HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I enjoy the food. I enjoy the family. I enjoy the thanksgiving. I feel humbled and thankful to God for all my many blessings. We're in Arizona for this special day this year with Bill and Chelsea.





















Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one.

"Worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye

live in
thanksgiving
daily,

for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." Alma 34:38

What's a Mother to Do?

I'm home today, for a change. The subbing has taken off and I'm working almost daily. I stayed home today because my Janna was sick.

Janna and I last Sunday after church. I'm 5' 7 1/2". It looks like I shrunk. Janna is 5' 10 1/2", but with her "America's Next Top Model" stilettos on, she's a good inch or two over 6 ft.

I want to be home with my children, but in spite of my best efforts, there have been times where subbing has taken me longer than my children's school schedules. Because of different school times there have been a few days where I have arrived 15 minutes to an hour after Janna and Sam get home.

Janna has seen me home her 16 1/2 years. The other day she came home from school wanting to tell me about her day. I wasn't home. She found herself disappointed that I wasn't there and concluded that she didn't like her mother working, but truth be told; how many times have I not been home because I was tending Grandma or at the grocery store or on another errand? What's the diff.? Some how there was one in her mind and she was distressed by the situation. I walked in minutes later to hear about her feelings. Anyway, what's a mother to do?

“I know who I am, and I know what I am supposed to do. The rest just follows.” [I]...will build faith and character in the next generation one family prayer at a time, one scripture study session, one book read aloud, one song, one family meal after another. [I am]...involved in a great work. [I know]...that “children are an heritage of the Lord” and “happy is the [woman] that hath [a] quiver full of them” (Ps. 127:3, 5). [I know]...that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily mothering is far more lasting, far more powerful, far more influential than any earthly position or institution invented by man. [I have]... the vision that, if worthy, [I have the]...potential to be blessed as Rebekah of old to be “the mother of thousands of millions” Gen. 24:60).

Julie B. Beck, “A ‘Mother Heart’,” Ensign, May 2004, 75

Fall Planting

Puttering in my garden use to be part of my "stay-at-home" routine. Picking and digging was a daily delight, but now subbing has usurped my time; the weeding and other gardening duties have unfortunately been set aside. Consequently, because of neglect, my once therapeutic ritual has loomed into a chore. What needs to be done seems a bit overwhelming, but happily we've had good weather and some special visitors this weekend.

I had some help on Saturday with a fall planting of flowers. It added some color to our front garden that was looking a little drab. I also was a recent recipient of two fun stepping stones that my grandson's, Jeremiah and Joseph, painted at school. Those were gladly placed in strategic honorary spots. The garden still needs more work, but it's looking a lot more perky for the coming Thanksgiving holiday.

Joseph, Sam, and I - digging, planting, and cleaning up.

Another great helper this weekend,
Jeremiah, my grandson.

I'm happy the garden and lawn are looking better, but I'm even more pleased that in working together relationships have grown.

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, [how colorful my garden was], or the kind of car I drove . . . . but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."
Kathy Davis

TAGGED

I've been tagged by my friend, Danette.















1. I'd prefer not to "work". I miss my freedom and a lot of things that I use to do with my time.
2. I use to walk everyday (40 minutes to an hour). Now I'm riding a recumbent bike (20 minutes a day).
3. Outside of my family, I have two piano students.
4. I'd like to adopt.
5. I've always wished I had taken ballet lessons.
6. I'd like to take more Art classes.
7. "I hope they call me on a mission."

I tag Annie, Paige, Yvonne, Wendy, Chelsea, Cassie, and Michelle!

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.
Lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein

FHE - Let the Blessings FLOW!

"If the Saints obey this counsel [to hold regular family home evenings], we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them." (First Presidency letter, 27 April 1915 - Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, emphasis added) (Uh.....sign me up!)

We strive to have family home evening every Monday even though some things get in the way of our efforts. Some things happily help our efforts, like the Primary activity Sam attended some weeks ago. Sam came home with a family home evening presentation he made at the activity. We were happy to have him give the lesson tonight.

Sammy's Lesson on GRATITUDE

As a child, I remember my family always tried to have one day a week for a special time together. My dad wasn't always available on Monday nights (the traditional day set aside by the Church for FHE) so we selected different days to accommodate his changing schedule.

FHE had an impact on me. I remember the good feelings I had when we met together. My family certainly wasn't perfect, but I felt the Spirit profoundly as we gathered for a lesson, singing, games, and activities.

