Happy Halloween Dude!

"Eat, drink, and be scary."
~Author Unknown

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Comfort Care

I have a theme running through my life for some time now. It's called "Caring for Aging Parents". I'm due to blog about it.  We (my family) and Teresa Kelly, our caregiver, are in and out of my parent's home everyday. Teresa does most of the work while the rest of us "senior-sit". My dad has Alzheimer's and my mother lays in a hospital bed declining from the aliments of diabetes, congestive heart failure, and more.  She has an infection in her foot which she has been fighting for a very long time and currently has a urinary track infection.  She has been on antibiotics for over a year.

This summer my mother was in the hospital, to the skilled care facility (nursing home), and then back to the hospital many times. My sister, Beth, visited this summer and before she left we were able to orchestrate the situation and brought my mother back home.  I wish I could say she is happy to be home. Her care is certainly better, but my parents have no quality of life. It is my father's and mother's wishes to be home, but they don't know where they are most of the time.

A few weeks ago my mother was in the hospital again.  She received a pacemaker and we were hopeful she'd be feeling better, but it was only days and she was back in the hospital again for the ninth time.  I knew my mother didn't want to be there.  We've contemplated my parents situations and wondered about the next decisions that would need to be made.

Monday we (my mom, brother Mark, and myself) met with a hospice team from Kaiser. We assumed she would be coming home and be under the hospice umbrella, but that was not what initially happened.  After a few days of drama she's now home and officially on hospice as of yesterday.  We're feeling relieved and grateful for their help. Life in this world is coming to a close for my mother.

“Honour thy father and thy mother:
that thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

Ex. 20:12

Bill Reynders - 82

Dorothy Reynders - 80

Another Testament

I saw that Mark Mabry has come out with another book titled Another Testament.  I have his Reflections of Christ site listed on my sidebar under Art Links.  I visited there today and invite you to do the same.  He has a link to Another Testament, but I also added one myself.  I thought it was inspiring.  Check it out.

"The Book of Mormon is a book that testifies that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Great prophets throughout the Book of Mormon have borne solemn witness that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the earth (see Mosiah 3:8), the Redeemer of mankind (see Helaman 5:9-12), the Only Begotten of the Father (see 1 Nephi 11:18-21; Jacob 4:11). These Book of Mormon prophets knew Him, as Abraham and Moses did, and received and taught His everlasting gospel. As we read and study their words, we gain a deeper understanding of the Savior's matchless love, His perfect life and example, and the blessings of His great atoning sacrifice."

Craig C. Christensen,

"A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 107

She Quietly Went to the Temple

“It is the deepest desire of my heart
to have every member of the Church
worthy to enter the temple.”
President Howard W. Hunter
“Exceeding Great and Precious Promises, ” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8

 

Becky came to Hugh and I earlier in the year informing us that she thought she was ready to go to the temple.  She's 26 now.  She met with our bishop and found that there wasn't anyone else in the ward ready to take the temple prep class.  Hughie offered to teach the lessons to Becky in our home.

When our children were preparing for baptism Hugh had a set of lessons he gave before one of them was baptised.  We sat through those lessons during family home evening many times, 7 to be exact or I should say 8.  He also presented them to our friend Zoe before she was baptised.  Anyway, our family home evening lessons were the temple preparation lessons for a period of time.  Hugh also asked Becky to  read "The House of the Lord" by James Talmage and "The Holy Temple" by Boyd K. Packer.

Well the day finally arrived.  Becky went to the temple today.  It wasn't the same pomp and circumstance like our other children who had gone before.  They were either going on missions or getting married or in Cassie's case having her family sealed together.  Because of the added events there were gatherings with family and friends in addition to the paramount temple experience.  Back then all our children that could go went with us to the temple.  Even the kids that couldn't go inside were outside waiting.  But today, Becky quietly went to the temple joined by her sister, Cassie, and her parents.

