The Geneology Bug Has Bit

Three Generations of

Martha

Martha Ann Thaxton Reynders

My Paternal Grandmother

I was named after my grandmother

and my first daughter is Martha Ann.

I'm feeling motivated about pursuing family history.  I was about it before, but I would get stifled because I didn't find it particularly easy in spite of what people would say.  Some years ago I use to even work the family history center (once a week), but I always felt like I was spinning my wheels never making the headway I wanted to.  It's getting easier with all the new developments on FamilySearch.org.  It's easy to work at home on your own computer.  I'm not getting crazy about getting stuck on a family line anymore (Thaxton in particular). I just shelf it and move on. It can be pretty frustrating when you hit a dead end, but records are being added so I'm assuming those lines will eventually move forward.  In the meantime, I happily do Indexing and I'm even working on my husband's lines or whatever I feel moved to pursue.  I can easily find something to do, even blogging.  I've designated my Sundays for such doings.  I'm feeling happy about this choice.  I might not be getting a lot done, but as the scripture says, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." (Alma 37:6)

"While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families."

Elder Russell M. Nelson,

“Generations Linked in Love,”

Ensign, May 2010, 91–94

Subbing Again

A five year-old always lays it on the line.  I subbed in a kindergarten class today.  When the class was over I finished out my day in two other kindergarten classes helping other teachers.  The class I subbed for knew I was filling in for their teacher, but in the other classes the kids weren't sure who I was.  A little boy called out to me and said, "Are you someone's granny?"  I quickly responded with, "I'm someone's granny, but not to anyone in this class.  I'm just here to help today."

Did I help? Maybe when I was assisting the other teachers, but it was a rough go in my class as teacher today.  I was definitely disappointed in how it went and I'm doing it tomorrow too.  I hope it goes better.  When they asked me to come back a second day I said, "Do you want me back?!"  Yes they do, but I could have said, "NO!"  I didn't because I figure if I go back to a class I'll get to know the kids better, get to know the routine better etc.  We'll see.  I pray for help everyday, but I'm really earnest on this one.

You know you're a teacher if . . .
You want to choke a person
when he or she says,
"Oh, you must have such fun every day.
This must be like playtime for you."

It's Been 30 Days

The cardiologist's diet:

If it tastes good, spit it out.

~Author Unknown

Well, I'm reporting in.  You can feel my lack of enthusiasm with that one sentence - "Well, I'm reporting in."  I want to blame the high priest group social with all its delicious potluck food.  Or maybe my downfall boils down to the fried Twinkie at the fair.  Whatever, I've been off the program some three weeks, but with my reporting at the 30 day mark I'm renewing my commitment.  I should have recommitted the day after my slips, but instead I continued on gaining three pounds of my once lost eight.  GRRRRRR!

Here I go again, I'm on the program and this time I'm working.  Yes, school has started once again.  I worked two days last week.  I'm scheduled for two days so far this week and then I'm off to AZ for a week to help with my new granddaughter, Dani Jo, (Bill and Chelsea's latest addition), born September 13th.  I'm looking forward to the visit and unfortunately I keep thinking about all the food I'm going to make for the family while I'm there.

Ryan with her new little sister, Dani Jo.

She's happy to have her home.  Ryan is a little bit disappointed that Dani isn't up and running with her.  She has so many plans to play with her little sister.  Check out Bill and Chelsea's blog for more photos.

Poppy's House

Poppy's house has been a big project this summer not to mention his round-the-clock care. Everyone pitched in. My brother, Mark, and his family came down many times to help. We also hired a number of people to accomplish a variety of jobs. And,  I can't forget to mention Teresa for all her help with the care of my dad.

Anyway, Teresa and her family moved in Labor Day weekend. I tried to get a few photos together before they all settled in. We still have a few loose ends to take care of, but we're basically done.

It would have been nice to have before and after pictures. This project, though anticipated, came on so quickly and encompassed our lives. I didn't have enough sense to think about before pictures and we were scrambling as it was to get photos before Teresa moved in. I can't believe how overwhelmed I got with all the other things we had going on, but it's done. We got through it and I admit, in spite of it all, my feelings are bitter-sweet.

So here's some photos, click on Poppy's House.  It's a new phase in the care of my father. He's home and our caregiver, Teresa, will be providing full-time care. 

There is no place like home.

L. FRANK BAUM, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz