Author: runlittlejo

I went to pick up Lex from voices lessons on Tuesday and drove past this house on the way. In a life that is fast paced, sometimes serious, and focused, this was a welcome sight! I had to stop and take a picture because it made me laugh out loud for a few minutes and then again at the memory of it, and now again as I see the picture. The greatest thing about this story is that I had to drive that road again today. I looked for the lamb and noticed the witch is gone, but a scarecrow is taking a ride now! Hilarious! I wish I would have taken time for a picture! These people make my days. I'm hoping for Santa at Christmas time.

What the World needs now are… builders!

Today I was able to have an experience that leaves me with this realization: we need more “builders” in the world – and on a more personal note, closer to my home, in fact a 2-mile radius would be nice! 🙂

I am writing this entry as therapy to work through a crazy experience I had today….

I remember a talk or quote given at some church function, that I cannot now remember who to give rightful credit. It makes me sad because I would love to reread it now. I was left with the thought at the time of hearing it, that we as people need to, “seek to be a builder and not to destroy”. I tried lds.org to find the talk, and struck out.  I’m sure if I dig a little deeper I’ll find it, maybe someone out there can help?

This morning I was torn down and then spit out like mush. My feelings were tender. I felt like a little girl that was getting in trouble for something I didn’t even do.  I was misunderstood in the middle of a thought and not given a chance to explain in fullness before I was curtly interrupted with a 5-minute verbal beating. I didn’t like it, who would? I can’t remember ever having someone “get in my face” (even though it was over the phone) like this – and especially concerning my calling; a calling I didn’t solicit for myself, but accepted from the Lord. I had a pit in my stomach and felt so dark with sadness. I pleaded to heaven for help to know what to do and say, and to try to take my personal feelings out of the equation. It was hard and I’m sure I could have said things that were better! I bet this is what it feels like to be a missionary on an everyday occasion.

We all have these kinds of experiences once in a while and it makes us appreciate the “builders” – the people who see the glass half full.  I love to be around people who are positive and energized in good things, comments, and thoughts. It builds me and makes happy. It motivates me to become better. I need people like that in my life and gravitate toward people like this. I love my husband, Stephen, for it because he is a builder in word and deed. It has to be one of the reasons I married him. I know he learned a lot of this vision from his dad, who is also a builder in both aspects as well!

For now it is up to me to be a big girl & learn how to LOVE the "destroyer" in this occasion – even when it feels hard. I am grateful to my Savior who was a perfect example in this. It makes it easier to not  feel as selfish and self-reflective in my deflated state when I consider that I have a brother who was beat, spit upon, wrongly accused, and crucified because of “destroying” mentalities. Now, I am not trying to compare my incident to that of the Savior, because my little trial is a grain of sand to that (even less); but my thoughts turn to him now and I am reverenced at the magnitude of his love as he exclaimed with nailed hands & feet on his cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Perhaps I was given this experience to help strengthen my testimony in him and understand the love he has for ALL of us – builders & destroyers? For me that is enough and I can now let this rest with that knowledge.

The answer I prayed for and received as I have written this : Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly to. When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.

Stephen and I just returned from a delightful vacation to Washington DC. I said it more than once to him while we were there, "this may be my favorite vacation". It was a beautiful time of year, it was good company, it was a much needed break from a full and eventful summer, it was relaxing, it was historical, & it was almost free! These all compounded into my possible favorite vacation thus far.

When Stephen told me he would be going to DC for a OP Network Convention this past July, I jokingly asked if I could come because DC has been on my bucket list for years. As in true Stephen fashion, he found a way to make it happen. "Yes" to sky miles! "Yes" to asking parents for babysitting help. "Yes" to the calendar without any conflicts.

He left on Sunday, August 28. I left on the following Wednesday. His meetings were over on Thursday afternoon. We were home by 9 pm on Saturday, September 3. It was fast and furious and lots and lots of fun!

