Author: Stephen and Jodi

Dead Meat


Lily has been insistent about wearing her tennis shoes to school each day. She said she needs them so she can run fast to chase the boys. Watch out boys, she is a fast runner! She usually comes home with a report each day for me, once I asked what she does when she catches the boys. She said, “They are dead meat!” Basically the girls catch the boys and say, “You’re dead meat” and then they are released to be chased again.

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

Sounds like great exercise and a fun social activity. We ought to do it at our next family social. It would be a fun change of pace.

Friday, September 12, 2008 9:16:00 AM

Dad said…

I had to take this picture because of how cute it was when she told me, “Today is not gym, but I wore my running shoes anyway so I could chase the boys.” Cute little girl.
Friday, September 12, 2008 11:12:31 AM

Anne said…

Sounds like fun to me! Hope those running shoes can keep up with you too!
Saturday, September 13, 2008 7:15:27 AM

Aunt Jana said…

Run lily run… I bet you caught all kinds of boys. And it helped you train for your fun run on Saturday.
Sunday, September 14, 2008 7:21:38 PM

See and need, fill a need


This morning Alexis took on the challenge to make breakfast. She whipped out some eggs and bacon and made us quite a nice little breakfast. She even topped them with a little cheese as a garnish. Coolest part is that she was not even asked to make breakfast, “See and need, fill a need.” Thanks Alexis it was great!

Comments:

Dad and Grandpa Parker said…

That’s a good sign of maturity and thoughtfulness when we do something good without even being asked. Kind of reminds me of a great seminary scripture mastery scripture. See D&C 58:26-29. In fact, I guess we all have to get to be that way in order become what we are supposed to become here on Earth.
Good example, Alexis!
Friday, September 12, 2008 9:06:45 AM

Uncle John said…

Very impressive. You are a wonderful girl. Your parents are lucky to have a girl like you. Keep up the great work.
Friday, September 12, 2008 10:55:12 PM

Anne said…

Mmmmm…looks yummy! Way to help out! You are a great girl, keep up the good work!
Saturday, September 13, 2008 7:13:47 AM

Aunt Jana said…

Way to go Lexi..you are a great example to all of us! Keep on serving.
Sunday, September 14, 2008 7:19:55 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

Lexi, will you put a little idea into Bridget’s head to do something like this? Although Bridget does like to make baked goods.
Friday, October 10, 2008 12:37:35 PM

The Parker Way


Stephen is more than willing to help out…he found a more efficient way to crank out the juice a few years ago – isn’t he clever?When I was married close to 14 years ago I was introduced to a new meal, macaroni and tomatoes. This consists of elbow macaroni noodles and tomato juice, yep that’s all folks. Usually always served with random condiments, cheese (my favorite), hot sauce, lots of salt and black pepper, cayenne pepper, etc. Shh, don’t tell Stephen but he likes to add a “secret” ingredient – a Tbsp of butter. If I didn’t try it myself I think I would be skeptical of all of this. Apparently this meal was served to the Bruce Parker family often, and before that the Fred Parker family. I learned that when times were plentiful, hamburger was added to the concoction. I also quickly realized, all of those years ago, that I would need to become a canner to fill my husband’s tummy with love.

Stephen has anxiously helped me introduce this food to each one of our children. He is thrilled to report that every single one of them love it and want to eat it at least one a week! (We are sure JT will follow suite) I periodically quiz them on their “favorites”. All of the kids at one time or another have dubbed this their favorite thing to eat. Alexis swears that if she eats this when she is sick, she will get better! As you can tell, it is also a comfort food. This leads me to my purpose of this entry.

Yesterday, Stephen took a trip down memory lane and had me and Olivia go out to a local tomato farmer’s garden to hand pick our tomatoes – just like his mom. By doing this, we get more bang for our buck. After loading them in the trunk of our van we were proud to report that we had three bushel.

Today, in order to sustain our food supplies, we processed 75 jars of tomato juice! It seems to be a lot, but with the army I am raising we hope to make it through until next year!

