We can do hard things!
Olivia got to be a shepherd in the Ward Christmas Party. She looked so cute and was so proud.
I also caught this photo of her stealing a cherry off of her friend Emery's desert plate. Very funny!
 Emery, Olivia, Emily, Lily, Brynne, Katie, & Sage |
 “Don’t mind if I do!” |
Lily was excited to be the host of her first whoville party. She even helped me come up with the rhyme we put on the invitations: "Don't be a grinch, it's really a cinch. just come to my late night whoville, you'll even get a free meal. There will be games and a movie, it will be really groovy." They were also invited to wear pajamas, bring a gift for a gift exchange, and wear a "who" do (if desired). She decided to invite 12 girls! I consented thinking that they all wouldn't be able to come last minute (she handed the invites out the day before). But to my surprise they all came – in fact, we ended up with an extra girl who was spending the night with one of the invited. I had 14, nine and ten year old girls here! It was loads of fun and giggly and loud. I really love this age.
Games played were Christmas Pictionary, Musical Max (they passed stuffed animal Max around in a circle and whoever was holding Max when the music stopped had to sit out), Hide the Grinch was their favorite. It is basically played like the Hot/Cold game. One girl went out of the room, the rest of the girls hid the Grinch stuffed animal and when the girl came back into the room they group sang, "Jingle Bells" loudly the closer they got to discovering the Grinch and softer if they walked away from the Grinches hiding spot.
p.s. Interesting to note that the girls weren't all that interested in watching the movie – they wanted to play instead.
Lily also participated in her school Christmas Program. She was such a cute doll!
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Mason had fun creating his school project recently and was happy to report he got 100%. He was very honest and wanted it all to be his idea and effort. We are very proud of him.
He also was able to receive his first merit badges – rock climbing and cycling! Some of his (and his dad's) favorite interests and made it much easier to accomplish. Mason really enjoys scouting.
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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!
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 festival of trees |
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beautiful blown snow fall
I have been trying to think of how to put into words some of the great experiences I have had with Dad these past few weeks. I don't have the gift of a silver tongue, but I do want to share some of the great times we had this month the pictures can speak for themselves. We had several reflective times, fun times, miracles, and challenges. I wish I had pictures of us changing the clutch in the tractor and fixing the van sliding door. I am sure we'll do it again!
 traking on the impossible, it came right out with a handy man jack, although we both agree we didn’t do it alone |
 Mom soaking her feet after a long day with Dad |
 another quick overnighter at the cabin on the hill |
 a quick trip to the cabin on the hill, just for fun |
 Getting together for Ed Strobel’s funeral |
We had a wonderful time with the Baldwin's this past holiday weekend. It was fun enjoying each other's company and eating lots and lots of delicious food. We had the privilege of hosting this year and it was just great. We missed Scott & Jeana's family as well as Brian & Michelle's and hope to see them soon!
The weekend was made up of girl candy making, boy + grandma shooting guns, riding snow machines, sledding & snow boarding down our backyard hill, Lexi & Bridget opened a photography studio, late nights, shopping, playing games, wii & Xbox 360 fun, laughing, watching reunion DVDs, eating 10 different pies, making hair flowers, and bonding like crazy.
 brother Brad & Amy |
 checking out the black friday options |
 Thankful for sleep and games |
 leg wrestling |
 Eric wins! |
 Introducing the Chicken Fat song – in honor of the Parkers |
 Personality with a punch |
 Family gathered around watching reunion DVD – thanks Amy! |
 Look at all of that PIE! LOVE my new desert stands that Stephen made!!!! (all of the colored ones) |
 Lexi and Bridget helped me with the place settings |
 Kids Table |
 Hip young adult table |
 adult table – with hidden turkey riddles under the plates (compliments of Lily, Abby, & Olivia) |
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Another weekend of great memories.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:25:21 AM
Lex nice pictures. You have an artistic eye!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:11:40 PM
Thanks for a great weekend Jodi & Stephen
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 6:06:04 PM
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.
It sounded amazing! Well worth the time you put into it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:24:38 AM
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
Lex and I learned how to crochet some cute hats this weekend! We were obsessed and finished last night right before we went to bed. Aunt Magan came with a cute pattern and gave us the bug. Lexi was so proud of her hat and wore it with pride to school this morning.
Lexi and Bridget had multiple photo sessions as well as some spontaneous shots this past Thanksgiving weekend. Lex & Bridget like to pose and had some cute shots. Thought I'd document them here. They are the funniest girls when you get them together – a little crazy too!
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yay!!! i love all my cuzins!!…..hahaha and food! Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 29, 2010 5:15:35 PM
I could not help but laugh out loud at some of the jump shots, way to have a good time with what you had to work with.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:21:52 AM
Oh my you are a great photographer! Come shoot pictures of Karma and I sometime. We love to pose!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:13:14 PM
Lily participated in her first fall piano festival. She had spent many hours refining and perfecting her pieces and it paid off! Her nice ritardandos, good rythmn and wonderful dynamics were spot on and best of all she had fun. The judge gave her a 99. She played "Mr. Jazz Man" and "Dance of the Marionettes". She was also able to play the grand piano in the foyer of the BYU-I Snow Building, something (I think) she has wanted to do. Her recital was the following night. Her new piano teacher is Holly Miller – Lily and I both love her!