The Parties just keep coming

Our summer is rolling by with a full calendar and fun visits from aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. This past weekend we were delighted to have the Baldwins (Amy, Bridget, and Abby) up for a visit. They don’t come very often so it was extra special for all of the girls. Stephen decided to take Mason on a Father and Son weekend since they missed the one with the ward. This freed us girls up to have a lot of girl bonding. We made aprons, went to Hannah Montanna, and then went and did a photo shoot at the temple and BYUI gardens. The gardens are sooo beautiful – I could stay there for a very long time if I were there a lone with a book.

The Baldwin’s are night owls and we had some extra late night excitement which resulted in some girl drama on the following days by the Parker girls. It was all worth it to spend those extra hours with cousins.

Thanks for the visit girls and we look forward to more memories down the road. Here are some of our fun pictures…

This week we are anticipating a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin and then welcoming the Parker Grandparents home from their mission after 18 monts (JT is going to meet them for the first time)! Another exciting week to add to the rest!


these girls weren’t cooperating

couldn’t keep this fella from the fun
Ah, the lazy days of summer
The clan at our photo shoot – I personally LOVE the colors in the back drop…green field, blue sky, & white clouds.

Olivia was excited to see her other cousin, Brookey, at the splash park.

Comments:

Anne said…

Summer is so fun! The pictures of the gardens make me excited to go to Angelica’s reception up there. The aprons are darling…love them. Keep the good times rollin…as long as you get to sleep in to catch up on those late nights!
Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:28:44 PM

Grandpa & Grandma Parker said…

You girls know how to have fun. The pic are great. Can’t wait to see you.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 11:37:11 PM

Magan said…

Fun times, we must be on the wrong side of the state, we haven’t had any Baldwin family visitors in over 3 years
Monday, June 22, 2009 9:40:04 PM

Grandpa Baldwin said…

I just read Magan’s comment. I feel guilty. We plan to visit Boise in September to be part of Grant’s ordination. Anyway, it has been too long since we’ve been there.

We enjoy returning to Rexburg. The more often we return and the long we stay there the harder it is to return to Orem. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and to serve in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. We know our mission activities are important and that people can be helped in the difficult times we find ourselves in.

We really appreciate the good things our family are doing and love to hear about all the fun things you all do. We look forward to visiting the family whenever we can arrange the time. Who knows, maybe next summer will
be quite different and we will be pushing the window of over-staying!

Monday, June 29, 2009 1:12:13 PM

Fun with Bridget


baptisms for the dead at the rexburg temple

My cousin Bridget came this past weekend for a visit. We had a blast. She is just like me so we had lots of fun sqealing, making aprons, posing for pictures, being drama queens, making lunch with our new aprons on and getting to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

Last Friday morning my dad took me and my cousin, Bridget, to the Rexburg Temple. It was my first time and I wished I would have gone sooner because it took some time – 3 hours. The Idaho Falls Temple was closed so all of those people were going to the Rexburg Temple.

When we finally got in to be confirmed we were the last ones. Bridget even got baptized for someone who had the same name as  her in either sweedish or German. It was fun to go with Bridget because she has been 9 times before and she showed me how to do things and answered my questions…especially with the shower. My dad was baptized and then he baptized me and Bridget.

I could feel the spirit and it was really fun. I hope I get to go again soon. Maybe my Grandpa & Grandma Parker will go with me and all of my Parker cousins next?

Comments:

Anne said…

How fun to spend one on one time with your cousin! That would be fun for you Parker cousins to go and do baptisms for the dead together. Keep smiling!
Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:39:50 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

We would love that. The temple has been opened for all this time and we haven’t been yet. Let’s make it soon.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 11:31:43 PM

Just Father and Son

Mason and I snuck out of town this weekend to head north and enjoy the outdoors for our own personal Father and Sons outing.  We missed the ward one because we were at little red.  It was a blast, we stopped by Dave’s IGA on the way up for some day old mashed potatoes and gravy, hard to beat 50 cents for a good meal.  Then we headed straight for the Jefferson trail head, we wanted to bike out to it.  We found put pretty quick that we were a month too early as there was still at least a foot of snow covering the trail.  We chose instead to bike to the top of Sawtelle, and check out the view from there.  It was a pretty good little workout biking up hill at almost 10,000 feet.  We made it and enjoyed the view, but headed down quickly because of the cold windchill on top.

We made our way to the cabin on the hill where we had some good old fashioned chili.  We lit up a fire and headed north again for desert at what used to be called Arrowleaf Ice cream, it is called Mooseberry now.  That was well worth the trip, Mason and I ate our ice cream as we walked over to the Playmill to get some fudge for Mom. As we were finishing our ice cream we looked at each other and said let’s get another one.  So we split a large for round two, they just don’t make them big as they used to.

