aren't updating. 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Memorial Day

I don't like talking politics on my blog. But I will today. 

I was always a republican.. Except for that time in the 70's when I voted for Jerry Brown for President.. I was raised a republican pretty much. My mom was a democrat and voted for John Kennedy while my dad voted for Nixon. I liked Kennedy because he was young, handsome and had a kid about my age. Mom converted and ours became a republican household. 

When I met my husband, he was a democrat (labor democrat), but after we were married (by chance) he never voted democrat again. He's since re-registered as a republican.

I've evolved over the years of my life. Mostly I was a moderate Republican. I'm VERY pro life as I believe life is from God and Only God can give and take life. I'm also against the Death Penalty for the same reason. Societies are judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable members. I'm thinking our Society cannot come out very well under that scrutiny.

I became a believer in the Unions, because I saw first hand the way companies take advantage of their employees.  

I was a supporter of George Bush, twice. I'm not sure anymore how I feel about that now. I liked him and he became my hero after 9/11 and the way he led this country after the nightmare of of that day. He was no coward, throwing out the first pitch at Yankee stadium a few short weeks later. However, I'm not sure how I feel about him anymore.

I voted for Obama in the last election. And I think McCain was a true American leader when he made his concession speech.  

I watch 24/7 news channels a lot. I've started watching with a new eye. FOX is NOT fair and balanced, on the other side MSNBC is too far to the left (in my humble opinion). 

CNN--- Why did I believe all that about them being too far to the left? Of the three, they seem the most unbiased. Just saying. Their tribute to "our fallen" today is something else and got me thinking....

I re-registered this year as a Democrat. So I guess now, I'm a moderate Democrat. A little fearful these days but very hopeful. 

I'm writing this post today, and spilling my political guts in tribute to all the young men and woman, who've died protecting my Freedom of Speech, since the beginning of our country's story.  Such promise they had, and the families who mourned them; what sacrifices they made. It's the least I can do for them.. To exercise the rights they died to preserve.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

What's up with this

Has anyone else been having troubles with Blogger? I can't see my updated posts from my other blog!  This is so not o.k.

Take a Picture!!! It'll last longer!!!!

Today was a great day in the world of Sabby, little miss pink could hardly contain herself walking to School this morning. Last day of School, Half Day friday. She nearly skipped across the street toward her last day of school in AZ. (Hardly hunched at all when Gran, unable to contain HERself, yelled across the street.. "I LOVE YOU SABBY SMITH"). 

Remember the expression, "Take a Picture! It'll last longer!!" We'd say that if some one was staring at us. So I did. I Memorialized Miss Sabby Smith's last day of 1st Grade. Her last day of School in AZ. Instead of beginning 2nd grade in 105-110 degrees in early August, she will proceed to the second grade, in September, in the crisp cool air that is Lake Tahoe in September. I'm happy for Sabby today.

Have a great weekend everyone. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Making her way to the cross walk

Crossing the street

Getting Closer

SUMMER'S HERE!!!

This is my view, Everyday on the way to or from School

"Gran, Now you're being silly"

Hugs for her Pappys

Pappys is reviewing her report card. Sabby is unconcerned.

Family Gathering

Not too long ago.. last week, I went to a going away party for Katie's boyfriend Adam. His family had a big gathering to say good bye. I just love his family. They are all so nice and welcoming to Katie and Sabby. They're very funny too. Since I don't have anyone's permission, I can only post pics of Kathie (my sister, Katie, & Sabby) here. Kathie was my date that night since Paul had a meeting he had to go to.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

A Beautiful Couple 2

I had a lot of fun last week, with a young couple who were recently engaged. This young Marine and his fiance' were a bit shy and it was pleasure to help with Engagement and Wedding Photos for them. All my best Steven and Jalena!!! Thanks for your service Steven. I took over 300, deleted about 100 for various reasons and played enough that the remaining 200 became many many more than that.

Not REALLY liking being up that tree but excellent sports

They were a wonderful young couple, in love, happy, nervous about his next years as he serves in the Marine Corps. Reminds me of the years of my youth. Different war, different days, but the future was ours and while our choices didn't  always seem like our own then, I remember them as good days. Jalena and Steven, I hope you have a good and happy future, lasting well into the next 4-5 decades.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Some times you JUST CAN'T Win for Loosing... Like NOW

This week we were trying to get new tires for Paul's Big Truck. $400.00... I scraped that up using some wedding money etc. The tires were 479.00 and Paul spent 80.00 at Walmart..  So, we put off the tires.. That gave us a couple of extra dollars until the end of the month... So I'll put the rest of the wedding money into the business account?

