Stephen and Jodi Parker Family

Eric, Me, Scott, Michelle, & Brad

As I grew up as a granddaughter to my Grandpa & Grandma Baldwin I think I gravitated to bonding with my Grandpa more because he was funny and loud. I was supported by both in many of the important events in my life such as: baptism, graduation, marriage and many other orchestral and choral events. Whenever I think of my Grandparents, I see my Grandpa standing out in front and my Grandma contentedly standing to the side smiling, happy for him to have the attention. She was the gentle, loving, & quiet service doer. I loved them both dearly for different reasons. 

 

Yesterday I gathered with my family in Blackfoot, ID to celebrate and honor the life of my sweet Grandma Lila Vinette Lemmon Baldwin. I was surprised at the flood of emotions that surfaced for me. They didn't come only because of the loss I feel from my Grandma graduating from her earthly body, but I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for the wonderful (quiet) example my grandma was every 96 years of her life. She just lived what she believed and loved all of mankind. As I peered at her lifeless body and her temple recommend placed under her frail hand I was very proud! She didn't leave behind wealth and earthly treasures, but a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and enduring well to the end. I hope to become a parcel of the person my Grandma was able to became.

 

I had the unique opportunity to to sing with my brothers and sister and many of the 42 cousins at her funeral. We sang, "Families Can Be Together Forever." I pretty much lip synced the song because the words were ringing so true & loudly in my ears. The potential that we have for our eternal family is quite a bounteous gift from our Heavenly Father. As I contemplate the posterity that have come from one woman and one man – my grandparents, it is astounding! I find myself thinking of the time when I looked into the mirrors of the temple in the sealing room. As I think about looking to the future, envisioning my future posterity, then turning behind and looking to the past – my heritage, I find that I am beginning to understand the potential and grand design of the Plan that has been laid out for each of us. I feel so thankful to be born and raised to know of these truths and to understand the blessings that are possible as I aim to live together forever with my family. 

 

We were encouraged as grandchildren to keep a journal – as much of my grandmothers life sketch came from her journal entries. We were also encouraged to look to the scriptures for all of the questions in our lives. The scripture 4 Nephi 1:15 was quoted and modified to fit our family, "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the [homes of the families of Frank & Lila Baldwin], because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of [the family members of Frank & Lila Baldwin]."

 

If we genuinely hope to live together in the eternities with our families, what better advice could we have received and what greater action could we use to honor our grandparents for the wonderful heritage for which we have been blessed? 

 

Obituary Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96

Lila Lemmon Baldwin, 96, of Rockford, Idaho passed away May 22, 2011 at her home.

She was born February 21, 1915 in Garfield, Idaho the youngest daughter of Washington Lemmon and Ida Ethel Hamilton.

Her early childhood was spent in Marysville, near Ashton, Idaho. In 1928, her father bought a large farm in Tyhee, Idaho. She graduated from LDS Seminary and from Pocatello High School in 1933.

On September 29, 1937 she married Franklin Reed Baldwin in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The lived in Pocatello until 1947. They settled in Moreland where all of their children graduated from Snake River High School. In 1973 they moved to Rockford.

Service was her best attribute. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she served diligently in all of the Church auxiliaries. She and Frank served full-time missions to Calgary Canada; Nauvoo, Illinois and at the Salt Lake City Utah Family History Center.

She had a career with her sewing machine. She mastered making clothing so that she could add to the family income. She learned the art of custom drapery making in her home.

Lila knew how to milk a cow, make butter and kill a chicken. She always raised a garden – growing everything.

Lila is survived by one brother, Byron Lemmon of Bountiful, Utah; three sons, Paul Reed of Rockford, Stephen Lee (Pat) of Rexburg, Frank Lynn (Connie) of Riverton, Utah; three daughters, Serena (Max) Watt of Rockford, Marilyn (Bob) Kesler of Blackfoot and Joan (Blaine) Dance of Sandy Valley, Nevada; son-in-law, LuDell Evans of Blackfoot; 43 grandchildren, 101 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; daughter, Ruth Evans; six brothers, Guy, Melvin, Don, Verlon, Eugene and Weir; three sisters, Laura, Florence and Faye; one granddaughter; three great granddaughters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Blackfoot West LDS Stake Center.

silly girls – Lexi & Bridget
	Lex, Grant, & Bridget	Grace & Lily
Magan, Jeana, & I	Emily & Lex	Grandma & a few Grandkids
Me & Dallen (he graduates this week from HS!!!)	The Sisters	Excited about their ride back to the church in a limo
First time for me inside of limo	Babes!

Comments:

Anne said…

Jodi it sounds like a wonderful and emotional day full of mixed feelings. Your grandparents sound wonderful. It is not easy to say goodbye, however I too am grateful for the gospel knowledge that helps :).
Monday, May 30, 2011 7:06:32 AM

Michelle said…

Thanks for sharing-funerals are a great time to realize what our knowledge of the gospel really means.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:43:52 AM

This week in particular I have been experiencing some "once in a life time" mom moments here on the battlefront.

I started the week off last Sunday morning snuggled up to Olivia in my bed. She had come in early morning for consolation and I pulled her onto my bed so I wouldn't upset my slumber. Along came 6 am – and I heard the starting signs of throwing up. I acted quickly and shot upright, scooped her up and it was too late. Stinky, chunky throw up right in my face and down the front of my shirt, over ALL of our bed covers, all over her clothes, in her hair – you get the picture don't you? NOT cool. I haven't ever, in my almost 14 years of being a mom, experienced throw up puddled on my face – Urine? Yes. Puke. No.  

Another first relating to throw up was 2 weeks prior. Olivia and JT were both camping out in our bed with us when Olivia started to "loose her cookies", immediately as if on cue – JT began to spew forth. I thought to myself…"synchronized throw up, now that is a first?"

