Author: Stephen and Jodi

Ten Things I love about my Ten Year Old


This is what happens when you have 3 sisters.Tomorrow is Mason’s big 1-0. Double digit Day! He is proud to be turning a “decade” old. He got to have a couple of friends over for a late night this past Friday to celebrate. I have to say boys are awesome – I didn’t plan one darn thing other than buying an airplane calendar for $3.50 that they could use. Mason came up with the great idea “let’s see who can sweat the most!” We think he won – Alexis was the trainer and told them to run up and down the stairs 50 times…I am now concerned about the condition of my stairs not to mention the smell that little 10 year olds can produce :). Lex took hold of the party and came up with an “Amazing Race” game and then did make over’s on them. I think it was a successful first late night for Mason. Loud. Simple. Fun.

It’s is such a copy cat thing to do, but I can’t help myself. Here 10 reasons I love Mason:
1. He is passionate and committed to the things he likes to do.
2. He is honest.
3. He is a true friend.
4. He is creative.
5. He is smart.
6. He gives a good hug.
7. He is a great brother.
8. He is a darn hard worker.
9. He is physically strong but tender hearted.
10. He knows how to create a good time.

Comments:

Michelle said…

Happy Birthday Mason-looks like a great party. We sure think you are turning into a great young man. You are always so kind to Zach and make him feel so good about himself. Thanks for being so great.
Monday, March 09, 2009 5:24:29 PM

Steph said…

Happy Birthday Mas, you are looking so cute in that skirt, it is a good color for you. I wanted to find you origami paper but Rexburg is short on Japanese stores. I will get you some soon. I am glad you picked good friends, it will make all the difference in the years ahead.
Monday, March 09, 2009 8:49:33 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Happy birthday Mason. You are doing a good job of growing up to be a fine young man. Follow the example of your good parents and stay on the high road.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:29:52 AM

Magan said…

Happy Birthday to Mason!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 4:06:49 PM

Teddy Bear "T" Party


It is party time at our house this week! Olivia had a Teddy Bear “T” Party on Wednesday for Playgroup. We were celebrating her “Un” birthday. We didn’t have play group when it was her birthday so we opted for the un-birthday thing. (Obviously I wasn’t thinking about everything else)

BUT

It was lots of fun. She looked so cute in her “T” party outfit and I had lots of fun listening to them talk about their “Stinky” dads. I heard a few secrets leak out of the bag about dad’s tooting and blaming the little girls – it cracked me up! It all spiraled out after a little friend said her dad calls “Tinkerbell”, “Stinkerbell”.

I got a little carried away making teddy bear travel bags filled with “t” items. That is one part of being a mom that I love! It was fun to see the little girls carrying them around to play with their teddy bears – totally worth all of the work! We also played pin the heart on the teddy bear.

What a fun party with 3 and 4 year olds. I think I like playgroup as much as Olivia!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Never has princess Olivia looked more like a real princess. Little girls are such a wondrous creation. Way to capture the moment and help little ladies feel like they’re somebody.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:30:01 AM

Patricia said…

Olivia, what a fun un-birthday party you had! Your mom really knows how to plan great parties, huh? You looked so beautiful as a princess! Your friends are beautiful, too! Life is good! Every day can be special with special people around us! Have fun today. XOXO G. Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:51:22 AM

Steph said…

Olivia, your mom is out of control, but that’s good for you. You really do look gorgeous with those fabulous earings.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:54:41 PM

michelle said…

That is so cute! Olivia looks like a real princess. What a lucky little girl.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:52:08 PM

Thinking Man


Here is a shot of Mason sitting in anticipation to kick off his first Idaho History scholastic bowl. He did a great job and hung in there for quite awhile. Great Job Mason.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

We were thinking that he looked like he was thinking of giving that girl next to him a little kiss on the cheek. Just kidding, he looked determined and cool.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:24:18 AM

