Mr. Mom


After we dropped off Jodi we hit Sams Club for some lunchBoy it sure is a lot more work than I had planned on having Jodi gone. She is in Texas visiting her brother and family. The rest of the gang here are just trying to survive, Alexis sure does help out a lot and that is great. We are counting the days until our “foundation” returns home. “110, 220 whatever it takes.”


JT Loved the pretzel
Mason took down a foot long Polish dog in just minutes
The Happy Helper Lex

Mason loved these binoculars, he found some Heely’s at our favorite store (sporting gear for more than half off) for $5 and was stoked.
Lex too

Comments:

Steph said…

You are a great dad, the kids will have a blast and Jodi will too.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:45:51 PM

Grandpa Parker said…

You guys will do fine for a while, you can live with the image of Mom in your hearts and minds for a few days. Moms are a wonderful gift to us all.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 12:38:57 AM

Teddy Bear "T" Party


It is party time at our house this week! Olivia had a Teddy Bear “T” Party on Wednesday for Playgroup. We were celebrating her “Un” birthday. We didn’t have play group when it was her birthday so we opted for the un-birthday thing. (Obviously I wasn’t thinking about everything else)

BUT

It was lots of fun. She looked so cute in her “T” party outfit and I had lots of fun listening to them talk about their “Stinky” dads. I heard a few secrets leak out of the bag about dad’s tooting and blaming the little girls – it cracked me up! It all spiraled out after a little friend said her dad calls “Tinkerbell”, “Stinkerbell”.

I got a little carried away making teddy bear travel bags filled with “t” items. That is one part of being a mom that I love! It was fun to see the little girls carrying them around to play with their teddy bears – totally worth all of the work! We also played pin the heart on the teddy bear.

What a fun party with 3 and 4 year olds. I think I like playgroup as much as Olivia!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Never has princess Olivia looked more like a real princess. Little girls are such a wondrous creation. Way to capture the moment and help little ladies feel like they’re somebody.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:30:01 AM

Patricia said…

Olivia, what a fun un-birthday party you had! Your mom really knows how to plan great parties, huh? You looked so beautiful as a princess! Your friends are beautiful, too! Life is good! Every day can be special with special people around us! Have fun today. XOXO G. Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:51:22 AM

Steph said…

Olivia, your mom is out of control, but that’s good for you. You really do look gorgeous with those fabulous earings.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:54:41 PM

michelle said…

That is so cute! Olivia looks like a real princess. What a lucky little girl.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:52:08 PM

A day without making a meal


my new pen that my dad made for me and my new shirt that my mom got for me – thanks!

My birthday was just great – I got out of making lunch and dinner! Which means NO dishes! Even better right? Stephen took me to lunch and then we ended up taking the whole family to dinner, my "cake" was sharing asphalt pie with Alexis- yummy! My kids were so great all day long, no fighting and they were extra helpful and positive. Alexis gave me a bow holder, Lily gave me a mug with hearts on it that she got from DI and Olivia gave me her box of Olivia puppets that we have made together. Fun stuff! My mom and dad were here this past weekend and totally spoiled me as well! I got the deluxe treatment – thanks to them! It is nice to get spoiled once in a while. I will say that I love getting older each year. It is great to live another day and make memories and moments and learn and grow. I’ve got a good gig goin’ on here.

Thinking Man


Here is a shot of Mason sitting in anticipation to kick off his first Idaho History scholastic bowl. He did a great job and hung in there for quite awhile. Great Job Mason.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

We were thinking that he looked like he was thinking of giving that girl next to him a little kiss on the cheek. Just kidding, he looked determined and cool.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:24:18 AM

Patricia said…

Mason, what a smart and handsome young man you are! Isn’t Idaho History a blast? I remember when my dad, brother and I made a cool Idaho History binder out of wood with hinges. I put lots of Idaho history information inside it. I was so pleased with it when it was completed! I still have it today!!! Save your special stuff! Mine is 52 years old now. I hope you had fun doing your Scholastic Bowel. XOXO G. Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:05:04 AM

