Author: Stephen Parker

Silent Night


Words and music

Comments:

Steph said…

Did you pick this out on the guitar? I hope you are practicing something with your family to share with us at Christmas. I hear you guys are the next Osmond’s.
Saturday, November 24, 2007 11:49:51 PM

Jodi said…

Steph –
You should have heard Ryon’s and Michelle’s performances at our family talent show during Thanksgiving…You might have to reconsider your Osmond comment.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 9:38:29 AM

Casualty


We had a sad little mishaps tonight, Jodi got us some tickets for the play “Music Man” at the high school so we planned on attending it as a family. But when Mason came home from school he was not feeling good so he stayed at home, and Grandpa and Grandma Parker came over to watch him while the rest of us went to the play. Jodi wasn’t very comfortable at the play because her legs were hurting and Olivia was getting restless as well so I took them home at intermission. When we returned home after it was all over, we noticed Grandpa and Grandma were still here so we ran in the house. Unknown to us Arial our little cat had tried to get into the garage just before the door closed. She didn’t quite make it and was trapped under the door. About an hour later I received a call from our renters informing us of the accident. I ran out there and opened the door, but poor little Arial didn’t survive the pressure of the door. I was torn up inside, my heart was broken, strange as that may sound. Most of you know I don’t really care for cats in the first place, but this was just so sad for me to see the lifeless little cat. I went inside an told Jodi, I was tearing up because of my feelings. We decided to bury it and let the kids know in the morning as they were all in bed. As I buried her I felt so sad, but glad at the same time that maybe Michele has a new friend. Here is a little song for Arial

Comments:

Steph said…

How sad. When I killed three kittens my kids saw it happen every time. They would say “Mom, why is Pepper moving like that?” or “MOM! Stop! Where’s Cutie Pie?” It’s a tough thing to loose an animal, I cried when we gave Jake away. Is Mason feeling any better? Give Jodi a hug and rub those legs.
Monday, November 19, 2007 11:28:25 PM

lex said…

I’m sad too!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 7:15:38 AM

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

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.

Ode to my Wife of 13 Years


OK so I should have written this first, but it is hard to keep up with Jodi. She is always so concerned about making others feel good. I thought it would be fair to have her hear it back at her. I am not very original by doing this, but better than nothing 🙂

We will be married 13 Years tomorrow and it seems just like yesterday, that we were waking up in St. Anthony. I would get up and light a fire in the wood stove while Jodi would fix us a great breakfast, she would even play on the Piano while the food was cooking. I had no clue at the time that she was so talented. She can do anything. Here is just a short list of her many qualities that I adore:

1. She can sing like no other.
2. She can play the Violin by ear, any song you name it she will pick it out.
3. She plays the piano and really sets the mood of the home.
4. She is a great Mom, always reads the kids a story at night.
5. She is consistent you can always count on her.
6. She is loyal I have never had a better friend.
7. She is tolerant even when she shouldn’t be.
8. She is loving to all around her.
9. She is spiritual, I learned while on my mission that she is close to the Lord, by the letters she would write me. Thought I was writing to a GA.
10. She is a full of charity for all around her.
11. She is funny, she can always make me laugh even when I don’t want to.
12. She is selfless, as you can see by her having another baby even though it is very painful on her legs for the whole time.
13. She is Mine, that is the best part of all she is my best friend. And I couldn’t ask for a better one. She is so kind to me and thoughtful, always making sure I am happy. She is why I am the man I am today, she keeps me in tune with the reason we are here.

I Love you Jodi, thanks for being my everything.

Love,

Stephen

Top of Utah Marathon


You would think I would remember how hard it is to run a Marathon having just run one 3 weeks ago. Must be like having a baby you forget the pain but remember the joy of success. Today was the Top of Utah Marathon (Logan Marathon). What a run, I definitely should have ran more in the last few weeks at least once would have been better than nothing, because I was feeling it today. Very beautiful scenery and run though. Thanks for the support Mom and Dad. Dad ran a few miles just taking pictures, and course Mom fed me (some grapes) to keep me going. The highlight of the run was the last 3 miles when Alexis decided to finish the race with me. These are the moments that I will forever treasure, she was such a trooper running a 8 1/2 minute mile with me. It was such a boost to see her not give up even when I wanted to. Thanks Alexis for making the run worth the previous 23 miles.

My First Marathon – Mesa Falls


We did itToday I ran my first full marathon. Ryan Kirkham and I ran it together, you would think between the two of us we would know better. I got up at 3:45 AM and got ready to go, Ryan then picked me up and we rode up to Ashton. We picked up our packets and had a quick bite to eat at the free breakfast. Then we got on the cold bus with the A\C on…not a good combo. We arrived at the starting point around 5:45 AM where we sat and waited for the race to start. It was so cold we could see our breath outside. I wrapped my sprained ankle with some athletic tape just before starting, but soon found it was too tight. I ripped it off and re-wrapped it just seconds before starting. Finally at around 6:35 the host said, “On your marks, Get set, Go” and we were off. We held the lead for at least 20 seconds until the “real runners” flew by us. for the first 9 1/2 miles we ran up and down on a dirt road through the back woods. When hit the pavement at mile 9 1/2 it was a real treat to have a smooth road base under our feet. It was also starting to be a more downhill run so that felt good too. We ran past the Lower Mesa Falls overlook, looked pretty but we didn’t stop. Just a few more miles down the road and we met up with all the anxious Half-Marathon runners. It was a real boost to fly past them and hear them cheer us on. All was going great we were feeling vibrant and strong, until the dreaded hill. Wow, that could not be at a worse spot, at mile 17 we started up the hill and continued until mile 20 what a brutal hill when you have already run so far. It felt great to see the familiar faces of our wives and kids cheering us on. From mile 20 to the finish is a mild roller coaster run up then down. At about mile 22 or 23 I hit “The Wall”, my legs were done running. My heart and lungs felt ok but the legs were like Jell-O I began to think I would not be able to finish. I just kept picturing myself crossing the finish line and resting. It seemed to have worked although it was very difficult for the last 6 miles I did it. What an accomplishment, it feels great to have done it. I hate to think about the Logan Marathon in just a few weeks, but hopefully it will be easier. According to my watch my final time was 4:07, still have to see what the chip time says.