Sharon Masonic Lodge was packed with Jobies on Saturday, Sept 26. That's something that hasn't happened in quite some time and it was amazing to see! Thank you to all the Daughters who came out on a rainy afternoon to visit and support Bethels 1 and 52; and thank you to the adults for driving them! Seeing the sidelines packed is beyond phenomenal. I cannot tell you how much it means to Dad Bill and I to see the Daughters so enthusiastic about supporting each other! Your enthusiasm drives our excitement through the roof! We cannot thank you enough!
The theme was about Big Ideas . . .and big dreams! For their ceremony the Daughters told Dad Bill and I what their big dreams were. We loved hearing about how you all want to make a difference in the world through music, medicine, etc. Oh yes, and there was even a mention of Dad Bill and his hair gel (nice job, Kaitlyn!)
The favors were VeggieTales fruit snacks (yum!) -- which, HQ Kaylee explained later -- fit in with the Big Ideas them, as VeggieTales is a product of a company called Big Idea Productions!
Kelsey's remarks were based on the Dr. Seuss book Oh the Thinks You Can Think, and she inspired the Daughters to make things happen. She reminded them that they have a voice, and it is the most precious thing.
The Closing Cross was a remarkable sight - there were 20 Daughters on the floor. Seeing so many white robes in the closing was beautiful.
The best part, of course, is after the GV when the Daughters get to dress us up! Dad Bill, or should I say, Father Tanous, was dressed up like a priest and yours truly, was a nun. I came back into the Bethel, dressed up and singing "The Sound of Music." Oh, and thank you ladies, for the hair gel. I'll keep in my bag for Dad Bill's hair gel emergencies! :)
Thank you to Bethels 1 and 52 for such a wonderful afternoon! And, thank you for the lunch/dinner at the reception! Dad Bill and I appreciate all the hard work that went into making the afternoon such a special one for all of us!
Looking forward to seeing you all very soon!
Peace out!
Mom Melanie <3
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Annual Meeting & CAV Training!!!
Wow - what an awesome weekend! We had a fantastic turnout at this year's Annual Meeting and Certified Adult Volunteer Training! We had almost 100 people for Saturday's meeting and over 150 people for the training! Thank you to EVERYONE for attending both functions!
Saturday's meeting opened with some committee reports on things like HIKE and Pageant and some general announcements. Dad Bill led our adults in an activity about interacting and working with people with different personalities than our own . . . .The teams of adults had to build a structure that would withstand my copy of the Constitution and Bylaws being dropped on it. One group was nice enough to build Flat Bill a house. :D
Lunch was provided by the HIKE Committee - thank you guys so much!! It was delicious!!! Y'all did a fantastic job!
After lunch we had some breakout sessions. Bethels rotated through three sessions: Building Your Bethel, Communication and Investigating Masonic Relationships. Thank you to Mom Stephanie, Dad Justin, Dad Grayson and Dad Bruce for leading those sessions. The day ended with one last session, designed to teach the respective council members about their positions. Thank you to Dad Bill, Mom Pat, Dad Coley, Dad Rob, Dad James and Mom Valorie for running those sessions!
Thank you to Mom Amanda for planning a trip out to a fantastic restaurant on Saturday night. Those that were able to attend enjoyed a yummy Italian dinner at Pronto Restaurant in Richmond.
Sunday morning we all met at the Scottish Rite to receive information and training on how to become a Certified Adult Volunteer for our Order. Our trainer, Mom Shelly of Utah, did a fantastic job! Not only was she extremely knowledgeable, but she was engaging and entertaining! I know that I learned a lot!!
Thank you to everyone who attended and made it so successful!
Melanie<3
Saturday's meeting opened with some committee reports on things like HIKE and Pageant and some general announcements. Dad Bill led our adults in an activity about interacting and working with people with different personalities than our own . . . .The teams of adults had to build a structure that would withstand my copy of the Constitution and Bylaws being dropped on it. One group was nice enough to build Flat Bill a house. :D
Lunch was provided by the HIKE Committee - thank you guys so much!! It was delicious!!! Y'all did a fantastic job!
