Attorneys Are NOT God!

Attorneys are NOT God, while most think they are somewhere right up there with God or higher, most are overpaid paper prostitutes that don't give a hooch about anything but themselves and the almighty dollar!

Sorry to insult any of you (no, I'm not really) because while there may be attorneys that are honest and hard working, most take your money, tell you how busy they are, never return your calls and then when you are in court, you are supposed to know what in blazes is going on with your case.

With the exception of businesses, people in the public eye, people needed wills and other daily necessities, what good is an attorney? Most courts are going to 'do it yourself service,' so if you can read and follow instructions, you are just as good as the attorney you are going to spend huge dollars on. Even the legal aid attorneys in Phoenix offer classes so you can learn how to do it yourself for divorce, wills, etc. That should speak volumes to everyone.

Then you have the arrogant ones who are walking around in their expensive suits and cheap shoes or cheap suits and expensive shoes who do nothing but collect your money & pay their legal assistants as cheaply as possible and they are the ones doing most of the work. And why are people intimidated by attorneys? They put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us, they must breathe or they will die like the rest of us, they must eat like the rest of us, so why let these people intimidate us?

There are some very good and honest attorneys out in this world, but most of them aren't any better than me or you and the only difference is why I have my Masters in one field, they have a degree in law.

***********ATTORNEYS MAKE MATTERS MORE COMPLICATED***********************

Thats right, if you want to draw something out for a longer period of time, want to spend your hard earned money & want to complicate your life, hire an attorney. They will do all they can to take your money and make your life more miserable, because after all, that is what you pay them for!!

I have had 3 grandchildren living with me basically since birth. I have had legal custody of 3 of them for over 2 years and not any help from the other grandmother on a regular or for that matter irregular basis. Rare basis perhaps but that is it.

Now that my home is on the market, my husband is leaving state for a new job, this other grandmother wants to be involved and keep me here, so she hired an attorney as opposed to sitting down and talking with me as I requested.

Thanks for reading, just sounding off.

Child Custody Battle

Would someone care to tell me why people who don't care enough about their own blood, would fight to gain custody of them or prevent another parent/grandparent for giving the children a better life?
Face it people, be honest with yourself here. If you don't see these kids unless it is on your own birthday or theirs, you never call them, you don't help support them, why fight for them when all of a sudden they will be moved to another state?
Can someone fill me in on this?

Depression Sucks!

If you aren't one of the millions of people suffering from depression or someone that is depressed or works with those of us who are, you might want to skip this post.

I suffer from depression & anxiety and what is now being termed as a 'mood disorder.' What does that mean exactly? It means at 50 years old I am on medication that while it helps with the depression and anxiety, sinks me deeper into the pits because I am just blah!

I can't explain it, but I feel that the joy has been sucked out of my life by the medication they have me on. I don't laugh as much as I used to before medication. I have put on 12 unbearable pounds since medication. I sleep a lot which when you work night shifts you are supposed to sleep. I spend more time seeing Drs. than I ever wanted to in my life. I am taking more meds than I ever wanted.

My husband who is the love of my life, my soulmate, my world takes the brunt of my depression and tells me he doesn't notice any changes, but how can he not? I don't or rarely cook anymore (leaving him to fend for himself and 3 children). I am cynical most of the time, I don't want to do anything but what I want to do. It is the most horrible thing I have ever felt!

Any comments?

NASCAR AT PHOENIX MOTORHOME FOR SALE!

UNIQUE AND FUN MOTORHOME FOR SALE...IN TIME FOR THE PHOENIX RACE IN NOVEMBER...DON'T MISS OUT!

This 1981 Class C Jamee has been the talk in the non-paved campground for several race seasons now and if you've been out to Phoenix International Raceway camping in the dirt & taken a shower, you have passed its way once or twice.

Perhaps like many you have made the often times comments to others like: 'I bet this is one of those things they leave here race after race.' Let me assure you, it isn't! This motorhome goes home with us and is well taken care of and cleaned after each trip to the track or the lake.

Maybe you are one of the people who have passed by and looking at our unique paint job have told your kids: 'Stay away from those people, they are one drugs!'
We aren't. We are hard working class folks like the rest of the fans, raising 3 grandchildren, enjoying friends and relaxation and talking NASCAR.

