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

TWO ARRIVALS

Grandma, Bill, Chelsea, and Ryan
during an earlier visit this month.

My mother came home two day ago. She has been either in the hospital or the skilled care facility (nursing home) since June 4th. She's settling in and hopefully all will go well.

Janna with Shisa Dog at Shuri Castle

It's "Sayonara" to Okinawa and "Hello" to California. Janna came home yesterday and we're so glad to have her back. Wendy and Rick were great hosts. It seems they did something everyday to enlighten Janna during her stay. What a great trip!

鳶が鷹を産む。

Tonbi (or Tobi) ga taka wo umu

Literally: A kite breeding a hawk.

Meaning: A splendid child born from common parents.

COWABUNGA!!!!!

Janna on zip line

A brief report about Janna in Okinawa. She's having a great time. Can't wait to get more details about her fun vacation. It's obviously an empowering trip.

Four-character Idiom:

花鳥風月

Kachou Fuugetsu

Literally: Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon

Meaning: Experience the beauties of nature,

and in doing so learn about yourself.

Pioneer Day is Everyday

It's Pioneer Day and I wanted to express my thanks to the pioneers of old and of today. In both cases, I so admire and am inspired by their strength and testimonies.

"Whenever I think about pioneers,
I think of brave women and men."
Della Dalby Provost

"What Are We Busy About?"

Before we begin our week we try to go through our calendar and discuss as a family our schedules. For example, who has to go where and when, and then work out the logistics of it all.

We've always been a busy bunch and sometimes choices need to be made as we line up our doings with our priorities. One com-

ment, "Somebody's gotta watch the kids!?" is often interjected into the conversation by Hugh or I. It has become a standard statement of our frustration when we find ourselves on overload and it seems our lives are being pulled every which way.

We're always busy! That's nothing new, but my parents care has been added to the mix. I find myself saying, "Somebody's gotta watch Grandma and Poppy!?" I'm in a quandary as to what to do about their situations. We're riding out the summer for now with the help of family and friends.

"It's not enough to be busy. So are the ants.

The question is: What are we busy about?"

Henry David Thoreau

Poppy and Grandma during better days,
serving as missionaries in Nauvoo, Illinois.

OKINAWA OR BUST

We ventured to LAX yesterday to get Janna started on a two-week vacation visiting her brother, Rick and family in Okinawa. She happily, but tentatively took on the challenge of her first solo flight, which was international no less. She arrived in Okinawa today in spite of our worry and concern. I'm so excited for her! What a great opportunity.

Japanese Proverb:

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu.

Literally: If you do not enter the tiger's cave,

you will not catch its cub.

Meaning: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

OR

You can't do anything without risking something.

HELLO OUT THERE!

You may have thought I dropped off the face of the planet, or maybe I'm just feeling that way. I have been extraordinarily busy. Busy with my parents mostly. They have been declining for some years now and they are especially down at this time. I'm not sure what we are going to do concerning their situation, so I pray and ponder, wondering what's next.







I've also been busy with Cub Scout Day Camp. It was four full days last week. I'm tired and trying to get back on my feet.





We've had lots of visitors just like last summer. Most the people are coming to see my parents, but we host who comes and are happy to visit too.

Even though my days are busy and sometimes overwhelming, I can still see miracles and blessings along the way. Today for example, the Hood family invited us for a 4th of July BBQ. They made my birthday-Independence Day celebration very easy. I'm usually cooking up something for the holiday and having a gathering myself, but it just couldn't be that way this year. Their invitation is just one of many small miracles that have come our way. The Hood and Jueschke families were delightful company.

I cannot begin to tell of all my doings this summer. I cannot acknowledge every kindness here either. It is sufficient to say, inspite of difficulties, I am feeling very grateful.

“Be patient in afflictions,

for thou shalt have many;

but endure them,

for, lo, I am with thee,

even unto the end of thy days.”

(D&C 24:8)

She Made It!

She made it through the first round. Janet, (my niece, Mark & JoLinda's daughter) submitted a rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in hopes of performing it at Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium. There will be 50 finalist chosen and then she'll get to go to LA for a live audition. We'll see what happens. I'm so excited!!!

Janet is also coming this weekend to help us care for Grandma and Poppy (my parents). I'm so grateful for her help and all who are assisting in their round-the-clock care.

“The only thing better than singing

is more singing."

Ella Fitzgerald - 1917 to 1996

GOOD LUCK JANET!

Summer Reading Program

Each summer I try, and I mean try, to structure my kids in what I call "Pioneer School". I orchestrate activities, chores, play days, reading, and school work to keep them entertained and on track so they aren't idle and bored for the summer. I think maybe they're even learning something, but they all deny it as I put them through my organized tactics.

It's traditional to participate in the county library reading program. Sam is 10 years old now. He recently saw the movie "The Indian in the Cupboard" and decided he wanted to read the book, which I was particularly pleased with. But when I mentioned signing up for the library reading program he didn't say much.
As I was driving in the car today, I told Sam we'd be going over to the library to sign up for their reading program and we'd pick up a calendar showing the activities he could participate in during the summer. Sam set in the seat next to me unmoved. I did a double take and could see there was no happy anticipation.

After a moment of thought he finally said, "I don't want to sign up for the library program."

I explained it was the same kind of program he's participated in before. You keep track of your reading for the summer and end up getting prizes for your good work. The activities they present are always fun, interesting, and promote reading on a variety of subjects and books.

My rah-rah library program speech was of little consequence. His attitude was obviously ho hum. He took a deep breath and finally said, "Every year, I end up making a house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candy." [He was referring to an annual activity during the Christmas holiday at the library. There was once enthusiasm about such things.] He added, "I think I'm getting too old for that."

What could I say? I didn't push it. I said, "I guess if you just read everyday on your own at home, we don't have to participate."

He seemed relieved as he took another deep breath and said "Okay."

But I had a touch of sadness go through me as I relinquished my request. I guess he's getting older. Or, I hate to say it, maybe he's more about video games. That's what his older siblings would say who were deprived of such things. Whatever! It's the end of another era. I've been going to the library and participating in their reading programs for the last 30 years - old habits die hard.

We'll still go to the library of course. He'll pick out DVDs and books. Thank goodness he hasn't thrown in the towel on that experience, but I'll miss the graham cracker house, bingo, the puppet shows, magic shows, and animal presentations, etc. Thank goodness I've got grand kids!

"Reading is to the mind

what exercise is to the body."

~ Joseph Addison ~

P.S. Sam read this post and made a point to tell me that he still liked puppet shows, magic shows, and animal presentations. Maybe we'll be participating in library programs more than I think. YEAH!

JACKPOT MAILING!

We hit the jackpot this week! Tommy made up for all his skimpy emails with a letter, a tape, and a digital photo card filled with over 500 pictures in one mailing. We were so excited even though most of the pictures are old news, it's still pictures. Hooray!

Elder Blair has been serving almost 10 months now, he writes: "I can't tell you how much I love my mission. I never thought I would ever get to this point, but I don't want to go home."

"You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands. His work is to bless His Father's spirit children with the opportunity to choose eternal life. So, your calling is to bless lives.

"Your call has eternal consequences for others and for you. In the world to come, thousands may call your name blessed, even more than the people you serve here. They will be the ancestors and the descendants of those who chose eternal life because of something you said or did, or even what you were. . .You see, there are no small callings to represent the Lord."

Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Call," Ensign, Nov. 2002, 75