Author: Stephen and Jodi

Mason Loves Bikes and is Building his Character too

Mason is happy when he is riding, looking, or talking about bikes. I couldn't miss this photo opportunity when I caught him sleeping with a fork that his Uncle Eric sent up for him. He must have had some good dreams!

Shortly after this photo as taken he received his new ride in the mail and put it together with Stephen. Mason worked extra hard for months to earn the money for his new bike. He spent weeks reviewing and picking out the one the would fit his budget the best and have the sweetest components – and the one pictured fit the bill.

The other photo is a bonus shot from crazy hair day. Lexi did a mohawk of mini pony tails down Mason's head. I am so glad my kids have school spirit and enjoy participating in spirit week during homecoming week. I think that is cool – I think I was too shy to do stuff like this.

p.s. Mason isn't really mad about his hairdo, he is just in pain from having his hair pulled on. 🙂

 

One other great story about Mason is one of integrity and discipline. A moment that made his mother very proud! He went to Utah last weekend to see his cousin Jane Baldwin get blessed. It was fast Sunday weekend. He went to Utah with Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin and Alexis. The rest of us stayed home to practice for our primary program. After the gang in Utah got out of church, the tweens ran to Grandma Baldwin's car seeking treats and candy for their starving bellies. Grandma said she retrieved the candy from the trunk and began passing it around when she heard Mason state, "Hey guys we haven't broken our fasts yet." Others disregarded his statement as he stayed strong and disciplined for the fast that he had begun for his Uncle Everett. Grandma said when he got back to the house he must have found a spot to say a prayer and then found her for some goodies. 

When I heard my mom tell me this story, my heart swelled in honor of Mason and the young man he is becoming. I have much more trust and respect toward him through this simple, yet profound to me, action. I appreciate him staying loyal to himself and his cause. This kind of choice is what creates great character. LOVE my boy and LOVE the choice and example he was in this moment. I guarantee when I was his age I would have not been as noble!

Freshman Soccer Season 2012


Sweet shot of I do say so myself, check out the thigh muscles!

Lexi had the privilege of playing with the Sugar Salem High School Girl's Soccer Team this year where she was known as "Parker". She had a fabulous year. She grew mentally and physically as a player and was the best darn "stopper" out on that field. She was fortunate enough to get to start and play the entire game every time – pretty exciting to say as a freshman. Her coaches were Amy Feik, Trina Eirchenbach, and Hannah ?. They really boosted her confidence as a player because they believed and encouraged her. The girls on the team were top notch girls. There were 8 seniors and each senior was so sweet to go out of their way to look out for the younger girls on and off of the field. Lexi has made many lasting friendships with her soccer sisters. This week was the district tournament. They won their first game and made it to the championship game against Teton. They played strong and tied 1:1 and ended up having a 10 minute overtime in which teton scored on them and won. 🙁 It was a sad moment. On the goal Sugar got during the game, Lexi had an assist. We are sure proud of her and the way she dedicated herself to being her best. It is hard for her to think about the season being over, but she is already talking about indoor soccer and spring soccer. I'm not sure if we are going to get a break? 🙂

It was also fun to watch the SSHS Boys Team this season. They are an amazing team and the championship game last night left all Digger fans in turmoil. I don't even think I can type it up right now. I will leave it at they really did WIN the game as far as I'm concerned!

I really just think soccer is the coolest sport ever. I figured out this season, that when Lexi is a JR. if Mason makes the boys team as a Freshman, that we will get to watch both play for 2 years together….and then Lily will come along, and Olivia, and hopefully JT. We are just getting started aren't we?

AMA Challenge 2011

This past weekend we enjoyed a beautiful bike ride as we supported the movement to STOP DIABETES. It was exciting and a little stressful, but mostly fun. We were very proud of Mason, Lexi, and especially Lily who was very determined to do all 30 miles! Stephen and I got to enjoy a little time together on our bikes and that is one of my favorite things. It was nice to have him be more in a ride mindset instead of race. 🙂 Pulling a burley with JT and Olivia in it compounded with neglecting to eat breakfast slowed him down a bit this year – his body was playing tricks on him, but he pushed through it all and owned up to his red rider bike jersey. It was so rewarding for him to hear lots of positive feedback from strangers, family, and friends. We definitely appreciate the support that all of our family and friends gave to help out this year! Aside from their help Stephen did so much ground work to get over 70 riders registered and through the course! From getting donations to fund the shirts and water bottles and aid stations, to keeping up the website and registration process,  ordering and designing shirts and posters, then putting posters everywhere he could think of, passing out business cards left and right, and getting volunteers at the last minute. The $1700+ he is now able to give to the American Diabetes Association is so worth all of the work from the past year! Way to go Team AMA, until next year…