Patricia said…

Mason, what a smart and handsome young man you are! Isn’t Idaho History a blast? I remember when my dad, brother and I made a cool Idaho History binder out of wood with hinges. I put lots of Idaho history information inside it. I was so pleased with it when it was completed! I still have it today!!! Save your special stuff! Mine is 52 years old now. I hope you had fun doing your Scholastic Bowel. XOXO G. Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:05:04 AM

Stephen (Grandpa Baldwin) said…

You and Grant will have to have a “bowl off” at one of our family get-to-gethers. It would have been fun to have been there. I remember when your mom was in 4th Grade – we didn’t do stuff like that – but wish we had. It’s a great opportunity to learn Idaho History. Thanks for being a good boy, Mason; keep up the good work.
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:06:33 AM

Steph said…

Can you sing all the verses of “Here we have Idaho”? I made a pillow with the Mt. Bluebird and the Syringa flower on it. Idaho is the coolest!
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:50:47 PM

michelle said…

Cool Mason-I don’t know much about Idaho, maybe you can teach me a thing or two! Good Job.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:53:36 PM

My Big Day


The day started off early when I decided to wake up at 5:40 am. I didn’t want to go back to sleep so when my mom’s alarm went off at 5:46 we all got up and celebrated – Me, Mom, and Dad! They introduced me to my new piano that dad put together last night. I then watch them ride their bikes and then everyone finally decided to join the party. They watched me open my other gifts. Then I ate a blueberry muffin and a glass of chocolate milk. Of course I was ready for an early nap.

Later tonight my cousins and friends came over to wish me a happy day. We ate monkey cake and soup. Mom had to grab my hand away from the flame on the cake, I thought it was cool. I really liked eating my cupcake!

One thing is for certain – I have a lot of people who love me!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

JT, You are a cheerful wonderful little guy. Just seeing your pictures makes us smile in our hearts.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:20:29 AM

Steph said…

A monkey cake is perfect for you. I wish I could have been there. Practice your piano and you might be as good as your uncle Scott someday. I remember listening to him and you mom play and sing together. Lucky kid.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:56:57 PM

michelle said…

happy birthday JT-you are such a cute little guy with a great family!
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:48:51 PM

JT Trivia


Today is my birthday and as tradition stands, my mom has prepared a “JT Trivia” quiz for my first birthday party. In this new world of technology, mom thought that it would be fun for those that are far away to participate. So if any of you want to take the quiz and submit your answers by leaving a comment feel free. My mom said she would even send the winner a surprise! Good luck…Here it is:

1 year in review

1. Who do I look most like?
   Dad
   Mom
   Lily

2. My favorite foods are:
   Squash & Sweet potatoes
   Applesauce & Graham Crackers
   All of the above

3. My favorite past time these days is:
   Playing in my drawer in the kitchen
   Opening up all of mom’s cupboards
   Taking a Bath

4. Words to describe me are:
   Quick and Strong
   Quiet and Destructive
   Loud and Silly

5. My favorite toy is:
   Ball
   Cars
   Anything that makes noise

6. When I meet someone new I:
   Give them my best smile
   Wave
   Scream

7. What were my stats when I was born?
   7 lbs 6 oz – 18″, at 11:43 am
   6 lbs 9 oz – 19″, at 6:42 pm
   8 lbs 10 oz – 20″, at 2:17 pm

8. Currently my stats are:
   18 lbs and 29″
   17 lbs and 27″
   21 lbs and 32″

9. I am named after:
   My great great Grandfather
   The Joshua from the Bible
   My Dad’s friends who have passed away

10. The name Joshua means:
   Jehovah is Salvation
   Crown Garland
   One who works with stone

Comments:

