Life’s Little Lessons

Mason participated in his final wrestling tournament of the year yesterday. I think now that it is all said and done he had a good experience.

To back up a little, last week we were at the Blackfoot tournament. It was a rough day for the little fella. He wrestled hard, but didn’t win any of his matches. They had him wrestling kids in the same weight class as him, but they had been in wrestling for three and four years. Keep in mind, this is Mason’s first. The last two matches really tested Mason’s emotional capacity. He was in pain – physically and emotionally. When the match was over and the other wrestler got to raise his hand in victory, it was hard. He ran off of the mat crying and had a little melt down in the hall claiming he would never wrestle again. I couldn’t talk him into shaking his opponent’s hand like a good sport. I looked around and saw other boys experiencing the same thing – I wondered to myself, “Is this all worth it?” As the day progressed, Mason was able to watch the older boys. He saw that they held it together if they lost – even if they were disappointed. We talked a lot that night about sportsmanship, not giving up, and just doing your best! Stephen and I both reassured him that he didn’t need to worry about winning, but to always do his best.

So now we come to yesterday…a day much like the Blackfoot experience minus the drama! I was so proud of Mason – he tried so hard and never gave up, though every match was difficult. When it was over he shook the opponent’s hand and walked off of the mat in complete control. He learned that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, never give up, and always do your best. When we got home, he even asked if I noticed his behavior. I told him, “Yes I did, and I am very proud of you.” Some lessons in life can only be taught through experience.

Comments:

Aunt Steph said…

Good job Mason, I have only one once in my life, when I was 32 Riley and I beat Trevin and Matt at Kubb. I wish I could be more in control like you. Sometimes I feel like I never want to try for fear I might just loose again. I am glad you did your best, will you teach mat the rules, he wrestles like a Luchador. See you soon.
Sunday, November 18, 2007 10:52:10 PM

Aunt Anne said…

Good Job! There have been lots of times in my life when I tried and tried and tried and still lost. But also I have had times where I have won. I think it is important to lose, so when you win it is even BETTER! Also, the times I didn’t win, I still had a good time. Keep up the determination and it will all pay off!
Monday, November 19, 2007 1:58:28 PM

Must Haves Plan for Steph


Here is the work in progress Steph, let me know what you like and don’t like….

Comments:

Stephy said…

We are thinking about Rick and Stacie’s 2nd house. I am thinking of making one of the bedrooms a laundry room and putting a half bath in the mud room. Could you get their plans and tweak them. Thank you for spending time to help us.
Friday, November 16, 2007 7:34:31 PM

Stephen said…

Piece of cake, just have to make sure Rick and Stacie won’t sue you 🙂
Sunday, November 18, 2007 9:28:40 AM

Sue happy Stacie said…

Well, I thought I could get a lot out of Steph, but I guess I will just give her the plans!! Happy planning!! love you
Sunday, November 18, 2007 9:10:03 PM

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round


Here are some recent photos of Olivia watching and waiting for the bus. It is a big moment for her twice a day! In the morning, just after breakfast she runs to the window to see if the bus is coming. This morning Stephen caught a classic shot of her standing on the baseboard peering out to see. When she spotted it she declared, “Mommy, da bus is toming, it’s toming, it’s toming!” She must always tell somebody if she has seen the big yellow bus. She also likes waiting for the bus to come home to deliver all of her favorite playmates. Sometimes she’ll even run down the lane to meet up with them all.

Comments:

Steph said…

That is the cutest thing. I can’t believe Stephen hasn’t made her a bus watching stool. Parker loves the bus too. Here in Vancouver they won’t let the kids off unless a parent is there to pick them up. It represents two walks in the stroller. These little one sure look up to their siblings. I love them too.
Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:57:08 PM

jana said…

How cute I love that little girl.. she is so much fun to watch.
Friday, November 16, 2007 10:05:21 AM

Anne said…

How fun! I am like her! I used to LOVE it when my big brothers and sisters would turn the corner walking home from school. It is so fun to have brothers and sisters who love you and you love them.
Saturday, November 17, 2007 6:29:54 AM

John said…

Great picture. That really captures the innocence of a child. She is a cute little lady.

Saturday, November 17, 2007 9:28:14 PM

A Sweet Little Six Year Old


Lily’s birthday finally came after many days of counting down. I am pretty sure it was the day after her last birthday that she asked, “How many days until my next birthday?” When it was finally 10 days away we received a notification everyday. I am so glad for Lily – she makes me so happy and I love her very much. She really is a sweet six year old.

This week in school she got to be the VIP in honor of her birthday week. She was so excited to be the line leader and the girl that gets to go to the front of the room to help the teacher!

When Lily came up the stairs this morning she saw her easel set up and was so excited…we had been telling her that her present was so big we couldn’t wrap it up very well, so today I asked her what she thought she was going to get. She said she thought it was going to be a big pink pillow. I asked if she was glad it was an easel, she responded with a quick “Yes”.

