Category: Jodi

So I am sitting here snowed in with kids home from school, feeling lazy, reading blogs, having fun. I decided to answer some questions about my cute husband and get all ready to feel the love for Valentine’s Day next week. Here Goes:

What is his name? Stephen Sperry Parker
How long have you been married? 13 Years – WOW!
How long did you date? 5 months before the mission, some letters in between, and 3 weeks after
How old is he? 33
Who eats more sweets? If we are not talking chocolate covered cinnamon bears, which we fight over who gets the last one…Definitely me – I’m a Baldwin and he’s Diabetic.
Who said I love you first? I honestly don’t know
Who is taller? Him – He boasts as being the tallest in his family at 5’8″
Who can sing better? I can sing better but he could win a whistling contest with his vibrato whistle!
Who is smarter? Definitely Him! He seriously knows a little about everything, a lot about most things and has a killer memory, especially with numbers.
Who does the laundry? Always me, although he carries the laundry baskets.
Who pays the bills? Me
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do, whenever we move he picks his side and I take the other. I just discovered that I am the one who is always closest to the door. (I wonder if he sabotages me because of kids coming in during the night?)
Who mows the lawn? I do and he trims the weeds and fixes the lawn mower when I break it- we make a good team!
Who cooks dinner? Mostly me, but he isn’t afraid to cook. He makes breakfast every Sunday morning, while I get the dinner preparations done.
Who drives? Him, and in this weather it leaves me a little white knuckled and hoarse!
Who is more stubborn? Both! Luckily it is usually about different things.
Who kissed who first? It was a joint effort, one to never forget. We were out at the Sand Dunes playing in the sand and it just happened naturally – perfect!
Who asked who out first? Stephen asked me to the Junior Prom when I was a Junior. I had two great friends who really liked Stephen and would have loved to go with him. I felt so guilty that he asked me instead of them, but was excited about going with him too. In fact – I wasn’t very nice to him for a few months while I was trying to figure out my loyalties. I think he liked the challenge though.
Who proposed? He did of course. We took a drive to Island Park one Sunday afternoon and enjoyed talking and seeing the beauty. While we were talking at the cabin on the hill, He said “So tell me more about yourself when you were younger.” To which I replied, “What do you want to know?” He surprised both of us by saying, “I want to know if you’ll marry me?” I said, “You are doing this right now and right here?” He said, “I guess so.” Ever since then it has been a wild and wonderful journey.
Who has more siblings? Him
Who wears the pants? He likes to let me think that I do, when in reality we know who has surrendered to building 5 houses! Really, it just depends on the issue – we takes turns trying them on.

Comments:

Stephen said…

She wrote letters weekly while I was on my mission, I thought I was writing a GA, she was always uplifting. Great girl
Thursday, February 07, 2008 12:47:30 PM

Aunt Susan said…

Did you think up those questions all by yourself-what a fun list- I want to do something like that
-who knows maybe I will.

Friday, February 08, 2008 2:28:38 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

We’re really glad you married him!
Saturday, February 09, 2008 12:42:25 AM

Anne said…

So fun to learn more about you two! Happy love!
Saturday, February 09, 2008 9:32:00 PM

Amy said…

He is a gem…and a keeper. Hold on tight!
Sunday, February 10, 2008 10:38:06 PM

Where to begin…Motherhood is a bunch of emotions mixed up and thrown out. Pick a day to decide how the ride has been! I’m sure many a mother can relate?!

Today I went to the doctor 4 weeks away from having a baby and came out 3 weeks away. Dr. Zollinger had mercy on me yet another time and scheduled my induction to have the little lad on February 26. Excitement filled the air along with relief and a sigh of nervousness. Five children under my care and responsibility can seem a bit daunting, but I would never trade it for anything in the world. I feel honored that I am able to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Can’t wait to meet our new addition!

I put Alexis to bed tonight. She asked me if I could read with her, and I declined. Why? Selfishness came because I thought I was too tired I assume. Now I feel bad! She was mildly complaining that I never read with her. I gave her a little lecture on how I spent 30 minutes helping her practice the violin and more time learning how to do digital scrap booking. There – I’m justified…not really though! She is so helpful and creative with a tired mother!

