Cutie & the Beast

This is my niece Charlotte when she was around 4 months old and Bo the beast. From the first day Bo met Char he loved her and still gets very excited when she comes over. She on the other hand is not a big fan of Bo although she does think it’s pretty funny when he snores while he’s sleeping.

Big & Little

I love my big boys but I miss my little boys...and that's all I have to say about that.

Flash Back in Time

This picture of Mary Dias and I was taken way, way back around 1982 when I could actually wear a bandana around my waist. I think we were on our way to watch Victim. She was dating Bob Cohen the drummer and I was dating Glenn…Fun, Fun Time!

My Best Friends

Most of you who read this blog know these three beautiful women are my best friends. But just in case you don’t know them let me introduce them.

Kim (left) and I have been friends since elementary school, we were roommates in the mid 80’s and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again she is one of the strongest and most positive women I know. Her glass is always half full no matter what’s going on in her life.

Becky (middle) and I at one point in our lives were related but let’s just say it’s a Cinderella story and leave it at that. There is only one statement that best describes her “She’s beautiful on the inside and out” and no truer words have ever been spoken about someone. She has been a blessing to all who know her and even the ones who don’t.

Jennifer (right) is the one I spend the most time with and we've been mistaken for sisters more than once. She is the one we call when we need information (she’s much easier than Goggle). Her wit, fast thinking and mouth like a trucker has gotten us in and out of a lot of jams. She has a heart of gold and is one of the most giving people I know.

I am humbled and blessed to call these three beautiful women my best friends.
This picture was taken yesterday at Café Cruz in Capitola.

He Makes Us Laugh!

This is Bo our French mastiff. He’s not smart or handsome but he sure can make us laugh. I took this picture yesterday right before Aaron threw that rock for him. He likes to chase rocks and sometimes even eat them did I mention he’s not the smartest dog?

Happy 49th Birthday Glenn

Today is my hubbies birthday and as one of my BF's (Becky) says he ages like fine wine and I couldn’t agree more. I sometimes wonder how I got so lucky. Not only is he an awesome husband he’s also an awesome dad just ask his boys. Most of you know Glenn from your high school days and have many, many memories which he has shared with me throughout the years. Ya that’s right I know all about those times you burned behind the school and were drunk in second period but don’t worry I won’t name names. But the one thing he’s best known for is his need to entertain and entertain he does!
''The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it'' (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Happy Birthday to the only man I’d live in a tent with….I Love More!

Glenn's Birthday Eve

Today is Glenn's birthday eve which means tomorrow is Glenn's birthday. This is my photo today (from 1983) to get you ready for the photo tomorrow.......if that makes any sense at all.

Two Dimonds in the Rough

These two once again came through for me and it only took the payment of a few Good & Plenty’s (I wish my boys worked that cheap). Who knew that the junk my brother Mark has collected in my parents’ field would come in handy someday…..really who knew?

Charlotte Ann aka Doodle Bug

This is my niece Charlotte and if you're a reader of this blog you already know who she is. Yesterday she was willing to help me practice using the new skills her Aunt Erin taught me on my camera. I gotta give her props, she’s quite the little model and I didn't even have to bribe her with candy…..this time!

FYI this picture would have looked a lot better if I had the white balance set correctly.

Happy Birthday Ter

Today is my sister Terry’s birthday and by the look of her I think she’s aging backwards.
Terry and I are 10 years and 2,279 miles apart but we're as close as two sisters can be. We both know that even though we’re miles apart we’re really only a phone call away and knowing that makes the miles seem like nothing.

Happy Birthday to the best thriftier, recycler, democrat, fix-it-yourselfer, song maker-upper, coffee drinker, hater of Fox News, big sister, and my personal favorite "they don’t call us John Keith’s daughters for nothin ya know”.

Happy Birthday Ter I love you!

One’s sister is part of one’s essential self, an eternal presence of one’s heart, soul and memory….-SUSAN CABIL

A Three Year Old's Logic!

He is one of the sweetest three year old boys you’ll ever meet. This is Adrian my brothers Mark’s grandson and one of the Wild Things. On Friday his Uncle Brent took he and his cousin Sarah (another Wild Thing) to Target to get sun glasses. When they walked into the store the conversation between Brent and Adrian went like this:

Brent: Where would you find kids sun glasses in this place?

Adrian: I know

Brent: Really where?

Adrian: I’ll tell ya when we get there!

Am I Confusing You?

This is my sister Terry, her youngest daughter Erin and Charlotte who is Terry’s granddaughter, Erin’s niece and Meghan’s daughter. Are you confused yet?
I took this picture yesterday after Erin a professional photographer gave Meghan and me a lesson on how to use our cameras. She’s a great teacher (so great that I can tell you what’s wrong with this picture). I had the aperture set too low. My focal point was Charlotte which is why Terry and Erin are out of focus. See that Erin, I was paying attention.

