Category: Jodi

this is a picture of cjane from her blogMy friend, Diana, told me about a recent post on a blog that was somewhat comical…I actually loved this post written on the cjane (picture of her to the right) website on January 1, 2009 – blog.cjanerun.com. It goes to show how well meaning words can be misconstrued. Isn’t it funny that people will openly criticize another’s thoughts on their blog? Because that is what a blog is – somebody’s thoughts, right? Why can’t we all just love each other anyway – and stop worrying, comparing, or being offended. I guess we all have choices, to read or NOT to read – that is the question.

It made me think about blogging…it is a crazy phenomenon. I like that I am able to communicate with my family and friends and share a piece of my life with them while I am making a history of my little family and life. I give a disclaimer that that is exactly what I am doing (making a family/personal history)- it is a selfish motive (just like the reader accused jane of in the above link) on my part I guess as I publish it for others to read as well. I am certain that those reading my blog might not want to see me toot my horn or that of my cute family entry after entry – BUT I guess that is what a blog is, isn’t it?

Personally I enjoy reading about other’s lives and accomplishments. I am happy when they are happy and sad when they are sad and am strengthened by words and experiences that are shared. Offended? NOT!

Comments:

Mom and dad Parker said…

Did we miss something? Did someone say something about our blogging or something? As for us, we like it.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:35:31 PM

John said…

You go girl. It keeps us folks far away in touch with your family and life. You are quite inspiring as well. I have gained many insights from your past blogs. Keep on typing.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:14:51 PM

Jodi said…

Sorry if I confused you all! I didn’t explain myself very clearly (I made some adjustments so hopefully it makes more sense). Basically, I read this girl’s blog and it got me thinking about stuff…
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:34:59 PM

Diana said…

It really got you thinking! I think it is great to blog & to be self-centered, because just like you and Jane said, it is about ourselves.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:13:47 PM

Did you know that a song can heal a heart even when it didn’t realize it needed healing? I got a nice surprise today as I drove home from the Rexburg Temple.

I decided to pop in a favorite CD I haven’t listened to in a while. I skipped quickly through the tracks until track 11 – “Just Passing By” by Doug Walker. I suddenly realized he was singing exactly how I had been feeling over the past few weeks/months and didn’t even realize it – funny how life will do that to a person. I have been contemplative about various things that have been occurring around me – Sudden Deaths, Lack of quality Health as age sets in, Birth, Ward Callings, Sibling Contention, Miracles, Commercialism, Economy problems, insurance, selling cars, extended family dynamics, how to keep my house clean, when to get my projects done, are my children getting their needs met?, are they safe? (physically and emotionally), when will I make homemade bread again, and so forth. Sometimes it is just hard to put all of those kind of feelings into words. It seems like this could be one of those times too :).

Life – what is it all about anyway? This song answered the question for me.

Stephen has been bugging me to make a journal entry about this for posterity sake, I have mixed feelings about it but here goes: We’ve been talking with our life insurance agent a lot lately and decided that I should get some additional coverage. With that decision came the need for testing. A nurse came to my house and took my blood and urine sample and I answered a few questions. A week or so later, I got a call from my insurance agent informing me that he thought he quoted me for the wrong status and that they would need to come back and do some more testing and ask me some more questions, my mind started getting worried until he said the words "we think you will qualify for the ‘preferred elite’ status and get an even better rate!" What? Did I hear him correctly? Since when did that happen… I thought the odds were stacked against me and that I was destined for a future health battle with bad genes to blame (heart problems seem to be the trouble for my family). I’m definitely NOT complaining – I think I am just in shock. So last week I got the official call back with the news that I passed the tests! I guess there goes all of my excuses for getting out of some of the stuff Stephen has planned for me in the future :). It is certain that only time can really tell how far my health will really take me, but for now I am going to be proud to be called, "preferred elite!" It might be the only time in my life that I’ll be able to use those words with my name next to it.

I live with a very ingenious man, and I have the picture to prove it!

