We're Legal!

I finally got a cell phone that is bluetooth worthy. It's the law in California - Hands Free, Baby! But I didn't want to spend the money to buy a new phone. Naughty me! I've been sneaking around for over a year without one. I purchased a speaker for my car instead of an ear piece and I'm very happy with it. I hope you can hear me! I'm forever talking in the car as I go about my daily doings.

Janna too took a big step and got her license last week. She was very nervous during her driving practice and in taking the driving test; but in spite of her anxiety, she did very well. Janna doesn't seem too intimidated now. She's all over town doing errands for me and driving to school. I'm so grateful for her help even though Erma Bombeck's sage advice is:

"Never lend your car to anyone

to whom you have given birth."

One Year Mark

Elder Blair is all about Texas.

And from what I hear . . .

the Texans are all about him.

Tommy is happily serving in the Lone Star State.

Today is his one year mark.

CALLED TO SERVE

By Grace Gordon, alt.

Called to serve him,

heav’nly King of glory,

Chosen e’er to witness for his name,

Far and wide we tell the Father’s story,

Far and wide his love proclaim.

Onward, ever onward,

as we glory in his name;

Onward, ever onward

as we glory in his name;

Forward, pressing forward,

as a triumph song we sing.

God our strength will be;

press forward ever

Called to serve our King.

Listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing this favored song -
on my sidebar, just click the play arrow.

Elder Blair - Texas.

A Mama Drama

My friend's blog is titled "A Mama Drama", but I'm taking the title for my post today. Everyday really is a mama drama when you think about the ups and downs of life. Today's drama entailed Janna getting her license. We've had weeks of "drama driving". I'm so glad she was successful. Now we've got to concentrate on her learning the stick shift.

Today my mother fell. I won't talk about that. Suffice it to say, "She's alright in spite of the drama!"

I scheduled eleven more jobs today. Four consecutive days for one teacher and seven Fridays for another. I'll be subbing while they're attending workshops. "Hip, Hip, Hooray! I've got work!"

I went to Back-to-School Night with Sam this evening, that was the calm part of my day. I was happy to share a bit of time with him.

I'm off to spend the night at my parents and hoping for less drama in my busy days.

"Save the drama for yo mama."

It's telling someone to stop yappin', stop complaining about what's wrong with this, what's wrong with that, and why you've got it so hard.--from Urban Dictionary

I Can't Believe It!

I worked the second day of school and I have three more jobs scheduled. One is a first for me, I'm teaching junior high music tomorrow. Wish me luck! It's all amazing to me and I'm grateful.

"Wonder of wonders,

miracle of miracles..."

Sheldon Harnick

Back to School

Over the summer I caught a glimpse of a few kids I substituted last year. Most were busy with their families and very much unaware of me, but at Chuck E. Cheese last month one former fourth grader was having a birthday party. He was roaming about the place like everyone else. He was so happy to be there. He finally crossed my path enough times that he glanced my way. I could see by the expression in his face that he wondered if I recognized him. Through my eyes and the smile on my face, I acknowledged him from across the room. He held his hand up shly and rippled his fingers a few times to wave his recognition of me. Then he was off to play, not worried about school, but happy to have a summer fun filled day. But now it's...

Janna started school today. Sam starts tomorrow. So that means I could start working again. I wonder how much I will be working? Fifty laid off teachers have been added to the substitute teaching pool. My heart sank when I found that out. As I pondered the situation, the Spirit assured me that I would have the work that I needed, so I am at peace about it all.

It's not like I don't have anything to do around here. My parents have occupied the bulk of my time this summer trying to provide 24-hour care in their home. We're setting my mom up with an emergency button, our caregiver has increased her time, my girls are going to tradeoff afternoons during the week senior sitting, and I'll take the weekends. I even have my sister-in-law, JoLinda, here to help us get through the week while we wait for our emergency alert system to show up.

If I don't work much initially at school, it will be a good opportunity for me to get something done around my very neglected house. I've got plenty to do around here, there's no doubt about it!

"Education is not preparation for life;

education is life itself."

John Dewey

Dodger Wrap-up

Janna and Sam at Dodger Stadium

Dodger's won the Atlanta Braves last night.

It was one more thing that added to a memorable evening.

"Baseball games are like snowflakes and fingerprints,

no two are ever alike."

W. P. Kinsella

Singing Dodger Blues

Janet auditioned July 18th for the Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium "Star Spangled Banner" competition. We were all rooting for her, but she didn't make the final six. Why, I don't know?

Wish she was singing. Janet enjoyed participating in the try-outs, but she'll have other opportunities to perform.

Hugh, Sam, and Janna are attending the game tonight. It will be a fun time - being together, the game, Dodger dogs and all, but Janet's solo would have really topped it off.

"A hot dog at the ballgame
beats roast beef at the Ritz."

Humphrey Bogart