Thank you!

This year has flown by and I cannot believe that it is over. It has been an amazing year, and one that I would not trade for anything in the world. You, the Job's Daughters of Virginia are the reason for making this the most rewarding year. I am truly thankful for your hugs, smiles and laughter.

On Friday, in our Grand Guardian Council meeting, I delivered my report on the year. I won't bore you with the entire thing - but I will share with you the Thank You's . . .

First and foremost, I want to thank the Daughters for their love and devotion to our Order. Bill has said this on a number of occasions, and it bears repeating: Without the Daughters, we’re just a bunch of adults sitting around with nothing to do. I have looked to them for inspiration throughout the year and every decision I made was done with their best interests in my heart and mind.

One of the hardest things to deal with as Grand Guardian is adults who have forgotten that this organization is about the Daughters. Sometimes those interactions left me grumpy and down. But one smile, one hug, one joke, one moment of laughter with a Daughter erased all of those negative feelings. I truly cannot express to them how much their love and support has meant to me all year.

I would not be standing here had it not be for the Daughters of Bethel 22. Bethel 22 has always been my family, when I had none. It pained me to see them struggle and know that there wasn’t much that I could really do to help them. Even though they could not travel with me as much as any of us would have liked, they were always with me in my heart. While I will miss traveling every weekend, I will be glad to getting to spend time with my girls.

Bethel 3 will always have a special place in my heart. The Daughters and adults have always welcomed me with open arms, included me in everything that they could and made me feel part of their Bethel. I will always be thankful for their friendship, hugs and loveable blond moments.

I have been privileged to travel with 5 amazing Daughters this year: Kesley Friend, Sammy Glaros, Sarah Montgomery, KC Conrad and Jessy Bradshaw. I have laughed til’ I cried with these girls and have had a great deal of fun . . .from picking on Bill on this 40^th birthday, his hair gel . . or just in general . . .to road trips and funny inside jokes . . .I have had a blast and thank them for their love and devotion to the Order. I am so glad that I got to share this amazing year with them.

As I said on Thursday night, it has been an honor and a privilege to be your Grand Guardian. My prayer for each of you is that your enthusiasm and love for Job's Daughters continues throughout your life. May you spread your wings and soar toward the heavens.

Love,

Mom Melanie <3

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Jobies tried something new this year to raise money for HIKE; instead of walking on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, we marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Norfolk. What an amazing time!!

Unfortunately, rain on the day of the HIKE event seems to be a tradition for us! Once again, it rained!! Buuuuuuuuuut, toward the end of the parade the sun came out and it was beautiful!! The Daughters had so much energy and enthusiasm for our organization as they marched in the drizzle, the downpour and the sun! :) If people don't know who the Job's Daughters are by now . . .they weren't paying attention to our cheer!!

Lunch was held at the Granby St. Lodge for everyone that attended the parade. We were treated to a great lunch and a murder mystery run by Bethel 42! Our own Dad Bill was a suspect in the case! I'm happy to report, he didn't do it! :) Oh! and this lunch had by far the LARGEST Ziki Ziki Zar game I've ever seen!!! (okay, no one really knows how to spell the name of that cup game . . .if you know, enlighten us!!)

With full bellies . . .we were all ready to crash! Many of us were fortunate enough to catch a quick nap before heading back over to Granby St. for the dance and awards ceremony! Dad Bill and I handed out awards . . . .for Jobie spirit!, the Ziki Ziki Zar contest, the Daughters that raised the most money and the Bethels that raised the most money. I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet . . .there were a few Bethel Guardians that couldn't make it to the dance and I know their Bethels would rather tell them what they won!! :)

Are you ready for the total amount raised?!

Drum roll, please . . . . . . .

Almost $10,000!!!!!!!!!

YAY!!! VIRGINIA JOBIES YOU. ARE. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dad Bill and I are so proud of you!!!! :)

Sunday morning Mom Ann led us all in a worship service that focused on letting our light shine in Job's Daughters. But, it's not just about letting our God-given talents shine; it's also about letting the light of Job's Daughters shine in us so that others can see what a fantastic organization we all belong to!


