I always wash my beets and put them in the pot and let them come to a slow boil. I let them cook for about ten minutes. Then I take them away from the heat. I pour off the water and put cold water over them. This makes it easy for me to use my hands to get the tops and peels off. I don't have to use a knife or scraper.
Then I clean my pot and put the beets back in it and let them cook till almost tender. Then I cut them into quarters and put them back in to finish cooking. When they are tender, I add my vinegar, pickling spice, and sugar. I continue to cook until they're tender. I put them into jars and cover with the juice. I put on the lid and rings and seal them. Then I turn them top down and let them cool.
Then I put them up. They're finished cooking.

This is more like how I make mine. I have shared some with others and they're a keeper!