Quality Time


Great day to be outsideOur good friend Casey invited me to come cross country skiing with him this afternoon, Mason wanted to join in on the fun so off we went. We headed down by the Teton River then trekked across the fields of moody and over then fences as they came. It is hard to beat the peaceful serenity of quietly gliding across the snow with the beautiful mountains around. The sunset was amazing on the Tetons I wish I had taken my good camera to snap some shots. Reminded me a lot of the days of skiing with my Dad, funny thing is I was skiing on the same skis that I used to ski on with Dad over 20 years ago. Quality time sure does go a long way.


have to hurry to beat the sun down
Fences everywhere

Comments:

Dad said…

That untouched snow is such a beautiful sight too. You got to make the first tracks. By small and simple things are great relationships brought to pass. It’s nice that Mason is getting strong enough to do some of those fun things. Sons are about the best friends you can have.
Sunday, February 08, 2009 1:06:26 AM

John said…

What a great experience. Mason is getting pretty big. You guys are going to be great friends. Keep on playing and working together.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 9:32:24 PM

Patricia said…

I loved reading your blod today. It makes me so happy to see you and Mason having great times together. These memories will last a life time and even forever! I loved my Dad and was always tagging along beside hime. He was my “Hero” and he still is. Thanks for being such a great dad to our grandchildren. XOXO
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:28:08 AM

Valentiny


Fun GirlsWhen Alexis opened up her American Girl Magazine and saw the idea of having a Valentiny Party she was all over it! She showed it to me and I loved it as well, what a clever idea and it was already planned. Lily was easy to convince and the rest is now historty because today was Alexis’ and Lily’s Valentiny Party.

t was so much fun we are going to have to make it a tradition with all of the girls from our house every year! I had a lot of fun making the miniature treats and watching my girls interact with their friends. I even got a little misty eyed as I listened and watched, I am getting more and more nostalgic everyday. Today made me realize again, just how much fun being a mom to girls is! Pink, crafts, hearts, and giggles – you can’t beat that.


Fun Game – you play it like backward BINGO, if the words from one of your hearts is drawn from the bowl of conversation hearts, you take it off. The goal is to be the first one without any hearts.
Marshmallow Dipping – don’t they look so cute?
Playing Boogie Super Star and hula hoops were a nice ending to a fun party.

I know, they are soo cute. American Girl magazine had the funest ideas ever!
More fun mini treats…I made mini loaves of bread this week in honor of our party.
Every girl loves sprinkles!

The spread – I loved mini sodas when I was a kid, didn’t you?
Loony Spoons game – two teams try to see who can pass conversation hearts down the line up and fill up a bowl first.
Making cupcake jewelry boxes – we tucked in a rew fortunes for future good luck!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Those are wonderful, enthusiastic, happy, pure young ladies. What an enchanting age. Thank Heavens for little girls. (and big girls too)
Sunday, February 08, 2009 1:02:21 AM

Patricia said…

What a blast!!! How fun to have a Valentine’s party! Your mom is so supportive. You must love her for that. Happy Valentine’s Day to all of your family. We love you! XOXO G&G Baldwin
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:15:11 AM

Anaconda Squeeze


On Sunday night after I said good-night to my kids, Mason got half-way down the stairs then hurriedly ran back. He said he forgot to give me something. He then gave me the “anaconda squeeze” – it quickly became my favorite part of the day! He is a sweet boy and I hope he will always give out the “anaconda squeeze”.

He knows just how to flatter me too…whenever I play the piano I usually see him poke his head in or come and sit down to listen.

Last night when I told my kids that their thrown down backpacks and snowy boots were talking to me (saying my mom is a servant) he was the first one to rally everyone to clean up the mess. I love this guy!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Righteous reflexes are best developed in our youth. So is wisdom according to Alma. Perfect practice makes perfect. Keep it up Mason.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009 12:21:31 PM

Patricia said…

Mason,You are such a winner! I love and appreciate your goodness. You are always so good and kind to me, too. Thanks for the squeeses you give me. You and your mother are great friends. That is so awesome. Keep up your goodness. XOXO Grandma Baldwin
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:05:33 AM

Gifts!!!


My Friend likes a boy ,and that boy likes my friend.They are both getting each other gifts for Valentine’s Day.He is giving her a giant candy bar and she is giving him a dog with a heart in its mouth.Young love!For those of you wondering if I have a valentine I DON’T.I’m just blogging about it.Happy Valentine’s Day!I love you all!