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Way to go Parkers. We are proud to see the whole family canning. It gives you such a feeling of satisfaction to see all those jars full. This winter you can make many things with tomatoes, soups casseroles, mac and tomatoes also. Where did you get the tomatoes? We love this time of year, a time for preparation.
Sunday, September 07, 2008 7:03:58 AM

Stacie said…

Way to go Jodi! Isn’t it nice to see your shelves fill up with all the colorful foods in a jar! I love this time of year! It is tiring, but very fulfilling!
Sunday, September 07, 2008 9:38:31 AM

Steph said…

I am doing mine Saturday. What a great talent. Thanks Mom! I love macaroni and tomatoes over any other meal, it’s easy, fast, and the whole family likes it. I wonder if any of my dad’s brothers and sisters still eat it like we do. Good blog!
Monday, September 08, 2008 8:47:12 PM

Meg the Gem said…

Go Jodi! I canned peaches last week and so I am expecially impressed w/the 75 jars!! I’ll try out the recipe on my tribe, sounds like a great one for food storage purposes, so simple!

Monday, September 08, 2008 11:38:00 PM

Anne said…

Way to go Jodi! You and Michelle will have to be the favorite daughter in laws! I am just not very good in the canning department with all these moves and things in storage and honestly, I am glad that Kassie gets to eat macaroni and tomatoes whenever we visit Rexburg. I have not been good to follow suit with the mac and tomatoes. It is a wonderful thing to teach the kids. What great memories they will have working along side you. When I grow up I hope to be as good as the great Parker women. So did you have macaroni and tomatoes for dinner that night? Happy Harvesting!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:42:16 PM

Mom Baldwin said…

Way to go Parker family! I am so pleased you have worked so hard together and accomplished such a great task. Having 75 quarts of tomatoes on one’s shelf is wonderful to see and even better to eat when you need some tomato juice. I love macroni and tomatoes, too. My grandmother Belnap fixed them a lot. We had them at our house when I was growing up, too. I do believe they are a comfort food, also. They always make me feel good inside when I eat them. Three cheers for macaroni and tomatoes!!! Long may they be with us!
Monday, September 15, 2008 11:41:50 PM

Pam said…

Canning is one of the best parts of Fall. I always feel a great sense of accomplishment after canning our tomato “crop” into salsa or speghetti sauce. I’ve never just done tomatoes, do you blanch and peel them? It also helps me justify the cost of watering the tomato plants all summer.
Friday, September 19, 2008 9:33:56 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

You are the ultimate homemaker. Hey, will you send me that recipe? Maybe it’s something that my kids would eat.
Friday, October 10, 2008 12:35:02 PM

Grown in Idaho


This little fella makes me smile … he came home from school and was more excited to show me this cute creation than tell me he got 100% on his spelling pre-test (he even got ALL of the challenge words correct)! I love this potato that says “grown in Idaho” and I’m proud to be raising a boy who can say he “grew up in Idaho.” Incidentally he just made this for fun during free time at school today?! FYI the potato has a piece of wheat in his mouth – Mason has been interested in the mechanics of wheat these days. He told Stephen he might make a wife for this little potato while the rest of the class takes the spelling test. Can’t wait to meet her.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Sounds like you are getting a good start in school this year. It;s so fun to see people do good things of their own free will. It make teaching and learning fun. Keep it up. We’re proud of you.
Friday, September 05, 2008 12:16:51 AM

Anne said…

Cool potato head Mason! Keep on being creative and you will always be happy!
Friday, September 05, 2008 6:23:52 AM

Steph said…

Way to go IDAHO!
Saturday, September 06, 2008 8:40:04 PM

Apple Art starts with A


Ollie is getting the hang of making some of the letters in her name and is thrilled!After much anticipation, Olivia began her first experience with Playgroup this past Wednesday. A few mom’s in my neighborhood banned together to give our kiddies a little day of fun. We met at our house first so we got to talk about the letter “A” and apples. We had fun and the two hours we were together flew by quickly! The crowd favorite was making apple heads (as pictured). It is fun to see Olivia growing and learning. This playgroup will be a fun first step to many more days of learning fun. The girls are going to rotate through each other’s houses every Wednesday for this learning adventure!

Comments:

Anne said…

It looks like a fun group! Fun day to look forward to for her too, since her big bro and sisters go off to school. Very cute apple heads too!
Friday, September 05, 2008 6:25:10 AM

Steph said…

How fun! I love Olivia’s apple best. Are those home grown? Have a good year in pre-school.
Saturday, September 06, 2008 8:41:09 PM

Growth


Mason is now a 9 1/2 year old fourth grader. I thought I would make note on some of the changes that I’ve noticed.

