Category: Jodi

What in the …!

Isn’t it ironic that last week I was so happy about my peaceful, serene world out here away from "the stuff"? The tables have turned and we have been over taken by the BIRDS! They are becoming a big fat nuisance. Not only is my front walk way and porch covered in bird "you know what’s" they are flying in our garage as soon as the door pops open and hovering. This is not good for a person whose heart skips a beat when a creature is near.

The real clincher was on Friday morning! I stopped in to talk to Stephen in his office for a question when he said, "Are their birds in here?" Of course I wouldn’t have dreamed that is was possible if I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes! Two swallows circling my chandelier! Stephen stopped to take these pictures while I was hiding out in his office. Apparently Olivia and her friend left the front door open for a few minutes (seriously probably 2) and these crazy attack birds (slight exaggeration) decide to move on in!

I am glad that Stephen fought his inner protective of creature nature and went out to fight yesterday. He covered the shingles where the little fellas lived and sprayed things down. I know it was hard for him because he feels bad to make a creature suffer, but it was either them or ME!

Thanks honey…and bye bye birdies!

C YA my fine feathered “ex” friend!

this is not your home…it’s MINE and I’m territorial!

Comments:

Mom and dad Parker said…

It’s not just everyone who has real live decorations in their house. You might start a real fad. They really are pretty, but Stephen will have to figure a way to keep the mess down. Are they from Capistrano?
Monday, June 01, 2009 12:15:10 AM

Steph said…

That’s hilarious! Great pictures.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 9:27:45 PM

michelle said…

That’s great! I can’t believe they came on in. I can only imagine how fun it would have been to see you guys trying to get them out! Thanks for sharing.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:17:52 AM

sweet words from my big boy Mason – loved the picnic I got to go on with him on Friday at school

It is easy to get caught up with "life". When I say "life" that would mean the day to day living the revolves around the people I take care of: Stephen, Alexis, Mason, Lily, Olivia, JT, and I guess myself. Most the time I would describe myself as: Overwhelmed as I go through the days of my life. Before I realize it a week has gone by and then a month until I can’t believe my baby is 15 months old!  Ever wonder what you have to show for your time? At our house we just keep doing the best we can to get through what we have to work with.  I think we are doing pretty good, but on days like this it doesn’t hurt to think on the ways of improvement.

When my kids are standing right next to me am I present? Do I answer them when they have a comment or question? Do I look at them as they speak to me? Do I act too hastily when I am frustrated not trying to understand my child’s reasons behind the actions? I’m the first to admit my faults and weaknesses when I error too often with the answers to these questions and many other things. In fact, if I’m being honest, some of this happened just yesterday on the very special day held for Mother’s. I am grateful for the quick and natural way in which a child can forgive. 

There is one thing I can tell you: I love each one of these people [including my husband]  more than life and would give anything or everything to be with them or serve them. I would take a bullet for them and not even think twice. I will defend them in their time of need like any mamma bear would. I’ve got their backs.

While I don’t deserve the glory that comes from how that all sounds I will take credit for the fact that they are my "#1Top Priorities" just in case you were wondering.

So today I am going to do something I’ve never done before, and perhaps it is unethical or at least untactful. I am going to wish myself a happy mother’s day. Because becoming mother is what I have set out to be since I was a little girl holding a baby doll, and being a mother is something I would never want taken away from me. I am living my dream.

	Sweet note and smells from Alexis	fun treasures from Olivia – a lightbulb, screw, crayon, ribbon, puzzle piece, and paper clips.
	Lily was especially good at keeping her gifts a secret this year. She even said she wanted to wake up at 5:00 am so she could set it out before I woke up.

Comments:

Stephen said…

I think you are a great mother and friend. I wouldn’t change a thing. Keep up the great wrok.
Monday, May 11, 2009 9:19:39 AM

michelle said…

you are a great mother-thanks for your example. I love the gifts-the lightbulb and screw may come in handy sometime.
Monday, May 11, 2009 9:54:06 AM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

THANKS for that great blog. Being a mother is the greatest. Time does go so fast and before you know they are out of the house and you wish you had it to do over again. You’re good with words, that’s the way we should feel about being mothers.
Monday, May 11, 2009 2:55:17 PM

John said…

Inspirational words from an inspiring person. It is great to have you in the family. We are all sure blessed to be surrounded by wonderful mothers.

