St. Patty’s Day at the Parkers


Family FunOne of the funnest parts of being a mom for me is creating fun days and memories, even though sometimes it can be very hectic – it really does just make life more fun. I am glad that I have started a box of stuff for each of the monthly occasions so all I have to do it drag it out of the storage room and do the same thing as I did the year before. I’m finding that my kids love the “old reliables” anyway. On a good year I add something new to the excitement, but on years like this I just reuse. St. Patrick’s day was a crazy, busy day filled with piano, soccer, scout meeting, YM, & library story time. When all was said and done, we were happy to have tried to make our “green” dinner work. All I had to do was throw a green table cloth on and have a hay day with green food coloring and the day became a little bit more special.


Yummy Green Rolls
Green Salad
Green Mashed Potatoes (shepherd’s pie with green beans in the background)

Green Milk
It really was a happy shamrock day!

Comments:

Jana said…

Fun traditions…I need to get some boxes so I can have the things that make family life more fun and memorable. We were pretty low key this year just a green breakfast.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:32:17 AM

Patricia said…

What a fun time. Your mom is the best! Be sure to thank her for the good times she creates for all of you. G. Baldwin
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:41:44 AM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Looks like Olivia got a little green dye in her eye. Kiss her for us even if we aren’t Irish.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:53:38 AM

Michelle said…

I love the idea of the occasion boxes. You are such a fun mom, making great memories for your kids.
Thursday, March 19, 2009 6:37:06 PM

Mason’s 10th Birthday Photos


M S P the strawberry lover!Mason had a great day! He has been “ripsticking” daily ever since – probably the best gift he could have received! The origami has been suffering though (ha ha).

Comments:

Jana said…

Happy birthday Mason glad you were born! Looks like you had a great day!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:37:41 AM

Grandma and grandpa Parker said…

Happy Birthday, Mason! It looks like you really hit pay dirt for your 10th birthday. We hope this year is going to be a great one.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:50:16 AM

Lily’s Big Date


Tonight I had the pleasure of going on a date with my friend and daughter Lily. We attended the John Schmidt concert at the Rexburg Tabernacle. I knew Lily would love it because she really loves to play the piano. I loved watching her eyes sparkle when she saw his fingers moving quickly across the keyboard of the piano. She loved it when he played with his toes and also when he faced the opposite direction and turned his hands backward on the piano, he also layed on the piano bench and put his fingers up to play a little diddy. What talent! Lily told me her very favorite part was when he put his wig on and played the “dumb” song. That is what John calls his song he wrote using inspiration from a Tuna Fish commercial. It was a delight to spend some one on one time with Lily. She has a whole world waiting for her – she is setting out to do big things. It will be fun going along for the ride with her on her journey in life.

Comments:

Dad said…

I am Glad for you Lily, you are a talented little girl who could grow up to be just like him.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 9:32:18 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

You are lucky Lily to have such a talented Mom. Learn all you can from her. It’s fun to spend quality time with each of your children. Keep practicing and you will be a great teacher for your kids too.
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:36:13 AM

John said…

How fun-He plays the best music. Maybe you will be as good as him someday-you are sure off to a great start.
Sunday, March 29, 2009 2:59:32 PM

Gray and Red visits


Gray is a pretty color, just not sure I”m ready for that change yet?!The past few days I have noticed that among my brown hair are unwelcome “natural” highlights. I was in denial until today when I leaned closer into the mirror and plucked out several strands of gray. They are gone now (ouch)! It is only a matter of time until they move in to stay. I actually think gray hair is very pretty. I’m just not so sure I’m ready for that change yet.

On a happier note:

Let’s think of the color: RED. As in Red Rocks! I am getting so stoked for our family trip to Moab this weekend! The 13 miles I have to run on Saturday to grant me the pleasure of this visit will be well worth it – not to mention I can burn a few calories too. Stephen and I feel like kids at Christmas, can’t wait to breath some warm air, soak in some rays, hopefully get a sunburn, and enjoy some beautiful country – all with the people we love the most (our kids). YIPEE!

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Nature has a way of changing us. Sometimes we just have to grow into the changes. You can’t think of it has gray. It’s silver, that makes you feel better about it. Remember you earn all of those silver hairs.
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:30:59 AM

Michelle said…

Good luck on the run. I am impressed! Wish we could be there to cheer you on!
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:42:19 AM

Stephen said…

I love gray hair…make you look more intellectual
Monday, March 16, 2009 9:34:46 AM

Anne said…

Can’t wait to see you guys this weekend! Looks like it will be warm. Hey, I think you are beautiful just the way you are and my way of having the glass half full is…we just are going to maybe learn to be humble better than those perfect hair people out there.
Monday, March 16, 2009 12:21:28 PM

John said…

I am glad you get to do it again. It will be much more fun without a sick Stephen. Gray is where it is at. I am filling in nicely with my new color of hair. I think the red rock has magical powers to refresh and make you happy. Have a great weekend.