Mason was so talkative and full of questions tonight at dinner. He was excited about finding toothpicks and popsicle sticks to create something. Instead of listening to him, I asked him to take a breather while I tried to have a conversation with Stephen. Why? Selfishness came because I thought I was in need of adult conversation. Now I feel bad! He is so imaginative and patient with a busy mother!

I felt frustrated when asking Lily on numerous occasions to do various things today. I had been tuned out or the task was too hard. Whining and complaining surfaced. I felt like nobody was listening! I vented out loud and exclaimed, “Why am I even here or try to talk, nobody listens.” I walked out of the room. Why? Selfishness came because I guess I thought my words were more important than others. Now I feel bad. Lily immediately ran after me and said, “Mom, we love you and need you at our house. We will listen.” I am glad I took the time to listen to her. She is so sensitive and expressive with an overwhelmed mother.

I was trying to work on scrapbooks today to reach the goal I have set for myself to get caught up. While I was working, Olivia just wanted to sit on my lap. She came on and decided to start touching too many things. I put her down and she began to cry. Why didn’t I just stop? Selfishness came because I guess I couldn’t give up on a project. Now I feel bad. Olivia accidentally bumped my ankle this morning and I said, “Ow”. She quickly gave me attention and asked if I was o.k. She looked at me in compassion and said, “Does it hurt really bad mommy?” Then she took the time to kiss it better. She is sweet and sincere with a distracted mother.

So I did it. I vented. Is being a mother really benefiting me more than my kids? For instance, here I am sent these amazing children to teach, but the things they teach me surpass anything I could have imagined! There is something interesting about what happens in families – the opportunity or choice we all have to become more like Christ. I don’t think there is a better environment for learning about charity than being with the same people over and over seeing us at our worst and best. Sometimes it seems that I have seemed to convey that I am more important or perhaps powerful than my children. As if my worth is more valuable. Intellectually I know this is absolutely not true and yet I continue to have opportunities to practice as I fall short. In reality we are equals! Learning from each other. Bruce taught a lesson once about seeing people with spiritual glasses. I wonder what I would see if I tried some on and looked at each of my children. I’m sure I would feel awed and impressed by the things they will accomplish for good. Sunday we were talking about President Hinckley and someone read a quote from him. He talked about a little boy who used to suck or bite on his tie during Primary, but when he grew up he turned into a remarkable man. Can’t wait to see what great things my children will do.

One last thought… interestingly enough I am not trying to use this entry to say I am a terrible mother. I am just acknowledging how much being a mother is like a roller coaster – quite a thrill of ups and downs. Without giving myself accolade, I know that I have taught my children great things. Some of the reason Alexis is creative and helpful is because of me, as well as Mason’s imaginativeness and possibly his patience (if you know me you understand that comment), Lily’s sensitiveness and expressiveness and Olivia’s sweet and sincere nature all have a little to do with me being their mother. Like Mother Eve has spoken, If we had not know the bad we could not recognize and appreciate the good. (or however she said it)

As I said before, Motherhood is a bunch of emotions mixed up and thrown out. Pick a day to decide how the ride has been!

Comments:

Stephen said…

I loved reading this as I can totally relate. Thank you for sharing the thoughts we are all thinking but afraid to say.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 10:44:13 PM

Stephanie said…

Keep doing what you’re doing your kids will be great leaders someday. It’s good to have reminders of what is important. I really enjoy talking with my siblings and their families, some day our kids will do the same because they love each other and they love the feeling they get when they are together. Long live the Forever Family!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:22:20 AM

John said…

Nice thoughts of wisdom. Thanks for sharing. We can all be a little more selfless. Goood luck with the next few weeks. We are excited to meet JT. You are doing a dandy job of Mommying.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:44:56 PM

Riley said…

You’re a great mom Jodi, keep it up!!!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:45:11 PM

Jana said…

Thanks for you thoughts.. I can totally understand were you are coming from. I am not a roller coaster gal so this motherhood thing sometimes can be a bit overwhelming for me. It’s nice to know that we have our children here to teach us the things we refuse to learn on our own. You are an amazing mother, wife, sister, and friend. Thanks for being all of those for me at one point in my life.(with exception to the wife!!)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 8:23:34 PM

Michelle said…

Boy-that hit home! If any of you ever figure out the balancing act trick please share it with me! You are all great mom’s and I learn from you every time I am with you! It’s sure nice to have people who all are going through the same things-
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 10:28:54 PM

