Some Big Moments in Mason’s Life

This month has brought some great moments for the Mason Man! First up was him receiving his Eagle Scout Award on October 20th. After a lot of work and many merit badges, as well as finishing up his project to fix up & collect gently used bikes to give to charity, he is officially and Eagle Scout! It was a proud and happy moment to be his mom. He is not one to want to be in the spotlight, but he handled it great. He carried himself well and it has been wonderful to see him grow and develop in his character and leadership abilities. I appreciate both Grandpas’ in his life and the amazing scouting legacy that has been laid before Mason. Grandpa & Grandma Parker were able to participate via Skype from their mission in Brazil. Bruce gave Mason the eagle charge. My dad did a magical fire lighting and was the recipient of the mentor pin. He helped Mason go over his application and get it ready to submit at the Council office. He also been an avid role model for scouting for all of Mason’s life. Grandma Baldwin helped out with the refreshments. I don’t know what I would have done without all of the help!! Mason is a lucky young man to have amazing men in his life to strive to become like. Stephen has also been such a great help and support to Mason. It is fun that his calling as Scout Committee Chairman enabled him to be more of an active part with the presentation and preparing involved. Mason has also had many wonderful leaders all through his scouting years, including Cub Scouts. Keep up the great work Mason!!

We just got home this past weekend from a trip to Boys State Soccer in Boise where Mason was able to go with his team. It was a growing year for Mason as he was the only freshman on the team. It wasn’t his favorite to have to be the bag boy and not get to dress down because they had one too many players, but I was proud of him for sticking with it and being a good support to his team. He got a sweet sweatshirt and sweats as part of the deal. He also got to travel with the team and be at the hotel and eat some awesome free meals! He has been motivated to work even harder for next year and is talking about what he needs to do to be able to be a “starter” next year. We think and hope the team with again find themselves at State. It was great to watch the level of playing that we saw – such a treat! As a mother, I have appreciated the way the older boys have reached out and tried to help Mason feel good about this year. It is cool to see boys be sensitive and compassionate. I have been impressed by several boys and the quality of who they are becoming – not only as players but their character. Mason is blessed to have learned from some of them this year. His team finished off the season with taking third place on the state level! It is the highest the sugar soccer team has ever come, and that is something to brag about.

It’s been a good few weeks for Mason!

You’re gonna hear me RoAr

Dear Satan,

I heard a great quote once from a lady I greatly admire. Julie B. Beck told all of us women at BYU Women’s Conference,  “I have said lately that women are like lionesses at the gate of the home.  Whatever happens in that home and family, happens because she cares about it and it matters to her. She guards that gate, and things matter to that family if they matter to her.” Guess what – I believe her! I even put a picture of a lioness in my room where I see it every day as a reminder.

lioness

So Satan, I know you like to make me feel like I am a crappy parent and that what I do isn’t making a difference. I know you like to whisper negative thoughts into my ear about how I don’t contribute to society because all I do is stay home all day and that I should go get a job or go back to school and get a career so I can drive a fancy car. I know you want me to believe that my kids don’t listen to a word I say or care about things that are important to me. I know you are the one that tells me it’s ok to be upset and angry and overwhelmed when things don’t go my way or my house is a complete disaster.  I know you are trying to keep me so busy and tired that I don’t want to stay awake to read my scriptures or pray when I go to bed at night. I know that you are the one that tells me that FHE was a failure when kids fight the whole time, or that when our family only reads one verse in our scriptures for family scripture study because we slept in too long that we aren’t dedicated enough. You are the one who tells my kids that they are a loser or aren’t good enough. You are the genuine author who puts naughty lyrics to a catchy tune. You are the one who makes us all feel worthless and alone and like failures. I really don’t like you, you know that? You really get on my nerves.

I have faith in the idea that Sister Julie B. Beck counseled.  You can count on me to do everything in MY POWER to keep YOU out of my home because I care that all of us acquire and strengthen our own testimonies of Jesus Christ.  I care that we remember that we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us. I care that we keep our covenants. I care that we are surrounding ourselves with wholesome and uplifting things. I care that we are good friends as well as choose friends with high gospel standards. I care that we learn to love and serve each other.  I care that we follow the prophet. I care that we have a desire to represent Jesus Christ and serve a mission to share the gospel with others. I care that we understand that the Family is of God. I care that we hold fast to the knowledge that marriage is between a man and a women that love, honor, and devote themselves to each other. I care that we are preparing ourselves to go to the temple. I care that we keep the commandments and are honest, hard working, and humble. I care that we know how much power can come through scripture study and prayer. I care that we care about good grades and want to continue learning for the rest of our lives. I care that we participate in activities that will keep our bodies healthy and strong. I care that we acquire talents that will give us confidence now and the ability to serve later. ALL of this matters to ME! So watch out, “You’re gonna hear me Roar…louder than a lion cause I am a champion.”

