Category: Jodi

Here are some ideas Elder Dallin H. Oaks suggested during his address at the Constitution Day Celebration held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. He suggested that to sustain and protect the constitution and its principles, every citizen should undertake these 5 responsibilities:

1. Understand the Constitution & it's principles
2. Support the Law
3. Practice civic virtue
4. Maintain civility in political discourse
5. Promote patriotism

To read full text visit newsroom.lds.org

I want to read & study the Constitution, the bill of rights, government order & branches, etc. I also want to be an informed voter and vote for who I believe will do the best job – not vote just for party affiliation.

We lived in a quaint little neighborhood named after terms used in the game of tennis – Tie Breaker. It is while we lived there that our backyard neighbor noticed something I hadn't ever seen before. Like always Stephen was always puttering, repairing, creating around the house. She must have noticed this outside her kitchen window as she did her dishes. One day as Stephen and her husband worked diligently to put a fence up between our two yards, she walked over to tell me her observation. She said, "Your husband is like Charles Ingalls – such a hard worker." I laughed it off as I agreed and we moved away 2 years later.

We moved to a lovely & windy neighborhood next named Quail Ridge. It was our first spring in our house. We were again outside in our yard a lot. I had recently been to women's conference and came home to a surprise. As I was out visiting teaching, my friend asked about it and I told her this. As I was away for 2 days Stephen had made an amazing swing set for the kids & hydro-seeded the entire yard all while babysitting 3 young children. She was amazed and declared, "Has anyone ever told you that your husband is like Charles Ingalls?"

As a matter of fact….

Now we've again moved – to a home where we drive down a lane to get to our house in the country. Stephen is still hard at work and we've been here 4 years. This weekend we went to his dad's "little cabin on the hill". As I looked out the front door and saw Stephen chopping wood for our fire, I thought to myself, "There is Charles Ingalls!"

Comments:

Stephen said…

If I am like Charles Ingalls, it is only because you motivate me to be and do better. Thanks for the support.
Monday, September 06, 2010 9:58:39 PM

Michelle said…

Those Parker guys are something! They were taught well!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010 8:29:51 AM

John said…

He has a lot less hair than Charles but is twice the man.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010 4:40:41 PM

Jodi said…

lol
Thursday, September 09, 2010 12:24:23 PM

I have recently had the opportunity to sing in a trio with two of my favorite people: Jennifer Barrus and Diana Puzey. To top it all off, the chosen song was one of my all time favorites, "O, Divine Redeemer." I have rarely been able to listen to this song, let a lone, sing it without getting emotional. As we practiced I was able to feel the overwhelming truth of the words through the testifying spirit of the Holy Ghost. I feel like this song is very personal – as if it was written specifically from my heart. 

We had several practices because of the level of difficulty of the music. I loved spending time with these lovely women and enjoying the sound we were able to produce. Several moments as we practiced I became overwhelmed with tender feelings toward my Savior. It is special to me.

So as you can imagine, I was very fearful of singing in front of our ward Relief Society after a lesson on the atonement. I have learned something about myself as I've dared to perform in church settings. I am a very emotionally charged singer… I really listen to the words I'm singing and make them about my own life, which in turn causes me to feel emotionally overwhelmed.  This causes me to be very embarrassed and I have recently written myself off of singing in church as a special musical number. Even while singing in the ward choir, my emotions will get the best of me. I honestly want to run out of the room and hide out for a few days so I don't have to face people. So I have begun to pray that I I would be able to handle myself.

The performance day came and I jokingly pleaded with my friends to pray for my emotions. They assured me I would be fine, but I was doubtful. We sang. The spirit was present. I made it through until the last phrase. That is when it all got to me! We sang "….have mercy!" (in a resounding chord) Then finished with, "Help me my Savior."  I forgot to mention that I decided before hand to not look out at anyones faces. I am certain that I came across very mechanical, but it definitely helped.

The weeks went by and we were asked to sing again. This time for the singles branch. We got together to practice again – I loved it. Still had the same feelings. Still felt fearful of becoming too emotional.