Take a look at this picture of Stephen plowing our driveway today and you can see what kind of mind I get to live with on a daily basis. He decided to wrap his tractor in plastic to make a cab – even remembering to cut a flap on the side to peek out with. You just have to smile at a man who is so happy and confident in his skin that he’s in – he could care less what things look like! Functionality definitely wins out over looks and appearances. This is one of the many traits that make me glad to be married to the inventive/creative Stephen Parker. It is refreshing to be around a person who is NOT materialistic and vain, granted a few reminders from me are often heard (“like you can’t wear white socks with dark pants”). A few times I have caught myself trying to feel embarrassed – like the time he tried to get me to ride the bike with and chain saw engine. In the end do these kind of things really matter? NO! Most always he creates a life that is more fun, practical, and adventurous. I have a feeling I’m helping raise a few more inventors/creators. Life is sure to be full of more future surprises.

Comments:

John said…

Stephen is a wonderful mix of Genius, Hard Work, and Craziness. You throw in a soft and serving heart and you get one heck of a brother. Thanks for the great example you are to all of us. We all could use a little more “Stephen” in all of us.
Monday, December 22, 2008 9:20:29 PM

Mom, Dad and Paul said…

See a need and fill it. Some say it’s a way to get rich, but it’s also a way to get things done. That’s a nice lookin tractor
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:13:33 AM

Jana said…

Glad to be Stephens sister he sure makes any situation more fun and inventive that’s for sure.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:52:27 AM

lex said…

hey!I like picking out his ties!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 4:11:07 PM

Just in case you’re wondering, one mile in the pool at BYUI equates into 36 laps – that is counting going down and back as 1 lap! Today I had a good giggle in the locker room with my friend, Diana, as we snapped on our swim caps and felt our brains throbbing. We put on our goggle and looked official as we made our way into the pool. While there, I made friends with a few people who gave me a some swimming pointers. Such good tips (one being that when you put your face in the water you are always blowing out so that when you come up for air you can take in a good deep breath) that I was able to come home and tell Stephen that I swam with my face in the water! This is very huge for me and now I feel more optimistic about my goal. I still have a long way to go, but this is a big first step.

Oh ya, and just in case you’re wondering, the picture from my previous post is NOT me! Alexis asked if is was the other day and I had to think hard about telling the truth. 🙂 When I told her no, she said, “Well I didn’t think I’d seen those muscles before.” (sniff, sniff)

Oh, and one more thing – in case you’re wondering…I came across a wonderful quote today, taken from President Monson’s First Presidency Message in the 2008 December Ensign. Here it is:

“The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the ‘spirit of Christmas,’ we need to only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the ‘spirit of Christ.'”

That quote for me encompasses all that I hope to accomplish in life – it is a wonderful thought and aspiration.

Comments:

Bruce and Sharon said…

Thanks for that quote, we really loved it. We have been forced to think more about others this year and it really is a good feeling. We sure miss all of the family but know they are in good hands. You all make us very happy.
Friday, December 12, 2008 4:27:46 PM

Stephanie said…

You go Jo! I will cheer you on the whole way. I can’t get up early let alone to put on a bathing suite and get in a cold pool. You’re crasy! I admire your ambition and hope to get a little some day.
Saturday, December 13, 2008 6:43:55 PM

Diana said…

Swimming is getting better & better. You sound a lot more confident than last week! The “Spirit of Christ”. . . . love it.
Monday, December 15, 2008 1:24:33 PM

This will be me someday – I hope?!The weather is changing here in my neck of the woods – which makes running NOT seem as fun as it normally does. Because really it is just about my favorite thing to do everyday (wake up at 5:30 am and bundle up to hit the pavement with a nice cold head wind prevailing)- NOT REALLY! I guess I do actually enjoy my emotional therapy session with friends and being able to get exercise out of the way is a nice benefit, along with seeing shooting stars and watching the moon change through its cycle. O.k. so maybe it’s not THAT BAD – especially not bad enough to merit what I am now succumbing myself to do on Tuesday mornings!

SWIMMING AT BYUI

My friend Diana did the research and gave me the news that we could go swimming at the college during the cold months. I thought I would enjoy trying to get good enough to maybe attempt my goal of doing a triathlon. Last week was a rude awakening! Here is what I learned:

1. A 33 year old body that has had 5 children looks a lot different than it did when it was in college! (I hope I didn’t scare any of the cute college girls out of having children when they saw my 90 year old looking varicose veins from behind!) I am SO keeping it real for them! I guess I am going to opt for looking at my aging body as a trophy. I earned each little flaw and roll and sag! I am who I am – a REAL person. FYI – the swimming suits are very modest!

