Stephen and Jodi Parker Family – Page 25

Rush Triathlon 2010

What a Rush! Had to say it once, it really was great though. The swim was much better this year since I have been practicing new techniques. I wasn't the last one out of the water at least this time. I was getting passed left and right though. Once I hit the bike it was payback time, I passed most of the swimmers. I didn't leave much in the tank for the run though so it was a bit more of a challenge than I hoped for. I did pass a lot more people but it was no cake walk. My goal was to never get passed once I got out of the water and I accomplished it. Not a great overall time but fun experience just the same. Can't wait to do it next year with Jodi!

Comments:

Michelle said…

Nice job! Looks like you are swimming with great form! Way to be our fit example!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 10:03:24 PM

Dad Parker said…

Nice job. You’ve got to keep tough, so you can pull me up the trails when I get too slow to keep up.
Friday, August 27, 2010 11:03:45 AM

Running with Myself

FACT: I am a social exerciser – it is true. I have always enjoyed conversations and frankly I need something to take my mind off of the task at hand. My socialization becomes my distraction from thinking about how much I don’t like what I’m doing.

Well, more than a few times this summer I have been left with a choice: to enjoy the comforts of my soft bed or go outside and be welcomed by no one other than the rising sun. I am not going to lie – most of the times that I chose to get up and run solo were long and mentally painful. It became 45 minutes of me being too aware of my irregular breathing patterns and crunchy footsteps.

But today was different. Not different in that I wanted to lie in my soft, warm bed instead of getting up to run, but that the time spent was lovely and went by quickly. Today I was able to listen and be calm. I felt peace. I needed that. The sun and I had a good wordless talk. As I ran I put lots of band aides on my problems and it became a therapeutic and healing moment.

Things I want to remember from running with my self today:

1. I need to take at least 30 minutes of my day, everyday, to NOT talk, but to LISTEN and think without being interrupted. Reflect. Learn. Pray. Satan’s best way to keep me from doing the BEST things in life are distraction, being overwhelmed, and business. It seems that unless I conscientiously fight to make the important stuff happen, “life” with suck up every minute of my time until I go to bed realizing that I slipped up yet again. So watch out Satan I know your tricks on me, and I’m not going to have it anymore!

2. People pleasing is like walking a fine line. Sometimes it is good to please people, but like anything it can be taken too far. Balance is key with people pleasing. I have inherited the “people pleasing” gene and sometime the mark can get out of whack. As I think about this idea personally or collectively, I am left with these thoughts. I could write a book on this subject alone, but will leave it unwritten right now.

3. My mom heart needs to turn often to being more calm and more gentle and more understanding. Less critical, less caught up in business, less intent on daily regiment. I tend to notice mom’s who speak softly, take an extra moment to cuddle, or smile/laugh unconditionally through the ups and downs of being a mother. I notice them – they are my inspiration. I want to be MORE like them.

4. Live like you believe. The last song on my i phone shuffle today was “Live like you believe“. The words of the first verse & chorus wrap up all of my thoughts this morning perfectly:

“You have felt the warmth of the fire. You have seen a glimmer of light. It’s something that you have been missing inside, something that you have been longing to find. Hold on to the yearning and wherever you are on the journey.”

CHORUS: Live like you believe. Live like you know. it’s one sure way your faith will grow. Listen to your heart. Search in your soul and you’ll find the strength that you need. His light, the gift of His peace when you live like you believe.”

Running with Myself

Things I want to remember from running with my self today:

1. I need to take at least 30 minutes of my day, everyday, to NOT talk, but to LISTEN and think without being interrupted. Reflect. Learn. Pray. Satan's best way to keep me from doing the BEST things in life are distraction, being overwhelmed, and business. It seems that unless I conscientiously fight to make the important stuff happen, "life" with suck up every minute of my time until I go to bed realizing that I slipped up yet again. So watch out Satan I know your tricks on me, and I'm not going to have it anymore!

2. People pleasing is like walking a fine line. Sometimes it is good to please people, but like anything it can be taken too far. Balance is key with people pleasing. I have inherited the "people pleasing" gene and sometime the mark can get out of whack. As I think about this idea personally or collectively, I am left with these thoughts. I could write a book on this subject alone, but will leave it unwritten right now.

3. My mom heart needs to turn often to being more calm and more gentle and more understanding. Less critical, less caught up in business, less intent on daily regiment. I tend to notice mom's who speak softly, take an extra moment to cuddle, or smile/laugh unconditionally through the ups and downs of being a mother. I notice them – they are my inspiration. I want to be MORE like them.

