Author: runlittlejo

Fifteen years, 15 kids, and more than 15 moves later collectively, we commenced at Applebees in Rexburg tonight. The “we” would be some of my dearest friends from high school. (Erica, Wendy, Anna, and Whitney – Megan the gem is missing in California) It was great to catch up with each other and find out the happenings that have occurred. Anna has recently had her fourth child, Erica has moved, Wendy is happy to be living in her long time coming home, and Whitney is taking voice lessons! ALL exciting events to hear about!

Amidst the changes there is an underlying consistency of character within each of these beautiful people. These women were all once girls, my friends. Somehow they were placed in my life just when I needed them the most. They were friends that could lead me to be my best. They always chose to do what was right and it was easy to follow their lead. We had a lot of fun in the process.

There was a time in my life when I did NOT have friends that could lead me to be my best. It is sad to think of the way life could have turned out for me had I stuck around…I am grateful I was able to muster up enough courage and strength to defend the values that I was taught as a child and move on. It was definitely hard during this time of my life, but worth the lonely road of figuring out that I was just fine being who I knew I was supposed to be.

What a treat it was to discover that my friends still are good to the core. Serving, Loving, Sharing, Achieving…still the same girls!

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

What a fine group of beautiful daughter of Zion! Just to see them brings back happy memories of their high school days. What a wonderful source of goodness.
Sunday, September 07, 2008 1:11:29 AM

Stacie said…

That is so fun to see those girls! I didn’t even recognize Erica! Wow! You all look great! Thanks for sharing!
Sunday, September 07, 2008 9:45:50 AM

STeph said…

How fun, they are awesome people! Friends really do make or break ya. I too had good friends, it’s interesting to see what they have done with their lives.
Monday, September 08, 2008 8:51:13 PM

Anne said…

So Fun! I am glad you had a fun night down memory lane. It is so nice to be blessed with good friends in life. They are a treasure!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:38:29 PM

Meg the Gem said…

Oh how fun!! I wish I could have been there! How about a girls’cruise together?? (that’s dreaming, but wouldn’t that be the best!) Thanks for letting me know.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 2:23:04 PM

The wolf is next to the sheep.Today I finally made a recipe I’ve been excited about trying out. I found it on the Internet and have been waiting on my garden for the missing ingredient.

Lily was so proud to bring me the first zucchini of the season from her garden! I didn’t get around to making bread yesterday and she called me on it. So today after lunch I whipped out my new recipe. It is called Chocolate Zucchini Bread. Funny how when I first heard the name my mind thought, “Cool, that sounds great and it’s healthy too!” The word Zucchini of course put the notion that it is healthy into my head and the word chocolate put the notion that is sounded great into my head. It’s all in the name.

As I scanned down the ingredients my “mother conscience” started nagging at me how this is really just a cake with zucchini in it. So I had a dialog with myself…”Would you really just start stirring up a cake for the kids to eat when they come home from school?” I answer by saying, “No, but this isn’t cake – it’s zucchini bread.” “True, so the recipe says – even though you are suppose to bake in in a bunt pan.” Basically if you are calling this Zucchini bread I’ll make it for an after school snack, but if you are calling it chocolate cake – NO WAY. Funny how a name can change the way you think, huh?

SO, when Lily came sauntering in after school today she exclaimed, “Look guys, mom made us a cake!” Guess the kids can’t be fooled as easy as me!

p.s. This “bread” was very delicious and highly recommended. I added it to the recipe search – you’ll find it under breads! 🙂

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Cake or bread its all about having a after school snack., that says welcome home and you are loved. Remember you are always teaching.
Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:58:21 PM

Anne said…

The best moms are the ones that let there kids come home to a warm and yummy treat! I am lacking in this area. I think homemade treats are way better than a handful of candy…it just says time and care. You are a great mom, Jodi. Bread or cake…wolves have there place to, in moderation. Have your “Bread” and eat it too works right?!?!
Friday, September 05, 2008 6:18:35 AM

Diana said…

I decided to write on your page even though I am not technically family, but in the gospel I am your sister. I have to say what a great mom you are. Constantly trying to let those kids know how much you love them. Great example, thanks!
Saturday, September 06, 2008 10:19:24 AM

Steph said…

Where’s the frosting?