Stephen (Grandpa Baldwin) said…

You and Grant will have to have a “bowl off” at one of our family get-to-gethers. It would have been fun to have been there. I remember when your mom was in 4th Grade – we didn’t do stuff like that – but wish we had. It’s a great opportunity to learn Idaho History. Thanks for being a good boy, Mason; keep up the good work.
Friday, February 27, 2009 9:06:33 AM

Steph said…

Can you sing all the verses of “Here we have Idaho”? I made a pillow with the Mt. Bluebird and the Syringa flower on it. Idaho is the coolest!
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:50:47 PM

michelle said…

Cool Mason-I don’t know much about Idaho, maybe you can teach me a thing or two! Good Job.
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:53:36 PM

Proud Papa


Waiting for the contest to startI was very proud of Mason tonight when he competed in the Idaho History scholastic bowl. He looked so nervous up there yet confident. He had studied hard, and he did very well. I was proud of him to take on such a hard challenge. The first round he struggled with one that I knew he knew the answer but he just couldn’t recall the answer. It was hard to sit there and watch him struggle for the answer and then not lift his chalk board. Once he heard them call him back for the second round he was so excited and you could see his confidence boosted. Good Job Mason!

My Big Day


The day started off early when I decided to wake up at 5:40 am. I didn’t want to go back to sleep so when my mom’s alarm went off at 5:46 we all got up and celebrated – Me, Mom, and Dad! They introduced me to my new piano that dad put together last night. I then watch them ride their bikes and then everyone finally decided to join the party. They watched me open my other gifts. Then I ate a blueberry muffin and a glass of chocolate milk. Of course I was ready for an early nap.

Later tonight my cousins and friends came over to wish me a happy day. We ate monkey cake and soup. Mom had to grab my hand away from the flame on the cake, I thought it was cool. I really liked eating my cupcake!

One thing is for certain – I have a lot of people who love me!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

JT, You are a cheerful wonderful little guy. Just seeing your pictures makes us smile in our hearts.
Friday, February 27, 2009 12:20:29 AM

Steph said…

A monkey cake is perfect for you. I wish I could have been there. Practice your piano and you might be as good as your uncle Scott someday. I remember listening to him and you mom play and sing together. Lucky kid.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:56:57 PM

michelle said…

happy birthday JT-you are such a cute little guy with a great family!
Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:48:51 PM

JT Trivia


Today is my birthday and as tradition stands, my mom has prepared a “JT Trivia” quiz for my first birthday party. In this new world of technology, mom thought that it would be fun for those that are far away to participate. So if any of you want to take the quiz and submit your answers by leaving a comment feel free. My mom said she would even send the winner a surprise! Good luck…Here it is:

1 year in review

1. Who do I look most like?
   Dad
   Mom
   Lily

2. My favorite foods are:
   Squash & Sweet potatoes
   Applesauce & Graham Crackers
   All of the above

3. My favorite past time these days is:
   Playing in my drawer in the kitchen
   Opening up all of mom’s cupboards
   Taking a Bath

4. Words to describe me are:
   Quick and Strong
   Quiet and Destructive
   Loud and Silly

5. My favorite toy is:
   Ball
   Cars
   Anything that makes noise

6. When I meet someone new I:
   Give them my best smile
   Wave
   Scream

7. What were my stats when I was born?
   7 lbs 6 oz – 18″, at 11:43 am
   6 lbs 9 oz – 19″, at 6:42 pm
   8 lbs 10 oz – 20″, at 2:17 pm

8. Currently my stats are:
   18 lbs and 29″
   17 lbs and 27″
   21 lbs and 32″

9. I am named after:
   My great great Grandfather
   The Joshua from the Bible
   My Dad’s friends who have passed away

10. The name Joshua means:
   Jehovah is Salvation
   Crown Garland
   One who works with stone

Comments:

