Author: runlittlejo

I just finished reading a book entitled, “The Nativity”, by Alonzo L. Gaskill. It has given me new understanding of the Savior’s birth. Here is an excerpt from the end of the book that was very thought provoking:

“Thus if the story of the birth of Christ is really the gospel story in miniature, then it appears that we must see ourselves in the story line. We must ask, not simply, How does this story draw me to Christ? but also, How is this story about me and my effort to be what God has called me in this life to be? For example, the announcement in Matthew 1:18 that Jesus’ parents were the mortal Mary and the divine Father, even God, is not simply a passing side note. It is the primary point of the Nativity story and central truth of the gospel plan. Like Christ, we too are of divine origin – sons and daughters of God sent to this earth with a mission. And like Jesus, we have been given earthly parents as guardians and stewards while we are in our youth.”

Here are some questions from a quiz at the back of the book to test our knowledge of Nativity events. I will post the answers in a few days and you can see how smart you are.

1. Jesus was born in a country ruled by what people?
2. What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist?
3. How did the shepherds find the Christ child?
4. Where did the wise men find Jesus?
5. Other than the wise men, who in the Eastern Hemisphere saw the “new star” that announced the birth of Christ?
6. How many wise men visited the Christ child?
7. Who did Herod order to be killed in Bethlehem?
8. What false notion is taught in the second verse of the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger”?
9. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “It Came up on a Midnight Clear?”
10. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “With Wondering Awe”?
11. What false notions are taught in the traditional Christmas carol “The First Noel”?

All of that dreaming paid off…we woke up to 6-8″ of fluff!!!! Yippee, now we can have Christmas!

I have been begging my children to watch “White Christmas” with me for a week now and they finally surrendered! Tonight was the night, and oh, what a delight. One of my all time favorite Christmas shows. I have to admit that usually I am very happy that there is minimal snow…I am not a fan of the cold and driving on icy roads – BUT, we really do need a little white snow here in Rexburg to help it feel like Christmas. As I listened to the words of the song of White Christmas I realized that I genuinely do like the snow, it is very magical and makes Christmas feel like Christmas. I remember the days of my childhood when we had already gotten out for snow days by this time of year, and the shoveling was out of control. As I looked out the window this week I noticed that my grass is turning green! What’s up with that? Tonight I think I’ll take the words to heart and dream a little of a white Christmas.

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow…May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white!”

Comments:

Steph said…

I just purchased that movie this year and we have watched it at least 5 times, my kids love it! I think about white Christmas’ too, we are mowing our lawn up here. I can’t wait to go sledding in Idaho. I hope you guys have a white Christmas, love ya’ll.
Sunday, December 09, 2007 12:23:34 AM

Stephen said…

I want some snow so I can plow it with my tractor 🙂 it is a great show….
Sunday, December 09, 2007 8:44:37 AM

Rick said…

We watched that every year with my family!

Sunday, December 09, 2007 4:40:12 PM

Anne said…

So, I am bad. Never watched white christmas all the way through, I always fell asleep, not because it is boring, because movies put me to sleep after 9. My kids want to know what this movie is? I guess we will go rent it and watch it this week. Thanks for sharing!
Sunday, December 09, 2007 7:39:54 PM

Here we go again, blog number 3 about Hot Cocoa or is it more? I just have to share the joy of my new little gadget. We went to visit my parents this weekend and guess what I came home with? A cocoa-latte machine! My dad and mom know how much I love to drink hot cocoa and hooked me up. I couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was when I went there last time and it paid off (they made me some cocoa with theirs). Thanks dad and mom for my most favorite gift in a very, very long time! The perfect surprise of delight. We enjoyed some this afternoon for Sunday dinner – hey, it’s always time for chocolate. I am going to have to highly recommend one of these babies to anyone looking for a gift to give this season. By the way you can also make apple cider with it, I’m looking forward to that too. Tootles!

Comments:

Steph said…

Where do I pick one of these up? I have acquired a love of hot chocolate myself. Add a spoonful of Postum and it can’t be beat.
Sunday, December 02, 2007 5:13:28 PM

Stacie said…

Jodi I am so happy for you! I know you were really wanting to get one of those! What inspired parents!! Congratulations! I expect to get a cup o cocoa from it!!
Sunday, December 02, 2007 8:40:06 PM

Jodi said…

Stephanie – Bed, Bath, and Beyond has them and my mom picked mine up at Sam’s Club – although they don’t have them in Idaho Falls. Happy Drinking!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:39:49 PM

Our family seems to be in a good groove, nothing too major or tragic has transpired in our lives lately. For that we are grateful. Here are a few details of the happenings around here.