I’d like to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Saturday, September 06, 2008 8:38:13 PM

Little things DO matter. Stephen invited me out to the back yard this morning to see what he had done. I saw my name mowed into the grass…It’s nice to know I’m loved.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Jodi, you certainly have our love and respect. You have always been a wonderful and lovable person. We hope you feel loved everyday.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 12:07:50 AM

Mom Baldwin said…

Stephen is so good to you!!! We appreciate all he does for you and your family. I’m glad he loves you! We love you, too!
Sunday, August 31, 2008 11:37:03 PM

Jana said…

Jodi you are a lucky gal to have such an expressive husband!! I think you are great too even if i don’t mow it in your lawn!
Monday, September 01, 2008 12:54:02 PM

Anne said…

Stephen always has done clever and thoughtful things for you! So glad you still love each other and take the time to express it. I think it gets harder to cease those little moments with the busy kids. You are loved by your hubby and me too!
Monday, September 01, 2008 10:19:48 PM

It was Stephen’s turn to plan our date for Friday night and it ended up being one of the funnest we’ve been on for a long time. I say ended up because at the beginning I was feeling self conscience and a little skeptical, but by the end I had thrown caution to the wind and just enjoyed it. Here’s how it went down:

Stephen was given a Starving Student card last week for free, the only catch is that it is going to expire at the end of this month. He noticed that there are several great “Free” items. So this leads us to what our date was all about – everything we did had to be free and on the card. Guess what? I noticed that I had the same card tucked away in my purse – so everything listed is x2. It felt like a Scavenger Hunt and I also felt like a little kid in a candy shop trying to cram everything down. We both decided to pace ourselves better after the first couple of stops and brought a bunch of stuff home for our kids – they thought it was great.

Our first stop was to Little Caesars for some FREE crazy bread. We ate a couple of them and then pressed on to The Twisted Pretzel and BRC. We each got a FREE caramel pretzel, very yummy and highly recommended. (I will confess we paid 30 cents more each to have it caramelized – but well worth the splurge) At BRC we got a frozen ice cream custard bar, again yum.

Next we drove to The Backyard. We got a FREE large fry and FREE raspberry cheesecake custard. The fries were drenched in a scary amount of grease but that custard was delicious. (We had to share these items because Stephen had already cashed in on these when he first received the card) Seriously the raspberry cheesecake custard was my favorite pic of the night! I’ll be going back again for that one.

After that we drove over to Gandolfos for our FREE lemon mousse cake. We couldn’t even tempt ourselves because we were getting stuffed. We decided to save that to share with the kids (along with our greasy fries and left over bread items). Oh speaking of bread items we got a FREE roll from the Lion House Pantry at Deseret Book.

We ended up the night with FREE chips and salsa from Bajio. (I’ll also confess that here we splurged to buy some queso dip for a $1. We both love it!)

We also went to Pic a Flic and picked up a couple of FREE movie rentals. Whew it was crazy night and lot of fun.

It felt like we were in college again, and fun for one night! I’m glad Stephen is fun to be with and makes my life happy. I seem to take life too seriously most of the time and he is the perfect antidote for that (most of the time). 🙂

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

When you can have that much fun on a date with a time tested companion, it’s like winning the lottery, but better, because you can have that much joy and not worry about the money. We would love to double date with you guys anytime.

Monday, August 25, 2008 1:52:37 AM

michelle said…

I love that date! You guys are great! I love the rush of getting free stuff-good job!
Monday, August 25, 2008 12:38:53 PM

Jana said…

Way fun we did that too!! I think free runs deep in our blood and gets us Parkers going!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:57:34 AM

School Bound CutiesCommonly one hears the phrase, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” at Christmas time. Can I offer a better use for the phrase? And that would be BACK TO SCHOOL TIME BABY!!! Just for the record, I’m quite certain the feeling (from my children) is mutual. I have been known in previous years to feel melancholy. (yes you read that correctly) I couldn’t believe parents were excited about being away from their children – then five kids happened! Fighting, whining, bugging, tattling, complaining, laziness, crying, etc. Any mother with children knows my plight. I have had a several days this summer of feeling like I am going to literally pull my hair out!! You know the story about being in a hole and you can’t get out? That would be mine. Seriously though, I just need a few hours a day to regroup and tidy and be still!