Dad Parker said…

You words brought tears to my eyes. It sounded so familar to tender feelings of years ago. I love your candid expressions of your feelings. You are great Mom and wife. I’m thankful you are part of us. You are a good person’
We love you,
Dad Parker
Thursday, February 07, 2008 12:28:31 AM

Mom Parker said…

You’re so right, it is easy to see why you a such a good mother and wife. Good luck with the next few weeks. They grow up so fast, and yet somedays it seems so slow. We sure do appreciate you.
Thursday, February 07, 2008 2:24:47 PM

Aunt Susan said…

You should write a book. Believe me- it would be a best seller and make better Mom’s out of most of us. You kids are all the best Moms.
Friday, February 08, 2008 2:31:23 PM

Amy said…

You are one awesome mother Jodi. I have always admired your hard work and diligence at being the best mother and wife that you can be. I really look up to you and all of your talents. All your hard work definitely shows in your children. They are all great kids. Yes, they’re great because of who they are, but they are even greater because of you and Stephen.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 10:40:51 PM

I know that I am probably one of the only girls out there who doesn’t enjoy scrap booking. The truth of the matter is, I love looking at my photos – especially if they are of my kids! BUT, I get way too overwhelmed trying to keep up and making the books look good enough to my critical eye. I decided I don’t have the patience or find enjoyment in it – it isn’t one of my outlets obviously, it just causes me grief. I get frustrated if I cut a paper the wrong size or put a sticker in the wrong place. I have noticed, however, that I like creating things on my computer and I love to journal (the blogs have been helpful for that). So I’ve decided to try my scrap booking using Adobe Photo Shop CS3 (on my computer), my sister-in-law, Amy, inspired me to try it – we’ll see how it goes. I have just organized all of the many photos of all of my children- my goal is to get the last two years caught up before I have a baby. Pretty lofty goal considering the previous comments, huh? I am actually farther behind than that, but I thought I would try something attainable. (ha ha ha) Here I go … cross your fingers for me! I have 48 days left – Hope I can come up for air.

Comments:

Stephen said…

You can DO IT!!! 🙂
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 10:17:48 PM

Steph said…

I have heard good things about online scrapbooking, you are my inspiration. Taylor still doesn’t have a scrapbook with journaling. Sad eh.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 10:49:04 PM

Anne said…

You can do it! Keep moving forward!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:18:26 PM

MZB said…

You will love ADOBE/PHOTOSHOP! I really have enjoyed
doing scrap booking now, because there is no mess and I can walk away.
Monday, January 21, 2008 3:08:58 PM

lex said…

cool 🙂
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:40:10 PM

Amy said…

At least with digital scrapbooking, if you have the wrong size of paper you can resize it. If you put a sticker in the wrong place, you can move it. Although it’s not as hands-on, it is easier to control. And if you really hate a page, you can just recreate it!
Sunday, February 10, 2008 10:44:22 PM

Here is a shout out for John’s seminary object lessons. If you click on story search under Tools to the right on your screen, you’ll be in object lesson heaven. Today I tried out the “Child of God Potatoes” in Primary. It was a hit for young and old alike – they all had fun looking at their potato and then trying to find it again. It was fun to hear how they thought a potato could be like a child of God – in the end they all understood the message. Can’t wait to use some more this month…I am planning on using “What’s this tool” next week to talk about divine destiny and then “Lap Circle” the week after that to teach about agency. Take advantage of this great help for your next lesson, or FHE. People will think you are clever at John’s expense!

Comments:

Steph said…

Thanks Jo, I am excited to use that link.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:22:29 PM

John said…

I am glad you are using it. Keep up the good teaching.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 4:40:38 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

I should tell my kids about the link for their FHE lessons…Bridget would love it!
Saturday, January 12, 2008 12:45:53 AM

I was just sitting there minding my own business the other day, when my Parker sister-in-laws came in the room and exclaimed “Happy Birthday”. (My birthday isn’t until February) They carried with them a very cool music/picture stand. I was very shocked because this came out of no where. I was very delighted because for years I have been meaning to get a nicer stand. I was very touched because friends had thought about me and knew I would love it. I can count on one hand how many surprises I have received in my life, so this is extra special. This is a gift that I will treasure for many reasons. THANKS TO THE PARKER GIRLS!