Are you one of the surprised ones that has asked to and been invited into our little home away from home? Weren't you glad you didn't judge us by our unique and fun paint job? Were you amazed at how clean and nice the interior is?

If you haven't had the opportunity to peek around, let me talk you through a tour:
Upon entering the checkered flag door and lexan protected screen door (placed so kids and pets can't tear it). The first thing you notice is the Petty Avenue plaque, Kyle, Richard and Andretti photo on the wall and then papa's fishing plaque. Sorry, no 60's signs of peace and love!

Looking forward, you notice the brightly painted yellow kitchen with it's fishing decals that really make it cheery and the nice window over the kitchen sink. That's right, there is a stainless steel double sink with lots of storage under the sink and working oven for kitchen utencils.

The microwave, 3 burner stove and oven work impeccably and the oven has baked blueberry muffins for our camping group every year for the last several years, not to mention tons of hashbrowns, meatloaves, etc.

How did you miss the closet and drawers when you first stepped in? But there they are waiting for your favorite racing jackets, headphones, binoculars, etc.

The bathroom is small, but who uses it anyway? Mainly, we are camping so the porta-johns get used during the day, we use the free showers (who wouldn't, all the free hot water you can stand?) while out at the track. But, the large medicine cabinet has a mirror for fixing your face or hair, the toilet works, the sink works, there are towel bars and a towel rack. Storage under the sink for cleaning supplies, paper, etc. The shower? Well, we have never used it so I can't say if it works or not. It is primarily used for storing flags, flag poles, folding chairs, etc.

Wow! The fridge is cold and operates on 110 volt or propane and has lots of room inside and a freezer to boot. It is a turquoise blue, but hey, some NASCAR memorbilia will cover it up just fine if the color bothers you.

The speakers for the stereo work, so you can crank up your favorite CD's and enjoy the day!

The bench style booth folds down to reveal a bed large enough for 2 adults, 3 small children or a small adult and 3 small children (we have used it all ways) & it is comfortable. Over the top of this is cabinets for more storage, and a large window for sleeping with a breeze over you.

Across from this booth is a smaller setting with 2 single comfy booth type chairs and smaller table. Sit here and watch television, eat, send postcards to friends, etc. Or, lay it down and you have a single bed ready to sleep in. More storage and windows overhead.

Up in the front is the roomy and comfortable queen sized bed over cab with windows at each end, large sky vent, cabinets and its own lighting. Close off the curtain and you can read without bothering the rest of the sleepers!

The curtains are all Tony Stewart fabric, the decor is eclectic but the mechanics of this rig are awesome!

Look up at the ceiling and the first thing you notice is there are no leaks or water spots anywhere. Thats right, unlike other rigs this old, this baby is leak free even around the skylights!

The large Coleman overhead A/C will blow you out searching for a jacket. I know, I suffer from Asthma and during the heat of the day, must be inside where it is cooler, this is a wonderful unit.

Hate waking up to the desert chill? You don't have to here! There is a heater and it works. Great for small children in the morning.

The great thing about the paint job is you can fit it to your unique team, family logo, favorite pastime, etc. It is a constant work in progress, so don't be afraid to run to the craft store, buy some paint and brushes and start your own designs.

New to this years theme is the checkered flag door, the driver quotes, the PIR logo and more. Its fun and if you don't mind being gawked at, talked about, pointed at and laughed about...it is for sale!

$2800 and its yours! For this price, we will throw in the McCullogh quiet generator and newer auxiliary and main batteries. You can't beat this price for a week at the races staying dry in the rain (and it will rain), getting out of the blowing dust (and the dust will blow), hiding away for awhile from all the activities.

It has aprx. 92K miles on her, starts up, runs great, just passed emissions with flying colors yesterday and is tagged until 5/2007. Still has decent tread on all the tires, has a rear tow hitch and a front boat hitch for launching boats. Extra enclosed storage on top.

Need more pictures? Email me, we have plenty: www.harleydumper@yahoo.com
www.oilman85037@yahoo.com

So, why are we selling? We are moving to Washington and sadly at this time, there are no NASCAR tracks, so we are letting our home away from home go for a great price and hoping you will send us pictures of the fun you will now enjoy!

