Author: Stephen and Jodi

Proceed with Caution

Warning: This blog errors in the direction of potty mouth talk. Proceed with Caution.

I need to tell 3 stories here.

Story #1 – My niece Emily just got asked to a dance at her school. My sister, Michelle, was telling me how she was asked. It consisted of her answering the door at midnight to discover that they had been toilet papered. She yelled up to Emily and she came down and they noticed a trail of toilet paper extending to the neighbor's yard. At the end of the trail was a puddle of "poop". It looked real and they were freaking out…next to it was a sign that read, "i'll poop my pants if you go to the dance with me." I know, very creative. :! I asked my sister what you are all asking yourselves, "what kind of boy is this? Do you want your dear daughter to go on a date with a potty mouth?" She assured me he was a good boy, so I just had to laugh – especially when she told me that Emily sniffed at the "poo" to discover it was a brownie with caramel sauce. Yum! It may take a while to eat brownies with caramel sauce again very soon… I told Lexi this story because she loves her Emily so, and she couldn't stop laughing. Five minutes after I told her she started giggling again.

Story #2 – I have been nagging Alexis to practice her voice lessons. I have even sent out the ultimatums complete with, "if you don't start practicing better, you will have to pay for your own lessons." Every mom pulls that one out  of her hat right. Well she proved to me that she meant business the next day and remembered to practice as I smiled from the other room on a late night at our house this week. 

Story #3 – A few minutes after my smile, I decided to go downstairs and check on everybody in their bedrooms. As I descended the staircase, Mason was ascending and he had a disgusted look on his face as he exclaimed, "JT just pooped on our bedroom floor". I was NOT excited nor happy about this news flash. As I walked toward the bedroom I barely missed the puddle of poop on the family room floor! Apparently the pile wasn't only in his bedroom. When I saw the pile, I saw an opportunity to be silly and turn this tale around. I seized the moment. I told Mason we were going to go get Lexi from upstairs where she was practicing and let her know that JT has something to show her (in a happy and excited voice). We did so, and she came running down the stairs to the surprise. When she got there she noticed the note I had written for JT that said, "Lexi, If you practice your voice lessons I'll poop my pants. love, JT"  When she figured out what was going on she burst out laughing along with the rest of us. I do think JT was more than a little confused – especially when Mason and Lexi made him pose for a picture. I hope this doesn't reinforce a bad behavior. 🙂

American Girls Late Night

Lily and Olivia had so much fun a week ago having a late night with Taylor and Brooke. They are the best mom's any doll could ask for – and good teachers to them too! They had so much fun playing with their dolls that the movie we had planned to watch was shelved as to free up more time for doll care. I made each girl crochet flower rings and their twin doll's a bracelet to match. It was a lofty aspiration, but was fun to see the smiles that came from the effort.

My Beautiful Vista

Life is going by quickly; seems I'm constantly trying to be flexible with delays and disappointment; it is full of side track distractions; the smoke of stinky bathrooms & laundry always piling up; dust (literal dust) in every room – especially on top of my black furniture; cinders of irritation come when my patience is lacking; and jolts of reality that things aren't going to happen the way that I want them to.

But then I'm given a day like this past Sunday and it makes all of "that" ok. I am thankful to a loving Heavenly Father that all of us are given the opportunity to be born with a body to experience mortality and partake in "all" that He sees fit to teach us with here on earth. I'm equally grateful for our spiritual brother, Jesus Christ, who provided a way for us to all live together forever someday.

This past Sunday was a special day. The "special"ness didn't come wrapped in a fancy meal or exciting get together, it wasn't even attending church. What made it special to me, this time, was spending simple, uplifting, reflective, & quality time with my sweet family in the comforts of my own home. To others it would just seem a regular day of Sunday activities, but to me it was the perfect day. FYI – Sunday is my favorite day of the week.

We casually woke up (church is now at one!) and socialized while making a yummy breakfast together of french toast and coconut syrup.

We spent the morning playing music at the piano and singing, practicing articles of faith, Mason looking up merit badge requirements, Lexi working on personal progress, and then all us girls' choosing the perfect Sunday outfits to wear to church.

Everyone grabbed their scripture bags and we experienced a typical Sabbath day in Sugar City. Having the opportunity to partake of the sacrament is always special – especially with my family. JT only had to be taken out of Sacrament meeting once – and it was to go to the bathroom! Hoorah for no accidents.

We came home to a crock pot that was a little slower at cooking our meal than we planned, but this freed up time to spend enjoying family home movies and past baptism video from Lexi, Mason, and Lily. Finally dinner was ready after Stephen came home from his second meeting of the day (7pm). While we were eating dessert JT climbed onto my lap and fell asleep! I took him downstairs, eased him into his PJs and tucked him under the covers where he stayed the rest of the night. The rest of the family cleaned up all of the dishes together.

The remainder of the evening consisted of readings from the Ensign, New Era, and Children's Friend. Lexi read from the book, "Others" and told us a story that reminded us to be good examples and friends to all. Lily and Olivia spent time on the Children's friend website and composed talks to give to the whole family before we closed our eyes to go to sleep.

When I laid in my bed I was genuinely happy and at peace. My children were at peace, and had opportunities to strengthen their growing testimonies this day. I cherished each moment as I reflected on the day and numbered it as one of my favorites in the days of motherhood. This was one of the occasional, "beautiful vistas" that President Hinckley spoke of once upon a time and I wanted to take time to seal it up – never to be forgotten.