My Green M&M

Anyone who has known me since 1982 knows this bug. It’s life story goes like this: My sister Terry bought it brand new in 1972. My parents then bought it from her when she left to get married in 1973. My mom drove it until 1979 when I turned 16 at which time I bought it for $900.00. I didn’t like the shade of green it was so my brother Gary painted it this lovely M&M green which I still love today. In 1985 I was driving down East Lake Ave when a truck pulled out and hit the passenger side and then took off. I found a police office and reported the accident. Long story short the owner of the truck who was not the driver paid me $1,800.00. I then sold it wrecked for $600.00 which was a sad and happy day. I had a love hate relationship with my bug. I loved it when it got me where I needed to go and I hated it when it left me on the side of the road. I can honestly say I really don’t miss it....But I wouldn't trade the memories it gave me for anything!

The Piñata

The Wild Things were at it again!!! They had a really hard time killing this piñata and no matter how many times they hit it just wouldn’t die. At one point Sarah was getting a little frustrated and said “quit moving it around” (ya like that was gonna to help!) After all their hard work we decided to let them rip into it and....."Let the wild rumpus (sugar rush) start!

Just Me and My Sissy 1999

In honor of my sister arriving in a few short hours I thought I would post a picture of us. It’s a few years old but it’s the only one I could find on quick notice. Quick notice meaning I didn’t feel like looking for a recent one and I knew where this one was!

We have SO much fun when we’re together that my face gets sore from laughing and I think I even get a few more wrinkles but it's totally worth it. It also kinda annoys people close to us but we don’t care we just keep on laughing.......It keeps us young!

"let the wild rumpus start!"

Wild Things from top left:

Ephrain age 2, Adrian age 3, Charlotte age 3 & Sarah age 4

These four “Wild Things” are so much fun but man o’ man they really know how to wear ya out. No wonder you’re built to have kids when you’re younger! These pictures were taken on Sunday and yes I know it’s not Easter but The Wild Things didn’t really care. All they wanted to do was find the eggs with the candy in them.....And that’s exactly what they did!

Happy B-Day Sheri

Today day my niece Sheri turns 23. Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday she was playing with Barbie’s and learning to ride a bike, now she’s working and going to school be become a nurse. Sheri was three months old when Glenn and I got married and ya I spoiled the crap out of her. There hadn’t been a baby born in our family in eight years so everyone spoiled her. Sheri is the youngest granddaughter in our family and Aaron (my son) is the youngest grandchild. Sheri was seven when Aaron was born and I think for a time Aaron loved her more than anyone. She could make him stop crying instantly and he loved the fact that she gave him so much attention. Whenever Sheri was around Aaron wasn’t far behind but now not so much.
Anyone who knows me knows that Sheri has always held a very special place in my heart and always will.

Happy Birthday Sheri Strawberry......I love you!

Chaos Before Sanity After

I know I’ve already posted the picture of Aaron’s room but I just could resist posting it again to show you the dramatic transformation…..and it only took three days of complete chaos and my sanity. I’m happy to report that it’s no longer Aaron’s room it’s officially our guest room and the home of all Glenn’s guitars!

Click on the photo for a better view.

Let the Fun Begin!

This is a picture of my niece Erin (my sister youngest daughter), her husband Brent and their two children. It was taken in 2008 so the kids are a bit older now.
The reason it’s my photo today is because they’ll be here in a few short hours and I’m SO EXCITED!!!! Can ya tell? I have big plans with the little ones…Easter egg hunt (ya I know it’s not Easter yet), piñata, arts & crafts, ect. You’ll be seeing a lot more of them so I though I would start you off with this one so you’ll know who I’m talking about when I babble on and on. If you get lost in who’s who you can refer back to this post.

1997...Classic

This picture has been hanging in our hallway for the past five years. It got their by being just what it is…a classic. I took this picture of Joey and Glenn at a Giants game way back in 1997. I remember this game well. The guy sitting behind Joey and his date Kelly got a little too excited and spilled beer on Joey’s back by accident…and in the words of Forest Gump "that’s all I have to say about that"

1972 Hula Hoop'in it Up!

I don’t know what you were thinking mom when you took this picture but I don’t really care I’m just glad you took it. Mark and I loved to hula hoop on the new deck and it was fun to be able to play outside in just our socks as you can see by Marks feet. I remember this year well, it was the year Terry went to Disneyland and I was in my Mickey stage as you can see by my fashionable wardrobe. I’m actually surprised I’m not wearing my ears but I guess it’s kinda hard to hula hoop with Mickey Mouse ears on!

Oh and nice cut job on my bangs Mom!

Chaos / Calm

I usually have my pictures all lined up ready to post but I’m a total failure this week. We have been switching things around and painting so everything in our house is in total chaos which makes me very stressed. I like things in their place and at the moment they’re not!....... I’m hoping this picture calms my nerves but so far it’s not working. I'm thinking I just might need a beer!

In His Room!

In his room there are many things. Things that don’t smell quite right, things only a mother would hate, things under the bed that scare me, things that have things growing on them, things that are stuck to the carpet, so, so many things!
This is Aaron’s room and yes it looks like this most of the time. I'm really hoping its something he grows out of someday but until that day comes I’ll just keep the door shut……

I'm keeping this picture in a safe place to someday show my grandchildren.

Make Yourself Useful!