4. Live like you believe. The last song on my i phone shuffle today was "Live like you believe". The words of the first verse & chorus wrap up all of my thoughts this morning perfectly:

"You have felt the warmth of the fire. You have seen a glimmer of light. It's something that you have been missing inside, something that you have been longing to find. Hold on to the yearning and wherever you are on the journey."

CHORUS: Live like you believe. Live like you know. it's one sure way your faith will grow. Listen to your heart. Search in your soul and you'll find the strength that you need. His light, the gift of His peace when you live like you believe."

Buck Mountain

A few years ago when I was sitting on the top of Static Peak looking over to Buck Mountain, I thought to myself I want to climb that mountain someday. It is one of the not so popular climbs in the area, not because it is not a great climb but because the Teton's are so close they draw many of the would be climbers away.

I talked Dad and Mason into climbing it with me for my birthday this year. What a great climb, not too difficult or too exposed but there are great views of the Teton's and Rim Rock Lake. We started at the Death Canyon trail head and hiked to just before the third bridge, from there you head out to Stewarts draw. follow the trail up to Timber line lake and then just scramble up the face of Buck. About 12 miles round trip with about 5200' of elevation gain.

The most memorable part of the climb as when we were coming back down. Mason was all energized up from making it to the summit. He got a little bit ahead of the rest of us, I kept looking around for him but couldn't see where he had gone. I assumed he was just over the rocks ahead of me so I hurried down to catch up to him. When I couldn't see him I had a sick feeling inside like something was wrong. I kept thinking Mason is in trouble somewhere. I ran down and around the base of the face and prayed as I ran, I prayed with my eyes open so I could search while I prayed. I figured Heavenly Father would understand just this once.

Within seconds of my prayer I looked up and saw what appeared to be Mason hanging tightly to the wall over a 120' cliff. I yelled out to him and he yelled back, "Dad, Dad, help me!". I took off running up the hill towards the base of the cliff. I was tired I was getting low on sugar but I somehow kept running and calling out to him. I ate some candies quickly as i ran to try and get my sugars back up. When I reached the base of the cliff my heart sunk. I looked up and he was stuck on the wall he couldn't go up and for sure couldn't come down safely. I thought I can't run back around to the top of the cliff it will take me too long and he may fall. I decided I had to climb the wet steep cliff. I prayed as I hastily ascended with my ice ax, I used it as an extended arm to reach higher for better holds. I couldn't have made it without the ax, and the help from angels around me. It was something that I wouldn't want to climb even just for fun, let alone without ropes. I just kept praying and moving up as quickly as I could. When I reached Mason I couldn't get around him to help him up. So I had him slide as far to the right as he could. I reached as high as I could with my ax and found a notch in the rock. I couldn't see it so I asked Mason if he thought it would hold me. I placed my life in his hands, he said, "Dad it will hold." It held I was able to pull myself up and round him. I dug my ax into the rocky soil above Mason and lowered a piece of webbing down to him, he climbed up to safety and we just sat there for a minute. I think we were both in shock of what had just happened. We shouldn't have been able to do what we just did. We offered a prayer of thanks, praying that we could remember how we felt and how we both felt the help of a higher means. "I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand" kept going through my mind so I shared it with Mason. We had witnesses first hand the power of our Heavenly Father!

Mason and I worked our way down the mountain, we were split up from Dad and Jay Price because they were unaware of what had happened. We saw 3 bears on the way out, and had to make noise and some detours to avoid them. What an experience. I hope Mason and I will always remember the power we felt and rely upon it. This was more than just a climb in the mountains this was a spiritual workout as well.

Comments:

Michelle said…

What a scary experience. I am so glad you are both safe. We are certainly watched over and protected.
Monday, August 16, 2010 9:41:04 PM

Jodi said…

I love you and Mason. THE END.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 8:00:50 AM

Parker Reunion 2010 – Bear Lake

pit hair blowing in the breeze – classic!

It was nice to be at Bear Lake with the entire Parker Family. Everybody made it – the kids had a blast being together. The lake was beautiful and cold. Our skin is red and itchy now. The camp trailer survived the hail and wind gusts and rain and skunk! 🙂 The jewelry making was fun, the mini girl retreat was also fun! Sand castles, lots of food, and happy people.