2. Swimming for me is NOT going to be easy. In fact, I am a little bit overwhelmed with how far I need to go. The truth of the matter is, I can’t even put my face in the water. So I am have a 90 year old body and a 3 year old mind when it comes to swimming. I thought of all the times I have lectured my children about how you have to pay your dues and build a little bit at a time to achieve hard things. FYI – little did I know that I would be eating my words!

3. Do you even know how many laps you have to do to swim a mile? A whole stinky a lot – WOW! And it is really good for the upper body because mine was a more than a little tight the day after! FYI- I think I may have swam 8 laps (that is counting down as 1 and back as 1), pretty funny huh?

Well here is to life out of my comfort zone – is tomorrow really Tuesday?

UggGHhh

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Sounds like a brave thing to do in all three ways. We think that any woman who has five kids and still has the courage to make a serious attempt at keeping physically fit is a champion human being, especially with all the other things a Mom has to do. You certainly are a champion in our book. May all those young ladies be so happy and physically fit as you when they are 33.
Monday, December 08, 2008 3:12:42 PM

Diana said…

Whatever. . . . . You put us all to shame, you haven’t fooled anyone! However, I am very proud of you for doing something you don’t want to do! It takes a lot of courage!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 7:17:07 PM

Patricia said…

Good job, Jodi. I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work! Love you, Mom
Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:06:46 AM

Whitney said…

You are always trying something new and experiencing life to the fullest. Good Job! That is a lot of laps. Swimming is hard work. So is a mile your goal?
Friday, December 12, 2008 11:31:19 PM

I really don’t dream big when it comes to traveling. I really am content living everyday life in my little town. Stephen really has helped me branch out in this area. I’m afraid I would be just fine checking out a book from the library to experience or learn about another place.

The truth of the matter is, I didn’t know I was having a dream come true by going to Europe until I was there. The weather, the atmosphere, and most importantly the company was a special gift I will cherish forever. Taking it all in, breathing the air, seeing amazing historical places, experiencing life in another world, simply CHARMING!

We took so many pictures that my smile became a permanent fixture.

I loved watching the people of Europe and wondering about their lives. There are so many people in this world. It is amazing to think of the complexities of each person’s life, their trials, their joys, young, middle-aged, or old, and then realize that we are all just a dot here on earth, but that Heavenly Father is mindful of each one.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

We believe that traveling and visiting anywhere is of real value. Children learn to understand, accept and love people all over the world by family vacations, whether it be to a camping spot, Southern Utah, or Brazil. People are basically good just about everywhere. Cheap or expensive, it all enriches our lives.
Sunday, November 30, 2008 8:10:42 AM

Anne said…

Looks like a wonderful time and memory! So glad you could enjoy a wonderful trip together and visit with Bruce and Sharon. What a testimony builder! Good times!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 10:13:17 AM

I went visiting teaching today. I am always glad I went once I’m done, but getting there is another story. Trying to get the schedules to line up, and then dragging kids in and out of the car, and making them be quiet for who knows how many hours is quite the chore. It seems like it is rather inconvenient most times, especially considering the ladies I go to are very active and have already gone visiting teaching and read the lesson. I know there is a good reason that we do this, but most months I can loose the vision through the details of making it happen.

Today I learned firsthand that “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven”. I know it must seem pathetic to someone who experiences visiting teaching on a much more grand scale when referring to sacrifice, especially those who go to a long list of sisters and have to drive many miles to reach them.

Here is today’s visiting teaching story:
My companion called me late this morning to inform me that her little girl was sick, so I would be carrying the torch myself. So I went. I visit teach two people. On the first stop there was a gift waiting for me. A wonderful conversation that enriched me and gave me something new to think about. I love being able to learn from people that have “been there and done that”. This woman whom I visit teach has 4 children and is about 10 years ahead of me in life. She has had ups and downs with parenting, like most parents do. It must be tricky trying to make sense out of why one child is easy and good and then the other one can be difficult and make wrong choices when they live in the same circumstances. It is only natural for a mother’s head spin wondering what SHE did that went wrong.

Then this wise mother said something that I hope to hold onto through all of my parenting days, and here it is: “I have learned NOT to take credit for the GOOD or the BAD things my children do.” Either way, taking credit, can be damaging to you and/or your children. This was a new thought to me. I really took time to understand the ramifications.