 

"Life is like an old-time rail journey–delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." President Gordon B. Hinckley

Party Till you Drop

We had a fabulous and fun-filled holiday. It will take me a while to journal about it, so for now I am just posting photos. We had a full month and enjoyed it all! I love Christmas and the opportunity it gives to reflect on Christ solid for a month. We should do it all of the time, but let's face it – Christmas time magnifies the thoughts (at least for me). It is also exciting and fun to listen to and sing/play Christmas music, watch the twinkling lights, see the beautifully wrapped gifts, express love through gift giving, spend time with family and friends and, of course, eating the yummy foods that go with it! We seriously had something fun planned for every day. My kids loved it, I loved that my kids loved it! BUT I was very happy Monday morning when life resumed and things were back to "normal". My dishes were in the dishwasher by 9 am and the kitchen stayed clean until 3:25. That was a pleasure. Plus, I don't know why, but I love it when all of the Christmas decorations get put away.  Actually, I just realized why – less clutter!

Haven’t laughed this hard for a long time!


Is it me or does his forehead look very tall?

Stephen has been feeling self conscience of his thinning hair line so I decided to get him a toupee for Christmas. Which one do you like better?

Just Kidding – We have been having fun with the app John told me about called Old Booth. I have been laughing and having fun with the hilarious transformations. We pulled out our phones to show the Puzeys last week. One of my favorites is the picture of our friend Casey below. He looks like a news anchor from the 70s – and like a real person. I laugh every time I see it.

Whoville Christmas Party

Lily was excited to be the host of her first whoville party. She even helped me come up with the rhyme we put on the invitations: "Don't be a grinch, it's really a cinch. just come to my late night whoville, you'll even get a free meal. There will be games and a movie, it will be really groovy." They were also invited to wear pajamas, bring a gift for a gift exchange, and wear a "who" do (if desired). She decided to invite 12 girls! I consented thinking that they all wouldn't be able to come last minute (she handed the invites out the day before). But to my surprise they all came – in fact, we ended up with an extra girl who was spending the night with one of the invited. I had 14, nine and ten year old girls here!  It was loads of fun and giggly and loud.  I really love this age.

Games played were Christmas Pictionary, Musical Max (they passed stuffed animal Max around in a circle and whoever was holding Max when the music stopped had to sit out), Hide the Grinch was their favorite. It is basically played like the Hot/Cold game. One girl went out of the room, the rest of the girls hid the Grinch stuffed animal and when the girl came back into the room they group sang, "Jingle Bells" loudly the closer they got to discovering the Grinch and softer if they walked away from the Grinches hiding spot.

p.s. Interesting to note that the girls weren't all that interested in watching the movie – they wanted to play instead.

Lily also participated in her school Christmas Program. She was such a cute doll!

School Project and First Merit Badges Earned

Mason had fun creating his school project recently and was happy to report he got 100%. He was very honest and wanted it all to be his idea and effort. We are very proud of him.

He also was able to receive his first merit badges – rock climbing and cycling! Some of his (and his dad's) favorite interests and made it much easier to accomplish. Mason really enjoys scouting.

Thanksgiving Moments – Baldwin Style

We had a wonderful time with the Baldwin's this past holiday weekend. It was fun enjoying each other's company and eating lots and lots of delicious food. We had the privilege of hosting this year and it was just great. We missed Scott & Jeana's family as well as Brian & Michelle's and hope to see them soon!

The weekend was made up of girl candy making, boy + grandma shooting guns, riding snow machines, sledding & snow boarding down our backyard hill, Lexi & Bridget opened a photography studio, late nights, shopping, playing games, wii & Xbox 360 fun, laughing, watching reunion DVDs, eating 10 different pies, making hair flowers, and bonding like crazy.


brother Brad & Amy
checking out the black friday options
Thankful for sleep and games

leg wrestling
Eric wins!
Introducing the Chicken Fat song – in honor of the Parkers

Personality with a punch
Family gathered around watching reunion DVD – thanks Amy!
Look at all of that PIE! LOVE my new desert stands that Stephen made!!!! (all of the colored ones)

Lexi and Bridget helped me with the place settings
Kids Table
Hip young adult table

adult table – with hidden turkey riddles under the plates (compliments of Lily, Abby, & Olivia)

Comments:

Stephen said…

Another weekend of great memories.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:25:21 AM

Paul said…

Lex nice pictures. You have an artistic eye!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:11:40 PM

Magan said…

Thanks for a great weekend Jodi & Stephen
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 6:06:04 PM

Lexi – the fashion gal & photo poser

Lex and I learned how to crochet some cute hats this weekend! We were obsessed and finished last night right before we went to bed.  Aunt Magan came with a cute pattern and gave us the bug. Lexi was so proud of her hat and wore it with pride to school this morning.

Lexi and Bridget had multiple photo sessions as well as some spontaneous shots this past Thanksgiving weekend. Lex & Bridget like to pose and had some cute shots. Thought I'd document them here. They are the funniest girls when you get them together – a little crazy too!

Comments:

lex said…

yay!!! i love all my cuzins!!…..hahaha and food! Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 29, 2010 5:15:35 PM

Dad said…

I could not help but laugh out loud at some of the jump shots, way to have a good time with what you had to work with.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:21:52 AM

Paul said…

Oh my you are a great photographer! Come shoot pictures of Karma and I sometime. We love to pose!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 5:13:14 PM