Thank you to Mom Vickie and the HIKE Committee for making this weekend so much fun for everyone! It was a challenge trying something new and y'all hit it out of the ballpark!! :)

Most importantly, thank you to those who contributed and participated in this year's HIKE. By donating your time and money, you helped make someone's life a little easier and a little brighter.

Didn't get a chance to give money to HIKE yet? There's an opportunity this weekend in Richmond! Join us for a HIKE dance! Want more information? Just ask!!

See y'all soon!
Mom Melanie

Down to the wire on CAV Training!!!

Hey everyone!!!

You have another chance to become a Certified Adult Volunteer for Job's Daughters of Virginia!!

March 28th of 2010 at Arlington Masonic Temple (Also known as the place Bethel 1 Meets).

The address is 1 South George Mason Drive Arlington, Virginia.

Registration starts at 7:30 AM!!! Class starts at 8 AM Prompt, Don't be late!!

A Fundraiser lunch will be served for $5/person!


While this session is not mandatory, being a CAV is, if you want too work with the Daughters in any official capacity!!

We hope to see everyone that still needs to take care of this then!!!

Dad Bill
Associate Grand Guardian
Job's Daughters of Virginia

A Visit to Maryland

Well, hello everyone!! Long time no post!! I hope that you are keeping warm this winter and if you were "fortunate" enough to get a bunch of snow this season, I hope that you survived it all and have successfully shoveled out.

A week after our pageant, Dad Bill and I paid a visit to Maryland for their Pageant and Supreme Visitation. We were joined by KC and Jessy, our new Misses, and their families. Also making the trip were Mom Pam, Dad Major and Colonel Bob.

I had the TOUGH job of being a judge at the Pageant. Each one of those girls were fabulous and it was so difficult to make a decision! But, at the end of the night Miss Kara Jordan was crowned the new Miss Job's Daughter! Amanda Crockett, the reigning Miss Congeniality of Maryland, had the pleasure of announcing her little sister Courtney as the new Miss Congeniality of Maryland!

Maryland is all about the food and the Holiday Ball after the pageant didn't disappoint! There was food, music, dancing . . . . and SANTA CLAUS!!! Yes, for a small fee you could have your picture taken with Santa!!

The next day was Maryland's Supreme Visitation with Mom Elaine and Dad Dave. Their meeting was held at the Grand Lodge of Maryland and if you've never been there, you need to visit. The building is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen. The Daughters of Maryland did a fantastic ritual meeting and some awards were given out for various contests.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Maryland . . .make plans! A visit is always a good time!!!

Peace out!
~*~Mom Melanie~*~

Flat Bill Takes a Vacation

After our pageant in Williamsburg, Flat Bill decided that he needed some time off. We're not sure who he paid off, but now he's in the great state of Delaware. He's attended the Supreme dinner in their jurisdiction and a host of other events! We have yet to see pictures of his great adventure, but I'm sure he'll be willing to share them with everyone once he returns.

Make sure you drop him a line on Facebook - let him know how much we miss seeing him in Virginia!

~*~Mom Melanie~*~

Pageant!

Ah, a Virginia tradition . . .Pageant Weekend and Thanksgiving Weekend!

This year's pageant was held in Williamsburg at the Crowne Plaza. There was a FANTASTIC Hospitality room, thanks to Mom TJ! If anyone went hungry, it was their own fault! There was so much food . . .and, from what I understand, always a game going on in there. I heard Bop It! and Apples to Apples was pretty popular.

On Friday, the Candidates had their various competitions: written ritual, oral ritual and interviews! The Alternates also took the written ritual test - but they had a music rehearsal! That even Kelsey and Sammy hosted a dinner for the Candidates, Alternates, Judges, Pageant Committee and the rest of us folk! We were joined by The Supremes (no, not the group): Mom Elaine, Dad Dave, Ana K, Arielle and Mom Melanie (that got a little confusing . . .)

On Saturday, while the Candidates and Alternates were in their rehearsal, Dad Bill and I took The Supremes on a tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Dad Bill acted as our tour guide and we saw such as things as The Field of No Significance. And we saw where Robert lived, and James and whoever else Dad Bill made up. :)

Saturday night was the Formal Banquet . . . and it was yummy! I'm always thrilled when the dinner is something that I can eat (the perk of being GG: you get to pick the meals!) After the banquet Dad Bill, Mom Elaine and I went to visit the Candidates and Alternates. I gave an impromptu concert (I sang "Taylor the Latte Boy") . . .