Sincerely,

Jodi

p.s. Please thank your friend, Katy Perry for the chorus of her new song that I quoted above… It reminds me of being the Lioness at the gate of my home. Actually, while you’re at it, will you let her know that I am NOT a fan of her morals or dress code. Thanks that will be all. 🙂

You’re gonna hear me RoAr

Dear Satan,

I heard a great quote once from a lady I greatly admire. Julie B. Beck told all of us women at BYU Women's Conference,  "I have said lately that women are like lionesses at the gate of the home.  Whatever happens in that home and family, happens because she cares about it and it matters to her. She guards that gate, and things matter to that family if they matter to her." Guess what – I believe her! I even put a picture of a lioness in my room where I see it every day as a reminder.

So Satan, I know you like to make me feel like I am a crappy parent and that what I do isn't making a difference. I know you like to whisper negative thoughts into my ear about how I don't contribute to society because all I do is stay home all day and that I should go get a job or go back to school and get a career so I can drive a fancy car. I know you want me to believe that my kids don't listen to a word I say or care about things that are important to me. I know you are the one that tells me it's ok to be upset and angry and overwhelmed when things don't go my way or my house is a complete disaster.  I know you are trying to keep me so busy and tired that I don't want to stay awake to read my scriptures or pray when I go to bed at night. I know that you are the one that tells me that FHE was a failure when kids fight the whole time, or that when our family only reads one verse in our scriptures for family scripture study because we slept in too long that we aren't dedicated enough. You are the one who tells my kids that they are a loser or aren't good enough. You are the genuine author who puts naughty lyrics to a catchy tune. You are the one who makes us all feel worthless and alone and like failures. I really don't like you, you know that? You really get on my nerves.

I have faith in the idea that Sister Julie B. Beck counseled.  You can count on me to do everything in MY POWER to keep YOU out of my home because I care that all of us acquire and strengthen our own testimonies of Jesus Christ.  I care that we remember that we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us. I care that we keep our covenants. I care that we are surrounding ourselves with wholesome and uplifting things. I care that we are good friends as well as choose friends with high gospel standards. I care that we learn to love and serve each other.  I care that we follow the prophet. I care that we have a desire to represent Jesus Christ and serve a mission to share the gospel with others. I care that we understand that the Family is of God. I care that we hold fast to the knowledge that marriage is between a man and a women that love, honor, and devote themselves to each other. I care that we are preparing ourselves to go to the temple. I care that we keep the commandments and are honest, hard working, and humble. I care that we know how much power can come through scripture study and prayer. I care that we care about good grades and want to continue learning for the rest of our lives. I care that we participate in activities that will keep our bodies healthy and strong. I care that we acquire talents that will give us confidence now and the ability to serve later. ALL of this matters to ME! So watch out, "You're gonna hear me Roar…louder than a lion cause I am a champion."

Sincerely,

Jodi Parker

p.s. Please thank your friend, Katy Perry for the chorus of her new song that I quoted above… It reminds me of being the Lioness at the gate of my home. Actually, while you're at it, will you let her know that I am NOT a fan of her morals or dress code. Thanks that will be all. 🙂

Ode to the power of writing

The older I become, the more I get to understand myself. I am constantly learning and re-learning what works and what doesn't. One thing I have found that works for me is writing.

Today I want to acknowledge how therapeutic it is for me to write. For me, it isn't that I feel like I have important things to create or share. I am not wise, exciting, nor talented in this regard. I don't feel like it is my obligation to the world to be known for anything remarkable. Rather, I enjoy writing in my aloneness and rote simplicity.  With this said, I will clue you in on how much I relish the power of honey do and "things to do today" lists; the "what to make for dinner" plan;  a color-coded calendar; a note I can write to tell someone I love them or value what they've recently done; or even a place to organize and process my thoughts and feelings – such as this blog; more pointedly said: finding a moment to document the beautiful life that God has blessed me with is something that brings me joy!

