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

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!