Then . . .SHOW TIME! Mom Sarah Duke was our MC and she introduced each of the Candidates and Alternates . . .which is always one of my favorite parts. I like learning about you girls!

Sadly, I don't remember the order of the pageant itself . . .

Sammy and Kelsey both gave their final remarks. Sammy brought up such things like the time we (Dad Bill, Sammy, Kelsey and I) were in the car coming back from Conclave and both girls were yelling "My Grands scare me!" as other cars passed . . . .To be fair, Dad Bill and I were tired and punchy. Kelsey, I must say: that's the first time I've been referred to as the "Woman Behind the Shoes." ha ha ha ha - loved it!

Some awards were given out . . .I believe Karen-Anne from 55 sold the most ads for the booklet, Angela from 7 earned a perfect score on the spoken ritual and KC from 52 earned the award for the highest score on the written ritual test.

The finalists were announced and they were taken to a sound-proof room . . .and one by one they were brought out to answer the final question. The final question was about Thanksgiving and what we are thankful for.

It was time for the announcement of Miss Congeniality. Dad Bill and I joined the Daughters on the stage . . .(drum roll!). . .Jessyca from 42!!! YEAH!!!

Now . . .for the big stuff . .

4th runner up: Ashlee from 46
3rd runner up: Angela from 7
2nd runner up: Alyssa from 3
1st runner up: Amanda from 53
Miss Job's Daughter: KC from 52

After the Pageant was a dance . . .and we were treated to lots of dancing by The Supremes! And trust me, there was LOTS of dancing!

Many of us had to get up bright and early the next morning for the Supreme Visitation rehearsal . . .after the rehearsal Mom Ann, our Grand Chaplain, lead us in a moving worship service and presented a message of thankfulness.

Literally, right after the service was over, the Supreme Visitation began. We carried on the tradition and the HQs of 2009-2010 made up the members of the Bethel. Kerry from 22 and Alyssa from 3 were the presiding HQs and they did a FANTASTIC job! We performed the Obligation Ceremony for the ceremony. What an honor for me to kneel before the altar and deliver the Obligation to the members of Job's Daughters. Kaylee from 1 sang "I Have a Dream" for the Librarian's Report and moved many of us to tears - it was beautiful. The meeting closed with the Cross - and it was gorgeous!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this such an enjoyable weekend for everyone! It takes a lot of people to put on the Pageant Weekend -- the next time you see them, make sure you say thank you! They did an AMAZING job!!

We're coming up on Installation season . . . . who knows? Perhaps Dad Bill or I or both us will show up at yours!!!

Peace out!
Mom Melanie :)

Bethel 1's Newest "Member"

I attended Bethel 1's meeting last night. They were supposed to initiate one new member, but unfortunately she had to cancel at the last minute. The Daughters were prepared for an initiation, so it was decided that mock initiation would be done. But where to find a candidate to "initiate?" They looked no further than yours truly . . .

I quietly and stealthily slipped out of the room - only the Guide and Marshal noticed! I waited in the Preparation Room for the ceremony of initiation to begin. You should have heard the laughter on the sidelines and the looks on the Daughters' faces when I walked into the room behind the Guide!

Ladies, you did a great job - considering you were "initiating" your Grand Guardian! You did a great job keeping your composure (many of you wanted to laugh, I know!) . . . .but I think you enjoyed calling me a "pilgrim" just a little *too* much!!

Remarks became a little awkward when I realized the first thing that I wanted to do was welcome the new member . . .so I welcomed myself and I promised to put into Jobies what I would get out of it . . .

I did get to watch the Closing Cross from the East, which is one of my favorite things! Thank you Mom Sherry for allowing me to close the Bethel -- nothing cooler than that!

You know, it's funny . . .Many times the Grand Guardian is given an Honorary Membership by the Daughters of a Bethel . . .They usually don't "initiate" their Grand Guardian! :)

It was definitely a memorable experience!!

Our next event is Grand Lodge in Richmond . . .wish Kelsey, Dad Bill & I luck!! We'll update you soon!!

Peace out!
Mom Melanie :)