Author: Stephen and Jodi

He can do hard things


Teacher & Priest Quorum members from our ward that rode – Mason came in 4th place!

This is a face that I love! Warning: this is my mom's brag entry.

Mason was so happy to finish his origami three-headed dragon – all 100 steps were in Spanish (and no, he doesn't speak fluent Spanish yet)! He is amazing at figuring things out. He definitely didn't inherit that gene from me.

What will Mason be when he grows up? Oh, the possibilities….he is my little diamond in the rough.

We now have a special spot in our bookshelf designated for impressive 100-step origami projects.

Q. What do you do when you have a little 2 year old that is being too loud in sacrament meeting?

A. Have your older origami master son make him tractors, boats, airplanes, etc out of paper. If you can think it, he'll try to create it.

This is a talent that can come in handy. Mason will make lots of little kids happy on his mission with his art.

Oh, by the way, not only is he an origami master – he is quite a biker. He took Wanda (my bike) out for a 50 mile bike ride on Saturday. Not just any ride. He rode to Mesa Falls from Rexburg. It is a ride for someone who is tough. Lots of hills and wind. I was a proud momma.

He has also been practicing his very first hymn out of the green hymn book, "God Speed The Right." (Only 9 more to go until he can choose to be done with piano – right now he is being forced and we hope we will get thanked later)

Mason can do hard things and this is proof.

Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies

I have been wanting to get family photos in a green field with blue sky and white cumulous clouds the entire 4 years that I’ve lived at this address! I love the view out of my back window and as I drive to take/pick kiddos around. I wanted it captured in a picture with the people I love the most. We are blessed to live in a beautiful world. Unfortunately we had to deal with the wind, which is a reality of living in Idaho. I guess it adds to the charm of it all.

Freeway Fireworks

Our family was able to go to Utah for some much needed summer fun! We made it to Orem just in time for dinner on Thursday evening and Stephen treated us all to some Mexican food. Then the girls and boys split up for some shopping. Boys went to DI and Harbor Freight. Girls went to JoAnnes and Plato's Closet. Good deals were found.

Friday morning we were able to hike Mt. Timponogas cave with Grandpa Baldwin. It is a hike we have wanted to check out for a couple of summers and it was worth the wait. We enjoyed spotting "bacon" and seeing the caramel and chocolate sauce as well as the heart of the cave. We are grateful to live in a country that preserves beautiful discoveries and allows us all to enjoy them. Friday afternoon we joined Amy and girls to swim at the Lindon pool. Our family thought it was a huge treat because we rarely get to go swimming. My favorite part of this was showing off my new swimming skills from my 2 swimming lessons. Everyone loved going around the lazy river.

Saturday morning we headed over to West Jordan to witness Jessie become an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We also enjoyed our time at Cabella's and Del Taco with the John Parker Family. Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin were soo nice to bring their old bikes for Mason to take home and revive. We were able to take them home because Grandpa & Grandma Parker brought our bike rack from Rexburg for us. These acts were inconvenient but meant a lot to Mason. We are blessed with two sets of loving, caring, and service oriented Grandparents!

We were hoping to make it back in time to drive through Idaho Falls for the firework celebration. We were an hour behind schedule so when we got to Shelly we could see and hear from the radio that Idaho Falls was blasting off the finale. Unfortunately we made it to Idaho Falls when the thousands of people that were viewing the freedom celebration were trying to get on the freeway to go home. It was mass madness at a turtles pace. We made it home by midnight. When all is said and done it is fun to note that we did enjoy many random (from Pocatello, Fort Hall, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, etc…) freeway fireworks from the comforts of our little swagger wagon.

Comments:

Bruce and Sharon said…

Looks like a fun get-away for a couple of days. It really helps to change the everyday things occasionally, it gives a new outlook, and you can get back to the routine again.
Monday, July 05, 2010 9:56:30 AM

michelle said…

It was fun to see you guys-I feel bad you missed the fireworks. Thanks for coming and supporting Jess, it means alot to us.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 3:30:14 PM

Mason’s the Man

Mason has been growing a lot the last few month – emotionally, mentally, intellectually, PHYSICALLY! Wowzer – he likes to eat to fill up his hollow leg or something and drink tons of milk. He is a very cool kid and we love him!

He loves to ride his bike. Mason, Stephen, and a couple of his friends have been modifying the jumps to the side of our house and he is becoming very skilled with the take off, landings, and bunny hops in between. He has also been reading like crazy. He finished all of the Fable Haven series and is on #4 of the Percy Jackson series. He can really get lost in a book. He has enjoyed going on scouting adventures and even got to go on one with Grandpa Parker! He is my right hand man and is easily learning the ropes of becoming a very dependable second when Stephen isn’t around – to take care of the manly deeds. He finished off a great soccer season in May and learned a lot more about competitive sports. He really is the most happy hanging out at home just chilling – especially price comparison shopping online. He can get lost trying to find a good deal, but is teachable as we remind him that getting "things" doesn’t really matter. He has been a wonderful babysitter this summer as Lex has taken a job for a farmer and I need to run a quick errand. He is rising to the occasion and enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Mason is a sweet boy with a big heart and a teasing, playful nature. He is also a wonderful big brother and son!