Steph said…

Happy Birthday JT. We can’t make it to your party but we still love you and hope you get lots of yummy cake.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:58:59 AM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Happy birthday JT. Not having ever seen you, we had to do our best guessing. Lily,all the above, playing in the drawer, quick and strong, anything that makes noise, give them my best smile, 6’9″ 19″ long and at 6:42, 17 lbs 27 ” tall, after dad’s friend, Jehovah is salvation, And he is really cute.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:06:08 AM

John said…

Happy Birthday Josh. Here are my answers. You can copy them if you think I am smart. I would not recommend it. 1. Dad, 2. Apple sauce and Gram Crackers, 3. Play in Drawer, 4. Quiet and Destructive, 5. Anything that makes noise, 6. Wave, 7. 7 lbs. 6 oz. 11:43, 8. 18 lbs. 29″, 9. Dads friend, 10. Jehovah is Strength. Enjoy many more years to come.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 2:27:08 PM

Amy said…

I would not even know where to start with the answers… :-). But isn’t he just the cutest guy ever? I love holding him. He turns his head and takes a long drawn look at who is holding him. Such a cutie. Happy Birthday JT.
Thursday, February 26, 2009 4:34:11 PM

Magan said…

Happy B-day from the Boise Gang
Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:04:31 PM

Patricia said…

What a cute B-Day boy. My answers to the JT Trivia are as follows: 1. Dad 2. Squash & sweet potatoes 3. Kitchen drawer 4. Quiet and destructive 5. Anything that makes a noise 6. Smiles 7. 6lbs.9oz. 19″ long 8. 17lbs 27″ 9. After his dad’s friends 10. Joshua means salvation
I hope you had a really fun birthday JT. You’re pictures show that you did. I just love your B-Day cake. Your mom did a great job making it. What a fun boy, great mom, special dad and wonderful family! I love you all! Grandma Baldwin
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:25:00 AM

Stephen (Grandpa Baldwin) said…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J.T.
Yes, I know it is the day after you birthday but I’ll venture some answers (without copying from anyone else, of course). Wish we could have been at the party – the cake looks great!

1. Who do I look most like?
Dad
2. My favorite foods are:
All of the above
3. My favorite past time these days is:
Opening up all of mom’s cupboards
4. Words to describe me are:
Quick and Strong AND Quiet and Destructive
5. My favorite toy is:
Anything that makes noise
6. When I meet someone new I:
Give them my best smile
7. What were my stats when I was born?
6 lbs 9 oz – 19″, at 6:42 pm
8. Currently my stats are:
17 lbs and 27″
9. I am named after:
My Dad’s friends who have passed away
10. The name Joshua means:
Jehovah is Salvation
Friday, February 27, 2009 8:26:22 AM

The Amazing Race!

Here is our Application video for The Amazing Race! Wish us luck and put in the good word if you know anyone who can pull some strings.

Comments:

michelle said…

Sweet video! You guys better get on! We would be your #1 fans!
Monday, February 23, 2009 7:59:17 AM

Bruce said…

Looks like a great adventure. When is it?

Monday, February 23, 2009 8:30:03 AM

Mom said…

Even if you don’t get in the race, she liked the video.
Monday, February 23, 2009 8:30:55 AM

Michelle said…

What a great video! I hope you make it – it would be neat to know someone on the show. Good Luck!
Monday, February 23, 2009 10:10:01 AM

Magan said…

The perfect contestants! Awesome video, I will be routing for you. It is my very favorite show, I really think you two could win it. My fingers are crossed.
Monday, February 23, 2009 6:14:42 PM

John said…

Awesome! I am excited for you. Even if you don’t get in it is a great little promo video.
Monday, February 23, 2009 6:43:39 PM

Diana said…

I love it! You are a shoe in!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 11:03:50 AM

Stacie said…

You guys would be great! You have my vote! Sweet video! I told Rick once that I thought my brothers and dad could do that race! Good Luck!
Monday, March 02, 2009 10:18:44 PM

Amy said…

Love that video. I would actually watch TV if you guys make it… 🙂
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:09:40 AM