I also love to brag about my children and my husband and realize that the one and only person in the world that most likely would enjoy hearing about it all is my mother; so journaling about it makes me feel satisfied and safe. Having a place to keep it for another day – when the danger of my kids getting big heads is past, and the threat of other people judging or being annoyed with my bragging is not an option – seems like a good plan!  

What would I do without the ability to type, physically write, or more importantly think? I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have been blessed with to read, write, process thought (though jumbled they seem), and think and make plans; thankful also for a safe and warm place to incubate it all, and the health and strength to keep learning and living! Life is good – oh so very good. The friendship I find in this process is very fulfilling and I feel settled and complete when we part.

{insert} big, happy, long, smiling sigh

Deliberate Self-Help Mothering + Book Reviews

It's a good word: deliberate. I really like what it makes me feel like when I say it. It makes me feel planned, dependable, organized, ready, proactive, and motivated. When I use this as the adjective before mothering it is a bit overwhelming too! But I still like it nonetheless. Something I love to do for a past time is read a lot of self-help books. I've decided that the reason I like it so much is because I take my job as a mother very serious and I'm always looking for ways to perfect it. Since circumstances and needs of 5 children are ever changing, I'm sure that it is a quest and need that will never go away. I love being a mom, but it is stinking hard. HARD! I didn't know it would be such a challenge when I signed onto the job as a new mom at age 21; but if it wasn't such a challenge I'm certain the joy and rewards, when they come, wouldn't feel as amazing! I've learned through the course of my study and planning that parenting/mothering is not for wimps. I have to be strong and not care when my child says, "I hate you" or glares at me then rolls her eyes. I can't take it personal when the tantrums, pouting, and sulking pour out abundantly, nor be humiliated and embarrassed when mistakes happen in public and both of us forget the things we know we should do. I just have to say that what I know is that I am an imperfect mother who loves my imperfect children and our quest is to be our best self (whatever it is for the given day). This sure is a healthy approach and I will need to refer back to this paragraph when the pressure it turned on again and emotions are flaring. 🙂

As stated above, I have sort of an obsession with self-help kinds of books. Again as I think about this, I'm always trying to look for ways to make what I do everyday better. I also like to have fresh and new ideas to try and see what possibilities are out there to try. I also enjoy learning and seeing things from many different perspectives. So I would like to take a second and give a shout out to some great books that I've gleaned ideas from through the past years.

#1 – First off the bat, I cannot stress enough the importance it has been for me to read the scriptures! When I read from the scriptures I am inspired by the kinds of parents found in there. The amount of faith needed many years ago is probably the same amount of faith that I need now to teach my children the ways of God. Through reading the scriptures I understand my own nothingness and the need for acknowledging that these children in my home are actually God's children – that they are on loan to me here on earth. With this in mind it becomes paramount that I use the life-line that prayer can be in giving me the inspiration needed to reach the spirits that have come to live in my home. If I can keep focused on where we all came from and what our purpose and goal is in being here, I will be able to be like the parents I read about in the scriptures. Right now my favorite advice given in the Book of Mormon is from Lehi. It is found in 1 Nephi 8:37-38, it is a great couple of verses, but the last line says it all for ME personally, "and he did cease speaking to them." LOVE this advice. Sometimes I just need to trust my kids after I've said & done all I can, then let them decide for themselves.

#2, #3, #4 – Three books from Richard and Linda Eyre: The Entitlement Trap, Teaching your Children Values, and How to talk to your child about sex. The Entitlement Trap came at a time in my life that I needed to learn about teaching and expecting ownership in my children – ownership is the remedy to entitlement. I needed to know that when they make mistakes it is good and ok for them to own up to them and I don't have to take them on and feel the guilt from them. I also learned that ownership is linked to many different life experiences, such as: our health, money, testimonies, relationships, etc… The book, Teaching your Children Values gives parents the idea of focusing on specific values each month for a year. Honesty is the first value and we learned that honesty is the foundation of all other principles. I LOVED teaching this and focusing on it and now we are building. This month we are teaching about peace-ability – something that our home could greatly benefit from. I typed & printed off the suggested monthly word and magnetized it to our fridge where it can be stared at every time we eat as a reminder. How to Teach your Child about Sex – a super uncomfortable and awkward subject before reading the book and a less super uncomfortable and awkward subject afterward. It gives great dialoguing and suggestions to teach appropriate ways to explain where babies come from.  It treats the subject as "the most wonderful beautiful and awesome thing in the world" – I think that is cool. If you think about it, it really shouldn't be embarrassing, we need to be the ones to teach this NOT the radio, TV/movies, friends, school, or internet. I want my kids to know they can talk to Stephen and I about this and that we treat this subject as respectful, special, wonderful, and sacred.

