Category: JT

Kindergarten for my youngest child – could the term bittersweet be more fitting? I think not! My how I've been waiting for this moment. Time home alone at last to clean uninterrupted, finish a project, go shopping, do whatever the heck I want! But as I watched this little boy sit on the kiva with his class today looking back at me with those puppy dog eyes – I melted! My eyes welled with tears – heck they are welling now as i type – at the idea that my years of babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers are gone. The little hands that need to be kissed better, the story that needs to be read, the naps we would take together, my little shopping buddy – gone! He has been just such a joy and blessing in our family. His funny, goofy, and silly faces and moves will always crack us up. His determined, independent, and stubborn ways aren't going anywhere. Hopefully his loud and "bossy" voice will smooth out into a concise leadership voice as his teachers help mold and shape him through the next 13 years.

Really though JT is so excited about kindergarten, I think he is up for the great adventures that lie ahead. His teacher, Mrs. Gee has a great personality to help him achieve what he needs to this year. I am so excited that he will get to make some little friends. We don't have any neighbors or any boys in our ward his age. He hasn't gotten to feel the fun times that hanging out with friends can be. I think this will be a good year to try it out a little and get to know some nice kids. I volunteered to be his room mother so I can help guide him to the nicest and smartest kids in the class. Haha

If you can't tell – I just LOVE my little boy. He will always be my little boy. I'll try not to spoil him and ruin him and rescue him and coddle him too much, but in him in a lot of wrapped up nostalgic motherhood memories not only from him, but 4 other kids as well. He is the one that represents the changing of the tide so to speak. The oldest gets to open the doors, signaling the first one to do this or that and the youngest one closes the doors, signaling the last to do this or that.

Well I can't spend a lifetime mourning over the doors closing so I just need to be happy that I got to celebrate the past years and moments in life with the littlest people of the world. On with the JT stories…

JT is one cool kid. He is one of those kids that the teenagers think is cool and want to hang out with at church, school, or soccer games. He totally know what he wants from life and will tell you all about how you can help him get there and a step by step plan to make it happen, as soon as he feels comfortable. Stephen has said this on more than a few occasions, "I think JT is going to be a leader someday, because he sure it good at telling me what we need to do." JT comes across a bit shy at first, but funny thing – he isn't really shy. He is just getting a gauge on how things work in a new environment. He is accessing his boundaries and what is tolerated, who he can trust – once he figures all of these variables out he is an assured and confident little person ready to command his ship.

He likes to work around the guys in the garage and I think he thinks he is a lot older than he really is. He tries to use tools from the garage – not the fake plastic one that kids are suppose to play with. Some of the happiest times I've seen him are shoeless and riding on the front of a motorcycle with his big brother driving. He also likes to chill with Lily and Olivia and will allow them once in a while to tell him how to do things. Other times he gets bothered that people are "trying to control him". Once time he came in from being outside and told us that the wind was trying to control him. 🙂

He really makes Lexi laugh and makes her happy when she is sad. He has a tender heart and can be a little hugger when he wants to. JT loves to watch all of his sibling play soccer and was totally thrilled when he found out it was his turn to play this year. He loves putting his shin guards, cleats, and jersey on, but I've had to refocus him at his games when he is ready to run off the field and head for the slide.

At church JT has probably the best Primary teachers, Brother and Sister Goodman,  any parent could hope for. They are so good – they teach JT to be reverent and sit still and listen, they come prepared and teach him the gospel, they love him and notice him in the good things he tries to do. When they sent him a special note in the mail when they left town to go to florida one time, JT felt so special.

I LOVE this guy,  JT. I don't know what I would ever do without him in my life. He makes my life fun, exciting, and happy. His little smile and smirk make my day. His excited loud voice remind me who he is and what he is about. His determined and bold nature let me know that he has the capability of being a valiant young man who will stick to his principles. I love to hold his hand still, and give him a hug when he is sad. I love to kiss his cheeks and rub lotion on his legs. I like to fold his clothes and put his little shoes in their cubby. It is an honor to be his mother.