Today was the day I have been waiting for. Three kids in school ALL DAY long, two more to go… It’s time for me to finally take a giant breath – AHHHHH. Don’t get me wrong, I love these little people more than life itself. They are my flesh and blood – they just sometimes create a lot of sweat and tears. It is good for all of us to have a little bit of space so that we can appreciate each other that much more, right? It helps that they are anxious to learn and enjoy their time at school.

Here are some pictures of our back to school FHE. We always have a great time kicking off the new school year. We had to coax Mason into the fashion show, but he is a good sport – doesn’t he look handsome as ever? They all like the bus cake the most, it is a must have.

It almost feels like Christmas! (smile, wink, wink)

Miss me, miss me, now I’ll have to kiss me!	Back to School FHE	crazy food for crazy people
Which one is going to teach Spanish at MHS?	The man behind the camera.	Playgroup or Bust!
First Grade and in Fashion!	Love my shirt with crossing wrenches!	and the semi truck on the back!
Sassy little sixth grader!	Reminding us that everyone is special!

What do you get when you have family that lives in Boise, Provo, Austin, Cedar Heights, Salt Lake City, and Sugar City and a few technologically minded gurus? Family Home Evening over the internet! It’s a crazy concept but really quite amazing. There is a little delay mostly noticed when trying to sing the opening and closing songs, but how great it is to hear and see my brothers and sisters in such an instant fashion – what convenience. Last night we were able to take part in another modern FHE with the Baldwin family. My brother Scott came up with a cool way for us all to see/hear each other in five windows on the computer screen. (check out the pic – I stole it off of his blog)

Last night Brad’s family hosted and Dallen gave the lesson on Pioneer heritage. It has been such a wonderful blessing to hear the testimonies of my nieces and nephews. They are some very remarkable young people. I am extremely happy that my young family get to have such stellar examples!

Kudos

Comments:

Stephen said…

only drawback is getting the kids to sit still for that long.

Monday, August 11, 2008 5:10:49 PM

Scott Baldwin said…

That’s the beauty of the remote FHE, you can take your kids out of the room, or mute them when the start screaming and crying.

The trick to the audio delay on the songs is for everyone except the “hosting” location to mute their skype connection.
Monday, August 11, 2008 8:57:53 PM

John said…

Looks like a lot of fun. We should give it a try sometime. It could be amusing and worthwhile. Maybe mom and dad could participate if we had it at the right time.

Monday, August 11, 2008 9:52:42 PM

jana said…

That sounds like fun.. what an amazing way to keep connected!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 11:54:23 AM

Anne said…

So neat…technology really is cool! What a way to do what you can with what you have and still make family memories.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 2:44:02 PM

Hurdles…that is what we all keep jumpin’ over and over everyday, and this past week has been no exception. I realize things could be sooo much worse and I’ll take my lot, but it doesn’t make it any more fun. Then again, life wasn’t meant to be all fun and games right? How would we have opportunities for real growth? I’ve also heard the saying that bad things come in threes, here are my three from the past week that I hope to learn from.

#1 – The washer
My washer officially met its match. I realized this when I would try and load my washer and step away with wet socks. It had a leak that found it’s way through the floor board and manifested itself in the ceiling of the guest/JTs temporary bedroom. It wasn’t too bad, but still a little of a set back that we have yet to fix. After Stephen checked things out he declared that the washer wasn’t worth trying to fix. So on Thursday during Stephen’s lunch break as he was trying to prepare for his crazy mountain climb we went to Bingham and Sons and picked out a new washer to be delivered on Friday afternoon. That part was kind of exciting, but signing the receipt wasn’t! I have successfully washed 8 loads of laundry since then and I am really grateful for modern day luxuries!