When I got into town, Stephen met me at the metro and we headed to our hotel to drop off my bags. He informed me that he was able to get me a nametag and guest pass to attend all of the meals with opnet. We ate well – it was fancy. The hotel we stayed at was probably the nicest I have ever stayed in – there were even white bathrobes in the closet. 🙂 It was conveniently located near to the national mall and enabled us to walk (a few miles) to our desired destinations and Smithsonian museum visits. It was also near a metro stop for the more distant tourist sites!

Wednesday night after a great dinner, we headed toward the national mall and ended up by the capital. We were entertained by the "President's own marine band" playing out in front of the capital. It was awesome! The reflecting pool was beautiful and I loved the cultural that surrounded me everywhere I turned. 

Thursday morning, I was able to go to the Holocaust Museum and Bureau of Engraving and Printing while Stephen attended his last classes. I walked pass the Washington Monument and found out it was closed to public because of the earthquake. I headed up the street and noticed that the Engraving and Printing Bureau was open before the Holocaust museum and decided, since I had the time while waiting, that I would check it out. I went on a great tour of how paper money is made. Did you know that our bills are made from 25% linen and 75% cotton with synthetic fibers woven into them? I didn't! 

I have always had a tender spot in my heart for Holocaust literature and found myself very moved as I walked through the museum. It was a very somber and reverent place for me as I peered at the card of the person I was going through the museum to remember. I am amazed at the courage and faith these victims faced the brutality of Hitler's regime.

After I ate lunch with Stephen and met some of his friends, we headed out to see a bunch of Smithsonian Museums … Air and Space Museum, American History, and walked past the White House. After that we traveled by metro to ward the DC LDS Temple. We were prepared to walk 1-2 miles to the temple from the metro, but were more than excited when we saw across the street a little bus that said – LDS Temple. We crossed the street and found out that it is a new thing the temple is offering to patrons. The bus waits indefinitely at this location until it has some people to take to the temple. We were able to do a session. It was a special experience and so wonderful to see this beautiful temple at night.

Next morning we woke up to a full day planned! We first rode the metro out to Arlington Cemetery. We watched the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown solider and it was very cool. They have been changing guards 24 hours a day, every day of the year for 90 years! That is quite astounding to think about and very neat. We also walked over to the Iwo Jima Monument and took some pictures.

Stephen was super excited to walk to the "Red, Hot and Blue" BBQ joint for lunch. It ended up being quite a trek, but well worth it. On the way there I learned, from my mom, that JT had been to the doctor and diagnosed with Reactive Airway Disease. I owe my parents a lot for all of the help they give to us! She has been a special care giver to JT in his recent times of need twice now – I am just glad that this time she didn't have to put him on an ambulance, like when I was at girls camp a month ago! Crazy times. Thank heaven for cell phones and credit cards and modern conveniences, we were able to help get the nebulizer he needs.

After lunch and JT's medical needs, we hopped back onto the subway and headed toward National Archives, The Library of Congress, and Museum of Natural History. National Archives was very cool – to get to see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. The Library of Congress was equally amazing! I was fascinated with all of the quotes everywhere I turned. The building that houses the largest book collection in the world was somewhere I could spend days. Museum of Natural History was also interesting – like everything else! The Hope diamond, dinosaur hall, and Neanderthal/homosapian displays were my favorites. I was sooo pooped after all of that, that I couldn't even think of trying to hit anymore monuments like we had planned. So I talked Stephen into dinner and a shorter walk to visit a few stores that I remembered Stacie recommending from her and Paige's DC trip. We also walked past the Ford Theater and remembered where President Lincoln was assassinated. We came home and packed our bags for home and set our alarm clock early enough that we could walk to see the last of the monuments before our flight home @ 1pm.