I was laying by JT and talking with him before he went to bed about a month ago. We were having a great discussion. After a few minutes I pointed to the poster of Albert Einstein by Mason's bed and asked JT if he knew who that was. Without hesitation he proclaimed, "Albert Einstein". I was impressed. We talked for a minute about how smart Albert was, when all of the sudden JT matter of factly said, "I know who is smarter than him." My curiosity was peaked and I waited for him to say, Socrates, Plato, Sir Issac Newton, Galileo, or Benjamin Franklin. 🙂 He smiled his happy smiled and stated, "DAD!" My heart swelled inside itself and grew a few sizes for this little five year old boy. For him it didn't matter if you can solve a mathematical and scientific equation that takes two chalk boards, is in tune with the complex philosophies of human nature, or be an extraordinary inventor and political leader.

What JT knows is that his dad, Stephen Parker, loves him, takes care of him, and will always protect him physically and spiritually. His dad knows and lives the teaching of Jesus Christ and the purpose of why we are here and where we are going. His dad is intelligent enough to know he doesn't know everything and is humble and teachable. His dad persists in learning more and acquiring knowledge and actively seeks to grow intellectually. His dad is brave and strong and willing to work hard for and provide for his family and take care of them. His dad is worthy of bearing the priesthood of God on the earth and presides in righteousness and with respect to those in his home. His dad is ready and able to serve anyone in need and share his time and talents with others freely.

JT has come to know he can trust his dad and depend on him for the most important answers of life. I am so glad that JT taught me that night to remember and acknowledge His dad for what he is. We are blessed to live in the same home and learn from such an amazing man. I am personally grateful for Stephen and the love, devotion, and care he gives to his family. He is truly deserving of such a compliment from his young & sincere son.

One thing I have learned over the past several years working with children is that they are the most emotionally intelligent of us all. They have a great emotional IQ for assessing human character. I love that and have a testimony of Mosiah 3:19…look it up! 🙂

My sweet little boy turned 4! He had a great Sunday birthday. He came to church all geared up to be sung to in Primary and he wasn't disappointed. He got his treat and went to visit the bishop for another special prize in 6th ward fashion. I love being able to see Primary through his eyes – it is truly a sweet blessing in my life. He loves to sing, "Choose the Right" and "Nephi's Courage". Nephi is his scripture hero and he wants to "go and do the things the Lord commands".

Because his birthday was on Sunday we delayed opening presents until after church. He was so excited to unwrap his gifts and he enjoyed each tear of the paper. His big gift was a CD Player. He has been enjoying it everyday and blasts it so loud that I have to threaten him that I will take it away if he can't turn it down. A special treat was getting to have the Puzey Family up for dinner – some of JT's favorite people. We had fun with an impromptu talent show and then Grandparents – Baldwins and Parkers arrived to share some Lego Cake and Ice Cream.

A note on JT's personality. He is quite a talker – until he is around someone he doesn't know, and then he turns into a shy guy. I am working with him to say good-bye & thanks to his pre-school teachers. I hope that by the last day we conquer this! As soon as he hops into the car he won't stop talking about all of the great adventures he had. He really likes to play games on the computer now that he has mastered clicking with the mouse. He also loves to play games on my iphone or the ipad. He seems to really enjoy Scooby Do, and likes to play with Olivia and tease her too. His favorite color is blue. He likes to watch Mason jump his bike and play with remote control cars, he "helps" Lexi practice her voice lesson or clean her room – she likes to spend time with the little dude, and Lily is one of is best babysitters and cleaner of his room. He will never turn down spending time in the garage with Stephen. He loves his dad to tuck him in to bed at night, but when he comes to mom and dad's room in the middle of the night – he seems to like to find Mom.

JT is a special guy and our family is soo lucky to get to experience his life with him in our home.

JT is growing up! I am ashamed at the fact that I haven't written down anything for such a long time. This little guy is such a joy to have around!

On Sunday JT officially joined the Primary as the youngest Sunbeam. He was such a big boy and sat on his chair most of the time. I am so happy that I get to be in there with him. He tried to hang out with me a couple of times, but I was so busy that I had to just keep helping him find his chair by his teacher. When he saw Olivia and Lily sitting in their seats, it helped. I can't believe he is already old enough to come to primary. I know he will surely miss Nursery as it was always one of the highlights to his week. His new teacher is Alaina Lloyd and there is only one other child in his class, Bella Jex.