We sat in sacrament meeting waiting for our turn. The talks were on pride. I listened to my dear friend, Ruth Miller, give a beautiful sermon on the subject. I love her faithful & constant  approach to living the gospel. As she spoke I realized that my nervousness with my emotions while singing in essence is a form of pride. I am worrying too much about myself. I thought about the truth that faith and fear cannot coexist. I leaned over to our accompanist and said, "this song we are singing goes perfectly with the message." She said, "I was thinking the same thing." I looked at her as I was trying to muster up my faith and not be fearful and she said, "Heavenly Father gave you a talent for a reason – you can do it." This vote of confidence, combined with the pride talk and my faith and fear thoughts gave me just the mixture of what I needed.

What a wonderful feeling to know that I could completely turn it over to the Lord. In the past I had prayed and included the Lord, but I still tried too hard to stay conscientiously in control. It wasn't until I surrendered all of myself that I felt the peace and confidence to let it be what it was suppose to be.

I stood up, held the music without shaking, sang as I looked out to the audience, and had full confidence (not of myself but in the Lord) that I could accept whatever was to happen. I sang with feeling the words, I wasn't mechanical. The words took on more meaning as I realized how the Savior was helping me as I sang. I was humbled and know with a surety that my small need was heard as I was prepared to let it happen.

This is a tender mercy I hope to always hold close to my heart and remember when I face the rest of my mortal life's challenges and uncertainties.

Me + My Redeemer + entirely submitting = a perfect trio (for me).

FACT: I am a social exerciser – it is true. I have always enjoyed conversations and frankly I need something to take my mind off of the task at hand. My socialization becomes my distraction from thinking about how much I don't like what I'm doing.

Well, more than a few times this summer I have been left with a choice: to enjoy the comforts of my soft bed or go outside and be welcomed by no one other than the rising sun. I am not going to lie – most of the times that I chose to get up and run solo were long and mentally painful. It became 45 minutes of me being too aware of my irregular breathing patterns and crunchy footsteps.

But today was different. Not different in that I wanted to lie in my soft, warm bed instead of getting up to run, but that the time spent was lovely and went by quickly. Today I was able to listen and be calm. I felt peace. I needed that. The sun and I had a good wordless talk. As I ran I put lots of band aides on my problems and it became a therapeutic and healing moment.

Things I want to remember from running with my self today:

1. I need to take at least 30 minutes of my day, everyday, to NOT talk, but to LISTEN and think without being interrupted. Reflect. Learn. Pray. Satan's best way to keep me from doing the BEST things in life are distraction, being overwhelmed, and business. It seems that unless I conscientiously fight to make the important stuff happen, "life" with suck up every minute of my time until I go to bed realizing that I slipped up yet again. So watch out Satan I know your tricks on me, and I'm not going to have it anymore!

2. People pleasing is like walking a fine line. Sometimes it is good to please people, but like anything it can be taken too far. Balance is key with people pleasing. I have inherited the "people pleasing" gene and sometime the mark can get out of whack. As I think about this idea personally or collectively, I am left with these thoughts. I could write a book on this subject alone, but will leave it unwritten right now.

3. My mom heart needs to turn often to being more calm and more gentle and more understanding. Less critical, less caught up in business, less intent on daily regiment. I tend to notice mom's who speak softly, take an extra moment to cuddle, or smile/laugh unconditionally through the ups and downs of being a mother. I notice them – they are my inspiration. I want to be MORE like them.

4. Live like you believe. The last song on my i phone shuffle today was "Live like you believe". The words of the first verse & chorus wrap up all of my thoughts this morning perfectly:

"You have felt the warmth of the fire. You have seen a glimmer of light. It's something that you have been missing inside, something that you have been longing to find. Hold on to the yearning and wherever you are on the journey."

CHORUS: Live like you believe. Live like you know. it's one sure way your faith will grow. Listen to your heart. Search in your soul and you'll find the strength that you need. His light, the gift of His peace when you live like you believe."

This is Wanda. Wand and Me.

Saturday I took "Wanda" out for her first ride of the season. Her tires hit the pavement of the back farm country of cache valley. She took me past many interesting smells, gorgeous scenery, and great company.