#5 – The Child Whisperer – by, Carol Tuttle. This book has really given me a new way to look at all people not just my children. Carol Tuttle teaches that we all are born with a "nature" something we generally call our personality and that our nature and facial/body features are connected. She has broken it down into four "types" – very much like the color-code book (think red, blue, white, & yellow) but on a much deeper level. I really appreciated reading this book! It helps me be much more patient and understanding as a parent. It helps give me ideas of ways to connect with the different needs/natures of my children and reasons to why they behave and act certain ways. It also empowers me with what I can do to support them in living true to who they are. I also learned a lot about myself and am more gentle, accepting, and content with my own "Type 4" nature. I don't feel such a need to try to be like "so and so", but just focus on being my best self. If we were all the same it would be a boring world. I like how this book teaches us to appreciate the wonderful attributes that others have to offer and be ok with ourselves.

#6 – The Parenting Breakthrough, by Merrilee Browne Boyak. I LOVE this book – it is my most recent read. It give the reader great ideas on why its important to have kids work! She explains that when kids learn how to work, and provide for themselves and acquire other necessary life skills they need to know before they are 18 and leave our homes,  that they will have more confidence and better self-respect and esteem.  She has a comical way of taking the reader through the book so it is light hearted, yet important. She comes across as a REAL mother, even though she clearly has it all together. Favorite things from this book are the idea of creating a family time line, not being afraid to have tough love and expect kids to work, and teaching skills that will in turn give our children the confidence they need to navigate life when they leave the comforts of our home and need to be independent. I highly recommend that ALL parents read this book.

I am a mother and also a self-help junkie

Today I've been thinking a bit about my job. I actually have one of the most important jobs on earth. In my mind, even more important than running a nation or flying to the moon: I am a mother. Some people may assume that becoming and being a mother is a natural process and that every women knows just how to do it. I agree with that to a certain extent, but I also add that from my personal experience it takes a lot of desire and determination. I expect a lot of myself in regards to my motherhood career, and because of this I am constantly trying to learn and implement new tactics. For me, motherhood must be deliberate. Because of this, I have found myself drawn to certain parenting books this year. I have been able as I read these to take what i feel will work for my kids/family and leave the rest. This entry is an attempt to report my findings of what has worked for me over the years.

#1 – Favorite parenting book is the scriptures! In the scriptures I read of other parents trying to put the Lord first in their lives and teaching their children to follow His ways. When I am diligent with my scripture reading, I find that somehow what I've read, at least once a week, will come in handy with a challenge or situation that my children are battling. I am amazed at how the spirit works in our homes when we are humble and let it. I have quoted scriptures to certain kids that I didn't even think i knew – probably some of the seminary scripture mastery's from 20 years ago. I am appreciate of the way the scriptures fan my faith and help me understand that my children are actually God's children and with that reminder prayer becomes a greater life line for then inspiration I need to be prepared. My all time favorite scripture right now about parenting from the Book of Mormon is found in 1 Nephi 8:37-38…look it up it is all good, but the last line is what I would love to be better at: "and he did cease from speaking to them".

#2 -The Entitlement Trap, by Richard and Linda Eyre. I LOVE this book. It outlines the remedy to the problem of entitlement as being ownership. It then goes into why it is important to have ownership in all areas in our lives and then how we can implement it. I appreciate how this book helped me find a better balance, that being a good parent isn't rescuing our kids from their mistakes and coddling them when hard things come, but encouraging them and assisting them in solving their own problems.

#3 – The five Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. This book was the first one I read to help me understand that my kids don't necessarily accept and feel love the same way as me. It gave good ideas of how to help me with my kids and how they may learn at school in a less traditional way and then be able to support my child better.

#4 & #5 – How to talk to your chlid about sex, by Linda and Richard Eyre & Where Do Babies Come From? by Brad Wilcox. We have used these two books together as an introduction to teaching our children about the birds and the bees. Let's face it, this topic is NOT a comfortable one to talk openly about, but our kids need to be told in a loving and gentle way the correct way to view this topic. I would never want their friends to teach them, or be left to figure things out after listening to songs or watching a movie or TV show. They need to know how beautiful this topic is and treat it with reverence and respect.