Also, today was the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast at her school. Stephen, Olivia, and I were able to go to the school and have lunch with her – she loved it. After school she went to dance class and had fun with Gretta and Oakley (her friends), and then got to go to wrestling practice with Stephen and Mason – She loves going there. Immediately following that we all assembled at the church for Pack Night and then rushed home to eat cake and ice cream with Grandpa and Grandma Parker, Jana, Ryon and Family.
What a fun filled day to turn six!

Comments:

Aunt Anne said…

You look so cute! I love your birthday cake! I hope you have lots of fun with your easel too! We can’t wait to see you soon. Love ya!
Saturday, November 17, 2007 6:28:02 AM

Magan & Grace said…

Happy B-day Lily.
Grace loves looking at your pictures!
Saturday, November 17, 2007 10:22:04 PM

sami said…

happy birthday lily.
Sunday, November 18, 2007 4:00:25 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

What a great-looking cake!
Saturday, January 12, 2008 12:56:36 AM

A Trip Down Memory Lane


O.k., so this is a staged photo – they don’t ever hold hands! I watch my kids walk down our lane as they get off of the bus and come home from school. I can’t help but get a smile on my face at how beautiful of a picture it is to me. Two sisters and a brother walking and talking about the days events – being friends. I feel like I want to freeze the moment! They look so innocent and happy and full of life. I hope they will remember this moment as much as I will. As a mom, some days I just want them to be older and more independent. Then I experience a moment like this that makes that feeling flee like it’s the plague – I never want them to grow older. Ah, the realities of a mother’s emotions! To put it simply – I love to be a mother and watch these children grow into the people they are becoming.

I have been working on a Christmas project for my parents. This past year they moved from the home that my family grew up in for over three decades. Even though it was sad and especially hard for them, it has been good and is o.k. My project is to make a book that celebrates the life that we all lived while residing in our “home”. I solicited my siblings to write down memories of the past and as a result I have spent the past month reminiscing of how lucky of a person I am! I have wonderful parents and brothers and a sister. All of us mostly focused on the good times – and certainly we were a normal family that had its ups and downs. What I find interesting and really comforting (now that I’m a parent) is to think that our conscience really holds on to the good things – especially after the time has ended. I’m reminded of this every time I move. I find it easier to hold on to all of the good things about that life and seem to forget the things I didn’t like. I wonder if other people do that to? I am truly grateful for the family I grew up in and the things they did in the past and do now, in the present, to inspire me for good. They have helped in defining who I have become.

One of my favorite Wicked songs is, “For Good.” I use it to apply in many facets of my life, but I find that is it very appropriate for how I am feeling at this moment. Here are the words:

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, But I know I’m who I am today because I knew you. Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun, like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood, who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, so let me say before we part: So much of me is made of what I learned from you, you’ll be with me like a hand print on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend. Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea, like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood, who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you…I have been changed for good.

And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness for the things I’ve done you blame me for. But then, I guess we know there’s blame to share, and none of it seems to matter any more…

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? I do believe that I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you, because I knew you…I have been changed for good.”

Tagged

So I noticed on Jeana’s blog that I’ve been tagged to answer the following information…I am pretty sure that people don’t really care to know any of this information, but it will work as a good journal entry this week. Here goes!

8 Things I (Jodi) am passionate about
1. Stephen
2. My Children
3. My family
4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
5. Trying to be physically active each day
6. Wanting to live in a clean house
7. Music
8. Not ever building another house again

8 Things I want to do before I die
1. See my kids happily married in the temple to a caring spouse.
2. Complete a Triathlon and possibly a marathon. (did I just say that?)
3. Learn how to swim – I seriously need to do this before I can do #2.
4. Go on a mission with Stephen.
5. Go to a night club and listen to Jazz music.
6. Finish my College Degree.
7. Visit Church History Sites.
8. Learn how to vibrato on my violin better and become more accomplished.

8 Books I have read recently
1. Finding Noel, by Richard Paul Evans
2. The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare
3. Tuesday’s with Morrie, by Mitch Albom
4. Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
5. Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer
6. New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer
7. Uglies, by Scott Westerfield
8. Three Weeks with my Brother, by Nicholas Sparks

8 Things I often say
1. Buckle Up Buttercup!
2. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
3. Kindness Matters! (Sometimes it’s not a very kind reminder)
4. What is going on here?
5. I don’t think that’s what you meant to say …
6. Love you, have a good day or Love you, good night.
7. That’s Interesting!?
8. Seriously?

8 Things that attract me to friends
1. Sincerity in actions
2. Good Conversations – no gossiping or put downs against the person not there
3. Someone who is Genuine – that might be the same as sincere?
4. People who make me want to be a better person
5. People who take me for who I am – no conditions or judgments
6. People who listen and talk – caring
7. Someone who inspires me to want to learn more about a different subject I’ve never thought about.
8. Open minded toward all people and situations.

