SWINE FLU IS BACK!!!!!

Both my employer and the kids school have sent out notifications regarding the SWINE flu.

There have been confirmed cases in Ventura County and the school has had two confirmed cases.

We have been instructed on the symptoms and have been told that if we have a temperature of 100 or higher or any member of our family has a temperature of 100 or higher we are not to come to work and to seek medical attention.

We are to stay home until we have not had a temperature for 48 hours and if a family member has been sick we are to stay home a minimum of 5 days and they have had not temperature for 48 hours.

So, this morning Aislyn and Allisa told me this morning that they didn't feel good enough to go to school. I dutifully checked their temperatures. Aislyn's temperature was 97.5. Allis'a temperature was 98.1. And then I checked mine and Evan's. Evan's temperature was 97.4 and mine was 98.1.

The normal temperature for me and my kids is around 97.6. So, I guess me and Allisa have low grade fevers... :)

My boss and co-workers were ready to ban me from the office when they found out that my kids school has had confirmed cases and that my children stayed home from school... I told them that no one in my family is running a temperature of 100 or more; I'm staying. No one is sick.

FIRST CONCERT IN 25 YEARS

Well, I have been participating in the Ventura College Symphany Orchestra since the end of August. I am not as good a music student as I was in High School - I do not practice as I should.

I have assigned myself the last chair in the Clarinet Section and have enjoyed not being in the lime light. The conductor/instructor does notice when I am not there (I missed a few rehearsals) and makes a point to come speak with me when I enter the music room.

I have told myself that I need to practice a little more if I truly want to become the principal clarinet. The principal in our section has heard me play and has told the conductor that I am rather good. :) Because I know my potential (and I am no where near it) I shy away from the compliments.

Truth be known: I really want to be the principal clarinet and have been a little sad that I don't play as much because the solos go to the principal. In addition to the desire, I know that the seat is earned and that I really have to practice to get back to the skill level that I had been at as a sophomore in high school.

With that said; we have our first concert this Saturday. I am both excited and nervous. I'm excited because we are performing and my children will be able to attend a concert for the first time. Where I am sitting they will be able to see me. :)

I am nervous because I have not practiced as I should and I am weak in my performance with one of the mendellsohn pieces; Symphany No. 4.

Since I plan to continue to pursue my musical career I guess I should devote some more time to musical study at home.

I wish you all could be here for the concert. We sound pretty good! :)

Youth Minister of 28 years Converted

Yesterday afternoon I had an amazing opportunity to attend (and play the piano) at the baptism of a 40 year old father who has been a youth minister for the past 28 years.

Julio Belzadua has a masters degree in Theology and has been teaching the Gospel for the past 28 years. Julio is the father of 5 children. Julio has been searching for more than the scriptural knowledge for many years and discovered it a year ago when he entered the home of a member of the church. He was looking for the spirit of God and the feeling of peace that so many members of the church have in their lives.

The talks and the ordinances performed yesterday touched the members of the Oxnard 1st Ward so deeply that each person walked out of the church building with tears. Julio even spoke and we learned first hand the great part Heavenly Father has played in his life. Julio has lived the life of a true follower of Jesus Christ and as a result recognized the truthfulness of the gospel and the true church of Jesus Christ when instructed by the missionaries.

I have not been touched so deeply by the baptism and confirmation of a convert since Victor and Devlyn were baptized and confirmed more than 12 years ago. Julio's spirit is true and his life has been conduct so that it is in line with the principles of the gospel. I believe that his wife and children will soon join the church and that their family will be a great influence for good in our ward.

CURIOSITY, KITTENS AND ETERNITY

For the last several months Allisa has been the care giver; protector and mother of our newest kitten, Chiana.

Allisa has bottle fed her when she was too little to eat (we have had her since she was 4 weeks old); gave her supplements; fed her every morning and evening; kept the litter box clean and has bathed her on several occasions. Chiana was the healthiest; cleanist cat the vet has ever seen and was impressed with how well she was taken care of.

Allisa and Chiana would often leap through the house, chasing each other. At night I would find them both curled up in bed together.

Allisa went to all the vet visits with Chiana and learned from the vet and assistants every time.

Chiana was not allowed outside. Too dangerous. If she snuck out the front one of the children or myself would race outside to snatch her up and bring her back in.

Sunday evening Victor and Andy returned from Palm Springs and the front door was left open (to cool the house down). No one saw the mini escape artist sneak out the front door.

In a very short period of time Chiana had found her way to the back yard. Not good. :(

Our very cute adorable kitty was not quick enough to escape the guard dog Sparky.

Allisa and I spent several hours in tears. And my thoughts raced to try to find a way to console her. I feared that she would ask me eternal questions that I wasn't sure that I knew the answer to. I struggled most of the night (not getting any sleep) wondering how I would answer the questions:

1) Is Chiana in heaven?
2) Will I see Chiana again?
3) Is it silly to be sad when our pets are gone?

As I sought answers in prayer simple scriptures entered my mind like soft whispers. I soon remembered that all living things existed as intelligences and then as spirits before they came to earth. I witnessed the light in Chiana vanish as she died in my arms. She would not have had that light if she did not have a spirit.

So to answer the questions of a broken hearted little girl. Yes, Chiana is in heaven and yes you will see her again. I believe life, no matter what form is of value and that when we lose a pet it is appropriate to mourn the loss.

Victor and I have allowed Allisa to keep special items that belonged to Chiana as a reminder of her sweet kitten. She has found comfort and peace in the memories and the knowledge that she will see Chiana again.

Saturday Horse Lessons

Victor had called around a couple weeks ago to find someone who could provide some training for the family on horse care and safety.

Once Victor was able to get a hold of someone he managed to make an appointment for last Saturday and the family went to Ojai. We met with a lady by the name of Melissa who runs Western Trail Riders. She spent 2 hours with us.

The kids learned how to groom and care for the horses as well as how to put on and remove the harness; lead rope and fly mask. She taught them how to lead a horse and each one of them performed each task. It was fun to observe the behavior of each child.

Evan feels comfortable around horses and performs each task with exactness.

Aislyn is extremely confident; follows instructions and is the first to volunteer to perform each task. Aislyn really enjoys being around the horses.

Allisa is not as confident and is the last to do a given task and usually allows others to perform the tasks while she sits out. We had to coax her to get in and do the work.

The experience was fun and the kids really enjoyed them selves.

We go back in two weeks for a refresher and to learn how to saddle; bridle and ride a horse.