Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Last night I was escorted at my own Bethel and received grand honors for the last time as Grand Guardian. I was so happy that we had an initiation and were able to add two very special new members to our Bethel--Olivia and Jenna P. This is Martha and Bill's 3rd and 4th daughter to be initiated. A big thanks to girls from Bethel #2, #22, and #107 for coming to help.

I almost teared up when I made my remarks and then when Rustie started to speak I really did need the tissues. It has been a great year. I love the Daughters of this Order and really do

bee-lieve they are the best!

I am about ready to finish loading the car, then it is off to Grand Session. Remember! Keep on Bee-lievin'. I am.

Anita, GG

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It was a busy weekend, starting with the Majority Ceremony for 3 of Daleville's girls. They had quite a turnout. Vicki and I drove up after stopping to eat at 5 Guys Hamburgers. That was the first time for me and I want to go back.

Lindsey Noland was one of the Daughters, who received her majority. I was at Job-A-Rama in 2001 when she was initiated. It is hard to believe all that has happened in the last 10 years. Besides Lindsey we have watched many girls grow and mature through their Job's Daughters life.

Her dad, Michael and I were Grand Officers that year for Linda and Dan. Michael has already served his year as AGG and my year as GG is coming to an end.

Saturday evening, Taylor O. and her corps of officers was installed at #121. It was a very nice Installation and we are now getting ready to initiate Olivia and Jenna tonight. What a great way to spend my last night at home before Grand Session. If the 2 initiations at Daleville happened last night, this will give us 78 new members this year.

Anita, GG

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Last night, Franklin initiated Autumn into their Bethel. I took Rustie, Jasmine, and Taylor O. to help. Debbi brought Rustie and Jasmine to Brazil and then went along with us. Six girls from #22 were also there, as well as Brettney Nelson, so the floor was real full and things went great.

We had the most delicious brownies after the meeting which went along with the Librarian's report over the history of brownies. I had a very small one. Christina Click can sure bake.

Before we left Franklin, the girls were treated to McFlurries at McD's by the ABG Stephen Click. I guess Tracy Cooksey always buys the #22 girls shakes when they take a road trip and Mr. Click did not want our girls to feel left out.

Today is a day at the computer trying to finalize things for next week.

Anita, GG

Monday, June 13, 2011

Yesterday, Hailey and I picked up Taylor O. and we went to the GB Region #5 Bowling Party in Terre Haute. We had 4 of our Daughters and our two new candidates at #121, Olivia and Jenna. We also had Martha's grandkids and the little ones really had a good time. I never did find out who had high score. I got to hold Kaiden, Martha and Bill's new grandson--light as a feather. Jamie also called in from MS, where she is now stationed with the navy. Martha and I are doing a road trip in July to bring her home while she is on leave.

After the bowling, we all enjoyed pizza provided by Jasmine's parents. It was really a lot of fun, but I was glad to turn Hailey over to her mommy.

Tonight Carmel #68 is initiating and I heard tomorrow night #38 is, but I do not know how many. I cannot go to either, but do plan on being in Franklin on Wednesday for their initiation.

Anita, GG

Sunday, June 12, 2011

I spent the day at the computer yesterday, trying to get things done for Grand Session. Then I had to rush to get ready to pick up Taylor, so we could go to #107's Installation. We stopped at Vicki's and she actually took us from there. There were so many folks I had not expected to see. Although, I had a call earlier in the day from my Misses. I am not sure what they were up to yesterday. I am not supposed to ask any questions. Anyway, Rustie, Genesis, and Maddy greeted me along with Jennifer G. and Becca. Stephanie, Joe, and Tammy were there with all of their Misses. Markanda had just been installed as HQ that afternoon at #108 and Mahaley was being installed at #107.

Jamie M's retirement was very moving. Her remarks were so sweet to her guardian, Lila, Tiffany, and most of all her mom. Then Mahaley's Installation was quite beautiful. She looked that way too. I especially loved her hair in curls.