#6 – The Child Whisperer, by Carol Tuttle. Very interesting read. She teaches how to "type" children's natures. This is done with facial profiling and also the energy in which children lead with in life. I have found it very enlightening and helpful in being a more patient mom, and letting my children be who they are and not be what I think they should be. It has also helped me in many other relationships in life – to be more understanding and get what motivates different people and their personalities.  This concept has also helped me understand myself much better and be more content with who I am and not feel like I have to try and be someone I'm not.

#7 -The Parenting Breakthrough, by Merilee

Kindergarten

Kindergarten for my youngest child – could the term bittersweet be more fitting? I think not! My how I've been waiting for this moment. Time home alone at last to clean uninterrupted, finish a project, go shopping, do whatever the heck I want! But as I watched this little boy sit on the kiva with his class today looking back at me with those puppy dog eyes – I melted! My eyes welled with tears – heck they are welling now as i type – at the idea that my years of babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers are gone. The little hands that need to be kissed better, the story that needs to be read, the naps we would take together, my little shopping buddy – gone! He has been just such a joy and blessing in our family. His funny, goofy, and silly faces and moves will always crack us up. His determined, independent, and stubborn ways aren't going anywhere. Hopefully his loud and "bossy" voice will smooth out into a concise leadership voice as his teachers help mold and shape him through the next 13 years.

Really though JT is so excited about kindergarten, I think he is up for the great adventures that lie ahead. His teacher, Mrs. Gee has a great personality to help him achieve what he needs to this year. I am so excited that he will get to make some little friends. We don't have any neighbors or any boys in our ward his age. He hasn't gotten to feel the fun times that hanging out with friends can be. I think this will be a good year to try it out a little and get to know some nice kids. I volunteered to be his room mother so I can help guide him to the nicest and smartest kids in the class. Haha

If you can't tell – I just LOVE my little boy. He will always be my little boy. I'll try not to spoil him and ruin him and rescue him and coddle him too much, but in him in a lot of wrapped up nostalgic motherhood memories not only from him, but 4 other kids as well. He is the one that represents the changing of the tide so to speak. The oldest gets to open the doors, signaling the first one to do this or that and the youngest one closes the doors, signaling the last to do this or that.

Well I can't spend a lifetime mourning over the doors closing so I just need to be happy that I got to celebrate the past years and moments in life with the littlest people of the world. On with the JT stories…

JT is one cool kid. He is one of those kids that the teenagers think is cool and want to hang out with at church, school, or soccer games. He totally know what he wants from life and will tell you all about how you can help him get there and a step by step plan to make it happen, as soon as he feels comfortable. Stephen has said this on more than a few occasions, "I think JT is going to be a leader someday, because he sure it good at telling me what we need to do." JT comes across a bit shy at first, but funny thing – he isn't really shy. He is just getting a gauge on how things work in a new environment. He is accessing his boundaries and what is tolerated, who he can trust – once he figures all of these variables out he is an assured and confident little person ready to command his ship.

He likes to work around the guys in the garage and I think he thinks he is a lot older than he really is. He tries to use tools from the garage – not the fake plastic one that kids are suppose to play with. Some of the happiest times I've seen him are shoeless and riding on the front of a motorcycle with his big brother driving. He also likes to chill with Lily and Olivia and will allow them once in a while to tell him how to do things. Other times he gets bothered that people are "trying to control him". Once time he came in from being outside and told us that the wind was trying to control him. 🙂

He really makes Lexi laugh and makes her happy when she is sad. He has a tender heart and can be a little hugger when he wants to. JT loves to watch all of his sibling play soccer and was totally thrilled when he found out it was his turn to play this year. He loves putting his shin guards, cleats, and jersey on, but I've had to refocus him at his games when he is ready to run off the field and head for the slide.

At church JT has probably the best Primary teachers, Brother and Sister Goodman,  any parent could hope for. They are so good – they teach JT to be reverent and sit still and listen, they come prepared and teach him the gospel, they love him and notice him in the good things he tries to do. When they sent him a special note in the mail when they left town to go to florida one time, JT felt so special.

I LOVE this guy,  JT. I don't know what I would ever do without him in my life. He makes my life fun, exciting, and happy. His little smile and smirk make my day. His excited loud voice remind me who he is and what he is about. His determined and bold nature let me know that he has the capability of being a valiant young man who will stick to his principles. I love to hold his hand still, and give him a hug when he is sad. I love to kiss his cheeks and rub lotion on his legs. I like to fold his clothes and put his little shoes in their cubby. It is an honor to be his mother.

