Category: Jodi

Bleacher seats were hard! We were excited to stand up when the “Hallelujah” Chorus was sung.

We were lucky enough to get tickets to Handel's "Messiah" presented by BYU-I students tonight. It was as fabulous as I always remembered it. We went with both of our parents and also took Alexis, Mason, and Lily this time. The spirit of the music from the Messiah is rooted deep inside me as it brings up layered memories from past Christmas seasons. The final song, "Worthy is the Lamb" just bundles the entire oratorio together with perfect majesty (for me).

My dad and mom took our family as often as they could. It is the place that my dad asked my mom to marry him 45 years ago – so there is some nostalgia involved. 🙂 As I watched as a young girl of nine or ten I remember committing to myself that some day I would be in it. I am certain that I had very good feelings inside, that I wouldn't have been mature enough to realize, testifying of the magnificent purpose & love offered from our Savior. I wanted to be a part of it though! I watched the orchestra and choirs both and felt a desire to be one of them. Back when my siblings and I were in high school the music faculty, at the then Ricks College, invited local surrounding choirs to perform a specific selection each year. My sister, Michelle, was first to perform, then Eric, happily it was then my turn (our choir sang, "Lift of Your Heads") and Scott followed after me. This was my first chance to participate and I thought it was great.

When I entered Ricks College a couple of years later, I auditioned for Concert Chorale and Acapella Choir (both choirs were highly esteemed in my head). To my dismay and great sadness, I did not make it for either! I felt like my bubble had burst and it took me at least one semester to get over it. Because of not making the choirs I decided to audition for the Symphony. I was very nervous because of the rejection I had from choir auditions, but I did it anyway because I was desperate and had to be in some sort of musical outlet. (I later found myself signed up for Women's Choir that semester too) And I found my name among those listed who made if for the Symphony! I was very delighted and enjoyed my involvement with the symphony – my stand partner was awesome. The crowning moment for me, of course, was when the Overture started at our performance in the Messiah presentation.  My heart was overflowing with happiness as I realized the commitment I had made to myself as a young girl had come true! I was also able to sing with the Women's Choir that year, singing, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth." (FYI – I auditioned for Concert Chorale the following year and made it! Kids, this is a message to you to never give up or take no for an answer if you want something bad enough!)

Handel's "Messiah" has been a part of my Christmas for as long as I can remember. It reminds us of the miraculous birth, the passionate crucifixion and atonement, and the joyful resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Take time to check out the December Ensign this year (2010) and notice the article written on Handel's Messiah. Did you know that Handel wrote the score to the Messiah in 3 weeks? WOW! It is well worth the read.

Everybody went home with a new finished hat!

We had a good time on our Girl Retreat. Thanks to Michelle and Karma for putting it together and the John Parker Family for letting us occupy their basement for 2 days!

Loved the trees at Festival of Trees, Hat making was super fun (for me at least), and really liked the Hobby Lobby trips. I think we went to Hobby Lobby 3xs! It is my new favorite stop in Utah.

I also loved eating at a couple of my favorite places: Zuppas & Sweet Tomatoes!

	festival of trees

I had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the community Thanksgiving Choir this past Thursday. This year was extra special as I was able to have the company of Alexis to and from. She decided to sing soprano and I sang alto. It was an opportunity that makes my heart warm as I think of the ability of single individual voices blended together to produce magnificently beautiful sounds. Little pieces of heavenly feelings to warm my soul. It is a concept that provides for my mind many analogies for life – analogies I will have to write about on another blog entry someday. ..for today it suffices me to say that my soul delights in singing (with a talented choir to back me up and cover my inadequate attempt! 🙂 ).

Top 3 favorite songs in order from this year:

"Make our Garden Grow" by Leonard Bernstein, from opera Candide – love the story behind the song!!! It makes my eyes sweat.

"Carol to Beauty" by Steuart Wilson and arr. by James Mulholland. The lyrics are fabulous and the prayer of my heart.

"Look at the World" by John Rutter – Simple & profound words.

Comments:

Stephen said…

It sounded amazing! Well worth the time you put into it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:24:38 AM

Stacie said…

Rick took the girls and they said it was great! They were excited to see you up there. Thanks for sharing your talents.
Monday, December 06, 2010 8:21:17 AM

Dear Alexis, Mason, Lily, Olivia & JT,

I know you are excited about it. I know it is the way it is supposed to be. I know you are learning good things. I know you are sharing & giving of yourselves to the world.  I know it's what is best…..

but, please…….. "NEVER GROW UP!"