 NOT.. Saturday Morning Ricky called... In his driveway.. IN HIS DRIVEWAY... Some one had stolen two tires COMPLETE with the rims.. right off his car. Paul, who'd been planning on spending his day off at the Phoenix gun show Yes, the Phoenix Gun Show.. at our brand new convention center in Phoenix, left and spent the entire day trying to find used rims to put the new tires, we now have to buy (yeah, I see the irony) for Ricky's neon.. The neon is in both Ricky and Paul's name.. And Ricky had just given us his car payment in cash.. Which of course still has to be paid today... So, since Ricky is scraping together the money to move back to CA.. He's broke.. We have to use the car payment money to get his tires replaced.. Yeah we have insurance.. Our comp has a  $500.00 deductable..  I've told Paul for YEARS that we cannot come up with $500.00 out of our butts anymore.. I'm not working.  But he handles the insurance stuff... I digress.

 Paul spent the very hot May day, going through junk yards in Phoenix, Avondale and Buckeye looking for used rims..

Needless to say, our couple of extra dollars; this pay period turned into, hm... I need to get the deposit I have ACTUALLY INTO the bank today.. Early.. 

Paul and Ricky decided to go ahead and go on their planned trip to Sedona today. Their only day off together before Ricky moves home to CA.. UNTIL.

Until Paul noticed this morning,  that the air temperature in the main part of the house, Yes, the part that our larger AC unit (we have two) cools, wasn't reading correctly.. And so it is, that on a week we have NO extra dollars in our piggy bank; Our A.C. is not working.. Warranty be damned, there WILL be a house call and WHATEVER the problem is, I'm pretty sure it won't be covered..

That's o.k. really because the AC servicing folks said they couldn't get out here until the 26th.. Today the temp today is suppose to be 107..  When Paul told the nice man on the phone that his wife has M.S. and heat is one of the worst things for it, he said he'd try to speed things up..  So maybe on the 23rd?????

I'm working on getting all those chemicals I bought trying to get rid of the unexpected algae problem in the pool, yesterday (though we were low on funds) to actually work today, finding an umbrella and sitting in the pool, under the umbrella... Of course there was lightening and rain last night.. This week I probably should NOT risk it; not this week.

On a future post, I most likely will rant, rave and curse at the audacity of worthless, YES WORTHLESS, punks who think it's fine and dandy to go ahead and TAKE from someone else what they want. Thus, putting that kid, who plays by the rules, over the edge, financially.. Him or his parents.. But I'll save that for another day.

Thanks for taking the time and energy to read my blog today.

P.S.  Thought I'd catch you all up.... I just double checked my bank balance and see that an UNauthorized debit to my account has been made by Panda-- internet security. for renewal charges, I didn't ask for, authorize or want.. I'm not going to ask if this day can get any worse. It's only 7:00 am.. and it just might.

Family Web Page

Because I don't waste enough time in front of a computer everyday, I've started a family web page. One of the items I post every month is a slide show of the previous month in pictures. I just finished Aprils.. It's not too long so if you want, watch and Enjoy.  About 2.5 minutes

Going out to clean the pool!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Saturday

I've been a little busy trying to edit some engagement photos I took earlier this week, visiting with Katie's boyfriend's family and getting to know all these great people a little better, and visiting with Julee and some other co-workers from my last job. 

So it's been a great, busy week. This morning I've finished editing all the photos from the last few crazy days. Hope you're all having a great weekend. 

Here's of the CLEAN pantry!!!!  YAY!!!!

How does the Pantry become such a place of Memories?

The fabulous 4

 Eleven years ago, when my Mom was in the hospital dying, days after burying her husband, before she went into a coma or constant unconscious phase, she sat in her bed with most of her children standing or sitting around her. One irreverent son (RICHARD) said o.k. mom, now tell us... who's your favorite?? I hear she smiled looked around the room and said "I have no favorites, you're all my favorites". I missed that particular moment but seem to have that memory now as though I had been in the room. Like my mom, I have no favorites, and they're all my favorites. Katie has many many times accused me of being a different person when "my other kids are in town".. I've told her that's because they're visiting....

To my point...

All these weeks of knowing Katie was moving, I've been pretty much o.k.,  From a desire to steal my grand daughter and go into hiding with my sister Kathie, to meeting and feeling "O.K." about him, to liking him more and really liking his family and developing a bit of trust and hope that Katie has found the "right guy" I changed my conversation from NO WAY!! to more thoughtful silence and then to ... "I want her to know she can come home" to  Katie, the first year will be hard - Men can become critical ONCE you're together to .. Yeah honey, he's great BUT protecting Sabby is everything... To it won't be so bad to be away from everyone honey.  I think maybe my own mother guided me through these last few months.