Saturday morning, we woke up and headed toward Lincoln memorial – about a 2 mile walk one way from our hotel. It was definitely worth the wait and a special way to end our wonderful trip. This statue is much larger than I expected and the quotes surrounding Pres. Lincoln, including the Gettysburg address, were humbling. Our country was so blessed to have such a leader as Abraham Lincoln. For me, witnessing this monument as well as Thomas Jefferson's was very spiritual. The vision and inspiration that evoked from these men (as well as George Washington) is something that I reverence and honor being an American citizen. It is very apparent that they were spiritual men who looked to God and recognized His hand in all things. They weren't in the political business for the glory & power – we need more men like that today in our country! We also walked through Franklin Delanoe Roosevelt's memorial. I gained a greater appreciation for this president. He seemed to lead with common sense and be driven for the common good of the people as he led the country through the Great Depression and on as he sat in a wheel chair. Amazing quotes come from this man and were etched in stone there. The newest monument in DC is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Just like the other men talked about before, I appreciate his "dream" and hope he had for the future. The day in which we now live.

After writing all of this down, I'm ready to go back! Loved this vacation!!!!! 

Hike to 4th of July Lake – missing my sister and mom here! Brad, Dad, Scott, Eric, and me

I just returned home last night from a wonderful reunion with my extended Baldwin family – the family I grew up with. This year we went to Stanley, ID. It was a beautiful place to behold.

As I've been attending various events with my brothers and sister and their families over the year – this weekend included, I have been paying attention to my inner self. I've been trying to make sense out of my identity and role as a sister. Sometimes amidst the busy days of life, I forget that I am a sister. I begin to live as if my role as a sister is more past tense than present or future. So I'm left to wonder, what is my purpose now in this family that I grew up in, how do I fit in with my extended family as I bring my own growing family and husband along, how am I assessed by extended family as they see me more rarely than often? What kind of impression do I leave when we all depart large family gatherings?

Do they know of my concern for each of them and their children? Do they realize how much I care about what happens to them personally? Do they understand how important they still are to me in my life? I'm for sure that I am NOT good at communicating effectively or clearly all of those feelings, especially in such a short and sporadic time such as a weekend. I hope that layers upon layers over the process of a lifetime will suffice. The demands and schedules of my own immediate families needs feel hard enough to keep up with right now, but I'm discovering that my care and concern is still there for my siblings who've helped me become the person I am today. I fear that my desires and actions of expression are not evenly matched up at this point.

All of us have obviously moved on down life's trail – getting married, having children, learning to stay tough through trials and disappointment, & rejoicing in moments of bliss. We no longer have the same relationships we did when we lived behind the walls of our old Burton home. I no longer hear the rock music blasting from my oldest brother, Brad's, radio, I don't get to share a bedroom with my big sister, Michelle, anymore. I'm not getting rides to school with my brother Eric, or singing songs at the piano with Scott very often these days. What I find interesting is that although these relationships have changed out of necessity of growing older, the feeling of being a little sister remains in tact. Because of my little sister role, I think I will always be seeking approval, validation, and advice from all of the above persons mentioned the rest of my life. Is it a bad thing? I realize now that each of us siblings have many different ideals, approaches, and pressures to living life, but I also understand now that different doesn't necessarily mean better or worse.

My hope is that I can be good enough, that I can make them proud, that they will feel unconditionally loved by me, that I can bring honor to our family name. Because out of all of the people in the entire universe, Heavenly Father sent the five of us, in our mortal state, to GET be called FaMiLy.

Comments:

Stephen said…

Very well put, I feel the same way in my family. So it must be right 🙂
Monday, August 22, 2011 2:16:00 PM

Michelle said…

Great thoughts-I can sure do better in that department.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:25:12 AM

Magan said…

You are the real deal Jodi! A wonderful example to us all. Thank for all you do.
Thursday, August 25, 2011 7:07:55 PM

Not board games. Not card games. Not party games. Not video games. Not sports games. Not even Olympic games.

No, the games I'm thinking about are the silly games people play with each other. The mind games. The reading between the lines games. The subliminal and obscure meanings and messages people send out. I'm calling them the people games. Sometimes we transition from acting grown up to reverting back into a child like state. I am a people watcher and have noticed. I am a person and have played.

Like…Have you ever been in a store and seen someone you know and purposefully turn and go the other direction so they won't see you? Like….being disappointed and hurt, acting like it isn't a big deal to the person who hurt us – and then holding a grudge (sometimes for years!) And what is the silent treatment all about, what does it accomplish?

