I wonder how they celebrate this day when they’re in Heaven? A Birthday? An anniversary?

Whichever, Mom, We miss you, We love you and have a happy one.

Love

Betty

I’ve been tagged by Rudee http://nursingpurls.blogspot.com/ to pass along this meme’.  I”m not exactly sure how this works but I’m going to give it a try. 5 highlights from 2009 and I’ll pass this along to 5 more blogging friends.

So here goes.   Most of my five highlights are about photography and my new past time. From this main highlight, comes many more highlights.

1. I began working with Carla, my daughter in law, and we did  5 weddings together in 2009. It brought me closer to my “son’s wife”. I learned so much more about Carla and I love her so much.. Not so much as my son’s wife or mother of my grand children but for Carla.  Her wit, her humor, her heart, her soul.. Her helpfulness to me in sharing what she’s learned at all her classes.  Her sense of well being in face of pay cutbacks and financial challenges.  Her courage; her strength; (for those who don’t know, Carla is manning the fort for 6 months while Rob is only able to come home weekends due to his new training.  I love Madi and Conner AND I know they can be a challenge if dealing with them alone.  She does an amazing job and keeping her sense of  humor and holding it together at home so Rob can focus.. AND all the while, completing  a college course.  She does make fun of me, A LOT.  But she’s right and I love her all the more for it.  I’m really lucky I get to be her mother in law. It’s really cool..

2. I was at five weddings in 2009; which is really a great place to be. The beginning of a life shared.. Best of all, it was Carla and me who took the pictures – preserved the memories for these five special couples. It was such an amazing experience for me as well as  a very heavy responsibility; to capture the moments, both posed and otherwise that five couples will remember for years.

3. There’s going to be a Frankie in my future. I learned about it in 2009. He’s going to be born in June, I was at his older sisters’ births taking pictures 16 and 11 years ago. I MAY get to be at my new Great Nephew’s birth too.. Either way – 2010 will see me holding this little guy.

4. I survived Katie’s move to Lake Tahoe (she even took Sabby).. In fact, we got to spend more time with our Northern CA family which really was a highlight. We don’t get to see them much but with Katie up there, I was there twice. Katie and Adam survived Adam’s illness, and came back to Phoenix to live, being closer to family. So I get my dream.. At LEAST one of my kids living close enough for me to “drop by” and Sabbs can walk here after school.

5.The world of “ON LINE”  I learned a lot in 2009. I’ve made new friends from my blogging activities. I’ve even met some in person. Jose in Avondale and his daughter Michelle. I learned from their courage and mourned with them in December.  I found old friends on Face book. My best friend from 40 years ago. I’m going to see Marilyn this weekend!!!!  Who’d have thought “ON LINE” would help bring us back to our past. Baby boomers who are finding old friends from 40 years ago. It’s making our world a small town..  I like it.

So now I get to pass this on to five more bloggers.  New friends and old friends.

Carla  at God’s Blessing  http://carlaflocken.blogspot.com/

Jose at Joe Cool’s Blog   http://joecoolsblog.blogspot.com/

Mig at Let out To Play   http://letouttoplay.wordpress.com/

Sandy at           http://dustyducktales.blogspot.com/

Tricia at     http://bluffareadaily.blogspot.com/

Thanks Rudee for giving me this opportunity… and Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Thumbs Up for Gran

Yesterday, Katie had an appointment set for Sabby at the Dentist and invited me to go with them..(not really her first trip but I took my camera and went with them). Sabby loves “Gran’s Beetle Bug” so we took the Volks Wagon. Sabby was nervous but this dentist and his crew are pretty fantastic…. She was really nervous but pretended to be fine.. And Gran Took Pictures.

Cool Idea … “Tiny Teeth” Inside was a fairy tale place with Pirate ships and Tropical Islands and a Dragon

Gulp… Into the office. – aka Captain Jack’s.