Stephen of course still works for AMX International. They have been building an office here in Rexburg (kind of over by Les Schwab). Well, it is finally close to being finished after a year and a half. Stephen is finishing the wiring for the computer network and the hope is to move in before Christmas. I asked him if he is planning on working in the office when it is finished he said he will probably work a half day in the office and a half day at home. It is nice for him that he has the flexibility he so desires! As far as what he is doing in his spare time, he is putting tractors together. He has loved honing in on his mechanic skills. Stephen also loves to work on the web site he created for his family and has recently added a math game for the kids to practice online flash cards if you will.

I am enjoying life in a simple way and I LOVE IT. I have basically uninvolved myself in most of the things I usually involve myself in. I am very happy about it. I like focusing on my household tasks and making after school snacks, and being nicer to my family because I am not overwhelmed with all of the things I have to do. Being pregnant goes by fast when you have 4 kids! I cannot believe how fast it is coming. We are very excited about having another baby and hope we can brace ourselves for the change that is on its way. We are now not going to have any spare seatbelts in our van! YIKES! I think I am getting nervous about the car rides for sure. Speaking of car rides, I have enjoyed driving past the temple as it is nearing completion! It is very beautiful and so nearby! I am very excited about being able to go inside soon. We have tickets for the open house on December 29th.

Alexis is finding that fifth grade has brought on much dreaded homework. She is always happy when on a lucky day there is none! She has been taking dance lessons from Melanie Schwendimann and really enjoys it. She also has taken violin lessons from me since school started she is getting really good. We pulled out the Orange Blossom Special and she has LOVED learning it. In January, she will be taking lessons from a new teacher. I decided it would probably be a better thing for me to just be the mom. Alexis is still the DJ of our family. She is always picking out tunes for the car or hooking up my ipod to the household sound system. She loves having late-overs with her friends and she is also quite good at making earrings out of paper clips.

Mason loves having a man teacher at school! I think it is because his teacher is so relaxed especially when it comes to turning in homework! Whatever works though. For Christmas, Mason has been eyeing up the Star Wars Build it Yourself Light Saber. After school when homework is done and he has free time, he is usually found watching one of the Star Wars Movies. He has even trained Olivia to use a light saber and Lily is always up for a fight. He also loves to read the encyclopedia and dictionary, for awhile he was toting both in his backpack to and from school I was worried he would get a serious backache! Mason has also just finished his first season of wrestling. He learned a lot of good life skills especially knowing it is o.k. to loose as long as you do your best.

Lily just had a birthday and turned 6 I cannot believe it. She is growing up into such a wonderful little girl she can be one of the sweetest persons around. She absolutely loves kindergarten and playing with friends. It is such a fun age for me to watch. She loves to draw on her easel, to make up songs on the piano or sing karaoke. She is also a very great big sister and friend to Olivia. She is also learning to become a good reader and is anxious to figure out words she sees.

Olivia is at the crazy but fun age. We experience melt downs on a regular basis, but we also get to see her silly side and funny nature. She reminds us a lot of how Alexis was at this age. She loves to make anyone laugh. She is a good mom to her doll named, Dolly. I catch her talking to her doll or whatever she is playing with constantly. She is also the queen mimicker. She repeats the words of prayers, as other people are saying the prayer. Her favorite thing to do is watch Super Why on PBS.

There you have it folks the rundown of the Parker Household we hope to be seeing any of you really soon! You are always welcome at our home, we love visitors.

Jana, Me, Stacie, Michelle, and Anne (we missed you Stephanie) – some of the first in line at Kohls.I succumbed to the beckoning calls of the Retailer Ads, put on my gloves and coat and stood out in the freezing cold to await the deal of saving a few dollars. This year was a little more special – it’s not that I don’t do this almost every other year. This year I joined my Parker sisters and stayed up the entire night before in the parking lot at Kohls in Idaho Falls. Yes, we were the first car in the lot- it was only 11:30 pm on Thanksgiving night. No, we weren’t the only crazies – the line holders over at Best Buy had been there long before us! Some ask if it was worth it and why not shop the internet specials, to this I must reply: I could never have known that you can only buy hot chocolate at Jack in the Box at 1:30 am in the morning in Idaho Falls, or I would never know what kind of person I am made out of (sorry to the Parker sisters, I can get a little bossy while shopping on this kind of day) or experience what it feels like to have people physically push you around, I would never know how patient I can be waiting in a long line to save $20, but most of all I could never have experienced the giggly, silliness that happens when I stay up all night in good company and combine it with getting the thrill of a deal. It’s funny what I consider fun.