Monday, May 11, 2009 9:34:20 PM

Anne said…

Happy Mothers day to you! You are a great mom and I think you are doing a great job! Thanks for your thoughts!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:38:24 PM

Diana said…

Your priorities are right where they should be! Thanks for being an example & friend to me.
Thursday, May 14, 2009 2:03:19 PM

Megan said…

Great message, I totally agree!

Fun to visit here. Life, like you said, gets busy and due to all of our craziness here I dropped out of the blog world for a while. It’s fun to catch up on you and your family! I’m so glad to see that you’re doing well!

BTW–are you on facebook?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:32:47 PM

Mrs. Loosli is a math teacher, hence (one problem at a time).

This coming week is Teacher Appreciation in our school district . Apparently I lost some brain cells when I signed up to decorate a door last fall! It always causes me anxiety because I worry about if the teacher will like it.  For some reason that really matters to me because they deserve serious thanks for teaching my child everyday. Anyway, I stewed and fretted and then decided to call my friend Dana (the master of all good ideas). As we were talking things through I remembered that Lexi's teacher loves riding motorcycles. Which is really funny because she is this tiny little thing and so soft spoken and proper, but that is beside the point. Anyone my Queen idea bouncer helped me come up with the slogan "Revving us up to learn". That idea coupled with the use of my husband's plotter were the perfect combination to help me accomplish my mission. I have to say I was happy with the outcome because when I went to put it up Mrs. Loosli was there and genuinely liked it. 

Now for next year, I took pictures of several other doors to make it easier on my brain. Maybe they will help someone else out too?

I was there and was touched by the moment, Lex is growing up and there isn’t anything we can do about it. – DadToday as I watched Alexis help Olivia give the scripture in Primary my heart went into reflection mode.

I have walked the path of Primary with Alexis all of the years she has been in, except for 3 years while living in our second house in Idaho Falls. I have watched her grow from where Olivia is now – a bright-eyed, eager, Sunbeam in the Rexburg 8th ward to a beautiful, faithful, & knowledgeable young lady in the Sugar 6th ward. Today she asked me if she would be able to go to Young Women on her birthday (she turns 12 on a Sunday)- it’s about a month away now. It got me thinking about all of those Sundays we’ve been learning and growing together and how they are almost out of my fingertips. The Primary chapter is reaching a close and the opening of great times in Young Women are sure to come. Now it will be Stephen’s turn to watch her as they attend activities together. It is an exciting time for her to be alive and learn even more in the gospel and develop and refine herself. She is getting ready to spread her wings – I have a lot of confidence in her and how well she’ll be able to fly.

Now it is Olivia’s turn to follow her sister’s example…

The following song came on tonight as I came home from a meeting…speaking to me of past years and and preparing for the future ahead.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

We are proud of both of them. Each phase of our lives are exciting and growth producing. We both loved our teen-age years, and now even retirement is exciting.
Monday, April 20, 2009 2:35:27 AM

Diana said…

Lexi was sure sweet that day! Isn’t great to let them spread their wings & let them fly. But always knowing that you will be there to smile at them as they glance around to see where you are!
Thursday, April 23, 2009 4:29:46 PM

JT’s mark on the dishwasherToday I looked around at the fingerprints and piles and decided to take President Monson’s words from his last conference address to heart: “Find Joy in the Journey.” His words are like a bright clear window to look through.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.

“Nothing is as constant as change.”
Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.

I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey-now.

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will to your surprise miss them profoundly.

Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings.

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.”

Cubbies – the never ending tidy	I dodn’t htink you can have too many books.	JT’s mark on the door
Olivia took bites out of these fake apples a couple of years ago…I just colored them in with red marker.	JT’s mark on the chair	Mason’s desk of treasures
Wow – look at that dust! Not sure I’m going to miss that someday.	I just had to document this pillow – Mason cross-stitiched it at John and Michelle’s house one conference weekend when he was 8. All of the girls were doing it so Michelle included him. I made it into a pillow.	Alexis’ desk of treasures
Alexis’ closet – she is always looking for easier ways to make sure her clothes are put away.	Lily’s night stand – she really does wear that mask.	Olivia sleeps here and is getting pretty good at making her own bed
Lily holds the pink and white polka dot bear Aunt Stacie made er every night	This crib has been through 5 kids now!	This piano gets used!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