Why do we sometimes play crazy emotional games with each other? Why can't we all just be real? Do we sometimes feel afraid that people won't like the "real us"? Are we so confused with our own selves that we don't expect anyone to "get" us? Do we choose to make our previous comments or choices (or even others) enslave us and live up to the person we think people expect us to be? Why is it easier at sometimes to give someone the "benefit of the doubt", and also on the other hand, find it such a natural reaction to be critical or judgmental of others? Is it possible that we build unnecessary fences so high that we can't climb over them?

I've been there, done that, still DO that! Why?! It is silly. It is pointless. It hurts us and the people around us. It limits us. It confines and sentences us to feelings of sadness.

Here is something I've noticed for myself about playing these kind of people games. I'm thinking way too much about myself! When I am earnestly (not casually) seeking to be Christlike, actively seeking to think, act, become like Him the Game is Over! It is a powerful force to recon with – that kind of pure Love!

And just to throw it out there – this rambling is to be taken at face value. No people games being played here….:)

Comments:

Stephen said…

Great point. Amen!
Friday, July 22, 2011 8:25:01 AM

Ri Ri said…

In church today we talked about being optimistic during our lesson. I think part of that is being open and willing to be there. We all need to try to have a good and strong relationship with each other as a family and also with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. We need to be happy and willing and that way we will have more opportunities and friends.
Sunday, July 24, 2011 5:20:36 PM

We did it!

Today I was able to enjoy a beautiful day running in the Teton Dam Half Marathon. I really enjoyed it and felt so great when I crossed the finish line. I set this goal for myself back in January and more than a few times didn't know if it would really happen. I am so glad it all worked out! It felt good to accomplish my goal.

For a person who claims to NOT be a "runner", I've decided to own up to the fact that I guess I like to run (on most days). I especially love to run next to a green field with a blue sky and marvelous clouds above me. I love this world and the beauty that surrounds me here in my neck of the woods. My soul yearns for it.

I also appreciate and cherish the friendships that I've been able to make as I do my "time" training. My current/recent running friend is a great person that I've met as we've served on the Stake Girls Camp Board. I call her my little tender mercy. In the early spring I was a very sad, cynical, and disheartened person who was frustrated with her current lack of friendship and exercise options. I was missing my previous exercise life. At one of our girls camp meetings Heidi wore her running hat.  When I asked her about her hat and if she ran a lot she said she'd always wanted to run a marathon. I told her that I was thinking about doing the Teton Dam Half and invited her to join. When Heidi acted interested I didn't dare get excited – it took me a while before I got my hope up again. You see it is a rare thing to find a person who is willing to wake up and run at 5:30 in the morning and is dependable and consistent.  Lucky me, Heidi is all of these things. Plus here is a fun side note: Heidi also has a road bike! Sweetness. This is a perfect combo for me – run 2 days, ride 2 days. Perfect.

So I'm here to thank Heidi for this memory and also for restoring my exercise ambition, hope, and determination as I trained to run 13.1 dam miles. 

Aweome Family!	How sweet is this?	Victory
oh ya	Happy and surprised to see my family. Stephen is the coolest.	Hugs help
gearing up for Summer’s Hill	I really did the half – not the team marathon like my bib declares.

Eric, Me, Scott, Michelle, & Brad

As I grew up as a granddaughter to my Grandpa & Grandma Baldwin I think I gravitated to bonding with my Grandpa more because he was funny and loud. I was supported by both in many of the important events in my life such as: baptism, graduation, marriage and many other orchestral and choral events. Whenever I think of my Grandparents, I see my Grandpa standing out in front and my Grandma contentedly standing to the side smiling, happy for him to have the attention. She was the gentle, loving, & quiet service doer. I loved them both dearly for different reasons. 

 

Yesterday I gathered with my family in Blackfoot, ID to celebrate and honor the life of my sweet Grandma Lila Vinette Lemmon Baldwin. I was surprised at the flood of emotions that surfaced for me. They didn't come only because of the loss I feel from my Grandma graduating from her earthly body, but I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for the wonderful (quiet) example my grandma was every 96 years of her life. She just lived what she believed and loved all of mankind. As I peered at her lifeless body and her temple recommend placed under her frail hand I was very proud! She didn't leave behind wealth and earthly treasures, but a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and enduring well to the end. I hope to become a parcel of the person my Grandma was able to became.