Comments:

Stephen said…

That is too funny, Sergeant Jodi.
Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:47:28 AM

Anne said…

We are Crazy! Thanks for the fun memory!
Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:46:21 PM

Steph said…

Riley is up in her room crying with homesickness for her cousins and I think I want to join her. That looks like a blast. There is nothing like a giggle with sisters and in-laws.
Thursday, November 29, 2007 10:53:40 PM

MZB said…

Jodi you are a nut, I however probably would have joined you.( Eric said you are a PARKER) You need to brag about the good deals you got!
Saturday, December 01, 2007 11:48:21 AM

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.”

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

Haley’s 70s Party – where’s Haley?This past weekend I went to Utah for a visit. The night before we were to leave, Mason came down with chills and a headache so Stephen and him had to stay home. This made our little travel into a girls getaway. We (Lex, Lily, Livvy, and me) had loads of fun screaming out Disney Mania songs the whole way and being totally girly. When we got to Utah we ate at European Connection(according to Stephen – a girl place to eat). Alexis was able to go to Haley’s 70s Birthday Party. She had loads of fun and even came home with a tie dye shirt. Lily loved playing with Jessie. My favorite part about the party was Uncle John’s red parachute pants – what a fun dad. After that we went and ate pizza and played at Lance and Anne’s house. Our purpose for going down was to see Sami get baptized Saturday. She did and it was a special day. (For some reason I didn’t get a picture on my camera of this – bummer) I love to be a part of these events that help remind us of why we are here. We went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes with everyone from the baptism and then me and my girls ventured over to IKEA. Yeah! It is always a treat to go there – even in its enormity. We then drove to Orem to see my parents we went to “Bee Movie” with them. Sunday we woke up and drove to my sister Michelle’s house and attended church with them. It was Carter’s birthday and he was ordained a priest. We were so lucky to be able to join with them for such a wonderful event. After church we went to Brian and Michelle’s for lunch and visiting with Brad, Amy and family. It was much fun for me! I came home so happy and optimistic! I really enjoy going to Salt Lake City – it is my nostalgia kicking in from days gone by. Mostly I just love visiting my Family who are also my FRIENDS!

Isn’t he Cute?Caution – this may contain a lot of sappiness! Those who continue reading will have to muddle along…but I must declare my devotion and love without restraint.

Tomorrow is Stephen and I’s 13th anniversary. It doesn’t seem possible that time could go by so quickly – but it has. I am going to take this opportunity to brag about 13 qualities (in no particular order) that I love about my cool husband and favorite person in the whole world.

1. I have never had to take my car to a mechanic!
2. I love the fact that he takes pride in being self-sufficient.
3. My children have THE funnest dad ever- who is highly involved in their lives.
4. He is super smart and has a knack for remembering numbers, he teaches with analogies – whether it is gospel oriented or computer lingo.
5. Doesn’t ever raise is voice in anger – very patient. Hates contention.
6. Smiles, even if he is sad.
7. My favorite shopping companion – he lets me decide where we go.
8. Adventurous – Running Marathons, Climbing Mountains, Building Houses…
9. Industrious – there isn’t a lazy bone in his body.
10. Thoughtful – Never forgets a special date or occasion.
11. Endlessly helping me out and trying to make me happy.
12. Supportive of my emotional, sprititual, educational, and physical pursuits.
13. Has a magic hug that makes all of my worries, sorrow and pain dissolve.

Only a sparce few of the many, many reasons that make me happy to be the wife of my best friend, Stephen Sperry Parker. Aren’t I so lucky?

At one of my Bridal Showers I was asked what “our song” was. I have no idea what I said, but I was shocked at the answer he gave them! He said, “Livin’ on Love” by, Alan Jackson. I think I had heard it a couple of times, it still isn’t my favorite song – but I do agree with the message. I think the phrase sums up what life is all about in all relationships – especially marriage.