 Yesterday, I think it was the pantry or more likely the old container I pulled out to store Sabby's raisin boxes in a more convenient spot for her, that did it, I sat down and cried, and was still crying an hour later in the shower and 30 minutes after that when Katie came home and caught me.   

I'm tearing up as I write this! Katie is moving in a few weeks, her two rooms here are all but packed up. Friday most of her stuff goes up to Tahoe 1,000 miles away, with Adam, the rest to go up with Katie and Sabby the middle of June. I will miss Katie so much and want to thank her, for everything, for being my child of hope who grew up to never give up hope in her life. Who could get that wheelchair out of the car, load me into it and get us to the public restroom at the gas station faster than anyone alive!!!   I'm proud of you and who you are Katie.. Just be CAREFUL.

Ricky's moving back the last weekend of May to California, my child of honesty and argument since he learned to talk. I love you Vegas Baby.

 I am finding myself alone again,  with my best friend, but we're alone, with no need for a special container of raisins within Sabby's reach, so far from the people that have given our life it's joy and hope and laughter.  I am trying to think up ways to ensure Paul and I stay in-love and happy and me sane.. together. Paul loves AZ - has NO desire to back to CA. I finally realize that my kids won't all eventually live here with us and need to find other ways to be who I am in Buckeye, AZ. 

Right now, I need to dry my damn eyes.. I'm REALLY a very unattractive crier!

And get ready to walk Sabby to school!

Later I'm going to Mesa to take pictures of a young couple just engaged. That will be fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read my self pitying blog today.

The Art of Avoidance

I'm avoiding the job, today, of cleaning, and organizing my pantry. We moved in nearly 3 years ago and Makayla, Sabrina and Madi all "organized" Gran's pantry.. I could never tell those precious babies I needed to re-do it so it stayed that way, cans mixed with boxes, mixed with jars and bowls and small appliances.. It's an awful mess. I mean to do it today, but so far I've been pretty good at NOT doing it.. 

I'm sitting at my computer, making sure there is not ONE MORE thing I need to do for any of my photo jobs or lack of them.. So I decided to blog a bit before heading out to the kitchen.. Earlier I thought I'd even make time to make the new curtains in the color green I like, brighten things up a bit.. Yeah, Who am I kidding? No one that knows me; that's for sure.

 I'm not feeling particularly enlightened though so I can think of NOTHING brilliant to say. So I guess I'll head out to that kitchen... I'll probably find stuff I forgot I had....

I hope you're all well and happy. Thanks for taking the time to read my "blog" today.

Lasagna at Aunt Kathie's

On Saturday, we went to Aunt Kathie's house. She'd invited everyone over to meet Adam again (Katie's boyfriend). He was able to attend but we went anyway. Julie and Emilee met us over there but didn't stay long. Emilee was very tired. Hopefully Julee, you've gotten some rest since then. They're on the way to Disneyland today for a 2 days stay. We're going to try again on Friday. 

Kathie always puts on a good spread.. complete with appetizers! This dinner was Lasagna, a favorite of mine. Afterward we enjoyed a board game. We're going to try and do this more often. Sabby enjoyed climbing their Orange Tree.. And of course... I got some pictures of the day. Hope you all had a great weekend. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Julee's Coming!!!

Julee is coming to town next week. I've been very excited and hoping to get a night with her. While most of her family is in WI, all of her immediate family is in the Phoenix Valley, along with a lot of friends. I know I'll see her a few days and next Saturday we're shooting a wedding together. Julee kept me 'going' when Katie and Sabby moved away for a while a couple of years ago. I've told her she needs to move back so she can "save me" again with Katie and Sabby moving away next month. Not a chance... timing is off anyway.. It's now beautiful in Green Bay and 100+ here.... Darn.

I'll be posting a lot of photos of Julee and Emilee over the next week. I remember a Cinco de Mayo a couple of years ago at work. Had a great time. It was a good time at work in those days. I miss them.

I've had the flu for the last two days, an exploding head, fever and because I was in bed, muscle spasms that felt like someone was ripping my legs apart from the inside. Two days in bed and a couple of muscle relaxers have really helped and right now, I'm feeling about 85 % so I'm ready for  you Julee.