Christmas for JT was such a magical time. He was so into Santa this year and not afraid of him anymore. If he was crying or upset all we had to do was distract him with talk of Santa or Rudolf and he was hooked. He had fun sitting on Santa's lap at the Christmas Dance in Burton and probably changed what he was going to tell Santa he wished for about 5 times. On Christmas morning he was so happy when he saw his new "Cars" table and chairs and loved unwrapping the long awaited Christmas presents from under the tree. I think he ate every piece of candy from his stocking before 6:30 am. 

One of JT's favorite things to do is go visit his Grandpa's and Grandma's houses. Anytime we get to go visit either the Baldwin's or the Parker's is a great day for him! 

He doesn't like to sit in his car seat at all, and tries to sneak a regular seat belt on like the big kids. 

He was able to go to a High School run preschool for 3 weeks this past fall and he really liked it. In a few weeks he will attend the BYU Idaho Child Lab for 3 months and likes to boast that, "I am going to Preschool at College".

JT loves to say the prayer and will volunteer every time. He gets upset if someone else gets to do it! We are working with him on trying to not get so excited that his words are too mumbly. 🙂

The other day, JT was in the back seat of the van and we were waiting to pick Lexi up. As he sat there he decided to serenade me, he sang, "I'm sexy. I'm sexy and I know it." This is one of the songs that comes on the radio periodically and the older kids think is funny. I felt a little heartbroken as I realized that I may have possibly failed him! My oldest children were singing primary songs when they were his age…Such is life as the youngest child I suppose. For the record I think JT is pretty darn cute, and he sings the truth!

JT came up for church last week and had dressed himself in the craziest outfit. He was sooo proud of himself!

He is always on an adventure and lives life in intense mode. He is also quite a chatterbox with a great vocabulary.

Comments:

Anne said…

So cute! Perfect future missionary :).
Monday, May 30, 2011 7:17:28 AM

Michelle said…

I love his style! too funny!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:35:47 AM

Stephen B said…

You’ll have to save a copy of JT’s dress up for church so you can compare the difference when he “comes up” ready to leave home as a missionary.
Monday, June 13, 2011 5:22:33 PM

JT has had one month of wearing big boy underwear! It has been a good parenting experience to end on – and such a RELIEF! I am so happy that we are past diapers – WOW did I just say that? He has been very cooperative, verbal, and especially creative!

He has had a few "poop" accidents, so we decided we should make it more fun. We formerly were calling them "plops" which seemed to work for our other kids, but because of the accidents we evolved into making "snakes" – thinking this would make it more fun. Well, one day we asked if he was all done making a snake, and he said, "just minute, I've gotta make a goat." ???? Where did that come from? We said o.k. The next day he made an ice cream cone, tractor, trailer, frog, motorcycle. Whatever his little mind can come up with, he makes! This weekend his specialty was a hot dog.

He never ceases to make us smile and laugh. I am sure that our family encourages this poop art because of the responses he gets from all 6 of us.

"Little boy, when you speak
I can't help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don't forget who you are
And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life's an hourglass
Life's an hourglass

Story's read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask" – Mindy Gledhill

Comments:

Patricia said…

Such an awesome poem. Such an awesome boy. I love you JT. 🙂 Grandma B.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 6:14:33 PM

Bruce said…

I sure like that little guy. He is kind of like my link to the little ones in the family. He is a great little guy.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 8:11:27 AM

after the trauma

JT caused quite a commotion at church a week in a half ago….

I was visiting in the Relief Society room after church when a ward friend approached me and said, "your son has fallen outside by the railing and there is quite a bit of blood." I quickly excused myself, taking a detour through the gym – whtere I ran, and found several people huddled around Stephen and bloody JT. I snatched the keys from Stephen and we ran to the car. I was preparing to drive to the ER, but Stephen confidently said he felt like we should go home.  As we drove he surveyed the situation and noticed that his eyes looked good and didn't appear to have a fracture. JT''s head had quite a good slice and his nose was bleeding profusely. There was plenty of  blood on both white shirts as proof.