I was very pleased for Becky and grateful for her committed preparation.  She was very thoughtful and ready.  It was a great day!  Now when we make temple trips Becky will be able to go with us.

“Look to the temple of the Lord

as the great symbol of your membership.”

Presient Howard W. Hunter,

“Exceeding Great and Precious Promises, ” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8

The Class Nobody Wanted

"My dear sisters,
do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities,
but pray for abilities equal to your tasks.
Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle,
but you will be the miracle."
Thomas S. Monson

It has been quite an experience as I have tackled the task of being a "real" teacher.  A real teacher for the class nobody wanted.  I talked about my little 4th and 5th graders last month.  It was my first encounter with them and on that day as I evaluated the situation, I said a silent prayer, "Heavenly Father, if there is anything I can do here, then  PLEASE let me do it."  I had such a desire to help those kids. I wanted to be there teacher.

A week later I was back again for two days, but this time the principal met with me and asked me to take the class on a week to week basis. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I knew I had to do something to help and I knew I could at least be there on a consistent basis.  I had such a confirmation that taking this on was the right thing to do.  I needed to remember that feeling when things got hard.  It wasn't my usual subbing situation.  I'm usually a one day production and then I'm out.  But now to fulfill my responsibilities, I was coming in an hour early and leaving two hours late trying to keep up with all that I had to do.

Organizing the room was a necessity, so that was first on the agenda.  My class cleanup helped make things better, but it certainly wasn't the ideal setup.  I would have liked to have done more, but my hands were somewhat tied as a sub.  In many ways I was handicapped like my students.  I couldn't do everything I wanted.  I struggled  everyday putting together a program on a wing and a prayer. Thankfully I did have help from the school psychologist and my dear mentor teacher.  I also had four para-eductors in the classroom that I couldn't have done without.  We were a team.  I was so grateful for everyone's assistance.

I held parent-teacher conferences that first week.  It helped build confidence in the hearts of concerned parents.  The following week I participated in an IEP (Individual Education Program).  Happily it helped bring one student back into our classroom that had left because of not having a consistent teacher.  I also got scratched, bit, hit, and spit on.  That was all part of the learning curve.  There were also the comforting moments when I knew I was an influence in the life of a child.

I could have definitely been overwhelmed and let it cripple my ability to function, but one thing came to my mind that pushed me forward.  It's something I have recognized about myself over the years.  Time and time again throughout my life I have been put in situations - situations that need fixing.  I'm talking desperate situations where something is ready to fall apart.  For some reason I have been put in these positions and God helps me see what I need to do.  I know I can make a bad situation better. I use to think when I was younger, "Why do I have to do this?!"  Now, knowing full well that God will help me, I jump in and do my part.  Heavenly Father guides me and I can make decisions to put things back in order, back on track.  I've said at times, "I'm better than nothing."  But in these situations I'm definitely what the doctor ordered.  I can patch a situation up, put a band aid on it so to speak and start the healing process and begin the repair.  It seems like I'm there just for that and then someone else steps in and takes over.  My job is done and the once bad circumstance is turned around and on the mend.  The crisis is over and someone else takes over where I left off and begins to build.  It's been my lot to deal with such things.  I'm accepting of it now, but I use to be somewhat grudging of giving up my post.  I'd think, "Why can't I carry on and build on this better situation now?!"  Instead I'm off to the next disaster, like SUPER MARTHA, there to intervene momentarily and then I'm off again to where I'm needed.  I'm glad to say I'm happy to be of service and I'll serve where and while I can.

Well, I had the class nearly three weeks.  I was emotional in my departure, but I knew my lot from the beginning.  I was to try and stabilize and prepare the class for a permanent teacher.

"Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is."

William Glasser

I might have been the teacher, but I learned so much from the children and the other adults who helped me.

"I believe that every human soul
is teaching something to someone
nearly every minute here in mortality."