Missing My Quilting

For those of you that aren't quilters, this post will probably go right over the top of your head, unless of course you have some other passion or hobby that you haven't been able to do for awhile and are craving it like a woman craves chocolate.

WOW! The home is looking more and more empty with the exception of the extra bedroom that is almost filled to capacity with moving boxes. It has been a huge step of faith and trust in God over the last three years that He knows what He has in our future. If it wasn't for the Lord above, I think I would have thrown in the towel a few weeks ago.

Each box I carefully stack in the room brings me to facing the three large plastic see-thru bins that hold my quilting supplies & each time I pass one I want to open it and start a project, but I know if I do the rest of the world will be placed on hold and right now I can't afford to do that.

To much to do right now, so I must let it go for now!

Moving, such an exciting time and yet, I would sometimes like to sit down and pull every hair out of my head. What do you pack? When do you pack? Where do you put stuff while you are selling your home?

Then of course there are the legal issues we are dealing with that are still up in the air.

God Bless!

Doing what needs to be done!

Sometimes in life we must jump up and move & be spontaneous and know that God is showing us the way and we must be strong enough to follow His guidance.

In two weeks, my husband of 25 years will be moving to another state. The dream we have shared for 20 years will become reality for him. There is fear as we were supposed to go as a team & we chose the town on God's guidance and a place to raise grandchildren in safety away from the big fear city of Phoenix.

Now, my husband will be leaving to take on a new job & I will be remaining behind with 3 grandchildren to fight a lawsuit the other grandmother has brought upon me to keep the grandchildren here.

I ask simply for prayers from those of you reading this. Prayers that this other grandmothers heart will be softened as never before. Prayers that the mother of these children can stand on her own and say to her...I want my children to be where they are safe! Prayer for my own strenth that I can go on by myself with my Fibromyalgia and other ailments.

I take this as just another test of my strenght and determination.

Thank you for praying!

Sitting in the Spiders Web

I am always being asked with the life I lead how do I find time to make the quilts I do. I can always come up with answers, but I think the best answer is this:

'It is better to quilt than to sit like a fly in the spiders web waiting to be swallowed!'

I suffer from anxiety attacks mainly brought on over the last few years of having a job that deals with other people in crisis, my sons incarcerations, my son and daughter-in-laws drug abuse. Each crisis I believe brought me closer to where I am now. Now, I am not saying that I am not partially responsible, because I am. I don't eat properly, don't rest when I should, don't exercise enough, etc.

However, when your children are arrested (though they aren't children any longer), unless you absolutely just don't care, it does something to you internally. Then when you deal with people constantly wanting to harm themselves, others or are being harmed, that takes your body to another level. So, over the years, my adrenaline rushes and late night work hours have taken a hard toll on my body.

But, I was to busy saying I can get through this, I am strong, don't show any emotions, get back on the horse and ride, deplete my savings to worry about myself. No, I was to busy trying to help others and failed to notice the creeping pounds one at a time, failed to notice or give creedence to the wince of pain here and there until one day I felt that my entire body had a tooth ache, my heart pounded all the time, I broke out in sweats for no reason and I just wanted to run.

Adrenaline depletion one of my doctors said. Stress another one said. Fibromyalgia, anxiety disorder, mood disorder and arthritis. It isn't hitting 50 that got me down, it was running my body over and over again into that brick wall with the ups and downs and hard crashes along the way. It was pretending to be strong, pretending to not need sleep and now, the white flag of surrender waves at me.

A person that shunned as much as an aspirin for pain is now taking pain killers, anti-depression drugs, NSAIDS. I am taking more medication at 50 years old than my grandmother was taking when she died at 94. Not to mention I am in much worse shape than she was.

So, when people ask me about my quilting, I tell them it is a obsession. Because it has become one, but I believe it is that way because my body needs to relax and yet my hands need to be busy. My mind needs to be creative and yet calm and when I quilt, I am doing both. I am calming my mind and yet I am being creative.

Life is what we make of it. It is about giving to others, but not until we take away everything from ourselves. It is about having a pedicure once in awhile because hot pink toe nails are funky and cool. It is about spending $50 of the Christmas savings on a massage. It is about unplugging the phones and sleeping in until noon.