We had to work off our indulging so we chose to bike down the ski hill and back up the hill again.  That was a serious workout, it started to rain just as we came up the last switchback, that was perfect motivation to hurry into the cabin.  We stoked up the fire again and roasted some marsh mellows, then hit the hay.  On the way home we stopped by the big cabin and like clockwork Mason was scouring the ditch banks for frogs.  He found and caught quite a few, and we saw a school of tadpoles which made him excited for the future of frog catching.  Good times.  He said he can’t wait to do it again with Grandpa when he comes home.

Comments:

Anne said…

Sounds like a great father and son campout. Brrr! It does look cold, good thing you could warm up at the cabin.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:33:04 PM

Grandpa said…

Grandpa is pretty excited to make it a three generation outing. That sounds about as fun as anything I can imagine. Good job!
Sunday, June 21, 2009 11:25:52 PM

The Challenge

Mason saw me running tonight to train for the bone to back run next Saturday.  He asked me how high I went I told him 1100 feet.  He said, "I want to go 1200".  So he hopped on and ran full speed at 25% grade, 100, 400, 600, 800, 1100, 1200, 1230 was his final tally before I pulled the plug.  He was making me look bad, here I just ran a marathon and though I was in shape and Mason takes me no sweat.  Of course Lily wanted to give it a try too. Tough kids.

I told Mason that if he could do that, then he can run all the way to the cabin on the hill tomorrow night on our camp out.  We will let you know how it goes.

Comments:

Uncle John said…

Nice work Mason. You keep pushing you dad so he doesn’t get too soft. I was really impressed with your mountain biking skills. You are quite the athlete. Keep it up.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:08:28 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

“Work should enthroned as a crowning principle in our lives” (Pres. Kimball) Setting goals and not quitting is a good sign of a successful person.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:21:19 PM

Steph said…

Mason, you’re a machine!
Friday, June 19, 2009 10:06:36 PM

3rd Time is a Charm

Today was the big day, we ran the big run 26.2 miles.  It was a great day, the weather was perfect nice cloud cover and cool.  I have to admit the training really did pay off.  It is so much better to run a marathon having prepared for it.  It was fun as always to chat with the other runners and glean from their excitement.  I have fun finding the person in front and targeting them as a goal to pass next.  Today we  had "pinky", "little blue", "greenie", and "jalepeno" to name a few.  It was such a fun experience to be able to run with Jodi, I would have never imagined her and I doing this together.  What a fun memory to reflect on in the years to come.

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

We are happy to see couple having fun together. Making great memories.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 12:27:54 AM

michelle said…

Good job Stephen- I am pretty sure you are a bionic man or something. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:30:36 PM

Diana said…

That Pinky shot makes me laugh! Thanks for the good times, you truly were an inspiring coach!
Monday, June 15, 2009 8:51:58 AM

Jana said…

Once again I am proud to say you are my brother, thanks for your positiv eoutlook on life and it’s challenges! You are pretty cool in my book never forget it!
Monday, June 15, 2009 1:08:29 PM

Weekend Activities


Mountain Biking at Hawly Gulch

We have had a full weekend! We were most excited to have company. John and Michelle’s family came up. Friday morning John, Stephen, and Trevin took a bunch of cool kids mountain biking. They had a lot of fun with many crazy stories to tell. The rest of us went to the Spray Park and braved the cool weather. JT and Olivia loved riding the carousal. We topped the day off going out on a 5 couple date to Craigo’s Pizza to do our carboload. I know I felt like a giant ball of dough rolling out of the restaurant – we ate well. John told us some funny stories, our personal favorite about a girl in the back of his friend’s pick up truck. You’ll have to have him tell it to you. While we were out Haley, Lex, Kenzie, and Mason made a great movie entitled, "The Parker Bunch". It was a day in the life of a mom. We’ll have to show it to you some time.

John and Michelle were so awesome to help us out with our children while we ran! We owe them major big time and appreciate them so much. JT loved his Uncle John – John put a wagon together for him and took him to see the tractors. After the marathon we came home and relaxed for a quick minute before going to Aunt Dot and Uncle Everett’s 70th anniversary reception. Isn’t that just amazing! Seventy years – they look great and were so happy.

Now we are very tired and hope to sleep a lot tonight and then take a long nap tomorrow!


Love the bike transportation

The Happy Married Couple of 70 Years
Stephanie ran the 5K – way to go!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

What a wonderful and meaningful week-end. We were sure glad you shared them on the site. All this and the Gospel too!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 11:51:45 PM

michelle said…

Way to go guys! You are very inspiring. Thanks for letting us stay at your house. The kids had a blast. So did the parents.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:27:54 PM

Jana said…

Very proud of you both and Stephanie, We had a fun weekend too. It’s fun to be a part of something so great.
Monday, June 15, 2009 1:05:39 PM

Magan said…

Very inspiring events accomplishing a marathon and celebrating a marriage of 70 years. “Life is Good”

Monday, June 15, 2009 4:09:26 PM

I can, and I will


It was a long morning!