 

I had the unique opportunity to to sing with my brothers and sister and many of the 42 cousins at her funeral. We sang, "Families Can Be Together Forever." I pretty much lip synced the song because the words were ringing so true & loudly in my ears. The potential that we have for our eternal family is quite a bounteous gift from our Heavenly Father. As I contemplate the posterity that have come from one woman and one man – my grandparents, it is astounding! I find myself thinking of the time when I looked into the mirrors of the temple in the sealing room. As I think about looking to the future, envisioning my future posterity, then turning behind and looking to the past – my heritage, I find that I am beginning to understand the potential and grand design of the Plan that has been laid out for each of us. I feel so thankful to be born and raised to know of these truths and to understand the blessings that are possible as I aim to live together forever with my family. 

 

We were encouraged as grandchildren to keep a journal – as much of my grandmothers life sketch came from her journal entries. We were also encouraged to look to the scriptures for all of the questions in our lives. The scripture 4 Nephi 1:15 was quoted and modified to fit our family, "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the [homes of the families of Frank & Lila Baldwin], because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of [the family members of Frank & Lila Baldwin]."

 

If we genuinely hope to live together in the eternities with our families, what better advice could we have received and what greater action could we use to honor our grandparents for the wonderful heritage for which we have been blessed? 

 

Obituary Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96

Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96, of Rockford, Idaho passed away May 22, 2011 at her home.

She was born February 21, 1915 in Garfield, Idaho the youngest daughter of Washington Lemmon and Ida Ethel Hamilton.

Her early childhood was spent in Marysville, near Ashton, Idaho. In 1928, her father bought a large farm in Tyhee, Idaho. She graduated from LDS Seminary and from Pocatello High School in 1933.

On September 29, 1937 she married Franklin Reed Baldwin in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The lived in Pocatello until 1947. They settled in Moreland where all of their children graduated from Snake River High School. In 1973 they moved to Rockford.

Service was her best attribute. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she served diligently in all of the Church auxiliaries. She and Frank served full-time missions to Calgary Canada; Nauvoo, Illinois and at the Salt Lake City Utah Family History Center.

She had a career with her sewing machine. She mastered making clothing so that she could add to the family income. She learned the art of custom drapery making in her home.

Lila knew how to milk a cow, make butter and kill a chicken. She always raised a garden – growing everything.

Lila is survived by one brother, Byron Lemmon of Bountiful, Utah; three sons, Paul Reed of Rockford, Stephen Lee (Pat) of Rexburg, Frank Lynn (Connie) of Riverton, Utah; three daughters, Serena (Max) Watt of Rockford, Marilyn (Bob) Kesler of Blackfoot and Joan (Blaine) Dance of Sandy Valley, Nevada; son-in-law, LuDell Evans of Blackfoot; 43 grandchildren, 101 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; daughter, Ruth Evans; six brothers, Guy, Melvin, Don, Verlon, Eugene and Weir; three sisters, Laura, Florence and Faye; one granddaughter; three great granddaughters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Blackfoot West LDS Stake Center.

silly girls – Lexi & Bridget
	Lex, Grant, & Bridget	Grace & Lily
Magan, Jeana, & I	Emily & Lex	Grandma & a few Grandkids
Me & Dallen (he graduates this week from HS!!!)	The Sisters	Excited about their ride back to the church in a limo
First time for me inside of limo	Babes!

Comments:

Anne said…

Jodi it sounds like a wonderful and emotional day full of mixed feelings. Your grandparents sound wonderful. It is not easy to say goodbye, however I too am grateful for the gospel knowledge that helps :).
Monday, May 30, 2011 7:06:32 AM

Michelle said…

Thanks for sharing-funerals are a great time to realize what our knowledge of the gospel really means.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:43:52 AM