Date for the future


Priceless!

When I started dating boys at the age of 16 I hate to admit I didn't take enough time to realize the large impact it would have on the future of my children. Luckily, I had nice boys to choose from – my favorite, obviously, a certain handsome boy named Stephen Parker with rippling muscles :), a permanent smile, and perfect hug. As I dated him it became apparent that he loved to play hard, work hard, and serve with ease. I liked all of that and was very impressed. As the days, months, then years went on that I got to be his good friend, another fact stood out – this boy would always be young at heart!

Taking these thoughts into consideration and weighing in this past father's day – I have determined that Alexis, Mason, Lily, Olivia, and JT have won the father lottery! Without pulling out a list of itemized questions or a detailed examination of credentials while dating, I was lucky (ok blessed!) enough to be able to marry this boy and witness him turn into an AMAZING father to my five children.

A father who teaches the gospel by word and deed. (Gives delightful parables as he guides them through life and then practices what he preaches)

A father who is never too old to play or take time to show support to his children. (Sand Dunes Friday & Zoo Saturday)

A father who works alongside his children. (they washed all of the windows on Saturday!)

A father who loves the mother of his children. (I get lots of TLC and XxOos ad I love yous)

A father who eats Mexican! (We took him to dinner @ Plum Loco Saturday night)

Moral of the story: pray hard, read your scriptures, and live as good as you can so that Heavenly Father will guide you to date and choose a worthy companion who will in turn be the very important parent of your children.


look at the size of that mallow!
one of the kids
another “heaven on earth” moment for Stephen

Play hard kids you only live once

Maybe Lex learned her cheerleading moves from him?
good times with good friends

Mason rarely smiles when I shoot a candid camera at him – this one of the few!
Alexis is such a nut
The aquarium is ALWAYS a hit until the chips and salsa appear!

Olivia always asks me to take her picture.
YIPPEE!
“Heaven on Earth” Quote from Stephen Saturday night

Cutie!
THE dad
Funny Story! Olivia pulled a string on Stephen’s pants during sacrament meeting and just kept pulling until THIS is what Stephen looked like at the end of sacrament meeting! He escaped afterward with our giant church bag pasted to his leg.

Good morning papa – I think Lily made him at least 5 cards
Baked him one of his favorites – Apple Pie!
Stephen talked me into sleeping in his new tent Saturday night

This lion was at the zoo when I was a little girl
Is it any surprise that JT like the monkeys the best?

Lex & Mason were trying hard to have fun for the little guys
JT had so much fun

Lily got Olivia to warm up to petting the goats.
JT was also very nervous initally, but finally came around
Free admission to the zoo with a teddy bear day

happy to be inside after a long wait in the admission line
Notice – I’m the only one outside the fence?

Comments:

Michelle said…

We have some great dads in the Parker family. I love the pants at church-that is a classic.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:19:48 AM

Anne said…

Very funny pants moment :). Sounds like you had some fun times honoring him this weekend.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:17:00 PM

Dad Parker said…

“Man is that he might have (fun)” Permanent forever fun.
Monday, June 28, 2010 8:02:35 AM

Opportunity Cost

I received a phone call a couple days ago, I was asked if I wanted to go to Scout Camp with the 11 year old scouts.  Knowing that Mason was going and this would be his first official scout camp I volunteered without hesitation.  It wasn't until I had hung up the phone that I realized I had just made a sacrafice.  I was planning on running in the Teton Dam Marathon this weekend!

I hate to admit this but I was in a pickle mentally, I really wanted to run and earn a cool shirt, but I also wanted to be with Mason.  Logically it was a no brainer but still the mental battle raged.  I was trying to think of ways I could do both but with scout camp being 1 1/2 away it just wasn't feasible.  I remember well the concept I learned in college economics 111; Opportunity Cost – The price paid when giving up something good for something better.  I just didn't realize how much that cost could hit home later in life.  I had given my word and I knew I wanted to be with Mason far more than to gratify myself in a marathon.