Steph said…

Happy Birthday JT. We can’t make it to your party but we still love you and hope you get lots of yummy cake.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:58:59 AM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Happy birthday JT. Not having ever seen you, we had to do our best guessing. Lily,all the above, playing in the drawer, quick and strong, anything that makes noise, give them my best smile, 6’9″ 19″ long and at 6:42, 17 lbs 27 ” tall, after dad’s friend, Jehovah is salvation, And he is really cute.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:06:08 AM

John said…

Happy Birthday Josh. Here are my answers. You can copy them if you think I am smart. I would not recommend it. 1. Dad, 2. Apple sauce and Gram Crackers, 3. Play in Drawer, 4. Quiet and Destructive, 5. Anything that makes noise, 6. Wave, 7. 7 lbs. 6 oz. 11:43, 8. 18 lbs. 29″, 9. Dads friend, 10. Jehovah is Strength. Enjoy many more years to come.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 2:27:08 PM

Amy said…

I would not even know where to start with the answers… :-). But isn’t he just the cutest guy ever? I love holding him. He turns his head and takes a long drawn look at who is holding him. Such a cutie. Happy Birthday JT.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 4:34:11 PM

Magan said…

Happy B-day from the Boise Gang
Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:04:31 PM

Patricia said…

What a cute B-Day boy. My answers to the JT Trivia are as follows: 1. Dad 2. Squash & sweet potatoes 3. Kitchen drawer 4. Quiet and destructive 5. Anything that makes a noise 6. Smiles 7. 6lbs.9oz. 19″ long 8. 17lbs 27″ 9. After his dad’s friends 10. Joshua means salvation
I hope you had a really fun birthday JT. You’re pictures show that you did. I just love your B-Day cake. Your mom did a great job making it. What a fun boy, great mom, special dad and wonderful family! I love you all! Grandma Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:25:00 AM

Stephen (Grandpa Baldwin) said…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J.T.
Yes, I know it is the day after you birthday but I’ll venture some answers (without copying from anyone else, of course). Wish we could have been at the party – the cake looks great!

1. Who do I look most like?
Dad
2. My favorite foods are:
All of the above
3. My favorite past time these days is:
Opening up all of mom’s cupboards
4. Words to describe me are:
Quick and Strong AND Quiet and Destructive
5. My favorite toy is:
Anything that makes noise
6. When I meet someone new I:
Give them my best smile
7. What were my stats when I was born?
6 lbs 9 oz – 19″, at 6:42 pm
8. Currently my stats are:
17 lbs and 27″
9. I am named after:
My Dad’s friends who have passed away
10. The name Joshua means:
Jehovah is Salvation
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:26:22 AM

Cutest boy in the whole school!


Mason came home from school a couple of weeks ago with this note! That girl is very smart and I would have to agree with her. Mason was flattered, but basically matter of fact about receiving this note.

Guess what Mason gave for his class valentines – of course origami hearts! He made 24 hearts in an hour! His teacher received the big one with the fancy valentine paper he is holding.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

We would just say he’s ruggedly handsome. Way to to go the extra mile with the hearts. You are an ambitious guy.
Monday, February 16, 2009 8:29:43 AM

michelle said…

I love how you made oragami hearts! You are so good it amazes me. Watch out for those girls-they are already after you!
Monday, February 16, 2009 3:48:20 PM

Patricia said…

You are super cool, Mason! What a great idea to make orgami hearts for your friends. A gift from the “heart” that you make is truly a gift of love. I love friends. It’s good to have as many as you can. You are “The Man” Mason. I love you. XOXO G.Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:13:31 AM

Love Day


It was our lucky day! Mason has been begging for a snowboard and when I mentioned it to my friend Dana she said Mason could have Ashtons…it even came with boots! Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays! I LOVE it – it is fun to celebrate how much we care and love each other. I love Stephen! I love Alexis! I love Mason! I love Lily! I love Olivia! I love Joshua! My life is happy because of them. Wouldn’t it be fun it everyday were Valentine’s Day?


Proud owner of his first snowboard!
Stephen didn’t want to feel left out…he went to the pawn shop and found this little sweetie.
JT loves squash and sweet potatoes!