It is not about trying to be superwoman. Learn from me...take care of yourselves and if you ever need to talk, Email me, I am always willing to listen.

Does anyone care about the children?

I was just wondering if anyone really cares about these little babies that grandparents get custody of and try to raise them in love while their own hearts break? Does anyone know how far reaching this epidemic has become? It is beyond the person at church or your neighbor, it is in the millions according to AARP. Millions of children living with grandparents trying to cling to hope there is more to life than being filthy, hungry, left alone. Does anyone care? Is anyone listening?

Everyday I go to work and work 12 hours. I come home to find my husband has gotten my granddaughter off to school on the bus, did the dishes and is preparing himself for work. I get up the next one that needs to go to school and off she goes. Kiss husband good-bye while he goes and works 10 hours a day.

Get 2nd child on bus, feed 3rd child, do laundry, clean and pick up the house, lay on the couch and lightly doze (after all, in 2 hours the 2nd one will be back from school). Get up, fix lunch for 2 and we all go lay down for a nap. Sleep 3 hours, get up fix dinner and pick up 1st child from the bus. Fix her a snack, sit down and do homework with her & give her a bath. Grandpa will get the other 2 when he gets home.

Take my shower, get dressed for work, walk children to neighbors, call husband on way to work give him update on what needs to be done when he gets home and it starts over. Grandpa comes home, picks up kids, fixes them dinner, feeds all the animals, waters the lawn, bathes 2, gets 3 ready for and to bed. Another day has come and gone.

Their smiles, hugs and love keeps us going. How exciting is it to sit and watch one child teach the others what she learned in school that day? How fun is it to take them for an ice cream cone and watch them smile at the simple things like it melting. Kissing a boo boo, putting on a band aid, picking out new clothes on Ebay, going to the local sports warehouse and playing games and racing up and down the stairs (well, they ride the escalator).

On my days off spending time in the back yard planting flowers and then lying in the grass a week later to see if they are growing yet. Telling them for the thousanth time there are no monsters like their parents told them to keep them confined to their beds. Seeing them try a new food or write a new word.

Does anyone care about the grandparents and what we go through? The money we spend to prevent these children from going back to the same environment? Legislators don't care, attorneys and judges don't care and if you see the latest CPS statitistics on kids that are being killed by their own parents or friends, NO ONE CARES!!

There are no special funds for those of us when we need to hire a top gun to battle our case in court. There is only closing out retirement accounts, selling heirlooms and furniture and trusting God will provide, because people don't care about things that don't affect them.

But doesn't it? When these children are with their parents and in school and failing, isn't that affecting your own childs abilities? When you tax dollars are paying for more teachers for these children and services, doesn't that affect you?

Moms day? Sleep, get up whenever, watch television all day (because she has quit two jobs and been fired from one for domestic violence...doesn't that affect you? She was working for a childcare and we want to know who is watching our children). Maybe bathe the other child she has, feed it and sleep some more. She doesn't care, but she has a new man in her life, she loves him she tells it to the children all day when she sees them.

She is not the stability these children need to follow their dreams of being a fire fighter and a singer, she won't see they finish their homework, they will go to school where their innocence is shattered by living in an area where parents and teachers don't care if their children survive.

If I thought it would help me, I would stand on the side of the road holding up a sign that stated.."Please help, need money for legal fees to save the lives of my grandchildren."

Maybe you will read this and pass on helping me out with a few dollars or maybe more if you can afford it. But the next time you hear about a child that is murdered by a parent or friend of a parent or foster parent, you will think of me, you will think about this blog and you will wonder if that was one of my 4 grandchildren and what would or could have happened if I had the money for an attorney to save them.

If you can't send money, you don't want to send money. Please, say a prayer for the safety of 3 children who are wise beyond their young years because of the life they lived before we took over their care.

Remember: 'To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.' ****PLEASE, MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE TODAY!****

Grandmother Raising Grandchildren needs Legal Funds

Were you raised by your grandparents due to your parents divorce, death, mental illness or other incapacity? Do you know that your grandparents loved you, supported you through tough times and never once looked back? Are you thankful for the love they gave you during your lifetime?