I can't even compare the payoff, I had no idea how much fun and what a great experience it would be to go spend the night in the rain with Mason.  We went from station to station in a  mini pow wow format, in an effort to help the boys progress toward earning their First Class.  We all learned a great deal, but the learning was just beginning.  We attended a flag ceremony, the staff retired the colors in a very professional manor.  They then had us walk down to the amphitheater to have a little program of singing and funny skits.  The closing song was very special to me as they sang the Scout Vesper to the tune of Oh Tannebaum:

Softly falls the light of day,

While our campfire fades away,

Silently each scout should ask,

Have I done my daily task?

For my country done my best?

Prayed to God before I rest?

Helped a friend along the way?

Have I done my best today?

As I walked back toward our camp I was overtaken by the beauty of the song and the fact that Our Heavenly Father created such a beautiful world for each and every one of His Children to enjoy.  I felt the love from Our Heavenly Father as I looked around at each tree and flower, the green grass, the newly blooming wild flowers, etc.  What a gift we have been given to live in such an amazing world.  I texted my personal thoughts to Jodi to preserve the moment.  They are too sacred to share here, but they are still felt in my heart.

But wait there is more!  What happened later that night blew me away.  We were instructed to meet as a troup for the so called "Honor Trail".  I remember going on a few of these but never to this level.  It was so neat to walk through the dark and see the light of a Boy Scout holding a lantern and then hear them recite details about one aspect of the Scout Law.  Then walk to the on in the dark to the next Scout with a lantern and listen to the next point of the law.  It was amazing to say the least.  They each would start with their armed raised to a square with their three fingers raised in the scout salute. "A Scout is…then they would give details of how a scout should be Kind, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, etc. because a scout is…

As we were walking back to camp Mason said, "I want to come back every year."  Priceless.  I loved spending quality time with Mason this weekend.  We are looking forward to the father and sons outing later this month.  To top off the fun we had a nice rain storm all night long.  That just made it that much more fun.  I love my tent.


a song a song, were going to sing song

Wet wood does not burn too well

awesome sunset
Mason wanted this for his wallpaper

the gang
had to stop here for laughs

Home sweet home. My new tent!

Comments:

Jodi said…

Sweet…Mason is just as lucky as you are! You both have each other. Glad you went and had an amazing experience together.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 11:05:48 AM

Stacie said…

Ya know it was just a race and this was LIFE! Way to go what a great experience! Memories like that are truley priceless and they don’t come around as often as they should!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 5:43:48 PM

Anne said…

Stephen looks like a memory that will last forever for both of you. Those are far and few moments. Way to follow your father’s hunch and be there for your son.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:19:02 PM

Introducing Wanda and the Little Red Riders of 2010


This is Wanda. Wand and Me.

Saturday I took "Wanda" out for her first ride of the season. Her tires hit the pavement of the back farm country of cache valley. She took me past many interesting smells, gorgeous scenery, and great company.

If I rewind a couple of days you would see me sitting on the floor of my closet dusting off my cycling items and wondering aloud, "What am I doing? What makes me think I can do this thing which I have not prepared for?" I wasn’t feeling too bike happy as I peered out into the gray skies and rain mixed with wind. It has been a cold, wet, or windy spring with little time to go outside for a ride. The longest I had attempted was in my basement on my bike trainer – a whopping 8 miles! Stephen encouraged me like he always does and told me it would be easy and fun. I was glad for the vote of confidence, but very skeptical.

As Stephanie and I drove down we encountered several serious rain showers – not giving me the most comforting feeling. We pulled into to Logan and found ourselves in the Desert Industries parking lot. Stephanie is a good luck charm at that store. She found an awesome jacket for kyaking – I found an awesome yellow jacket (for Lexi). We also found a sweet pair of red shorts with stars down the sides. I was planning on wearing them for the ride, but they clashed with my jersey, I was happy that Anne wore them! Anne found us at DI and then we met up with Jana. We drove to Lewiston and picked up or packets. It was feeling cold and moist. After that, we decided to dine at the Firehouse Grille – delicious! The rain descended upon Logan in its furry and we ran into the movie theatre to view, "Letters to Juliet."  When we got out, it was still raining as we headed to Walmart for last minute needs. We were all feeling anxious about riding in the rain and probably checked the weather 5xs on our iphones. Anne, Steph, and I stayed with Anne’s nice friend KellyAnne.