I remember years later bearing testimony in a Relief Society meeting of the importance of family home evening. I was a young mother at the time, but very confident in my witness of the blessings that come by faithfully having family home evening. I had experienced it. I oh so knew of it's spiritual significance and strengthening power. After the lesson, a sister approached me. She questioned whether such devotion would bring such great benefits. Her obvious doubts made me reflect on the story from the Old Testment of Naaman, who was "captain of the host of the king of Syria." He went to be healed of leprosy from the prophet Elisha:

"And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
(2 Kings 5:10-15)

I remember what I felt as a child. A simple weekly gathering has strengthened and blessed me and my family more than I know, then and now. I cannot deny it. I believe in the direction of a prophet of God. Our hearts and homes can easily be blessed like Naaman dipping himself in Jordan's waters. I know if we do it, the blessings will flow.

VOTE AMERICA !

“Bad politicians are sent to Washington

by good people who don't vote.”

William E. Simon

PLEASE.......

Glitter Word Generator

This election I voted absentee ballot for the first time. My ballot went in a week ago. Hooray for the red, white, and blue! Hooray for the U.S. of A.! Hooray for the democracy in which we live. I'm grateful I can vote. I want to make America better!

“We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. … such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people. …” (D&C 134:1, 3.)

NOW THAT'S SCARY!

It seems that many a family or friend take a turn doing some kind of "Ding-Dong Ditch" activity in an attempt to create some entertaining fun. We are no different. I want to envision the event as some happy family experience, but we have to be classified as the notorious "Ding-Dong Dopes"! There is always a story to tell at the end of the evening and I don't think I can say it's always happy. Just plan on someone getting hurt, caught, or how about.....forgetting the goody we were supposed to leave at the door.

It's always an adventure!

This is just one of the infamous

"Ding-Dong Dopes",

dressed in incognito attire,

ready to raid and masquerade

throughout the neighborhood!

Did we hit your place tonight?

"Sometimes fun
is just being together."

--Wes Fessler

Proposition 8 in Plain English

This was a great presentation I viewed on YouTube. The graphics and explanations are simple, concise, and easily understood. It explains how I feel and I believe how the majority of Californians feel. I love my neighbor, but I'm all about traditional marriage. It's a foundation that keeps our nation strong and blesses the lives of each individual. I know not every family is intact, but it is still the ideal. God ordained marriage between a man and a woman. If you're still wondering about this important proposition, take 4 minutes to view this video:

"The future of this republic

is in the hands of the American voter."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

VOTE - NOVEMBER 4TH

The Subbing Saga Continues......

I was really starting to wonder if this subbing thing was going to take off, but everyone assured me it was just early in the year and that there were a lot of subs out there. My working day count: August - 0, September - 1, and October - 5 with 3 scheduled, making 8 so far this month.....I think we're finally getting there.

Hughie gave me a blessing after I was hired. He said as he laid his hands upon my head, that I would be an "influence". I don't know what I was thinking, some how I envisioned me hanging out in the teacher's lounge influencing adults. Where did that come from? My time is limited in adult association at school, and maybe, just maybe over time, I might influence an adult or two. I soon saw as I set foot in my first classroom and as I have carried on, the Spirit has rested upon me, has helped me, and I recognize that I'm very much an influence on children. Every day has not been a golden moment, but every day I'm learning just like these kids are.

Happily, things have worked out too to volunteer in Sam's classroom. I started in October, going in every Thursday afternoon. I help with reading, singing (we'll eventually learn the recorder), and I'm the mom that lets them shop in their classroom store once a month with Ms. Munoz Mula (a reward system instituted by their teacher). I'm glad to be there!

"No greater responsibility can rest upon any man [or woman], than to be a teacher of God’s children." - David O. McKay
in the Conference Report, Oct. 1916, 57

Gotta BLOG!

I can't help it! I've gotta BLOG! I know I already did one post on this important subject, and I maintain a constant visual on my sidebar concerning the matter, but we're getting down to the wire.

“...The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

Quoted by Elder Russell M. Nelson from The Family: A Proclamation to the World at general conference, October 5, 2008, Sunday afternoon session.

PLEASE
REGISTER

to vote
by October 20th
and

VOTE

"YES" ON PROPOSITION 8

November 4th!

RELIEF SOCIETY POWER!!!