After some delicious refreshments--3 different cakes (red velvet is best) and at least 2 different homemade cookies (Yeah, snickerdoodles), we finally tore Vicki away (she is still hard at work on Grand Session), collected Rustie, and headed home.

I sure slept in this morning. It was after 6. I now race to the computer to see if I have an email from Allen. He has been in Afghanistan about 9 days now. They are 8 1/2 hours ahead of us. I had never heard of a time zone on the 1/2 hour. I thought everyone ran on the hour, like we do in this country. I did not do countdowns to GS last year and I am not doing them this year, but I'm definitely doing one until he gets home--170 days. He really hates the food, so I will have to try to figure out some care packages.

We have Region 5 Get-together today. I am taking Hailey, while the rest of Megan's family goes to Beef and Boards to see Cinderella.

Anita, GG

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Last night Rustie, Elecia, Vicki, and I attended Grand Chapter in Indianapolis. There were a lot of other Job's people there, such as Bonita, Wanda, the Clonces, Jean Weese, Sandie Thomas, and PGBHQ Cindy Essig. She was not the only PGBHQ as Barbara Krakowski Holmes, the Worthy Grand Matron fo Nevada was also there. She will be at our Session also. Elecia did a beautiful job of speaking on behalf of Job's Daughters. I was also pleased to see Emmalee #25, Vanessa #37, and Jamie #107 there to receive Eastern Star scholarships. I believe Tiffany will have the whole list on the web page. I do know Mandy #121 received one, but was not able to be there because of work.

I also got to visit with my other Grand Family--The Harmony Bells. I was District Deputy 25 years ago. Three of my deputy sisters were there as well as, Mama Markie and our Grand Martha, Joyellen, PGM. I am hoping to get to share more time with them after this year.

It was sort of bittersweet to know this would be the last time, except for our Session, that Rainbow, DeMolay, Job's, and Star will all be together sharing an evening like that. I did get to speak to the next WGM and WGP for a few minutes. Deby and Rob are both great people and Rob is the son of our own PAGG Jim Maines. He was not there, but did get to visit briefly with Rob's mom, Linda. I miss both of these people and wish they still lived in Indiana. Jim will be up for Deby's and Rob's reception July 16, so maybe will get to see him there.

Rustie convinced my to go to 107's Installation tonight, so maybe I will see some of you there.

Anita, GG

Saturday, June 4, 2011

I know I am behind again. It just seemed like all I could get done for the last couple of weeks in May were subbing (I finished the year with 118 days to my credit) and getting myself ready for Allen to leave for Afghanistan. He is in Qatar right now with his plane scheduled to leave this afternoon to continue his journey to Kabul.

Last night, I attended #110's Installation. I got the chance to visit briefly with Joyce Scott. She was the last GG to have an outdoor OV. It was also at the Shrine Hill Country Place in Terre Haute. She shared that she also had some rain. Our last OV will definitely be one I think we will always remember. First, it was great to initiate 2 new Daughters--AJ is even from #121. Second, we overcame the rain, planes, trains, motorcycles, and wind. Third, the fellowship afterwards was super. What a bunch of really good food. I cannot thank enough all the people, who did so much extra, to have this day be what I wanted.

Thursday night Elecia and I attended the Royal Court of Indiana, Order of the Amaranth in Evansville. We started at 8:00 our time and the room was really warm. We did get to meet up with some old friends--the Fishers were there (Phil is a grand officer) and Juanita Cox was in the choir and did a tribute to the Indiana Flag. I also got to briefly visit with some acquaintances from when I taught in Brown County--Ivan Lancaster and Marion Crum. Marion will be the new Grand Royal Patron. Our Supreme Queen of Nile, Sue Layman, was also there. She was at my initiation into Nile several years ago. Elecia took quite a shine to her and wanted to wear her crown. I got home around 1:30 and Elecia still had another hour and half to drive. Thank Heavens God watches over us.

We have such a short time left and it will be super busy, but I will be attending some more of the meetings (we have more initiations) and Grand Chapter.

Antia, GG