Second Grade

Olivia woke up this morning happy and ready! She went to bed to night happy and eager to get to bed so she could wake up happy and ready. (Olivia isn't a morning person so this is a big deal!) She wants so badly to meet her goals. She is a sweetie pie.  She is the cutest darn second grader you will find. She pays attention to details and carefully picked out her outfit making sure it matched and went together (side note: out of all of my kids she has had the most innate fashion sense of them all – I think it because she is detail oriented). She looked and felt great – even though she couldn't't eat breakfast. This is a meal she would call a necessary evil. She's not really into eating it ever. She is excited to get Mrs. Smith for a teacher – just like Mason and Lily. Mrs. Smith is a perfect fit for her and they will have a great year together. As I walked away from dropping her off I felt happy and satisfied about a good year ahead.

As I've stopped to listen to her more and appreciate her strengths she has responded positively. Recently Stephen and I took her out to lunch for her special eight year old talk and date. She was so chatty and willing to talk to us. I think she must feel overwhelmed when so much is going on and its crazy and spinning fast at our house. As we slowed down and gave her our undivided attention, she was like a flower that blossomed right out in full. I couldn't believe how much she talked and laughed and smiled. Time and caring and quiet were just the right combination. What a gift it was as parents to see her sparkle. We took pictures of her at the BYU Idaho gardens for her baptism pictures. She is so photogenic it was hard to select which picture to use. I will never forget the wonderful time I had watching her feel special, I wish every day could be just like that for her.

Olivia has been begging us to let her do gymnastics or dance for at least 2 years. Well, we finally signed her up at Airbound. She has literally been doing cartwheel and the Russian splits ever since! I feel bad we've waited so long, but maybe the wait makes it all the more exciting for her. It will be fun to see her progress and watch to see if this becomes her thing. I decided that everyone in our family has their "thing" they are known for and good at. Olivia has tried all of them and does a lot of them too, but it isn't "her thing". As mother I am finding how important it is for each kid to feel noticed for good in a certain thing that they love to do. Maybe for Olivia this will be gymnastics. She is growing up and getting big and it is great to see her blossoming in so many ways!

This has been Olivia's year to shine on the soccer field – things are just clicking out there. She isn't afraid of the ball or doing for it. She has a natural defensive nature which helps cover the goal, a great thing as well. Stephen has been her coach and it is cool to see her get into the game and beg to get to play.

Olivia has been preparing for her baptism day – which is happening two days from now. He interview with the bishop went well and he was very impressed with how well she understood and knew what he was talking about. She has a great depth to her and she is extremely thoughtful. Her prayers reflect this quality that she possess and I love to hear her prayers. She has an ability to feel deeply and sometimes doesn't understand her feelings. I am excited to see her tune into this as she grows older and is blessed to have the Holly Ghost as a constant companion. Hopefully this special gift will help her make more sense of her feelings and she will begin to rely and trust on it as a driving force in her life.

I LOVE Olivia so much. If I could I would lay by her and cuddle forever. I call her my snuggle bunny because she loves to be held and hugged and nestled. I want to just protect her and shield her from anything bad or hard that could and might happen. Since that is not possible and not how things work down her on earth, I'll settle for some hearty prayers. She is a special one of Heavenly Father's children. She is sensitive and kind hearted and I know her hands will be used in service to bless many for good. She is a friendly, gentle giant – a label I would give anything to be.

Sixth Graders are middle schoolers not elementary

Today Lily entered the halls of her school as the top dog sixth grader. She walked in determined, prepared, and organized for the challenge. She is a good student and I rarely worry about her with any teacher. She can handle most situations she is placed in. This year she has chosen to join the orchestra at school – she will play the cello! I hope she really enjoys it.

She had her clothes laid out neatly on her floor the night before inside of her color-coded, and meticulous closet.  She was the first one up and ready, and had her bed made perfectly. This is just who she is. She would never think of misplacing something in her room because everything has a place. She just got the privilege of having her own room and is quick to remind me that "her room would never look like _________" – fill in the blank with a negative label.