#2 Renter’s Ousted
On Friday while Stephen was on his hike I received a certified letter in the mail informing me that (short version of the story) we are in violation with the law to rent our apartment out and that we have 15 days to do come in compliance with this or pay the penalty. Of course we want NOT to violate the law so we gave our renters the bad news. They understood and took it well. I am thinking I might have to start a preschool now to utilize the space? It even sounds kind of fun to me.

#3 Broken Arm
My little/big girl Alexis broke her arm today while doing a back handspring. Wow, I wasn’t prepared for the emotions that would surface. I love that girl and hated to see her broken and I couldn’t fix it! It made my heart ache – I even had to tell her to cover it because it made me so sad. She was so tough and sweet. The doctor and nurse complimented her on what a great patient she was. She remembered to use her manners and even generated a smile through the pain. I was very proud to be her mom. I’m sure to notice a loss over the next couple of weeks because she such a great help around here. It will probably be so nice for her to have a break and get a turn to be waited on!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

It’s good to have your three over. Life sure is a lot like life. None of us will probably say, “boy that was sure easy”. Good luck this week. You are getting good grades in life. Stay tough and rugged and remember that you are surrounded by love.
Monday, August 04, 2008 12:42:31 AM

Mzb said…

Those are some hurdles, but it sounds like you are all on the mend. Good luck with everything, don’t stress yourself out to much with starting a preschool. Enjoy that baby.
Monday, August 04, 2008 8:13:50 AM

Anne said…

Jodi, Hang in there! Sounds like some craziness for you. Maybe this week will offer three good things for ya. Happy day!
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:01:02 AM

HellgaLast night Stephen and Paul pulled up some recent episodes of American Gladiators for us to unwind with before bed. I don’t understand what propelled us to want to watch episode after episode, but something did. (You’ve gotta love the DVR approach to viewing television!) We were able to crank out 3 or 4 hours worth in half the time!

It cracked me up to watch them goad each other on and talk smack to each other. Do they really believe what they are saying or merely trying to get ratings up? And nothing tops the gladiators outfits. I wonder if they get to choose their own get up? Paul and I’s personal favorite was the guy with strap-on boots, I think his name is Hurricane. Oh, we also got to witness the unleashing of “the Beast” – the newest member of the gladiator team. He came down from the ceiling in a cage ready to rumble.

We watched an episode with twin sisters competing against each other … Stephen and Paul couldn’t decide who they would place bets on if Stacie and Stephanie enlisted – they are both pretty darn tough!

My favorite part of the show is at the end when the contestants go through the eliminator. Basically a glorified obstacle course challenge. We also got to see this guy make record time, completing the eliminator in like 1 minute 24 seconds. That my friends is pretty amazing! O.k. and last, but NOT least…we watched the oldest contestant, a woman who was 54 years old from Japan try her luck at the show. She really did great considering. On the obstacle course she fell off of the tight rope walk and into the balls below – we all thought she had vanished for a minute, until the camera spotted two little eyes peering out of goggles surrounded by balls, “Yo Ko”! It was really funny – I am glad Paul was here for the laugh, and really only he and Stephen will appreciate my comment about the little lady!

P.S. I have to admit that Gladiators, Militia and Hellga really do scare me!

Comments:

Jana said…

I love that show my kids think it’s pretty cool too. Wish I could of seen those funny ones you all watched! I am a bit intimidated by those girls too they are not feminine at all, not the kind of girls you want to run into on a dark night!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 6:43:06 PM

Paul aka Wolverine said…

Lets have a Parker Gladiator competition sometime. I think that would be pretty fun. We can avoid the scary outfits though. But it might be fun to see us al in spandex for a change.
Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:47:12 AM

Anne said…

Really not a fan of the gladiator’s outfits either or their beastly behaviors. Sounds like you had some good laughs. I will stick to American Idol though.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 12:01:17 PM

What a great title for a song right? This is such a wonderful song written by Jenny Jordan Frogley for a mom to listen to when she has had a bad day! I’ve had a few and am glad I heard this song on one of them to help me remember what’s important and to stay positive.