Bittersweet days of Back to School

It happens every year – the children return to school after a summer full of messy kitchens, weeding, canal floats,  heat, vacations, and sleeping in. I am not going to lie: I have immensely enjoyed the past few days of solitude and tidiness.  But at the end of the day I still feel the void of happy voices, bike helmets on my table, and trickling piano keys. It is such a bittersweet time for me each year.

We had our annual back to school dinner followed by the family fashion show. Mason again had to put up with the rest of us, and this year Lexi helped him feel the love with their sunglasses. They can be such good friends – I love to watch them when they are looking out for each other. Olivia is a ball full of excitement as this is her first official year of school, and Lily has been excited about school starting since third grade let out in the Spring. 

I was proud that Lexi allowed me to take her picture in front of the Sugar Salem High School on the first day of school. I wasn't necessarily planning on taking her and Mason on my first day of school picture taking spree with teachers, but she was the one who reminded everyone of my tradition and told them I always take them to school and take their pictures. I decided to not let her down. 🙂 Mason endured me snapping a quick photo in front of the SSJH, but I think he genuinely likes having the attention – I'll just keep telling myself that. Lily was a bit nervous going to a new school. She is now in the Kershaw Intermediate School with Mrs. Hexam as her fourth grade teacher. She was excited to see all of her friends. Olivia was so cute as she graced the halls of Central Elementary. Her teacher is Mrs. Clinton. JT and I are chillin' on the home front and are happy when the front door opens to welcome everybody home. I now have a child in all 4 of the Sugar Salem schools – and JT will be going to pre-school at BYUI in January. This will be an eventful school year.

It is such a Happy Time…

…When the family gets together. We have had lots of fun at reunions the past 2 weekends. It is wonderful to be apart of such wonderful families.  

The Parker People headed in the direction of Island Park where we each got to help work on the newly erected cabin. The men were able to put the entire metal roof on as well as build two decks. It is looking good and was fun to see all of the hands making work a little lighter. The Parkers are hard workers and have definitely given my children many opportunities to realize how work can feel like play. It was nice socializing with one another and watching our children interact and enjoy each other's company. It was a somber occasion to make Aunt Dot's funeral part of our reunion, but also a good opportunity to remember where we come from and pay tribute to a wonderful heritage. Bike rides, canoeing, movie, shopping, sewing, and dining out with adults, were also memories worth mentioning. I am excited about the yoyo quilt exchange that all of us ladies are contributing to, and if it weren't for me we would have had all of the blocks ready! FYI – they are ready now.

The Baldwin Brood tried out a new location – Stanley, ID. It was Eric and Magan's turn to plan the reunion and we went to their neck of the woods. It was amazingly beautiful to have the Sawtooth mountains as a back drop and take a dip in Redfish Lake. We visited the fish hatchery where all of my kids fished for the first time. JT, LIly, and Lex were the lucky ones to reel in a "big one". We also went on a hike to Fourth of July Lake, where we got a flat tire and Stephen broke his hand. He slipped on a rock crossing the stream while carrying JT on his back and braced the fall with his hand to save JT's head – what a good dad! We enjoyed awesome evening entertainment from a newly written song by Emily, and serenades by Dallen, and Scott,  to playing "minute to win it" games, ring crafts, and lots of good dutch oven cakes and other delicious food in between.  It was so relaxing and nice to be able to sleep in until 8 each morning after a long summer of stress, and not have to race off in a hurry early in the morning. It was a good balance of staying planned and organized, but having enough flexibility to relax and enjoy a retreat in a beautiful land. We topped off the weekend with a special FHE on Sunday morning. 