I love to sing songs with you Alexis. I love your good heart and bike smile Mason. I love to read the countless love notes Lily. I love to hear your stories of a 5-year old's life Olivia. I love to fold your little underwear and socks JT.

Love you forever and always,

Mom

p.s. I loved taking you to Grandma Gussy's. She is a special woman – a gentle giant. My grandma is a meek and mild woman whom I never heard raise her voice or speak negatively. She met life with a serviceable hand and is still eager with a tender smile. She quilted all 40+ of her grandchildren quilts when they graduated from High School, even when in the end she could barely see. Her testimony has governed & guided her the past 90+years. She is patient in her recent afflictions. – I want to be like her when I GROW UP.

I love this picture I found today:

http://bettymaestrange.tumblr.com/post/797750849

and this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tessayoder/4816695180/

Our anniversary came and we grew another year older – 16 years officially together! Life has been so glorious it makes me want to giggle, smile, and weep and also so normal it makes me want to giggle, smile that it's over, and weep 🙂 . Without normal, we might not feel the reality of mortality that keeps us learning and refining ourselves. Humility, Charity, Loyalty. Words that have grown with us over the years.

Here are 16 random examples that I can name today to explain the past 16 years: amazing vacations to Guam, Hawaii, NYC, Paris, & Portugal; little pet peeves; five beautiful & healthy children; five overwhelming house building projects; fiercely worrying about whether or not Stephen will come back alive from climbing "the" mountain; diabetes; funny inside jokes & secrets; my cooking hopefully improving; better tolerance toward one another's weaknesses; varicose veins; emergency room visits; running a marathon together; various church callings; spooning every morning 🙂 ; me squealing in terror every winter while he drives; two-way love and admiration that continues to expand – getting even closer to unconditional! 

For our anniversary we did a room makeover. I was in the mood for simple & peaceful, and like usual in the decorating department, Stephen put his trust in me. It transformed from green to "Chintz" (taupe/gray) in one night! We both kept saying, "I hope we like this," as we painted. In the end we both love it. We spent a day in the second week of October painting. The next week picking out a comforter and making shelves. We are still putting finishing touches on it, but this is where we got by our anniversary.

I love the song "Everything" by Michael Buble and dedicate it to my man this year. Here's to many more years of making wonderful memories & laughing together, continuing to refine ourselves, and having faith in the Lord to accept whatever is placed before us.

Comments:

Ma and Pa Parker said…

Congratulations, you two are really a great pair in accomplishing good things. We hope the very best for you always.
Thursday, November 04, 2010 7:36:15 AM

Diana said…

congrats on so many years together!!! You two have both blessed our lives. Your room is beautiful!

Friday, November 05, 2010 9:54:40 AM

Our lesson in Relief Society today was on Repentance. Our teacher presented a few things that I really liked. The 4 R's of Repentance: Recognize, remorse, restitution, refrain. She also added, "Don't look Back" from President Packer's conference address a few weeks ago. She also shared the following story. It puts things in good perspective.

The Devil and The Duck
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's … he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said,"Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done… and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) …whatever it is…. You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the Whole thing….. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets ….. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

MEET twins – Stephanie & Stacie from my perspective. These ladies are sweet and sassy, spunky and tender, silly and serious, and willing to help at any cost. They are very skilled seamstresses, canning divas, builders, crafters, second-hand store shoppers that always find the best stuff, very frugal, creative, fun moms, supportive wives, determined, and optimistic amidst lifes adversities.

These past few days we have been spending with the Parker sisters. We were in Island Park at the family cabin collecting wood for the winter. They are few in a million! I just had to add to my journal some evidences of great character and ability for my posterity. My children have good footsteps placed before them for their own shoes to step into.

I had to smile inside (and outside) as I took these photos. Most moms don't walk around with either ax or chain saw and then go inside and stipple a quilt or make a skirt to wear to church. They are not afraid to get dirty (or stick their hand up a vacuum even if they don't know what is in there) nor do they limit themselves if they have a desire to do something they've never done before (recovering a couch, making clocks, etc).