“The Relief Society is the Lord’s organization for the women. It compliments the priesthood training given to the brethren. There is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God – nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.” --Spencer W. Kimball, “Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 2

That was 1976. This is 2008. Now is the time for women to move forward in their influence with faithful testimonies, strength, and service. Last Saturday, September 27, 2008, we had our annual general Relief Society meeting broadcast. I zeroed in on a particular quote that President Julie B. Beck quoted by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. These are her words including his:

We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive, and act on personal revelation. Without personal revelation, we cannot succeed. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail. The prophet Nephi instructs us that the Holy Ghost will show us “all things what ye should do.” It was prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids.This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the Spirit. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation for our calling and in our personal lives “requires serious mental effort on our part…. Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering. Most of all, revelation requires us to have a sufficient degree of personal righteousness, so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous, unsolicited.”

I am confident as I join hands with the sisters in Zion, we offer ourselves as vessels to the Lord prepared to build the kingdom of God. Guided by the Spirit, I will strengthen my home, help in the community, and be valiant in my testimony of truth. As we serve with hearts of gladness and stand for truth and righteousness, individual lives will be touched and our nations will be blessed because of our commitment to Christ and his teachings.

In a time when the world seems to be crumbling, I am grateful for my testimony, the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ and my Savior; that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that truth has been restored; that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God; and that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God here today, leading and guiding us through these tumultuous times. This gives me comfort and peace that sinks deep into my heart, and touches every fiber of my being, radiating calming light to my soul, in spite of chaos in the world. I will move forward with POWER as just one sister among many in my choice to be part of this great work in building up the kingdom of God in these latter days.

SAVE THE FAMILY!

We've done it before. We're doing it again. Hugh and I walked precincts today in promotion of Prop. 8. If you live in California, please VOTE "YES!" on Proposition 8. LET'S SAVE THE FAMILY!
"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65

My First Day of School

It's not Sam's first day of school, but mine. Yes, the long awaited day has arrived, my first day of employment with Lancaster School District. I'm glad I had to wait these few months because I was better prepared. I've been mulling over in my mind every possible scenerio I might encounter and I'm sure I haven't thought of them all, but thinking it through has helped me formulated some plans and as I work they will become habits. Consequently, I'm feeling more confident and ready to go.

I subbed a 5th grade class today for a friend of mine who was ill. She has trained her students well. They made the day easy because they were so helpful and quick to do what was asked. It was a great day!

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study

is one day with a great teacher."

--Japanese Proverb

Digging Out in Texas

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." --Mosiah 2:17

The day Tom received his mission call to the Texas Houston South Mission, I teased him, "You're going to get hit by a hurricane and be digging out for the next two years." Well, when I said that, I didn't think I was being prophetic. Hopefully he won't be digging the whole two years, but right now he is. We just received an email from Brother Thell Williams who worked with Tom today. We are so grateful for the email and picture he sent us. It's our first view of Tommy on his sojourn in Texas. Anyway, I'm so pleased to have it so I decided to post it. A missionary likes letters, but parents like letters too.

Elder Blair on the right (with the black name tag) and Brother Thell Williams (in a Texas Longhorn shirt) and the rest of their crew from Austin, Texas (wearing yellow Mormon Helping Hands T-shirts).

Dear Bro. and Sis. Blair,

My name is Thell Williams, from Austin, TX. My stake, today, sent 250 men to the Houston area to help with the Hurricane Ike relief. We were split up into teams of 7 with a missionary to help work and show us around. I didn’t really think about our missionary until about half way through the day I noticed what a hard working, kind young man he was. So I asked his name and of course he told me Elder Blair. Well we worked the entire day together and what a delight it was for me to work side by side with such a fine young (green-ha! He only got us lost twice!) kind Elder from California.

He could use a chain saw better than any of us and when I asked why, he said he learned it all from his Dad and his construction company! And he could out work any of us which was actually a little embarrassing to have a Californian out work a Texan! :) I told him my daughter served in the San Fernando Valley mission (Sis. Williams, ‘96-’97). We were able to visit her while she was on her mission and travel through your city. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your son. A gentle strong young man with great determination and a desire to really serve his fellow man. I think he’s going to serve the Lord and Texas very well. Thank you for sending him on a mission, we’re glad he’s in Texas and we’ll all take very good care of him.

God Bless,

Bro. Thell Williams