As we drove home we learned that Mason was with JT and told us that Jt had been climbing on the metal railing and fell, landing on the pavement face first. Mason was nervous and let the nearest mom take over. We all learned good lessons – that don't need to be readdressed here.

After pulling into the garage, we set up our doctor office complete with clean cloths, hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, and super glue. Dr. Parker went to work and I was the nurse. The other kids were on prayer duty. After 30 minutes, a douse of Ibuprofen, and a squirt of super glue, the band aide was applied and JT was looking at his tractor book.

Soon our door bell rang with concerned friends to see if they could help. We then discovered that 2-3 people at the church, after seeing the large amount of blood, had passed out. We learned that they were fine and were relieved. The blood had been cleaned up and our ward family and come to the rescue. We said our good-byes as JT ran through the house looking for his cars.

As the week progressed he got a couple of other knocks to the head – definitely not to that degree, but they did leave marks on the other side of his head.

He has one tough head, but part of me keeps thinking about sticking a helmet on him!

a week later

JT has been out and about and is discovering lots of exciting things.

He experienced his first trip to the zoo and loved it – especially the monkeys.

He loved digging in the sand dunes despite the sand in eyes, ears, and nose.

He loves swinging and going down the slippery slide at home or at the park. He had the best laugh when he does either.

He thinks nursery is the bomb and begs to go when he hears the opening song in sacrament meeting.

He STILL loves tractors and trucks and matchbox cars.

He is becoming quite a little communicator as he tries to express himself through words.

He really likes to eat candy and talks about Grandpa Parker’s ice cream often.

He likes to give hugs – squeezable hugs!

He is increasing his scream volume when things don’t go his way.

He isn’t a huge fan of the car seat any longer.

He likes to sneak into bed with mom and dad whenever possible and we are too tired to stop him.

He loves to watch Max/Ruby a.k.a. "Max and Ruby" on TV and go to the library and get tractor books.

He still roams the counter tops and tries to play with the kitchen spices when my back is turned.

He has been talking about our recent visit to see aunt Dot – those worthers originals must have been a good move on her part.

He has a huge fan club!

 

Comments:

Michelle said…

Fun pictures of a cute little guy. I still love his tractor noises the best.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:12:03 AM

Anne said…

Cutie pie! Love all the pictures :).
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:33:47 PM

JT celebrated his second birthday this past Friday. He had been feeling under the weather the entire week before and we were more than pleased when he woke up with a smile on for his big day. He felt extra special as he opened his gifts before most of his fan club trotted off to school and work. He had lots of fun playing with his new "stuff" all the day long. He loves playing with his new drill, talking on the cell phone Grandpa & Grandma B gave him, and playing with his cars and folding them into his car caddy.

A few weeks ago JT retired his crib and has been sleeping in a "big boy" bed. He has done fairly well, but we are still getting used to his random roaming around in the middle of the night without a cry of warning. Last night he walked into our bedroom with a piece of paper, a puzzle piece, and a magnet. He only starts to scream when we try to have him lay down by us and go back to sleep. He’ll figure it out (soon I hope)!

He is quite a great communicator. He continues to try to explain himself using sentances, always referring to himself as JT. He has a contagious laugh and smile. He really likes to play with cars and tools (as mentioned above), that is when he isn’t playing in the spice cupboard of the kitchen, trashing Stephen’s office, or throwing marshmallows into the toilet. 🙂 Stephen and I both love to watch him try and suppress his smile when he is mad and we are trying to make him happy. He is always up for an adventure and is often heard exclaiming, "I wanna come!" He also loves to hear the garage door open – a sign that the fan club has returned.

We are so grateful that this little guy is a part of our family.

Comments:

Riley said…

Happy birthday JT!!!
Monday, March 01, 2010 5:37:02 PM

Patricia said…

What a cute little 2 year old! He is definately a keeper. What would we ever do without him?
“Hugs & Kisses” from Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin

Monday, March 01, 2010 11:01:29 PM

Michelle said…

I can’t believe JT is 2! Looks like a fun day-he is such a cute little guy. I love the picture of him sleeping on the stairs.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 7:55:37 PM

Anne said…

What a cutie! Happy B-day 2 year old :-).
Wednesday, March 03, 2010 8:22:25 AM