After lunch we had some breakout sessions. Bethels rotated through three sessions: Building Your Bethel, Communication and Investigating Masonic Relationships. Thank you to Mom Stephanie, Dad Justin, Dad Grayson and Dad Bruce for leading those sessions. The day ended with one last session, designed to teach the respective council members about their positions. Thank you to Dad Bill, Mom Pat, Dad Coley, Dad Rob, Dad James and Mom Valorie for running those sessions!
Thank you to Mom Amanda for planning a trip out to a fantastic restaurant on Saturday night. Those that were able to attend enjoyed a yummy Italian dinner at Pronto Restaurant in Richmond.
Sunday morning we all met at the Scottish Rite to receive information and training on how to become a Certified Adult Volunteer for our Order. Our trainer, Mom Shelly of Utah, did a fantastic job! Not only was she extremely knowledgeable, but she was engaging and entertaining! I know that I learned a lot!!
Thank you to everyone who attended and made it so successful!
Melanie<3
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Grand Visitation with Bethels 13 and 39!
It's ME again!
Guess what? We had a BLAST at the Grand Visitation in Yorktown!
The Honored Queens were lovely, and the Daughters did a great job ritualisticly!
There were sooo many people there that they had to bring in extra chairs!!
It was a WONDERFUL problem to have, and I know that Mom Melanie and I hope that keeps happening as we travel around the state!
So all you Associate Bethel Guardians out there better make sure you have spare chairs handy!
And even though somehow, hair gel got mentioned again :), the ceremony was really great!
I taught everyone some Danish in my remarks, and Mom Melanie sang! I liked it so much, I might try it sometime!
Afterwards, the Daughters dressed Mom Melanie as the shepheard and I was the sheep! I liked that MUCH better! And now I have a nice warm Sheep Suit to keep me warm this winter! :)
When we finally made it downstairs there was a very nice cake for Mom Melanie and everyone sang happy birthday to her! In all the excitement of cake, a certain Bethel Council Member who shall not be named (Dad Russ) locked his car keys safely in his van! Unfortunately, he didn't lock anyone else in there with them, and we had to find a way to "rescue" his keys!
Fortunately, Dad Bill and Mom Virginia were on the case and we were able to "manage" to unlock the van and "rescue" the keys, and Dad Russ! It was all very exciting and just a little bit silly! Ok, a LOT!
And once all us adults survive Adult Leadership (not quite as much fun as Leadership in the spring), it will be on to more Grand Visitations and the Honored Queen/Master Councilor/Worthy Advisors Ball!
See you soon around the state!
Dad Bill
Guess what? We had a BLAST at the Grand Visitation in Yorktown!
The Honored Queens were lovely, and the Daughters did a great job ritualisticly!
There were sooo many people there that they had to bring in extra chairs!!
It was a WONDERFUL problem to have, and I know that Mom Melanie and I hope that keeps happening as we travel around the state!
So all you Associate Bethel Guardians out there better make sure you have spare chairs handy!
And even though somehow, hair gel got mentioned again :), the ceremony was really great!
I taught everyone some Danish in my remarks, and Mom Melanie sang! I liked it so much, I might try it sometime!
Afterwards, the Daughters dressed Mom Melanie as the shepheard and I was the sheep! I liked that MUCH better! And now I have a nice warm Sheep Suit to keep me warm this winter! :)
When we finally made it downstairs there was a very nice cake for Mom Melanie and everyone sang happy birthday to her! In all the excitement of cake, a certain Bethel Council Member who shall not be named (Dad Russ) locked his car keys safely in his van! Unfortunately, he didn't lock anyone else in there with them, and we had to find a way to "rescue" his keys!
Fortunately, Dad Bill and Mom Virginia were on the case and we were able to "manage" to unlock the van and "rescue" the keys, and Dad Russ! It was all very exciting and just a little bit silly! Ok, a LOT!
And once all us adults survive Adult Leadership (not quite as much fun as Leadership in the spring), it will be on to more Grand Visitations and the Honored Queen/Master Councilor/Worthy Advisors Ball!
See you soon around the state!