That’s some pretty good evidence that you really lived. There is a lot of joy in the journey if we don’t overlook it in life’s telestial traffic jams.
Monday, March 30, 2009 1:39:38 PM

John said…

Let your life speak. I love how you see things as they are and can be. We are amazed at your perspective.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:03:54 PM

Patricia said…

Jodi,
“Enjoy The Journey” and “Treasure the Memories”!!! It’s all about NOW! You’re doing a great job at being a mom and wife. Writing things down helps gain perspective. Isn’t it fun to look back on things? The best part is if we can have no regrets! Enjoy your family now. Each day is a piece of heaven on earth. Love you bunches, Mom
Monday, April 06, 2009 12:25:25 AM

BFFs for Thursday and FridayIt all began on Thursday morning when I hopped on my bike to exercise. I decided to begin listening to an MP3 book I had gotten from the library, “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck. I have been wanting to read this book for some time now and was excited to begin this 12 hour 25 minute “modern classic” as it has been called. It is set in the pre-revolutionary, pre-industrial China. It is a story of one farmer’s desperate fight to survive destiny. “Buck traces the whole cycle of life, its terrors, its passions, its ambitions, and rewards.”

I was able to listen to the intro while riding, then decided to keep listening to it as the day progressed. Before I new it, it was time for kids to come home and dinner to be made. I begrudgingly stopped listening and tried to act attentive to household needs. Then is was time for pack night – I sneaked it in the car to listen to while on the way there and home. While I listened I knitted (Michelle would be so proud). I felt the idle listening was justifiable if I was doing something productive with my hands. 🙂

I woke up on Friday with eagerness knowing I had a great story waiting. Even though my body was saying “don’t go run on that treadmill!” I thought of my book and again thought it justifiable to listen to if I was exercising. This is a great motivation for me when my social exercising isn’t available – good thing to find out about myself. Anyway, I listened, and ran, then listened and got ready for the day, and then listened and ate lunch, and then listened and folded clothes, and listened and knitted, etc… As the story progressed, I found myself largely detesting the man in this book, and unhappy with the way his life was being led – but hoped he would come around. It is hard for my 20th century mind that has grown up on American soil, and having been taught values and standards, as well as being treated as an equal among men – to understand the mind of a man from China before the Chinese Revolution who could not read nor write and treated women as “slaves” as they were called, and have such an unquenchable desire and lust for fortune and money and concubines. My heart grieved for his first wife!

I will admit I enjoyed the writing style of Pearl Buck and realize that this was how it was – shameless as it seems now. Pearl was able to get me emotionally involved and it was a very compelling read. The first half of this book was so endearing and simply sweet as they struggled to tend the earth and merely survive and then as prosperity and fortune came things took a turn for the worse as far as I’m concerned. When all is said and done this is one of the major themes I took from the book: It seems like trying to acquire the means of a better life is good as long as it can be kept within good balance, once it has crossed the line and changes people in the aspect of pride, vanity, and obsession it will destroy. So the cycle has been since the dawn of time and so it will continue to be. It makes me feel like it is good to have enough for needs and if there is any left over SHARE before the destruction!

I am grateful I live now where I am treated as an equal to my husband and in society, and don’t have to deliver my own children (this is one of the most amazing parts of this story – those that have read it will know what I’m talking about!), and haven’t felt the destitution of starvation.

This is what I have to show for the past 2 days: My life is good.

Almost done!

loads and loads of fun!

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

I also enjoy Pearl S. Buck. You will never have time to do anything you want. You sometimes just have to do it. Nobody was hurt and you read a fine book that will bless your life,

Saturday, March 28, 2009 4:36:38 PM

Jana said…

It’s never bad to take a “time out” for good things! Seems like you walked away a better person and my friend once said ” you never can be done with laundry unless your standing naked in front of your washing machine “
Saturday, March 28, 2009 8:12:26 PM

Diana said…

You gotta teach me now. Those are some pretty fancy stitches!
Sunday, March 29, 2009 7:26:46 PM

Susan said…

The Good Earth was required reading when I was in school. I will never forget it. By the way you got more done “reading” your book thn I do on a regular day 🙂 In all thy getting, get learning”
Monday, March 30, 2009 11:39:30 AM

Before – ready to load the busAfter months of cold, ice-picking, hard training, the day I had been waiting for finally arrived. And “yes” it was worth it all! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, warm with a gentle breeze. The company was great, thanks Diana! And the exhilaration from being surrounded by 5000 runners couldn’t have felt any more energizing.