We were in a waiting area with a clear view of Sabby and the Hygenist, as she explained to Sabby ALL of her tools

Sabby was clearly nervous but very brave – Now her mother was a different story back in the 80’s.

All Done

Getting her Tee-Shirt

I’ve added a new Page to my blog – Suzzanne’s Corner… Last year I did a family Web page but gave up this year.. Suzzanne , My niece,  was one who ALWAYS sent updates and photos. I got an update from her the other day and let her know I’d stopped doing the site… I decided not to waste her updates though so Suzanne’s corner is an extra Page on my site these days..

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

This photo was taken a little while ago NOT by ME.. At a meeting where closing the parks was announced.

I think it’s the Shiny new yellow Beetle in our driveway.

Paul went this morning to a protest rally in Phoenix with his sister Aunt Sandi. Here’s the deal. The budget in AZ is pretty bad – NOT as bad as CA but never the less… bad. So they’ve decided in “their” wisdom  is to close many  of our REVENUE PRODUCING State Parks … The delio is this.. Years ago our Parks were told they had to be self supporting (I’d guess you’d say) so they are.. They charge fees. The state budget to keeps our parks operating is 9,000,000. per year…. They bring in revenue of $290,000,000.00  in fees and other revenue sources to the state (so the protest leaders said)… Isn’t that just government in it’s finest form??????  Close the stuff that is bringing in money….

The other thing they’ve done during this recession which IS quite vital to me… They’ve also closed several of the rest stops between my home and CA which is NOT o.k. by me..  At ALL.

So Sandi and Jim drove South  from Camp Verdi this morning and Paul drove East into Phoenix where they met up , and had signs at a rally protesting these closures.  I wasn’t feeling up to a protest rally today so I called out sick.. It’s a shame too because Paul didn’t get any pictures.   Aunt Sandi did took only a few.

And in my shiny new Yellow Beetle, I’m NOT too tired to do the food shopping! Even loading and unloading the groceries.. Something I haven’t really been able to do in years.. I DID today!

And the Music…. Since all six of my “CD changers” are filled with my Music, my trip to the store today was not only expensive  but a trip back in time. I will admit to having once  been a John Denver Fan… back in the day.. Two songs in particular. Rhymes and Reasons and Prayers Poems and Promises.. I heard Prayers Poems and Promises today between my stop at Walmart and the Postal net.. Songs,  like perfumes take me back to that place and time and I smiled in my shiny new beetle when I heard that song… Smiled through my tears..

Over 40 years ago  we met Bob S . He was a good friend of Peggy’s Boyfriend, R.  Bob was the guy  who when his parents didn’t like you? He TOLD YOU THAT.. Bob was out there and I liked him in spite of myself.  When R was killed in an auto accident the summer of 68, I remember Bob holding Peggy while she shed tears I thought would never end. I remember him with Kathie (my twin sister.. They dated for years… Until “once when they turned away for a minute, they found their true live’s love” (bob’s words – or Kathie’s???  ).. I remember him laughing out loud . He was aHUGE fan of  John Denver..  He was going to sing at my wedding but called off when it was too late for me to find someone else so I didn’t invite him to my wedding.. He thanked me later… for the invitation.and I had to laugh.. You just couldn’t stay mad at Bob.  And he didn’t stay mad at you. Bob did many things in his life.. He  was even mayor of a small town. He and Kathie stayed “sort of in touch”   He died over 4 years ago of cancer. So while I drove home from the Postal store, I replayed Poems Prayers and Promises for Bob S.

Kathie  & Bob – Sr Prom May 1970

I just love i tunes…Don’t you?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

I’ve got my music – uploaded from my Hard drive to I tunes and then downloaded on CD’s for my Beetle’s 6 CD Track…  My music is ready for my trip with Paul next weekend for Super Bowl Sunday at Lyndsey’s.. We’re going to squeeze Sabby into the back seat.  She’s very excited.  We’ll see.