8 Songs and Albums I could listen to over and over again
1. Wicked
2. Les Miserables
3. U2- all albums
4. Harry Connick Jr., Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble
5. Indigo Girls – especially “closer to fine”
6. John Rutter’s Songs
7. Handel’s Messiah
8. The Forgotten Carols by Michael McClean (all year round)

8 Things I learned this year
1. Simplify – it is better to be involved in less, so I can be more involved with those who matter when I’m home.
2. I never want to move or build a house again – I learn this one over and over!
3. Just because I love something, doesn’t mean my children will!
4. Heavenly Father is in charge, not me!
5. I like myself better the older I get.
6. Not to cry when the milk is spilled.
7. I can do most anything if I want to badly enough.
8. It is okay to go to bed without the dishes done.

8 Random things about me
1. I would like to drink hot chocolate every day.
2. I think grocery shopping is crazy! Making a list, trying to find ingredients down the wrong aisle, waiting in line behind the person who has two carts full, loading it in your car, unloading it from your car when you get home, putting it all away – Ugh!
3. I like to have a clean car, though it rarely is clean.
4. I like to eat pretzels and mustard and Jamba Juices.
5. I am totally scared of animals and and am often misunderstood to hate animals – not true. The only animal I really hate is the mouse, and maybe if I weren’t so scared of the little fella I would like him too!
6. I am obsessed with watching home improvement shows, but am too overwhelmed to ever go with any of the ideas I get from them.
7. I love to meet new people and find out about their lives.
8. I hate trying on clothes while shopping!

8 People I tag
1. Dana
2. Trisha
3. Alana
4. Shauna
5. Jennica
6. Parker Girls, who will have a go?
7.
8.

Comments:

Haley said…

I agree with you!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007 9:59:21 AM

Steph said…

That is a great entry-mind if I copy you someday. You will accomplish all your goals; it’s just the way you are. I use you as an example with my friends all the time. Your great! Thanks for taking good care of my brother, Lord knows he need you.
Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:02:12 PM

Anne said…

Jodi, It’s fun to hear some of your favorite’s! You are so GREAT! Have a happy day and enjoy it as much as you can!
Thursday, November 15, 2007 4:06:16 PM

Kassie said…

That is really cool!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007 4:32:00 PM

Big Sisters Rule!


What a Friend and SisterI am so happy to have Alexis for our oldest child. She is so helpful and fun. By the way, did you know that is what her name means, “helper”. Last night I asked her if she was up for babysitting everyone while Stephen and I went to dinner. Of course she was – she loves responsibility! She fed everybody, wiped the counter off, had everyone get their p.j.’s on, and turned on a fun movie for everyone. What a delight for me as a mom to have this little gift. She is proving she knows how to be a babysitter and not just a bossy big sister – Lily, Mason, and Livvy are always happy when she is in charge.

The girl loves rock!


I was getting ready to go to bed tonight when I saw a pile of rocks on my night stand. How did they get there? Lily. It seems like everyday this past week on her long walk home down the driveway she found a beautiful rock to give me. These rocks are gifts for me, and everyone is “so pretty and special”! Could this be a sign of some future en devour? Maybe she will be a geologist someday,a masonry worker, or better yet a jeweler! This love for rocks has been handed down from one sibling to the next. Alexis and Mason are also rock lovers, although their passion has wained. Alexis preferred shiny, sparkley, small ones. For Mason it was all about how big of one he could lift and carry or how many small pebbles he could accumulate in his pants pocket to clog my washer. Oh, I forgot, Stephen also loves to collect rocks. He brings rocks home off of every mountain he climbs. Lily has no preference – she just loves them all.

Comments:

Haley said…

I like to collect rocks too!!! You should come over to our house and see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007 10:07:07 AM

Kassie said…

i like rocks too!!! I hope you feel better!!
Monday, November 12, 2007 8:09:07 AM

Scott Baldwin said…

Too bad Grandma Baldwin doesn’t have all her rock-hound tools from her dad. You guys could put them to good use!
Monday, November 12, 2007 10:32:06 AM

Service with a Smile

Today My Dad and I went down to Dot and Everett’s and helped remove an old Birch tree. It was a real fun experience, my Dad and I would climb up the tree and tie off a branch then saw it off. We had to remove them one by one because of all the obstacles we had to protect (Cable TV, Phone Line, Fences, etc.) we were doing great until one of the branches swung back around against our will and took out the cable line. Good thing we had a ladder, we just climbed the power pole and spliced it back together. It was pretty funny when Dad was cutting the first branch it went flying straight at him, he was 6′ up on a ladder with a chain saw. He made quite the graceful fall, the saw was still running when he hit the ground. Dot made us some toasted tuna fish sandwiches for lunch they were very good. Everett talked about his steel bench he purchased for $8 from uncle Sam when he was younger. He said I get it when he passes on, what a great man. I am very grateful to my Dad for teaching me to serve others, it always seems to be more of a blessing for me than those receiving the service. Thanks Dad for taking the time to teach us to serve.