We woke up with the sun peaking through the clouds and debated on what to wear. We checked the weather again, ate breakfast, and loaded the bike rack. I chauffeured Stephanie and Anne to Super Red headquarters and we parked at the side of the road – later to estimate about 1 mile away from the starting line. We bedazzled, banded, and starred ourselves to enter in super fashion. When we met Jana I discovered she had an extra super cape, giving me the finishing touches for my costume. We accidentally made it in time for the costume contest and ended up each winning a mug in the group category! (Mind you we were the only group participating) We mounted our bikes and pedaled away feeling the warm rays of the sun. We had a glorious ride with minimal hills and lots of sunshine! Perfect combination. Stephanie had a great first ride and has found a new passion, Jana kept us giggling and persevered with a smile, & Anne kept us chugging along with a good pace. I felt happy to be with great girls on a beautifully sunny ride.

We crossed the finish line with smiles & sweet burn/tan lines – forgot that as we dressed up or armbands & stars would leave a memory for days to come! We also enjoyed the posh spread of food and sparkler drink.

Ended the journey with a trip to Hobby Lobby, dinner at Chilis, and cheese from Gossner’s Cheese Factory. Only regret it that I didn’t bring a cooler to load up on creamies from the creamy outlet! Next time…

Oh ya, as we were riding someone put the thought into my head, wondering of my bike’s name. Silly me, I realized I haven’t name her after 2 1/2 years. I decided to go with: Wanda. It comes from the ride Super Red – Wonder Woman theme. Wonder made me think Wanda. Are you with me?

So Wanda it is. My goal for me and Wanda is to conquer a century ride before I’m 40. Wish us luck!

POST EDIT: I just realized that when I receive my bike Lex and Lily named her "Zoe", I have never called her that and had forgotten. I will be giving "Wanda" some TLC to make up for the years of neglect…;-)

 


Super Jodi
Super Anne
Opted to do the 33 mile route together this year

Jodi & Jana
The capes felt awesome with the gente breeze blowing – did you notice the stars on our calves?
I am really happy there is sunshine and it’s warm – it was a perfect temperature

I have ridden this ride with Anne for 3 years!
End of the road for us
finish line

Saw Magan while there – someday I will be as awesome as her, she is my biking hero
The swag bag and my stinky shoes
The big bad wolf was there too. We are holding our awesome mugs from the costume contest

Super Jana
Super Stephanie
Super Red Emblem

Firehouse – mmmm, mmmm, good
bedazzled thanks to Steph & Jana
Parking at the side of the road 1 mile away – good thing we had our bikes 🙂

Comments:

Lance said…

Good Job! I always name my Bikes/Cars too. It makes them go faster..
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:05:13 PM

Sami said…

Good job, Now I’m going to name my bike Dorie.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:13:37 PM

Diana said…

I love it! What great memories. I will have to make it next year!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 7:46:52 AM

Bruce said…

You ladies were certainly the prettiest girls on the road. Keep smiling.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 2:57:58 PM

Magan said…

You ladies looked adorable! Just realized I was calling stephanie, Stacy.. Oops. I am glad she loves biking I wish I had someone closer to ride more with.. We will have to ride together next year…
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 5:27:36 PM

Good memories in the rain


Lex got a little crazy from all the rain

With Jodi leaving town we decided we didn’t want to be home alone so we headed north to the cabin on the hill.  It was tons of fun, even though it was muddy and rainy,  We just hunkered down in the cabin around the warm fire and enjoyed each others company.  We played a little Uno, watched some movies, and Lex and I had a movie marathon and watched the first two shows in the Bourne series.  We can hardly wait to go again.

Happy Birthday Teenager

Lex had her birthday and is now an official teenager! She has anticipated this day a long time. She enjoyed celebrating with the Parker Clan over memorial weekend. Her cousins are her most treasured friends.