We did it! We finished the race – it was a successful delivery. The weather was perfect – not too hot or cold and it didn’t rain. That was a miracle (it has rained solid for the past 2 weeks – it waited to rain until right after the run)  I modified my sister-in-law’s matra to make it my own: I CAN, AND I WILL! I used this as I started getting overwhelmed and then I smiled (just like she told me – thanks Anne!) There was one complication though- our friend Diana’s knee starting having trouble at about mile 18, but she is a TOUGH girl and pushed through the pain. We are soo proud of her for finishing strong and with a smile even though we knew she was hurting like crazy.

Stephen was a maniac with a super surge of energy the ENTIRE time (There is no exaggeration on that word). He is living proof that insulin dependent diabetes does not have to slow you down. He wore his pump and took good care of himself. He seriously is amazing and we think has a super power that he isn’t telling us about. I kept telling our friends, just wait until you meet his dad and then you’ll know where he gets it from.

Do I have any regrets? Only one – Stephen talked me into wearing my spandex bike pants (without the padded bum). I already regretting it when I see the photos, but I will admit that they kept me warm and cool at the appropriate times and made my varicose veins feel good. So I am crossing over into the functional clothing category as opposed to the fashion forward one. You can nominate me for Not What to Wear.

It was very exciting to run this and be challenged and to learn more about myself. Today was great, but what I will take from this experience as a whole is all of the training that enabled me to be able to accomplish this goal. You can’t get something for nothing and I got a whole lot more out of this last 6 months than merely saying "I’ve run a marathon."  

 


Stephen, Me, Diana, and Diana’s Brother in Law
The lovely spandex couple!
Our supportive little family

Comments:

Paulo said…

Those pants are tight! Can I borrow em for the next marathon?
Saturday, June 13, 2009 8:48:30 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Nice job! Congrats to both of you. It really was a family effort, so everybody profited from the experience. The whole family looked happier at the finish line. There might be another analogy there.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 11:41:06 PM

michelle said…

Great job jodi-It was fun to see you guys do this huge thing. Thanks for your example. The pants looked great… no regrets!
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:33:18 PM

Diana said…

Thanks for sticking with me! I think that it is great when your running partner turns into your sister!
Monday, June 15, 2009 8:53:00 AM

Jana said…

I’m loving the tight pants, You are amazing and get me fired up and thinking about things that I can do. Good job and congratulations on a goal finished.
Monday, June 15, 2009 1:10:18 PM

Magan said…

You look great in the spandex, wear it with pride sister you just ran a marathon!!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009 4:18:02 PM

What a Sister

Stephanie surprised Jodi and I with a little gift bag for our run on Saturday.  I was really touched by her thoughtfulness and the time she took out of her life to do this for me.  Words can’t express how it made me feel…it was simply awesome of her.  What a Sister. Thanks Steph it really hit the spot, can’t wait to try my new socks on for the run.

Calm Before the Storm

We ran our last training run this morning, it was a short 2 mile run.  Seems strange that we have to rest for the next 3 days until the huge 26.2 mile run. It reminds me of waiting for the great rain storms you can see them coming, but right now it is just as calm as can be.  I still remember the last time I ran a marathon I said never again that was stupid.  But here we are again.  If it doesn’t kill me it will make me stronger…so they say.

Comments:

Anne said…

Soak in the calm and eat your fruits, vegies, and carbs! I will be cheering for you from a far!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:08:14 AM

Steph said…

I here it might be stormy Saturday. I hope not. I wish I could be there to cheer you on, next year I am going to do the relay so I can cheer you on for part of it. I will be running with you in spirit at 8:30 for 5k. Have fun and be aware of your sugars. I told Trevin to make sure the paramedics are good ones. See you Saturday at the park.
Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:55:19 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Enjoy the calm. You might just enjoy this one a little more as a result of the training. This will be a fun thing to talk about for the rest of your life. May the Spirit be with you both.
Thursday, June 11, 2009 3:03:23 PM

Jana said…

I still think you are loco!! But I am sure proud of all my siblings and their accomplishments. I will be there in spirit too we have our youth conference this weekend…i might sneek away to come give you all high fives!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:39:27 PM

Delivering my Dam Baby

It has been 6 months in incubation. The Teton Dam Marathon, for which I've been training, is about to be delivered: THIS SATURDAY MORNING!  I've been committing myself (body and soul) to 4 days of running and 1 day of cross training a week. One of those runs usually ranging from 10 – 20 miles in distance. Some days I have been optimistic, and others full of despair – this trail has been filled with many feelings while I've finally approached delivery, much like the birth of a baby. While I don't want to overshadow the fact that having a real baby is much more miraculous and life changing, I would like to try to relate how training for this marathon has been like being pregnant. Maybe some of the mother's out there can relate a little.