Monday, March 16, 2009 9:15:18 PM

First time boarding


Good timesAlexis, Mason, and myself decided it was time to splurge and pay the $7 lift ticket to go snowboarding. This is Lex and Mason’s first time at a ski resort, and my second time on a snow board. We had a great time, we invited Paul to come along since he knows what he is doing, and because he always makes any activity funner.

I will admit after the painfully slow and painful first run down with Lex, I was thinking this is going to be a long day. It was her first time on a board going down hill. We learned after about 20 falls that if we held hands and I went down backwards we could do pretty well. She caught right on after that, and progressively improved. Within a few more runs down she was excited to report she made it all the way down without even crashing once. I think it helped when she saw her friend Tanner there, had to play it cool with him around. 🙂

Mason, we he is just crazy. He took off with Paul and his strategy was full speed then bail. Worked pretty good for him but after awhile he started to expand his expertise and would do the “wishbone” and “carving”. He looked like a natural. He even caught some good air, he learned how to land from me though, as you can see in the pictures.

All in all we had a great day made some great memories, and now Lex and Mason can’t stop talking about going again.


Quad seating on the lift, pretty cool

Bunny hop man
“Here she is Miss America”
Paul is a pro

Go Mason!

This little 3 year old girl looked so cute sleeping on the hill, she was just tired right out.
Paul in the Terrain Park

Now you see me…
Now You don’t
The last run of the day…

Face plant, notice the right wrist…snap

Comments:

Paul said…

Thanks for the invite! It was fun except for the little scare on the jump.
Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:50:41 PM

Dad said…

Looks like fun, but you know the way I feel about paying lift tickets, no matter how small. There is an old song that says, “How you goin’ to keep ’em down on the farm, after they’ve seen Paris. I think I would rather play on an untouched hillside on snowshoes or back-country skiis, but that’s just your stubborn old dad.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:34:17 AM

Magan said…

Funny that quote from your dad is my dads all time favorite line. I have heard that so so many times in my life. Where do you find $7 lift tickets. There $50 in our neck of the woods.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 2:27:02 PM

Michelle said…

looks like a great time! Bummer about the wrist. The kids look like little pros.
Monday, March 16, 2009 8:39:20 AM

Anne said…

Oh…SO FUN! Sorry about the wrist, OUCH! Sometimes you got to not listen to your crazy brothers maybe?!? Even though Paul is pretty cool! Glad you had fun!
Monday, March 16, 2009 12:19:41 PM

Go Big or/and Go Home


Looking good…We had a blast all day today snowboarding in Jackson. Just before we came home Paul said, Go big or Go Home. Well we did both, I hit a huge Jump, and landed it. Only problem was I landed it on my face and hands. I ended up breaking my right wrist on the last jump of the day, so we went home.


…not looking good, face plant
Closer look

I think my nose grew a size or two from that face plant

Comments:

Paul said…

I also remember Alexis saying “Wrists are the most common breaks in snowboarding” She knew it was coming! I also feel bad cause I talked you into doing the jumps with me.
Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:49:26 PM

Mom and Dad said…

Sorry to hear about the wrist. You have to take better care of your body so you can help us build a house.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:29:27 AM

John said…

Ouch! I am glad you are ok. Looks like a fun day other than the busted wrist. Be careful. A wrist today a back tommorow.
Monday, March 16, 2009 9:12:11 PM

Jana said…

Fun wish we could have made it up there with you. Next year we will take a trip together. take care of your body it’s the only one you got!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:35:26 AM

And the winner is…

Grandpa Baldwin and Grandpa & Grandma Parker win, by getting 7 correct! There was a slight discrepancy because Grandpa B said Quiet and Destructive in addition to Quick and Strong – he was close, but the answer was only Quick and Strong. Grandpa – sometimes JT can be pretty destructive! You’ll receive a box of whoppers next time we see you – if Stacie can fit them in, we’ll send the Parkers’ with her.

If you were wondering, the winner(s) to JT Trivia at the party were: Jana and Paige – they both got 8 correct. The adult and children competed separately.

Here are the answers to the JT Trivia challenge:
1. Dad
2. All of the above
3. Opening up all of mom’s cupboards
4. Quick and Strong
5. Anything that makes noise
6. Give them my best smile
7. 6 lbs 9 oz – 19″, and 6:42 pm
8. 18 lbs 29″
9. Dad’s friends
10. Jehovah is Salvation

Thanks for participating and making this fun!