All equal a successful reunion. My kids are ready to go again.

tent trailer moments	Stephen and I zipped two bags together and had the pleasure (NOT) of sharing with JT and Olivia – JT is sure happy though	Paul & Karma spoiled us with crepes and nutella – so delicious!
Mason loved trying out scuba diving – thanks Trevin	such a cute boy	slender simon = crack
I sat in one spot the entire day – perfect!
		JT enjoyed the sand
Jessica Launch	Lily Launch	Taylor Launch
Duct tape shoes – another reunion hit	Parker is the king of this castle	love this picture of Steph & Brooke
life jacket diapers	typical lex posing
How cute are they!
		Running Riley in the water
	Jana looks sauve – as always	kenzie
Haley	Rick was just one of the boys
good book	look at those sweeties	Water Shy
Zach on his adventure		The trek across the water

	Grandma was popular with her treats
Eight ways to wear your new scarves ladies!	Scarve Frenzy – 5 for $10	We caused quite a scene and consequently helped sell a lot of scarves

From the Redwood Forest…

Last Tuesday we began our journey. We were bound for the Redwood Forest and Portland Oregon.

On our way we stopped off in Burns OR, because haven't you always wanted to say you've been to Burns? We also hit Crater Lake – which was breathtakingly beautiful. After that we made it to our first two day destination, Crescent City, CA. We stayed at the Penny Saver Inn (the name says it all). It is here that I believe JT developed some illness that would cause him to puke & fever over the duration of our trip. The rest of the crew loved swimming in the pool, walking the cold beach, and of course taking in the giant Redwoods of Jedediah State Park, and also checking out the Trees of Mystery (where you also get to see a giant Paul Bunyen and Babe). Stephen was especially excited about this part as nostalgia set in. It was a beautiful place to be and see, in person, the magnificent, thousand-year-old trees.

We spent Friday driving the winding roads along the coast to Portland. It was a long journey in the car with a throw-up episode involved. We made it to our hotel. This time being very impressed. We felt like we had arrived. It was an extended stay Inn with fridge, sink, couch, two beds, free continental breakfast, & outdoor pool. We would highly recommend this option with a large family. It was also in a fun part of town with many stores and yummy places to eat close by.

After driving so many days in a row, going to bed late, and waking up early, Stephen was totally wiped out the night before he was to ride 100 miles in the Tour de Cure. As all know, he has a lot of heart and pushed through the pain! I dropped him off and took some pictures at the start. I was tearing up with pride as I saw him in his red rider jersey. Most people wouldn't set out to do a 100 mile bike ride, especially if one has an auto-immune disease and a permanent shot in your backside. All of these red riders were inspirational and just made you proud! He has tough blood rolling through his veins though and is – mentally and physically. We were all so excited to cheer for him along the route. Mason hopped on his bike and rode the last 16 miles in with Stephen. We celebrated by eating at "On the Border" last night!

After considering JT's recent sickness and suspecting Olivia to possibly follow with something similar, we decided to make a marathon drive home from Portland without our planned night over in Boise. Instead we stopped in for delicious chocolate cake and ice cream at Eric & Magan's house and continued on down the rode. Olivia has practically slept the entire day and only had 3 caprisuns, 1 glass of oj, and 1 popscicle to eat all day. Hope she is just really tired and keeps sleeping all night long…poor thing! She gets the award for best traveler today!

It has been a wonderful vacation to record in our memories. Our children have been outstanding travelers in the car – even JT (when he wasn't puking)! One thing is for sure – We have gotten very familiar with the inside our our car and I'm certain that our rears are more flat & wide. 🙂

	Cresent City Beach	Beach Bums
this is a really cold beach – 58 degree, she’s trying to smile!	Charming lighthouse, no?
	proud of her find

Vidael Falls @ Crater Lake	Rougue River Gorge
trees of Oregon line the road	tin foil art	tin foil art
Happy to make it this far!		dip baby dip
wizard island @ crater lake	Everyone should go here – it is a beautiful spot on the map	Wishing he could climb this baby
Crater Lake		feeding the friendly chipmunks

Pristine Water – so beautiful!	Phantom Ship Rock @ Crater Lake	JT hiked the entire 1/2 mile of this hike!







Mom Surprise was something looked forward to each day. It was a little something to make traveling in a car more fun. (coloring books, tin foil, pipe cleaners, a card game, etc.)	did a lot of picnicing	trying to get warm!
Stout Grove – the place Jurassic Park was filmed and also Return of the Jedi
		Shot from the sun roof
Our whole family fit inside this tree! It was also hollow the entire way up.

		monkey
	ring around the redwood	The man who got us places
Our van in Jedediah State Park

We found duct tape @ the dollar store – it made for hours of car enjoyment
	He is really tired here!
		Stephen actually rode 112 miles because he took a wrong turn. 🙂

had to be at hillsboro stadium @ 5:30 am

Comments:

Mom and dad Parker said…

What a beautiful trip. You have a great family. Any lack that you might have in physical strength, you make up in heart. We’re proud of you guys
Monday, August 02, 2010 8:26:25 AM

Michelle said…

Looks like a great trip filled with memories. Poor JT, that is the worst kind of sick for traveling. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon at Bear Lake.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 3:08:28 PM

Tour De Cure 2010

getting ready to ride

Today was the Tour De Cure. What a ride, it was great to be with so many other Type 1 diabetics fighting against the odds. They brought new hope to me and inspired me to carry on and overcome this life changing disease. The ride was led out by one of the Team T1 riders, that was very cool to be hanging with him.