Alexis is a special gal. Always up for fun times and a laugh. She really likes to make other people laugh by being silly, a repeat statement from years past – but STILL true. She has a unique gift of making life less serious when life can seem daunting. She is an amazing big sister and knows just the things to say or do to comfort or cheer up  or help her siblings. She is also very resiliant – Stephen compares her to a buoy…not that she drifts around, but that she is able to pop back up when she gets knocked down. She has a cheerful countenance and sparkling eyes that want to do what is right.

Happy 13th Birthday Lex!

May Update


Treasures from Stephen

This month has just flown by!

Alexis & Mason have been participating in Madison’s club soccer with Stephen coaching Lexi’s team. Lots of fun, especially when it isn’t snowing, raining, or blowing too hard. So our weeks have been full of soccer games and practices.

Stephen went on a business trip to Guam for 10 days. His dad was able to travel with him. They had fun stopping for a day in Hawaii on the way and Korea on the way home. Stephen reports that the Korean temple was the highlight of his travels. Our family was lost without him and I (especially) was excited to see the whites of his eyes. It is not easy to be a single parent or have your BFF gone for that long.

My parents stopped in for a visit while Stephen was away and that helped me get through Stake Conference, bless them! It was also nice to have an adult to talk to for a few days.

We are now down to 2 days left of the 2009-2010 school year. Olivia is so excited to attend her Pre-school Graduation Picnic with Mrs. Jill. She is looking forward to another year of preschool at Central Elementary where she will get to ride the bus home with Lily, Mason, & Lexi everyday. She still loves to do reading lessons and play webkinz on the computer. She also loves to play with her doll and tease JT.

Lily can’t wait for tomorrow at school when she gets to wear her pajamas to school and celebrate her teacher’s birthday as a surprise. Lily can usually be found writing & illustrating a story these days. Her and Alexis make great roomates and have lots of laughs in their bedroom at night. Lily is very sweet and sensitive, always looking for an opportunity to make a card of love.

Lex is learning the inner strength that can come from loosing (she ran for student council again and this time didn’t make it, she also tried to get on the yearbook staff and only 2 out of 18 could make it, she wasn’t one of them). We are proud of her for trying and doing her best. She had a defining moment as she decided to drop out of cheerleading this month. I beamed with pride as I witnessed her being inducted into the Junior National Honor Society at her school a few weeks ago. Alexis is very excited to start voice lessons, finish learning her "10 hymns from the green hymnbook", go to girl’s camp, and practice volleyball & soccer hard all summer long. She will be 13! next Monday.

Mason & Stephen got to go to the Jamboral in Blackfoot with the scouts from our ward. Mason looks forward to going to Camp Little Lemhi in June with the rootbeer patrol. He has been able to learn the benefits that come from turning homework in on time and the pain in the neck it is to do make-up work. He also is happy to see the majority of A’s on his power school report showing him the fruits of all of that labor. Mason loves to ride his bike whenever possible and still loves paper folding.

JT is excited to go outside whenever possible – to go down the slide or ride his bike. He misses Olivia when she is at school, and loves it when you lay down by him when it is time to go to bed at night. He has a fun personality and a super cool laugh. My favorite sound he makes is his tractor sound.

As for me, I was thrilled to spend all day Saturday in uninterupted cleaning of kids bedrooms with success. Yesterday I took advantage of the beautiful day and mowed the lawn, weeded flower beds, planted flowers & garden vegetables, I also learned how to use a weed eater! I love weed eaters – what an amazing invention. I needed to be outside in the sun and loved every minute of it. I also have LOVED having many dandelions brought to me by my little sweet children.

We are all looking forward to a relaxing weekend @ home – we might even sleep in!

Comments:

Magan said…

Very proud of Alexis!
Thursday, May 27, 2010 1:35:47 PM

Michelle said…

I agree-time is flying right now. Thanks for the fun update. We are excited to see you guys this weekend.
Thursday, May 27, 2010 3:02:37 PM

Father and Son’s Outing – Half way around the world

Last month I was called upon to make another trip to Guam to help configure some of their new servers.  I enjoy going to Guam just don’t care for the lengthy flights to get there.  Jodi suggested I invite Dad along as my "personal diabetic support man" and because I would enjoy the company.  It was great having Dad there to share the joy of victory and agony of defeat as we worked on the server issues.  We left from Jackson Hole Airport at 4AM on May 9th and returned the evening of the 19th. It turned out to be a successful trip for GPA.