If I rewind a couple of days you would see me sitting on the floor of my closet dusting off my cycling items and wondering aloud, "What am I doing? What makes me think I can do this thing which I have not prepared for?" I wasn’t feeling too bike happy as I peered out into the gray skies and rain mixed with wind. It has been a cold, wet, or windy spring with little time to go outside for a ride. The longest I had attempted was in my basement on my bike trainer – a whopping 8 miles! Stephen encouraged me like he always does and told me it would be easy and fun. I was glad for the vote of confidence, but very skeptical.

As Stephanie and I drove down we encountered several serious rain showers – not giving me the most comforting feeling. We pulled into to Logan and found ourselves in the Desert Industries parking lot. Stephanie is a good luck charm at that store. She found an awesome jacket for kyaking – I found an awesome yellow jacket (for Lexi). We also found a sweet pair of red shorts with stars down the sides. I was planning on wearing them for the ride, but they clashed with my jersey, I was happy that Anne wore them! Anne found us at DI and then we met up with Jana. We drove to Lewiston and picked up or packets. It was feeling cold and moist. After that, we decided to dine at the Firehouse Grille – delicious! The rain descended upon Logan in its furry and we ran into the movie theatre to view, "Letters to Juliet."  When we got out, it was still raining as we headed to Walmart for last minute needs. We were all feeling anxious about riding in the rain and probably checked the weather 5xs on our iphones. Anne, Steph, and I stayed with Anne’s nice friend KellyAnne.

We woke up with the sun peaking through the clouds and debated on what to wear. We checked the weather again, ate breakfast, and loaded the bike rack. I chauffeured Stephanie and Anne to Super Red headquarters and we parked at the side of the road – later to estimate about 1 mile away from the starting line. We bedazzled, banded, and starred ourselves to enter in super fashion. When we met Jana I discovered she had an extra super cape, giving me the finishing touches for my costume. We accidentally made it in time for the costume contest and ended up each winning a mug in the group category! (Mind you we were the only group participating) We mounted our bikes and pedaled away feeling the warm rays of the sun. We had a glorious ride with minimal hills and lots of sunshine! Perfect combination. Stephanie had a great first ride and has found a new passion, Jana kept us giggling and persevered with a smile, & Anne kept us chugging along with a good pace. I felt happy to be with great girls on a beautifully sunny ride.

We crossed the finish line with smiles & sweet burn/tan lines – forgot that as we dressed up or armbands & stars would leave a memory for days to come! We also enjoyed the posh spread of food and sparkler drink.

Ended the journey with a trip to Hobby Lobby, dinner at Chilis, and cheese from Gossner’s Cheese Factory. Only regret it that I didn’t bring a cooler to load up on creamies from the creamy outlet! Next time…

Oh ya, as we were riding someone put the thought into my head, wondering of my bike’s name. Silly me, I realized I haven’t name her after 2 1/2 years. I decided to go with: Wanda. It comes from the ride Super Red – Wonder Woman theme. Wonder made me think Wanda. Are you with me?

So Wanda it is. My goal for me and Wanda is to conquer a century ride before I’m 40. Wish us luck!

POST EDIT: I just realized that when I receive my bike Lex and Lily named her "Zoe", I have never called her that and had forgotten. I will be giving "Wanda" some TLC to make up for the years of neglect…;-)

 

Super Jodi	Super Anne	Opted to do the 33 mile route together this year
Jodi & Jana	The capes felt awesome with the gente breeze blowing – did you notice the stars on our calves?	I am really happy there is sunshine and it’s warm – it was a perfect temperature
I have ridden this ride with Anne for 3 years!	End of the road for us	finish line
Saw Magan while there – someday I will be as awesome as her, she is my biking hero	The swag bag and my stinky shoes	The big bad wolf was there too. We are holding our awesome mugs from the costume contest
Super Jana	Super Stephanie	Super Red Emblem
Firehouse – mmmm, mmmm, good	bedazzled thanks to Steph & Jana	Parking at the side of the road 1 mile away – good thing we had our bikes 🙂

Comments:

Lance said…

Good Job! I always name my Bikes/Cars too. It makes them go faster..
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:05:13 PM

Sami said…

Good job, Now I’m going to name my bike Dorie.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:13:37 PM

Diana said…

I love it! What great memories. I will have to make it next year!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 7:46:52 AM

Bruce said…

You ladies were certainly the prettiest girls on the road. Keep smiling.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 2:57:58 PM