I am TRYING to get the spirit willing to do the housework that so desperately needs to be done today.. Floors vacuumed and washed – carpets vacuumed.. Dusting Bathrooms…

I guess the spirit must be willing before the body will move?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Daddy with his Girls

Paul and I have been looking for ways to cut back.. Cell Phone Plans; Electric bills etc.. One way was to cut out our car payment… I drove a Commander (sits 7) for a few years..

The Beetle was always my favorite car I had this red one and later   

then a blue one.. I “grew” out of my bugs but always wished I’d kept them. Once I almost talked Paul into buying a used convertible Bug – back in the 80’s..

Three years ago I wanted a Bug – but after traveling with my three oldest Grand daughters in the back seat from CA to AZ, I thought.. I KNOW.. a car with three Seats! Thus the Commander..

We cut out Car Payments this week, and am I EVER HAPPY..

Can’t wait to get this baby out on the 10 with the Stones, Moody Blues or ELO playing at the top of their lungs!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

I made this for his Funeral… This was the outside of the brochure.

I’ve written a lot about my dad. All I’ll say today is Thanks Dad. You did a good job taking care of your family and raising your kids. You didn’t have the example we had, but you did a good job.

Probably the greatest tribute  (or it would be for me) is that your grand children never forget the anniversary of your death and still miss you.

My kids (especially my daughters) still miss their GrandPa Eny; they still cherish the pictures they have with him.

So much has happened in 12 years; In our family and in the world. I know how he’d feel about so many news events but would still love to talk to him about them.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Other than missing Paul and now being a little too dizzy to sit for long…I had a WONDERFUL time in CA. We beat the rain home …sort of.. in time to celebrate it here.

Sophie was a perfect Party girl and behaved really well – an 8 on the two year old party scale of 1-10.  She was my little lady bug.

I was in the presence of my perfect 6 on Saturday and so what more can I ask for.. Maybe a Cardinal Win.. that was not to be. NEXT year.

California is my favorite place to be and I enjoyed being there. Even the church I attended and was very involved years ago looked nice. Lyndsey Victor and the kids go every time Victor doesn’t work a Sunday. St. Martha’s is a far cry from the little “starter” church I loved so long ago. It’s hugh now. Old feelings die hard and I’m never comfortable there. It was there that I learned people involved in the workings of a parish are often NOT Christian – not even close. My “mind search” continues for a place to worship and become involved continues.

A Very Special moment? Seeing an adult with two of her beautiful 6 children. Bobbie – Katie’s best friend while in grammer school.. Her mom and I were Daisy leaders together.  She’s grown to be a beautiful woman – her beauty is inside where it counts and outside.

I am not sure what I did when downloading photos earlier this today but can’t find most of them..

The rain is here today, although I’ve slept through most of it. I think sleep sleep sleep will ward off this M.S. issue I believe I’m having. Dizzy..

More photos tomorrow – when I figure out where they are.

Thanks for taking he time to read my blog today

5 of my perfect 6 with Santa

Well the weekend didn’t go as well as it should have. The Cardinals lost and I was sad. Then Sunday I went to mass with LyndseyVicctor and the kids.. THAT was fun, but I realized after mass I’d missed the Viking game..   At least they won. Sophie turned two ths weekend. I can’t upload photos to Lyndsey’s lap top (where I’m at now) because they don’t have a program that uses Raw.. SO I’ve used a photo from Santa’s visit.

Sophie is two… she won’t have much to do with gran because she’s “one of the guys now”.  I had a wonderful visit with every one.  Time  I spend with family – especially when Paul comes with me are so special. This trip I saw a friend a Katie’s from 1st grade. The first time I saw Bobbi, she was a tiny thing with braids down to her waste…. kicking a goal toward the wrong goal… I met her mom Jean that day too and we became friends as well as Daisy leaders too. Face book is beyond cool. I’ve reconnected with so many friends from years ago. Now Bobbie (mommy to six now) and Katie are back in touch. Bobbie is a wonderful woman.. No longer a kid.