M. Russell Ballard,
“Teaching—No Greater Call,” Ensign, May 1983, 68

My one great advantage through it all is that I love these children, every single one of them.  My heart aches for them.  I wish they knew how much God loves them.  How special they are to Him.  It was a rough start having their teacher resign and then endure weeks of different substitutes. Again, it was the class nobody wanted.  School should be better for them.  School can be a happy place.  It would have been nice to have had more time, but we patched things up and moved forward and now they have a permanent teacher. (I HOPE!) I'm so grateful I had this opportunity. The Spirit whispered, "You'll be an influence."  And with God's help I was.

"When love and skill work together,

expect a masterpiece."

John Ruskin

I'm OUT!

I've gotten all sorts of emails from people wondering why I'm not on FACEBOOK anymore. I had just barely started with FACEBOOK and all its networking wonder when my daughter informed me the other day that someone was using my name and sending out comments on FACEBOOK. Weirdness comments I might add that included weirdness links. She said, "Just write and tell everyone it wasn't you."  According to her it happens all the time, people hacking and using your name, etc. And I just made contact with so many dear friends, but sorry you all I've deleted my account. I can't take the weirdness and I don't want to be affiliated with weirdness.  No, I'm just going to sit here with my quiet unassuming blog and hope for the best. 

FACEBOOK - I'm OUT!

Only in Texas

Elder Blair and a longhorn truck.

If you hadn't noticed already, Tommy's new address is posted on my sidebar.  He's serving in Pearland and has a new companion and a new assignment as district leader.  He loves being a missionary.  He loves the people of Texas.  And we love getting his weekly email report.  We're so grateful for his happy service.

"I believe that every Latter-day Saint who has received a testimony of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged has [the] same feeling that Alma had—a desire that all the world might hear the testimony of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ [see Alma 29:1–9]. When men and women receive a testimony of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, they are anxious that all the world should have that same knowledge and faith. They are anxious that the gospel should go to every honest soul. And there is no other labor in all the world that brings to a human heart, judging from my own personal experience, more joy, peace and serenity than proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"In no part of the work of God here upon the earth at the present time is there such a band of happy, contented, peaceful people as those who are engaged in missionary service. Service is the real key to joy. When one is giving service for the advancement of humanity, when one is working without money and without price, with no hope of earthly reward, there comes a real, genuine joy into the human heart."

Heber J. Grant, The Teachings of Heber J. Grant, Chapter 9:  "The Joy of Missionary Work"

You might find longhorn trucks ONLY in Texas, but the joy of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ is everywhere.

ONE WEEK AT A TIME

"It is for us to pray

not for tasks equal to our powers,

but for powers equal to our tasks,

to go forward with a great desire

forever beating at the door of our hearts

as we travel toward our distant goal."

Helen Keller

Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan

Remember that class I substituted for about a week ago.  I was asked back again later this week for two days.  During my lunch the principal was able to catch me in my classroom and talked with me.  She asked if I would take the class on a week to week basis.  My heart is full.  I'm all about it!  I love those children.  I don't know how long I'll be there, maybe all year (wouldn't that be something) or maybe I'm preparing the way for someone else.  Whatever the case, I'll make my mark - one week at a time.

What Matters Most

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
Robert Brault

Since I've gotten more and more busy, the time I have with my family has taken on new meaning. Those moments together seem so precious. A short conversation takes on a depth I did not appreciate before. I so long for more. I was once on the other end of the scale with so much daily family doing. I would then long for an isolated moment. I would envy some time alone. Now, the moments together I bask in. I delight in with the utmost gratitude.  I'm surrounded with joy. I want more of what matters most.

"You're Better Than Nothing"

I know I can be very self-deprecating. I have visions of grandeur and of course the vision never matches up with what really happens. In my younger days I use to get so down on myself. One little bobble could fester and lead me into the depths of despair. It's that glass half empty, half full thing. I unfortunately and often see things as half empty, but I have this little mental trick I use to turn myself around. I tell myself, "You're better than nothing!" Now that doesn't sound like much - BETTER THAN NOTHING, but I envision that without my doings, there would be nothing. I try to look at my positive impact instead of what went wrong.