If I'm not back before then, I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

The Last Couple of Weeks

I've blurred out faces of some of the kids

My perfect 6

It's been pretty crazy around here - sort of- I'm posting pictures of Sabby's 7th birthday party two weeks ago. She turned 7, little Sabby did and had a great  birthday party complete with a Jumper. Katie gave the party ---- we showed up.... Well Paul cooked the bbq - which was delicious. Sabby you're growing so fast and so beautifully. I'll miss your wisdom on our walks to school every day.

This weekend Rob and Carla came out to Phoenix again, this time to paint and do any fix up necessary on their rental in Avondale, just outside of Phoenix. Paul stopped by to get the key Friday and was shocked. He was there 30 seconds and didn't touch anything. He wouldn't come in the house with the same shoes he'd worn in the house. The house wasn't dirty it was unlivable.  The house was new when they bought it six years ago as a long term investment. The owners had cats who didn't know about litter boxes and the house was filled with what should have gone into a litter box. That's only ONE thing they saw. Outside on in the front if the garage door was open, the smell from the house was overpowering.  How people WITH CHILDREN can live like that and do some much damage to someones house is beyond me. 

They couldn't do anything Saturday except pull weeds in the front so the neighbors don't have to look at them. They're mulling over their options now and as usual for them, are keeping a positive attitude going. They aren't wealthy landowners, they don't have an extra $30,000 sitting around doing nothing, to make the place livable again. They made an investment for the long haul. 

On the bright side, since they came home earlier than expected, we had some family time.. Carla's sister has done "flip work" on a house before and she came out to help, so I got to know her even better this weekend.  I'd been the designated baby sitter for Conner and Madi.. THANK Goodness the kids didn't go over there. 

On a different level, I can't get over how people have such a sense of entitlement that they would destroy someones house and leave trash and old furniture AND mold for someone else to clean up. That some people can live in such filth AND have children living there too is beyond me. The laundry couldn't have worked.. The pictures showed that that is where the cats did a lot of their business, as well as the tops of kitchen cabinets.  AND they weren't nice people apparently either. 

Please keep Rob & Carla in your thoughts as they  meet this "unnecessary" challenge.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Buried in Photo editing!

I stood in the fountain to get this one!

Hope everyone is doing well. I've been buried beneath a 1000 photos from Saturday.  Which to use? Which to delete? Which to Photo Shop?  The wedding was beautiful. Haven't downloaded Sabby's birthday Party yet. It's taking me longer to do things this week. Including visiting my blog friends.

Katie is definitely moving to Lake Tahoe. I want her to be happy so I'm working with it.

I posted a quick wedding photo. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Fun with the Grand Kids

The last few days have been busy and fun with extra grand kids visiting. Sabby turns 7 next week and her birthday party is Sunday. Saturday Carla and I are doing the photography at a wedding. We're really excited about that. So I'm resting up for all the excitement coming.

Meanwhile, I'm posting a few pictures.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

April 16

Aunt Kathie with Izzy & Sabby (Aunt Kathie let them wear lipstick!)

Thursday night we had a Small dinner party - sort of- We met Katie's friend - the one moving to Lake Tahoe. Aunt Kathie came over at my request and couldn't help herself.. Putting on a crown and letting the girls wear lipstick. Uncle Rob came of course too. They behaved reasonably well... Better than I did. During the course of the evening, I told Izzy to change her clothes - She turned around, pointed her chubby finger at me and told me to "top it".. I'll cry when she can say her S's.. So the guy seems like a nice guy and didn't flinch when I told him I don't trust him with my grand daughter... Welcome to my house.

Thursday started out with a day at the park, meeting a blogger friend. Michelle, My world. I don't know how to do the link but she's on my list of blogs I visit. She's an amazing young woman with three little ones. They are adorable. It was cold Thursday morning and I'll never forget Diego, without his jacket because he offered it to his little sister. Michelle, stay with the photography. You have a gift --- to say nothing about the camera I wanted to steal from you! I love your pictures. Your babies are a great reflection on you... (hey!!! didn't Bill Cosby say that years ago on one of his records?).. dating myself.

It's not often you meet someone who turns out just as you'd hoped they would. I'm also looking forward to meeting Michelle's family. Her dad, Jose is also on my blog list.. Joe Cool's blog. Their family is enjoying California right now!  Hope they're having fun.

How will I say good bye to you little Red.

Yesterday, after preparing for hours for an appointment with a young couple about to be married... they cancelled... So... I took a nap. Today was spent meeting Lyndsey in the middle of nowhere with Izzy and Makayla. I'll miss those guys. They're coming out next weekend for Sabby's birthday party.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to  read my blog today.