Dad Bill
Dad Bill invades NOVA and visits Bethel 22
Hi! It's me again! :)
This time I drove really, really far and braved the traffic of Northern Virginia to see Bethel 22!
Since it was a holiday weekend and I was off the next day, it made it the perfect time to run up there and visit!
For those who don't know, Bethel 22 meets in the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Arlington. It is this really huge building full of all sorts of cool Masonic information! I really like going there and just wanding around. And since I started college as a History Major (there was a lot less of it when I started college!), it is a great place to explore!
There were a LOT of cars there and it made me wonder if they knew I was coming! But it wasn't for me, there was a wedding reception happening! They were having a lot of fun, and almost as loud as Jobies are when having fun! :)
The meeting was really good! Their Secretary reads faster than even I can talk! It was very impressive!
And then I learned a really neat idea that I hope lots of Bethels hear about and use! They were making gift baskets for the newly raised Master Masons at a nearby Lodge. This was to welcome them to the Masonic Family, and also to let them know about Job's Daughters. I think it is a great way to welcome new Masons, and to promote Job's Daughters!
After the meeting was over, there were some refreshments, and cupcakes! I like cupcakes too!
Then I hit the road and drove home to spend Labor Day playing with my daughters and trying to avoid any sort of actual labor! :)
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and Summer!
Dad Bill
This time I drove really, really far and braved the traffic of Northern Virginia to see Bethel 22!
Since it was a holiday weekend and I was off the next day, it made it the perfect time to run up there and visit!
For those who don't know, Bethel 22 meets in the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Arlington. It is this really huge building full of all sorts of cool Masonic information! I really like going there and just wanding around. And since I started college as a History Major (there was a lot less of it when I started college!), it is a great place to explore!
There were a LOT of cars there and it made me wonder if they knew I was coming! But it wasn't for me, there was a wedding reception happening! They were having a lot of fun, and almost as loud as Jobies are when having fun! :)
The meeting was really good! Their Secretary reads faster than even I can talk! It was very impressive!
And then I learned a really neat idea that I hope lots of Bethels hear about and use! They were making gift baskets for the newly raised Master Masons at a nearby Lodge. This was to welcome them to the Masonic Family, and also to let them know about Job's Daughters. I think it is a great way to welcome new Masons, and to promote Job's Daughters!
After the meeting was over, there were some refreshments, and cupcakes! I like cupcakes too!
Then I hit the road and drove home to spend Labor Day playing with my daughters and trying to avoid any sort of actual labor! :)
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and Summer!
Dad Bill
Dad Bill visits Bethel 53
Hey!!
It's Dad Bill and I know you have been anxiously awaiting the next blog as we journey around here and there!
Today's adventure begins with me traveling to Richmond! I went to see Bethel 53! And guess what? I DIDN"T GET LOST! :)
They had a great meeting! The Daughters were all real excited that Flat Bill came along to keep me company! They had the Worshipful Master there and several members of the Lodge. It was very nice seeing my fellow Masons out supporting the youth!
And best of all, a petition was read! Way to go!!!
Afterwards they had cake! I like cake! :) But I couldn't stay long as it was a bit of a drive home back to Norfolk! :(
See you around the state!
Dad Bill
It's Dad Bill and I know you have been anxiously awaiting the next blog as we journey around here and there!
Today's adventure begins with me traveling to Richmond! I went to see Bethel 53! And guess what? I DIDN"T GET LOST! :)
They had a great meeting! The Daughters were all real excited that Flat Bill came along to keep me company! They had the Worshipful Master there and several members of the Lodge. It was very nice seeing my fellow Masons out supporting the youth!
And best of all, a petition was read! Way to go!!!
Afterwards they had cake! I like cake! :) But I couldn't stay long as it was a bit of a drive home back to Norfolk! :(
See you around the state!
Dad Bill
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Safari Park!!
The day after the GV we all went to the Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge. After having a little bit of fun in the gift shop to start, everyone got a bucket of food and piled into two wagons . . . .and then we were off to feed the animals!
We fed llamas, ostriches (they bite . . .just as Mom Robin!), camels . . .and some creepy looking animal with this weird tongue. There were a bunch of other animals throughout the trail that we got to feed. Along the way a few of us lost our buckets to the animals . . .Dad Koogle lost his hat (don't worry, we got it back) and some of us were brave enough to pet some of the animals!