The first few miles were up and down with hills so it was a great workout. The scenery was amazing and the weather was nice and cool. At about mile 15 I missed my turn and ended up on the return route, when I saw mile 90 I knew something was wrong. I quickly checked the map on my phone and back tracked to get back on course. This put my mileage off on my GPS so I was never certain where I really was. I stopped in at the first check station I found and aired up my tires they were running at 40 PSI so I was definitely dragging instead of gliding. I pumped them up to 110 PSI and it was like I had a new bike amazing the difference that makes. By about mile 65 my knees were cramping up not a typical thing for me, so I found some Ibuprofen and that made all the difference. I felt like I could go another 100 miles after that kicked in.

Mason finished the ride with me from mile 85 on it was great to have the company, he was on his mountain bike so I know it had to be a challenge for him. He is a very mentally and physically strong boy. When the ride was over I ended up riding 112 miles so it wasn't a bad days work. I am very excited to do it again next year. It is a great event for a great cause.

winding hills		nut trees
for JT


	lex flexing for us
my right hand man	my game face
	they gave us medals, nice surprise	my cheer leaders
	free burger was great	see ya next year
the Team T1 rider that led us out, great guy

	Jodi and fam caught up to me at about mile 80

BALDWIN REUNION 2010

Baldwin Cousins minus Kate, Audrey, & Simon 🙁

Baldwin Family Reunion tim!. Stephen and I were on queue to plan the party so we invited all to our neck of the woods and did things Parker/Baldwin style – which is what we are all about (obviously!).

Young & old alike enjoyed the zip-line adventures at the Parker cabin. My dad even surprised us all by making the excursion down. We were glad nurse Magan was there in case of any unforeseen challenges, but luckily we didn't need her expertise. Wish I had pictures!

The weekend soo fun-filled there was little time for sleep. On the agenda: baptisms for the dead @ Rexburg Temple, canoeing, feeding fish at Big Springs(thanks Brad), camp fire sing along songs sent from Austin,TX by Scott's fam (thanks Stephen for projecting them and Scott for his talents), roasted marshmallows, LOTS and LOTS of food/treats, a trip to Yellowstone National Park to see geysers and beautiful waterfalls while wearing matching Baldwin shirts (thanks to Eric & Michelle), Playmill Theatre with famous fudge, duck tape shoes & cute cousin bracelets (thanks Emily & Ashley), talent show (Stephen dazzled us with his fire jumping abilities), mission call viewing (Congrats to Carter! Paraguay!!!!) family quiz (lucky charms/marshmallow mateys #1 cereal choice), and a heritage devotional (thanks Mom & Dad).

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did! I loved being with my family, they are all amazing. There is a lot of age ranges (age 20 down to age 1), but the older "cool" kids were so sweet and kind to the little guys. It made my heart smile. 🙂 My brothers and sister (as well as their families) are very kind, talented, giving, and fun! I am proud and lucky to have been born to such a wonderful family. Of course it all stems from being raised by great parents.

Ash & Olive	Mason, Carter, & Jake	Lex, Brian, Emily, & Bridget
Jed, Dallen, Abby, Lily, & Brad		Ashley made all kids a bracelet

	Like father like son!
Meet Ashley the frog		just got bit by a deer fly!
		The famous Eric (One of Mason’s go to guys for Bike Emergencies)
Loves Cousin Time


Sunroof Shots with Michelle	Olivia wanted to say hi
Duct Tape fun		JT bonded with Carter
Everybody loves Grandma	Happy Times	Emily & Michelle
Magan, Grace, JT & Bridget	Rocking it with Bridget – One zesty & fancyl gal.

Chop Chop

Lily finally talked us into getting her hair cut. She has been asking for several months. I finally decided she must really want it short.

We went to Paul Mitchell Hair Academy with Brooklyn as the hair stylist. Lily felt so special and pampered for the 3 1/2 hour it took! She hasn't ever had the opportunity to go a salon (if that is what we are calling this).

She loves it has hasn't missed her long locks.

She is a cutie with long or short hair. We love her!

Comments:

Michelle said…

Wow Lily-cute hair! I love it!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 10:23:44 PM

jessie said…

I love it!!!I just got one too!
Friday, July 30, 2010 6:37:52 PM

Lily said…

Jessie, thanks. I want to see a picture of yours!
Sunday, August 01, 2010 6:42:34 PM

Hard Head

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