I made these peanut dolls for the girls for Valentine’s Day.
Personalized even!
Mason was stoked about getting the rest of his calendar – I hope he will stlil shovel my side walks :).

My other favorite boys- we made Stephen breakfast in bed, but decided it was more fun to be with the rest of us.
Every girl loves a flower! Thanks Stephen!!!!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

We love them all too. What a blessing to have someone to love who loves you too. Behold, our joy is full!
Monday, February 16, 2009 12:22:26 AM

michelle said…

Fun valentines day! I love the little dolls-you guys have a great mom! I also love the flowers-you guys have a great dad too!
Monday, February 16, 2009 3:51:31 PM

Loving Lily


She came up with which letters would match how many hearts there were – youre mine!Lily had fun making this fun Valentine Box at home for her class valentines. She sure does love her teacher. She wrote these two notes on Thursday night and tucked them into her backpack. I had to document them, because they were so sweet. On Friday when she got home from school she was the proud owner of a note from Mrs. Ball.

NOTE 1
I love you Mrs. Ball! I hope you love me. Do you? I can spell my spelling wards. Look!
know visit done her pure shirt.
is that all?
or did I miss one?
Good by
From: the one and all Lily
To: the one and all Mrs. Ball

NOTE 2
Dear Mrs. Ball
I’m glad that Mr. Potter chose me to go in you’re class! You’re the best ever! And if I did not get you I woud be so sad :(! But …….. I am in you’re class so ………. I’m HAPPY! I love you so much! I woud never not ever not love you.
1. I wish, I could visit you.
2. I’m all done eating.
3. Look, theres a bird!
4. Look, thats cool and that will burn.
5. Look at her
6. I know that you’r here somewer!
7. Frogs and Butterflys.
8. A frog is a tadpole intel its a froglet. And then its a frog. A butterfly is an egg intel its a ceterpiller and then a cacon and we wait intel its a butterfly. The end

Ice Skating for FHE


Kate called earlier today and invited us to go ice skating with the “Parker Clan” for FHE. What a fun time it was to play a bit and enjoy some of Stacie’s nice Hot Chocolate (with creamer in it). JT and Olivia were ready to leave after 1 1/2 hours of cold, we had to persuade Alexis, Mason and Lily it was time to go. Thanks for the good times.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Great fun! You might have to make a portable hut for JT and Olivia and other little ones that is heated. At least you are playing in the snow and ice. That’s how you stay in love with Idaho.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 1:24:08 AM

Stacie said…

Great pics! Thanks for coming! We had a great time! It was good to see your family again!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 9:42:01 AM

John said…

You are all penguins. It looks like a great time. We hope to see you in the Olympics. Fun times!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 9:30:16 PM

Twothless Wonder


Look at her new smile!Lily came home from school on Thursday and said she heard her front tooth snap…she had been working on getting it more and more loose. She was determined to pull it herself! About one hour after she got home I was picking Alexis up from babysitting when I got the call, “Mom, all I want for Christmas this year is my two front teeth!” She was so excited that she pulled it out all by herself, and so was I. Consequently Olivia asked to speak to me when Lily was finished spreading the news. She said, “Mom, I know what I want for Christmas too – I want some pet shops!” It made me smile.

Lily carefully put her tooth under her pillow that night for a visit from the tooth fairy. She is now the proud owner of 5 shiny quarters (her favorite type of money).

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Looks like Lily won’t be eating any corn on the cob for a while. She is getting to be such a fun and cheerful young lady. Give her a hug for us.
Sunday, February 08, 2009 1:11:07 AM

Patricia said…

Lily, you are such a cutie. Your smile is contageous!!! You do need some new teeth! Are the new ones starting to come in yet? I bet it’s hard for you to eat. We sure do love you! XOXO
G & G Baldwin
Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:58:25 AM