Mardi Gras!

I love Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It was one of my favorite vacations and I remember it fondly this time every year. Someday I WILL return for some bignets and beads...you can read my walk down memory lane in my Mardi Gras post from last year...

"Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is a very important day in my personal history. I don't know where I'd be without this event that occurred on Feb. 15th. It's probably a day that everyone should have marked on their calendar. Today Debra Elaine Schaub (formerly known as Johnson) was born, and I won't tell you how many years ago. Suffice it to say, you'd never guess her age by how fabulous she looks and the busy schedule she keeps -- I can't keep up with her.

I also have to say that I have the best mom in the ENTIRE world! She is absolutely amazing. The mother of 6 children, grandmother to 13 grandkids. She went back to school as an adult, earned her degree and got a teaching certificate. Decided she likes kids enough that she is now a 3rd grade teacher. It seems that her goal in life has always been to help as many people as possible. She always puts the needs of others before herself.

She has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body. It would probably take an entire post to list all of Debbie Schaub's talents and accomplishments:

• she decorates cakes (as in professional wedding cakes).
• she bakes like a professional - my favorite smell in the whole entire world is her homemade rolls just coming out the oven.
• she's a fabulous chef and loves trying new cuisines and this is definitely where my love of trying new foods stems from
• she can sew anything. growing up, my dolls had the very best wardrobes of all the kids I knew. my sister and I occasionally got talked into matching outfits too. she's still whipping out amazing projects and finds time to help teach me a thing or too.
• she can paint beautifully. growing up she pretty much painted everything that wasn't nailed down. our house was filled with beautiful pieces of tole-painting.
• she also plays the piano and the ukulele -- my mom has filled our home with music through out the years and instilled in each of her children and love and respect for the power of music

Beyond all of these temporal gifts my mother has faith and charity unlike anyone else I know. She truly exemplifies these Christ like characteristics. For these traits and so many other things, I am truly blessed to call her mother.

I love you, mom! Happy Birthday!My mom and her amazing mother, Geri Johnson. Thanks, G'ma, for having such an AWESOME daughter!

My mom and my equally amazing sister, Kiki. The three of us slipped away a couple years ago to Orlando, Florida, for a girls weekend of scrapbooking and playing at Epcot Center. We had a blast!
Mom with Kaylie and Audrey, doing a little minature golfing.
Mom and dad on the night mom graduated from ASU. GO MOM!
Mom with Jacob, out for a special birthday lunch.
An interesting fact about my mom and I...my mom actually helped welcome me into the mission field in San Fernando, CA. She and my aunts happened to be in CA the day I traveled from the MTC to San Fernando to start my mission. She and my aunts were there at the airport with President & Sister Snow to welcome me to the mission field.

Patriotic Retirement Plan -- How to fix the economy

There recently was an article in the St. Petersburg Fl. Times. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on: "How Would You Fix the Economy?"
I think this guy nailed it!
_____

Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $ 2 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1. They MUST retire. Forty million job openings. Unemployment fixed.
2. They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered. Auto Industry fixed.
3. They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage. Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes. Mr. President, while you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and Medicare. I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto!

I Don't Do Ups!

One of my very, very favorite comedians is John Pinette - it's probably because I can relate to a lot of what he talks about. This routine he does about getting in shape makes me split my sides, cuz it's exactly how I feel about exercising...I Don't Do Ups! Enjoy...

New Church Calling - Relief Society President

So I got a new calling in church last Sunday. First, I have to tell you that I've been a Gospel Doctrine Teacher since June of last year, and I LOVED it. I only had to teach every other week, so preparing lessons was something I really looked forward to. There was soooo much I learned this last year and my testimony really grew.

When the Bishop asked to see me two weeks ago, I really wasn't expecting a change. Since he's fairly new, I thought it was a "get-to-know-you" kind of interview...It wasn't.

Last Sunday I was sustained as the East Relief Society President (because of the size - people and geography -- of our ward, we actually have 2 Relief Societies). My counselors are Kristi Jackson, Sheila Towle, and Robin Hakes.

This has been a humbling experience. Interestingly enough, I was still scheduled to teach Sunday School last week and the lesson was on the Prophet Enoch. When the Lord calls Enoch to serve, this is his response (Moses 6:31-32):

31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hateme; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

I know EXACTLY how Enoch felt...except for the "lad" part. :) However, the Lord called me so, as long as I put forth the effort, He'll qualify me. But any extra prayers you send my way would be greatly appreciated.