Are you a parent who due to incarceration, drugs or something else had to give your children to your parents to raise and know they did a great job of it and you are thankful for them being there when you couldn't be?

Are you a grandparent who is raising or raised your grandchildren when their own parents either couldn't or wouldn't?

Perhaps your a mental health professional, legal professional, judge, lawyer, police officer, fire fighter, case worker who has seen a family of children thrive because their grandparents stepped up to take care of them.

If you are any of the above or even if you just want to help others, I am in desparate need of financial assistance for a legal fund to save my 3 beautiful grandchildren from harms way

I took custody when they were removed from another grandparents home due to lack of facilities, filth, lack of water. I have had permanent custody for almost 3 years. In that time, these children have been caught up on their immunizations, had numerous dental procedures done to repair damage to their rotting teeth, had yearly check ups, much needed surgeries and 2 are now in school doing very well.

Now, the other grandmother and mother are suing me for custody and they have an attorney and I don't. I can't afford one.

If you want to help, please send money order or check to;
Jean Kester
P.O. Box 1652
Avondale, AZ 85323

Mark legal fund on it.

Thank you & I will keep posting the latest news.

Magic Wands and Mayhem

Have you ever dreamed of having a magic wand to wave over the world and making everything okay? You would take away everyone's pain, ease the shoulders of those heavily burdened, have everyone get along? Then, you awoke and realized life isn't about magic wands, just mayhem?

Well, not really mayhem I guess, but have you ever sat down and really wondered why some people want to make other people miserable? Why anyone would want to interfere in someone's elses life without reason? Why some people must hurt and manipulate and lie to make themselves feel better?

Well, that is the situation I find myself in at this time. A battle that I didn't want to take on, a battle that will cost me thousands of dollars to fight and fight I will because I must with a person who doesn't appear to be happy in her own life so over the last five years has made it her goal to make mine and my families life as miserable as possible.

My son's mother-in-law from the very first day I met her has disliked me and perhaps even hated me. The first time I was introduced to her, she walked right past me, didn't acknowledge I was in the room, got in her vehicle and left. Future DIL told me that was just the way her mom was at times. Oh, and that makes it right??

DIL got pregnant and mom would stay away for weeks and then call and get DIL worked up and upset over something in her own life and this went on and on. The day of the wedding as the couple is being counseled by the minister (her uncle), mother can be heard telling other family members how much she hates my son, that he doesn't belong in their family because he is not native american, etc. Other family members told her that many in their family weren't native americans & that shouldn't be the issue.

It was heart breaking for the couple & even more heart breaking when the 2 sisters told the man who was supposed to walk the bride down the aisle that he wasn't welcome at the wedding. The bride didn't find out until after the wedding was over.

Thus, it began and has been for almost 6 years, this battle with DIL family. No matter how I have tried to include them in things for the children, no matter how I gave DIL & son a home, Cinderellas step-mother and 2 sisters have always been there ripping and shredding where they can until at last DIL is filing for divorce & the battle is just beginning.

Break it down to the fact that I am raising DIL & sons 3 precious children and they have lived in my home since birth & I have had custody for almost 3 years now through the court, mom walked out on them a year ago this week permanently & dad was sent to prison 7 months ago or so.

DIL and son were living together, DIL working, son staying at home taking care of 4th child I don't have custody of when son was arrested on probation violation. DIL calls hysterical, confused, upset. She would have moved to the ends of the earth with him, she supports him, she will be there for him & here we are.

DIL has not paid sons fine as promised, took over $3000 of a tax return and blew it, has been pregnant by another man and lost the baby, is living with another man in her mothers home & almost a week ago appeared in court with her mother trying to get custody of the children back.

I went to court to see if my husband and I could leave the state with the children...realize DIL's family doesn't see kids all summer with exception of 2 birthdays, mothers day & a 4 hour visit.
I get in court and there the family is and they have an attorney with them to serve me visitation paperwork for grandma who now all of sudden has decided she must see these children to teach them her culture, her customs, to visit and call them.

PEOPLE, she hasn't done this since they were born! She see's them when she wants which is rarely and never has she once just called to tell them she cares. She hasn't sat up with them when they were sick or held them while they were going under for surgery.

I am numbed by this whole thing and just amazed that one woman can cause my life to be MAYHEM!!