I greatly admire these woman and appreciate their industrious natures and tender hearts.

p.s. Younger sister Jana deserves accolade as well. She is sooo fun and fashionable. She is extremely compassionate and caring. She is one of those people that can make anyone feel comfortable. She really is quick-witted and also has an amazing eye for decorating. She makes me giggle when I think about our zumba (latin exercise dance) class together. The other day she pulled out a bongo drum for fun to use as a prop during one of our songs. The time before that, she shook her coin skirt up to the front of the line to lip sync to the song "Jai Ho" with our instructor.

Comments:

Riley said…

My mom is pretty awesome, who am I kidding, She is TOTALLY awesome!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010 5:45:03 PM

Paul said…

I love them too!
Monday, October 11, 2010 10:37:37 PM

Bruce said…

The ladies of our family, including the wives of our children, are tireless workers. Thanks for all you all do.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 10:33:23 AM

Everybody had a job – Mason is eating cookies for his job in this photo.

I say it every year and I'll say it again. I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE. I love the inspirational thoughts and constant nourishment from the spirit. I appreciate the optimistic words for our future coupled with warnings to help us keep our spirits safe. How blessed we are to have the knowledge of the gospel and a prophet and apostles to lead and guide us on our journey. My top favorite talks today are from President Uchtdorf (simplify), President Monson (gratitude), and Larry R Lawrence (parenting). Podcasts are already available from the iTunes store – I downloaded them last night! I love to re-listen to talks as I do my laundry or clean up breakfast dishes.

I also love that I was able to relax in the comfort of my own home with my favorite people. I baked all day long (it felt), then fed my peeps, watched them smile and I loved it. Orange rolls were made for Stephen this morning and molasses cookies made for me this afternoon. We tried a fancy decorating technique that was fun. It felt so nice to be at home all together with no pressure and rush to go anywhere.

Our big project for this weekend was potty training JT (everyday is getting better and better). He has done fairly well. An outsider looking in might think we've all gone wacko when we do our potty dance and sing after a successful trip to the potty, "he did it! he did it! he did it, did it, did it!" We have also had a good chuckle over the potty movie borrowed from the library as well as some of the "interesting" books out there. JT is such a cutie and I am sooo excited to check this milestone of the list once and for all. This is the last time!!! Three cheers for Lexi who is helping me. She is so awesome and helpful. Her incentive is a new sweater waiting in my closet for her when potato harvest is over. Yes, I bribed her – but neither of us mind. I really believe she would do it without a bribe, so it makes it more fun to want to give it to her. She loves JT and he loves her right back. What would I do without my oldest daughter?

Finished Cookie Art	Nostalgic….One of my few memories of my Grandma Beattie is making molasses cookies.	It took some time to figure the frosting thing out, but we prevailed!
Potty Treats for JT – He actually ended up puking on me after 6 hours into this! I’m sure you can tell why.	Patience is a virtue is what I’m thinking in this picture…	Such a cute BIG boy!!!!

I am here to publicly apologize to my sweetest & cutest 5 year old daughter. I am almost certain that she thinks her name is, "Lily, I mean Liv." Without any complaint she answers my call –  no redirection, not even an uncomfortable laugh. She has become immune to my insanity. It is no exaggeration that this happens at least 65-75% of her life. I love the name Olivia and its symbolism and meaning. Olivia is a derivative from the olive branch (which symbolizes peace). When I looked up the meaning five years ago, it said "peacemaker" – perfect for a little girl born on her Aunt Michele's birthday. I think Olivia is savvy enough to realize the intentions of my heart, but just in case…

I just want Olivia, in her future and older self, to understand how much I love her always – even when I don't like a choice she has made. That Olivia is very special to me. That Olivia is special in our family. That out of all of the moms in the whole wide world, how did i get lucky enough for Olivia to come to my family? Olivia makes her place in our home with her sweet smile and sometimes feisty personality. Olivia is a wonderful older sister as well as younger sister. I love to see Olivia walk down the lane after getting off of the bus. I love to see Olivia after she has accomplished a big task and is so proud of herself. My heart sings Olivia many songs throughout the day.

So, someday when you're the mom Olivia, I'm sure this will all mean something to you. Until then remember the words I've just written…

p.s. Don't feel too bad you are in good company –  I slip up a lot on all of your siblings too, and sometimes even Dad. I just got done calling Mason, "JT".