**this is where the part where I need to insert that I am choosing to dote and be a proud mom who brags about her awesome daughter for the rest of this entry!**

This introduction is to portray just how Lily is one of a kind. We say that a lot over her at our house – you are one of a kind Lily! When she was a little girl I think we were both frustrated and overwhelmed a lot with each other. We are both pretty head strong and like things done our way. A lot of people may dub that as a negative thing, but as I've gotten older and learned it is mostly a positive thing and something that makes Lily so special. How else could she be such an exceptional pianist. Her will and determined nature and passion enable her to produce some amazing things musically. She has a gift, and behind that gift she has motivation and hard work. When time calls for a consequence for her we tell her she can't play the piano and it works every time! She absolutely loves it and is connected to it. In fact, she has recently started saving her extra money she earns forr her own piano. She would love a grand piano, but has settled for an upright. I gave her the idea that if she first buys an upright she can teach piano lessons in college and then save $ from those lessons to get her "big piano".  She is a dreamer and a planner and I think she just might pull this one off – check back in 15 years. 🙂

In May Lily started taking piano lessons from a young 16 year old girl prodigy. She has been a wonderful mentor to Lily. I am so grateful my prayers were answered to find a great and affordable teacher that would inspire Lily to keep her talent sharp. Lily is know learning the well-known and difficult songs:  The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag. The real versions! Go pick up a piece of that music and see if you can play it – I can't! It is impressive and sometimes I can't even believe it is real. She is on a great track. I dropped her off at lessons last week and a Annie (piano teacher's mom) can to the car and asked if I knew what I had gotten myself into. I was confused and she explained that her daughter Annie was just like Lily at her age. She further warned that if Lily so desires and continues in this direction we would need to be prepared for the dedication involved financial and time. We will see what happens and what Lily decides is her goal. It will be fun to see. I am happy to support her in any way. I am just happy she loves music and that is good enough for me. When one crosses the line into resenting and hating music it's gone too far – in my humble opinion. I just want her to keep loving it and growing. Mostly music should be used to bring joy to yourself and bless other peoples lives….ok Lily – if you ever read this?

Friends are very important to Lily now. She wants to hang out all of the time and have something fun to do along with it. She is always looking for ways to get together and make a memory or bond with people. Some of her friends are Brynne, Kallie, Abrea, Emma, Katie, & Hannah. She still thinks boys are gross and stupid – all except Sam Puzey and he is our "cousin".

Lily is also taking her soccer skills to the next level and ready to start Fall Club Soccer this season. She is on an all girl sugar team and I am excited to see what awesome things will happen with this group. Lily like to play – doesn't love it, but she is excited about it and being with some of her friends.

Neat things about Lily are that she is kind, caring, and nurturing. She is one amazing babysitter – she does laundry, dishes, and makes and invents the coolest and funest games kids would ever want.

She is so close to achieving her Faith in God award in primary. She is completely honest in all that she does and I really like that I can trust her. Her testimony is growing and she wants to do what is right and be kind to others as Jesus would. She is trying hard to develop good habits of prayer and scripture study. She likes to do the right thing and sees things in black and white. She gets worried about the lyrics to songs on the radio immediately changes the channel, the same is true for movies, tv. etc. She has a sensitive spirit to things in the media that drive the spirit away and I think that is just wonderful! Keep it up Lily!!

It has been so great to get to be her mother and understand how much she needs to feel respected by other people. She can move heaven and earth if she knows you genuinely respect her. She just wants to be understood and listened to and treated fairly. Give her that and she will give you more back. Simple.

I was driving down the rode the other day and I started tearing up thinking about this girl. I thought of what an amazing person this is that has come to live in my home – and I get to be her mom. What a humble opportunity it is to watch her develop and grow into such a fine person so far. I know she will have a bright future ahead as she stays true to who she is. She is going to make one great mother! I just LOVE this girl so much – she brings me so much joy!

Freshman Year – entry to the High School Years

My man Mason is officially in High School. He was looking pretty "legit" this morning and is sure to turn a few girls' heads. 🙂 He has found a deeper voice to come out and talk with, and was happy to let me know he even has a few arm pit hairs. Apparently that is an important right of passage to enter through.

I will take this opportunity to let the reader know that I am taking this moment to profusely gush and brag about my oldest guy. I'm so so happy I get to be his mom. He has taught me so much. More than I ever thought I wanted to learn…haha, but seriously he is helping me understand that my way isn't the only way. He has some pretty awesome ways to do things in life – ways that I don't very often consider, but that work for him and make him happy. I love watching him live life and experience it in his way. I have learned that he can be depended on and has a giant heart. I am glad he still lets me get away with a side hug and endures my long winded "discussions". He is teachable and that is a wonderful character trait to possess.