Excitement vs. Reality: When you find out you are preganant you are really excited, you can't wait to hold that baby (or medal if you are running). Then reality sets in and you get morning sickness and are extremely tired ALL of the time. Running those first long distances can make one really tired! And I hate to get personal, but on one of the runs I was pretty sick to my stomach and had to make a quick getaway on my friend's husband's bike – that was utterly embarrassing!

Body limitations: When I'm prego, I get many aches and pains that I never knew could exist in my body – same as running at this level of intensity. Just like when I'm pregnant I have felt the bulge in my right ankle which feels like a bruise. I am also hoping to hang on to the two toenails that have turned black.

Emotional: Sometimes you just want to cry! Whether it be out of joy or feeling overwhelmed.

Sacrifice: Sometimes you have to miss out on life events/parties/meetings all for the sake of running a long distance. It is quite the orchestration to fit 3 peoples' schedules together once a week and then hold your breath that the weather will cooperate!  When you are pregnant you seem to have to miss out on hikes, rides at Lagoon or Disneyland, jet skiing, sledding, or riding bikes with your kids.

Neglect: I don't know about other moms, but when I'm pregnant I feel like a terrible mom. Mostly because I feel crappy and tired…I don't feel up to doing much or throwing a party. Running has been a little different – I don't feel crappy, I just have to be gone a lot, and with Stephen coming with me I have felt the sacrifice of leaving my children to fend for themselves week after week. They are amazing and have been a huge support. I know they are well taken care of by Alexis (thanks!!!!), I just have hated to expect that from her and to miss out on the fun things they are doing.

Moral Support: Friends are the best when you are getting ready to have a child baby and even when you are getting ready to deliver a dam baby. I have been encouraged by many friends and it  is very nice, because I really need a lot of positive vibes going out on my behalf – every bit helps. My dear friend, Diana, has been running this trail with me and it has been wonderful to have a girl to vent to and have relate to what I'm going through. She has been trying to juggle family time, deal with aches and pains, keep up with all the school events, and have the desire to face one more 5:15 a.m. morning – just like me. I'm here to say, if it weren't for her, I would have bailed on many of those mornings. But knowing that she was there waiting made me be able to push the alarm button and hop out of bed, instead of push snooze and think "I'll do it later today." Which you and I know would never happen.

Duration: lucky for me this big dam baby has only taken 6 months of my life as opposed to 9 months. BUT I do need to add that none of my babies were 26.2 pounds! It is a monster baby.

Gratitude: Just like when I have delivered my real babies, I have complete gratitude and amazement at the ability of the human body – My body! It can do hard things when I allow my mind to think positively. My sister-in-law picks mantra's to live by and this year's is: "If you think you can, you can." She passed me a necklace with this inscribed on it this past weekend. It meant a lot coming from a fellow marathoner and It is true! When I have to run up Summer's Hill on Saturday you can bet I'll be chanting that mantra in my head – o.k. maybe outloud.

My Man: Stephen.  He encouraged me to do this because he believes in me, and he has been running right by my side throughout all of these crazy days. He has helped me stay focused on the grand prize and has also given me drinks of ice water – just like any of my other babies. What would I do without him? Just like being pregnant – he has gotten me through this long 6 months because he keeps believing in me when I'm ready to give up. He is why I have done this and I will be thanking him Saturday with a big smile – I might even have to give him a kiss. He knew I could do something that I just didn't have the heart to think about. How many girls can say they've run a martathon with their hubby? I don't know, but now I can add my name to the list.

I will be in labor Saturday morning from 6:30 – 10:30 or 11 am (no epidural). After that I can say I've delivered my Dam Baby once and for all!

Comments:

Diana said…

I loved every word of that. Great analogy! You could say that you & Stephen will be delivering twins! I am excited to have been on this journey with you!

Thursday, June 11, 2009 7:43:57 AM

Anne said…

Hi Jodi, I was just thinking of you this morning! I can relate to a lot of your feelings. For me…all the good was HUGE! I was amazed how much people told me I was crazy and how much more nervous it made me, ugh! So… yippee skippy…way to go…I am SO proud of you…I KNOW you will do great…a step at a time…If you think you can, You Can…smile every time someone cheers and every time you get tired (it really helps me)…you CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:58:27 AM

Steph said…

See you Saturday at the Park. You will do great, you’ve prepared well.
Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:04:05 PM

Mom and dad Parker said…

Too bad we can’t be there. One good thing. After getting the medal, it won’t cry and keep you up for months. Run like the wind!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 2:59:02 PM

Jana said…

you can do it!! I am super proud of you and wish I had half the heart you’ve got..good luck in the delivery!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:43:18 PM