Lex

Comments:

Mom said…

When I was your age, my dad was my Valentine – he even brought me flowers. Boys make good friends, you’ve got it figured out!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009 8:36:04 AM

Grandpa Parker said…

Your Mom is a wise person. You can’t go wrong following her advice.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009 12:18:38 PM

John said…

You are surely cute enough for lots of boys to like you. I am glad that you are staying clear of the boys for now. Moms are always right. Just ask my mom and she will tell you.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009 4:20:23 PM

Peppermint Bandit

This month JT turns one! Not only is he getting quick, he has a super strength…today at church he grabbed the bread tray and wouldn’t let go – needless to say a few pieces of bread flew. He also pushed a row of three primary chairs. He has quick & strong hands, but he is as cute as a button. He gets “oohed” over at church all day long. I think one of his biggest fans is his big sis, Lex. She thinks he is the cutest. Yesterday she commented to him, “I am so glad you are in our family.” I am too!

Check this video out of the “peppermint bandit”.

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

We can’t believe he is a year old. The candy grabbing video is so cute. He is happy no matter what, if he can just see what he wants, he keeps trying. We were wondering how many times he would go around the table. He is a cutie. Sounds like everyone in the family loves him.
Sunday, February 01, 2009 11:30:48 PM

lex said…

You are so cute,can’t wait for you to turn 1!!!!
Monday, February 02, 2009 6:20:52 PM

Michelle said…

So funny! I thought it was thoughtful of JT to take the lid of before reaching in for a treat. This video cracks me up. There’s nothing like a good treat to make you smile!
Monday, February 23, 2009 10:14:59 AM

Too tired to care


Sometimes you just have to sleep no matter what the circumstances…

Olivia is very mindful of the days of the week. In fact, last week she continued asking me which day is was so often that I stopped and taught her the song of the days of the week. She can now figure out which day we are on or which day is coming up. It is pretty funny to listen to her prayers as she drops what day it will be tomorrow. For instance she said in today’s dinner prayer, “I hope we can have a good day tomorrow on Monday…”

She is also a member of the Sunbeam class and absolutely loves her teachers. When her teacher Brother Muir, got up to bear his testimony today, she got so excited. I am grateful for loving Primary teachers!

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

It’s good to always be learning new things. Olivia is like sponge that way, she loves to know things. We are thankful for Primary too. Yesterday Alexandre bore his testimony without a paper, his dad writes down the words and he reads his testimony. But it was great to see him speak from his heart. Primary is great.
Sunday, February 01, 2009 11:35:20 PM

Patricia said…

Olivia, you make my heart feel warm and good inside when I think of you. You are such a sweetheart!!! I love you! G.Baldwin XOXO
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:34:01 AM

Happiness List


My mom forwarded me an email and I stole this list from it. I thought they were great reminders:

SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR HAPPINESS:
1. Free your heart from hate.
2. Free your mind from worry.
3. Live simple.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

I am planning on starting with #5!

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

That’s a great list. We loves lists, it helps us stay focused. Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
Sunday, February 01, 2009 11:40:10 PM

Stephanie said…

Trevin always tells me when I ask him to give me a move in date that “expectation is the cause of disappointment.”
Monday, February 02, 2009 9:43:25 AM

"Burrrrrg"ians


Rex”Burrrrg” is a quaint little town with great community events! It is fun to go and supports such great family events – even in the most chilling weather (burr). The first one of the year is “Snowfest”. There are many Snow activities made available for enjoying the snow. Our family favorite has become the Polar Bear Swim.

For the past three years since moving back to Rexburg our family has gotten a thrill out of jumping in a pool of ice water immediately followed by a dip in a hot tub, this is called “The Polar Bear Swim”. There is something about it that makes us want to keep making it a tradition. Alexis almost passed it up this year, but cute cousin, Hannah, inspired her to do it. They are loving the cool brown hats that proclaim them members of the Polar Bear Club.

Cousin Ashley and her friend Courtney who were up this weekend on a road trip came to witness the event – I’m not sure if they were happy or sad that they didn’t bring a swimsuits?

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

It looks like that would be a shock to your heart when you hit the water. Way to make memories with the kids.
Sunday, February 01, 2009 9:23:34 AM

Magan said…

Jodi wear is your brown hat!
Sunday, February 01, 2009 3:28:23 PM

Stephanie said…

I will do it next year if they let me wear a wetsuit. And if Jodi does it too. Gear up Jo!
Monday, February 02, 2009 9:38:34 AM

Patricia said…

I can’t decide if you are all “cool” or “crazy”! I’m glad you had fun!
Monday, February 02, 2009 9:43:33 AM

John said…

Nice work! It looks pretty chilly. You don’t forget good times like that one. Jodi is going to glide the whole distance underwater next year!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009 4:18:45 PM

65


I had to smile last night as I turned the thermostat down to 65 in JT’s room. I remember growing up dad always making sure we never went above 65. I thought that was crazy at the time and now I find myself doing the same exact thing. Time changes us all.