We loaded the buses and began the drive up the canyon to the starting line…so many people were there and the lines to the prairie dawg porta potties were long. We joined the masses to take care of business. This is definitely my least favorite part of the run, but very necessary. After that we made our way to the start. We waited there for about 20-30 minutes in the freezing shade of the canyon.

It was so great to finally start to get some heat flowing through my cold body and slow the uncontrolled cold spasms down. It was less than two miles when I shed my jacket for good. I opted to tie it around my waist but many runners just threw their sweats and jackets off the side of the road to be gathered and donated to good will. I am too practical for that so I just settled on having a belt of heat for 11 miles.

We were in a good groove until Diana started having trouble with her IT band at mile 7 (on our 13 mile practice run at home 3 weeks ago she completely tore it up and was praying for a recovery before this run). This was not good for her, I felt so bad. She was so tough and finished the race only slowing down a bit. We loved the aid stations equipped with gatorade and water and always stopped in to hydrate ourselves.

It was great when we got to mile 10 and heard the awesome drums – I knew this meant we were almost out of the canyon and would be able to see our family cheerleaders. About this time I look up and saw Mason riding his bike toward us – I was shocked! It was so awesome to see him, but I immediately went into responsible mode and hastened him back to his dad because there weren’t supposed to be bikers on the road. We saw the bunch shortly after that and I got a great energy boost. We only had 2 1/2 miles to go.

I really had a blast on this run and felt great afterward – all of that preparation paid off for me! I only wish Diana could have experienced the same without her IT band problems. I am totally proud of her for finishing! What a great person she is with lots of determination. I appreciate her friendship so much and was so happy to get to share this experience with her. Hopefully she won’t be scarred so much that she’ll want to give up running every day with me.

Running partners are hard to find – trust me I know! There aren’t many people who are willing to wake up at 5:30 am everyday and offer therapy and advice and encouragement. I genuinely bless the day she moved to Sugar City. (Excuse me for my sappiness, but it is all the truth!)

I am hoping to some day be one of those awesome 60-70 year old ladies that I saw running Saturday. So impressive and totally inspiring! It is not so much that I love running, but that I love to feel strong and energetic. I guess your only as old as you make up your mind to be, right?

Comments:

Anne said…

GREAT JOB! Way to go, glad you had a good run! Hope your friends leg gets better quick. It was fun to see you for a little bit, we sure miss you guys. You are such a cute, fun family! Hugs!
Monday, March 23, 2009 12:50:39 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Nice job Jodi! You looked really good there. We agree that it is a good thing to be able to have energy and stamina when you are in your 60s. You can do hard things, even every day.
Monday, March 23, 2009 2:17:52 PM

Michelle said…

Good Job Jodi! You are a very motivating person. Looks like a great payday for a lot of work.
Monday, March 23, 2009 3:45:23 PM

Magan said…

Looks like a success
Monday, March 23, 2009 4:07:08 PM

Diana said…

Jodi, it was all you babe! You were amazing! Looking back I didn’t really mind all the miserable training in the cold & snow, until it started snowing this afternoon. Then, I started thinking of 5:30 a.m., my winter coat & ear warmers. It really isn’t too fun to think about!
Sunday, March 29, 2009 7:23:35 PM

Jeana said…

Good job! I’m so jealous. I love that run!
Thursday, April 02, 2009 8:51:22 PM

Gray is a pretty color, just not sure I”m ready for that change yet?!The past few days I have noticed that among my brown hair are unwelcome “natural” highlights. I was in denial until today when I leaned closer into the mirror and plucked out several strands of gray. They are gone now (ouch)! It is only a matter of time until they move in to stay. I actually think gray hair is very pretty. I’m just not so sure I’m ready for that change yet.

On a happier note:

Let’s think of the color: RED. As in Red Rocks! I am getting so stoked for our family trip to Moab this weekend! The 13 miles I have to run on Saturday to grant me the pleasure of this visit will be well worth it – not to mention I can burn a few calories too. Stephen and I feel like kids at Christmas, can’t wait to breath some warm air, soak in some rays, hopefully get a sunburn, and enjoy some beautiful country – all with the people we love the most (our kids). YIPEE!