Magan said…

You ladies looked adorable! Just realized I was calling stephanie, Stacy.. Oops. I am glad she loves biking I wish I had someone closer to ride more with.. We will have to ride together next year…
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 5:27:36 PM

Yesterday I decided to wear my glasses instead of contacts. While out working in the garden they were upbruptly and accidently knocked off as Lily stepped in too close and whacked me in the face. I was a little stunned for a minute but then went intently back to work. Since I rarely wear them I didn’t really notice that my glasses had been knocked off. Then I looked up and things began looking blurry. (for those that don’t know, I am legally blind without glasses) I couldn’t figure out what was wrong because I’d forgotten that I’d been wearing glasses. (for those that don’t know, I have sporatic bouts of amnesia 🙂 ) Once I figured out that I was previously wearing glasses I started summoning for help. I knew that if I made one wrong step I could break the glasses. Stephen and Mason came to my aide and Mason eventually found them lying in one of our square foot gardens. I placed them back on top of my nose, smiled as I realized how amazing it is to see with full vision once again and then continued weeding. I began thinking about how wonderful it is to be able to see and how grateful I am for eye correction in these modern days.

As night set in, I thought of an analogy using my glasses experience as I contemplated Stephen’s impending trip to Guam. I decided that Stephen is like a pair of glasses for me. When he is physically away from me my life is hazy and not completely in focus. He is my support and cheerleader amidst lifes challenges. He stabalizes me and gives me vision in life. He takes my breath away and can encourage me in a way that nobody else will ever be able to do. I am happy to announce that after 15 years, I am still in love with the boy who knocked me off of my feet and made me begin to think spontaneously. I know when he comes home with his big hug that my vision will clear up and my heart will smile.

Another anaolgy that presented itself because today is Mother’s Day, is how a mother is her children’s pair of  glasses.  A righteous mother who desires to teach her children of "who they really are, why they are here, and where they came from" is like her children’s pair of spritual glasses. My mother guided me along life’s journey for 19 years and taught me many important values and principles along the way. She gave me vision and understanding as she went about joyfully serving (and still does). She sharpened my view as she bore testimony and shared personal examples of how choosing the right was the best choice. I didn’t have to learn many things the hard way because I knew I could trust her and the things she taught by the spirit. She walked with me into the ward chappel each Sunday and encouraged me to keep my promises. She expected and anticipated that one day I would spiritually see 20/20 on my own. Now it is my turn to pass on some eternal vision & legacy that has been placed before me.

p.s. Thanks Lily for making me feel so special today. You set out all of the gifts you had prepared from school and activity days last night and insisted I go back to bed so that you and Olivia could bring me breakfast in bed. I appreciate you gearing me up with excitement yesterday as you said, "I bet you are so excited for your special day tomorrow." I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Here we are

I recently returned from a 3-1/2 day personal vacation….and that is one reason that makes my husband coolest! I left him with a messy house, many notes of where people should be & what time to get them there, & 5 kids to do it all with.

After much debate and indecision since February I decided to go to BYU for Women’s Conference with my sister/friend Anne; (it is a long story -which doesn’t need to be told – how this all came about) along with throwing in a visit to my sister’s family, staying with my parents, and going to dinner with my Utah sisters and mom @ Olive Garden. I would never have been able to do it without the support of Mr. Cool Husband, oh how I love him. 

It was my ideal vacation! Even more ideal than sitting on a warm beach and reading my favorite book (which is a close second). I really do LOVE listening to talks and being inspired by other people. I also enjoy watching people I don’t know and associating with wonderful women in the gospel from all over the world. I was able to sing in the instant choir which was also a priviledge. I came home with many good ideas to help me become a better person and have an even stronger testimony of the gospel. My favorite part of Women’s Conference is the amount of service that goes on. I wish I had concrete numbers to share, but imagine 15,000 women taking part in 2 days of service. Anne and I were able to tie a quilt, make fleece hearts for hospital patients, and help make activity bags for abused/neglected children to play with while they are at the police station. So many other projects were going on – the photos don’t do it justice.

I thank Anne for making it fun – she was flexible with which classes to go to, easy to carry on a meaningful conversation with, and positive about all that was happening.