Common sense leaves me to believe that I can teach, support, and love my children, but they will ultimately have the free agency to choose for themselves. I decided that I, as a parent, really don’t have the right to “own” the good or bad that my children choose to do. When they have become who they are, it is because of who they are – NOT who I am. (I’m not discounting when a child is younger and most definitely has a constant need for instruction. But little by little kids grow up and need to govern themselves after they’ve been taught the doctrine. This is where this new idea comes into play)

GOAL: I want my children to always be my friends and know that I respect and love them for who THEY are. Heavenly Father is the best example of this. I hope to remember that the right way doesn’t have to be my way, after all there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I have been thinking about Christmas a lot lately. I’ve been wondering what to do, which gift will be best for which child, how much money will I go over my budget, how many decorations are out of style and need to be replaced, etc. AND EVERY YEAR I say, “I am going to do less” and just enjoy the season with my family (my husband can attest to this). I do really well until the Christmas commercials start showing, the lights and trees are twinkling in all of the stores, the music is playing over the speakers, and other people are talking to me about the good deals they found. It seems commercialism takes over my good intentions and I get caught up in the moment.

Well folks, the time has come – THIS YEAR! I am making a blog and I expect anyone who reads this to hold me to my quest: SIMPLIFY the things and EMPHASIZE the feelings! (Quality vs. Quantity if you will.) If I analyze what kind of message I want to leave with my children about Christmas – it isn’t about lots of things it’s about feelings.

The gifts should be the salad and the thoughts and feelings of the Savior should be the main course. How and when did commercialism over shadow the most amazing miracle in history? Proper balance seems to be what needs to happen, right? So this year I am hoping to stir up many more opportunities to have feelings of giving, serving, loving, sharing AND less time, money, and energy on the other stuff!

Comments:

Patricia said…

Great blog, Jodi. You sure have things together! You’ve always been a good thinker of what is right! Love you, Mom
Friday, November 07, 2008 12:52:44 PM

Diana said…

AMEN!
Saturday, November 08, 2008 12:11:08 PM

Dad Parker said…

I have scratched my head a few times as I’ve seen people stress out over making “Simplify” signs. I’m afraid I complicate things a lot myself in many ways.
Saturday, November 08, 2008 3:22:27 PM

michelle p said…

Jodi-you amaze me-great thoughts. I could use a biy of that attitude myself.
Sunday, November 09, 2008 9:08:10 PM

Meg said…

Thanks for that great insight. Maybe we could all commit together and have a sort of a “Christmastime less is more club”. I esp. like your idea that the presents are the salad and the thoughts and spirit of Christ is the main course–we don’t have to get rid of everything, just shift the focus and everything takes care of itself.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:22:58 PM

Whitney said…

Jodi- I say that every year, but like you said when the lights come out I forget. Sometimes in my attempt to simplify, I try to come up with ideas to make our time quality and get stressed out. If you get any ideas let me know. This year my family is going to forget some gifts and go spend time at a cabin together without any of the usual interruptions that occur with the holidays. I’m excited thanks for the thought.
Friday, November 14, 2008 12:25:52 PM

These ideas were presented at our Stake Conference this past weekend. Here they are and why I feel motivated.

IDEA #1. Don’t treat God like a parachute. (President Pocock’s talk)

I am guilty of this mentality too often (using Him only in times of need) and was reminded of my inadequacies when Lily had her accident. I could sooo do better at remembering my Heavenly Father more on a daily basis! I am glad that he knows the intents of our hearts, however, I realize how much BETTER my own life could be if I carried out my intentions.

IDEA #2. Don’t nibble at the edges of inviting the Holy Ghost into our lives. (President Marcum)

What a great analogy! Certainly if I related this to a physical thing like brownies, I could be motivated. Why wouldn’t I want to EAT IT UP rather than nibble? (filling up my soul with the Holy Ghost in my life)

IDEA #3. Don’t become diluted and distracted, create a PTC (Parent Testifying Center)in our homes. (Elder Hammond)

He gave an example of a pioneer couple that were loading their handcart. They were putting all sorts of “good things” in their cart, i.e. priceless china, blankets, food, tools to have to create an occupation when they arrived, etc. When they were all finished they looked at each other and asked, “Where should we put the children?” I learned once again that good things shouldn’t take priority to the BEST THINGS.

Good Ideas