The girls in my wagon decided it was a good idea to sing . . .they serenaded the animals (and people too!) with "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata."
There were other animals to visit after our wagon ride . . .we met and fed a few goats, saw some kangaroos . . .We tried to feed the giraffes, but I guess they weren't very hungry.
Hope y'all had fun . . .I know Dad Bill and I did!
Peace out!
Mom Melanie <3
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Our first GV!!
Our first GV was at Bethel 7's. I was blown away at how wonderful the evening was and how many people were there! The sidelines were packed! :)
The ceremony the Daughters performed as, in short, AWESOME! They shared with everyone several of the different lessons that can be learned from VeggieTales. They included some of our favorites including Where's God When I'm Scared? (one of my favorites!) and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (Dad Bill "watched" the Jonah Movie that day). They even serenaded us with the VeggieTales theme song!
Dad Bill presented HQ Morgan with a beautiful certificate from us. I presented Morgan with a gift and if you want t know what it is, you'll have to come to the next GV to see it! It's AMAZING! We were surprised when Morgan presented us with gifts: a book of Bible stories starring those loveable veggies from VeggieTales . . . .a sheep for me . . .and for Dad Bill . . . Hair Gel (classic!)
The Closing Cross was gorgeous - and you haven't seen anything until you've the cross from the East.
Now that all that was out of the way . . . .it was time to dress us up! I was a sheep to Dad Bill's Bo Peep (ha ha ha ha ha!) They even gave him a shepherd's staff.
Kelsey, Sammy and Sarah gave out travel awards . . .Bethel 42 took 1st place for Distance and Jobie Miles, while Bethel 3 took first place for Most Daughters. Thank you to Bethels 1, 52 and 53 for traveling to the GV. Because all of you were there it made the evening even more fun!
And, of course, what GV would be complete without food?! Oooooh . . .the table decorations (made my BG Ashley's mom) were Veggies with eyes! I'm pretty sure Mom Christi got a picture of them . . .they were too cool!!
Thank you, again, to EVERYONE for coming to the GV! It was fantastic to see so many people there. We love to see the sidelines filled -- so, Daughters -- plan to do lots of more traveling!! You don't want to miss all the fun we're gonna have!!! :)
Peace out! <3
Mom Melanie
The ceremony the Daughters performed as, in short, AWESOME! They shared with everyone several of the different lessons that can be learned from VeggieTales. They included some of our favorites including Where's God When I'm Scared? (one of my favorites!) and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (Dad Bill "watched" the Jonah Movie that day). They even serenaded us with the VeggieTales theme song!
Dad Bill presented HQ Morgan with a beautiful certificate from us. I presented Morgan with a gift and if you want t know what it is, you'll have to come to the next GV to see it! It's AMAZING! We were surprised when Morgan presented us with gifts: a book of Bible stories starring those loveable veggies from VeggieTales . . . .a sheep for me . . .and for Dad Bill . . . Hair Gel (classic!)
The Closing Cross was gorgeous - and you haven't seen anything until you've the cross from the East.
Now that all that was out of the way . . . .it was time to dress us up! I was a sheep to Dad Bill's Bo Peep (ha ha ha ha ha!) They even gave him a shepherd's staff.
Kelsey, Sammy and Sarah gave out travel awards . . .Bethel 42 took 1st place for Distance and Jobie Miles, while Bethel 3 took first place for Most Daughters. Thank you to Bethels 1, 52 and 53 for traveling to the GV. Because all of you were there it made the evening even more fun!
And, of course, what GV would be complete without food?! Oooooh . . .the table decorations (made my BG Ashley's mom) were Veggies with eyes! I'm pretty sure Mom Christi got a picture of them . . .they were too cool!!
Thank you, again, to EVERYONE for coming to the GV! It was fantastic to see so many people there. We love to see the sidelines filled -- so, Daughters -- plan to do lots of more traveling!! You don't want to miss all the fun we're gonna have!!! :)
Peace out! <3
Mom Melanie
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