When you travel half way around the world, you have to take advantage of the local sites.  We saw almost every square inch of Guam, a great deal of Hawaii and downtown Seoul. While in Hawaii we drove around the perimeter of the island it is a beautiful place.  We visited the Temple and also Dan Clark and family.  It was great to see friends that far away from home.

Next stop was Guam, Dad would explore while I worked on the servers and come back with an action plan for the evening.  We visited tons of cool sites that even the locals didn’t know about.  A couple favorites were 1000 steps beach and the famous Mt. LamLam.  I realized that dad and I both don’t care for spiders especially when they are as big as your hand and right in your face.  It was fun to enjoy the mountains with Dad on another continent.

My favorite part of the trip was our layover in Seoul on the way home.   We stayed right on the temple grounds in the temple housing.  It reminded me of the big cabin with all the bunk beds.  We attended a session with people from Russia, Korea, US, and Japan.  It was fun to hear the English words on the headset and then hear the Korean words.  We hit the town the next morning and walked and walked….the city doesn’t look that big on a map.  It is huge though.  We hiked up to Seoul Tower or NamSan (South Mountain) as the locals call it.  It was very warm and muggy but being at almost sea level we had plenty of energy and breath.  What a memory to cherish for the rest of my life.


Seoul Tower

For Trevin

Our personal tour guide, a nice gentleman who spoke pretty good english
see anything

This will help you appreciate your freedom of clothing choices
Seoul Temple

the best part

there were millions of locks, that couples would put there as a sign of their love

My kind of truck

hard to believe we in the middle of a city of millions

they love steps

check out that playground

It happens there too, when they see a good deal they scour it

I bet Lance would ride that on his bike

he almost attacked us
Japan Layover

The Room we stayed in at the Seoul Temple

Breakfast of champions

Top of Lam Lam

Father and Sons Outing

Check out those roots
Mt Jumalongmanglo

Found this snail shells and wanted to make sure they made it home somehow

watch that last step

natural swimming hole

you see the craziest things on Guam
the base of two lovers point

looking up two lovers point

Fun Spiders
I think it is warm out

Fly clear to Hawaii and eat at McDonalds and Taco Bell every day, only with Dad 🙂

1000 Steps beach

some of the steps

Lam Lam
For Mason and JT

Tall razor grass

Some locals, I just wanted a picture of the sign
Pearl Harbor


View from the top of Diamon Head
Climbing Diamond Head in Hawaii

Comments:

Michelle said…

Amazing pictures-I think I could do that trip. Glad you guys had a great time-Thanks for sharing.
Thursday, May 27, 2010 3:01:40 PM

Magan said…

What an awesome opportunity, to share with your dad
Wednesday, June 02, 2010 4:33:54 PM

20/20

Yesterday I decided to wear my glasses instead of contacts. While out working in the garden they were upbruptly and accidently knocked off as Lily stepped in too close and whacked me in the face. I was a little stunned for a minute but then went intently back to work. Since I rarely wear them I didn’t really notice that my glasses had been knocked off. Then I looked up and things began looking blurry. (for those that don’t know, I am legally blind without glasses) I couldn’t figure out what was wrong because I’d forgotten that I’d been wearing glasses. (for those that don’t know, I have sporatic bouts of amnesia 🙂 ) Once I figured out that I was previously wearing glasses I started summoning for help. I knew that if I made one wrong step I could break the glasses. Stephen and Mason came to my aide and Mason eventually found them lying in one of our square foot gardens. I placed them back on top of my nose, smiled as I realized how amazing it is to see with full vision once again and then continued weeding. I began thinking about how wonderful it is to be able to see and how grateful I am for eye correction in these modern days.