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Nature has a way of changing us. Sometimes we just have to grow into the changes. You can’t think of it has gray. It’s silver, that makes you feel better about it. Remember you earn all of those silver hairs.
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:30:59 AM

Michelle said…

Good luck on the run. I am impressed! Wish we could be there to cheer you on!
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:42:19 AM

Stephen said…

I love gray hair…make you look more intellectual
Monday, March 16, 2009 9:34:46 AM

Anne said…

Can’t wait to see you guys this weekend! Looks like it will be warm. Hey, I think you are beautiful just the way you are and my way of having the glass half full is…we just are going to maybe learn to be humble better than those perfect hair people out there.
Monday, March 16, 2009 12:21:28 PM

John said…

I am glad you get to do it again. It will be much more fun without a sick Stephen. Gray is where it is at. I am filling in nicely with my new color of hair. I think the red rock has magical powers to refresh and make you happy. Have a great weekend.

Monday, March 16, 2009 9:15:18 PM

Days from long agoFLASHBACK #1
Today I was out in the hallway at church getting ready to join the ward choir for rehearsal. I was running late (as usual) and had to stop when I heard the music. They were singing one of my FAVORITE choral songs ever, “A Gaelic Blessing” by John Rutter. It was like hearing from an old friend – WONDERFUL. I really do love this song if you can’t tell. I leaned over to the person seated next to me and let her know that this song has to be sung at my funeral. When I came home and told my family, Alexis said she would sing it at my funeral for me. Thanks Lex, but I’m hoping your grandchildren will do it instead because I’m not that eager for it to happen yet! I was introduced to this song as a high school girl singing with the Madison Bel Cantos. My rooted emotions stem from the simple joy and profound pleasures of building a stronger testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ through song. Not only is the music very beautiful, the words speak volumes of how I really feel about people and life – even from back then 15 years ago! I think it speaks of our road to happiness as we realize the love of our Savior and then wanting deeply for others to find that same joy.

FLASHBACK #2
I recently returned from visiting my brother, Scott, and his family. It was such fun! They are pretty much the coolest family, they have it all figured out – what an inspiration to be around them for a few days. I was even kid-free so I could enjoy their kids (Which included a sweet newborn baby boy) without any distractions. SIDE NOTE: My husband deserve serious props for taking on 5 kids by himself for 5 days! Not many men would have been up for that challenge – but then again he is always up for a challenge and he really loves his kids. Onto the flashback now – Scott is a very talented musician and always has been. He whipped out his guitar and we sang a little music from “Big River” just like the olden days. We sang a lot at my house as we grew up – mostly on Sunday nights and sometimes after dinner during the week. Music was one of my favorite things about my house. It was fun to sing hymns, musicals, or whatever else we were in the mood for, even music from the 1930’s and 1920’s. While in Texas we also talked about the scripture that my dad had us read on more occasions than I can add up. The scripture is Mosiah 4:14-15. It is about loving and serving one another. We read this a lot because it was used as a teaching tool after we were yelling or fighting with each other. Scott pointed out to his daughter that we would fight over who was going to turn the T.V. off – silly? I know! It was fun to see that scripture come to fruition…I had fun trying to serve a little while I was there and of course the love has multiplied now that he has a wife and three children.

FLASHBACK#3
I saw my old violin teacher while I was on a date at Bajio a couple of weeks ago. I was so glad because I have thought of him often over the past 2 years and had a grateful heart. I have felt a need to tell him thanks for the many things I learned musically. He was a person that I saw every day of my school life from 5th grade on to 12th. My favorite part of playing the violin was performing at an orchestra concert. I didn’t enjoy soloing and still don’t. It is nice to be part of an ensemble that creates a beautiful sound.

my new pen that my dad made for me and my new shirt that my mom got for me – thanks!

My birthday was just great – I got out of making lunch and dinner! Which means NO dishes! Even better right? Stephen took me to lunch and then we ended up taking the whole family to dinner, my "cake" was sharing asphalt pie with Alexis- yummy! My kids were so great all day long, no fighting and they were extra helpful and positive. Alexis gave me a bow holder, Lily gave me a mug with hearts on it that she got from DI and Olivia gave me her box of Olivia puppets that we have made together. Fun stuff! My mom and dad were here this past weekend and totally spoiled me as well! I got the deluxe treatment – thanks to them! It is nice to get spoiled once in a while. I will say that I love getting older each year. It is great to live another day and make memories and moments and learn and grow. I’ve got a good gig goin’ on here.