We’re ready to hit the road, amidst rain andpromised thunder storms.. EVERY ONE has agreed it’s best that Katie (not me) is driving.

So This is just a “checking in kind of post.  Tomorrow, I’ve been given an opportunity to help my good friend Sarah with her relief efforts for the tradgedy in Haiti.

Hope you all enjoyed the Play offs—- IF you watch them.. I’ve decided to root for the the Vikings and Sts to make itto the super bowl.. I think that can happen..

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

I’ve pondered for a very long time wanting to volunteer but not sure what to do. So many ideas … so little motivation? I thought of many things; homeless, food banks, habitat for humanity.. Never sure and always hesitant.. I decided tonight and found a site on line for volunteering.  A Group that is working to abolish Capital Punishment in America.  I can’t do much and certainly on a very limited basis; but I think it’s important that I do , do,  what I can do.

As an adult I voted for the first time (20) when the “revised DeathPenalty” was on the ballot – I got inside the booth and couldn’t bring myself to vote for it. I couldn’t do it..  (silly me — I did vote for Nixon’s re=election)   The amendment to CA’s constitution passed anyway but got over ruled by the courts ( a very common CA thing) and was re- voted on later, won and stuck…

I was raised  and educated Catholic … in the 50’s and 60’s..  ( My experience  with this upbringing and education was heavy on Social Justice)… I was also until very recently a Republican. When I was leading a Religious Education Program at my parish in Murrieta during the 90’s, I went to the Religious Education Convention in Orange County, where I heard a speaker more powerful than I’ve EVER heard .. before or after .  Sadly for me, I’ve forgotten his name. He was also a singer. He spoke on the “Lordship” of Jesus and how Jesus spoke against killing under any circumstances as Our Lord.. I understood then finally,  in my early 40’s what had always eluded me.. WHY couldn’t I support the Death Penalty…

I suppose if someone broke into my home, meaning  to harm me or a loved one, I would have no problem  ending their life… given that I could find the gun, load it, aim it and actually fire the thing. I have no problem with military fighting or killing in the line of duty..  (I’m not talking genocide), I have no problem with Law enforcement officers, being HEAVILY armed. I am hard pressed to view Capital Punishment as self defense.  To be fair; I’ve never had a family member murdered either. I like to think I wouldn’t change my opinion but to be fair……

I have a problem with people who are AVID anti- Death Penalty yet support “pro choice”/abortion rights for women.. I have the same problem with people who are very anti abortion but who support the death penalty. … Their reasoning is that  the babies are innocent while the people killed in Capital Punishment aren’t innocent.. Uh HELLO, the innocence project???  By whom, so  many have been exonerated by DNA evidence.. On that premise alone, I think we should abolish Capital Punishment..   Just Saying

While I don’t “practice my faith” as they say, these days, I do believe what I learned as a child and later in Theology classes for my volunteerism at the Church.. I do believe in the “thou shalt not kill” thing..

I’d like to think my position on all things life, isn’t all about  my “religious” thinking;  that beyond all my religious “thinking” that I believe a society is judged on how we treat our weakest.  The unborn and the  sick and the elderly.. And clearly I extend that notion to prisoners. Not everyone in prison or on trial is guilty.. I’ve watched Court TV WAY too long now to buy that one. I’m not sure we’ll be judged very well on that criteria I’m afraid.

A woman in CA who didn’t “grieve properly” for her dead Marine husband was convicted of killing him with arsenic a couple of years ago.. Evidence wasn’t forthcoming until her defense ran new tests proving there was NO arsenic in his system.  The very first scientist’s report saying no Arsenic  was available to the prosecution, but they found another scientist because I guess they didn’t like what his report said….The Marine, apparently  wasn’t even murdered.

For those of you still reading my endless post.. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today.