I also took a quick trip to IKEA & Taipan on my drive home – yipee!

When I got home the house was clean – UPSTAIRS & DOWNSTAIRS, EVEN THE CAR! My kids were (mostly) clean, but more importantly they were happy and had been well taken care of and especially loved. "I am the lucky one" Stephen!

Anne quilting	Quilt productivity	Scatter Sunshine Service Opportunity
All of the bags I left campus with! We bought several items some being bags!	Anne standing by the bags	Michelle @ Olive Garden with eh Oragami guitar Mason made and signed for her.

Comments:

John said…

Stephen is the man! If I needed a husband I would be very interested.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010 6:19:22 PM

Stephen said…

It was worth it to see her big smile when she came home. I am the Luckiest…
Tuesday, May 04, 2010 10:22:59 PM

Michelle said…

Glad you guys had a good time. Sounds like a great weekend.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010 11:23:45 AM

Dad and Mom Parker said…

We aren’t sure who is the luckiest, but maybe it’s the kids to have such great parents who love them and make growing up a great experience, because they follow the proclamation on the family, helping out each other with whatever is needed.
Monday, May 10, 2010 11:16:22 AM

Some days I sing outloud for my own personal enjoyment…

Some days I succeessfully kick my leg up high enough to land on Stephen’s shoulder….

Some days I wipe the snot away from JT’s nose with the inside of his t-shirt…

Some days I throw something hoping it lands in the garbage and when it misses, I just walk away…

Some days I lay on the trampoline and watch the clouds…

Some days I eat a half a bag of chocolate licorice (just becaus it tastes so good)…

Some days I drive really slow just to enjoy the scenery…

Some days I feed my family cereal for dinner…

Some days I forget doing the dishes before I go to bed…

and some days I make an ugly face! (photo compliments from my sister)

Yesterday I carried a balloon that would NOT deflate outside and told Lily to "make a wish" and we would send the balloon into the air. She said, "I wish that it will be sunny everyday next week". (She said this as she was wearing her swimming suit)

Today I experienced the first and I hope many more Sun-Days!

Play by play of Sun-Day:

Woke up to sun shining in my bedroom window…the alarm clock read 7:45!

Drove to church with my sun visor down.

Came out of church as the sun enveloped me in its lovely rays.

Ate dinner outside because we all wanted to feel warm fresh air on our skin and bask in the sun.

Walked cinnamon rolls over to our neighbors house while squinting into the sun.

Sat at Michele’s graveside reflecting as the sun kept on shining.

Drove to the Parker Parents wearing my sunglasses.

Drove home as the sun set.

Now I am thinking that I need to add balloons to my permanent storage list!

 

I have been studying the story of the Children of Israel. Wow were they good at murmuring! They complained a lot. They also witnessed many mighty miracles. How is it that they were so quick to forget the ways in which the Lord delivered them time after time? Also how could they discount the delivery of the 10 commandments? As a reader of this story you just want to say DUH!

Poor Moses had a great burden on his shoulders trying to be Israel's advocate. He petitioned to the Lord in their behalf many times, even though they sought to take his life and continued to murmur against him. He was a very powerful yet meek prophet. "He did not excuse the behavior of his people, but only empahsized the long-suffering mercy of the Lord." (OT Study guide p 205) I am also amazed at the Lord's never ending patience with his rebellious children. He gave the Israelites many opportunities to repent, including being able to look at a fiery serpent that Moses was instructed to make and put on a pole. They were instructed that if they were bitten by a fiery (poisionus) serpent that all they had to do was look at the pole and be healed. It is sad to note that many did not look because they did not believe. This plague is symbolic of the future when the Son of God would be lifted up on a cross…those that believe in him will not perish but have everylasting life. (John 3:14-15)

I wonder if someone sat down and "read" my story if they would want to say DUH to me? How many witnesses from the spirit have I had! My baptism, marriage in the temple, partaking of the sacrament, listening to conference, daily prayer and scripture study are all indicator's that Heavenly Father has blessed me immeasurably. I have also witnessed several miracles, the most recents: the snowmachine fire at the cabin in Island Park, and Lily's head injury.  I must never deny nor murmur against the Lord and his goodness to me.