Noah left this self portrait when he moved out last week and I hope he goes out into the world and “Makes Himself Useful”. It’s my photo today because it’s very cool and it just might be the only current picture I have of him for a while!!! Over the weekend Glenn and I moved the rest of Noah’s stuff into the garage for him to go through. Wow that kid had a lot of stuff in his bedroom! My dad came over and helped me putty all the tack holes (It seemed like there were a million!!), paint and shampoo the carpet. Now his old room is new again and Aaron wants to move into it. “Oh joy” now I get to do the same thing to Aarons room…..I guess you could say “I’m making myself useful”

My Dad

When it comes to dads I won the lottery. My dad was never big on going to school functions or little league games when I was young. He was more of a watch me and learn kinda dad. He taught me how to change a tire and my oil, install a faucet, snake a drain and fix a leaky shower, I could go on but you get my point. He loves my mom very much but he also loves what he calls “A Pretty One” which is any kind of mixed drink containing alcohol. My dad has always known how to have a good time and has taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren just that.
If by chance you’re reading this blog and you don’t know my dad you’re missing out on knowing a legend..... ya that’s right I said legend. He’s known by such names as Big John, Johnny, Chief, Bar Tender, Uncle John, Ol' Guy, The Ol' Man, Papa, Grumpa, Grampa and my personal favorite Dad You’re Crazy. Anyone within driving distance knows he’s only a phone call away if they need something fixed or need him to do some “Water Witching” (look it up it’s a real thing). In closing I would just like to say in case you didn’t know I’m very, very proud to be one of John Keith’s daughters and dad if you’re reading this thanks for helping me paint yesterday.

I Love You!

June 6, 1987 Bridesmaids

Terry Keith Wright, Kim Rodriguez Cecil, Laurel Leman Gazza,

The Bride, Jennifer Banchero Olds and Margaret Valdez Roberts

Since I posted a picture of the groomsmen on Tuesday I’ve had a few people ask when I was going to post a pitcure of the bridesmaids. I won’t tell you who asked but they’re in this picture. Well ladies I saved the best for Saturday because it gets the most hits. See that? I was looking out for you! Now let me tell you how awesome these women are. They’re so awesome that they were willing to wear that ugly ass dress from J.C. Penny just for me! That’s how awesome! Thanks ladies you did an outstanding job and sorry I made you wear that dress….It’ll never happen again!

Sister-in-laws 2001

When it comes to sister-in-laws I was blessed with these two and they're as good as they get. Margaret on the left is Glenn’s little sister and Debbie on the right is Glenn’s older sister. Yep Glenn's a middle child and has lived up to “The Middle Child Syndrome”. Just ask his sisters! Having these two in my life has been nothing but a true pleasure. They have always treated me with love and respect and I have felt welcome from the first day I met them. Although I must add Margaret was a 6th grader!

Breakfast 97 Style!

This is what breakfast and sometimes dinner looked like way back in 1997. Just call me mother of the year. Would ya look at what I’m feeding my boys? Waffles, syrup and fake butter which they still love today…..If I could go back in time and change the crap I fed them I would…..Now it’s just a mess I’m leaving for my future daughter-in-laws to clean up. Hopefully their mom’s were a little more on top of the nutritional game than I was…….One can only hope!

December 2000.......Huh?

I pulled this one out of a stack of wedding picture…Nope not my wedding (that was 13 1/2 years before this wedding) her wedding the one with the big smile on her face. That’s my niece Erin or as my family calls her Dede. This picture pretty much sums up these girls. Dede has always been focused and in charge and Meghan has always had more of a free sprit. These two sisters are as different as night and day but are the same in all the ways that really count….They Live, They Laugh and They Love!

June 6, 1987 Groomsmen

Coolness!.....and drunkenness!

Larry Ferreira, David Grimes, “The Groom”, Walter Middleton, Richard Grimes & Joey Lister

You just might be a “Redneck” if you’re showing your Budweiser label to the wedding photographer!

NOTE….none of these guys are really "Rednecks"!!! Now my (family) side of this wedding is a whole different story!

YUMMMMM!

Since I’m constantly on the hunt for pictures I decided to give myself a little break. Every now and then I’m going to post a recipe of something I baked. It will no doubt be something with sugar, chocolate and butter so for all you dieters out there……..you’ve been warned!


No Bake Peanut Butter Squares
TIME: Takes about 10 min to mix, 1hr in the frig and about 2 min to eat!
½ cup butter (that’s one stick for those of you who don’t know what you’re doing)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ cups Graham crackers crumbs
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips

Line an 11 x 7 inch baking pan with foil

Melt butter and peanut butter then add graham crackers and powdered sugar and mix together. Try really hard not to taste the mixture because you’ll want to eat it all. Spread mixture into baking pan and pack it down…remember don’t eat it.

Melt chocolate in the microwave for about one minute, mix it and return it to the microwave for another 30 sec. The chocolate should be creamy. Spread it over what’s left of the peanut butter mixture. Ya that’s right I know you ate some. Refrigerate for one hour. Take them out of the baking pan and put them on a cutting board to cut into squares but only if your family’s home. If you're home alone screw it and just throw everything in a bowl and get a spoon…. ENJOY!