He is NOT excited about school, but he should be he is stinking SMART! Let me say it again…he is smart, don't ever let him fool you. At school he made the High School soccer team. I heard that he even got to play at this past Saturday's games while I was out of town and did a heck of a job! He is the only freshman on the team and is out of his comfort zone, and I admire him for trying out even though it was intimidating for him. I hope and think he learned even more about life and himself by doing this, than he is learning about soccer. He also still plays the trumpet in band at school. I think he enjoys it at his pace. He doesn't love to practice because he is afraid someone might just hear him – silly boy!

He has worked hard this summer to finish up his Eagle project and has done some great work. Stephen and I have been excited to watch him blossoming as a leader. He knows what he wants to accomplish and is gentle in his approach at getting people to follow his lead. He has grown up a lot and gotten the opportunity to work and interact with many adults, peers, and younger kids. His project was to collect bikes for needy children. He called the Upper Valley Resource Center and worked with Paul Hymas to get the job done. He rallied his cousins and family to help him distribute flyers at the fourth of July Parade to help get the word out. He put a trailer and sign out in front of our house to collect donated, gently used, bikes for the month of July. He also retrieved bikes from peoples homes and organized and assessed the bikes' needs and made a list. He got generous donations from Sticks and Stones to make the needed improvements. He made arrangements with his quorum to come help, and had the knowledge to fix up the bikes that needed fixing. He also made sure the other bikes were safe. He collected and dropped off 24 bikes! Stephen, the new Scout Committee Chairman, and my dad, Grandpa Baldwin, were such a huge help in getting all of the paperwork completed and turned in. His is now waiting for his board of review and then hopefully can say he is officially and Eagle Scout very soon! It has been awesome to see how much growth has occurred and confidence was gained through his experience in the scouting program this far. I am grateful for Mason and his desire to WANT to be an Eagle despite how much work it is to achieve! He has genuinely enjoyed scouting and has learned many skills that will not only benefit him, but hopefully others for the rest of his life. I love to watch him get excited about camping. His leaders appreciate that he can manage to go on camp outs with just a small amount of stuff. They always tell me that they wish other boys would get along with less "stuff"  like him.

Mason loves to putter around in the garage and work on things like three wheeler engines and rebuilding bike frames, or building a unicycle or inventing a cool wheeled contraption for younger siblings to enjoy. He comes in the house with greasy hands and leaves imprints on my white doors and has grease stains on several items of clothing. While other mothers are venting to me of their teenage boys being lazy and idle, I think of my complaints of greasy shoes and hands and then decide to be grateful. I love to see his greasy nose and sweaty face and scuffed up shoes from working on his stuff. 

He loves motorcycles and the thrill of the ride. He would love it if I would allow him to ride motorcycles or bikes around town all day long. He has passed on this passion for wheels to his idolizing little brother. JT will follow Mason anywhere and really trusts his big brother. He knows how cool Mason is and is his buddy out in the garage. They are turning into good friends.

We have worked hard in our home at being responsible with jobs around the house this summer. Do you know how cool it is to see your 14 year old boy load a dishwasher, make dinner,  and wipe off the counter or clean a bathroom, and then know that he could go out and help your husband change the oil in a car? That is pretty cool stuff! I appreciate that although Mason doesn't LOVE to do the house jobs, he WILL Do them.

I have enjoyed having some very meaningful conversations with Mason. He can be such a quiet and private person at times that some wouldn't know how deep, thoughtful, witty, loving, and gentle he can be. He is also very resourceful and energetic as well. He has a competitive edge that helps push him forward to accomplish the projects he desires with ease. When you give him a motivation or reason to do some thing he can believe in – he has amazing ambition and determination!

Mason is a true boy and loves to eat. He is eating a lot these days and is growing like a weed! He jumped 2 shoe sizes from last year and now wears a size 10 1/2.

I look forward to seeing this guy realize just how much he is capable of. I've always told him he is a diamond in the rough (as we all are). I have full confidence that he will get to do some pretty amazing things in his life time and will help many for good. I hope he always remembers that he is Child of God and because of that has unlimited potential.  I think of Mason and just want to squeeze him so tight and yell out to the world  – this boy is going to go places and he is my son!!!