It is always good to spend time with the people we love!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

You guys are plenty active. No grass growing under your feet
Monday, August 22, 2011 9:35:05 PM

Michelle said…

Fun times! Great summer memories!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:20:33 AM

Magan said…

Fun times, love the picture of the little girls with all the dolls.
Thursday, August 25, 2011 7:05:08 PM

4H Style Review

The 4H style review was last week and Lily was so excited to earn one of the special honor ribbons! She worked hard on perfecting her modeling turns and smiling really big and not being nervous – and it paid off! After she was done modeling, she was able to come and sit by our family to watch the 37 other girls. She asked, "Mom, did I do good enough?" I let her know that her best is always good enough for me. I was also excited that the judges felt the same. We were all sure proud of miss Lily. Her 4H group name was the sassy sewers, there were 4 of them in the group.

This is what was said as she modeled on the stage:

"Next up we have Lily Parker. Lily is ready for many fun late night parties with friends in her newly made, belted robed with shawl collar. Polar fleece in a colorful bubble fabric was the perfect selection for miss Lily! The ruffle sleeves give it just the right amount of "sass" for a giggly nine year old girl. The turquoise satin pajama bottoms remind everybody of her favorite color. Her pillow pet, Purplicious, looks ready for fun with a matching face mask. Both are ready for snuggling up on cool nights to come! Thank you, Lily!"

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

We were sure proud of you and your fancy bathrobe. You did a great job and we thought you were just beautiful.
Monday, August 22, 2011 9:22:33 PM

Michelle said…

You are so talented Lily-I love your style!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:21:54 AM

Magan said…

So darn cute!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 7:17:28 PM

Cedar Badge 2011

Mason enjoyed his opportunity to attend Cedar Badge this summer! He learned many valuable leadership lessons and skills – including manners. We have noticed a difference and it is a good addition to Mason's life. It was fun to know that cousin, Jed, was there as well as Grandpa Baldwin as Camp Chaplain.

When asking Mason about how the week went, he gave most attention to a mock ax accident that apparently was very believable by acting youth staff. This left an impression. Despite a couple of rain storms, Mason loved his time so much at Cedar Badge that he plans on attending next year – he even would love to try to get on staff!

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

you look like a real fine scout, and you and your Grandpa Baldwin look really great together
Monday, August 22, 2011 9:18:42 PM

Michelle said…

That looks like a great experience. Keep up the good work.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:23:38 AM

I got Great Glitterific Glasses!

I just got new glasses! They are purple and they are called "Glitterific!" (Because they have glitter on the sides). I went to the eye doctor, Dr. Hatch, and he said that I need glasses! I have been having a lot of fun lately, I am learning 4 songs in the Hymn book, I made a robe for sewing, and now I have new glasses! I can see much better and I am going to get contacts next year! I am exited to show my friends at school, and I am sure they will be surprised! I asked Mason if I look good in glasses, he just said I look too different! I also got a glasses case that matches my glasses. I think that it is fun to clean my glasses! My mom and I were looking for the right pair of glasses for about 30 minuets! We finally found the perfect "Glitterific" ones! They are comfortable, too!

Devleoping Talents

 

Little Lily has been developing her talents this summer. She was ecstatic when I  told her she could take piano lessons this summer. She cheerfully went to her lessons, and practiced without being asked. It is in her blood! She loves to tickle the ivories. This summer she was able to get through one whole set of Level 2A piano books! That was very exciting for her.  She set a goal in January to learn the song, "Tell me the Stories of Jesus" from the Children's Hymnbook (Not simplified). She worked very hard on it, and can now play it very well! We were so happy for her. All of the hard work paid off because she is on to her next goals. I mentioned that if she could play that song, she could probably play some of the hymns in the hymnbook. She thought that sounded fun. We drove to Deseret Book and picked her up her very own spiral hymn book. She was so thankful and excited it made my happy.  She hugged her hymnbook in the store and showed it off to everyone we saw the rest of the day. I introduced, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" to her. She took it and now has most of the notes down! She is finding it fun to try and sight read several other of the easier hymns. It reminds me of what happens to kids when they learn how to read…you can't keep them away from books. 

Lily has also been taking sewing 4 H this year. She has the same teacher for 4H that she has for piano, and she is lucky! Holly Miller is one top notch lady, who Lily will probably grow up to be like someday! Lily and Sis MIler worked very hard the entire months of June and July to make this most darling bath robe! LIly finished hand stitching the neckline tonight and is ready for the fair in a few weeks.

I'm sure proud of Lily, but mostly just because she is Lily. She doesn't have to do any of these extra things to be special to me – she is a beautiful girl on the inside!