First – I decided to teach Mason piano lessons this year to save a few pennies. (now though, I have consented to trade teaching piano with my friend Diana Puzey. So that will be his official teacher.) Anyway, we had a great piano lesson last week. I found out that Mason’s favorite part of school is art. I explained how music is like art – the notes paint the picture in your mind of what the composer wants you to envision. He caught on to this and we found a song called Little Leapin’ Lizards. He loved it. Later that night after FHE was ending he asked, “Can I play my song for everyone?” Stephen and I looked at each other dumbfounded. This is not like Mason to want to volunteer to play the piano let a lone play in front of people! He did it and we were so happy and proud.

I have also noticed that Mason is being more responsible with his homework. He understands that when he works hard in class, he will have less/no work to bring home! He even tries to do it on the bus. And when he does come home with it, he has been good to just get it done!

He also admitted that he thinks that a girl is cute…

A few months ago Mason was supposed to give the scripture in Primary. I completely forgot about it. (I’m even in the presidency?!) I was sitting in Primary when all of the sudden Mason stood up and delivered his scripture flawlessly. He had picked his favorite scripture (1 Nephi 3:7) out and spoke clearly and even ended it appropriately! I was so impressed…Mason used to cry when he had to give a talk in primary and would only do it after much persuasion and bribery! He said he did not like all of the people looking at him. He has come a long way!!!

This has also been a year of growth in the soccer department. He has always been a great little player…but participated in soccer because he was, again, persuaded! (Change/not know what to expect has always been hard on him since Sunbeams)Well this year, he is excited about soccer and is trying so hard to get better. He has come close several times with scoring his own goal and has assisted in helping the team score many goals.

He plays so well with Olivia and is sweet to watch with JT. He gives Olivia piggy back rides, plays legos, jumps, makes her paper origami, reads her stories…He is gentle with JT and doesn’t complain when he is asked to help out with his brother. He also enjoys playing spies, riding bikes, and jumping on the trampoline with Lily and Alexis.

He is a good friend to have around.

We can do hard things!


Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain…

This song came to my mind today on our bike ride through the rolling hills of wheat and potatoes as we looked east to the Teton Mountain Range. We are pretty lucky and blessed people to live in such a beautiful part of the world. It was a gift to be able to witness another day from a loving Heavenly Father.

Stephen reminded us again that when we do hard things it ends up being well worth it – I am starting to see that this is becoming a reoccurring theme in our lives in teaching our children. Lily spouted that she couldn’t wait to give a talk in church about this…Life hands us many teaching moments.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

“Work should be enthroned as a crowning principle in our lives” Pres Kimball. WE have always liked and trusted in that quote. What a blessing to be able and willing to do the hard things in life. Keep up the “good work”.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 12:03:34 AM

Aunt Susan said…

How far did your family bike together? You look amazing- Outstanding in your field:) Love to you/
Sunday, August 31, 2008 9:13:42 AM

Jana said…

You guys are awesome I am proud of your hard work …the family that plays together stays together!!
Monday, September 01, 2008 12:45:25 PM

Anne said…

Looks like you are working hard and enjoying it too! What a great family picture!
Monday, September 01, 2008 10:18:30 PM

Look who turned 3!


Pretty little lady with her chosen pink heart birthday cake with sprinkles.Here she is – the newly turned 3 year old, miss Olivia Michele Parker. She had a great and fun day and enjoyed her moments in the spotlight. Mason, Lex, and Lily were sure to remind her of what a special day it was because of her. We sure love her.

Our family went on a bike ride up Summer’s Hill (8.5 miles round trip). Ollie liked riding in the bike trailer with JT and Lex. Mason’s bike tire went flat after the first 1/2 mile and Alexis was happy to lend hers to Mason. Stephen pushed us forward through the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. I was happy to catch up with Mason and join him at the top. Once we were all there we stopped for a family photo in the field of wheat…the clouds were such a beautiful contrast with the wheat.

Olivia also got to go get a happy meal from McDonalds for lunch with her dad and Mason. She was hoping for a cute Polly Pocket, but when they got there they found that they only had Star Wars toys.

Later, we invited friends and family over to help us celebrate with a hot dog roast and cotton candy. Olivia loved all of the cards and gifts she received – thank you for thinking of and loving her!

Three years can go by so quickly. It is fun to think back on all of the joyful and fun times that Olivia has brought to our family. She is one special lady!


This is Olivia’s cute little friend, Ellie.
Stephen had her sit in the tractor bucket to blow out her candles.
Having her cake and eating it too.

This here my friends, is a crazy, pregnant, canning queen! She amazes me.
Let the cotton candy begin.
Tanner Puzey grew a quick beard for the party…then he got stung 4 times by some wasps. ouch.