So when I'm asked at the last minute to play the piano to accompany a hymn and hit what seems to me a gazillion clinkers; instead of being devastated by it all, I just say, "I'm better than nothing!" When I get asked to sing and forget the words or miss a note; I just say, "It was better than nothing!" I say those words with great confidence for I know Satan would love to have me down and out.

I took a painting class at our local college a few years ago. I was feeling discouraged because I couldn't reproduce what I saw in my mind onto the canvas. My instructor, Mr. Glen Knowles, was an outstanding teacher. He saw my discouragement and frustration and simply said, "You need to get over it!" I so admired his work and at first thought he couldn't understand where I was coming from, but he assured me that he had never really painted anything exactly the way he saw it in his mind. I thought about that. I knew I was learning and progressing. Painting a masterpiece in the beginning is really unthinkable. I related his comment to my own experience with piano. More than once I have had to encourage a piano student who was discouraged because they weren't measuring up or playing like they wanted to.

The parable of the talents is a great guide in showing what happens if we don't utilize what we have been given, the servant said, "I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth." Those who become downcast or afraid become stifled. Their talents then lay hidden, locked away, and eventually lost.

Admittedly, my BETTER THAN NOTHING theory is not perfect in providing me an escape from discouragement. Case in point, I've been subbing nearly everyday since school started this year. The more I have substituted the more confident I have become though some days are better than others when it comes to my effectiveness in the classroom. With my one-day appearance I'd like to think I'll have an incredible influence in the lives of all the children in my class. The reality is I might make a dent here or there in the life of a child as we pace through a hopefully educational day.

This week I found myself in a classroom of severely handicapped 4th and 5th graders. There were 14 children, all present. All I found was a brief outline on the desk to guide me through the day. I immediately quizzed the four para-educators I would be working with. I soon realized I was the substitute for the substitute. These children had had two different substitutes in the last two weeks and I entered the classroom as number three. Doing the math, I surmised that this class had only been functioning for two weeks before, whatever the reason, the teacher was gone for the next two weeks. With it being a brand new school, a new school year, and whatever other reasons; the guidance I was hoping for from my helpers was very limited. I could see in their eyes they were definitely looking to me for support. Happily about a third of the class recognized me from previous subbing encounters the year before and they were happy to see me.

I don't know how that class is really supposed to run, but with my limited knowledge and a prayer in my heart; I put a smile on my face and jumped in. Yes, I had some initial anxiety wondering what to do next, but I moved forward and felt the peace of the Spirit. The other adults were quick to follow my lead. I certainly appreciated their help. I couldn't have done it without them. I had a parent come in to observe the class for part of the day and I had to deal with some behavior you wouldn't find in a "normal" classroom, but I know I was guided.

After school I sat alone writing my report and pondering. I wondered if I had made a difference? Did I look like the latest dog and pony show with my reading antics and singing production? Or had I been a viable teacher for these students? I couldn't say for sure; I had been left with so little to go on. As I evaluated my day, one of the para-educators stepped back into the room. She had been out fulfilling her responsibility of walking some of the children to the bus. She stood at the door and thoughtfully and quietly said, "I wanted to tell you . . . It was a pleasure working with you today. You really ought to leave your number. You're the best substitute we've ever had." I'm sure I had a surprised look on my face, but I also had a great sense of relief flow through me as I heard her words. I sincerely thanked her and finished my report, which always includes my sub number and phone numbers.

Now repeat after me:

"You're better than nothing.
You're better than nothing.
You're better than nothing."

And it really helps when someone says you did a great job.

"There is no effect

more disproportionate to its cause

than the happiness

bestowed by a small compliment."

Robert Brault

and

"I can live for two months

on a good compliment."

Mark Twain

There is not doubt,

God truly was my strength.

I'm so thankful!

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