Aunt Dot

Olivia has always had a soft spot for Aunt Dot (Stephen’s Grandma, Elaine Parker’s, sister). She has always enjoyed the visits when Aunt Dot & Uncle Everett popped into our home or when we go to lunch with "Aunt Dot". She reserves a special smile and twinkled eye when she says "hi" to her favorite great-great Aunt Dot.

Since Aunt Dot has had some trouble with her legs, we have had the chance to pop in to visit her in her rehabilitation facility to deliver a hand crafted note from Olivia and special "p.s. I love You" lotion for Olivia’s special friend.

I appreciate the way that Aunt Dot has helped Olivia feel special and loved.


million dollar smile
taking a flower to aunt Michele’s grave

Comments:

Michelle said…

That is sweet-I am sure you brightened Aunt Dot’s day with that sweet girl.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:10:38 AM

Anne and Sami said…

Olivia you are getting so big! Your smile is so pretty it brigtens everyones day, make sure you show it to everyone. Give Aunt Dot a hug from us too.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:31:00 PM

Anne and Sami said…

Olivia you are getting so big! Your smile is so pretty it brigtens everyones day, make sure you show it to everyone. Give Aunt Dot a hug from us too.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:31:00 PM

Discoveries

JT has been out and about and is discovering lots of exciting things.

He experienced his first trip to the zoo and loved it – especially the monkeys.

He loved digging in the sand dunes despite the sand in eyes, ears, and nose.

He loves swinging and going down the slippery slide at home or at the park. He had the best laugh when he does either.

He thinks nursery is the bomb and begs to go when he hears the opening song in sacrament meeting.

He STILL loves tractors and trucks and matchbox cars.

He is becoming quite a little communicator as he tries to express himself through words.

He really likes to eat candy and talks about Grandpa Parker’s ice cream often.

He likes to give hugs – squeezable hugs!

He is increasing his scream volume when things don’t go his way.

He isn’t a huge fan of the car seat any longer.

He likes to sneak into bed with mom and dad whenever possible and we are too tired to stop him.

He loves to watch Max/Ruby a.k.a. "Max and Ruby" on TV and go to the library and get tractor books.

He still roams the counter tops and tries to play with the kitchen spices when my back is turned.

He has been talking about our recent visit to see aunt Dot – those worthers originals must have been a good move on her part.

He has a huge fan club!

 

Comments:

Michelle said…

Fun pictures of a cute little guy. I still love his tractor noises the best.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:12:03 AM

Anne said…

Cutie pie! Love all the pictures :).
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:33:47 PM

Lily’s Past Times


What would we do without her? She is one of a kind!

Lily has been taking swimming lessons and has now officially passed her mother. She is doing flips in the water and side breathing – even the breast stroke. I have loved watching her become more and more confident in the water…it gives me hope that maybe I can be like her someday.

Way to go Lily.

Lily recently wrote an awesome poem for Family Home Evening about the Sacrament. I am planning on sending it to the Children’s Friend…be in the look out for it sometime! She is going to be famous. 🙂

She also participated in her first track meet – Hershey’s Track and Field. She did the standing long jump and 50 & 100 meter dashes.


Trying to run to the end of the rainbow
Lily made up a show about “kindness begins with me”.

Lily is a great nanny to Olivia and teaches her all that she knows!
Lily heard me talking about how my mom would hate to see all of the bird poo on the headstones. When we were loading up the car we looked back to find her trying to clean the headstone of my Grandpa & Grandma Beattie. She is a very intune & sensitive gal.

Crimped hair from Lexi

Comments:

Michelle said…

Wow Lily-you have been busy. I love how you are such a good sister and so talented.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:13:35 AM

Anne and Sami said…

Lily that looks like so much fun!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:29:20 PM

Thursday with Lexi


Playing it cool – she was not one of those giddy girls

We were eating at Bajio Thursday night in celebration of Alexis finishing the Book of Mormon for the first time! We (Stephen & I) are proud of her for her dedication and determination to finishing before girls’ camp – a goal given to the girls last year. It was neat to hear her thoughts and watch her excitement.