Ashlyn (Tanner’s sister) also got a sting. Yikes.
Little Brooke got one too – right by her eye. Double yeowee. Olivia was so excited to have her friends, Brookey and Ellie, come to her party.
Love this picture of Kate.

Love in my tummy…
Sticky/Dirty Fingers!

Birthday Morning Pleasures

We can have fun and do hard things.
Olivia learned how to make her fingers say “3” and has been practicing for this big day!

Island Parker
Free tractor rides were given.
Paul ate a grasshopper.

Co
mments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Happy Happy Birthday sweet Olivia, You are a ray of sunshine. We sure do love you.
Sunday, August 31, 2008 12:00:50 AM

Aunt Susan said…

Looks like a great 3rd birthday party! Happy birhtday, little princess! Stephen and Jodi, you are an amazing team yourselves. You children are so blessed to have you as parents!
Sunday, August 31, 2008 9:19:24 AM

Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin said…

It sounds like Olivia had a good 3 year old birthday. Lots of fun things going on. What a sweet little 3 year old! Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin sure do love you, Olivia!!! Hugs and Kisses!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008 11:09:15 PM

Jana said…

What a gal, thanks for inviting us to your birthday bash, we had a blast!
Monday, September 01, 2008 12:49:37 PM

Anne said…

Happy birthday Olivia! Wish we could have been there to help you celebrate! You are so cute and fun. Hugs!
Monday, September 01, 2008 10:24:11 PM

Six Months


My little baby boy is growing! He is now 6 months old (yesterday it was official). I got a glimpse of him the other day while he was sleeping and was surprised at how big he looked. I wish time would slow down a little bit.

He loves to eat “food” now and moans with “mm, mm, mm” while he eats, his little feet kick in excitement too. He watches the food we eat and put to our mouths like a hawk. I came in from running this morning carrying a glass of water and he was mad at me for not sharing until I game him a sliver of an ice cube! Funny little dude. He seems to love pears the most and really hates peas and carrots.

He has all but mastered sitting up and he can spin around in his exosaucer with ease. He really knows who his family is and shows his excitement when any sibling or parent talks to him. He is also really good with other people as well, a very social babe.

His nicknames are: Obviously JT, little J, Josh, little man, little dude, and buddy boy. Lily seems to like calling him Joshua, and Olivia and I call him JT Parker A LOT. We like to use his full name for some reason?

He is cute as ever and the apple of my eye!

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

He is such a cute little guy. We can’t wait to hold him and get to know him better. We are excited to see you all. Thanks for the updates they are great.
Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:27:29 AM

Grandma Baldwin said…

Hummmm! JT must get his love of food from his Grandma Baldwin. I think it is so cute how he follows with his eyes as one puts food into their mouth. He doesn’t want to miss out on getting a taste of what your’e eating, does he? What a cute little guy! His personality is really coming out! I sure love him!
Sunday, August 31, 2008 10:52:30 PM

Another Fun Weekend


Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin came up for a visit. It was so much fun.

I loved it. We went to Island Park on Saturday so that Grandpa could get some quaking aspens for walking sticks. When we made the first stop I got stung by a wasp! I was NOT happy. We loaded up and went somewhere else. We had lunch with lots of flies and wasps flying around. Olivia got stung too. Alexis and Mason weren’t happy about it – they were feeling nervous. Grandpa said he might make Olivia a walking stick with a bee on it.

When we came home Grandma took all of the girls shopping. I really loved this part. Olivia got to pick out a birthday present. She chose to get a Cinderella Polly Pocket. I got to get some gum.

We love our Grandpa and Grandma.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

It looked like a fun time Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin are always fun to be with. You are lucky to have them around. You guys are so sweet, the bees love you.
Monday, August 25, 2008 1:58:42 AM

michelle said…

How fun! I wouldn’t have done well with the wasps however. You guys are so fun!
Monday, August 25, 2008 11:43:05 AM

Grandma Baldwin said…

We had such a good time with the Parker’s last week-end! Thanks to all of you for being so nice to us. Lily, I think grandpa was going to make you the walking stick. You were the first one to get stung, remember? He can make one for Olivia, too. You two were such good sports. Those wasps were really too overbearing. It’s a good thing we left before all of us got stung!!!! Love to all.
Monday, August 25, 2008 12:15:29 PM

Meg the Gem said…

How fun! You always do such a great job posting pictures. Post me on my blog (or I guess you could email me) how you get multiple pictures up. My set up will only allow 4-5 and they post much bigger than I’de prefer. I like the way you do it!
Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:00:53 PM