Thanksgiving UPDATE

Although we have lots to be thankful for we will not be knowing the outcome of Greg's medical board hearing this Thanksgiving after all. They postponed his appearance till the week of December 15th. Hopefully by the end of that week we will have a decision. Until then we will plug through one day after the other, at least it's another known paycheck or two.

My mom sent me the following story and some kernels of corn for our children to have a visual of the history of Thanksgiving.

The Five Kernels of Corn

When the pilgrims came to America the merchants that had organized and funded the endeavor stipulated that they had to live a form of communism, every man working for the common good and food and clothing provided from the common stores. The land and houses were to be the joint property of the merchants and colonists for seven years (the biblical number that a man could be held in slavery) and then divided equally. If ever communism were to be possible, it would have been in this group who truly loved one another and were dedicated to each other's welfare. Then came a disastrous "starving time" when the daily ration from the common store was reduced to five kernels of corn a day. With the death of their good pastor, the new governor, William Bradford saw that bold decisive action was needed. As he wrote in his History:

... after much debate of things, the Governor gave way that they should set corn every man for his own particular and in that regard trust in themselves. The experience that was had in this common course and condition tried sundry years and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity and conceit of Plato and other ancients...that the taking away of property and bringing in communism into a commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing as if they were wiser than God. For this communism was found to breed much confusion and discontentment, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort."

The new arrangement worked well. When it was their own property and they understood that they would benefit from their labors, even the little children went willingly with their parents to help set the corn and tend to it. The change in their circumstance was remarkable! The first thanksgiving was instituted to give thanks to the Lord for his bounteous blessings. With the trestles groaning with food, and savory aromas tickling their noses, for the first course the feasters found on each plate five kernels of corn. You may imagine the intense feelings of gratitude as they listened to the blessing on the food. May we be grateful, also.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless America! my humble request

At this HISTORICAL day in time (as per the hype), I would like to acknowledge that I do have my fears for what is to come but that I also have peace in knowing I can trust in the Lord. He has promised many things in the scriptures that came to my anxious mind to calm my troubled heart.

Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. (2 Nephi 1:7)

And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers; yea, and this was their faith—that my gospel, which I gave unto them that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren the Lamanites, and also all that had become Lamanites because of their dissensions. Now, this is not all—their faith in their prayers was that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land; and thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life; yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be. (D&C 10:47—52)

Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and them who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands, wherefore I will have all men that dwell thereon that they shall worship me, saith God. (2 Nephi 10:18—19) May we all remember the Lord is a jealous God, we are to have NO OTHER GODS before him.

I will continue to pray fervently that the leader and we the people of this Nation will strive to be righteous, that God may continue to Bless America!

I did, how about you?

Here's the proof, and the lucky penny I found on my way to the voting booth. Should be a good sign, but a prayer is more reliable.

Answer to "Name that Porter Baby" post

Brianna was the correct answer (I'll find a way of getting your prize to you if you guessed correctly). Congratulations!

I know my babies look alike. Grammy Morgan said it best when she sent a letter congratulating me on one of my babies and asked if I had a mold for making carbon copy babies. Good thing they were given different hair color. I'd never be able to tell pictures apart.

No school tomorrow = Staying up late

Tonight Joe announces that he can stay up as long as he wants. Want to know why? Tomorrow is no school (teacher development day)! I think this is fine by me, after all he will sleep in later, right?

This is the sight I see at 8:30...just had to laugh. In all fairness, without the time change it would have been 9:30. And that's pretty late for a seven year old.

Does this mean he'll be up before 6 as usual?

Thanksgiving Day (a big deal at our house this year)!

Greg will be reporting to the Lackland AFB (Texas) for the Medical Board on the 21st of this month. Every thing is moving along slowly. I thought he would be reporting sooner than this, but as with most things in the military, it takes time. Now for the bad news, well not so bad as a little disappointing. He will be gone over a weekend (don't know why they would do this, it costs more for hotels and such). We are hoping he will get seen by Wednesday so he can get home for Thanksgiving dinner. They may have to fly him back to Las Vegas on the most traveled day of the year (probably pretty pricey too). I don't know why that bothers me, the military will pick up the tab on everything. Before he leaves the board will give their decision. At least we will know right away and not have to wait any longer for the decision (except for me, I'll have to wait for the phone call). Waiting is not fun for either of us. It wreaks havoc on our complexions.

He might also have a job interview in Elko, NV the week before. We still haven't been contacted with exact dates and times, just the possibilities. But, it would be good to have options before learning his fate with the military. We all feel better having back-up plans.

So, this Thanksgiving there may be much rejoicing and thanksgiving in the Porter house. Stay tuned (if waiting doesn't cause you complexion issues).

Mini Grand Prix & a Chihuahua?

What do a Mini Grand Prix and a Chihuahua have in common?? Parent/child dates.

My husband and I started a one-on-one date with our kids this Saturday. This is a family tradition I should have started a long time ago. We have four children and usually four Saturdays in a month, perfect! Joe and his dad went to the mini grand prix. Brianna and I went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. What fun times. It was nice to only have one child to focus on while doing something we knew they would enjoy. I know the boys had fun too, my husband reported back to my mom about the experience.

I think it is important to get that one on one time with each child and am looking forward to all of my future dates.