As night set in, I thought of an analogy using my glasses experience as I contemplated Stephen’s impending trip to Guam. I decided that Stephen is like a pair of glasses for me. When he is physically away from me my life is hazy and not completely in focus. He is my support and cheerleader amidst lifes challenges. He stabalizes me and gives me vision in life. He takes my breath away and can encourage me in a way that nobody else will ever be able to do. I am happy to announce that after 15 years, I am still in love with the boy who knocked me off of my feet and made me begin to think spontaneously. I know when he comes home with his big hug that my vision will clear up and my heart will smile.

Another anaolgy that presented itself because today is Mother’s Day, is how a mother is her children’s pair of  glasses.  A righteous mother who desires to teach her children of "who they really are, why they are here, and where they came from" is like her children’s pair of spritual glasses. My mother guided me along life’s journey for 19 years and taught me many important values and principles along the way. She gave me vision and understanding as she went about joyfully serving (and still does). She sharpened my view as she bore testimony and shared personal examples of how choosing the right was the best choice. I didn’t have to learn many things the hard way because I knew I could trust her and the things she taught by the spirit. She walked with me into the ward chappel each Sunday and encouraged me to keep my promises. She expected and anticipated that one day I would spiritually see 20/20 on my own. Now it is my turn to pass on some eternal vision & legacy that has been placed before me.

p.s. Thanks Lily for making me feel so special today. You set out all of the gifts you had prepared from school and activity days last night and insisted I go back to bed so that you and Olivia could bring me breakfast in bed. I appreciate you gearing me up with excitement yesterday as you said, "I bet you are so excited for your special day tomorrow." I am the luckiest mom in the world.

20/20

Yesterday I decided to wear my glasses instead of contacts. While out working in the garden they were abruptly and accidentally knocked off as Lily stepped in too close and whacked me in the face. I was a little stunned for a minute but then went intently back to work. Since I rarely wear them I didn’t really notice that my glasses had been knocked off. Then I looked up and things began looking blurry. (for those that don’t know, I am legally blind without glasses) I couldn’t figure out what was wrong because I’d forgotten that I’d been wearing glasses. (for those that don’t know, I have sporadic bouts of amnesia 🙂 ) Once I figured out that I was previously wearing glasses I started summoning for help. I knew that if I made one wrong step I could break the glasses. Stephen and Mason came to my aide and Mason eventually found them lying in one of our square foot gardens. I placed them back on top of my nose, smiled as I realized how amazing it is to see with full vision once again and then continued weeding. I began thinking about how wonderful it is to be able to see and how grateful I am for eye correction in these modern days.

As night set in, I thought of an analogy using my glasses experience as I contemplated Stephen’s impending trip to Guam. I decided that Stephen is like a pair of glasses for me. When he is physically away from me my life is hazy and not completely in focus. He is my support and cheerleader amidst lifes challenges. He stabilizes me and gives me vision in life. He takes my breath away and can encourage me in a way that nobody else will ever be able to do. I am happy to announce that after 15 years, I am still in love with the boy who knocked me off of my feet and made me begin to think spontaneously. I know when he comes home with his big hug that my vision will clear up and my heart will smile.

Another analogy that presented itself because today is Mother’s Day, is how a mother is her children’s pair of  glasses.  A righteous mother who desires to teach her children of “who they really are, why they are here, and where they came from” is like her children’s pair of spiritual glasses. My mother guided me along life’s journey for 19 years and taught me many important values and principles along the way. She gave me vision and understanding as she went about joyfully serving (and still does). She sharpened my view as she bore testimony and shared personal examples of how choosing the right was the best choice. I didn’t have to learn many things the hard way because I knew I could trust her and the things she taught by the spirit. She walked with me into the ward chapel each Sunday and encouraged me to keep my promises. She expected and anticipated that one day I would spiritually see 20/20 on my own. Now it is my turn to pass on some eternal vision & legacy that has been placed before me.

p.s. Thanks Lily for making me feel so special today. You set out all of the gifts you had prepared from school and activity days last night and insisted I go back to bed so that you and Olivia could bring me breakfast in bed. I appreciate you gearing me up with excitement yesterday as you said, “I bet you are so excited for your special day tomorrow.” I am the luckiest mom in the world.