Ten Things I love about my Ten Year Old


This is what happens when you have 3 sisters.Tomorrow is Mason’s big 1-0. Double digit Day! He is proud to be turning a “decade” old. He got to have a couple of friends over for a late night this past Friday to celebrate. I have to say boys are awesome – I didn’t plan one darn thing other than buying an airplane calendar for $3.50 that they could use. Mason came up with the great idea “let’s see who can sweat the most!” We think he won – Alexis was the trainer and told them to run up and down the stairs 50 times…I am now concerned about the condition of my stairs not to mention the smell that little 10 year olds can produce :). Lex took hold of the party and came up with an “Amazing Race” game and then did make over’s on them. I think it was a successful first late night for Mason. Loud. Simple. Fun.

It’s is such a copy cat thing to do, but I can’t help myself. Here 10 reasons I love Mason:
1. He is passionate and committed to the things he likes to do.
2. He is honest.
3. He is a true friend.
4. He is creative.
5. He is smart.
6. He gives a good hug.
7. He is a great brother.
8. He is a darn hard worker.
9. He is physically strong but tender hearted.
10. He knows how to create a good time.

Comments:

Michelle said…

Happy Birthday Mason-looks like a great party. We sure think you are turning into a great young man. You are always so kind to Zach and make him feel so good about himself. Thanks for being so great.
Monday, March 09, 2009 5:24:29 PM

Steph said…

Happy Birthday Mas, you are looking so cute in that skirt, it is a good color for you. I wanted to find you origami paper but Rexburg is short on Japanese stores. I will get you some soon. I am glad you picked good friends, it will make all the difference in the years ahead.
Monday, March 09, 2009 8:49:33 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Happy birthday Mason. You are doing a good job of growing up to be a fine young man. Follow the example of your good parents and stay on the high road.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:29:52 AM

Magan said…

Happy Birthday to Mason!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 4:06:49 PM

FLASHBACKS # 1-3


Days from long agoFLASHBACK #1
Today I was out in the hallway at church getting ready to join the ward choir for rehearsal. I was running late (as usual) and had to stop when I heard the music. They were singing one of my FAVORITE choral songs ever, “A Gaelic Blessing” by John Rutter. It was like hearing from an old friend – WONDERFUL. I really do love this song if you can’t tell. I leaned over to the person seated next to me and let her know that this song has to be sung at my funeral. When I came home and told my family, Alexis said she would sing it at my funeral for me. Thanks Lex, but I’m hoping your grandchildren will do it instead because I’m not that eager for it to happen yet! I was introduced to this song as a high school girl singing with the Madison Bel Cantos. My rooted emotions stem from the simple joy and profound pleasures of building a stronger testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ through song. Not only is the music very beautiful, the words speak volumes of how I really feel about people and life – even from back then 15 years ago! I think it speaks of our road to happiness as we realize the love of our Savior and then wanting deeply for others to find that same joy.

FLASHBACK #2
I recently returned from visiting my brother, Scott, and his family. It was such fun! They are pretty much the coolest family, they have it all figured out – what an inspiration to be around them for a few days. I was even kid-free so I could enjoy their kids (Which included a sweet newborn baby boy) without any distractions. SIDE NOTE: My husband deserve serious props for taking on 5 kids by himself for 5 days! Not many men would have been up for that challenge – but then again he is always up for a challenge and he really loves his kids. Onto the flashback now – Scott is a very talented musician and always has been. He whipped out his guitar and we sang a little music from “Big River” just like the olden days. We sang a lot at my house as we grew up – mostly on Sunday nights and sometimes after dinner during the week. Music was one of my favorite things about my house. It was fun to sing hymns, musicals, or whatever else we were in the mood for, even music from the 1930’s and 1920’s. While in Texas we also talked about the scripture that my dad had us read on more occasions than I can add up. The scripture is Mosiah 4:14-15. It is about loving and serving one another. We read this a lot because it was used as a teaching tool after we were yelling or fighting with each other. Scott pointed out to his daughter that we would fight over who was going to turn the T.V. off – silly? I know! It was fun to see that scripture come to fruition…I had fun trying to serve a little while I was there and of course the love has multiplied now that he has a wife and three children.

FLASHBACK#3
I saw my old violin teacher while I was on a date at Bajio a couple of weeks ago. I was so glad because I have thought of him often over the past 2 years and had a grateful heart. I have felt a need to tell him thanks for the many things I learned musically. He was a person that I saw every day of my school life from 5th grade on to 12th. My favorite part of playing the violin was performing at an orchestra concert. I didn’t enjoy soloing and still don’t. It is nice to be part of an ensemble that creates a beautiful sound.