Comments:

Stacie said…

Jodi, You deserve it! Thanks for teaching Paige and being a good example to her!! I figure the better examples to better she will be! Thanks again!
Thursday, January 03, 2008 8:39:13 AM

John said…

You are the music in me! Happy birthday!
Friday, January 04, 2008 5:39:25 PM

Tonight we all went to the Rexburg, Idaho Temple Open House. It was a beautiful experience. We assembled in the chapel of the nearby Stake Center until we were called to form a line that was taken to a classroom to view a video presentation about temples. Sister missionaries were there to host and introduce the presentation, and community patrons were there to direct all of the many people(some volunteers said that over 10,000 people went through the temple today!). After watching that we began our walk to the temple. Tents had been set up for shelter between the temple and stake center. These came in very handy since it has been snowing and blowing. Alexis, Mason, and Lily were very well mannered and behaved appropriately. As their mother, I was very proud of them! Olivia had a quick nap at the beginning and then woke up and was happy enough the rest of the time through. Alexis said her favorite part was the baptistery – because she was going to be going there soon. She also liked the sealing room. Mason's favorite part was also the baptistery. Lily was amazed by the chandeliers in the celestial room and also loved to learn about marriages in the sealing room and looking in the mirrors that never end. Olivia saw a picture in the women's dressing room of Mary riding on the donkey, great with child. She loved looking at it and continued to ask where Mary was. She also enjoyed all of the beautiful pictures of the Savior. Stephen loved the creation room, painted by Leon Parson. The Grand Teton is in this mural and the other parts reflect the beauties that surround Rexburg. As for me, I really loved just feeling the peace that the temple can offer – even if not dedicated yet. I felt overwhelmed with the reality that a temple is actually in my town – Rexburg, Idaho. My gratitude and anxiousness to attend was manifest through my watering eyes. I never would have thought! I loved being there with my immediate family especially – I am glad that we can be a forever family, I love them all so very much! All of the parker clan was there – except Stacie's family. And my parents were also there. I saw a painting of the woman at the well with Christ and it reminded me of how lucky I am. I have the living waters at my finger tips and I love that we can "drink and thirst no more!" The gospel is definitely the plan of happiness – it is comforting to know that I have a purpose and reason for being here on the earth. I am grateful that I have been taught what this plan is and that I can be with my family together forever someday! When we were finished with the tour, we walked back over to the stake center and refreshments of pink lemonade and cookies were provided. Stephen rewarded all of our family with a yogurt from Mill Hollow Frozen Yogurt because of our good behavior!

As promised, here are the answers to my previous blog questions. And Stephanie, Yes, I did take the quiz before I read the book and failed miserably!

1. Jesus was born in a country ruled by what people? The Romans.
2. What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist? The King James Version speaks of them as “cousins”; however, the Greek word translated “cousin” does not necessarily mean “cousin” or “relative”. The Greek word can just as readily be translated “neighbor, someone from the same village, someone from the same tribe, or someone with the same political or national affiliations.” In other words, the Greek text never calls Elisabeth and Mary cousins, and it is unclear if they were indeed that.
3. How did the shepherds find the Christ child? The followed the directions of an angel.
4. Where did the wise men find Jesus? In his home in Bethlehem.
5. Other than the wise men, who in the Eastern Hemisphere saw the “new star” that announced the birth of Christ? The New Testament implies that no one else saw, or noticed, the star.
6. How many wise men visited the Christ child? The scriptures do not say. Because the wise men brought with them three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), some have assumed that there were three wise men; however, neither the number nor the names of the wise men are given in the scriptures.
7. Who did Herod order to be killed in Bethlehem? All children two years or less; that is, all children, male or female, who had not yet reached their third birthday.
8. What false notion is taught in the second verse of the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger”? That Jesus, when a baby, did not cry.
9. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “It Came up on a Midnight Clear?” That angels play “harps of gold” and have wings.
10. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “With Wondering Awe”? The first error is the claim that the wise men heard the angels singing. In fact, it was the shepherds who heard the angels speak; the wise men saw the star. The second error is the claim that the wise men sought the manger. In actuality, they sought the home of Christ; the shepherds went to the manger. The wise men arrived much later.
11. What false notions are taught in the traditional Christmas carol “The First Noel”? First, the hymn inaccurately claims that the birth of Jesus was on a “cold winter’s night”, perhaps in December. If the shepherds were out “keeping their sheep,” it was much more likely spring than winter. Second, contrary to the words of the hymn, the shepherds are not recorded as having seen the star; the wise men saw the star. Indeed, the Bible suggests that the star did not give “great light”; according to Matthew, the star was not universally visible. Third, the hymn claims that there were three wise men; the scriptures are silent about how many there were or what their names were.

