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

Always a Little Sister


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

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!

I shouldn’t be alive

Today while rock climbing for high adventure with some young men from the stake.  I chose to climb up the cliffs we had been repelling down, it was a great climb until about 3' from the top when I grabbed a rock about the size of my head and it pulled loose from the mountain.  I immediately fell off the wall and began flying towards the ground back first.  I was being belayed but he apparently was snapping some photo's of me climbing so his hands were tied up.  I closed my eyes and braced for impact, just when I thought I was going to hit the ground I was stopped by the rope.  I was literally inches from the rocky ground.  I was in shock, I immediately jumped up and assessed myself for injuries.  I was amazed that I only had a few scratches and rope burn on arms and hands.  I thought to myself I must have something left to do in this life, because I shouldn't be alive after falling almost 50'!  There is a higher power out there angels are watching over us and caring for us when life gets out of our control.

Comments:

John and michelle said…

Wow-we are glad you are still with us. That is so scary.
Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:31:37 PM

Magan said…

Glad you are safe.
Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:56:10 PM

Ri Ri said…

I am so happy you are ok.
Thursday, August 25, 2011 4:39:42 PM

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!

CRV – Take 2

Only a few short weeks ago, Stephen's little CRV needed some repairs. He ended up pulling out the entire engine and replacing it, only to discover that the engine had a cracked block. This was NOT a happy realization. So not to be discouraged, he spent 5 hours last night taking the "lemon" engine out, and tonight after his BYUI work drove to Pocatello to swap the junk yard for a different engine and is currently putting it in – it is midnight! Mason and JT surely have a wonderful example of frugality, work ethic, and determination!

Sugar Slushy

Summer in Sugar enjoyed with a bike ride (led by Lex) for a Slushy. These are the happy, simple pleasures of a kids life! We are lucky enough to live where the magic still happens. I loved riding my bike to the Burton Store, when I was a child, to buy treats in the summer. I'm so glad my kids get to have that same joy. 

Games

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