Alexis was able to go to the book signing of David Archuletta that night as well. Here is the proof! While we were seated we peered out the door and noticed the long line that was forming to the Deseret Book entrance…it was getting even longer. I was all but ready to go home, but Lex was totally stoked (I think she definitely inherited the Parker genes in this respect). She had been pumped up earlier from Baldwin cousin, Ashley, and was entirely committed to seeing David.

It was good we spotted her friends near the front of the line. We dropped her off with them and then waited in the car until they got into the store. We were the official photographers.

Alexis also participated in the Hershey Track and Field Meet, she even qualified for state with the softball throw!

Today we dropped her off for her second year of Girl’s camp! We already miss her lively & fun personality around here!


Christina, Lex, Emi, Kendra, Shay, & Kaydee
Lots of books
I know he is smiling because he thinks she is soooo cute 😉

Ahh look at his cute smile – what a good boy and idol – STAY GOOD DAVID
Lex, Kaydee & Shay

Comments:

Michelle said…

Wow-You got pretty close up to David. I think my girls are going to be quite jealous. Maybe I won’t tell them. Good job with the Book of Mormon-you are a great example.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:16:19 AM

Riley said…

You are so LUCKY!!!!! Congratulations!!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 10:48:17 AM

Anne said…

Lexi, pretty fun to see David Archuleta.

I am so proud of you for finishing the Book of Mormon, that is awesome! Way to go.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:22:24 PM

Date for the future


Priceless!

When I started dating boys at the age of 16 I hate to admit I didn't take enough time to realize the large impact it would have on the future of my children. Luckily, I had nice boys to choose from – my favorite, obviously, a certain handsome boy named Stephen Parker with rippling muscles :), a permanent smile, and perfect hug. As I dated him it became apparent that he loved to play hard, work hard, and serve with ease. I liked all of that and was very impressed. As the days, months, then years went on that I got to be his good friend, another fact stood out – this boy would always be young at heart!

Taking these thoughts into consideration and weighing in this past father's day – I have determined that Alexis, Mason, Lily, Olivia, and JT have won the father lottery! Without pulling out a list of itemized questions or a detailed examination of credentials while dating, I was lucky (ok blessed!) enough to be able to marry this boy and witness him turn into an AMAZING father to my five children.

A father who teaches the gospel by word and deed. (Gives delightful parables as he guides them through life and then practices what he preaches)

A father who is never too old to play or take time to show support to his children. (Sand Dunes Friday & Zoo Saturday)

A father who works alongside his children. (they washed all of the windows on Saturday!)

A father who loves the mother of his children. (I get lots of TLC and XxOos ad I love yous)

A father who eats Mexican! (We took him to dinner @ Plum Loco Saturday night)

Moral of the story: pray hard, read your scriptures, and live as good as you can so that Heavenly Father will guide you to date and choose a worthy companion who will in turn be the very important parent of your children.


look at the size of that mallow!
one of the kids
another “heaven on earth” moment for Stephen

Play hard kids you only live once

Maybe Lex learned her cheerleading moves from him?
good times with good friends

Mason rarely smiles when I shoot a candid camera at him – this one of the few!
Alexis is such a nut
The aquarium is ALWAYS a hit until the chips and salsa appear!

Olivia always asks me to take her picture.
YIPPEE!
“Heaven on Earth” Quote from Stephen Saturday night

Cutie!
THE dad
Funny Story! Olivia pulled a string on Stephen’s pants during sacrament meeting and just kept pulling until THIS is what Stephen looked like at the end of sacrament meeting! He escaped afterward with our giant church bag pasted to his leg.

Good morning papa – I think Lily made him at least 5 cards
Baked him one of his favorites – Apple Pie!
Stephen talked me into sleeping in his new tent Saturday night

This lion was at the zoo when I was a little girl
Is it any surprise that JT like the monkeys the best?

Lex & Mason were trying hard to have fun for the little guys
JT had so much fun

Lily got Olivia to warm up to petting the goats.
JT was also very nervous initally, but finally came around
Free admission to the zoo with a teddy bear day

happy to be inside after a long wait in the admission line
Notice – I’m the only one outside the fence?

Comments:

Michelle said…

We have some great dads in the Parker family. I love the pants at church-that is a classic.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:19:48 AM

Anne said…

Very funny pants moment :). Sounds like you had some fun times honoring him this weekend.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:17:00 PM

Dad Parker said…

“Man is that he might have (fun)” Permanent forever fun.
Monday, June 28, 2010 8:02:35 AM

Good memories in the rain


Lex got a little crazy from all the rain

With Jodi leaving town we decided we didn’t want to be home alone so we headed north to the cabin on the hill.  It was tons of fun, even though it was muddy and rainy,  We just hunkered down in the cabin around the warm fire and enjoyed each others company.  We played a little Uno, watched some movies, and Lex and I had a movie marathon and watched the first two shows in the Bourne series.  We can hardly wait to go again.