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

No Se Habla Espanol

I've noticed in a number of classes that there are older children within a classroom grade level because they are learning English. A few weeks ago I was in a first grade class. One Hispanic boy was about a year older than the rest of his classmates. He wasn't much bigger in stature, but you could tell he was more mature. He was also very personable in his demeanor even though he was lacking in English skills.

That morning after first recess, he came running breathlessly into the classroom. He was so intent on telling me something that had happened on the playground. He was panting and gasping for air as he said, "Teacher . . . uh . . . este . . ." and then another word in English and then as he said another word in Spanish, he would stammer as he tried to think of how to say it in English. He was feeling quite frustrated trying to express himself going back and forth between two languages, but I was down on one knee, looking at him, and concentrating on the words he said. He was so concerned. I really wanted to know what he was trying to say.

I could see this little boy was obviously going through one of those moments we've all experienced - when you just really want to tell about something you're going through or something that has happened and in the telling you are hoping that person will understand, and in that understanding you will find comfort concerning your situation.

Well, I didn't understand his words, but I was at least confident that he hadn't been injured. As he continued to try and express himself, he became more calm and his breathing became more even. He knew I was listening and at least trying to understand. I looked him in the eye and patted his shoulder and in English assured him that everything would be all right. He took a deep breath and seemed to be content - at least that's my version of the story.

If I could have spoken in Spanish, I would have told him how impressed I was with his effort to try and speak English. How brave he was trying to fit in to his new American culture. I thought he was awesome! He won't have any problem making his way in America. His vibrant spirit came shining through no matter what language he was speaking, English will come. He was responsible, diligent, and wanted to do what is right. . . . Maybe I communicated all that better than I think.

Love One Another

As I have loved you
Love one another.
This new commandment:
Love one another.
By this shall men know
Ye are my disciples,
If ye have love
One to another.

Words: Luacine Clark Fox, 1914–2002
Music: Luacine Clark Fox, 1914–2002; arr. by Jo Marie Borgeson Bray, 1925–1998© 1961 by Luacine C. Fox. Copyright renewed 1989.
Arr. and obbligato © 1978 IRI. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.


From Mormon Messages in English, "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time", by Elder Quentin L. Cook :

Spanish Version:

"You Gave Me a Prize!"

Last Friday, most of the children were gone by the time I dropped off my key and picked up my time sheet in the office. When I stepped outside heading for my car, a little boy who was waiting to be picked up in front of the school jumped off a bench and stepped up to me. He was so tiny. He had dark brown skin with straight long black hair that trailed down his back. It was pulled into a low ponytail to keep out of his face. He looked up at me with his dark eyes that were a bit askew. He had to be a 1st grader, not only for his size, but I could see by his wide smile that he had all of his baby teeth glistening up at me.

He said, "Do you remember me?"

I didn't, but before I could react or quiz him about what class I had him in, he said, hoping for recognition, "You gave me a prize!"

My face lit up, "You must have been extra good because I don't give out prizes very often."

He told me how I had only given out two in his class that day. "You gave one to me because I was very quiet," he said.

"You need to remember that about me." I replied. "When I give instructions to students and I find most of them aren't following my directions, I start looking around the room to try and find someone who is."

"You gave me some clackers," he smiled again.

I wish now I had gotten down on one knee. He was straining his neck to look up at me and was so attentive and intent on listening to what I had to say. "It's nice to get a prize, but whether you receive a prize or not, you feel good inside when you do what your teacher asks you to do."

His face glowed in agreement. I was so proud of him. I said good-bye, me grinning from ear to ear, and then I was off to my car.

The class I had substituted that day was especially difficult, but I got through it. I don't think that little boy realized how his cheerful conversation made my day. I should have said to him, "You gave me a prize!"


“My dear brothers and sisters, may the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Ps. 127:3.)”
Thomas S. Monson, “Precious Children—A Gift from God,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 70

Student of the Month

I have a friend, Teri Woolley, who shared this story with me. She was having one of those, not so good mother day's. You know, the kind where you are discouraged and beat yourself up over not being able to get it all done or do it right - been there, done that. She went on to say that she was crying when her little boy found her in the midst of discouragement. With great concern he asked his mother what was wrong. She replied through her blubbering tears, "I'm never going to be Mother of the Year!" As he patted her on the shoulder, he said sympathetically, "It's okay Mom, I'm never going to be Student of the Month."

I don't think I'm going be to be Mother of the Year either, but happy day, Sammy is Student of the Month! Hooray! I received a call from his teacher a few days ago making me aware of Sam's honor assembly today.

Hugh and I both filed into the assembly together and surprised Sam. We took pictures and complimented him on his achievement. I was so happy for Sammy and he was pleased about it too. What a nice way to top off his school year.

Ms. Munoz (Sam's teacher) and Sam at the awards ceremony

"There is a brilliant child

locked inside every student."

Marva Collins

My Mother's Day

I got my happy Mother's Day phone call from Elder Blair at our arranged time of 6 a.m. on Sunday. We had 40 minutes of asking questions, sharing, and just plain saying, "It's great to talk to you!"

I also received a Mother's Day gift from Tommy earlier in the week. I was so pleased. It's a shadow box with a white shirt and tie with the pocket stuffed with all the things Elder Blair keeps in his pocket as a missionary.

A piece of Elder Blair

I certainly had other gifts and well wishes on Mother's Day, but Tommy's call and gift were definite highlights for the entire family.

"Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them." Alma 57:21

Traditional Girl

GRATEFUL FOR STANDARDS

Janna has a friend, a foreign exchange student from Belgium. He grades the papers in her French class. The other day he wrote on her paper, Traditional Girl and illustrated a smiley face. She wasn't sure what to make of Traditional Girl, so she asked him about it. His response was, "You know, Traditional Girl." He's learning english and sometimes in his attempt to communicate things gets lost in translation. Anyway, Janna came home and told me about it and wondered what I thought. I told her, "I think he's saying a traditional girl is a girl with standards." In spite of my immediate reaction, Janna still isn't sure what to think of her friend's statement.

I tell this story in conjuction with Janna's prom events. She attended the Lancaster High School prom with some friends when I was visiting in Arizona and then last night she went to what we refer to as the "Mormon Prom". She wore the same dress to both events and looked lovely as the Traditional Girl.

Emily and Janna ready for the prom.