Yesterday I was fixing my hair while JT was making a potty break in my bathroom. He sat there chatting and then he said, "Mom, we have a stinking dirty house. We need to clean our house."  He was saying this as he peered into the disgusting toilet. All the toilets in our house have been working over time with urgent vomiting attacks and they have met their match. They really were gross! So, today I decided to have JT help me get things cleaned up. We were in my bathroom once again, when he exclaimed, "Mom, I have really long teeth." I had my back turned to him as I was cleaning my sinks. I was on autopilot nodding my head, when I snapped out of it!  I turned around to see him brushing his teeth with my "old cleaning toothbrushes!" I freaked, lost it, screamed so loud I scared the little fella. He immediately began crying out of fear from my exclamations. I had Olivia go downstairs to retrieve his toothbrush. I brushed and scrubbed his teeth and tongue better than I ever have (several times) – I had him drink tons of water to try and flush out the germs. Even as I type I am shuddering and fearful of what can/could happen.

I tell you what, the adventures I'm experiencing right now are keeping me young as I'm beginning to get gray hair and wrinkles.

Comments:

Stacie said…

I feel your pain! Cooper has been in the same boat! He had it out both ends. Thank heavens for good diapers with elastic! He threw up in his own bed while I layed next to him. I managed to avoid the whole face thing! Nasty!
Sunday, May 22, 2011 10:39:30 PM

Anne said…

Um, sometimes being a mom can be yucky too, throw up in the face, yuck! Good thing the smiles, hugs, and “I love you’s” happen too!
Saturday, May 28, 2011 7:07:02 AM

me and my kiddos on mother’s day

This week I have a few things on my mind. Things that matter and make a difference to me. Things I want to write down to preserve.

First and foremost I would like to document that yesterday I enjoyed the sunshine! We have gone without sunshine for many days this spring and I can't tell you how good the sun felt to my skin! I celebrated by weeding my flower beds and helping Stephen transplant bushes in the flower beds. I am looking forward to a plentiful harvest from our new garden spot, and anticipate the annual Sugar flower sale next Saturday. 

As of two days ago, Stephen was officially offered (and he accepted the offer) a job at BYUI.  We have been mulling over and praying about it for 3 weeks! (Check out his blog for full details) I want to add here on how receiving a firm confirmation to an earnest prayer really helps you feel that Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of your current and future needs. And also give you the courage to have faith in His personal plan for you. 

Yesterday I was able to go to Idaho Falls with Diana and take a tour of her home that she is moving back to in a couple of weeks. It was fun to see and to chat with her a little more than we have in the past few busy months. We went to lunch at my favorite bakery there: Babe's Bakery, where they make the most delicious turkey avocado crescent sandwich. It made me reminiscent of my pregnant craving from 6 years ago. I am very grateful for the friendship of my "sister" friend. It is a blessing to have a friend that knows your life stories and personal weaknesses and likes you anyway. It has been a cherished treasure to learn from and get to know my friend. She is a remarkable person. From the words of one of my favorite songs, "I do believe I have been changed for the better….because I knew you."

Because of the void I have felt come upon me from knowing my "sister" friend is moving, I was happy to discover a new running buddy. Heidi is on the Stake Girls Camp Board with me and as we began talking decided to train for the Teton Dam Half Marathon together. I count this as a tender mercy and gift from Heavenly Father. It has been not only good to do this physically, but very healing emotionally as I was having sad thoughts of the Puzey family moving. Heidi has been so fun to get to know and I am inspired by her exercise work ethics. She even has a road bike, and I hope to get in on some long bike rides with her.

Watching my kids grow up is bittersweet. I have been recognizing the sweet parts of it recently from soccer games to decorating teacher doors, personal progress progression (Lex will get her Medalion by her birthday!), Impending camps (girls, scout, cedar badge, soccer), Dare graduation, listening to funny comments and even anticipating a zoo field trip. It is so good to be a mom. I LOVE it. I feel happy and content being able to stay home with them to listen and learn and sometimes teach.

Recently, I have taken notice of how nice it is to have chosen the simple road. This year I have helped at the school only as needed – I didn't bring extra things in. I've found that just being a room mom keeps me involved enough! And I only did that because they called and asked me to do it. Otherwise I have been flying under the radar. As far as church stuff is concerned: I get to teach the lesson in RS once a month. Great! Recently I have been helping with girls camp and it is fun and a little busy, but I have noticed a difference in not having to worry about planning sharing times, activity days, conducting, scout stuff, nursery stuff, etc. It has been so amazing to have a time in my life to be (somewhat) still. I have noticed how awesome it is to take time to act upon ideas or thoughts that come in quiet moments. To give a friend a call that I've been thinking about, to write a note, to use my time to really study the scriptures more.  I am writing all of this and remembering that in 2 weeks the storm will come, with school out and the demands of 5 kids at home all day kicks in…..I am going to brace myself!

But really it has all been lovely.

I just love this boy!		Little date with the Kirkham girls to Orange Leaf
For one of Lexi’s last value projects she put a youth choir together. They performed the song by Jennie Phillips,	Cute sisters	Met up with Puzey girls @ Sugar Jr. Miss
3 generations		lexi’s spring club soccer team
lex in action	Jt being silly	Liv getting her legs warm
Lily and I decorated her teacher’s door for teacher appreciation week	Lily ran the mile in 9:26!	Stephen was there to run with and encourage not only Lily but ALL of the kids in her class!
Alexis especially loved the mock eclairs I made for dinner	Look what I found when I went this week to put up the sugar soccer posters at the JHS!	Am I biased or is she just the cutest?
Mason at Dare graduation… he is such a good boy!	Santa Lily	eating and breathing bubbles
	tub fun