Making Memories with Mason

Mason and I decided last week we needed to get out and just play in the mountains.  We headed out for the cabin on the hill, and some great mountain biking.  We rode our bikes out to and up Mount Jefferson, almost to the whole way but ran out of daylight so we had to turn around.  We really focused on going light and easy, dinner was a can of chili still in the can and a frozen pizza cooked between two skillets.  Hard to beat chili on a cold fall evening.

After dinner we shot up to West Yellowstone and grabbed some ice cream at Arrow Leaf, they are making them bigger than ever now.  Boy did they taste great!  Made that killer bike ride all worth it to be able to down that huge ice cream without much guilt.  We topped the night off by watching the Bourne Supremacy.  We stoked the fire up and hit the hay.  We got a little carried away, it was hotter than noon day in that cabin.  Finally after hours of burning up I opened the door and windows.  I checked the thermometer at about 3 AM and it read just over 100!  Guess we sweat that ice cream off too.

Breakfast was a couple oatmeal packets and then we were off again, we rode our bikes up to the ski hill and then down.  We thought it would be pretty easy to bike back up to the cabin, it wasn't.  Mason was pretty excited about finding some geodes so we headed out by the fish hatchery and hiked around a bit trying to remember where they were.  It was fun to listen to conference as we hiked around on the mountain, we also saw a big bull moose.  We still didn't feel like we were in the right spot for hunting geodes.  Finally we broke down and called Dad for tips, he pointed us right to the spot.  We hunted there for a bit but it was pretty picked over, so we headed to Elk Creek for some treats like old times.

I told Mason we could go home via Kilgore for something new.  We headed out that way and when we crossed the Clark county line and saw the trail to Blair lake we had to take a detour.  It was great, very pretty up there the fall colors were amazing.  I talked Mason into following me down the trail so i could ride my bike again.  Didn't take much, he was pretty excited at the chance to drive in the mountains.

You would think we had done enough already but as we passed the Civil Defense Caves we had to stop and do some more exploring.  What a great time we both had, We scouted out some new places we want to go check out on our next getaway, can't wait to go again.


Mason getting his last thrill of driving

Civil defense caves, forgot to take pics inside

Big ice cream cones

There are two deer in this picture

Henry’s lake

Bull Moose

Found the spot for geodes

Continental Divide

some seriuos scrambling

Top of Sawtell since we ran out of light

Good beans

Beginning the bike ride

A tattle-tale

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

Wise Words to a thirsty Soul


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!!!!

Spirit Week or is it Book Fair Week?

Lily was very disappointed that her school didn't participate in any sort of spirit days during homecoming week. She was confused each morning when Mason and Lexi came dressed up in their designated attire to soak in the school pride, yet she was given no direction. She asked more than once, "WHY NOT OUR SCHOOL?"

Well her time has now come. The scholastic book fair has made its way to Central Elementary and with it a list of things to do each day to go along with their "Hero" theme. Today was Grandparent's Day and she dressed up as one of her Grandparents. The instructions given to parents were "simple costumes with no help from parents." Since I haven't been feeling too great I wasn't very on top of things to remind her to dress up last night. I shouldn't have been surprised (because Lily is very particular and responsible) to see her dressed up in a white shirt and tie this morning at breakfast. She proclaimed that she was, "Grandpa Baldwin – a school teacher." She wanted to tuck a hand crafted pen that he made her in her pocket but I had to draw the line, we couldn't risk something like that getting lost! (Somehow she didn't put seminary teacher (Grandpa Parker) and school teacher in the same pot – even after we mentioned it?) She communicated to me at breakfast how she felt disappointed that she could only be one grandparent and rationalized that she could be a missionary too, because ALL of her grandparents were missionaries (lucky girl!). It was a bonus and extra special treat to have both Grandpa & Grandma Parker show up at school for lunch with pizza. It was the highlight of her day. Grandparents have a lot of work keeping up with all of their grand kids – we feel grateful for all of the sacrifices made to make the little people in all of our families feel special.

A girl named Olivia

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".

My Political Goals & Responsibilities

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.

AMA Challenge 2010


all the riders

Today was the big day.  We set a new AMA record of riders we had a whopping 21 riders this year.  It was different than any other year,  it was still very difficult and very strenuous but we rode as a pack for the most part, we would ride in pace line formation until we hit the hills.  On the hills we would all wait at the top for the rest of the group to catch up, made it more of a team effort and yet still very personal as we would take on the hills independently.  Thanks to all those who came out and made the day a great success.  It felt like a family and friends party since I personally knew almost every rider there!

We had everything for the ride donated, this allowed us to donate 100% of our registration fees to the ADA.  We raised $510 dollars from registrations, and since VSP Vision Care is tripling our donation amount we will be giving $1530 to the ADA when it is all said and done.  Great job riders and all those who participated in some way.  Next Year lets double our rider count, please spread the word and send me your ideas to make it bigger and even better.

Stuff Happens


Sister’s Unite

Lots of random photos here that have not been documented elsewhere.

Comments:

Bruce said…

It’s fun to see my kids helping their kids have fun with the kids in town. Growing up is like that.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:18:46 AM

Michelle said…

Great shots! Looks like lots of great memories being made.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 10:55:16 AM

Field Trip

Olivia invited Jt and I to go on a field trip with her and her class. We went to Farmer Sutton's farm(s) in Archer. He showed us his pumpkins and the kids all got to bring one home. Olivia was concerned that Lily wouldn't have one, so her teacher let her take 2! We also got to eat fresh apples, see hogs & yaks, and Olivia took a ride on a donkey! She also enjoyed riding the bus.

My dedication to JT

"Little boy, when you speak
I can't help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don't forget who you are
And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life's an hourglass
Life's an hourglass

Story's read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask" – Mindy Gledhill

Comments:

Patricia said…

Such an awesome poem. Such an awesome boy. I love you JT. 🙂 Grandma B.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 6:14:33 PM

Bruce said…

I sure like that little guy. He is kind of like my link to the little ones in the family. He is a great little guy.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:11:27 AM