Remember the scripture that says, “By small and simple things shall great things come to pass”? That is basically what this song is about. My favorite part of this song is when it talks about becoming sanctified – it is a process, something acquired after a lifetime of triumphs and trials. (just like the song says) I have now entered into a quest on learning more about sanctification and am very grateful for the Holy Ghost who is the sanctifier. He enables our souls to be cleansed from impurities and imperfections. Any thoughts on sanctification? I’m your student and would love to add your wisdom to my journal. Thanks. Scroll to the bottom of this blog to listen to the song.

Words to the song “In the meantime”:

In her heart she holds the dreams
That she’s carried since the day she turned 13
Of all that she would be when she was grown
Of all that she would do when she was finally on her own
She dreamed, she’d fly, and she’s still waiting for the chance to try

But in the meantime she’s a mother and a daughter and wife
Doing all she can to stay above the daily grind
She wonders when she’ll ever have more meaning in her life
She doesn’t know she’s being molded and refined…in the meantime

Someday she’ll go back to school,
When the carpools and soccer games are through
Cause deep inside she’s still the girl
Who’s always felt the fight to make a difference in the World
She dreams, she’ll soar, when she finally has the time to do more

But in the meantime she’s a sister, and a teacher, and a friend
Hours turn into days that turn to years that never end
But she wonders when she’ll ever really find herself again
She’s becoming one on who God can depend…in the meantime

Heaven feels the joy of every victory in her life
And Heaven hears her heart before she cries
Somewhere in the middle of the triumphs and the trials
She’s becoming sanctified.

But in the meantime she an answer and a blessing and a gift
To every empty aching heart that only she can lift
Still, she wonders if she’ll ever get to see where Heaven is
If she could only see her mansion waiting there,
If she could only feel how much her Father cares
She would know she’s being perfectly prepared…in the meantime.

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

Wow, the words to that song are touching and true. It is such a blessing to see the transformation of all of us little by little as we choose our way through life following or rejecting the whisperings of the Spirit. I have two favorite verses on sanctification, Hel. 3:35 and Alma 12:9-11. I guess we can become “de-sanctified too by our choices.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008 12:28:12 AM

Stacie said…

Jodi that is just what I needed to hear! I love that song!Great words! Thanks for sharing! How is the mastitis?
Monday, July 14, 2008 9:42:52 PM

Jodi said…

Stacie, I’m glad you listened and enjoyed the song. AND you crack me up with the mastitis inquiry! I am definitely a believer in taking advantage of modern day medical miracles. It would have been hard to be a pioneer during times like these. Yes, I’m feeling better.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 6:53:39 AM

This is how it was when we lived in Ammon – they road on the truck and then ran to the side of the road, picked up the can and threw it in!I’ve been thinking about garbage – the stuff we accumulate day after day, the stuff that needs disposing of, disgusting stuff we don’t know what else to do with. We see garbage cans everywhere and for that I’m grateful! I am happy that I can just walk out into my garage and put my “stuff” for the garbage man to take every Thursday away from here. Have you ever missed a “garbage day”? Not fun, the garbage begins to smell as it grows out of its container. Imagine how it would be after a month, or a year!

I am also gaining more appreciation for disposing of stuff appropriately, i.e. recycling! I think a little bit goes a long way in that department. I’m not perfect, but I am way more conscience to the fact that the garbage man can only do so much – I need to do my part too. After all I do have an interest in the future of this great earth.

So basically all I’m trying to say is that I’m glad there is a place to put stuff we no longer need and that someone is willing to take it to its new home.

Comments:

Anne said…

The simple things in life, make a difference! Hooray for the garbage men and women out there.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 7:50:32 AM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Funny thing, as we started reading your blog, we were thinking more in terms of garbage that people accumulate in their minds and hearts as a result of negative thinking, smelly words or comments, or just not knowing how to get rid of pseudo-spiritual and psychological “junk”. Your opening paragraph was like the opening statement of a great speech on Keeping our minds and hearts clean. We also like the earth too.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 9:36:18 AM