Comments:

Susan said…

just be glad it wasn’t grandma. She turned the heat down to 55 :)Dale just turns it off overnight-cours it’s warmer here at night!
Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:39:59 PM

Dad and Mom Parker said…

No problem with turning the heat down here. It’s always about 55 in the house, unless you turn on a heater, and we do in the one room we choose to heat.
Thursday, January 29, 2009 2:53:31 PM

Jana said…

65…you trying to toughen that kid up or what? Hace mucho frio!!
Friday, January 30, 2009 8:46:02 AM

Brain Exchange


Somebody took my brain away and I don’t know where to find it – help!

It is no joke – I’ve either lost some brain cells (a likely probability after 5 kids) OR I’m on brain overload OR I am just a “special” mom who needs some special education. Something really did happen to my memory, what little of one I had to begin with.

Here is the problem… I used to be able to rely on a pencil and paper. If I wrote something down, I could be depended on. Now I can’t be trusted. You can’t count on me…I don’t like the sound of that.

Here is the most recent brain disappointment from a whole lot of ’em…I like to go running in the morning, but I have had a few brain lapses on the correct meeting time in the past previous weeks. I’ve chalked it up to an honest mistakes, but I know something is really wrong because of what happened last night:
I got done talking to my running partner after we made a plan for the week (we are in training for the Canyonlands 1/2 marathon in March). I reassured her that I would write it down and would FOR SURE be ready. I immediately went to my alarm clock to set the correct time – So I wouldn’t forget and I would be ready! After that I went along with my business finishing up nightly tasks. I hopped in bed double checked my alarm one more time (I would feel so bad if my friend had to get up and wait in vain once again) – I was determined to be dependable, no more excuses. I went to sleep, slept pretty well, and woke up using my internal clock 20 minutes after my alarm was supposed to ring! Apparently I unset my alarm when I double checked – dub! It wasn’t a happy time for me or Stephen who had to listen to my melt down – I punished myself by running 4 long miserable miles alone on my hot, lonely, treadmill! I hated making the call to my understanding friend with my latest excuse. I’ve decided I tired of excuses, just give me a new brain. It is really sad when I try so hard – even over try!

I make a big deal of this incident because it seems like running was the last thing in my life that I had control over – and now that’s gone!

Help – I really want a smart brain, can I have yours?

Comments:

Dad Parker said…

You don’t want mine. I have forgotten so many important dates that you would be happy to stay with yours. I forgot to speak at a missionary farewell years ago, and I was the only speaker at the meeting because he didn’t have an active family. I forgot to go to the Sugar-Salem Jr. Mister to be a judge. The list is pretty long. I just rely on Sharon to keep me from embarrassing myself. I even forget that we haven’t eaten all day when we travel. Relax, it will keep you humble.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 1:28:22 AM

michelle said…

Jodi-thank you for letting us know that you are normal. I pretty much think you have it all together. You even get your thank you cards out! I just think about and kick myself until it’s embarrassing too late. I agree about the brain thing. I had to get that little palm phone to sing at me anytime I am supposed to be anywhere. Please just tell me it’s a mom thing. You are doing great!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 2:14:26 PM

Jodi said…

Phew – I feel better now…thanks for the sympathy! It’s nice to now it happens to the best :).
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 8:32:26 PM

Riley said…

The list of things I’ve forgotten is endless!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 1:47:49 PM

Susan said…

Jodi, sweetie, trust me, I KNOW for a fact that you don’t want to trade brains with me. As long as you remember yours , Stephen’s, your kid’s names and that the church is true, you’ll be just fine! Laughing at yourself is a great talent!
Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:47:01 PM

Megan said…

Ya, this kind of reminds me of one of the times when I was Primary chorister (the calling I have now incidently–it keeps coming back to me!). I was teaching “Beautiful Savior” and I think we had whipped through the first verse fast and so I approached a brief rundown of the 2nd verse before I had really prepared to teach it. So I’m up there and the verse goes “Fair are the meadows,Fair are the woodlands,Robed in flowers of blooming spring” and I (without a brain at the moment) pronounced “robed” instead as “ro-bed”. So I’m up there talking (no thinking going on here)”…Hmmm…Ro-bed..boys and girls, I think I’ll have to look up that word and let you know next week what it means.” Yes, and this was in front of teachers and everyone. I still can’t sing that verse without smiling and blushing a little. (The gem lives on!)
Saturday, January 31, 2009 12:21:40 AM