Comments:

Stacie said…

That is very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to enlighten us! I still love those songs even though they are false! But I am just thankful for the scriptures to give us truth!! Have a great day! Hope all is well across town!
Saturday, December 22, 2007 8:55:32 AM

Jodi said…

I also love those songs still…I thought it was fun to notice some “trivial” information about them which I have never noticed before.
Monday, December 24, 2007 6:48:58 AM

Steph said…

Very interesting, I learned a lot too. Maybe I could borrow the book some time.
Thursday, January 03, 2008 11:00:10 PM

I just finished reading a book entitled, “The Nativity”, by Alonzo L. Gaskill. It has given me new understanding of the Savior’s birth. Here is an excerpt from the end of the book that was very thought provoking:

“Thus if the story of the birth of Christ is really the gospel story in miniature, then it appears that we must see ourselves in the story line. We must ask, not simply, How does this story draw me to Christ? but also, How is this story about me and my effort to be what God has called me in this life to be? For example, the announcement in Matthew 1:18 that Jesus’ parents were the mortal Mary and the divine Father, even God, is not simply a passing side note. It is the primary point of the Nativity story and central truth of the gospel plan. Like Christ, we too are of divine origin – sons and daughters of God sent to this earth with a mission. And like Jesus, we have been given earthly parents as guardians and stewards while we are in our youth.”

Here are some questions from a quiz at the back of the book to test our knowledge of Nativity events. I will post the answers in a few days and you can see how smart you are.

1. Jesus was born in a country ruled by what people?
2. What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist?
3. How did the shepherds find the Christ child?
4. Where did the wise men find Jesus?
5. Other than the wise men, who in the Eastern Hemisphere saw the “new star” that announced the birth of Christ?
6. How many wise men visited the Christ child?
7. Who did Herod order to be killed in Bethlehem?
8. What false notion is taught in the second verse of the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger”?
9. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “It Came up on a Midnight Clear?”
10. What false notions are taught in the first and second verses of the Christmas carol “With Wondering Awe”?
11. What false notions are taught in the traditional Christmas carol “The First Noel”?

All of that dreaming paid off…we woke up to 6-8″ of fluff!!!! Yippee, now we can have Christmas!

I have been begging my children to watch “White Christmas” with me for a week now and they finally surrendered! Tonight was the night, and oh, what a delight. One of my all time favorite Christmas shows. I have to admit that usually I am very happy that there is minimal snow…I am not a fan of the cold and driving on icy roads – BUT, we really do need a little white snow here in Rexburg to help it feel like Christmas. As I listened to the words of the song of White Christmas I realized that I genuinely do like the snow, it is very magical and makes Christmas feel like Christmas. I remember the days of my childhood when we had already gotten out for snow days by this time of year, and the shoveling was out of control. As I looked out the window this week I noticed that my grass is turning green! What’s up with that? Tonight I think I’ll take the words to heart and dream a little of a white Christmas.

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow…May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white!”

Comments:

Steph said…

I just purchased that movie this year and we have watched it at least 5 times, my kids love it! I think about white Christmas’ too, we are mowing our lawn up here. I can’t wait to go sledding in Idaho. I hope you guys have a white Christmas, love ya’ll.
Sunday, December 09, 2007 12:23:34 AM

Stephen said…

I want some snow so I can plow it with my tractor 🙂 it is a great show….
Sunday, December 09, 2007 8:44:37 AM

Rick said…

We watched that every year with my family!

Sunday, December 09, 2007 4:40:12 PM

Anne said…

So, I am bad. Never watched white christmas all the way through, I always fell asleep, not because it is boring, because movies put me to sleep after 9. My kids want to know what this movie is? I guess we will go rent it and watch it this week. Thanks for sharing!
Sunday, December 09, 2007 7:39:54 PM